St. Vitalis Mission is one of the newest missions in the Diocese of Masvingo and the second in the Mwenezi Deanery after Matibi. Formerly an outstation of Matibi and Rutenga Missions, it was officially established as an independent mission with resident priests following its opening by Rt. Rev. Michael Bhasera on 11 September 2009, during the Year of Priests. The Mwenezi Rural District Council allocated land for the construction of the mission and St. Vitalis Primary School, which now has an enrolment of 610 pupils. The mission serves close to 200 parishioners drawn from nine outstations: St. Vitalis, Garare, Mushava, Batanai, Chitanga, Chimbudzi, Marinda, Rata, and Chirindi. The furthest outstation, Chirindi, is 145 km away, while the average distance of the others is around 90 km.

Most of these outstations are located in resettlement areas where livelihoods are primarily based on subsistence farming. The majority of parishioners are elderly, as many youths migrate soon after school to engage in cross-border trade. Mwenezi has historically been a stronghold of the Lutheran Church but now faces growing competition from Pentecostal denominations that are increasingly active in the resettlement areas. To support faith formation, St. Vitalis Mission relies on nine voluntary catechists, one serving each parish. The mission continues to grow spiritually and physically; last year, the grotto of Our Lady and a six-foot concrete cross were blessed during a confirmation ceremony for 65 candidates.

St. Vitalis Mission is home to several vibrant church associations that strengthen the faith community. The St. Anne’s Association is the most active, complemented by others such as St. Joseph’s, Moyo Musande, Hosi Yedenga, Simon Peter, St. Mary’s, and Missionary Childhood. In 2024, the Couples Association was introduced and received with great enthusiasm, especially at the main center. Through these associations and growing participation, St. Vitalis Mission continues to build a strong Catholic presence in Mwenezi, nurturing both spiritual growth and community development.