The French-speaking Catholic Community of Addis Ababa (C.C.F.A.A.) counts about 300 French-speaking practising Catholics from about twenty different countries (Belgium, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Congo Kinshasa, Congo Brazzaville, Canada, France, Gabon, Lebanon, Madagascar, Rwanda, Senegal, Togo, etc).
Indeed, Addis Ababa as the capital of the African Union welcomes different people from all countries especially from Africa for missions often on short and medium term within the different consular representations (diplomatic, military), international organizations (UN, European Union, I.M.F.) linked to the African Union and also people working in French companies present in Ethiopia.
The C.C.F.A, linked to the important number of members, has to face two challenges for its pastoral dynamics and its unity: the respect and integration of each culture in an international community and the taking of initiative and the mobilization of the members because of a strong mobility (mission often 2-3 years).
The Community is animated by two religious chaplains (Fr. Daniel Assefa, Capuchin, and his assistant a brother of Saint John): it is currently attached to the international parish of Holy Savior.
The C.C.F.A.A., composed essentially of different Christian families, meets especially to celebrate Sunday Mass in the chapel of Nazareth School at 11:00 a.m.).
The celebration of the Mass mobilizes different commissions in which several people are involved: the liturgical commission (choir, sacristy, decoration), the communication commission (announcements, website), the finance and material commission and the social life commission (in charge of managing the fair and the requests for occasional help from some refugees).
The Catechesis Commission organizes weekly catechism classes during the school year on Sunday mornings (at Nazareth School) at 9:45 am. Concerning the sacraments, baptisms are often celebrated on Easter Vigil, and the other sacraments (First Communion and Confirmation) are usually administered by Cardinal Behraneyesus during a Sunday Mass at the end of the school year.
From a pastoral point of view, the C.C.F.A.A. proposes several activities once a month to the different parishioners: the “mother’s break” for mothers and the youth chaplaincy (one Sunday 4 times a year). During Advent and Lent we organize a one-day retreat where everyone is invited.
An Alpha course is also offered.
The C.C.F.A.A. also proposes, in collaboration with the Brothers of Saint John, a Mass in French every Thursday at the priory at 6pm, a time of prayer especially adoration every day and activities for French speakers during the high points of the liturgical year (Holy Week and Lent): Way of the Cross, Holy Thursday, Way of the Cross every Friday of Lent, celebration of the Passion.
C.C.F.A.A.
Contact informations
s.ccfaa@gmail.com
Web site
Parish Holy Savior
Contact informations:
acsec@ethionet.et
Web site