Catechist appeal | Aid to the Church in Need

The lifeline of the Church in Africa

They Carry the Faith on Their Shoulders. Will You Stand With Them?

Catechist speaking to a group of faithful Christians in the shade

Across Africa, the Church is growing faster than anywhere else in the world — yet millions of Catholics have little or no access to a priest. With 280 million Catholics and only around 54,000 priests, a single priest may be responsible for 20 to 40 outstations, spread across vast and often dangerous terrain. Some communities see a priest only a few times a year.

This is why catechists are the lifeline of the Church in Africa.

They walk for miles, cross deserts, and serve communities completely cut off during the rainy season. They teach the Faith, prepare children for the sacraments, lead prayer, comfort the suffering, and keep hope alive where it is most fragile as the frontline of evangelisation.

Your support ensures they can continue this vital mission.

Every gift strengthens faith and transforms lives

Donate now

The Daily Reality for Catechists

Catechists are the heartbeat of the Church in remote and conflict‑torn regions. They persevere with almost nothing — no books, no electricity, no formal pay. Many rely entirely on the kindness of neighbours to survive.

;

Yet they continue, driven by faith and love for their communities.

Many walk 6–12 miles a day to reach scattered villages
Some serve without pay, supporting their families through small jobs
Others teach with no rosaries, no Bibles, no materials — only faith

It is thanks to their dedication and sacrifice that countless communities remain united in Christ

Your gift today helps them continue this mission with dignity.

Real Stories. Real Struggles. Real Faith.

Catechist Benezetta, Tanzania

“I left Islam and joined Christianity. Since my conversion, many have become firm in their faith because of my witness. But the journey is hard — sometimes I walk for miles or ride a broken bicycle to reach communities. Without catechists, Christianity would be diluted. Your help means we can serve better and strengthen the Church.”

Tanzanian catechist talking with Christians

Benezetta story of conversion

Catechist Mathieu, Burkina Faso

“My name is Mathieu Sawadogo. I became a catechist in 1999. In the desert, with no rosary or religious objects, my wife and I prayed using pebbles — 700 beads every night. Our burden is heavy, but your generosity can rebuild a life of faith once so beautiful.”

Catechist Mathieu Sawadogo serving a community in Burkina Faso

Mathieu's story of courage

Catechist Peter, South Sudan

“I am Peter Jurwel from the Dinka tribe. I became a catechist so our people would know God and leave behind traditions like witchcraft. Priests cannot reach every chapel, so they rely on us. In the dry season, there is often no food. If I only teach catechism, life is hard. Your support helps us survive and serve.”

Catechist Peter Jurwel helping farm in South Sudan

Peter's story of evangelism

You are in our prayers, and in theirs

Bless you for your support

Visible Link

Any contribution you can make today will not only go to support catechists in their vocation, but also into the hearts of so many Christians that would otherwise go without receiving such care. By supporting a single catechist, what you are truely doing is giving the word of the Gospel to so many more.

Your generous gift is a blessing that goes to the faithful across Africa in areas that are in most need of faith.

Thank you very much for your prayers and kindness. Your support means the world to our faithful brothers and sisters. Also, please be assured that you and your own intentions will be remembered in their prayers.