HISTORY OF OUR CHURCH

Mr. Ernest Ampadu joined the Church on 4th November 2001 on the invitation of Mr. William Manu and with his keyboard started accompanying the few members, with the service Songs. On the 18 th November 2001, Mr .John Boakye also joined the new community on the invitation of Mr. Ambrose Ackah and Mr. William Manu and it was agreed that Mr. John Boakye becomes the Catechist.

The number of the members increased rapidly that a new worshipping place – “A CHURCH” had to be negotiated. Therefore, Mr. Ambrose Ackah , on behalf of the community, contacted the Father in charge of the St. Rochus Church, Rev. Fr. Pfroitzheim since he had known him very well in the past. He accepted the Ghanaians to worship in St. Rochus after the Priest in charge of the St. Joseph`s Church in Oberbilk had testified for Mr. Ackah . Mrs. Schmitz also served as a guarantor and witness. An agreement was signed enabling Ghanaians to worship in the St Rochus Church.

The Church officially moved to the St. Rochus Church on the 17 th day of March 2002 and started worshiping there.

Deacon Hans Grevelding from Erzbistum Köln visited the community and the Leader,Mr. Ackah demanded for a Ghanaian Priest within the earliest possible time.The Deacon promised to do so and hence started visiting community.

In spite of all these efforts made to put the name of our community on the Catholic Churches World map, problems developed within the community.

In solving these problems internally, Erzbistum Köln appointed Rev. Father Hillary Boma Omol a Sudanese Priest stationed at a hospital in Düsseldorf, as a mediator and peace keeper. He preached in English followed by a translation in Twi, by Catechist John Boakye. Inspite of all the efforts made by Father Hillary, the community splited into two Parts on the 1 st December 2002. The greater part remained in St. Rochus, whilst the other group worshiped in the St. Theresa Church in the Altstadt.

Father Hillary concentrated his work in St. Rochus and preached to the Ghanaian and appealed for unity.

The group in St. Theresa was led temporally by Mr. Owusu Ansah and Mr. Michael Boateng.

The group in the Altstadt also had some visitations especially from Deacon Hans Grevelding from Cologne whose visits brought happiness to the members and motivated them in spirit. The Deacon took this as a challenge and an advantage to merge the two groups.

In the meantime, based upon the work of Rev. Fr. Hillary who always insisted on a one and unified Ghanaian Catholic Church rather than a splitted one, numerous discussions were held with some prominent workers of the St. Rochus group. A letter appealing for a Ghanaian Priest, which was undersigned by all the members of the Church,was sent to the Bishops’ Conference in Ghana through Cologne .

The Deacon Hans upon visiting Ghana in December 2002 , contacted the Bishops’ Conference to speed up the process of finding a Priest for the community in Düsseldorf. He assured the community on his return of a Priest, but couldn´t specify the time.

In view of this, Rev. Fr. James Afoakwah who was studying in Rome ( Italy )was sent to assist Fr. Hillary. He did a great job, which could be compared to that of John the Baptist in the Bible. He took time to listen to the leaders of both groups and finally brought them together again on 3 rd August, 2003 after eight months of separation. He solemnly preached about unity and peace among the unified community.

Fr. James Afoakwah and Fr. Hillary served as John the Baptist paving the way for a permanent Ghanaian Priest. On account of this, Rev. Fr. Joseph Ernest Arthur was sent by the Bishops’ Conference of Ghana to take over the church. He arrived in Düsseldorf on the 5 th of August 2003. On the 10 th August the same year, the first Mass of Rev. Fr. Arthur, the church held a reconciliation Mass for the community whereby the two groups embraced one another. In the presence of Deacon Hans Grevelding, Rev. Father Arthur was introduced, Fr. Hilary was thanked and a farewell was organised for Fr. James Afoakwah, who had to return to Rome to continue his studies. Rev. Fr. Hillary was sent back to the HNO hospital, but has not yet said good bye to the church. He visits us every now and then, and takes over whenever Fr. Joseph Arthur goes for holidays. Since this day of reconciliation, Ghanaian Catholics in Düsseldorf and her surroundings are living and serving God as one family in peace and unity.

The Foundation Of The Church´s Choir.

