As an independent jurisdiction within RECCSA, the Diocese of St Mary the Virgin is not part of the Roman Catholic Church but adheres to the traditional Catholic faith, while maintaining its autonomy and self-governance. We are a community of Ethiopian Catholics, united by a common faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and a commitment to the trustworthiness of the Holy Scriptures.

Our Diocese is composed of the St Paul Archdeaconry in Gqeberha/Kariega, the St John the Evangelist Archdeaconry in the Western Cape, and the St Andrew Archdeaconry in the former Transkei and East London. We have established six churches within our Diocese, each dedicated to serving its community with love and humility.

Beyond our church planting efforts, we engage in various community outreach programs, such as feeding schemes, youth development initiatives, and health and wellness programs. We believe that our ministry is not limited to the walls of our churches, but extends into the communities where we serve.

Our Diocese has also been recognized for its commitment to financial transparency and accountability, having applied for registration as a Non-Profit Organization (NPO). This will further ensure that we meet all legal and regulatory requirements for our financial and operational practices.

To ensure that our members are knowledgeable and well-equipped for their roles within our Diocese, we offer regular training and capacity building workshops for our clergy and lay leaders. These include pastoral care, conflict resolution, and community outreach best practices, among others.

Our work is not possible without the generous contributions of our supporters, both within our Diocese and beyond. We extend our sincere gratitude to all those who have supported our mission, and invite others to join us as we continue to spread the Gospel and make a lasting impact in our communities.

The Diocese of St Mary the Virgin is led by the Most Rev BC Mente, who serves as the diocesan Bishop. The Bishop is assisted by the Diocesan Board and the Diocesan Synod in governing the Diocese. The Synod, which consists of elected representatives from the Diocese's churches and chaplaincies, meets regularly to discuss and approve matters related to the spiritual, administrative, and financial wellbeing of the Diocese.
The Diocese's leadership and governance structures are designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective decision-making. This approach allows us to maintain a high level of trust and collaboration among our members, while also upholding the values and principles that guide our work.

Order, Governance, and Discipline
1. Diocesan Board (College of Consultors)
2. Synod
a) Section 1. Authority
b) Section 2. Composition
c) Section 3. Meetings
d) Section 4. Quorum for the Transaction of Synod Business
e) Section 5. Presiding Officer of the Synod
f) Section 6. Voting

1. Diocesan Board
The Diocesan Board (College of Consultors), also known as the College of Consultors, is the primary advisory and executive body for the Diocese. The Board assists the Bishop in all matters of governance, policy development, and strategic planning, ensuring that the Diocese remains true to its mission and values.
The Diocesan Board is composed of the Bishop, the Dean of the Diocese, Archdeacons, Canons, Senior Priests, Diocesan Secretary, Chancellor, Registrar, and Treasurer (when needed).

2. Synod
The Synod is the legislative body of the Diocese, composed of the Clerical Order and the Lay Order. It meets annually to adopt Canons, approve resolutions, and take any other specific action for the conduct of the affairs of the Diocese.
The Synod has authority over matters related to the spiritual, administrative, and financial wellbeing of the Diocese.
The Synod plays a crucial role in the governance of the Diocese, as it brings together representatives from across the Diocese to make important decisions. The fact that it meets annually also highlights the Diocese's commitment to regular and transparent communication between leadership and its members.

a) Authority
The Synod has the authority to adopt Canons, approve resolutions, and take any other specific action for the conduct of the affairs of the Diocese, including matters related to spiritual, administrative, and financial wellbeing.

b) Composition
The Synod is composed of:
• The Clerical Order, consisting of the Bishop and all of the Priests and Deacons licensed to the Diocese.
• The Lay Order, composed of Lay Delegates elected by the Parishes and Chapelries of the Diocese.

c) Meetings
The Synod meets annually, with the specific date and location to be determined by the Diocesan Bishop. Special meetings may be called by the Bishop or the Diocesan Board as needed.

d) Quorum
A quorum is required for the transaction of business at Synod meetings.

e) Presiding Officer
The Bishop serves as the Presiding Officer of the Synod, unless he assigns this role to another qualified member of the Synod. In his absence, the Diocesan Board assigns the role of Presiding Officer.

f) Voting
Within the Diocese of St Mary the Virgin, voting occurs at Diocesan Synods, which are held annually. During Synods, each Bishop has one vote and a majority of those voting is necessary for any decision. Diocesan Synods provide an opportunity for Bishops to discuss and vote on issues related to the governance and direction of Diocese.

