Orphanage - Catholic Parish of Christ the King Chingford

The Oblates of the Assumption support the prayerful life of the parish and its formation, contributing significantly to its fruitfulness. The Very Reverend David Waller (Ord) regularly celebrates Mass at the Convent, nearby. The parish is committed to helping the orphanage, hosting monthly coffee mornings after the Sunday masses.

Brochure

The story of the orphanage is fascinating and summarised in a handy brochure that you can download and share with others. If you would like to help by becoming a Gift Aid donor, greeting guests or volunteering to run one of the coffee mornings please contact the Parish Office either on 020 8527 3087 or email chingfordctk@brcdt.org

Creation

The earth and all life on it are part of God’s creation. In his letter addressed to each person on the planet, Laudato Si’ Pope Francis laments the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, caused by the destruction of human beings. Raising funds for the orphanage is one way the parish can listen and respond. All are welcome at the coffee mornings, normally held in the Church Hall on the second Sunday of the month run by volunteers. Having a chat over a cuppa is a popular social activity that parishioners look forward to.

To Donate

If you can Gift Aid your donation then the value of your generosity is increased by 25% at no cost to you, and Gift Aided contributions form a substantial part of the Church’s finances. One off Gift Aid envelopes are in the Church porch. Alternatively, you can join the Gift Aid Scheme if you are a UK Tax Payer.

There are several ways to donate including online banking, sending a cheque made payable to Christ the King Church or making a cash donation. Please use ‘Orphanage’ as the reference. If you are in the Gift Aid Scheme please quote your number with your donation. Many thanks for your generous support.

Beginning

The Oblates Sisters arrived in Beni-Paida, Congo on 23rd December 1935. Two days later, on Christmas Day a baby orphan was brought to them. That was the humble beginning of the orphanage. Often, the Sisters receive babies just after they are born and their mothers are dead. In other cases mothers who are young and unmarried are unable to keep their children. And children are left at the orphanage by parents fleeing the war.

Family

The Sisters look after about 30 children aged from one month to six years old, who call them “Mom.” The orphanage is like a big family with the Sisters teaching basic Christian values. Most of the children are baptised. The Sisters rely on the generosity of friends, mainly Christians from local parishes to help feed the children, the most expensive item is formula milk for the babies. They also have other benefactors in Chingford and Brittany in France.

War Zone

Civil war broke out in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1997, affecting the Province of North Kivu where the orphanage is located. The rise in armed conflict in the region has led to many brutal deaths, a marked rise in insecurity and an increase in the number of orphans. When the war reached Beni-Paida the Sisters decided to move the children to one of their communities at Musienene where the children would be safer.

Education

The Orphanage has its own school in Beni-Masiani, founded in 2021 due to a legacy from a generous benefactor in the UK. The Sisters estimate that in due course more classrooms will be needed as the children get older. They are taught in French and learn English, to help them get into a good secondary school.