The choir started shortly after the formation of the church under the leadership of Mr. Fredua Agyemang. Mr. John Boakye Yiadom (Catechist) assisted him to carry out his duties. The rest of the founding members are; Mr. Ampadu Ernest – Keyboard, Mr. William Manu, Mr. George Boateng, Mrs. Love Hopewell,Mrs. Monica Boateng, Mrs Grace Justa, Miss Agatha Opoku and Mrs. Theresa Adu.

The working hours of the members of the choir differ from each other, thus making it difficult for rehearsals and Sundays Masses. The Choir meets on Saturdays between 6pm – 8.pm. for rehearsals. Despite the difficulties mentioned, the choir has move a step ahead of progress. The active members numbered now 25. With the help of Rev. Father Jeseph Arthur, the choir has been able to acquire robes and was dedicated on the 21 st December 2003.

The Ghanaian Catholic Choir in Düsseldorf is one of the best and recognized Choirs among the many Native language Communities in the Diocese of Cologne. The choir is often invited to sing on occasions and at activities. The Choir performed live at the World´s Youth Day Vigil on 20 th August 2005 in Cologne . The choir is divided into parts with its leaders. The groups are Treble, Alto,Tenor and Bass. The choir is also attached by Musical Instruments bought by the Church on 23 rd December 2003 and which is led by Mr.Charles Amoah, one of the famous Ghanaian musicians.

With the arrival of Fr. Joseph a new era began for the Catholics in Düsseldorf. At first there was only one Holy Mass a week on Sundays at 12.30 pm. However, some weeks after taking over, he fortified the Friday evening prayers with a Mass, making it now possible for a double Mass Week programme. In September 2003, he also appointed an interim Advisory Board comprising of the Presidents of the following ministries, namely, Finance, Secretariat, Pastorals, Liturgy, Media & Communication, Welfare, Youth Affairs, Children Affairs, Men´s Fellowship, Women´s Fellowship, Marriage/Sacraments, Sacristy and Maintenance and Choir Affairs.

Father Joseph baptised for the first time in Düsseldorf, 8 children on the 28th of December 2003. The new year 2004 began well for our Church, with the first Marriage Blessing of Mr Frederick Opoku and Mrs. Mary Opoku on 22nd February 2004.

During the Easter on the 10th of April 2004, Rev. Fr. Joseph Arthur did the hattrick. He Baptised, Confirmed, and also performed the First Communion. 9 Children and youth were the lucky ones;

On the 19 th day of September 2004, the first General Election for members of the Advisory Board was made. They were to serve, as Constution demands, two years ( Sept. 2004- Sept 2006).

The St. Rochus Ghanaian Community which shortly became the Dreifaltigkeit Ghanaian Community had the following Administrative Setups.

The Priest –in-Charge being Rev. Fr. Joseph Ernest Arthur with thirteen member Advisory Board:

President – Mr. Victor Owusu Ansah ( Men`s Affairs )

Vice President – Mr. Brempong Nkansah ( Sacred Music )

Secretary – Mr. Ernest Ampadu ( Secretariat & Catechesis )

Member – Mr. Kwabena Boaky ( Pastoral )

Member – Mr. Rexford Addai (Welfare)

Member – Mr. Patrick Mensah-Moehle (Youth & Sacristy )

Member – Mr. Michael Boateng ( Media & Communication )

Member – Mrs. Grace Justa Kontoh ( Women`s Affairs )

Member – Mrs. Helena Ackah ( Children`s Affairs )

Member – Mrs. Magdalene Kankam Buta (Marriage &Sacraments)

Member – Miss Helena Abena Kwarbena (Liturgical Affairs)

Member – Miss Veronica Nyarko (Project & Maintenance)

Member – Miss Janet Begel (Finance)

These leaders were also serving as Chairpersons in their various Commissions apportioned to them. They meet once a month the 2 nd Sunday of every month) to discuss the progress of the Church. There are emergency meetings called sometimes to discuss burning issues.

