Japan Catholic News
September 2008
LANGUAGE TEACHER HELPS NEWCOMER FOREIGN
PRIESTS SERVE IN OKINAWA
Catholic Weekly, September 21, 2008
Priests and religious from India, the Philippines and Vietnam and are
increasing in Okinawa presenting the diocese with the challenge to
welcome them and help them acquire Japanese language capability.
"When they can manage Japanese, they can be an arm of the Church
in Japan," said Mami Masuda, 55, a parishioner of the Asato Church
in Naha city, explaining why she organized a two-hour Japanese language
class twice a week for newcomer missionaries.
She used to be a teacher at a Catholic school in Tokyo. She happened
to join a Tokyo diocesan summer camp in Okinawa, which led her to a
marriage and family life in Okinawa. An encounter with Fr. Rommel Cruz
of the Mission Society of the Philippines, pastor of Yomitan Church,
got her involved in teaching Japanese.
Fr. Cruz had enrolled in a Japanese language school designated by the
diocese, but being busy with apostolic services, he could hardly keep
up with classes, and came to her for help.
She began with translation of his English sermons and training of his
vocal presentation in Mass.
"The Catholic Church has a long history in Vietnam and the Philippines," Masuda
said, "of which the dispatched priests and religious are proud.
Teaching sometimes demands a delicate approach."
Masuda described the challenge of teaching priests, saying, "Senior
priests with a higher education background are difficult to deal with
in comparison with young seminarians, as they are in general perfectionists,
and tend to be too anxious about results. You need to alter the manner
of teaching, placing more emphasis on practice rather than grammar.
The purpose of their coming to Japan was not to get full marks at school."
"After a year or so," she continued, "I became aware
that a curriculum designed for daily usage in church could be better
as a shortcut to the goal."
She developed a course program and allowed eight or so Filipino and
Vietnamese into her class. As occasions arose, she exchanged ideas
and opinions with the diocesan language school.
"Since they were committed to come to Japan," she commented, "they
are supposed to commit themselves to the language as well, so that
they may continually renew their missionary engagement to the Church
in Japan."
She added, "Our practical course is centered upon Mass. We conduct
rehearsals of reading Bible passages, and help priests be sure of the
order of Mass. Word-checking sermons can be the most sensitive part
of my job. A pastor's sermons contain deep meaning. Misinterpretation
may lead to misunderstanding. My Japanese is tested out. I had to study
anew the technicalities of translation and wording of Japanese."
She continued, "Teaching Japanese is one of the mainstays of the
Naha bishop's plan to invite more foreign priests. I understand it
is also true with the missionaries coming to Japan. So I have poured
my heart and will into this mission."
Once Masuda had to work on translating a sermon from Vietnamese, consulting
a dictionary word by word, which was time-consuming. She thought that
the ideal would be to work on a one-on-one basis, with one volunteer
to one priest. She began to look for new volunteers.
She concluded, "As far as I know, three priests are coming from
the Philippines next year. When they have completed the course, the
first stage of my teaching mission will be over."
KANAGAWA CHURCHES COOPERATE FOR INTERNATIONAL
WELFARE
Catholic Weekly, September
14, 2008
 Some 100 people participated in a "Prayer Gathering for Peace" Aug.
24 at the Fujisawa Church and discussed aid and peace. This was the
first joint meeting of international aid groups of Yokohama diocese
Kanagawa No. 5 District.
The Cambodian Welfare Fund Fujisawa, the group Madeleine for East Timor
and other circles and individuals working for Asians or Africans were
present.
The meeting began with the introduction of groups and individuals,
followed by a speech by Yokohama diocesan Fr. Michitaka Yamaguchi who
is active in the promotion of peace and international aid.
Fr. Yamaguchi spoke about the relationship between action groups and
their churches. It is desirable that the parish should boost groups'
activities wholeheartedly, while the groups themselves should develop
a cooperative relationship with parishioners.
Fr. Yamaguchi presented a set of action rules, saying, "An annual
review is a must. As things change rapidly, you need to adjust your
program to any new situation that has occurred. Always ask yourselves
if the plan proves useful for the local people's self-reliance."
He continued, "It is imperative for us to fight against environmental
hazards, racial discrimination, and poverty. As Japan becomes a multi-ethnic
society, we are supposed to think more seriously about change of life
style, aid for foreigners and world peace."