The Diocesan Pastoral Council advises the Bishop on matters of pastoral concern within the Diocese. It consists of representatives from parishes and other Diocesan ministries, as well as experts in relevant fields.

The Diocesan Finance Council is responsible for managing the financial affairs of the Diocese. The Council advises the Bishop on financial matters and ensures that the Diocese's financial resources are used prudently and in accordance with Church law and Diocesan policies.

The Diocesan Finance Council is composed of both clerics (e.g., priests, deacons) and lay members with expertise in finance, law, accounting, and other relevant fields. The council's membership ensures that the financial decisions made are informed by both the Church's teachings and practical experience in financial management.

The Diocesan Finance Council is responsible for managing the financial affairs of the Diocese. The Council advises the Bishop on financial matters and ensures that the Diocese's financial resources are used prudently and in accordance with Church law and Diocesan policies.

The Diocesan Finance Council is composed of both clerics (e.g., priests, deacons) and lay members with expertise in finance, law, accounting, and other relevant fields. The council's membership ensures that the financial decisions made are informed by both the Church's teachings and practical experience in financial management.

The Diocese of St. Mary the Virgin has its roots in the Central Church (Archdiocese) from which it gained autonomy in 2023. The Archdiocese recognized the importance of allowing each Diocese to exercise its autonomy, paving the way for the Diocese of St. Mary the Virgin to flourish and develop its own identity and mission.

Established in May 2023, the Diocese of St. Mary the Virgin has faced a number of challenges over the years, including a lack of dedicated places of worship, limited funding, and the inability to employ full-time clergy. Despite these challenges, the Diocese remains committed to its mission and vision, serving God and advancing His Kingdom through dynamic ministries that meet spiritual and practical needs.

The Diocese of St. Mary the Virgin enjoys autonomy in its governance, allowing for local decision-making and community-driven initiatives. As part of its affiliation with the Archdiocese, the Diocese contributes 10% of its revenues to support the larger Church body.

This shared support system allows the Diocese to maintain its unique identity while still contributing to the broader mission of the Church.

The Diocese of St. Mary the Virgin has several dedicated organizations that support its various ministries. These include the Young Men’s Guild (DOSMTVYMG), Mothers' Union (DOSMTVMU), Girls' Guild (DOSMTVGG), and Youth Association (DOSMTVYA). Each Union or Guild has its own constitution and holds conferences to foster community engagement and support.
The specific roles and activities of each Union and Guild:

• The Young Men’s Guild focuses on spiritual growth, leadership development, and service to the community, fostering brotherhood among young men and encouraging them to be positive role models in their communities.

• The Mothers' Union aims to support families and communities by promoting Christian family values, marriage, the wellbeing of women and children, and international outreach.

• The Girls' Guild provides a supportive environment for young women to explore their faith, develop leadership skills, and engage in service to others.

• The Youth Association provides a platform for young people to explore their faith and develop leadership skills while actively contributing to community service projects and outreach initiatives.

Each of these Unions and Guilds work collaboratively with the Diocese to achieve its broader mission and vision.

To tie everything together:
These organizations work together with the Diocese to promote the spiritual, social, and intellectual well-being of the community, demonstrating the Diocese's commitment to serving the diverse needs of its members while fostering a sense of community and belonging.

By highlighting the unique roles and activities of each Union and Guild, the Diocesan Profile provides a comprehensive overview of the Diocese's involvement in the community and its dedication to serving its members.

The Diocese of St. Mary the Virgin is guided by a shared vision and mission statement that align with the values of the Reformed Episcopal Church of the Sudan and South Africa (RECCSA):

Vision:
The Diocese envisions a community that embodies the teachings of Christ, fostering unity, compassion, and inclusiveness within the Diocese and the greater Church.

Mission:
The Diocese aims to achieve its vision by focusing on two key areas:

Spiritual Growth and Education: This includes opportunities for members to deepen their understanding of the Christian faith, as well as their personal relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and other spiritual practices.

Service and Community Involvement: The Diocese encourages its members to live out their faith through service to others, whether it's through volunteering, community outreach, or advocacy for social justice issues.

To sum it up, the Diocese's mission is:
• To foster spiritual growth and education among its members
• To encourage service and community involvement as a way of living out the Christian faith

Developing Home-grown Leaders

Goal: Increase the number of trained and empowered leaders within the Diocese by 30% within 3 years.

