CPC's Mission Partner, Rev. Mary Catherine Day
Kay was appointed as a PC(USA) mission co-worker in July 2009, and became a mission partner of CPC in November 2009. She serves in Malawi at the invitation of the Blantyre Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP).
She is the synod chaplain, a companion and minister to fellow ministers who each serve, due to a severe clergy shortage, an average of four congregations. She also prepares continuing education opportunities for ministers in the synod. In addition, Kay is the administrator of the Chigodi Women's Centre and serves as facilitator for the Blantyre Synod partnership with the PC(USA)'s Pittsburgh Presbytery.
Teleconferencing with Rev. Day, June 20, 2010
With roots in the Church of Scotland, the Free Church of Scotland, and the Dutch Reformed Church of South Africa, the CCAP was formed in the late 1940s. Presbyterian work there began in the 1950s and has been strengthened through the years by the work of many mission personnel. Blantyre Synod, one of the five synods of the CCAP, is in the southern part of Malawi. Blantyre, the largest city in the country, was founded by Church of Scotland missionaries in 1876 and is named for the birthplace of David Livingstone.
Malawi, in southeast Africa
Reflecting on her experience of teaching in Malawi, Kay writes, "I was deeply committed to prayer before I left the United States and thought that I understood the position and place of prayer in a Christian's life, but I have experienced prayer in a deeper and far more personal way in Malawi than in the States.
"There is a palpable presence of the Holy Spirit that has radically changed my experience of God's power in prayer. The understanding that all of life is in God's control is something that we talk about here in the United States but it's something my brothers and sisters in the faith live in Malawi."
Kay has been involved with Malawi since 1995. She started as a host for visitors from Malawi in Pittsburgh, then became the chair of the partnership committee with Malawi and made three short-term mission trips there.
In 2007 Kay spent a year in Malawi, teaching at Zomba Theological College where she was able to model pastoral care for the seminary students. She also served as a facilitator for visitors to Malawi from Canada and the United States.
Kay served as pastor at Mount Pisgah Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from 2001. She was active there in supporting two local food pantries as well as a shelter for homeless men. She also served as the volunteer chaplain for the local fire department and the city council.
Prior to that she served as chaplain at Presbyterian Senior Care, with responsibilities for leading worship in three facilities and serving as a counselor to over 500 residents and staff members. Before being ordained as a minister of Word and Sacrament, Kay spent 10 years as head of the English Department and a school administrator at both high school and college levels.
Kay holds a bachelor of arts degree in English from Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania; a Master of Divinity from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary; and a master's in English from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh. Kay was ordained to the ministry of Word and Sacrament in 1997 and is a member of Pittsburgh Presbytery. Her birthday is August 9.
Kay and Friends
Click on the pictures to see full-size versions
The first photo is of me with a young man, Shibo, who cares for 80 orphans in his community. I am holding the youngest of his orphans. |
The second is with 2 visitors from Ireland and my Malawian daughter in law, Alinafe. One of the many things I do is host visitors, so they get a feel for the life and ministry here in the Warm Heart of Africa. |
The third is of my "induction" (installation) at the Chigodi congregation. I am standing with the General Secretary's wife and the leader of the Women's Guild, called Mvano. |