Friends of Uganda is an aid group based at the Fujisawa Church engaged
in support for Ugandans for about 20 years through a Columban priest.
Hisako Ukita, 89, a member of the group said, "War spoils human
souls. But, the absence of war does not necessarily mean peace. If
the current luxury of Japan stands on the poverty and hardships of
Asians or Africans, the Uganda problem appears to have a direct relationship
with Japan, and further down even in my own daily life."
"Looking down around my feet first," Ukita continued, "then
raising my eyes to the goal I aim for, and beginning to act on small
things that I can deal with together with friends are the steps I usually
follow. This gathering of various action groups encouraged me as I
became aware that we held a common heart for peace."
The seven churches belonging to the district, Fujisawa, Ofuna, Totsuka
and others, meet regularly to exchange information on welfare issues.
When, for instance, they heard that Cambodia needed mosquito nets or
glasses, the information spread to the member churches swiftly, and
the needed goods were readied for sending off. Thus, a peace network
works among them.
Namiki Torigai a university sophomore from Katase Church expressed
her impression on the first assembly. "As I am going to Cambodia
as a Japanese language teacher for one year from September, I will
try everything possible, not only the language but also other things
such as sports or dancing, to help Cambodian children live a better
and joyful life."
PROTESTANT PASTOR USES FARMING TO REACH
TROUBLED YOUTH
Catholic Weekly, September 21, 2008
 In Tokyo's Machida City and Ibaraki's Ryugasaki City, two
organic farms known as Cosmo Plantations have been taking
care of truant students, high school dropouts, and bullied
students for 20 years.
Toshifumi Aso, 67, pastor of the United Church of Christ in Japan Hyakunincho
Church, started Cosmo Plantations to offer downtrodden youths the opportunity
to thrive in a friendly environment, set a table together, and find
a sense of family.
Under the hot August sun, without complaint, without a single word,
two youths came to help with the day's farm work at the Ryugasaki plantation.
For lunch, they had spaghetti with vegetables from their summer harvest,
salad with special recipe dressing, goya juice and mint tea, all made
by Pastor Aso.
One of the youths said, "I can't eat convenience store bento anymore," after
experiencing such great food and companionship.
Cosmo Plantation is totally organic, with no pesticides used. The farmers
go even further, trying to use technology as little as possible. Raising
60 kinds of agricultural product every year, they make their own miso,
soba noodles, bread, pizza, smoked meats, kimchi, mochi, and jam.
"Using machines and chemicals keeps the humanity out of it," said
the pastor. "Children with broken relationships, fear of large
groups or histories of pain gather at Cosmo Plantation, and some children
find their hearts here."
At Cosmo Plantation, youths build human relationships through nature:
weeding, farming, preparing meals. If they can succeed at farm work,
it doesn't matter whether or not they talk.
Pastor Aso started farming around 20 years ago, when school violence
was beginning to be a social problem. Those who live and work at the
plantations are boys and girls in their teens and twenties who don't
want to go to school or out in society, or who have given up hope of
getting into a good school, youths who feel themselves victims of society.
Many of the participants are attending or have graduated from Cram
School Cosmo, where they have access to free space and general study
time as they set their sights on high school graduation.
In order for scarred youths to thrive in society, Pastor Aso wanted
to create a different kind of school. He created Cram School Cosmo
as part of Ode Cram School so that students could freely study farming,
psychology, multimedia, art and subjects based on their own interests
in a seminar style. As a teacher, Pastor Aso first began lecturing
about food supply and environmental problems in the world.
"From the food problem, we saw an opportunity to improve relations
within Asia, and for the first two years, I talked with the kids about
the world's food supply issues, but that won't solve the problem. So,
I asked them, 'What if we farmed?' and the kids said, 'Let's do it!'
Soon after, we were renting land from Machida City to start Tsurugawa
Plantation, even though when I (first) saw a worm, I screamed, jumped,
and ran away. I honestly was not a fan of a life in the dirt."
But, Pastor Aso quickly adapted to life as a farmer, bought a field
of about 6000 square meters in Ryugasaki, and rented about 2000 more,
enlisting the help of young people to stay with him full time.
The Ryugasaki plantation has room to house over 30 people. The kids
stay up late into the night talking, just like family. Even after graduation
from Cosmo, they live supporting each other. "This is where I
belong," and "Nowhere else are people this kind," they
say.
