Life - Camp, Abuja
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A Community of Faith, Hope, and Love

At Holy Family Catholic Church, we welcome everyone to experience God’s love and grow in faith. Join us in worship, community support, and service as we walk this spiritual journey together.

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Who We Are

Holy Family Catholic Church, Life Camp is managed by the Society of African Missionaries (SMA) Congregation. The parish is a welcoming Community Rooted in Faith, Where Connection, Growth, and Support Enrich Every Journey

Welcome to our community! We are dedicated to creating a space where individuals can come together to grow in faith, find support, and build meaningful connections. Our mission is to inspire, uplift, and walk alongside each person on their unique spiritual journey. Whether you’re exploring your beliefs, looking for a place to belong, or eager to deepen your relationship with God, you’ll find a welcoming environment here. Join us as we learn, serve, and grow together.

Our vision is to build a vibrant community where individuals grow in faith, connect with others, and live with purpose. We aim to create a supportive environment that strengthens relationships with God and empowers us to make a positive impact in the world. Together, we inspire hope, love, and transformation, fostering a place where lives are changed, hearts are healed, and everyone is encouraged to live out their fullest potential.

What sets us apart is our focus on building genuine relationships and creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for all. We prioritize personal growth, service to others, and making a meaningful impact in the community. Here, everyone is encouraged to belong, grow, and thrive together, supporting one another’s journey and fostering a culture of love, empowerment, and positive transformation in the lives of all.

The Official Date and Naming of Holy Family Catholic Church

The early Catholic community here was initially called St. Jude Parish and it had met all the conditions set by the Archbishop of Abuja to become a parish, but it had no parish Priest. The year was 1994, this was during the time when federal ministries and civil servants were relocating to Abuja. A lot of construction work was going on in Abuja and camps of construction companies were situated at this part of Abuja – hence the name “Life Camp”. The archdiocese made the call for missionaries to assist in the creation and pastoring of parishes in Abuja and the African Society Missionary (SMA) sent Rev. Fr. Tomas Walsh, who was then in Lagos. 

In 1994, Rev. Fr. Tomas Walsh became the first Parish Priest and galvanized the activities for what we enjoy today. His experience and capacity to source for funds set the parish off in the right direction. He was also responsible for the naming of the parish as Holy Family. The “Holy Family” was chosen firstly because of the mood of the Universal Church when the approved site of the parish was blessed. The year was declared as the “Year of the Family” by the United Nations. Secondly, it was notably a time when many families being displaced from Lagos were struggling to find accommodation as well as get a place of worship in Abuja. Today, on the feast of the Holy Family, we remember and celebrate those who have given their time, finances, effort to erecting a befitting structure for the community to worship God.

The Pastors, Activities and Growth of the Parish

Many SMA priests came after Fr. Tomas Walsh (1994 – 2005) to consolidate the effort in supporting the spiritual and physical growth and development of the parish. Rev. Fr. Nelson Adjei Bediako (2006 – 2007 came briefly to pastor the parish. After him was Rev. Fr.  Narcisse Seka Ogou (2007 – 2013) who worked tirelessly to grow the parish till he handed the baton to Rev. Fr. Patrick Kwis (2013 – 2015). In 2015, Rev. Fr. Anthony Olaniyan became the parish priest till 2025. Rev. Fr. Joseph T. Nomhwange became Parish Priest in 2025. The Pastoral team have continuosly contributed to the spiritual and physical growth of the parish. In all, the parish has been blessed with dedicated and hardworking pastors; and may God bless them and the works of their hands as they find fulfillment in their service to God and man. Follow this link to see the current and past clerics of the parish.

The parish priests do have other members of the clergy to thank for the great strides they have achieved.  Firstly, we have the associate priests and who supported in the pastoral works of the parish. They are Rev. Fr. Aoden Mc Crystal (2001-2005), Rev. Fr. Mc Kenna (2005-2006), Rev. Fr. Anicent Senganabi (2007-2009, Rev. Fr. Raj 2009-2016, Rev. Fr. Habib Akpata (2016-2018) and Rev. Fr. Armand Mayumbu Maku (2017 to date) – all SMA priests. In a special way, we also thank all the Seminarians and priests who have in one way or the other have been part of our worship, our activities and our growth. On this note, we appreciate the SMA congregation and community; the Holy Family parish is proud of this congregation and we appreciate them for their role in the growth and development of the parish. 

The Holy Family Nursery and Primary School

The activities and growth of the parish would not be complete without mentioning the support of the Our Lady of Apostles congregation. Their sisters have been responsible for assisting in sacraments and other parish activities. Their remarkable contribution can be seen in the Holy Family Nursery and Primary school. Though initiated in 1997 but it commenced in September 22nd 2000. The school is one of the evidences of growth and development in the parish. The number of staff and students have grown tremendously as the school continues to contribute to the total (spiritual, moral, intellectual, social, emotional and physical) development of the pupils/students, our children in the parish. The school is a constant pride of the parish. The school is managed by the Parish Priest and the Head/representative of the OLA Sisters.

