The Successful Participation of the Ignatius Preparatory and Primary School(IPPS) Choir at Airport Parish
By Kavishe Waweru, SJ
The choir of Ignatius Preparatory and Primary School (IPPS) successfully animated the 9:00 a.m. Mass at Airport Parish, Dodoma, on Sunday, 27 September 2026. The visit was hosted by the St. Augustine Choir, which welcomed the school choir and provided the pupils with an opportunity to participate in the liturgical life of the parish. The initiative aimed to nurture the pupils’ musical talents, strengthen their confidence, and provide an opportunity for them to learn from and be inspired by the parish choir.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Fr. Emmanuel Mutambo SJ, the Parish Priest of Airport Parish, with Fr. Sammy Wafula, SJ, concelebrating. The Catholic Women Association animated the Mass. The celebration was beautiful, prayerful, and inspiring, with the IPPS choir contributing to the solemnity of the liturgy through its singing. The pupils participated enthusiastically, demonstrating their musical abilities and their willingness to use their talents in the service of God and the Church.
The initiative was warmly received by the parish community, which expressed happiness at seeing the young pupils actively participate in the Mass and lead the congregation in prayer through their singing. Their presence brought joy to the celebration and highlighted the importance of giving children opportunities to develop their God-given talents within the Church. For the pupils, the experience was an important opportunity to gain confidence, practice their musical skills, and learn from the experience and example of the St. Augustine Choir. It also helped them appreciate choir ministry as a form of prayer, worship, and service.
The visit further strengthened the relationship between Ignatius Preparatory and Primary School and Airport Parish, demonstrating the value of collaboration between educational institutions and parish communities in nurturing the faith and talents of young people. By welcoming the school choir, the St. Augustine Choir offered the pupils a valuable platform to express their faith through music and experience the wider Church community beyond their school environment.
Overall, the participation of the IPPS choir at Airport Parish was a success and achieved its intended purpose. The positive reception from the parish community encourages the school to explore similar opportunities in the future. Such initiatives contribute to the holistic formation of pupils by integrating their spiritual growth, personal development, and artistic talents. They also reinforce the understanding that young people have an important place in the life and mission of the Church.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Fr. Mutambo SJ for his pastoral support, Fr. Sammy Wafula SJ, IPPS Director, for his participation, the St. Augustine Choir for hosting and welcoming the IPPS choir, and the Catholic Women Association for animating the Mass. This experience reaffirmed the importance of providing young people with opportunities to participate meaningfully in the life of the Church, grow in faith, and develop their talents through service.
