By Our Own Correspondent

Tokyo, Japan, 12 October 2016 -- The population of all Japan parishes entrusted to the Salesians is about 14.500 faithful. The most numerous parishes are in Tokyo-Yokohama area (Himonya, Shimougusa, Chofu,Mikawashima, Adachi, Saginuma,Yamato and Tsukui).

Within the decreasing numbers of general population as well of diminishing numbers of Catholics, Salesian way of sharing the Gospel makes a difference. Majority of the city parishes are closed during the week and open only on Sunday. What makes the difference?

Youth Ministry in the model Salesian Parish of Tokyo - Himonya (Our Lady of Edo) offers a deep insight into the faith and mission dynamic of Japan and Asian Churches. Among the 2500 Catholics about 500-600 faithful joins the Sunday Eucharist (4 Masses), but the vast playground, kindergarten space and parish compound is busy the whole week - something very unusual for average Japanese parish.

Since 1947 in the center of Tokyo - Meguro Ward we witness a typical Japan Catholic missionary synergy of kindergarten and parish. More than 420 (vast majority non Christian) kids with their parents move at easy in the parish compound. After the kindergarten graduation quite good number of them (120 at present) join the Sunday school in the parish, where the Catholics are minority. Also among the animators or leaders are many not-yet-baptized university students of young adults, who spend the whole Sunday between the Mass, morning 'class' and afternoon soccer game and other sport activities. Good synergy between the kindergarten and parish community is mutually fruitful.

Himonya parish is well animate by 4 SDB community, with their Rector - Parish priest. The role of lay mission partners is well defined, starting from the parish pastoral council and variety of parish groups. Also the presence of Salesian Cooperators (12 members with 7 Aspirants) is helpful in many sectors of parish activities. No wonder that every year some 30-40 adult baptisms are being celebrated - a fruit of patient, personal accompaniment of many catechumen. Also the twinning with Solomon Islands, Tetere Parish of Christ the King and other out-reach traditions help the parish community to live a truly 'Catholic life-style'. Last but not the least is the presence of FMA community and Elementary school within the parish territory.

The assistant parish priest is also a Youth Ministry delegate of the province and the still starting Salesian Youth Movement has a good base camp in this community.

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