INTERVIEW WITH THE ASSISTANT PARISH PRIEST (REV. FR. CLETUS NDIDI ENWEFAH).

Briefly tell us about yourself and your vocation? My name is Rev. Fr. Cletus Ndidi Enwefah. I was ordained a Priest on 27th November, 2010. My Vocation to the Priesthood is a mystery and I thank the Lord for calling me to serve him. I am 33 years old. I love to read and listen to music. Before your Priestly ordination, what were your experiences in the seminary? Life in the seminary was beautiful. It was very challenging and demanding. The challenges are welcomed and I am pleased to say they have made me what I am today. What are the challenges you are facing now that you are a priest? The challenges I am facing right now is the constant demand and calling to be more like Jesus Christ the high Priest everyday. This is the supreme challenge of the priesthood. Has it been easy coping with the parishioners? Being with the Parishioners in Assumption is like a School. I am learning a lot. If you are opportune to implement something for the growth of the Parish, What would it be? The greatest desire of every priest is to see that the people are spiritually nurtured and it is through the gospel of the Holy Spirit that it does come about. As a Youth, what is your advice for our Parish Youth? My advice is, be strong, believe in yourself, break new ground have faith in God. Can you please tell us the meaning of Harvest and how it came about? Harvest according to Scriptures is all about thanksgiving. The book of Genesis and Exodus gives a vivid explanation of what HARVEST is. Everyone should read it. Why do we harvest? We Harvest because, we have planted something. Anyone who has not planted should not harvest. Planting is work and it is the Lord who gives us the strength to work. What is its relevance to Christians?

 Its relevance to Christians is that it enables us to give Praise and honor to God. What is your advice to those who do not partake in Harvest celebration? My advice is, dont be ungrateful to God. He has done a lot. Praise him because he is good all the time.

INTERVIEW WITH THE PARISH PRIEST; VERY REV. FR. (COL) MARTINS .A. AKUSU (Rtd). Briefly tell us about yourself and your background? I was born in Warri, did my primary and Secondary School in St. Thomas, Kano. There I taught in one of the Muslim School in Kano. In my school days my friends nicknamed me as Babayara meaning King of Boys or Leader of Boys; because they saw me as the head of my peers. I got my vocation in Kano, there I went to SS Peter and Paul Seminary Ibadan in 1973 -1979; because of some delays I was ordained in1982 by Pope John Paul II in Kaduna. From there I served in Warri Cathedral for one year, then preceded to the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) were I did my masters in 1983 1985. I joined the Army in 1985. Commissioned with the rank of lieutenant and rose to the rank of Colonel. I retired in 2007. Taking about the Army and Priesthood, which came first? My Priesthood is Paramount; in fact, I joined the Army as a Priest. How were you able to manage the two professions? Its simple, trained at home with good parents, had a good Seminary training. This prepared me for any assignment including the Army; I coped very well. Tell us the challenges you faced as a Priest and as an Army? As an Army, am not a violent person and I hate force, and that gave me some challenges in the army. In the army, you need force. I remembered in Somalia, where I was suppose to act as an officer to discipline some boys, instead I was advising them; there I was called to order by my superior. As a Priest, the challenges are; (paused). The priesthood is the easiest way to go to Heaven or Hell and I want to go to Heaven and that is the biggest challenge itself. If you where to choose between both, which would you prefer? The Priesthood! No question about that at all. As a Retired Colonel, how is life outside the Army? Its like going back home where I belong but could be frustrating too, when youve retired as an Army, you cannot use the force you have in the Army on those who are looking for your trouble. Luckily for me, I have a vocation and a profession before joining the Army.

You have been in the parish for some months now & your relationship has been so smooth, whats the secret? I will thank God first if it true that my relationship is smooth! Because that is what I want. The secret is I commit most of my things to God; as God is doing everything in & around me, call it prayer! Its God doing. What are your plans for the parish and most especially for the Youth? My plans for the Parish is to make it authentic Catholic Community, were Catholic traditions and practices are upheld strictly. For the Youth, my plan is to see that they take their rightful place as the leaders of the Church tomorrow. What are the importances of Harvest to Christians/Catholics? Harvest is a command of God, found in Leviticus, Exodus 34 and other scriptures in the bible. For Catholic or anyone who keeps or does the Harvest, its likes keeping the commandments of God. And the reward is enormous, if you keep or do the Harvest as God directs. Thank you and God bless you!

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

CELEBRANT/PRIEST:
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For the churches appreciation of Gods gifts: That the fellowship of believers may be true and vivid sign of thanks and praise, Pray now and with perseverance. For the younger generations: That we will not accept old ways and values, that they may move to repentance and renewal, Pray now and with perseverance. For the nations and their leaders: that selfless sovereignties may yield to common needs and solidarity, Pray now and with perseverance. For all those on the fringes of our social life: the poor and unemployed, the sick and the handicapped , prisoners and the persecuted, refugees, homeless and the war- sufferers, that the love of them may speed reform and change their lot, Pray now and with perseverance. For those who have been good to us and for all who love their neighbours: that care for others, be a contagion in the world, Pray now and with perseverance. For the success of the harvest: that God Almighty may accept our acts of thanksgiving to him, and grant us abundant blessings as we harvest, Pray now and with perseverance.

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For the souls in purgatory: that God through the prayers of our mother Mary and Christ in his heavenly bosom, Pray now and with perseverance.

PRAYER AFTER COMMUNION: