About Us
At Church Life Africa (CLA), we believe the vibrant faith and growing population of African Catholics are pivotal to the Church's future. Rooted in a model of solidarity and mutual enrichment between the Church in Africa and the Church in the United States, CLA is a strategic initiative that takes this hope seriously. We are dedicated to investing intentionally in this promise, nurturing the seeds of hope for a flourishing Church. Our mission is to mobilize young lay African Catholics for substantial theological education, pastoral ministry, and public engagement in service to both Africa and the global Church. Inspired by the mandate of Christ to go and make disciples of all nations, and consistent with the Church's missionary activity, we seek to equip lay Catholics with the theological and pastoral tools to advance the Church's mission.
CLA Summer Conference
The CLA Summer Conference is a cornerstone of our mission, providing a space for theological engagement and global collaboration. Each year, the conference focuses on a unique theme that reflects our commitment to fostering the Church's future through dialogue, education, and leadership:
2022 Theme: Lay Theological Engagement and the Future of Church Life in Africa
2023 Theme: In Solidarity with the Church in Africa
2024 Theme: Theology for Service Leadership
These themes underscore CLA's dedication to empowering lay Catholics and promoting solidarity within the global Church.
CLA Impact Awards
The Impact Awards celebrate individuals and groups who exemplify the spirit of Catholic service, leadership, and innovation. By recognizing extraordinary contributions in theological education, pastoral ministry, and public engagement, the awards inspire the community to pursue excellence and make tangible impacts in their local and global contexts.
CLA Virtual Hangout and Tribe Engagement
Our Community Virtual Hangouts serve as an interactive platform for faith formation, collaboration,
and idea-sharing. These regular online gatherings unite Catholics from diverse backgrounds to engage with pressing theological, pastoral, and cultural topics. Flowing from these engagements is the Tribe Initiative, a grassroots effort to deepen Catholic identity and foster vibrant, active communities. Participants join thematic tribes designed to channel their passion and creativity into faith-driven projects. Each tribe works individually and collaboratively, engaging in research, service, and discussions that embody Catholic values while advancing CLA’s broader mission. Partnerships and Formation With generous support from the University of Notre Dame’s McGrath Institute for Church Life, de Nicola Center for Ethics and Culture, Kellogg Institute for International Studies, and Department of Theology, CLA is actively investing in theological, catechetical, and pastoral formation. Together, we aim to shape a new generation of African Catholics equipped to lead and serve in ways that resonate across the globe. Why CLA? The future of the Church lies in its ability to cultivate leaders who are deeply rooted in faith, committed to service, and engaged with the world. CLA is dedicated to planting and nurturing these seeds of hope by fostering dialogue, supporting formation, and empowering community-driven initiatives. Through solidarity and intentional collaboration, we are building a thriving, interconnected Church that honors its diverse roots and collective mission.
Mission
To invest in the future of the Church whose vital signs are visible in Africa. Through integrated theological education, catechetical and liturgical formation, and service leadership, Church Life Africa engages in the intentional mobilization of young lay African Catholics in service to Africa and the global Church.
Vision
We believe in the enduring hope that the future of the Church is in Africa. The fruits of that hope are in the teeming population of enthusiastic Africans hungry for theological, catechetical, pastoral, and human formation. In solidarity with the global Church, and inspired by the Holy Spirit, we can secure the Church's future.
Team Lead/Head of Mission
Head of Research
Head of Programs
Senior Associate Director
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
Website & Tech Support Specialist
Digital Communications Associate
Program Associate
Communications Specialist
Testimonials
Appreciation to CLA
Thanks so exceedingly again to the entire CLA team for the awesome initiative and the massive work put towards the success of the program. God's tremendous blessings. I'm excitedly looking forward to next year's
Nnewi Diocese
Appreciation
I'm writing with much love in my heart to extend my appreciation to each and every one of you. You don't know how much you have touched my heart, if I had a chance I will send each one of you a letter of appreciation
Abuja Archdiocese
Appreciation
A big thanks to the Big Brains behind this Wonderful Initiative. My sincere gratitude especially to Fr. Joachim and Fr. Ken and everybody that made sure this event was a success.
Abuja Archdiocese
Appreciation
I want to sincerely register my profound gratitude to the Team and the organizers of "CLA'' for the knowledge they inculcated on us. It's our earnest prayers that this seed they sown in us will yield a bountiful harvest through Christ our lord
Kaduna Catholic Diocese
Appreciation
Thanks so exceedingly again to the entire CLA team for the awesome initiative and the massive work put towards the success of the program. God's tremendous blessings. I'm excitedly looking forward to next year's
Nnewi Diocese