New elections were held at the end of the year 2006. A new Board was elected to act for the period from January 2007-December 2008 with the following set up:

The Priest –in-Charge being Rev. Fr. Joseph Ernest Arthur with a nine member Advisory Board:

President – Mr. Victor Owusu Ansah (Finance)

Vice President – Mr. Mike Yeboah (Men Affairs)

Secretary – Mr. Ernest Ampadu (Secretariat & Catechesis)

Member – Miss Veronica Nyarko (Pastorals & Maintenance)

Member – Mrs. Love Hopewell (Welfare & Projects)

Mitglied – Mr. Brempong Nkansah (Youth & Children Affairs)

Mitglied – Mr. Michael Boateng (Media & Kommunikation)

Mitglied – Mrs. Grace Justa Konto (Women’s Affairs)

Mitglied – Mr. Fredua Agyemang (Liturgical Affairs & Sacred Music)

These leaders are also serving as Chairpersons in their various Commissions apportioned to them. They meet once a month the 1st Sunday of every month to discuss the progress of the Church. There are emergency meetings called sometimes to discuss burning issues.

After a period of two years, The Priest –in-Charge being Rev. Fr. Matthew Owusu-Manu with a eleven member Advisory Board:

President – Mr. Mike Yeboah (Finance, Finance Committee, GR)

Vice Pres. – Mr. Francis Fredua Agyemang (Liturgy, Music & Religious Instructions, GR)

Sec. – Mr. Ernest Ampadu (Secretary, Secretariat, Catechesis & Liaison Officer, PGR)

Member – Mr. Anthony Koduah (Men’s Fellowship)

Member – Mr. John Badu Kaakyire (Communities and Day Born)

Member – Mr. Paul Hossou ( Pastorals)

Member – Mrs. Mary Opoku ( Women Fellowship)

Member – Miss Winifred Kyei ( Welfare)

Member – Miss Florence Kurankyewa Appah (Maintenance, Sports & Entertainment)

Member – Mr. Kwame Nkansah Brempong (Youth & Children Affairs, Finance Committee, GR)

Member – Mr. Michael Boateng (Finance Committee)

These leaders are also serving as Chairpersons in their various Commissions apportioned to them. They meet once a month (the 1st Sunday of every month) to discuss the progress of the Church. There are emergency meetings called sometimes to discuss burning issues. The leaders have also been given the right to co-opt some members to form a small committee within the sphere where they work.

CHURCH SERVICES AND SACRAMENTS

Church Services for the Community is mostly on Fridays and Sundays with Catechism classes every Sunday. Below are the activities of the Week:

Monday Evenings – Visit to African male prisoners in Ratingen near Düsseldorf.

Wednesday Evenings – Visit to African female prisoners in Neuss near Düsseldorf.

Friday Evenings – Prayer Meeting and Mass for the Ghanaian Community

– Mass Servers Practice

Saturday Evenings – Bible Sharing

• Choir Practice
• Evening Mass in Communities

Sundays – Catechetical Instructions

– Eucharistic Celebration for the Ghanaian Community.

• Religious Instructions for all Church Members
• Various Society and Community Meetings.

– Eucharistic Celebration for English Community in Düsseldorf

Kaiserswerth (twice in a month)

– Eucharistic Celebration for English Community in Bonn

(twice in a month).

– Eucharistic Celebration for Ghanaian Community in Cologne

Mülheim (once in a month)

The mornings, however , are reserved for German Language Classes, Appointments and Counseling Sessions.

SOCIETIES

There are altogether five Societies that have been formed namely, Men’s Fellowship, Youth Fellowship, Women Fellowship, Children Fellowship and the Church Choir.

The idea is not to have too many Societies but rather see to it that everyone belongs to one of the five Societies. With the exception of the Children Fellowship and the Youth Fellowship which are a bit weak, the rest are doing well.

The members of the Men’s Fellowship have organized themselves in such a way that they meet every Tuesday evening for Prayer Meetings with the Priest – in–charge.

COMMUNITIES

The various Communities have their days of meetings and awards were given to the deserving Communities who were outstanding during the year. Rochus Community came out first, followed by Bilk / Oberbilk Community, and Eller Community. It is hoped that other Communities would do better next year. At the moment, it is only Litchenbroich Community that seems to be weak since the leader and his family have moved to another area of the city.

