Father Norbert Kyumu, in his fourth year as a substitute for Pastor William Darling at St. Christopher Church in North Chili, will be leaving for his homeland, Kenya, around Thanksgiving time, where he will serve in an administrative role. When asked what he will remember from his time here he replied: "Among other things, I will always remember Sister Carol, who passed away last year, because she smoothed my transition into the community." Photograph by Walter Horylev.

Parishioners at
St. Christopher's
reluctant to
say goodbye

As a native of Kenya, Fr. Norbert Kyumu was able to teach his St. Christopher's parish his homeland greeting - jambo.

What they're having trouble saying, however, is goodbye.

After two years at the North Chili parish, Kyumu will be returning to Kenya to serve his diocese. Kyumu is scheduled to board a plane for Kenya in late November.

His parishioners have described Kyumu as the church's rock. He entered a parish that has had a tremendous amount of turnover with seven priests in the last 20 years. Most recently the church was dealt a big blow when Fr. Bill Darling had an appendix burst, and as a result, became too ill to perform his duties. Another transition came about last April when Sr. Carol Fox lost her battle with cancer after serving as a pastoral assistant at St. Christopher's for 30 years.

Kyumu did more than just fill the holes. He has used his infectious enthusiasm and enchanting personality to lift the spirits of his congregation.

Joanna Aguglia, St. Christopher's Faith Formation director, said it is tough to measure Kyumu's impact. "He's awesome," said Aguglia. "He is the most faith-filled man I've ever met." Kyumu's faith has shown through to the members of his congregation both young and old.

Kay Small and her husband, Jeff, have been attending St. Christopher's for 22 years. Their children, Sandra (20) and Tom (16), were immediately drawn to Kyumu.

"They told me that they wanted to ask him to go sledding because being from Kenya that would be a new experience for him," said Small. "I told them not to bother him, thinking that he wouldn't want to take the time to do that."

Her kids ignored her and asked Kyumu anyway.

"He went and that just began a relationship that led to him doing many other things with my family (including riding a bicycle built for two)," said Small.

Aguglia marvels at the wide variety of duties that Kyumu cheerfully does. "He does everything for us, and visits so many of our parishioners," said Aguglia. "He's a pastor in every sense of the word."

The visiting pastor regards his chosen path as a difficult one, but one in which he was truly called. He was introduced to the idea of becoming a priest early on in his life, he said. His father and mother, who live in Kenya with his two brothers and two sisters, both worked in a school. His father was the principal of a Catholic-sponsored school and therefore their family often entertained priests in their home. Kyumu was impressed with the kindness he witnessed from some of the priests. "They really planted the seed in me," he said.

Kyumu, who is ordained in the Ngong diocese, began seminary at the age of 18. He came to the United States for the first time in 1998 to attend St. John Fisher College for graduate studies. Once he earned his degree, he was granted a two year extension from his Bishop in Kenya.

Kyumu remembers his first images of America with a smile. He recalls his first trip to Wegmans in which he left empty handed and overwhelmed by the amount of choices available.

"Before I came to this country, my image of America came from what I saw on television. ... "I'm still waiting to see my first cowboys," he said.

While Kyumu hasn't seen any cowboys, he has been impressed with many things. Kyumu said he greatly admires the quality of this country's roadways and the many amenities that families seemingly take for granted, like good running water and electricity. Kyumu said he also appreciates the system of law and order and was "blown away" when he came to his first stop sign and actually witnessed people observing the rule.

While Kyumu admittedly enjoys some of the luxuries that come with living in the United States, he misses the simplicity of life in Kenya. He said he is also disappointed with the way many American children interact with their parents.

Father Norbert said he has also noticed many differences within the Catholic Church in the United States and Catholic Church in Kenya. "I was surprised to see the church (St. Christopher's) full of people and was shocked by the hospitality with which I was greeted," he said, adding that the role of priest is also different. "Here you are maintaining people's faith, while there you are starting from scratch and really evangelizing."

While Kyumu regards his role at St. Christopher's as maintaining, his parishioners have observed a much more dramatic effect. "I think our parish will always be more prayerful because of Fr. Norbert," said Aguglia. Kay Small credits Kyumu with making a difference in her family's life.

"I think what makes Fr. Norbert a very special person and priest is that he loves doing fun things. ... He is a young priest that all of our children have been able to feel close to at a time when they might otherwise be questioning their faith," said Small. "I thank God for him, knowing that we are all more spiritually enriched because he has been in our lives."

Father Norbert, too, appreciated the time he has spent in the United States and the time he has spent with St. Christopher's parish. He said leaving will be bittersweet. "It is a mixed feeling. I'm excited to go home because that is where I belong," he said. "On the other hand, I've made many friends at St. Christopher's that I'll be sad to miss."

Kyumu said he really appreciated his ability to interact with the parish's Golden Agers group and the opportunity to learn more about the administration of a church.

Kyumu takes back to Kenya with him many learned tools that he hopes will serve him well. His parishioners also hope that Kyumu will be taking back a vehicle. The church is currently working to raise money to provide him with a truck when he arrives back in Kenya.

Priests in Kenya serve parishes that have 15 to 20 different Mass sites and often cover more than 50 miles in radius. Due to the poor infrastructure, a reliable vehicle is a necessity. Kyumu said if he is able to get a vehicle he will more than likely be the only person within his church's area to own one. "We're excited to be able to do this for him," said Small. "He has done a lot for our parish and we want to give back to Kenya."