Mission Statement
The Nigeria Igbo Catholic Community of Sacramento (NICCS) is a faith-based community working collectively to promote our Igbo Christian culture, tradition, values, and religious faith through our liturgy. We hope to expose our children to the Igbo culture and enrich them through interaction with their peers, parents, dedicated laity, and the clergy. This is our vision and this is our legacy.
History
The NICCS has been in existence since 1998 but was not formally organized until 2006. We are currently about three hundred members strong, and we are continually making efforts to increase our membership
In 2006, Bishop Weigand of the Diocese of Sacramento appointed Rev. Fr. Chris Paul Egege officially as the Chaplain of the NICCS. In 2008, Bishop Weigand appointed Rev. Fr. Ambrose Ugwuegbu as the new Chaplain of the NICCS.
There are few people or families who are known to be major stakeholders in the formation of the NICCS, and they include: Mr. Godwin and Mrs. Gladys Onejeme, Hon. Chief Sir Emmanuel and Lady Joyce Diala, Attorney Clifford and Mrs. Charlotte Chigbu, Deacon James Ogbonna. and Rev. Fr. Chris Paul Egege. The initial deliberation for the formation of the NIICS took place at Mr. & Mrs. Godwin Onejeme house on Friday November 20, 1998 at 7:00 pm.
The first Nigerian Igbo Mass was celebrated at St. Philomene’s Parish, Sacramento on Sunday March 12, 2000 while the official inauguration by the diocese of Sacramento led by the Most Reverend William K. Weigand, took place seven years after on Sunday October 7, 2007. The Mass was concelebrated by ten other priests, deacons, and monks from various parishes in Northern California. The Mass was also attended by Sisters from various religious orders including Sister Joanna Okereke from the Office of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Pastoral Care of Migrant and Refugees, Washington D.C.
The inauguration was very successful and was attended by about 300 people from various parishes in the region including representatives from various Catholic communities in the Diocese. The presence of the Knights of Columbus Color Guards, Knights of St Peter Cleaver, and the Black Catholic Council of Sacramento made an already colorful event extraordinarily colorful.
Our community is working toward better collaboration with all ethnic communities in addressing the issues and challenges facing our children, our families, and the community in general in our diocese.
Currently, our main goal is to develop programs for our children and youth to help them reach their full potential and become productive members of the community
Priests and Sisters Involved in the NICCS
Rev. Fr. Alban Ubah | Sr. Mariae Philo-cordis Chilaka | Sr. Mercy Azuogu | Sr. Anne Egem | Sr. Jane-Michael Eze
Activities of NICCS
The Igbo Catholic Community of Sacramento is a faith based Christian Community rooted in the Catholic faith. We work together to enhance and promote the spiritual good of one another and work collectively to promote our Christian culture, tradition, values and religious faith through our liturgy.
Our children grow and learn within a caring and faith-filled community and under the guidance of our parents, dedicated laity, and our Igbo clergy; they experience and develop Christian attitudes and behaviors of self-discipline, respect, and responsibilities to the community.
Our activities include, baptismal and Mass serving classes, organizing retreats and associating our community with other catholic communities and organizations.
Schedule of Mass Services
Mass for the NICCS is held on the second Sunday of each month. Service starts at 2 p.m. and all are welcome. A potluck follows after each Mass service.
Contact Us
Rev. Fr. Alban Ubah - Chaplain
Lady Joyce Diala - President
Hon. Sir Thomas Mbara - General Secretary
Mass Location:
3263 1st Ave.
Sacramento, CA