For decades, CNEWA has supported the formation of Ethiopia’s religious leaders — lay and clerical — and has worked diligently to sustain traditional Christianity in the Horn of Africa. Ethiopia remains one of the earliest cradles of Christianity in the world, and CNEWA seeks to nurture those deep roots and encourage growth. Increasingly, that involves forming laity to help spread the Gospel.

Most recently, CNEWA has partnered with the Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians in the Vicariate of Meki to train young lay leaders, and has helped promote vocations through an annual vocation awareness camp.

Thanks to our benefactors, we also provide assistance to a catechetical program known as “On the Way to Emmaus” in the new Eparchy of Bahir Dar-Dessie and support the St. Francis Catechetical Center in Gassa Chare, which serves two large parishes and several missionary outposts. These programs help strengthen the Christian faith of people in the area through the formation of catechists and community leaders.

While Catholics are few in Ethiopia, Catholic concerns are not; these include strengthening the nation’s historically dominant but resource poor Orthodox Church. At the request of the Catholic bishops, we have supported clergy formation throughout the vast country, including most recently the education and formation of Orthodox clergy in the region of Bahir Dar.

To help build up the faith in Ethiopia, call: 1-800-442-6392 (United States) or 1-866-322-4441 (Canada).