このブロックは画面サイズに応じてボタンの位置、大きさが変化する特殊なブロックです。PCサイズでは上部固定、タブレット、スマートフォンではナビゲーション部分が上部固定され、ボタン部分が画面最下部に固定されます。編集画面は実際の表示と異なります。プレビュー画面もしくは実際の公開ページでご確認ください。編集についてはヘルプ記事の「フローティングメニューブロックの編集」もご覧ください。

【Home】
News
Schedule of masses
Annual events
Our pastors
Foreign language masses
Access
Introduction to kobe central church
結婚式
教会学校
Link

Kobe Central Catholic Church
of the Holy Spirit

“Love one another as I have loved you.”

SCHEDULE of HOLY MASSES

Sundays

9:30 am Japanese Mass

11:15 am English Mass

Mass schedule may be different on Holy days.

Weekdays (Mon-Fri)

6:45 am

Due to concern over Coronavirus infections
As of June 19, Kobe Central Catholic Church has resumed Sunday Masses, however, to prevent the coronavirus from spreading, we limit the number of people who can attend the masses. Also, those who are not a member of the Kobe Central Catholic Church, we will ask you to provide your name and address at the entrance. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

これは編集画面用のサンプルです。

「プレビュー」から実際の見た目をご確認ください。

Facebook

What is the Holy Mass?

The Holy Mass or Holy Eucharist is a Catholic ritual initiated
by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper with His disciples.
Catholics deepen their faith and experience the profound love of God by receiving
the body and blood of Christ through the Holy Mass.
Non-Christians and those not yet baptized may also receive a blessing from the priest.

Information on Faith Formation Courses
and other gatherings

Faith Formation Courses

Introductory Course

Every 2nd & 4th Saturday from 11 am at Room 1.
Fr. Popon

This class is open to everyone.

Basic Course

To be determined.

Bible Reading
(New Testament)

Every 1st & 3rd Monday
from 10:30 am
at the small chapel

This class is open to everyone.

Taizé Prayer

Every 3rd Friday
from 7:00 pm

This class is open to everyone.

Prayer Service
Would you like to pray with us?

Every 2nd Saturday
from 2:00 pm
with the Diocese Prayer team

This class is open to everyone.

Growing faith

Every 3rd Sunday from 12:30 at community room.

This class is open to everyone.

Courses and dates are subject to change.

Please contact the Church Office for further information.

Annual Events

Main Events

January ・ New Year’s Day	Feast Day of Mary, Mother of God World Peace Day Requiem to the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake
March ~ April	Ash Wednesday Lenten Season (Palm Sunday & Holy Week) - Baptism & Easter Vigil Easter Sunday Mass
May ~ June	Japan Catholic “Ten Days for Peace” Celebrations Ascension of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mass
August	Pentecost Sunday
October	Charity Bazaar
November	“Shichi-go-san” Blessing Advent
Late November ~ December	Caroling in Kobe (Kobe ‘Shimin’ Christmas) December 24th, Christmas Eve Mass December 25th, Christmas Day Mass December 31st, Midnight Mass (for the New Year)
May ~ June	Japan Catholic “Ten Days for Peace” Celebrations Ascension of the Blessed Virgin Mary Mass

Our Pastors

Fr. Yutaka Joseph Akabae

From April of this year, our parish is fortunate to have a new priest.

Many of us may not have met him yet in person because of the restrictions brought about by the current pandemic, but hopefully all of us will be able to meet and welcome him to our parish some time in the near future. However, some of us may remember him as he was assigned to Sumiyoshi Catholic Church a couple of years ago, and even officiated a mass here at our church around six years ago.

Profile:
February 26, 1957　Born in Nagasaki
March 21, 1989　Ordained a diocesan priest
Spent two years in Rome and another two years in Thailand
2002 - 2005　Assigned to the Minoh Catholic Church
2007 - 2014　Sumiyoshi Catholic Church
Transferring to the Catholic Diocese of Takamatsu as the parish priest of the Sakuramachi Catholic Church
Assigned to the Kakogawa Catholic Church
2020 Assigned to the Kobe Central Catholic Church.
He is the current Chancellor in the Diocese of Osaka.

Date of Ordination:　　March 21, 1989

Message: This pandemic is a good opportunity for the Church to change and adapt new measures that would allow all Catholics to fully practice their faith without risking their health. This pandemic was totally unexpected and is a great challenge for all of us. I hope that this experience will reform our faith, and it is a good chance for all of us to be better people.

Father Constancio Consulta (Father Tans)
Congregation of the Mission (CM)

Profile:

November 30th, 1950
Born in the Philippines

June 3rd, 1973
Joined the Missionary Society of St. Vincent de Paul

March 17th, 1979
Ordained as a priest of the Congregation of the Mission (CM)

June 1979
Assigned as chaplain of the Adamson University in Manila, Philippines

1983~
Parish priest of Christ the King Catholic Church in Camarines Sur, Philippines

1986~
Campus Director, Ozanam Research Grant Program Director, Guidance Counselor,
Test Center Director, and Student Director of the Adamson University in Manila

1992~
Accountant of the St. Vincent Missionary Society of the Philippines

1994~
Superior of the St. Vincent Missionary Society of the Philippines

April 1st, 1998
Arrival in Japan, learned Japanese at the Shukugawa Catholic Church

2000~
Assigned to the Tamatsukuri Catholic Church

April 26th, 2011
Assigned to the Kobe Central Catholic Church

Date of Ordination: March 17th, 1979

Hobbies: tennis, brisk walking

Father Popon Emanuel
John Mari

Profile:

September 20th, 1979
Born in the Dole on France.
He was born as a third child out of four siblings.

