Diocese of Gweru Announces Further Subdivision of Deaneries Effective January 2026
Pastoral restructuring aimed at strengthening mission and service
Pastoral Communication from the Bishop
The Catholic Diocese of Gweru has announced further subdivisions of its deaneries as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen pastoral care and improve service delivery across the Diocese. According to the circular, the newly established deaneries took effect in January 2026. The Bishop further noted that the newly appointed deans for each deanery will be announced at the beginning of the year.
The restructuring forms part of the Diocese’s broader pastoral vision to respond more effectively to the needs of the faithful in a growing and diverse local Church.
In a circular dated 14 September 2025 (Circular 12/2025), addressed to the Clergy, Religious, and Laity, His Lordship, Bishop Rudolf Nyandoro, communicated the decision with prayerful reflection and pastoral sensitivity, invoking the intercession of Mary, Help of Christians, for the continued guidance and protection of the Diocese.
- From January 2026, the Diocese of Gweru will comprise eight deaneries, structured as follows:
- 1. Gweru Deanery
- Cathedral, St. Michael’s Ascot, St. Mary’s Senga, St. Severino, St. Theresa Thornhill, St. Theresa Hwahwa, Chiwundura (St. Pius, St. Gabriel, St. Kizito), Regina Mundi.
- 2. Mkoba Deanery
- St. Paul’s, St. Luke’s, St. Peter’s, Woodlands, St. Monica Lower Gweru.
- 3. Kwekwe Deanery
- St. Edward’s, St. John’s, St. Barnabas, St. Gabriel, St. Mary’s Amaveni, St. Paul’s Redcliff, St. Steven Rutendo, St. Charles Torwood, St. Joseph’s Shungu.
- 4. Zhombe Deanery
- St. Martin’s Deprores, Loreto Mission, St. Kizito Sidhakeni, St. Alois Govo, St. Xavier Sibangani, St. Kizito Msilahobe.
- 5. Mvuma Deanery
- Driefontein Mission, St. Mary’s Serima Mission, St. Matthias Lalapanzi, Mavise, St. Theresa Mvuma.
- 6. Chirumanzu Deanery
- Christ the King Chaka, Holy Cross Mission, St. Joseph’s Hama Mission, St. Pius Chinyuni, St. Mary’s Mapiravana, Moyo Musande.
- 7. Zvishavane Deanery
- St. Joseph Zvishavane, St. Michael’s, St. Joseph Chidyamakono, Isidore Mberengwa, St. Don Bosco Mberengwa, St. Ignatius of Loyola Mataga.
- 8. Shurugwi Deanery
- Chikwingwizha Minor Seminary, St. Mary’s Shurugwi, St. Pius Donga, St. Theresa Rudaviki Madamombe, St. Paul’s Chitora.
Strengthening Pastoral Mission
The Bishop noted that these changes are intended to enhance pastoral coordination, strengthen evangelisation efforts, and ensure that the Church remains close to the people it serves. By reorganising deaneries, the Diocese aims to foster better collaboration among parishes and improve pastoral oversight.
Bishop Nyandoro expressed gratitude to the clergy, religious, and lay faithful for their continued dedication and prayers for the Diocese. He entrusted the implementation of these changes to the care of Mary, Help of Christians, encouraging unity and cooperation as the Diocese moves forward.