Candidate in a foreign land

[Sackcloth]

Hello all, been lurking for a couple of weeks and this is my first post. I’m in my mid 20’s, converted to Christianity a few months ago. I’ve done all kinds of research and what I have found thus far points me towards Catholicism.

I’m moving to Tokyo very soon to live there. I speak the language slightly better than a basic level. I’ve visited Japan before a couple of times and have friends there but none of them are Christian. I’m nervous about going through RCIA or sacraments with a language/culture barrier, especially because Japanese people can have very high expectations when it comes to conduct, ritual and tradition. I know I’ll acclimatize eventually but since I’m quite new to living in a foreign country, and to participating in the Catholic church, I’d like to know if anyone has any suggestions or tips for a Catechumen connecting with a Catholic community in a foreign land with a language barrier.

Side note, I want to make a pilgrimage to the Nagasaki memorial of the 26 Christian Martys, as well as the secret shrines of the clandestine Christians south of Kyushuu if I can. There’s a fascinating if grim history of the faith in Japan.

Thanks a lot!

 

[HeDa]

When you get to know the Japanese ask them to help you to learn the culture and traditions. You will apologise more than once for behaving in a “not Japanese style way”. Very likely they will be to polite to say anything about your behaviour in front of you so you will have to take the initiative here.

Ask the priest or deacon to introduce you to people in the parish in a similar age, interests or work/study. The only way to learn a new language is to speak, read and write. I am sure there is someone who can help you with language difficulties.

 

[mythbuster1]

The great thing about the Catholic Church is that it is Universal. To have strangers in your midst is perfectly normal, because people will worship wherever they are, and throughout the whole world the essence of the Mass is the same. A Catholic can attend Mass in a strange land, in a language he does not know, and understand everything except the Homily, because only the Homily varies based on the priest or deacon. Everything else is according to the proper for the day, which is published throughout the world.

 

[HorstVeckner]

You will probably find groups of American Catholics over there who will provide the same cultural setting to which you are accustomed. I found one such group in Korea. Everyone in the group was American, including the priests.

 

[Sackcloth]

When you get to know the Japanese ask them to help you to learn the culture and traditions. You will apologise more than once for behaving in a “not Japanese style way”. Very likely they will be to polite to say anything about your behaviour in front of you so you will have to take the initiative here.

This jumps out as being especially good advice. I’ve failed on a couple of occasions to read what someone means when they aren’t saying it directly.

Thanks!

 

[Sackcloth]

A Catholic can attend Mass in a strange land, in a language he does not know, and understand everything except the Homily, because only the Homily varies based on the priest or deacon. Everything else is according to the proper for the day, which is published throughout the world.

A friend from the catholic Parish I had been attending gave me a copy of “The Sunday Missal for Young Catholics”. It may be aimed at children, but the way it orders out the entirety of each mass in a straight line should be quite helpful. Good to know that it will apply no matter which parish I am attending. With any good luck I’ll be able to understand most of the homilies before too long. I can definitely pick out sentences and fragments of the sermons that I’ve been hearing at a Protestant Japanese Church when I’d visit.

 

[1ke]

I’m nervous about going through RCIA or sacraments with a language/culture barrier, especially because Japanese people can have very high expectations when it comes to conduct, ritual and tradition.

I suggest you reach out to the English speaking parish of the diocese, a Franciscan-run parish:

English-Speaking Roman Catholic Parish in Tokyo, Japan | FCC

They have RCIA. Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) and Adult Religious Education | Franciscan Chapel Center

 

[Sackcloth]

I suggest you reach out to the English speaking parish of the diocese, a Franciscan-run parish:

That’s very helpful. It’s a bit of a long commute from the part of Tokyo I’ll be living in, but it would definitely be a godsend to have the option it if I need to speak very clearly to an English speaking clergyman, particularly for sacraments such as confession.

The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) is a process, by which, we prepare non-baptized adults or older children to receive the Sacraments of Initiation and become full-fledged members of the community.

I was baptized Anglican, which means I am already considered to be baptized validly. I assume that wouldn’t stop me from attending RCIA, right?

Many thanks.

 

[1ke]

I was baptized Anglican, which means I am already considered to be baptized validly.

Yes. So you aren’t a catechumen, you are a candidate.

I assume that wouldn’t stop me from attending RCIA, right?

No. There are RCIA rites for both candidates and catechumens, and the catechesis is typically done together although technically those are already baptized and catechized should really be a separate track.

Talk to the priest at the English speaking parish and find out more about your options.

 

[Sackcloth]

Okay, thanks for clearing that up! These have all been helpful answers.

I wish you all a great day.