"One quarter of the harvest for the birds, one quarter for the
bugs, one quarter is ours, and one quarter for God," is Pastor
Aso's motto. The quarter-harvest set aside for God is passed out to
foreigners in distress and day laborers at Maria Cafeteria in Tokyo's
Sanya district.
Pastor Aso's dream is to open a "Field Cafe" at the Ryugasaki
plantation, with a cafeteria serving food from the plantation, and
a store to sell Cosmo's processed foods, overall a place to relax and
exchange news. Instead of cash, customers could pay by working in the
fields. Pastor Aso is considering the idea of making a currency just
for his area. Through farming, he wants to reach beyond borders and
improve relations not just locally, but among youth throughout Asia.
TRAINING STAFF PREPARE FOR OPENING OF NEW
NATIONAL SEMINARY
Catholic Weekly, September
14, 2008
 In anticipation of the opening of the Japan Catholic Seminary next
April, the Fukuoka St. Sulpice Seminary hosted a joint session of seminary
teachers Sept. 1-5. The rectors of both the Fukuoka seminary and the
Tokyo Catholic Seminary came together with 13 teachers. They were joined
on Sept. 4 by Nagasaki Archbishop Mitsuaki Takami and Kyoto Bishop
Yoshinao Otsuka on behalf of the bishops' Seminary Opening Preparation
Committee. The main activity, however, took place on Sept. 3, when
seminary formation staff from all over Japan came together for a national
meeting.
Sulpician Fr. Mitsuru Shirahama, chairman of the Seminary Opening Preparation
Committee, said of this year's meeting, "It was our understanding
that we needed to decide things at least half a year in advance."
"We got to see the outlines of the new seminary," he added.
At the end of July, once the bishops' conference began deciding the
daily routine and regulations for the new institute, the general training
regimen solidified. Looking at a survey filled out by current theology
students, the conference came to decisions regarding trips outside
the seminary, spending the night outside the seminary, drinking, smoking,
cell phone usage, and silent meditation time.
Once a year, students will be asked to reflect on and express their
goals for that year regarding individualized training and evaluation
procedures, and the council of formators will do so as well in order
to find a focus for the training in the next year.
With faculty representatives from both the Tokyo and Fukuoka campuses
assembled, they discussed the balance of power and the limits and rights
of each delegation in deciding aspects of the new seminary. The groups
also discussed training and Japanese education for students from outside
the country, the lodging of guests at the institute, campus fees, and
other details.
Staff of both campuses will work to prepare the budget for the new
seminary in time for the bishops' general meeting in February. The
closing of the current seminaries and the new school's opening ceremonies
will be decided later.
Seventeen people representing 13 dioceses participated. They represented
the nation's 50 formators from the 16 dioceses of Japan. The assembly
listened to detailed explanations and expressed opinions, searching
for agreement on how the individual seminaries and staff should deal
with each other, and how the dioceses should share the cost of training
for the sake of the students.
Applications for the 2009 school year are being accepted until Dec.
8. In January 2009 the seminary's first entrance ceremony will take
place in Tokyo. Starting in 2010, the entrance ceremony will be held
in September.
Both Fukuoka and Tokyo campuses want to set up counseling sessions,
and are working to establish rules to allow the return of students
who have dropped out.
After the meeting, Fukuoka St. Sulpice Seminary rector Fr. Tsuyomi
Makiyama said, "We'll have a meeting like this once more next
February. This time was special because we got formators from (many)
dioceses together, and once more verified our cooperative strategies."
The Sulpician priest continued, "Members of both campuses knew
each other well, so the conversation went along smoothly. Though the
conversation was very careful, we realized how distinct the basic traditions
of both the Tokyo and Fukuoka seminaries are. We took time and thought
about the other side, but much remains to be done, and there may be
problems when issues have to be decided after the school opens. After
all that preparation, we were able to get it mostly done, I think."
The finalized written details will be set in October by the bishops'
Seminary Opening Preparation Committee before being sent to the bishops'
conference plenary meeting for final approval.
CAPUCHIN IN OKINAWA MARKS HALF-CENTURY OF
PEACE WORK
Catholic Weekly, August 17,
2008
 "I was anti-war, pro-demilitarization from the day I set foot
in Okinawa," said Capuchin Franciscan Fr. La Salle Parsons who
this autumn will mark the 50th anniversary of his arrival in Japan.