2000
Entered the Lyon Theological Seminary.

2002 ~ 2003
Volunteered at Emmaus House in Tokyo.

2004
Joined in the Missions Etrangeres de Paris

2009
Studied at L'Institut Catholique de Paris

July 3rd, 2011
Priests ordained

August 22nd, 2012 ~ August 2013
Arrival in Japan and learned Japanese at the Nanzan University in Nagoya.

August 2013 ~ August 2014
Assigned to the Chigasaki Catholic Church

September 2014 ~
Assigned to the central block in Kobe

April 2017 ~
Assigned to the East block in Kobe,
Kobe Central Catholic Church, and Sumiyoshi Catholic Church.

Date of Ordination: July 3rd, 2011

Hobbies: Playing sports, Singing, and watching movies

Message: Be kind each other.

Father Michel Connan

Profile:

August 9th, 1934
Born in France

December 21th, 1960
Priest ordained (Members of the Paris Foreign Missions)

April, 1961
Dispatched to Hong Kong

November 11th, 1962
Landing at Kobe Port (First Step to Japan)

December, 1964
Assistant priest of the Kobe Shimo Yamate Church

April, 1967
Third assistant priest of the Syukugawa church

June, 1968
Chief delegate of the Kobe Central Yamate Church

October, 1969
Cooperation Priest at the Kobe Sumiyoshi Church

January, 1971
Seafarer Pastor in the Osaka Diocese Foreigner Ship

September, 1978
Chief priest of the Sanda church

April, 1990
Sabbatical in Tokyo (due to poor health)

August, 1991
Assistant priest at the Akashi church (restitution)

April, 1994
Concurrently serving as chief priest of the Hyogo church · Nada Church

April, 1995
Concurrently serving as chief priest of the Shimo Yamate church · Hyogo church

October, 1995
Buddhist secretary of the Tokyo mission,

September, 2003
Restitution at the Sisters of the Visitation in Kamakura

October, 2007
Co-ordination priest of the Syukugawa church

April, 2013
Paris Foreign Missionary in Tokyo Headquarters

April, 2015
Common Secretary Pastor of the Syukugawa Church

April, 2018

Cooperation Priest of the Kobe Eastern Block

Date of Ordination: December 21th, 1960

Hobbies: Take a walk

Message : Let's walk with the Lord!

Foreign Language Masses

Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit
Foreign language Mass time

English
Every Sunday
11:15
Portugal
1st Sunday
15:00
Indoneshia
2nd Sunday
16:00

Korea
3rd Saturday
15:00
Tagarohu
5th Sunday
14:00

Access

By train:

・ JR Sannomiya Station, West Exit OR Hankyu Sannomiya Station, East Exit

⇨ Walk north towards Kitanozaka Road, cross Yamate-kansen, then turn left on the 1st traffic light.

・Hankyu Sannomiya, West Exit

⇨ Walk through Higashi-mon towards Yamate-kansen, then turn right on the 2nd block.

The Old Foreign Settlement Area (Ijinkan)
is a popular tourist spot in Kitano.
South of this area is Sannomiya and Motomachi.
The Kobe Central Catholic Church is in the Kitano area.

Whenever in Kobe, please feel free to drop by our church.

Kobe Central Catholic Church of the Holy Spirit

1-28-7 Nakayamate-dori, Chuo ward, Kobe City, 650-0004
Tel: 078-221-4682 Fax: 078-221-4684
Email: kobeCatholicChurch@gmail.com

TOP

Introduction to Kobe Central Church

After the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, the three churches in the Chuo Ward (Nada, Nakayamate and Shimoyamate) were integrated into the present Kobe Central Catholic Church.

Reconstruction of the current church was completed on October 23rd, 2004, the site of the old Nakayamate Church.

“As Christ’s disciples, we as a church believe in Jesus’ teachings and live according to our faith.

We are a church whose doors are open to anyone and everyone.

We are a church that has flexibility aiming for our goals,
making use of the collective efforts of all our parishioners.

We area church that follow Jesus’ footsteps to establish the Kingdom of God on earth.

We are a church that that gives priority to those marginalized by society.

Like a salad, we are a church that values fellowship within diversity.”

Introduction to Kobe Central Catholic Church

Church Façade

The Church building was built to blend with the surrounding urban landscape, without losing its identity as a symbolic church. The main building was built at the corner and the bell tower was erected at the entrance. Being a church with open doors, the main building was builtstrategically for easy access and to entice passersby to enter freely. The church building consists of three walls, symbolizing the Trinity, and was designed in the image of the ark. The roof of the main building is in the shape of a traditional gable. There is an internal space that rises toward the main altar.

