Prayer, Beliefs, and the Holy Spirit Prayer, as a means of communication with God, is also an opportunity to give thanks, confess, ask, and plead for others. Here we will explain the basic concepts of Christian teachings and faith, beginning with prayer. What is Baptism? Baptism is the rite of initiation in which we share in the death and resurrection of Christ, are forgiven of all sins, and are reborn anew through water and the Holy Spirit. By being baptized, we become members of the church community as God's people and share the mission of proclaiming the Gospel of Christ. In the Catholic Church, there are seven sacraments, including baptism. A sacrament is a "sign" that God's grace is given through visible actions and words. In principle, the sacraments are administered by a priest. 1) Baptism (receiving water, being born again as a Christian, and becoming a member of the Church) ② Confirmation (by having oil applied to the forehead, one receives the grace of the Holy Spirit and gains the power to testify of one's faith) 3) The Eucharist (receiving bread and wine, which are the body and blood of Christ, and being nourished by the food of life) 4. The sacrament of penance (confessing sins, receiving forgiveness, and being reconciled with God and the Church) 5) Anointing of the sick (to help and strengthen sick and weak believers) ⑥ Ordination (conferring the duties and authority of a church office and receiving the grace to perform them) 7. Marriage (binding a husband and wife in a lifelong bond and receiving blessings) Tell us about your prayers and beliefs. Here are some commonly recited prayers and creeds in the Catholic Church. The Lord's Prayer is a prayer taught by Jesus Christ and is recited by everyone during Mass. " Ave Maria " is a prayer taken from the words of Mary at the time of the Annunciation . In Latin it is called "Ave Maria" and many songs have been composed. The Apostles' Creed is a set of 12 articles of faith that were first compiled by Christians and are recited by all during Mass as a declaration of faith. The Apostles' Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. We believe in one God, Jesus Christ, the only Son of the Father, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, was buried, descended into hell, rose from the dead on the third day, ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty, from whom he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy universal Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. The Apostles' Creed I believe in God the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth. We believe in one God, Jesus Christ, the only Son of the Father, our Lord. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, was buried, descended into hell, rose from the dead on the third day, ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty, from whom he will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy universal Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. What is meant by Father, Son and Holy Spirit? The Christian mystery of God being one in three persons - God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit - is called the Trinity. Jesus called God "Abba" (Father). Christians who are connected to Jesus can also call God intimately "Heavenly Father." Also, when Jesus parted from his disciples, he promised to "send the Holy Spirit," and the Spirit of God that guides the church and believers is called the "Holy Spirit." Catholic doctrine holds that God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit are one God. In Catholicism, we make the sign of the cross before and after praying and say, "In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit." Lord's Prayer Our Father in heaven. May your name be holy. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, and we also forgive others. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Hail Mary Prayer Hail Mary, full of grace, The Lord is with you. Blessed art thou among women, Blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, For us sinners, Now and at the hour of death, Please pray. Amen. return