The 77-year-old priest was among the founders of the Catholic Peace
Pilgrimage, a diocese-sponsored event held annually on June 23, Okinawa's
Irei-no Hi (a day of memorial for those who died there during World
War II), and throughout his life on the island, he has engaged in tireless
evangelization and, alongside the Okinawans themselves, has worked
in pursuit of peace.
Fr. La Salle was the youngest of 10 children born to an Irish-American
family in the state of New York. According to the priest, his family
was one for which discussing politics and current events in the living
room was the norm.
Describing his background, he said, "My father's father worked
at the post office, and, when he was younger, was involved with a worker's
union. It was around 1890, a very tough period. He later managed to
become the head of the national union of mail carriers. So I grew up
in a family where I was always told the importance of participation
in current affairs."
His father and older sisters rode the train each day to their workplaces
in New York City, and they spent their commutes reading the views of
editorialists famous at the time.
"One of my sisters worked at the U.N., and the U.N. came home
with her, so to speak," he continued. "Thanks to her, I got
to know the Under-Secretary-General and his wife, and in the 60's met
Mr. Yasushi Akashi (the former Under-Secretary-General) a number of
times. I never thought of myself as an 'activist,' though it seems
I acquired a reputation as 'Fr. Commie.' I was just in an environment
that kept its eyes and ears on the world. I naturally ended up the
same way."
When Fr. La Salle arrived in Okinawa at the age of 28, he naturally
fell in with the peace movement there.
"At first I just studied Japanese, became a kindergarten principal — that
sort of thing," he said.
But from the moment he arrived in Japan, he was against U.S. military
bases.
"That really means I was against warfare. The bases were a means
of attack, not of defending the country. Among the 50 U.S. states,
Japan is the 51st state. It's a puppet."
The more he reflects on the history of war, the more certain he becomes
of its evil.
"War opens a labyrinth from which there is no exit," he said. "Even
conservative intellectuals look at military history and say, 'It's
worthless, after all.'"
It was 22 years ago that he started the Peace Pilgrimage, a procession
from Oroku Church in Naha city to Itoman city's Konpaku-no-To (Tower
of Spirits). After the restoration of Okinawa to Japanese administration
in 1972, the prefecture sponsored a memorial ceremony, and the Churches
also looked for something they could do. They drew some inspiration
from others, such as a group making a pilgrimage as far as Mabuni and
peace activists praying at Konpaku-no-To.
"The impetus was, well, we wanted to march. Not as a government
thing — rather, us coming together on our own," he said. "There
was a desire to pray, something like the Way of the Cross. So, we listen
to war testimonies, but for me it's just like a modern-day passion
play of Christ. We read the same testimonies each year, but each year
it sinks in a little more, and I feel like weeping."
During the 1980's, a chapter of the Council for Justice and Peace (CJP)
was formed in the diocese of Naha, with Fr. La Salle heading it. In
1997, however, at the wish of Bishop Toshio Oshikawa, the local branch
disbanded, drawing protests from other CJP branches nationwide.
But Fr. La Salle answered his critics.
"If I take an organization seriously, I want to abide by its rules.
Since when does a priest contravene the policy of his bishop? If we're
causing trouble for each other internally, how is that 'justice and
peace?'"
Two years later, in 1999, Fr. La Salle and Bishop Oshikawa together
reaffirmed the importance of justice and peace and are feeling about
for solutions that don't involve a diocesan conference.
"I met another Capuchin priest who had been involved in secret
prisoner exchanges and so forth with the Soviet Union all across old
Eastern Europe as a part of (the Catholic organization) Pax Christi.
It was because this was a Catholic group but not directly involved
with official Church organizations that it was possible. He recommended
the same approach here."
Fr. La Salle feels that, in Japan, Franciscans International may be
a good fit. He goes on to explain some of the features which distinguish
them from other Catholic organizations.
"They work for causes like peace, the alleviation of poverty,
and environmental conservation. They have direct relations with the
U.N., but are also grass roots, in a way. Right now, there are two
Franciscans acting as coordinators. The group isn't that rigid."
The Capuchin feels that Okinawa's history with Franciscans underlies
the spirituality of his activities.
"Before the war, Okinawa was Franciscan, and afterward Capuchin.
