Our ministries are global and growing…

A group of people in a forested area listening to a person speaking and holding papers.
A man takes a selfie with five children outdoors in a green, leafy area.
Person giving a presentation on a slide titled "Demonic Nature" in a dimly lit room.
A priest performing a religious ceremony at an altar inside a church, with stained glass windows, candles, and floral arrangements in the background.
A man dressed as a priest in green robes stands behind an altar with five lit candles, two vases of white flowers, and a crucifix. He is smiling and holding his hands together in prayer. In the background, there are religious images on the wall and a large cross.
A priest in white robes handing a ring to a woman with long blonde hair, wearing a light-colored dress, during a wedding ceremony in a church.
A group of children and teachers standing outside a classroom holding educational posters about animals and clothing, with a painted flag and mission statement on the wall.

Ministries, Parishes, and Religious Orders

Parishes

North America

Catholic Church in Exile—Champaign-Urbana, IL

Pastors: Rev. Mother Kelly Wurth & Father Johannes Strobel

Mass: Saturdays at 3.30pm (more information here)

The University YMCA Building

1001 S. Wright Street

Champaign, IL

Email: revkelly.cce@mail.com or johannes.ccie@gmail.com

Phone: 720-805-4010

St. Michael’s Mission, Lancaster, PA

Pastor: Father Joseph Michael Benedict

Mass: Sundays at 2pm

2312 Marietta Ave.

Lancaster, PA 17603

Phone: 717-327-7849

Email: infosaintmichaelsmission@gmail.com

Catholic Church in Exile—St. Charles, IL

Sacraments by appointment/In-home masses available

Contact Fr Caleb: 210-627-8520

St. Teresa of Calcutta, Park Falls, WI

South America

Iglesia Amplexia, Santiago, Chile

CCE Diocese of Kenya

Bishop-elect Antonio Ocharo Nyandoro, Ordinary

We are in the process of updating our lists because of recent rapid growth among our parishes and ministries around the world. Please check back regularly

Ministries

Circle of Partners and Family Allies (COPAFA), Kenya

COPAFA is a national community organization assisted by clergy from the Catholic Church in Exile that fights for the protection of LGBTQ persons in Kenya. Many suffer horrific abuse and discrimination. When their sexuality or gender identity becomes known, these innocent persons are refused housing and jobs and regularly endure sexual assault, torture, and murder. COPAFA engages with vulnerable individuals across Kenya to assist them and mobilizes with other organizations to fight for the right to live peacefully within the community.

Heart for Orphans, Orphanage, Kisii, Kenya

Rescued orphans with no place to go are cared for, fed, and kept safe by Fr. Kennedy Andrew and Mrs. Grace Andrew. We raise funds in the US to pay for food and clothing.

Young Mother’s Job Training, Kisii, Kenya

Young women who become pregnant and are without support from their partner (often because of rape) are given a place to stay and are trained in a profession so they can support their children. Counseling is also offered for families who feel cultural pressure to turn out these young women.

Learn more
Contact

Religious Orders

Franciscans of Christ in the Tomb (FCT)

A gender-inclusive order, following Christ in the pattern of St Francis and St Clare of Assisi. We feel we are called to follow in that action, to go into the little "hell's" on Earth and "open the door" to whatever has them in its grips, allowing them the ability to leave their prison and follow Him. Where ever there is hopelessness, we are called to be the light of Christ in that small space as we all walk together on this pilgrimage home.

Franciscans of Christ in the Tomb (FCT)

Province of Our Lady of Confidence- St Charles, Il USA

Fr. Caleb Oeming, FCT- Vocation Director

The FCT in North America serves those suffering from addictions, homelessness and catholic social justice issues. It is a small community taking root in St Charles Illinois but is growing.

Learn more
Contact

Educational & Media Ministries

St. Hildegard’s Theological School

An asynchronous, unaccredited graduate and undergraduate school of theology in the inclusive sacramental tradition. Instructors are all credentialed and the school is seeking ATS accreditation.

Mad Catholic Podcast: Unboxing Your Faith

Mother Kelly Wurth hosts a bi-monthly interview with a variety of experts covering a far-ranging series of religious topics. The podcast is meant to inspire thought and conversation regarding what it means to be “catholic” and how we are catholic among others and amid the world at large.

