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Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish - Wadsworth

Building Hope in Tanzania

We're partnering with St. Simon and Jude Parish in Moshi, Tanzania to complete a convent and secondary school—creating a legacy of faith, education, and hope.

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Campaign Progress

Convent

$46,000

School

$64,000

100% goes directly to the mission

The Story Behind the Mission

A Friendship That Became a Mission

Deacon Rich with Fr. Andrew and parish leadership in front of St. Simon and Jude Church in Moshi, Tanzania

In 2017, Deacon Rich Michney and Fr. Andrew Asantemungu met as graduate students at Walsh University in Ohio. Their friendship grew across continents and cultures.

In October 2025, Deacon Rich traveled to Moshi, Tanzania and stayed with Fr. Andrew and 18 first-year seminarians. During that visit, Bishop Ludovick Minde personally invited Sacred Heart Parish to help complete two buildings that will transform lives.

Both buildings have walls and roofs. Now they need your help to finish them.

Religious sisters who will serve at Sacred Heart Convent

Bishop Minde agreed to name the convent "Sacred Heart of Jesus Convent." The Sacred Heart emblem will be displayed at St. William Secondary School, linking our two communities forever.

This isn't charity. It's partnership. We're building the Kingdom of God together.

Where Your Gift Goes

The Projects

Both buildings have walls and roofs complete. Your donation will finish the interiors and bring these spaces to life.

Sacred Heart Convent under construction with Fr. Andrew blessing the site

Goal

$46,000

Sacred Heart Convent

Home for Seven Sisters

A home for seven religious sisters who will dedicate their lives to teaching and serving the students of St. William School. The chapel will be the spiritual heart of the community.

Learn more→
Students who will attend St. William Secondary School in Tanzania

Goal

$64,000

St. William Secondary School

Grades 6-11

A Catholic secondary school serving students in rural Tanzania where educational opportunities are limited. The school will offer not just academics, but formation in faith and hope.

Learn more→

Convent Needs

  • Interior walls & finishes
  • Flooring
  • Electrical & plumbing
  • Chapel furnishings
  • Living quarters
  • Kitchen & common areas

School Needs

  • Interior walls & finishes
  • Flooring
  • Electrical & lighting
  • Classroom furniture
  • Bathrooms & plumbing
  • Educational supplies
Every dollar goes directly to the mission—no administrative fees

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about The Moshi Mission.

Every dollar collected goes directly to this project. Deacon Rich has complete confidence in Fr. Andrew Asantemungu, who has the full trust and respect of Bishop Minde. Fr. Andrew will oversee all construction and provide regular updates. We have detailed construction specifications and costs. Transparency is non-negotiable.

Yes. All donations are processed through Zeffy, a nonprofit donation platform. You'll automatically receive an IRS-compliant tax receipt via email immediately after your donation.

Both buildings have walls and roofs complete. With your support, interior finishing work will begin immediately and is expected to be completed by Spring/Summer 2026.

This isn't a one-time transaction—it's the beginning of a lasting partnership. Deacon Rich plans to return to Moshi in Fall 2026. Sacred Heart School will establish ongoing cultural exchanges between our students and students in Tanzania. We'll provide updates on the school's progress and share stories from the community. The Sacred Heart emblem at St. William School will be a permanent reminder of our bond.

Any additional funds will support ongoing needs at Sacred Heart Convent and St. William School as directed by Bishop Minde and Fr. Andrew. Possibilities include educational materials and supplies, teacher salaries for lay staff, scholarships for students who cannot afford tuition, maintenance and repairs, and expansion of facilities as enrollment grows.

Absolutely. This mission welcomes support from anyone who wants to help. You don't need to be Catholic or live in Wadsworth to participate.

Yes. Make checks payable to "Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish" with "The Moshi Mission" in the memo line. Mail to: Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, 260 Broad Street, Wadsworth, OH 44281. You'll receive a tax receipt by mail.

Bishop Minde has personally selected seven religious sisters to serve at Sacred Heart Convent and teach at St. William School. They've been chosen for their dedication, their teaching ability, and their willingness to serve in a rural area.

Yes, but tuition will be minimal and affordable for local families. Many Catholic schools in Tanzania operate on a cost-recovery model, charging only what families can afford. Scholarships will be available for families who cannot pay.

We have a detailed specification sheet for St. William Secondary School available as a PDF.

Download Spec Sheet

We'll provide updates as construction progresses. Follow Sacred Heart Parish on Facebook for photos and news. After Deacon Rich returns in Fall 2026, we'll share stories and photos from the completed buildings.

St. Simon and Jude is the local parish in Moshi, pastored by Fr. Amadeus Amani. It's located about 5 minutes from the convent and school. Fr. Amadeus will serve as chaplain to the sisters and students, celebrating daily Mass in the chapel.

Bishop Minde agreed to name the convent "Sacred Heart of Jesus Convent" in honor of our partnership. It's a permanent sign of the bond between our two communities.

Deacon Rich is planning a mission trip in Fall 2026 and may organize additional trips in the future. If you're interested in visiting, contact the parish office.

Be Part of This Legacy

Every dollar you give goes directly to completing these buildings. Your gift will be matched with prayers from both communities.

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Secure donation via Zeffy. Tax receipt included.