The Parish Clinic

We are also thankful to record tremendous growth in the provision of medical support to parishioners. Our parish clinic was set up by Fr. Tomas Walsh in 1996 as a port of call for First Aid treatment to the construction workers that constructed the church building, which today is the parish clinic. Its operation is chiefly possible due to the benevolence and support of the parish, some benefactors and selfless workers. As at now, the clinic charges 30% of the cost of drugs issued to patients to meet the ever-increasing cost of running the clinic. It is also a port of call to the school children. We are proud to say that the clinic is wearing a new look with modern equipment and a conducive environment. It is managed by the health committee of the parish.

The Laity

The laity is not left out in the exponential growth and advancement of the parish. During the course of history, many pious societies have been formed, many parish groups, associations, organization and committees have come together to fashion the buzz of activities of the parish. Notably, are the parish cultural activities which denotes our unity regardless of the several tribes, tongues and ethnic associations. Our children, the future of tomorrow, are also being engaged in laity functions. They form the children’s ministry of the parish, a wonder to behold. It is important to note that the parish laity, both those in Abuja or in Diaspora have continued to record increase in population and has continuously encouraged the expansion of the parish. This has given birth to the out stations and the mass centres

Mass Centre and Out Stations

We are happy to announce that through the efforts of the parish and its parishioners in surrounding estates and Basic Christian Communities (BCC) of the parish, we have been able to start up Mass Centres and/or Out Stations. One of such is St. Felix Mass Centre in Kingstown Estate which had its inaugural Mass in 2014. Another is St. Louis Out Station in Global EFAB Estate.  This sprouted from the Global EFAB Catholic Community (or BCC) in 2017 and started its activities as an Out Station in 2018. Its first Sunday mass in January 2018 recorded 78 parishioners which has now grown to over 200 dedicated worshippers. And the recent development in the parish is another effort of an enthusiastic Basic Christian Community: St. Josephine Bakhita, Kafe – Life Camp. Sunday Mass activities commenced in December 2019 and the centre is gradually growing. Another addition to the list is the Our Lady of Our Apostles Centre, where we have secured a land had mass and Stations of the Cross at the venue in 2025. In all we give thanks to God for the expansion and growth of the parish. We pray that God would sustain and bless the efforts of these centres and Out Stations to reach their full capacity and become wonderful Parishes, and one day celebrate their history. Amen!

The Future

We would like to make it unequivocally clear that our future is in God’s hands. However, we have our hopes and aspirations for the future and we are working towards it, hoping that God would guide us and perfect our work. Most evident is the construction of our Parish Civic Centre that commenced in 2018. The Civic Centre would house the Holy Family Nursery and Primary School and give the parish the opportunity to restructure and reposition itself to further serve our community. There is so much that can be achieved, in the next five years we see more out stations to add to the current number. We hope to extend the services of the Holy Family School to provide a Secondary School; We plan to consolidate on what we have on the clinic to establish a quality health centre that fully provide health needs to the community.

Our Humble Summation

The last remarkable milestone celebrated was our 25th Anniversary. It is utterly impossible to fully compile the activities of over 25 long years into one brief write up like this. In truth, this brief captured history does not do justice to the all the experiences and activities of the parish within the course of its history. It has not also attempted to compile the names and roles of all the men, women, committees and organisations who gave their time, talent and treasures to what we celebrate today. History would not be kind to us If we do not mention a few names – (some of whom are late): Cardinal Ekandem, Mr. Boniface Okorie, Rev. Fr. Anthony Onyeso, Rev. Fr. Dominic E. Inyang, Mr. Charles Onwuka, Mr. Michael Ofuoma, Mr. Francis Orjiakor, Mr. Christopher Kanyank, Mrs. Kate Okoro, Engr. Mike Nwoye, Mr. Joseph Anyanwu, Sister Ann Okere, Sister Elizabeth Biang, Sir Peter Aliu, Mrs. Christy Ugbodaga, Mr. Stanley Stockhausen, Rev. Fr. Jooji, Rev, Fr. Fabian Essien, Rev. Fr. Matthew Kukah, Rev. Fr, Patrick Ukpan, Rev. Fr. Mc Guiness (SPS), Mr. Hugo Flinn, PW Construction Ltd., the church council members, the building committee members, and all the parish pastoral committee members of the parish till date. May your reward be great in heaven!

