top of page

Vision

Our vision is to be a welcoming, caring parish, making disciples, growing in Christ, spreading His message, and making His love tangible to all.

​

Our motto, United and sent; One in Christ, Serving in Love, draws from the missionary zeal captured in Archbishop Sithembele Sipuka’s vision for the Catholic Church in Cape Town, which is ‘United and Sent’. To help bring this motto to life, our parish participates in the Archdiocese of Cape Town’s Parish Alive initiative, which supports our mission to grow as a welcoming, missionary parish through shared leadership, faith formation, and service.

Clergy

photo placeholder

no bio

Fr Chiedza Chimhanda SJ

Parish Priest

photo placeholder

Kolbe House and St Joseph’s Marist College

Fr Emmanuel Kaparasa SJ

Parish Assistant Priest

photo placeholder

no bio

Rev Tony van Vuuren

Deacon

photo placeholder

no bio

Rev Les Ruhrmund

Deacon

Leadership

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

St Michael’s is blessed by a team of dedicated, enthusiastic and capable adults, both young and old, who constitute our Parish Pastoral Council (PPC). Some members of the PPC run specific ministries; others are active in teams or responsible for other activities.

photo placeholder

I have been part of St Michael’s for many years and have had the privilege of serving in a number of different ways. During my previous term on the Parish Pastoral Council, I led the Marriage and Family Ministry, and I am currently serving as Chairperson of the Parish Pastoral Council.

Professionally, I am a psychotherapist, and I have always appreciated the privilege of journeying alongside people as they navigate the different seasons of their lives. This work has allowed me to continue learning and growing through the various people I encounter.

I am married to Robert and we have four young adult boys. In my free time, I enjoy creative projects, cooking and trying new recipes, spending time outdoors, riding my bike with Robert, and reading and learning about things that interest me.

Janine Boulle

Chair of PPC | Youth and Young Adults

photo placeholder

I am an investment professional in the financial markets and have been a parishioner at St Michael’s since 2004. I am assisted in the Liturgy by Andre van Graan and Amy Wasserfall.

Allan Allison

PPC Vice Chairperson | Liturgy

photo placeholder

I have been a St Michael’s parishioner since 2009. I am originally from Gauteng where I completed my high school. I came to study at UCT and have never left Cape Town since. I am married with two junior school daughters. Father Harrie married my husband and I and so St Michael’s has always had a special place in my heart.
I believe in being intentional and making a positive impact in the lives of others. As a family, we love being involved in the parish and interacting with the community. Recently, I was a sponsor to an RCIA candidate, which was so fulfilling and enriching, as I deepened my faith through continuous learning.
I am deeply committed to fostering inclusive, values-driven communities where compassion and justice meet practical action. I believe we all have a duty to leave the world in a better place than we found it through collaboration, listening and purposeful engagement.

Bronwyn Buchanan

Community Outreach

photo placeholder

I grew up in a Catholic home where faith was a natural part of everyday life. Over time, that foundation deepened through my own journey, which included meeting my husband (who was not Catholic at the time), and finding a parish where we both felt at home.

In 2007, we became parishioners at St Michael’s in Rondebosch, and in time, our two children were also welcomed into the parish community. St Michael’s has since become central to my faith and sense of belonging. Shortly after joining, I began volunteering in fundraising, which has grown into a meaningful way for me to serve both the parish and God.

Alongside this, I followed a long-held dream of opening my home to international language students, welcoming people from diverse cultures. Sharing a meal, beginning with prayer, reflects my belief in connection, hospitality, and the spirit of the Last Supper.

As Parish Development Head, I bring this same spirit into my role fostering connection, supporting parish initiatives, and helping to build a welcoming, faith-based community.

Carol Rasmussen

Parish Development

photo placeholder

I have been a parishioner at St. Michael’s since April 2023, when I was received into the Catholic Church. Prior to that I was Protestant for about 25 years (various evangelical denominations but mostly Anglican). This shift to Catholicism came as a great – but very happy – surprise to me on this mysterious faith journey.
I am married to Vanessa, and we have two primary school-aged children, Sophia and James. I really enjoy small group ministry and lead the Men’s Breakfast, where we have a lot of laughs but also look seriously at faith and life together. Beyond church and family, I work in the Loyalty Marketing industry and am a keen runner – trail and road.

