The Pastoral Ministry
In the Pastoral ministry we proclaim the word of God to both the young and adults in their homes, or in schools, hospitals, prisons, and places of worship. The main component in this ministry is teaching catechism, where we prepare Catechumens for the sacraments of Christian Initiation, Eucharist and Confirmation. Before the introduction of Universal Primary Education (UPE) in Uganda, groups of boys and girls who did not get a chance to go to school due to lack of funding, were instructed in faith, literacy, and knowledge of self-sustaining for a year. Currently we instruct catechism to adults at Church centers and to children during school holidays.
Another very important activity of our spiritual occupations is working as Sacristans in Parish Churches. This particular activity is perceived as an enriching service of presence, for all the time we are active in the Sacristy and the Church in general. It is our joy as Banyatereza Sisters to keep wiping the feet of Jesus to ensure there is cleanliness in the house of God.
Besides the above, we also do pastoral in the following areas:
- Training Catechists
- Visiting the sick in homes and hospitals
- Leading Sunday services
- Training girls who are aspiring to become Religious.
- Home visitations
- Preaching retreats to the Lay Faithful and to Lay Apostolate Movements
The Teaching Ministry
We serve as channels of God’s knowledge and wisdom as it is written in Jn. 6:45, “they shall all be taught by God” and to promote the teaching ministry of Christ as He instructed His disciples (Matt. 28:19). To fulfil this, we teach in schools at all levels of education, starting with kindergarten, primary schools, secondary schools, and institutions of higher learning. We have a practical and strong belief in value-based education that should season the lives of Christians, right from the time of their understanding throughout the early stages of their education to the adult age where they have to establish themselves to fit in active society. It is by such values that they will be good and active citizens committed to promoting the kingdom of God.
The Healing Ministry
By working in hospitals and lower level health facilities, we promote the practical healing presence and make meaningful the healing ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ among His people – the sick and the dying. We identify the holy face of Jesus in the suffering and answer His call, to be merciful (Lk. 6:36). In doing this, we believe we wipe sorrow, pain, wounds and spittle from the face of Jesus as he was on the way of the cross. We unite with St. Theresa of the Child Jesus to LOVE the people of God without discrimination.
We have passion in administering to expectant mothers through antenatal care, mobile clinics for women and children and giving guidance and counseling to women on health issues. This has benefited children and their mothers to form a better and healthy society.
The Social Work and Social Development Ministry
In this ministry of social work and social development we elevate our services to others above self-interest and we draw on our knowledge, values, energy, and skills to help people in need; address social problems; feed members of the institute and other people in need; manage information and put stability into the system of work through administration, secretarial work, and financial services. In the area of administration and management, we work hard and diligently to ensure efficient organization of people and other resources so as to direct activities and services toward common goals and objectives. We want to work together and be what we are called to be so that we can carry out our mission of Evangelization successfully in our respective places of work. As women Religious, we do everything for the glory of God and love of neighbor. Every day we carry with us in our minds and hearts the following Bible verses where we draw our energy:
“…. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with your entire mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Lk. 10:27)
“But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Timothy 5: 8)
“Open your mouth, judge righteously; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Prov. 31:9)
OUR PATRONESS SAINT THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS
