Invitation to Mass
Spend time with God!
You may feel a little nervous going to church for the first time, but don't worry.
Chofu Church warmly welcomes first-time visitors.
It's okay if you don't know anything about Mass. Why not join us?
If you would like, please tell the attendant at the church entrance that this is your first time here.
We will provide you with instructions.
Of course, you are welcome to pray quietly by yourself.
Mass Guide
What is Mass?
The Mass is a gathering that originates from Jesus' "Last Supper."
We receive the bread and wine as the body and blood of Christ, and aim to become one with Christ. We read the Bible, offer prayers, and give thanks.
How can I attend Mass?
Please feel free to come to Mass any time. Even if it is your first time, you can simply stand or sit in harmony with the others, listen to the Bible readings, and sing along. Donations are optional (not mandatory).
In the second half of the Mass, there is a "Sign of Peace." We greet (bow) those around us, saying "Peace of the Lord."
At the end of the Mass, there is "Holy Communion." Catholic baptized believers can receive the Eucharist, which is the body of Christ. If you have not yet been baptized, please tell the priest "I would like a blessing" and bow your head slightly. After the blessing is over, say "Amen."
Is it okay to bring children?
Some people may be worried about whether it is okay to bring children to mass.
Don't worry, Chofu Church has a room where you can attend mass with your children.
Chofu Church Information
What is the Catholic Church?
Our church is the "Catholic Church." Catholic means "universal" or "worldwide." It is a church that has inherited a 2,000-year tradition that began with Jesus' disciples, and spreads throughout the world with the Pope as the center of unity. There are approximately 1.3 billion believers worldwide.
About 2000 years ago, Jesus preached to the people of Judea (now Israel) and performed miraculous deeds. The core of his teaching was, "God loves you. Love God and love one another."
Jesus taught the way to God and man and set an example for people, but he incurred the wrath of the religious leaders of the time and was crucified. However, as foretold in the Old Testament, Jesus resurrected on the third day and commanded his disciples to "go into all the world and preach the gospel," and returned to God.
The disciples, as commanded by Jesus, spread Jesus' teachings to people, and a group of people who believed in Jesus as the Lord and Christ (Savior) was born. This is the "church."
The church is a community of people who believe in Jesus and seek to walk in his way.
What is Mass?
The Mass is a gathering that originates from Jesus' "Last Supper."
On the night before his death on the cross, Jesus had a supper with his disciples, and at that table he gave them bread and wine, saying, "This is my body and my blood." And he commanded his disciples, "Do this in remembrance of me."
For the 2,000 years since then, the Church has held Mass to commemorate Jesus' death and resurrection, and to unite with Jesus by receiving him, who is present in the bread and wine.
During the first half of Mass, we hear the verse of Scripture designated for each day and give thanks for the grace of salvation made possible by Jesus.
In the second half, we gather around the Lord's table (altar) to offer bread and wine, and partake of the bread that becomes the body of Christ (the Eucharist).
Mass is conducted by a priest. Mass is held not only on Sundays but also on weekdays, and may also be held for weddings and funerals. At Sunday Mass, a pamphlet called "Bible and Liturgy" with the Bible of the day printed on it is distributed, but please take it home after the mass.
What does "Amen" mean at the end of a prayer? And why do we say "Amen"?
Amen is a Hebrew word meaning "Truly" or "May it be so." In Christianity, it is recited by everyone at the end of a prayer to express agreement and unity with the representative's prayer. Although it is a short phrase, it can be seen as a confession of faith that expresses the wish that "it be so."
What is the difference between Catholics and Protestants?
Chofu Church is a Roman Catholic church.
There are three denominations of Christianity: Catholicism, Protestantism, and Orthodox. Although there are some differences in their interpretation of the Bible and their doctrines, they are all Christian. Recently, the "ecumenical movement" has been taking place, and in Japan, the interdenominational New Interconfessional Translation of the Bible has been published and is used by many denominations. The Catholic Church is united under the Pope of Rome, and its doctrines are unified.
How can I attend Mass?
Please feel free to come to Mass any time. Please join in singing hymns and listening to the Bible readings with the other believers. Donations are optional (but not mandatory).
In the second half of the Mass, there will be a "Sign of Peace." Please say "Peace of the Lord" and greet (bow) those around you.
At the end of Mass, Holy Communion is held. The faithful receive Christ (the Eucharist) inside the round bread.
Holy Communion is limited to baptized Catholics, but those who have not yet been baptized can receive a blessing instead.
Line up with the other believers and bow slightly in front of the priest or minister, saying, "Please give me a blessing."
When the blessing is over, please say "Amen" and return to your seat.