Critical Analysis of the Pastoral Challenges Facing Christ the King Parish, Catholic Diocese of Yei- South Sudan

Abstract

The exodus of the Catholics to Pentecostal Churches is a great challenge to the Catholic Church worldwide. This study investigated two research questions namely; what are the challenges that led to the exodus of the catholic faithful to the Pentecostal churches, and what strategies can the parish employ to address the challenges. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design using a mixed method approach. The study employed strata, cluster, snowball and purposive sampling for 113 participants. Data was collected using structured and unstructured questionnaires, interview guides, focus group discussions, and document review. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequencies, percentages, charts and tables using the statistical package for social sciences, version 20, and a narrative interpretation. The findings revealed major challenges include the shortage of priest in the Diocese, shifting of the Catholic faithful to the Pentecostal churches, and inadequate remuneration for catechists among others. The study recommended the creation of Catholic chaplaincy in schools, lobby for Fidei Donum priest from sister Dioceses to enablea deeper evangelization; enhancement of the small Christian communities, enrollment of female catechists, creation, and implementation of Diocesan strategic goals.