Chris Hall

Faith Formation

photo placeholder

A parishioner of St. Michael's since 2014, I found a spiritual home in Cape Town after relocating from Johannesburg. Originally from Gutu, Zimbabwe, I am blessed with a lovely family – my wife Mellania and our three children. Our two daughters attend Springfield Convent, while our young son keeps everyone on their toes at home.

Professionally, I work as a senior big data engineer with Amazon Web Services, a career complemented by an entrepreneurial spirit I hope to nurture further. Outside of work and family, I am an avid marathon runner who has recently discovered a passion for the Comrades Marathon.

Having been involved in parish ministry earlier in life, I now lead the Evangelisation ministry, a role I embrace with a heart for mission and for making faith accessible to those on the periphery. Above all, family time and the outdoors bring me the greatest joy. I look forward to serving and helping strengthen the bonds within the parish community.

Emmanuel Mashandudze

Evangelisation

photo placeholder

I joined St Michael’s in 2021, having previously been a parishioner at St Bernard’s, Newlands. Originally from Yorkshire, England, I met my South African husband, Fanie, during our studies. We live in Newlands, and have three children, Jennie (24), Daniel (18) and Eloise (16).

I am a language teacher by profession and have taught French from beginner level to matric for the past 30 years. Currently, I am enjoying teaching French part-time at UCT in the School of Languages and Literature.

I am passionate about education, and the important role that languages, literature and the creative arts play in building bridges between people. In my own faith, I am drawn to Ignatian Spirituality and the Jesuit Way, which invites us to pay attention to the workings of our inner life and discover “God in all things”.

Our community at St Michael’s is fully alive to the times of rapid social change we are living through. As we continue to grow together, we all hope to become a greater source of care and support, shared knowledge and interesting encounters.

Sarah du Toit

Marriage and Family

photo placeholder

My name is Claudio, and I am the Youth Coordinator at St Michael’s. I have been involved in LifeTeen, EDGE, and Confirmation ministry for 10 years, inspired by a promise I made to Cardinal Napier at my Confirmation.

Before my Confirmation, I struggled to attend Mass and strongly disliked LifeTeen. I felt I had no place to belong or friends, and avoided church events whenever I could. During my Confirmation year, a now good friend simply walked up to me and said, “Hello”. That small gesture changed my perspective. I gradually felt welcomed, found a sense of belonging, and eventually became a LifeTeen leader.

I have now served as Youth Coordinator for five years and love every moment. My ministry focuses on faith formation for Grades 7–11 through the Catechism using LifeTeen.

In 2026, my goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where every teen feels loved, belongs, and grows closer to Jesus.

Claudio de Sousa

LifeTeen and Confirmation leader

photo placeholder

no bio

James Collett

Financial Stewardship

photo placeholder

no bio

Gill Greenwood

General and Care Group

photo placeholder

I'm a 19 yr old book worm and transforming young adult – as I'm still figuring out what I'm made of, but knowing God knows me settles the anxiety. I was raised Catholic, attended Holy Cross Convent School in Maitland and have since been part of 2 parishes as a parishioner growing up. I love creating and writing stories, which has sparked my interest in the Liturgy of the Word. My First Holy Communion inspired be to become a Reader (I read at my First Holy Communion), as well as the influence of hearing a lady read made me feel so inspired to serve God in this 'Little Way' (being inspired by Saint Thérèse of Lisieux). I thoroughly enjoy bringing the readings to life and I consider myself a bit of an actress. The direction I've received has inspired me to be of support to others.

As an assistant to the leaders of both the Liturgy and Youth Portfolios, I am committed to providing a Youth's perspective and to become more participatory; setting an example to other Youth as to how they can reach out and actively participate in Parish activities surrounding the Youth and Liturgy portfolios, as well as others.

Amy Wasserfall

Young Adults team

photo placeholder

no bio

Sue Dickson

Safeguarding team leader

photo placeholder

no bio

Pat McEwen

Catholic Women’s League

photo placeholder

no bio

Br Fortune Chakasara FMS

Representative of the Religious Communities

photo placeholder

no bio

Lebohang Makoko Sebeho

Representative of the Kolbe House Catholic Chaplaincy

photo placeholder

no bio

Andre Van Graan

PPC Secretary

bottom of page