Imagine Tokyo in 1945. World War II’s fires ravaged many Catholic churches. Ichikawa Catholic Church emerged from this destruction. It became a beacon of hope.
Archbishop Peter Tatsuo Doi invested private money. He sought to aid those lost in the war. Support came from Honjo Church and people from Hirado in Kyushu. They established Ichikawa Catholic Church as an evangelization base.
In 1949, the church moved to its present site in Yawata. Before that, it was in Kitakata in Ichikawa City. Father Joachim Tadao Hirata was the first chaplain. He served for 14 years. Later, Koiwa Church and Funabashi Church became independent parishes. They separated from Ichikawa Church.
Ichikawa Catholic Church is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary. It stands as a testament to faith. The church has grown over the years. It has adapted to the changing needs of its community.
Father John Makoto Shibata followed Father Hirata. He served for 16 years from 1960. Father John Kinmei Tsukamoto also served for 16 years. He began his service in 1976. Father Francisco Xavier Zengo Yoshida served for 10 years from 1991. His sudden death in 2001 deeply saddened the community. Father Martial Kazuyoshi Aoyama served briefly. He was chaplain from 2002 to 2003. Father Bernard Takeshi Ohara arrived as pastor in April 2003.
Ichikawa Catholic Church embraced new policies from the Tokyo Archdiocese. These included layperson formation. They also provided support for foreign workers. Cares were given for mental diseases. The church organized Keiyou Mission Cooperative Community. Koiwa Church, Shiomi Church, and Kasai Church joined this community. They worked together on evangelization and pastoral care.
Today, Ichikawa Catholic Church continues its mission. It offers Sunday Mass in Japanese, English, and Spanish. They are at 8:00, 10:30, 13:30 on the first Sunday, and 13:00 on the second and fourth Sundays respectively. A Kodomo Hiroba hosts Sunday School. It serves children under 18 with non-Japanese parents.
The church provides facilities for the handicapped. There is a slope, or barrier-free access, and a toilet.
Located in Ichikawa City, the church is near Motoyawata Station. It is also close to Keisei Yahata Station. The address is 3-13-15 Yahata, Ichikawa-shi, Chiba 272-0021. The telephone number is 047-322-5488. Its website is http://www.catholic-ichikawa.com/.
Imagine spring or autumn. The church invites visitors to attend Holy Mass. Enjoy seasonal flowers along the Mama River. Walk around scenic spots. Visit the Junsai Pond, Kaizuka Shell Mound, Satomi Park, and Yagiri Ferry. Ichikawa Catholic Church welcomes all. It offers a place for prayer and reflection.