Franciscan Chapel Center

Poor Thomas! He made one remark and has been branded as “Doubting Thomas” ever since. But if he doubted, he also believed. He made what is certainly the most explicit statement of faith in the New Testament: “My Lord and My God!” (see John 20:24-28) and, in so expressing his faith, gave Christians a prayer that will be said till the end of time. He also occasioned a compliment from Jesus to all later Christians: “Have you come to believe because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and have believed” (John 20:29).

Thomas should be equally well known for his courage. Perhaps what he said was impetuous—since he ran, like the rest, at the showdown—but he can scarcely have been insincere when he expressed his willingness to die with Jesus. The occasion was when Jesus proposed to go to Bethany after Lazarus had died. Since Bethany was near Jerusalem, this meant walking into the very midst of his enemies and to almost certain death. Realizing this, Thomas said to the other apostles, “Let us also go to die with him” (John 11:16b).

Comment:
Thomas shares the lot of Peter the impetuous, James and John, the “sons of thunder,” Philip and his foolish request to see the Father — indeed all the apostles in their weakness and lack of understanding. We must not exaggerate these facts, however, for Christ did not pick worthless men. But their human weakness again points up the fact that holiness is a gift of God, not a human creation; it is given to ordinary men and women with weaknesses; it is God who gradually transforms the weaknesses into the image of Christ, the courageous, trusting and loving one.

Quote:
“...[P]rompted by the Holy Spirit, the Church must walk the same road which Christ walked: a road of poverty and obedience, of service and self-sacrifice to the death.... For thus did all the apostles walk in hope. On behalf of Christ's Body, which is the Church, they supplied what was wanting in the sufferings of Christ by their own trials and sufferings (see Colossians 1:24)” (Decree on the Church’s Missionary Activity, 5).

Heavenly Father, be with all those who travel during these days of summer. Let them be conscious of safety as they travel, and bring them safely to their destination. During days of vacation grant refreshment of spirit crowned with the joy of renewed fellowship with distant family and friends. Remind all who travel that their small journey is but of faint echo of the true journey of life, a journey back to you.

Have a safe and great vacation!!!

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.