Hearts for Orphans

Orphanage

Kisii, Kenya

  • Group of children sitting on the grass outdoors, eating from orange plates, with some holding cups, near a wooden fence with green trees in the background.

    How to support the orphanage

    Click here to donate or inquire about purchasing hand-made soaps and baking mixes from the friars

    The orphanage depends upon donations. There are currently 26 children in residence, it costs $100USD per day to feed all of them.

    Several have additional healthcare costs and they all require clothes and school materials as they grow.

    Consider making a donation or purchasing soaps, boxed baking mixes from the Franciscans of Christ in the Tomb. Your contribution will help open the door to a better start in life for these precious angels.

  • Young boy with short hair and a serious expression, wearing a green sweater, standing in front of a wooden background.

    Fortune Daniel- 7 years old

    Fortune was born to a single mother who died in child birth. His grandmother took him in but was unable to care for him.

  • A young boy standing in front of a light-colored wooden door, wearing a dark green sweater and a collared shirt.

    Daniel Eliza- 6 years old

    Daniel's parents both passed away from different diseases. His Grandmother was only able to take in his older brother.

  • Young girl with braided hair wearing a green sweater and collared shirt, standing in front of a wooden background.

    Alencia Gwako- 6 years old

    Alencia's mother died from an unspecified water accident, her father was paralyzed and could not care for Alencia and her sibling's. Relatives took her siblings in but neglected Alencia.

  • Belinder Kerubo-8 years old

    Belinder is a wonderful young girl who was born from an affair her father had with another man's wife. Her father had an alcohol problem and abused her. She was rescued from child trafficking

  • A young girl with braided hair standing outdoors against a wooden wall

    Shanice Kerubo- years old

    Shanice lived with her parents for a year, but was abandoned by them because she lost her eye-sight. She now has access to medical care and is slowly regaining her sight! Glory to God!

  • A young boy with a shaved head wearing a green sweater over a collared shirt, standing in front of a wooden door with a latch.

    Serline Kerubo- 4 years old

    Serline was born out of wedlock, her father told his wife to throw her into the river. She was rescued by one of our church members and brought to hearts for orphans.

  • A young girl in a green sweater and gray skirt standing in front of a light-colored wooden door with her hands behind her back.

    Faith Kwamboka- 5 years

    Faith was born out of wedlock as the result of an affair. Her father did not want her and her mother's husband divorced her mother, who turned to prostitution to survive. Faith was abandoned by both families. We are grateful to God she was brought to Hearts for Orphans

  • A young girl standing in front of a light blue wooden wall, wearing a green sweater over a checkered shirt.

    Salima Kwamboka- 9 years old

    Salima was born to a single mother. They were living with Salima's grandparents who were not able to support all of them and had to ask them to leave. Her mother could not care for her.

  • A young boy wearing a green sweater and a collared shirt standing in front of a wooden door.

    Mary Matoke- 5 years old

    Mary was born HIV positive to a single Mother who abandoned her at birth.

  • Young girl with braided hair wearing a dark green sweater over a white collared shirt, standing in front of a wooden door.

    Phelinda Mbera- 5 years old

    Phelinda’s both parents died from unknown diseases, she is the 2nd born of the family. Her older brother and younger sister are cared by their grandmother who is a widow.

  • A young girl in a school uniform standing outdoors in front of a wooden door and a tree trunk.

    Mary Mogiti- 6 years old

    Mary's father was the pastor of a local church, he was killed by robbers one evening while returning home from ministry. Her mother died from stress a short time later.

  • A young boy in a green sweater and checkered shirt standing in front of a light-colored wooden door.

    Purity Monda- 5 years old

    Purity came to Hearts for Orphans April 2nd, 2020 after her mother died in a roadside accident. She was neglected and had scurvy. She is healing and doing better.

  • A young girl smiling, standing outdoors in front of a wooden fence, wearing a dark green sweater and a collared shirt.

    Dayse Morara- 5 years old

    Dayse is the youngest of 3 children whose mother abandoned Dayse; her father was murdered by his step-brother in a land dispute. She was brought to Hearts for Orphans January 2021.

  • A young boy with a serious expression, wearing a blue sweater over a red and white checkered shirt, standing in front of a wooden wall.