Catholic Chofu Church Youth Pilgrimage Church Pope Francis has announced that 2025 will be a Holy Year. In his Bull called "Hope Does Not Deceive," he designated 2025 as a Holy Year and invites us to celebrate it with the theme "Pilgrims of Hope." Chofu Church has been designated as a pilgrimage church (especially for young people) by the Tokyo Diocese. Holy Year 2025 – Pilgrims of Hope https://www.cbcj.catholic.jp/catholic/holyyear/jubilee2025/ A Jubilee is a special celebration that the Church observes at least once every 25 years. It is a year of pilgrimage, focusing on the spiritual life, It is a year in which we go to confession, celebrate special masses, and turn to God in thanksgiving and repentance. The Holy Year will begin on December 24, 2024, with the opening of the Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. The Ordinary Jubilee will conclude with the closure of the door on the Feast of Epiphany on January 6, 2026. Chofu Church will start as a pilgrimage church (especially for young people) on December 29, 2024. The Jubilee Year is an opportunity to receive hope from God's grace and to be strengthened in our journey toward God. We are called to be a source of hope to many in times of difficulty. In order to share this blessing with many people, Chofu Church encourages people to interact with the relics in the church. We are preparing a pilgrimage course for you to experience the presence of God. Pilgrimage route information Click to enlarge Chofu Catholic Church The parish, which has St. John Bosco as its patron saint, was approved in 1967. The current cathedral was built in 2008 and is located on the grounds of the Salesian Seminary. The adjacent Cimatti Hall (parish hall) can also be used to hold various events, including concerts. Cathedral (outside) The chapel of Chofu Church is designed based on the motif of the tabernacle where Moses met with God, and is a sacred place. Tabernacle of Meeting (Exodus 33:7-23) "And when Moses entered the tabernacle, the pillar of cloud descended and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses. And when all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the door of the tabernacle, they rose up and worshiped, every man at the door of his tent. And the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend." Cathedral (inside) All seats in the cathedral are arranged facing the altar and the cross of Jesus. There are also 12 small stained-glass windows on both sides of the wall, which embody the image of the 12 apostles watching over the inside of the cathedral. Salesian Seminary Cathedral A replica of the painting "Father Kibe and the 187 Martyrs" by Ando Maki is displayed at the entrance. At the front of the church is the "Bronze Statue of Jesus on the Cross" by Munehiro Ikeda. The reading stand and altar are engraved in seal script with the words "Faith, Hope, and Love," which are the foundations of Christian life. Vincenzo Cimatti Born in Faenza, Italy, he came to Japan in 1926 as a Salesian missionary, dedicated to the formation of young people. He devoted himself to music and prayer, and to establishing churches, schools, and orphanages, and devoted all his efforts to the evangelization of Japan, before passing away in 1965. In 1991, the Church declared him "Venerable," acknowledging that he had heroically lived the virtues of "faith, hope, and charity." Father Cimatti's body is enshrined in the Seminary Memorial Chapel. An autopsy conducted 12 years after his death confirmed that his body had not decayed and that his skin was still elastic, and he remains in his sarcophagus in the Memorial Chapel to this day. Cimatti Museum This museum was built in 1983 on the grounds of the Salesian Seminary to commemorate Father Cimatti's legacy and to preserve and study his materials. The first floor houses a music archive with a collection of over 950 pieces composed by his teacher. Halfway up the stairs are photographs from his time in Italy, and on the second floor are exhibits of his research and collections as a Doctor of Natural Sciences, as well as drafts and handwritten notes on all aspects of music, including music theory and harmony, as well as 6,300 letters collected to date, and information on his missionary life in Japan. Father Chiara's gravestone The tombstone standing quietly in front of the museum is that of Father Giuseppe Chiara, who was the model for Rodrigo, the protagonist of Shusaku Endo's "Silence." In the 17th century, there was a "Christian House" near Myogadani Station in Bunkyo Ward, where ten missionary priests who renounced their faith in 1643 were interred. Father Chiara died of illness in 1685 and was buried at Koishikawa Muryoin Temple, but in 1943 Father Tassinari of the Salesian Society discovered the tombstone and moved it to Chofu Theological Seminary. It is currently designated as a cultural property of Chofu City. Replica of the Shroud According to the Bible, Jesus' body was wrapped in "linen, sindum, and shroud." The shroud, which is said to have been preserved, is located in Turin, northern Italy, and a replica is on display at the Cathedral in Chofu (only at Chofu Church in Japan). The shroud bears the same bloodstains as Jesus, including the crucifixion, scourging, crown of thorns, nail marks, and piercing wounds to the chest, and records the suffering and resurrection of Jesus. Holy Shroud HP ( https://sindon-jp.com/ ) Plenary Indemnity A plenary indulgence is a complete remission of the punishment that one would have received as an apology for a sin that has been committed, by God's mercy and grace. Parents may try to punish their children severely for the sake of their education, as they want to raise them to be considerate people because of their selfish behavior. By making them suffer a little, they make them realize the seriousness of what they have done. However, as soon as the child realizes his or her own fault, reflects on it, and apologises, the parents immediately waive the punishment and embrace the child lovingly, praising him or her for being honest. When we commit a sin, we hurt and sadden God and our neighbors by behaving selfishly. We also forget God's mercy and distance ourselves from him. However, when we sincerely regret the sin we have committed, receive the sacrament of penance, and resolve to move forward as new people, the Church can, on God's behalf, absolve us from making the reparation we should have made, that is, from accepting punishment as a sign of our apology. This is what is called "indulgence." God is pleased with and fully accepts our "sincere and honest attitude of remorse" and our "positive determination to deepen our love." This historical form, which God is full of love for human beings and which we are not aware of, is called "penal indulgence." In sending us his Son, Christ, God makes us realize his call to mercy. Christ has forgiven us, freed us from our sins, and redeemed us. In gratitude for this fact, the Church gives Christians public encouragement in the form of "indulgences," or "freedom of reparation," so that they too may love, support, and show solidarity with one another. A plenary indulgence is a complete remission of the punishment that one would have received as an apology for a sin that has been committed, by God's mercy and grace. Parents may try to punish their children severely for the sake of their education, as they want to raise them to be considerate people because of their selfish behavior. By making them suffer a little, they make them realize the seriousness of what they have done. However, as soon as the child realizes his or her own fault, reflects on it, and apologises, the parents immediately waive the punishment and embrace the child lovingly, praising him or her for being honest. When we commit a sin, we hurt and sadden God and our neighbors by behaving selfishly. We also forget God's mercy and distance ourselves from him. However, when we sincerely regret the sin we have committed, receive the sacrament of penance, and resolve to move forward as new people, the Church can, on God's behalf, absolve us from making the reparation we should have made, that is, from accepting punishment as a sign of our apology. This is what is called "indulgence." God is pleased with and fully accepts our "sincere and honest attitude of remorse" and our "positive determination to deepen our love." This historical form, which God is full of love for human beings and which we are not aware of, is called "penal indulgence." In sending us his Son, Christ, God makes us realize his call to mercy. Christ has forgiven us, freed us from our sins, and redeemed us. In gratitude for this fact, the Church gives Christians public encouragement in the form of "indulgences," or "freedom of reparation," so that they too may love, support, and show solidarity with one another. Conditions for Obtaining Plenary Indemnity Moved by a spirit of charity, before and after carrying out the works (A, B, C) prescribed by the Church for a Plenary Indulgence , three fundamental conditions must be fulfilled: Three basic conditions (01-03) Receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation Before receiving a plenary indulgence, one must receive the sacrament of reconciliation (confession). 01 02 Receiving Holy Communion After receiving the sacrament of reconciliation, you must receive Holy Communion. 03 Praying for the Pope's wishes We need to pray a special prayer that the Pope intends. Lord's Prayer Hail Mary Prayer Glory Singing (Praise of the Most Holy Trinity) Declaration of Faith Pilgrimage course schedule and application method 1. Supervising priest: Father Yamanouchi Record of the Journey of the Catholic Chofu Church This record will begin in April 2024 and run through the Holy Year of 2025, the 100th anniversary of the Salesian Society's arrival in Japan. This is a record of the graces that the Catholic Chofu Church community has received as a pilgrimage church from the Lord Jesus Christ and the journey that it has traveled together with the Holy Spirit . Chofu Church Journey Record