Main Church

To commemorate unification of the three churches in Chuo Ward (Nada, Nakayamate and Shimoyamate) into the Kobe Central Catholic Church, the interior of the main church building was designed to be spacious and bright, where one can pray in serenity, bathed in the grace of the Holy Spirit.

White bricks compose the interior walls giving a sense of peace and quiet. The pews are set at gradual height gradients to allow those seated in the back to have a good view of the entire altar, accentuating a sense of unity.

Sixteen stained glass windows representing creation of heaven and earth are found in the center wall, behind the altar, providing a gentle lighted background. Fourteen stained glass windows on the walls to the right and left sides of the pews represent the Stations of the Cross. The stained glass windows were designed to face the altar. However, on walking back to the pews after receiving Holy Communion at the altar, the stained glass windows could be seen directly, with all its bright and vivid colors.

Upon entering the main church, the white walls and the stained glass give one a sense of tranquility. The eye is not directly exposed to the bright sunlight and the mood inside the church changes with the passing of the hours, from the bright blue colors of the morning to the red hues of the evening.

There is a skylight on the ceiling above the altar representing the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Together with the stained glass windows, one’s view is naturally directed to the center of the altar. This design is also helpful in the interior acoustics of the main church.

In the center of the wall behind the altar is a statue of the Risen Lord. Filled with deep faith, the statue made by Mr. Fujii took a year-and-a-half to complete. The statue is set on a backdrop of raised bricks in the shape of a cross, giving it the appearance of emerging from the walls itself.

Main Church

Small Chapel

Daily morning masses are usually heard at the small chapel. It could also be used for quiet personal prayers. The right wall has an opening for natural light to enter and shine on the altar. The right wall also has seven stained glass windows representing the Seven Days of Creation. In addition, there are slits on the top of the right wall, which allows light to diffuse into the entire chapel. On the left wall are the Stations of the Cross.

Statue of the
Risen Lord

The statue was sculpted by
Mr. Fujii. The statue of the
Risen Lord is set on a
backdrop of raised bricks
in the shape of a cross,
giving it the appearance
of emerging from the walls.

Statue of Mary and
the Child Jesus
(Main Church)

This statue was also designed
and sculpted by Mr. Fujii.
It is found at the back of the
church, by the entrance
where it is easily accessible
to those visiting the church.
It is a place where one can
pray and have peace of mind.

Statue of Mary and
the Child Jesus
(at the Garden)

The statue was donated after
the Great Hanshin-Awaji
earthquake, and could be
found under the bell tower,
beside the olive tree.
It is a symbol that Mother
Mary and Jesus’ will
always protect us.

Stained Glass

Three stained glass
windows of the former
Nakayamate Catholic
Church has been
relocated to the memorial
corner at the lobby. It
was designed especially
for the Nakayamate
Church at the atelier of
Mr. Gabriel Loire and in
Chartres (100 km
Southwest of Paris) in1965.

Cross at the Small Chapel Our Lady

This cross survived the
Great-Hanshin Awaji
earthquake. It is from the
old Nakayamate Church
and is now in the Small
Chapel.

The Tabernacle and Statue
Of Mary and the Child Jesus at the Small Chapel

The tabernacle and
statue is also from the
old Nakayamate Church.
It is now by the altar of
the Small Chapel.

The Stations of the Cross
at the Small Chapel

The icons of the Stations
of the Cross are from the
old Shimoyamate Church. The
Stations of the Cross are
prayed in the Small Chapel,
especially during the
Lenten Season.

Statue of Our Lady
of Fatima at the lobby

This statue of Our Lady
of Fatima was donated
by the faithful of the
Philippines after the
Great-Hanshin Awaji
earthquake.

Church Entrance

“Veni, Sancte Spiritus”,
Latin for “Come, Holy
Spirit ”, is carved at the
entrance of the church.

Door handles

The handles of the entrance
doors are adorned with
a dove and an olive branch,
a common symbol for the
Holy Spirit.

Baptismal Font

The baptismal font is
filled with Holy Water
during baptismal
ceremonies.

Confessional Box

Confessional boxes are
situated at the back of

the church. The faithful
are encouraged to receive
the Sacrament of
Reconciliation.

Pipe Organ

Located on the upper deck,
accessed through the spiral
staircase at the entrance of
the church. Its beautiful tones
could be heard during main
masses, wedding ceremonies,
funeral services, and other

special events.

Common Room

The Common Room is
open to everyone during
office hours. It is a place
for small gatherings
where anyone can rest
rest and relax.

Function Rooms

his large room could be
divided by collapsible walls
into four smaller rooms. It
is used mainly for meetings,
Sunday School, and Bible
Study Groups. There is also
a small kitchen.

Kids’ Room

The Kids’ Room is used

for Sunday School,
Bible study, and as a
room where young
children can play.

Bell Tower

The three bells of the old
Nakayamate Church,
which were commissioned
from France, are hung in
the bell tower. At the base
of the tower is a tile mosaic
representing the Four

Evangelists.