The Parish of the Most Holy Trinity in Soy, Kenya, is a growing Catholic community where faith is expressed not only through prayer, but also through action. Across the parish and its outstations, communities continue to come together to build places of worship, strengthen fellowship, and bring the Church closer to the people.

Established in 2014 and later handed over to the SMA, Most Holy Trinity Parish today comprises four outstations in addition to the main parish. Holy Mass is celebrated every Sunday in all stations, ensuring that Catholics across the parish have regular access to the Eucharist despite long distances and challenging terrain.

According to Fr Cornelius MUKUBI, the parish priest, one of the major challenges facing the parish is the distance many Christians must travel to reach the church. For some, especially the elderly, this journey can be difficult. In response, the parish has prioritized the development of outstations and small Christian communities so that worship and pastoral care can take place closer to where people live.

“We are trying to move closer to the people by building outstations and also by celebrating Mass in their homes and small communities,” Fr Cornelius explained. “In this way, we help them feel included in the life of the Church and the life of the parish.”

St. Monica Outstation: From Temporary Shelter to Permanent Church

St. Monica Outstation – Vihiga, is one example of this growing mission. The community once had a church that was demolished, leaving Christians scattered. Recognizing the need to rebuild the community, parish leadership and local Christians came together to start again.

The faithful initially prayed in a borrowed classroom at a nearby school. As the number of worshipers increased, the community constructed a temporary structure using iron sheets from an old store. Today, plans are underway to build a permanent church that will offer a dignified and lasting place of worship.

Construction has progressed gradually through the contributions of parishioners, who volunteer their labor, donate building materials, and participate in organized fundraising efforts.

St. Paul Outstation: A New Community Taking Root

St. Paul Outstation – Chepkoilel began about one year ago on land donated by a Christian. Previously, the land was used for farming, but as the number of Christians continued to grow, many found themselves praying outside due to limited space.

After consultations with parish leadership, the decision was made to establish a new outstation. Christians from different stations and the main parish contributed both materials and financial support to begin construction. The community first worshipped in a tent, but as numbers increased and some faithful had to endure the sun during Mass, the need for a permanent structure became urgent.

Support from the American Province of the Society of African Missions (SMA) enabled the community to roof the church. Today, Mass is celebrated inside the building, and work continues toward completing the floor and other finishing touches.

The new church has already had a positive impact, especially for elderly parishioners and those who previously had to walk long distances to attend Mass. Many can now participate in Sunday worship more regularly.

A Parish Built on Faith and Sacrifice

Across the Parish of the Most Holy Trinity, Soy, hands continue to work, hearts continue to hope, and prayers continue to rise. Many members of these communities give not only their labor but also the very ground on which the church stands.

Through the dedication of its priests and the commitment of its people, the flame of faith continues to burn brightly. While much has been achieved, the journey is not finished. More need to be done, the community need pastoral support, and the faithful need access to nearby places of worship.

The parish invites all people of goodwill to continue walking this journey together through prayer, encouragement, and support. Every contribution—big or small—helps raise a wall, place a roof, and bring the Church closer to the people.

Most Holy Trinity Parish, Soy remains a living testimony of what can be accomplished when faith is put into action: its story continues.

Brice Ulrich AFFERI