St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church launches Silver Jubilee

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church at New Aplaku in the Mamprobi Deanery of the Archdiocese of Accra has launched its 25th anniversary with a call on congregants to renew their commitment to the ‘Great Commission’ of Christ.

Chairman of the Church’s Pastoral Council (CPC), Dr Daniel Tormeti, who made the call described the occasion as monumental in the existence of the church.

“Let us renew our commitment to one another and the mission entrusted to us, even as we prepare to celebrate our silver jubilee anniversary to the glory of God,” he said.

According to him, the occasion provides an opportunity for reflection, rededication to the work ahead and thankful jubilation whiles honouring the founding leaders and members of the church.

“It is a time for reflection, thankfulness, and jubilation and an opportunity to acknowledge and honor our founders, leaders, and members who have contributed to the church’s success over the years. Additionally, it provides us a chance to come together in love and unity to express gratitude for the blessings received while rededicating ourselves to the tasks ahead, Dr Tormeti stated.

The Church Pastoral chairman encouraged all to generously contribute their quota to help complete the new church building in readiness for the climax of the anniversary.

“It should be our collective goal to complete our new building and offer it for consecration and also, importantly, achieve a Parish status by this date’’, he urged.

First Parish Pastoral Council Chairman of SS Peter and Paul, Mr Derz Baffour who launched the 25th anniversary with the support from all past chairpersons urged congregants to reflect on the church’s humble beginnings.

He also called for an all-hands-on-deck approach encouraging members to focus on what they can do for the church rather than what the church can do for them.

The nine months long activities marking the silver jubilee includes, public lectures on topical issues, quiz competition, business exhibition during the Ghana months of March 2025, clean up exercises and health walk, homecoming and candle light procession and awards night,

A major project of the SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church is the completion of its new Church building which is expected to be officially consecration and dedicated on 28 June to climax the silver jubilee on June 29, 2025.

Background

The idea of starting a Catholic church in the area was conceived by Mr. and Mrs. Baffour, Mr. Charles Ansah, and other pilgrims upon realizing there was a Catholic Church around the vicinity.

Their vision was fully supported by Rev. Fr. John Straathof, SVD, the then, Parish Priest of St Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Dansoman leading to the birth of the church at an uncompleted building at Christian Methodist School, New Aplaku in the Archdiocese of Accra.

The first Holy Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Straathof, SVD with 30 people in attendance on 29th June, 2000, the feast day of, Saints Peter and Paul, patron saints of the church.

The church later moved to its current location situated on a 30 plot of land adjacent to the West Hills Mall and currently has over 1,300 members with Mary, Queen of Apostles as an out-station.

Priests who pastored the church over the years include Rev Fr Straathof (first Priest in charge), Rev Fr Hans Van-Kempen, SVD, Rev Fr Alphonse, Rev Fr. Vincent Owosu, Rev Fr Stephen Dogodzi, SVD, and currently Rev Fr Hans-Gerber Agbenafa, SVD.

The past Church Pastoral Council Chairpersons are Mr. Derx Baffour (first), Mr Prosper Kumi, Mr. John Sarpong, Mrs. Netta Ackon, Mr. Richard Acolatse, Mr. Ras Ofori, and currently Dr. Daniel Tormeti.

By Christian Kpesese, CAMP-G