We started by thanking God for the journey so far and we conclude by thanking God for his mercies, graces and acknowledging what we have been able to achieve through him. God made it possible! Furthermore, we appreciate the SMA congregation who has been part of our joys, celebrations and history. Our gratitude also goes out to the Reverend Sisters who have participated in our sacraments and parish activities. In a special way, we remember friends of the parish, you have in one way or the other immensely supported us and added meaning to our work of faith and love. We heartily thank every parishioner who has been part of this spiritual body of Christ, a part of Holy Family. We recognize your spiritual, financial and material contributions; we attest to your active participation home and abroad and your continuous show of love and commitment to ensure that our family is one like the family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. God bless us all, Amen!

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Pray together, live in hope! Trust together, live with love! Believe together, grow in faith!

Pray together, live in hope! Trust together, live with love! Believe together, grow in faith!

Join us and experience the transformative power of faith—become part of our loving community today!

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Meet Our Pastors

Meet our pastor, a dedicated leader guiding our community in faith and love.

Rev. Dr. Ignatius Kaigama

Local Ordinary
Local Ordinary

Rev. Dr. Ignatius Kaigama

Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama is the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja. He is known for his leadership, commitment to peacebuilding, interreligious dialogue, and pastoral service in Nigeria and beyond.

Kaigama was born in Kona, Taraba, on 31 July 1958. He studied for the priesthood at St. Augustine’s Seminary in Jos. He was ordained a priest on 6 June 1981. At the Pontifical Gregorian University, he earned a doctorate in theology in 1991.

Infomation

  • Address: Bishop's Court - Pro Cathedral

Experience

  • Education: Studied Philosophy and Theology at St. Augustine’s Seminary, Jos, and St. Thomas Aquinas Major Seminary, Makurdi. Earned a Doctorate in Theology (Rev. Dr.), reflecting advanced academic formation in Catholic theology.
  • Experience: Former President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). Former Chairman of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria. Active participant in Vatican synods and national peacebuilding initiatives.

Most Rev. Dr. Anselm Umoren

Auxiliary Bishop
Auxiliary Bishop

Most Rev. Dr. Anselm Umoren

Most Rev. Dr. Anselm Umoren, MSP, is the Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja. He is a missionary, scholar, and advocate for social justice and pastoral renewal. A member of the Missionary Society of St. Paul (MSP), he is widely respected for his intellectual depth, missionary spirituality, and commitment to human development.

Leadership Roles:

  • Member of the Missionary Society of St. Paul (MSP) with pastoral and missionary leadership responsibilities.
  • Engaged in seminary formation and theological education.
  • Assists in pastoral governance and administration within the Archdiocese of Abuja.

Infomation

  • Address: Maitama

Experience

  • Education: Studied Philosophy and Theology during his formation with the Missionary Society of St. Paul. Earned a Doctorate in Theology (Rev. Dr.), reflecting advanced academic and theological scholarship.
  • Experience: Priest, Missionary, Bishop

John Cardinal Onaiyekan

Emeritus Archbishop
Emeritus Archbishop

John Cardinal Onaiyekan

Cardinal John Onaiyekan is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected Catholic leaders, known for his intellectual depth and unwavering commitment to peace and interfaith dialogue. His decades of pastoral leadership in Abuja positioned him as a moral voice for justice, unity, and national reconciliation.

He is the Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja, a Prince of the Church, and a Nation Builder. John Cardinal was born in Kabba Kwara State and was ordained a priest of Ilorin Diocese. He was later appointed Bishop of Ilorin Diocese, and later Coadjutor Bishop of Abuja, and later the first Archbishop of the Archdiocese in 1994.

Pope Francis accepted his resignation as Archbishop of Abuja on 9 November 2019.

Infomation

Experience

  • Education: Studied Philosophy and Theology in Nigeria and Rome. Earned advanced degrees in Biblical Studies in Rome.
  • Experience: Former President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). Served in various Vatican dicasteries and councils. Renowned advocate for interreligious dialogue and national peacebuilding.

Rev. Fr. J. Tile Nomhwange, SMA

Parish Priest
Parish Priest

Rev. Fr. J. Tile Nomhwange, SMA

Rev. Fr. Joseph Tile Nomhwange, SMA is a Nigerian Catholic priest from Vandikya in Benue State. He is a member of the Society of African Missions (SMA). Fr. Jospeh was born in Kaduna State, but had his priestly formation in Ss. Peter & Paul Major Seminary, Ibadan, and Nairobi.

Infomation

  • Address: Holy Family Parish, Life - Camp, Abuja

Experience

  • Education: Completed major seminary studies in philosophy at Ss. Peter & Paul Major Seminary, Ibadan. Studied theology at Tangaza College, Nairobi (B.Th. and Diploma in Mission). Earned a Licentiate in Sacred Theology (Missiology) from the Divine Word Institute of Mission Studies, Tagaytay City, Philippines.
  • Experience: Served in parish missions in Togo, the Philippines, Benin Republic, and Nigeria; Served as Director of the Department of Mission and Dialogue at the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria; Served as Provincial Councillor for the SMA Nigeria Province leadership team.
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