Parish Introduction

“They put new wine in fresh skins” (Matthew 9:16)

Dear brothers and sisters, as you know, I arrived at Narumi Church in April of last year. First, I want to express my gratitude to you for heartfully welcoming me. I am a foreigner in Japan, and it is not so easy for me to adapt to your culture and language Thank you for your understanding and concern. 

Right now, our Church is facing a variety of crises, a crisis of faith, family challenges, issues of personal growth, and an aging population. How to confront all these? I am always thinking about such problems.

Narumi Church has a long history. This church has shown for generations the footprints and wisdom of its strong faith. Since my arrival, I have faced challenges, and occasionally I wanted to give up this job. However, I decided to establish the church here, feeling that the parishioners here were acting as members of their own family. On top of that, looking at the attitude and interest of siblings from Vietnam and the Philippines searching to live their faith, convince me of the importance of the existence of Narumi Church.

The Bible says, “They put new wine in fresh skins” (Matthew 9:16) Challenges are not always bad, and you can improve your faith in the midst of challenges. If we are alive, God is inviting us to solve these problems.

Times change, and everyone must become a new wine skin. Otherwise, it will be difficult to understand people and modern mentality. The parables of Jesus teach us that he appeared in Palestine like a new wine and that the people he met, the Pharisees and the Scribes, could not understand him. “All that He has done is wonderful, He makes the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.” (Mark 7:37).

What is incomprehensible is due to our old way of thinking, or because of each individual education and habits. It is just, as our lack of understanding of today’s young people. To establish Narumi Church, you must open yourself. It requires a new way of thinking. Especially here we are an international community with a variety of cultures which provides opportunities for growth.

When you understand each other and yourself, you will be better able to cope with future challenges. Even if you cannot solve the problems, at least you will feel like you are making progress.

Each of us, as inheritors of the Church, hopes to find further support and encouragement here.

I desire Narumi Church to be the place that the Lord wants.

May the Lord bless each of you. 

Fr. Xue John

(Translation from Japanese into English by Fr. Ando Isamu, SJ)