Invitation to Mass Spend time with God! Invitaion to Mass 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 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. Here are some other Christian related topics: Chofu Church Information Chofu Church Information Chofu Church campus map gallery Christian Church Basic Information Christian Church Basic Information Please refer to the Q&A format that summarizes basic information about Christian churches. If you would like to know more, please ask a priest or come to a Sunday mass. Q&A Weddings and Funerals Q&A Prayer, Beliefs, and the Holy Spirit Q&A on the Bible, Christmas and Easter About Chofu Church 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. Q&A Weddings and Funerals Q&A Prayer, Beliefs, and the Holy Spirit Q&A on the Bible, Christmas and Easter

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Shalom "Shalom" delivers information about various church activities and events to all members of Chofu Church. We hope that it will help you deepen your faith and understanding of the church through stories from the Bible and messages from the priest. We also welcome submissions from members at any time. Please send us information about events at the church and words of gratitude. Click on the file to download it. September Issue The magazine reports on various events held at Chofu Church, including a speech from Father Angel related to Christmas, the autumn general meeting of parishioners, a Respect for the Aged Day gathering, a bazaar, Shichi-Go-San celebrations, and information about pilgrimage churches. September Issue The magazine reports on various events held at Chofu Church, including a speech from Father Angel related to Christmas, the autumn general meeting of parishioners, a Respect for the Aged Day gathering, a bazaar, Shichi-Go-San celebrations, and information about pilgrimage churches.

For first-time visitors 青少年活動の調布教会 Anyone can enter the church. The chapel is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on days other than Sunday, so please feel free to come in and pray. The mass held there is an important ceremony held by the Catholic Church to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Anyone can participate. Please feel free to ask any of the guides wearing armbands for assistance. Sunday School Every Sunday at Chofu Church, there is a lot of excitement! Why not have fun learning about Christianity through Bible stories and games? We will help children grow into rich-hearted people while deepening their interactions with their peers. Through Mass and the Bible, we learn to live a rich life. Youth Association If you are now a working adult, why not come and learn and grow with us at church? Let's share our worries and joys in our respective positions, such as work and further education, and carve out our future together. We will encourage each other and grow together towards our dreams for the future. Junior and Senior High School Students Association It is a place where we can share our worries and joys and grow together. They attend mass, do community service, and make lots of memories with their peers. As they deepen their friendships, they grow into independent, responsible, and broad-minded young people. Vietnam Youth Activities (Don Bosco Oratorio) In a foreign land, Japan, we are carrying on the Salesian spirit and working to support the growth of young people. Young people from Vietnam are making use of their talents and passion to contribute to the local community. Through studying Japanese, volunteering, and above all, living together with their peers, they grow and teach us many things. Their smiles and enthusiasm are breathing new life into the church.

Liturgy and Event Calendar These are Chofu Church's liturgies and church events for 2024. (Click the download button to download the annual calendar.) At the bottom is the schedule for volunteers cleaning the church who will be volunteering as parishioners. 📅Cleaning Volunteer Calendar Chofu Church Liturgical Event Schedule download Volunteer Clean-up

Our Father Introduction of the Chief Priest Father Angel Yamanouchi Briefly introduce yourself and share something interesting with website visitors. Double click to edit the text. Rector of Salesian Seminary Father Haruyama Rapp I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. Let your users get to know you. A leading researcher into the Shroud of Turin Father Gaetano Compri Go to Father Compri's research results page Parish Secretary Father Nakata I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. Let your users get to know you. Office Manager Father Marsilio I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. Let your users get to know you.

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