Franciscan Chapel Center

In the first year of his Pontificate, Pope Benedict XVI stressed the proper meaning of this offering: “‘Peter’s Pence’ is the most characteristic expression of the participation of all the faithful in the Bishop of Rome’s charitable initiatives in favor of the universal Church. The gesture has not only a practical value, but also a strong symbolic one, as a sign of communion with the Pope and attention to the needs of one’s brothers; and therefore your service possesses a refined ecclesial character.”’ (Address to the Members of the St Peter Circle, 25 February 2006).

The ecclesial value of this gesture becomes evident when one considers how charitable initiatives are connatural to the Church, as the Pope stated in his first Encyclical Deus caritas est (25 December 2005): “The Church can never be exempted from practicing charity as an organized activity of believers and, on the other hand, there will never be a situation where the charity of each individual Christian is unnecessary, because in addition to justice man needs, and will always need, love” (No. 29)

This aid is always animated by that love which comes from God: “For this reason, it is very important that the Church’s charitable activity maintains all of its splendor and does not become just another form of social assistance” (...) “The Christian’s programme — the programme of the Good Samaritan, the programme of Jesus — is ‘a heart which sees’. This heart sees where love is needed and acts accordingly” (ibidem, No. 31).

Let’s help the Holy Father to help others!
Your contribution, however small, is important.

Join the FCC's Fun Day

Following on the success of last years’ event, the Chapel Center is hosting another FCC Fun Day for the children of St. Joseph’s Home on Saturday, September 6th from 10:00-3:00 pm. Families and individuals will accompany children from St. Joe’s to Toshima-en Amusement Park for a day of rides, amusements and fun. Please sign up on the flyers placed on the table near the Sunday bulletin and join in this wonderful day!

Fall Bazaar 2008 Donations

such as clean clothes, shoes, toys, books (in English), small electrical appliances (in good condition), kitchen utensils & brand new items as raffle prizes. Please bring them over on: weekdays between 9 & 5 pm, and weekends between 1 & 5 pm. Last drop-off day:
Sunday, July 27.

Sorry that we are NOT accepting furniture, computer monitors, televisions, strollers, bicycles, babies' car seats & cribs.

Sorting is every Wednesday, from 9 to 3 pm, on the following dates:
June 18 & 25.
We need your help!!!

For more details contact the
chairperson, Charo Ireton at 3716-6159, or
FCC 3401-2141.

Rice Program Summer Sign-up Board

Ever wondered about the Rice Cake Making Program?
Now’s your chance to find out, first hand, what it’s all about. Rice cakes are made and distributed to the homeless men and women in Shibuya every day of the year. During the summer months, when many of our regular volunteers are out-of-town, we need additional help. There are 2 ways to help:

1. Rice Cake Making Volunteers-- It's easy, fun and takes about one hour. We make them right here in the Chapel's basement kitchen. No prior experience necessary! Bring a friend or bring your family. Check out the sign-up board in the lobby for any available yellow slot or for more information.

2. Delivery Volunteers --is for those who have a car and enjoy seeing the beauty of the rising sun. It is a very meaningful and fulfilling part of the program. Drive time from the church is about 10 minutes and it takes another 15 minutes for distribution. For more information please see the sign-up board or contact Francois Hermellin at xoe-11kl@myamail.com or call 090 3544 4345 or 03-3464-0045.

Please sign up for a one hour shift on the sign-up board in the lobby after Mass today. And thank you for your help in keeping this much appreciated ministry in operation all year long.

Father Callistus started the class last Sunday, May 11, for adults (beginners and old-timers) who want an introduction to Christian teachings, or deepening of their faith. The class will go on every Sunday at 3 pm. Apply at the reception desk by filling up the form or speak with Father Callistus.

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, St. Francis and St. Clare. The Catholic Community and the Franciscan Friars of Japan welcome you to Tokyo, and to the Franciscan Chapel Center, the FCC. Our mission is to learn to live and to spread the good news of salvation to all our English speaking community and all those we come in contact within Tokyo as Catholic Christians.

We hope your stay or visit to Tokyo and Japan is a pleasant one. Tourists are especially welcome to join us, and invite you to stay and have a cup of coffee after the 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Mass on Sunday.

Our presence on the Internet show the many activities that go into making our parish the dynamic community it is. We hope this site helps you get more acquainted with the FCC, who we are, what our activities are, and how to reach us. Weve also included brief descriptions of our various ministries along with contact information.

I look forward to personally welcoming you to the Franciscan Chapel Center, and including you in our worshiping community.

Fr. Callistus Sweeney.O.F.M.