    Askar Nyabikoro- 5 years old

    Askar Nyabikoro is a young lovely girl who was born into a polygamous family. Differences developed in the family and one of her step mothers poisoned Askar’s parents. Askar was rescued by a good samaritans who happened to be passing by and saw the step mother trying to kill Askar.

  • A young boy with a short haircut wearing a green sweater and a collared shirt, standing outdoors in front of a wooden fence.

    Destiny Nyabuto- 5 years

    Destiny was born to a single Mom, she was taken in by family members but was terribly abused. She is HIV positive, it is unclear if she was born HIV positive or contracted it from the abuse by family.

  • A young boy standing in front of a light green wooden door, wearing a white shirt.

    Sheila Nyanamba- 9 years old

    Sheila's mother suffered from alcoholism and abandoned her. Her father began to sexually abuse Sheila after her mother left. She was rescued and brought to Hearts for Orphans

  • A young boy standing outdoors in front of a wooden door and a mud wall, wearing a dark sweater with white trim, smiling at the camera.

    Danington Obare- 6 years old

    Danington's Mother suffered a stroke which paralyzed her on one side, his father hung himself due to family differences. His mother was unable to care for him, his grandmother took him in but neglected him due to her alcoholism.

  • A young boy standing in front of a light-colored wooden door, wearing a blue sweater over a red and white checkered shirt.

    James Obare- 5 years old

    James' mother is deceased. His older siblings wanted to poison him because he had a different father. He was rescued by a church youth worker.

  • Young boy with a bald head wearing a dark green sweater over a collared shirt, standing in front of a wooden door.

    Eugine Ogeto- 5 years old

    Eugine is a wonderful boy, he was born to a single mother. He and his sister lived with their mother and grandparents however the grandparents kicked the mother and children out.

  • A young boy with a shaved head wearing a red sweater over a checkered shirt, standing in front of a wooden door.

    Purity Bosibori Ogeto- 7 years old

    Purity is a wonderful girl, She was born to a single mother. Her and her brother lived with their mother and grandparents however the grandparents kicked the mother and children out.

  • A young girl with short hair standing in front of a light blue wooden door and a brown wall, wearing a light pink sweatshirt with 'LOVE' written on it.

    Elizabeth Omari- 7 years old

    Elizabeth was born into a very very poor family who could not care for her. During a pastoral visit to the family, it was agreed by the family and the church that Hearts for Orphans would care for her.

  • A young boy with short hair standing in front of a light-colored wooden wall, wearing a checkered button-up shirt.

    Livingstone Ombasa- 6 years old

    Livingstone was brought to our church by our community leader. No one knows exactly the date of his birth and no one knows the cause of his parents death.

  • A young boy wearing a school uniform standing outside in front of a light green wooden door.

    Beckame Ombati- 7 years old

    Beckame is a wonderful young girl. Her mother died when she was young, her father died later due to alcoholism.

  • A young boy wearing a dark green sweater standing against a plain wooden wall, looking down with a serious expression.

    Plackcides Onenga- 6 years old

    Plackcides is a shining young girl whose parents passed.

  • A young boy with short hair, smiling slightly, standing in front of a white wooden door and a tree trunk, wearing a light-colored checked shirt.

    Brighton Onseno- 6 years old

    Brighton was born to a single mother who passed away. He was abandoned and neglected until a church member brought him to Hearts for Orphans. When he arrived he was in poor health and withdrawn; we thank God he is now jovial and lively! Glory to God!

  • Young girl in a school uniform standing outdoors in front of a wooden door and tree.

    Blessings Ontita- 5 years old

    Blessing's mother was HIV positive. Unfortunately her disease progressed and she developed AIDs. Her mother took poison when her health became too bad to care for Blessings.

  • Young boy standing in front of a wooden door, wearing a short-sleeved, checkered shirt.

    Brighton Riogi- 7 years old

    Brighton is a wonderful young boy who was born to a single mother with a serious illness. She abandoned him on the roadside; he was taken in by a good Samaritan passing by but was then brought to Hearts for Orphans 2 years later.

  • A young girl in school uniform standing in front of a wooden door.

    Cathy Samwel- 4 years old

    Cathy’s mother was a commercial sex worker. After delivering she abandoned her by throwing her into a trashcan. Cathy was rescued by a passing soldier. She was brought to our care very young, we thank God she is growing.