About the Archdiocese
The Archdiocese of Nairobi was established in 1862 as a Vicariate of Zanguebar and later Zanzibar. It was elevated into an Archdiocese in March 1953 and today covers Nairobi and Kiambu counties, approximately 3721 square kilometers. The Archdiocese serves over 4.6 million Catholics across Deaneries, Parishes, and Chaplaincies.
The Archdiocese has been shepherded by notable leaders including: Archbishop John J. McCarthy (1953–1971), Maurice Cardinal Otunga (1971–1997), Raphael Ndingi Mwana'a Nzeki (1997–2007), John Cardinal Njue (2007–2021), Bishop David Kamau (Apostolic Administrator, 2021–2022), and currently Archbishop Philip A. Anyolo (2022–present).
History of CMA
The Catholic Men Association (CMA) is a lay movement committed to forming men of faith who uphold Christian values in family, church, and society. CMA members actively participate in parish life, community service, and spiritual formation programs.
Mission & Vision
Mission
To promote the family institution through companionship, fatherhood, and active participation in the church's mission of evangelization and sanctification of humanity.
Vision
A Catholic Men Association that enriches the society by living Gospel values in the Family, Church and Society.
Objectives
- Promote cohesive families emulating the Holy Family of Nazareth
- Live and propagate Catholic Faith as kings, prophets, and priests
- Evangelize through role modeling in solidarity with fellow men
- Inspire, serve and contribute positively to governance and social justice
- Mentor and accompany the boy child to responsible manhood
- Participate actively in parish and community programs
Core Values
- Humility
- Temperance
- Deep Faith
- Fortitude
- Modesty
- Prayer
Programs & Activities
- Faith formation and spiritual enrichment
- Retreats, recollections, and pilgrimages
- Charity and community outreach
- Support parish activities and clergy
- Family enrichment and marriage programs
- Youth mentorship & leadership development
- Beacon Boys Program (mentorship & rite of passage)
- Social Development Program (SDP) for economic empowerment
- Alcohol & Rehabilitation support programs
Becoming a CMA Member
Membership
CMA is a Christian association and it is rightfully a union of all the baptized Catholic men who fit in the following criteria:
- One must be primarily a married Catholic Male.
- Those in marriage life are encouraged to solemnize their union in the Church.
- Those already customary married may be commissioned but assisted to solemnize their unions.
- Above 35 years if single this respects the youth guidelines on ages according to Church groups. Should such a case be, the individual is free to join the association even if he is not married.
- Associate membership: All the Catholic clergy by virtue of their ministry are recognized as associate members in this association for spiritual direction.
Cessation from Membership
- The Church law (canon 751) admonishes that; Heresy is the stubborn denial or doubt, after baptism, of a truth which must be believed by divine and Catholic faith. Apostasy is the total rejection of the Christian faith and schism is the withdrawal of submission to the Supreme Pontiff or from communion with the members of the Church subject to him are automatic excommunications.
- Any male adult who suffers any of the above automatically ceases to be a member of this association.
- Any member who will miss in CMA activities and contributions consistently for six months without valid reasons will be termed as dormant. To receive such a member back to the association, he will be assumed as a new member and the qualification mentioned above will apply for new commissioning.
- No member shall belong to two Parishes within the Archdiocese of Nairobi. However, a member can have dual membership if he has domicile/homestead in two dioceses.
- A member who persistently violates the code of conduct of this association.
- Any member who suffers cessation shall lose all leadership positions or benefits held elsewhere as far as this noble association is concerned. This entails that, even if the member is active in another activity such as Social Development Program or Beacon Boys Program he ceases automatically to engage in these activities as well.
Steps to Join CMA
- Register at Your Local Parish
Visit the parish office or the CMA parish chairperson and express your interest in joining. - Fill Out a Membership Form
You will be given a simple registration form with your: Full name, Baptism details, Contact information, Parish information. - Attend CMA Formation Classes
Most parishes conduct short spiritual and leadership formation sessions. These help members understand: CMA mission and vision, Role of Catholic men in the church, Responsibilities of CMA members. - Participate in Parish CMA Activities
You may be encouraged to take part in: Masses, Retreats, Community work, Parish meetings. - Receive Recommendation from the Parish Leadership
After completing formation and participating actively, the parish CMA leadership forwards your name for commissioning. - Commissioning / Initiation Ceremony
This is the official welcoming into CMA, usually led by: The parish priest, or The diocesan CMA chaplain. You receive: CMA badge, CMA tie (optional purchase), CMA membership certificate. - Become an Active CMA Member
Once commissioned, you can: Attend CMA meetings, Vote and participate in leadership, Join archdiocesan events, Serve in parish activities.