- Gets new Leadership
- Bishop Ayah harps on Christ as the Chief Shepherd
By COSMAS ESSIET
The numerical strength of the Ministers of Hospitality – Warden in the Catholic Diocese of Uyo increased by a significant number yesterday Sunday 26th April 2026, with the Commissioning of new members into the Ministry by the Bishop of Uyo Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev John Ebebe Ayah.
The numerical strength of the Ministers of Hospitality – Warden in the Catholic Diocese of Uyo increased by a significant number yesterday Sunday 26th April 2026, with the Commissioning of new members into the Ministry by the Bishop of Uyo Diocese, His Lordship Most Rev John Ebebe Ayah.
This was done after the completion of their training and examination by the Office of Worship of the Department of Pastoral Services and Evangelization, Uyo Diocesan Curia, headed by Very Rev. Fr. Michael Bassey, who himself was present during the commissioning.
Just as we greet guests to our homes, make them feel welcome, and tend to their needs, so do the ministers of hospitality make the members of the assembly feel welcome and comfortable as they gather each Sunday. Before the liturgy begins, these ministers are on hand to make sure the church is ready for the liturgy, greet people as they arrive, give out worship aids, and escort people to their seats. During the liturgy, they attend to the needs of the celebration while remaining alert to the needs of the people. When the liturgy ends, they send people on their way with a friendly invitation to return.
As members of the assembly, they have a unique opportunity to model the true meaning of “full, active and conscious participation” (CSL #14). When they listen with attention, sing with enthusiasm and pray from their hearts, they encourage others to do the same.
In his homily, the bishop noted that, Christ is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep. Making the distinction between a good shepherd and an hireling, he said that, while an hireling is an employee who is hired to take of the sheep, and may run and leave the sheep scattered and killed in the face of danger, the good shepherd is always there to take care of his sheep and is ready to lay down his life for the sheep, which is exactly who Jesus is, always ready to stick out his life for us.
The following persons were also given appointment to pilot the affairs of the Ministry for the next four years:
1. Minister Uwemedimo Hilary Oscar, St. Mary’s Parish Obio Offot – Coordinator
2. Minister Ekaette Otobong, St. Patrick Parish Afaha Inang – Assistant Coordinator
3. Minister Saviour Christopher Etok, St. John, Abak Rd – Secretary
4. Minister Uyoatta Leonie Chika, Sacred Heart Parish Aka Offot – Assistant Secretary
To God be the Glory!