All Saints Catholic Church (Afrika Huis) marks 30 years.

By

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Andoh, SMA

The All Saints Catholic Church marks 30 years of its official opening. On November 29th, 2024, the feast of Christ the King, the year-long anniversary celebration was officially launched by Dr. Justice Richard Kwabena Owusu Kyei, chairman of the anniversary committee with the theme “30 years of growth in the Lord-giving back to mission”.

A series of activities have been outlined to mark the year-long celebration. The first activity on the anniversary program is parish historical symposium, held on 18th January 2025.  The parish historical symposium generated conversation that highlighted the stages of development that All Saints community has gone through in the course of more than 30 years of existence.  This event brought together parishioners and representatives of societies that constitute the All Saints Church. The guest speakers for the day were Very Rev. Fr. Frans Thoolen, SMA; Very Rev. Fr. Janssen of the  White Fathers, and Mr. Augustine Joseph Tano, a pioneer member of the community.

Other speakers for the day were Mr. Michael Appiah Kubi, Madam Martha Duku, Mr. Cosmos Awuah, Madam Cecilia Achonu and Mr. Sylvanus.

Representatives from various societies in the Church gave accounts of how each society was established and the contribution and services they render in the church. The Masters of Ceremony (MCs) for the day were Madam Marion Mesumbe and Sister Kesley Duku. History presentations were interspersed with cultural exposẻ from Ghana, Zambia and Nigeria to highlight the cultural diversity of All Saints (Afrika Huis) Community. Other celebrations outlined to mark the anniversary are –

Ø Anniversary Lenten Revival  from 9th to 11th April;

Ø Pastoral visitation of Bishop on 19th May;

Ø Parish fun and culture day on 29th May;

Ø Anniversary Fundraising on June 1st.

Ø Parish Pilgrimage to Lourdes from 18th to 21 July;

Ø Parish Bible week celebration in September;

Ø Anniversary Harvest Thanksgiving on 5th October;

Ø Parish video and photo exhibition on 26th October;

Ø Anniversary Memorial Service on 1st November and

Ø Anniversary climax and thanks giving service on 2nd November.

As a community we take advantage of these events to make inventory of individuals and organizations whose vision and hard work contributed to the growth of All Saints Catholic Church and Afrika Huis and to acknowledge their good works. We also want to take opportunity of the celebration to recognize the good work and support of the SMA Fathers who initiated the ministry to African migrants and continue to support and sustain its growth.

Currently All Saints Catholic Church (Afrika Huis) is a quasi- parish in the Diocese of Haarlem Amsterdam and serves as a home to many Africans and non-Africans. Here we live and share with one another, helping each other to make meaningful insertion in the Netherlands. With the good foundation of our Catholic faith and hinged on the fulcrum of faith and civility, we hope to contribute our just quoter in building and sustaining a humane, just and harmonious society here in the Netherlands. We invite all our friends, benefactors and families to join us to joyfully celebrate this milestone

Bishop Hendriks confirmed 13 and commissioned 3 extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion at All Saints Catholic Church (Afrika Huis)  in Amsterdam.

By Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Andoh, SMA.

The Bishop of Haarlem-Amsterdam, Most Rev. Johannes Hendriks, made a pastoral visit to All Saints Catholic Church (Afrika Huis) in Amsterdam, on 18^th May 2025. The purpose of the visit was to offer pastoral encouragement and spiritual guidance in the pastoral mission of the church.

During the celebration of the Sunday Eucharist, 13 youths and adults were confirmed and 3 extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion were commissioned for service. The Bishop also blessed and opened the parish soup kitchen which was renovated.

In his sermon Bishop Hendriks admonished the confirmation candidates to look beyond their present conditions of life and see the glory that lays ahead. Citing the example of St. Camillus, he encouraged the Christians to embrace the Cross of Christ and be authentic witnesses to the gospel.

The Bishop also exulted the newly commissioned extraordinary ministers of holy communion to be examples of Christian living in faith and conduct, to strive to grow in holiness through the sacrament of unity and love.

The Bishop also interacted with the entire Christian community as he took his seat in front of the sanctuary and interacted with representatives of the various societies and groups of the parish. Listening attentively to each group, he offered pastoral guidance and encouragement pointing out the significant contribution of each parish society and group in showing the various charisma  that reflect the beauty of the mystical body of Christ.

The Parish soup kitchen which had just been renovated was also blessed and officially opened by the Bishop. The day’s event concluded with a lunch reception for the Bishop, priests, members of the parish board, the newly commissioned extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion, confirmation candidates and their guests and sponsors.

The Bishop’s visit brought a sense of renewal and purpose to the entire parish. Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Andoh (sma), the parish priest of All Saints Catholic Church, thanked the Bishop for showing special concern for the All Saints Parish and supporting them in various ways. The newly confirmed candidates were also appreciated for their perseverance. He also encouraged them to remain in the church to bring youthful presence and vitality to the parish mission.