The current bishop is a Conventual Franciscan. Okinawa could maybe
be called the Island of Francis. That spirituality is important. We
are pro-demilitarization."
He added, "It is said that certain Vietnamese Buddhist priest
taught, 'a smile is the best way to make peace.'"
"The emotion of anger becomes a driving force of action. But it
wasn't so for Francis. I feel that there must be a Franciscan way of
doing things."
CATECHISTS EXPLORE MISSION MANDATE IN SCRIPTURE,
JAPAN CHURCH AND PAPAL TEACHING
Catholic Weekly, September
7, 2008
Some 30 members of the Japan Catechist Society from all over the country
and other participants, about 100 in all conducted a seminar on the
catechist's mission during the organization's annual meeting
at the Infant Jesus Sisters, Nicolas Barré Convent in Tokyo
Aug. 22-23 .
The theme was "What is the Good News? What is evangelization?
Does Jesus live in your deepest self? Learning from the Apostolic Exhortation
of Pope Paul VI Evangelii Nuntiandi (On Evangelization in The Modern
World)."
"Organizing the programs," said Hiroya Nakajima, director
of the society, "we necessarily looked back to the two NICE (National
Incentive Convention for Evangelization) gatherings in 1987and 1993.
We realized that our mission used to be done in the manner of 'handing
down from above.' We need to turn the course 'from bottom to top' by
starting to review our own self-evangelization."
Nagasaki Archbishop Mitsuaki Takami, Tokyo Archbishop Takeo Okada,
and Fr. Hiroshi Sasaki of the Sendai diocese delivered speeches.
Under the title "Evangelization seen in Sacred Scripture" Archbishop
Takami traced words in the Bible that signify evangelization. He referred
to the angel's words, "Look, I bring you news of great joy, a
joy to be shared by the whole people (Luke 2:10)" and said that
the "news of great joy" actually signified Jesus himself,
his being in this world. We are required to ask people what their "great
joy" is and to find out ways to tell them where Jesus is.
Archbishop Okada reviewed the recent events of Catholic evangelization
starting with Pope Paul VI's 1975 apostolic exhortation and continuing
through the two NICE gatherings that focused on Building an Open Church
for Japanese Society and Building Families Founded on the Will of God.
He also explored Pope John Paul II's 1990 encyclical Redemptoris
Missio (On the Permanent Validity of the Church's Missionary Mandate).
The archbishop reflected that the two NICE conventions, organized with
all energies and efforts of the Japanese Catholic Church, had a significant
effect on every Catholic, but he further commented that we should be
aware that if those endeavors do not continue, the effort could stall,
and stop short of the goals.
The Tokyo archbishop concluded his speech with a remark that a network
must be developed to share joys and sorrows of people who stand lonely
amidst the desert of a soulless contemporary world.
"Evangelization of the modern world — A new paradigm" was
Fr. Sasaki's theme. He elucidated Paul VI's Evangelii Nuntiandi, and
recommended that the audience continually scrutinize its message, so
that they may find new ways of evangelization that would suit the current
situation of the ever-changing world.
A voice from the floor reconfirmed the importance of the family in
terms of evangelization of Japan. It said that there were many who
tapped on the church's door because of their domestic problems. Sharing
struggles and difficulties with them was the most urgent mission mandate
of Japanese Catholics.
At the society's annual meeting after the seminar the question of remuneration
of catechists was discussed. Members are aging and retiring. How to
improve financial supports for the catechists themselves and their
mission turned up as an issue. That dioceses and parishes should set
aside a more realistic proportion of their budgets for catechists,
their training, and activities was proposed and gained the attention
of the participants.
CAMBODIAN YOUTH'S FACE RESTORED THROUGH
JAPANESE GENEROSITY
Catholic Weekly, September
7, 2008
A 20-year-old Cambodian man who was hit in the jaw by a stray bullet
when he was 12, causing him to lose the lower left part of his mouth,
finally received proper medical attention thanks to donations of over
six million yen from people all over Japan.
Nurun Chun was treated at St. Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo.
It was the first time that the hospital had treated a foreigner with
injuries like his.
Chun came to Japan on April 7 accompanied by his mother Aimu Kon and
Sr. Kuniko Sonoda of the Sisters of the Infant Jesus of Chauffailles,
who met Chun through her work in Cambodia.
