Local news - 19.4.11 - By Mary Tioko - Pontifical Missionary Childhood from the Central deanery finalize their workshop today.

Pontifical missionary childhood from the central deneary finalized their 3 day workshop which started on 17th April 2011 and ended today with awarding certificates the winners of the festivals. The events that has been taking place at St. Augustine's Cathedral grounds brought together five parishes within the central deneary. The parishes represented were St. Dominic Kerio , St. Peters Lorugum, Holy family kanamkemer, Risen Christ Nakwamekwei and St. Augustine's Cathedral parish Lodwar. Sr. Macharia said that the model of the PMC is the infant Jesus. Therefore the life of the children is a model of the life of Jesus. She also said that the principle pillars of the P.M.C is prayer and sacrifice which is based on the example of Jesus himself who always prayed to God the father and was a friend to the father. The ultimate symbol of love is Jesus humbly himself and taking the human form and finally giving his whole life for them to dying on the cross. Also Sr. Rose encouraged the children to give themselves to Jesus by simple acts of charity. This is done by Contributing to Tins written on P.M.C for holy childhood collection which means children helping children through prayers and gifts. The Adjudicators of the day gave the results of the participation to the participants where all were given certificate and marks for improvements for the next festivals. Mr. Momanyi encouraged the children to have a spirit of unity in all they do and be united in christ. Today was the climax of the workshops that has been running in the diocese. The Northern deanery was the first where Holy cross kakuma Parish, St. Johns Lokichoggio, Losajait, Goodshepherd kakuma, St. Timothy and Titus kaeris and our lady of sorrows Kalobeyei Parishes participated. The second group was the lake deanery where Todonyang, Loarengak, Nariokotome , kataboi, St. Marks Lokitaung, St. Mary's Kalokol, and Kaikor. The third group was the South deanery where Lokori, Lokichar, Katilu, and kainuk participated with the exemption of Nakwamoru that did not attend. More workshops will be organised for the formation of the children in the Diocese.

Local news – 18.4.11 - By Mary Tioko - The pontifical Missionary Children hold choir festivals for the central deanery.

The pontifical Missionary Childhood movement yesterday started their three day functions comprising choir/drama competition , and workshop for the central deanery children. The function that was organized by the central deanery Patron Sr. Adelaide Khanali and a teacher at Kanamkemer primary school Mr. Paul Edapal brought together 250 children who participated in the competition. The children were composing songs on the theme of the year which was Jesus the bread of life. Sr. Khanali also said that the children recited poems on the meaning of the missionary children. The event was participated by the missionary children from Risen christ Nakwamekwei, Holy family Kanamkemer, Kerio parish, St. Peters claver Lorugum and the host St. Augustines cathedral parish. The Adjudicators of the event were Mr. Gabriel Momanyi, Tom Karani and Ernest Ekal . Among the Choir masters of the day were Mr. Charles Rasare and Emmanuel Areman. The climax of the event will be done on 19th April 2011 where the winners will be award prizes which will take place at St. Augustine's cathedral church.

Local news - 8.4.11 - By Mary Tioko - Choir Trainers trained, Central Deanery

The Choir Trainers workshop for the Central Deanery was today held at St. Augustine's Cathedral Parish choir Room. The training which was organized by the Central Dean who is also the Parish priest of St. Dominic Kerio Parish Fr. Gregory kitem and the Diocese of Lodwar Catholic Choirs Association Chairperson Mr. Emmanuel Areman.
The workshop which brought together 34 participants drawn from St. Augustine's cathedral parish, St. Gabriel kangatosa, St. Dominic Kerio, Risen christ Nakwamekwei and Holy family kanamkemer parish. The workshop was officially opened with morning reflection and opening remarks from the dean of central Fr. Gregory Kitem. Also among the participants as the resource person was Fr. Fedelis Ubi of St. Patrick Society. The facilitators were Choir master from Holy family Kanamkemer choir Mr. Ernest Ekal and his counterpart St. Augustine's cathedral parish Assistant choir master Mr. Tom Karani who took the participants on proper management skills of their different choirs.
Mr. Karani also said that the choir officials have to be attending all trainings organized by the association to equip themselves with skills of leadership.
Mr. Karani also said that participants have to be aware of the events in the catholic liturgical calender and compose songs with the appropriate themes. He also called upon all parish priests within the deanery to be co-ordinating with the choir masters for the better liturgical songs.
Commenting on the aims of the choirs in the church Fr. Fedelis Ubi said that the choirs lead the Eucharistic celebration of the various churches. He said that the choirs unite the congregation as one christian community, glorifying God and Sanctifies those who take part in it. Fr. Fedelis also said that Alleluia dancers are important on liturgy as they enhance the participation of everybody and not just a show off issue.