Strategies:

Mentorship Program: Identify potential leaders in the community and pair them with experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support.

Leadership Training Workshops: Offer workshops and training sessions that cover topics like communication, conflict resolution, and budget management.
Community Engagement

Goal: Increase the Diocese's involvement in community development projects by 50% within 2 years.

Strategies:

Volunteer Program: Establish a volunteer program that allows members of the Diocese to serve in local community projects, such as tutoring programs or food drives.

Partnerships: Partner with local organizations and community leaders to identify and address pressing issues in the community.

Resource Management and Development

Goal: Increase the Diocese's financial resources by 20% within 3 years.

Strategies:
Fundraising: Develop a plan for regular fundraising events and initiatives, targeting individuals, businesses, and foundations that align with the Diocese's values.

Cost-Saving Measures: Implement cost-saving measures, such as energy efficiency improvements and recycling programs, to reduce the Diocese's expenses.

Internal Communication and Collaboration
Goal: Improve internal communication and collaboration within the Diocese, resulting in a 25% increase in participation in Diocesan initiatives within 2 years.


Strategies:
Communication Platforms: Establish communication platforms, such as newsletters, social media channels, or regular meetings, to keep all members of the Diocese informed about important updates and developments.

The Diocese of St. Mary the Virgin is guided by a shared vision and mission statement that align with the values of the Reformed Ethiopian Catholic Church of Southern Africa (RECCSA):

Vision:
The Diocese envisions a community that embodies the teachings of Christ, fostering unity, compassion, and inclusiveness within the Diocese and the greater Church.

Mission:
The Diocese aims to achieve its vision by focusing on two key areas:

Spiritual Growth and Education: This includes opportunities for members to deepen their understanding of the Christian faith, as well as their personal relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and other spiritual practices.

Service and Community Involvement: The Diocese encourages its members to live out their faith through service to others, whether it's through volunteering, community outreach, or advocacy for social justice issues.

To sum it up, the Diocese's mission is:
• To foster spiritual growth and education among its members
• To encourage service and community involvement as a way of living out the Christian faith

The Diocese is committed to serving the community through a variety of outreach programs that meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those in need. These programs include:
• Soup Kitchen: Providing nutritious meals for those who are hungry and in need.
• Visiting the Sick and Elderly: Offering comfort, prayer, and support to those who are ill or elderly and may be isolated or in need of companionship.

• Orphanages: Providing care and support for orphans and vulnerable children, including educational and life skills programs to equip them for adulthood.
• Prison Ministry: Bringing spiritual comfort, counseling, and support to inmates in local prisons, and assisting with reintegration upon release.
• Hospital Visitation: Providing prayer and spiritual support to patients in local hospitals, as well as practical assistance where possible.

The Diocese offers a variety of ministries and programs to serve its members and the broader community, including:

• Outreach Programs: Programs that provide practical assistance, companionship, and spiritual support to those in need.

• Spiritual Formation: Programs to help members deepen their faith and relationship with God.


• Youth and Young Adult Ministry: Programs that cater to the needs of young people.

Fundraising Opportunities:
The Diocese seeks funding for the following projects:

• Sewing Machines: To support a sewing program that teaches sewing skills and provides employment opportunities for women in the community.

• Bricklayer Training: To train community members in bricklaying skills, enabling them to build and repair homes and community structures.

• School Supplies: To provide school supplies to orphans and vulnerable children.

Partnerships and Donations:
The Diocese welcomes partnerships and donations that will support its mission and ministries. Opportunities for partnerships and donations include:

• Fundraising Opportunities: Specific projects that require funding, such as expanding the soup kitchen or renovating the Diocesan office.

• In-Kind Donations: Non-financial donations, such as food, clothing, school supplies, or other materials that can be used in the Diocese's outreach programs.

Wish List: Non-financial donations of items such as computers, books, or basic household goods for those in need.
The Diocese is grateful for the generosity of its partners and donors, and will recognize their contributions through public acknowledgement in the Diocesan newsletter, website, and fundraising events.
In addition, donors and partners are welcome to visit the Diocese and see the impact of their support first-hand.

Benefits for Donors and Partners

• Recognition: Listing donors' names in the Diocesan newsletter, on the Diocese's website, or at fundraising events.

• Visits: Offering donors and partners the opportunity to visit the Diocese and see the impact of their support first-hand.


• Updates: Providing regular updates on the progress of funded projects and initiatives