On April 21, he underwent a 21-hour operation in which bone from his
leg, skin from his abdomen, and tendon from his hand were all transplanted
to his face. On July 22, he was released from the hospital, though
he still had to return a few times for follow-up treatment.
On Aug. 12, with some help from the nun who supported him all this
time, Chun gave a speech to thank the doctors and staff of St. Luke's
for their care and support. He greeted hospital director Tsuguya Fukui
in practiced Japanese, saying, "Thank you from the bottom of my
heart."
The doctors and staff greeted him like family, "Hey Chun, how
are ya?" Since his lips are still not functional, there are plans
to bring him back to Japan for further surgery next year.
His mother said, smiling, "I'm happy he's getting better," as
she put a container of water from Lourdes in her bag.
In 2002, the Sisters of the Infant Jesus of Chauffailles in association
with the Japan Lay Missionary Movement established a literacy and childcare
health center for poor families in Siem Riep, in the diocese of Battambang,
near the ruins of Angkor Wat. Chun lives with his parents in a remote
forest. It takes a two-day ride in a cart drawn by cows for him to
get to the health center.
After being shot, Chun would not leave his house because of his disfigurement.
At the center, he received periodic attention from members of Luke
Japan, the volunteer medical association sponsored by St. Luke's International
Hospital. After exams from dental and external medicine specialists,
Sr. Sonoda and others who knew the details of Chun's injury consulted
with the doctors and found a way to get him to Japan for proper treatment.
Many organizations with ties to the Sisters of Infant Jesus of Chauffailles,
including Shinai Girls Academies across Japan, along with other religious
orders and lay Catholics contributed the money that made Chun's treatment
possible. St. Luke's in turn offered the procedure at reduced cost,
with many staff going further to raise more funds, nearly \800,000.
Chun's mother Kon and Sr. Sonoda were taken care of in Japan by Family
House, a charity that helps families of children with incurable diseases
who come to Tokyo for treatment. The two stayed at the "Fish House" on
the grounds of the Jodo temple in Minato ward.
Sr. Sonoda said, "I'm happy he got well so fast... (The treatment)
went on for so long; I hope he can come home soon."
Shinichi Ishimatsu, a Catholic representing Luke Japan, told Chun and
his mother, "The staff tells me, 'We got to do work worthy of
St. Luke.'" The hospital was established in 1902 by Anglican missionary
doctors from the United States.
Sr. Hitomi Ikegami, superior of the Sisters of the Infant Jesus of
Chauffailles in Japan, said, "So many people got together to take
care of him... It's been miraculous. I feel like our relationship with
Cambodia is growing stronger because of Chun."
As of September 1, the date of Chun's return to Cambodia had not been
decided, but the Sisters of the Infant Jesus of Chauffailles are raising
funds for him to come back next year.
Donations can be made in Japan by postal transfer to account 00940-6-184872 "Sisters
of the Infant Jesus of Chauffailles" with the note "Chun's
Medical Fund."
PARISHIONERS INTRODUCE OWN 'CURRENCY' TO
RAISE MONEY FOR NEW CHURCH
Catholic Weekly, August 17,
2008
In order to start saving money in anticipation of building a new church,
the Fukahori Church in Nagasaki began issuing its own currency called "taranton" (from
the Greek word for the ancient currency, talent) on June 29, the Feast
of Saints Peter and Paul. The system encourages parishioners to do
work that was once outsourced to professionals, so that instead of
paying for services, a certain amount of the church's income is set
aside in a special building fund when a parishioner does a particular
service for the church.
Father Shinichi Kamisaki, who put forth the idea to his parish, gave
this example. "If there was going to be a mini-bazaar, those people
working at the Curry Corner might do ¥10,000 worth of sales. The church
might receive half, with the other half going to the workers. Supposing
five people worked the Curry Corner, then each would receive 1,000
taranton."
The remaining ¥5,000 would be set aside for the church building, for
the benefit of all the parishioners. Once construction details have
been decided, the parish will be able to dip into their taranton fund
to ease the financial burden.
"If at that time the parish needs ¥500,000 per family, a family
might be able to use ¥100,000 worth of taranton that's set aside
specifically for construction."
It may take 30 years to build a chapel, since the specifics of the
building are not yet decided, but the parish must decide quickly on
the important things, like whether or not to repair old structures,
whether or not to build new structures and whether or not to expand
the proposed building site.
In order to give parishioners a sense of urgency, a basic design has
been laid out to trigger discussion.
