“Why Tân Sa Châu?” a visitor once asked. The name itself holds a story. Nhờ sự quan phòng of Chúa, Tân Sa Châu stands as a testament to faith and community. Let’s explore its history together.
Tân Sa Châu Church belongs to the Chí Hòa giáo hạt. It is part of the Tổng Giáo Phận of Ho Chi Minh City. From its establishment, the church has stood for 69 years since 1955. Despite challenges, it continues to thrive. This is due to God’s protection and Saint Joseph’s patronage.
Initially, the area was part of Tân Sơn Hòa xã. Today, it is part of Phường 2 in Tân Bình District. The church is surrounded by other giáo xứ. Giáo xứ Đa Minh is to the east. To the west is Giáo xứ Mẫu Tâm. To the south are Giáo xứ Tân Chí Linh and Vĩnh Sơn. To the north is Giáo xứ Hòa bình.
After 1954, many giáo dân settled here. Most were from Giáo xứ Sa Châu. That is why the name Tân Sa Châu was chosen. Tân means new. It also refers to Tân Sơn Hòa xã. The founders wanted to remind people to remember their roots in Sa Châu.
Today, Tân Sa Châu is diverse. People from across Vietnam gather here. They unite in faith and patriotism. They worship God and honor their Tổ Quốc.
The parish follows ancient Church traditions. The Cha Sở is the spiritual leader. Hội Đồng Mục Vụ supports him. The Ban Thường Vụ leads. Then comes the Ban Điều Hành of the Giáo Khu which includes seven zones.
The Ban Thường Vụ includes several leaders. These include the Chủ tịch Hội Đồng Mục Vụ. Also included are Phó Chủ tịch Nội Vụ and Ngoại Vụ. The Thư Ký and Thủ Quỹ are members. Two Ủy Viên Kinh Tài serve. One member specializes in Truyền Giáo. Another focuses on Giáo Lý. The Ban Điều Hành Giáo Khu includes Trưởng Khu, Phó Khu, Thư ký, and Thủ Quỹ. All assist the Linh Mục Chánh Xứ.
In 2010, the parish had 4,613 members. There were 2,256 men and 2,357 women.
Initially, Father Đa-Minh Mai Ngọc Khuê held Mass in a temporary house. Later, the community built a small church from light materials. Father Đa-minh Mai Ngọc Khuê is considered the founder of Tân Sa Châu.
In 1966, Bề Trên appointed Father Giu-se Ma-ri-a Nguyễn Đức Thịnh. He became Chánh Xứ of Tân Sa Châu. He understood the needs of the giáo dân. They longed for a new Thánh Đường. He began the rebuilding effort.
On April 9, 1967, Đức Tổng Giáo Mục Giáo Phận Sài Gòn laid the first stone. Construction began on April 30, 1967. They dug the foundation for the new Thánh Đường. It was dedicated to Thánh Cả Giu-se. The new Thánh Đường was 43 meters long and 20 meters wide. The bell tower was 31 meters high. Architect Trương Ngọc Minh created the design. Đoàn Hữu Trí completed the project.
In 1969, Đức Cha Fx Trần Thanh Khâm blessed the new Thánh Đường. It was completed thanks to God’s protection. Saint Joseph also helped. The giáo dân contributed generously. The construction cost 30,000,000 đồng.
Father Giu-se Đinh Quang Thịnh became Phó Xứ in 1980. From 1981, he renovated the church. He replaced the pews. He installed a ceiling. He expanded the Cung Thánh. He renovated the Stations of the Cross. He added a lầu cuối Nhà Thờ and two phù điêu. He repaired the roof.
In December 1992, Father Thịnh moved to Giáo xứ Đông Quang.
Many dedicated leaders have served Tân Sa Châu. Father Đa-minh Mai Ngọc Khuê served from 1954 to 1964. Father Gia-cô-bê Đỗ Minh Lý served from 1964 to 1966. Father Giu-se Ma-ri-a Nguyễn Đức Thịnh served from 1966 to 1992. Father Đa-minh Vũ Nguyên Thiều briefly served in 1993. Since 1993, Father Giu-se Nguyễn Hữu Triết has led the church.
The Truyền Giáo efforts have grown since 2000. The Hội Đồng Mục Vụ works with other groups. They prioritize this important work. They use prayer, example, and đức bác ái.
The mission of Giáo Xứ extends beyond its members. It shares the Gospel with everyone. It seeks to bring souls to Christ. This is the duty of every Christian.
The parish strives to maintain its traditions. However, it faces modern challenges. Despite this, love for Giáo Xứ can lead to a better future.
“Where there is love, there is God.” Remember that as you explore Tân Sa Châu.