FINANCE

The financial stand of the above Community is still not strong with many people being jobless and a decline in economic labour. People are however, doing their best in their own little way. Our sources of Income are still the same as following:

a) Membership Dues
The Membership Dues that is collected for their own Welfare to help the bereaved, the sick, the aged, and those celebrating their Weddings and the Outdoorings of the new born babies.

b) Harvest
A Special Thanksgiving and first ever Annual Harvest was organized on the 30 th of October 2005 and this yielded over Five thousand Euro. Part of this amount is to be sent to Ghana ( the Catholic University in Fiapre in Sunyani Diocese) through the Bishop’s Conference. An amount of Two thousand Euro was given last year to the Pedu Regional Seminary in Cape Coast through the Rector of the Seminary.

c) Collections
In every Mass , there is offering collected and this is being used for the upkeep of the Community.

Church Project

Due to the demand and necessity to cater for a better future for our church members and their families, a parent association has been form to cater for this. It is the wish of the parents to learn the German language to be able to communicate with their children and their various school administrators as well as improving their chances in this German society through integration. A school has been projected for this year to offer a German language course sponsored by the Parent Association and eventually supported by the church. Financing this project is now a task to overcome. There is a teacher for this course, but the members can’t afford paying for the participation.

Furthermore it is the wish of the Members and the Parents to organize for their children extra classes in the afternoons to help the children with their Homework and other educational problems. Here too the project needs a financial support to be carried out. The caretaker is already available.

PROBLEMS

As it was reported last year, the economic strains that have engulfed the Church members in the field of job seeking, is still persisting together with the difficulty of raising funds to organize free Evening Language School for the Church Members. Many who are willing to learn the language are now jobless and thus they cannot pay the fees involved.

FUTURE PROJECTS

It is the desire of the Elders to strengthen the Communities in this year 2006 also and to continue seeking the Lapsed Catholics. Visitations to the various Communities are still being intensified and Prayer Meetings made in the Communities.

Plans are afoot to touch Ghanaian Catholics outside Düsseldorf but in the neighbouring towns to bring them together so as to open more branches for effective Pastoral work. Köln- Mülheim is now being organized and hopefully, by the middle of the year, it would be started.

New Place Of Worship

At the close of the year 2005, the idea of the formation of an international community in Düsseldorf was brought up by Erzbistum Köln. Heilig Dreifaltigkeit church was made out for this exercise whereby there will be four international churches worshiping in one area: namely, the Germans, the Italians, the Ghanaians and later to come the Spanish.

This then necessitated the Ghanaians to move officially from their worshipping place at St. Rochus to the Heilig Dreifaltigkeit at the beginning of the new year (8 th January 2006) together with the Priest – in – Charge Rev. Fr. Joseph Ernest Arthur, who is no more staying in St. Rochus but in Barbarastrasse.

So now things are moving on all right and better than St. Rochus. The community has now got a common room for her meetings and the Priest – in – Charge has now got an office for his work. The community is happy in the new place especially with singing since the microphones and the echo system (acoustics) are better in the new place of worship.

Our time of worship is no more 12.30 pm but 12.00 noon and there is now more time for us to communicate among ourselves after Mass.

Rev. Fr. Joseph Ernest Arthur ended his six and half years of service in December 2009 and is now continuing his service in Cape Coast in Ghana. The new Priest-in-Charge; Rev. Fr. Matthew Owusu-Manu arrived in Germany on the 28th Feb. 2010 and has since 1st March 2010 taken over the Community. He is staying at the same address at Barbarastr. 11, 40476 Düsseldorf.

Acknowledgement

Finally, the Priest – in- Charge , the Church Advisory Board and the entire Congregation of Heilig Dreifaltigkeit Ghanaian Catholic Community would like to extend their appreciation to the Köln Erzbistum especially His Emminence Cardinal Meisner, Weihbishop Nobert Trelle , who is now a bishop in the Diocese of Hildersheim, Weihbishop Dr. Heiner Koch, in charge of foreign Catholics in the Archdiocess of Cologne and Diakon Hans Gerd Grevelding for their support to the Community.

In the same way,we extend our appreciation to the Ghana Bishops Conference and most especially His Emminence Peter Cardinal K. A. Turkson . May God bless you all.

Priest in Charge:

Rev. Fr. Matthew Owusu – Manu

Barbarastrasse 11

40476, Düsseldorf

Germany

Phone nummer : 004921130175304

Mobile number : 00491789353034

Handy nummer: 004915224814465