"With the goal of maximizing the church's funds, we want to inspire
the parishioners to think about the building and working hard together," said
the pastor. "Our rebuilding efforts will not simply stop with
the building; united in harmony by communal exchange we want to rebuild
the Church of Christ."
Up until now, work on the churchyard required the help of professional
gardeners, but now the parishioners are thinking about making use of
the taranton system to keep in the parish the money that would have
been paid to the tradesmen.
Fr. Kamisaki said, "Now we have those kinds of applications. We
are now trying to do ourselves what we would usually ask others to
do."
This policy may only be in effect while Fr. Kamisaki is pastor, and
the specifics of this volunteer system are still being decided.
"I hope we can get the attention of other churches thinking about
rebuilding," he said.
DEACON PROVES HELPFUL FOR FOREIGN-BORN PASTORS
Catholic Weekly, August 10, 2008
Since a 1993 feasibility study and its introduction, the permanent
deaconate has taken root in some Japanese dioceses. Bishops ordain
as permanent deacons men who will remain deacons all their life, and
dispatch them to churches to work with pastors.
Naha Bishop Toshio Oshikawa ordained four permanent deacons in 2002.
The aim was to allow newly-arrived foreign priests ample time to learn
Japanese and to concentrate on Mass and spiritual guidance while the
deacons were to preach and tutor catechumens.
Deacon Soken Aragaki, 71, was one of the four. He was assigned to Koza
Church, Okinawa city and gave language support to Indian Fr. Cristin
Manilal, OFMConv. until the 48-year-old priest was transferred to the
Ishikawa Church in Uruma last April.
"A permanent deacon is a deacon, never a little priest," Deacon
Aragaki stressed. "Fr. Cristin and I agreed upon the division
of work and that I would cover the visitation of the sick, the catechesis
of catechumen, the preparation of adult baptisms, and checking the
language of his homilies."
He continued, "I became involved in the liturgies as well. Case
by case, he entrusted to me the best part of rituals of baptism, funerals,
and weddings, as these rites gathered non-Christian neighbors and community
people. To take advantage of the occasions, Fr. Christen liked to hear
me saying prayers and preaching in Japanese."
Parishioners could turn to Aragaki for advice about matters of faith
or family problems.
"Any time such a question was made to me and I was supposed to
visit the inquirer," he said, "I never failed to go there
with Fr. Cristin. A deacon must be a confidant to both pastor and faithful.
But, the basics of deacon's function are to supplement the pastor's
mission."
"At first, there was criticism about the deacon's involvement," he
continued. "I felt frustrated. But, after the five years, I feel
that now they accept me. When people hesitate to go to the pastor because
of language barriers, they come and speak to me openly. They treat
me as a fellow Okinawan, of which I feel glad and proud."
A new pastor, Fr. Senador Lumandas of the Mission Society of the Philippines
arrived in April.
"I had to build up the pastor-deacon relationship from scratch," said
Aragaki, "We needed to learn each others' characters and ways
of doing things. I ruled out comparison between the predecessor and
the successor, as I realized what was required of me was not to look
back, but to step forward to a better mutual cooperation."
"Having a deacon is a grace from God," Fr. Lumandas said. "Language
is one thing and culture is another. Deacon Aragaki helps me a lot
on the cultural matters and with his knowledge and experiences about
the church and parishioners here. As I felt like I was standing on
one leg as a new arrival, he was very helpful. I find he is mature
in faith."
"Deacon and pastor work in different areas, but it is important
for them to share common objectives," said the Filipino priest. "The
relationship should be complementary, based upon common purposes. There
could be conflicts between them, which I think is not unusual. They
occur among priests, too. As far as both are looking at the same goal,
there should be no problems that can be left unsolved. Act and talk
openly and you will get to a mutual understanding."
"Okinawa is made of many islands," Aragaki commented. "Surrounded
by the sea, our words sound rough, but the heart of speakers is tender.
Ichariba chodei, a popular phrase that means 'anyone bumped into is
a brother or a sister' represents the spirit of Okinawa that keeps
me going forward."
"The bishop's plans proved useful," said Fr. Lumandas. "In
view of the fact that Vietnamese priests are increasing in number here,
the Japanese deaconate is indispensable."
Aragaki agreed, saying, "The bishop's foresight and decisiveness
is admirable."
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