“What makes Umeda Catholic Church so special?”
Umeda Catholic Church stands before us. It is a beacon of faith in Tokyo’s Adachi ward. This church is more than just a building. It is a vibrant community hub.
Let’s step back in time. In 1964 a plot of land was purchased. The Tokyo Electric Power Company sold it. This marked the beginning of Umeda’s journey. In 1965 the “Umeda Kodomono Ie” opened. It was a kindergarten. The K\u00f6ln Archdiocese of Germany funded it fully. Fr. Peter Heidrich played a vital role in this project. Sunday Mass began in the kindergarten hall.
The idea to build a church was proposed. Archbishop Shirayanagi approved it. In 1986 discussions began. They discussed which district Umeda Catholic Church should oversee. It would be a sub-parish of Adachi Parish. Finally in 1987 the new church was dedicated. The Archbishop of Tokyo celebrated the Holy Mass. Priests and lay people worked hard for this construction. Fr. Iwao Tsukamoto was the first chaplain. He served from 1987 to 1990. He was followed by Fr. Kinji Kawamura and others.
Umeda Catholic Church has a unique environment. It embraces diverse ethnicities. You’ll find parishioners from the Philippines Korea China and more. About 400 non-Japanese attend English Mass every Sunday. The English Mass starts at 2 PM. Migrant workers and their children attend. Many Filipinos came to Tokyo in the early 90s. Now their second generation is growing up here.
This downtown parish is loved by workers. They work in local factories and construction sites. It is similar to Brooklyn in New York City. The church faced challenges in the past. Undocumented people left the country quickly. Those who remained are legally stable. However some face difficulties with their children’s integration. These children often translate for their parents. They experience complex troubles as multicultural kids.
The church supports these children. With CTIC they launched WORKSHOP FOR KIDS. This program builds their identity. It teaches risk management and job skills. Adachi Ward has many working-class residents. Project housing is very popular here. Many psychiatric clinics serve people with mental health issues.
Umeda Catholic Church has various activities. They support the Sisters of Adorers in Peru. They sell coffee after Sunday Mass. This supports their humanitarian work. They also sell pound cakes. This assists Iraqi and Syrian refugees. AA and NA groups hold weekly meetings here.
The church extends its services. Parish priests visit homes. They offer Holy Communion and Anointing of the Sick. Contact the Parish Priest to arrange a visit. Infection control measures are strictly followed.
Umeda Catholic Church warmly welcomes everyone. You can attend the 10 AM Japanese Mass. Or you can join the 2 PM English Mass. The church has facilities for the handicapped. There is a slope an elevator and a toilet. The church is a 5-minute walk from Umejima Station. Parking is limited.
Umeda Catholic Church stands as a testament to faith unity and community. Its history is rich. Its present is vibrant. Its future is bright. As we leave Umeda Catholic Church remember its message. It is a message of hope and inclusion for all.