Who we are
About Us
The English Speaking Catholic Community (ECC) of Wuppertal is part of the Catholic parish Pfarrei Herz Jesu, within the Archdiocese of Cologne (Erzbistum Köln). We bring together English-speaking Catholics living in and around Wuppertal — internationals, students, families and long-time residents — for worship and fellowship in a familiar language.
Our Pastoral Team
Rev. Fr. Paul
Chaplain
Fr. Paul joined the community in 2015 and has been a steadfast shepherd to our flock. While serving the community, he is currently working on his doctoral dissertation in theology. His warmth, wisdom, and dedication have shaped the community into what it is today.
Sister Janet
Spiritual Direction
Sister Janet has been a constant source of strength and support to the whole community since its very beginning. Her gift for spiritual guidance, her calm presence, and her deep prayer life make her a treasured guide for all who seek direction on the path of faith.
Our History
"Behold how good and pleasant it is for the brothers and sisters to stay together as one."
The Catholic English Community of Herz Jesu, Wuppertal was founded in the year 2012. The objective of this community is to bring together all our brothers and sisters who were facing language barriers in joining the celebration of the holy Mass and participating in other activities of the Roman Catholic Church. Our first holy Mass was celebrated on the 9th of September 2012 by Rev. Fr. Tom Koottumak with about 20 attendants. The celebration of the Holy Mass continued every second and fourth Sunday of the month. The number of members of this English community increased as people were informed about us. Currently, the holy Mass is celebrated every Sunday at 15:00 by Rev. Fr. Paul Gokok.
In the year 2013 was our first holy Communion and two children were privileged to receive the holy Communion for the first time. In the years 2014 and 2015, five children and one child received holy Communion respectively. On the 15th of December 2015, the parish council committee was established following an election of the following as the executive members: Mrs Susan Abolo (President), Mr. Paul Igwe (Deputy President and Treasurer), Mrs. Judith Ngangam (Secretary), and Mr. Germanus Ngwa (Financial Secretary).
Our aim and objectives for the year 2015/2016 are centred on Evangelisation; practically reaching out to all our Catholic brothers and sisters who had joined other Churches because of the language barrier in liturgical celebrations. To strengthen our faith and love, we embarked on visitation to our sick members, bereaved family members and those having challenges of any kind.
We have also had yearly retreats, pilgrimage and children's programmes, especially during the Christmas season. Today the community has over 100 members including children, and we are very optimistic that there are possibilities of growing more and more in the coming years. We sincerely thank Fr. Grutering, Fr. Wycislok, Fr. Tom, Sr. Janet, the members of the Parish of Herz Jesu and the Archdiocese of Cologne for every support we have received from them, both spiritually, morally, materially and physically, to be where we are today in our journey of faith — especially for providing Fr. Paul Gokok to celebrate Masses for us every Sunday and on other special days. We invite you all to our lively Mass celebrations on Sundays.
Thank you and God bless.