Mass in Japan

[Maria1212]

Hello,

Depending on what Catholic Church I attend in Japan, people kneel during concensecration, or they stand, and then bow their heads at conscecration. Today at the Church where people stand (there are no kneelers), the priest explained that even during the English Mass, we should not kneel, but instead bow. He said because that is what Japanese Bishops decided was appropriate, and this was approved by the Holy See. But at other Catholic Churches, with kneelers, we kneel. The priest also said instead of genuflecting, we should bow deeply and he showed us what would be an appropirate deep bow.

After I receive communion, I prefer to kneel, but based on what was said, wonder if I need to remain seated instead. For those of you who also attend Mass in Japan, how is this done at your local church?

I have some Japanese books on the Mass, so I will also look in there and see what it says. I understand standing and bowing during consecration, but I prefer to kneel after receiving the Eucharist (after returning to my pew of course).

Sincerely,

Maria1212

 

[yinekka]

If you are unsure that what this priest said is correct you could obtain the *General Instruction of the Roman Missal *with norms for Japan and check it out or you could phone your Japanese Bishops’ Commission and ask them.

 

[foolishmortal]

what do you do there in Japan? I’ve always been fascinated by there and I’ve been there twice! Are there Catholic connections with other English speakers there or can you get lodging by via a community there–even a religious community–that knows enough English to help?

 

[Gearoidin]

Hello,

Depending on what Catholic Church I attend in Japan, people kneel during concensecration, or they stand, and then bow their heads at conscecration. Today at the Church where people stand (there are no kneelers), the priest explained that even during the English Mass, we should not kneel, but instead bow. He said because that is what Japanese Bishops decided was appropriate, and this was approved by the Holy See. But at other Catholic Churches, with kneelers, we kneel. The priest also said instead of genuflecting, we should bow deeply and he showed us what would be an appropirate deep bow.

After I receive communion, I prefer to kneel, but based on what was said, wonder if I need to remain seated instead. For those of you who also attend Mass in Japan, how is this done at your local church?

I have some Japanese books on the Mass, so I will also look in there and see what it says. I understand standing and bowing during consecration, but I prefer to kneel after receiving the Eucharist (after returning to my pew of course).

Sincerely,

Maria1212

Hi Maria,
We stand during the consecration and bow deeply at the elevation. We usually bow when entering a pew although many people, especially foreigners, do genuflect.
After receiving some people kneel but only for a short time and then sit till everyone has received. This has been the same in all the churches I’ve attended in western Japan.
Gearoidin

 

[Gearoidin]

what do you do there in Japan? I’ve always been fascinated by there and I’ve been there twice! Are there Catholic connections with other English speakers there or can you get lodging by via a community there–even a religious community–that knows enough English to help?

Lodgings with a religious community? Not where I live but I live in a rural area. Most foreigners in my area are here only for a year or two. They usually work for language schools or are part of the JET programme. Here is the home page: jetprogramme.org/index.html If you are interested in living in Japan, this may be the best way. Accommadation is arranged for you by the junior high school or high school you are working for.

There are a lot of people from the Philippines and South America in Japan. We have Mass in English mixed with a lot fo Tagalog twice a month (unless there is some special event on the Sunday the English Mass is scheduled).

If you live in a more urban area it is very different with a lot more facilities for foreigners.

I’ve lived here for 12 years now so if you want any more information, please PM me.

Gearoidin

 

[foolishmortal]

Do you know what they admire at JET? I tried once, but was unsuccessful. I am currently going to try, (I think it’s called) Nova Group, but they aren’t sending anyone from the ir Midwest covered area yet.
It’s odd to me that a country, so popular with people of the West, don’t have a place where they can get a work visa. Why do you have to go elsewhere to get a visa for the country in which you intend to work. It sounds batty to me. Can you mail out for one or do you really have to go to a neighboring country?

Are students there still quiet and obedient, though nervous to speak up or have they all (the youth) lost the Japanese traditional upbringing?

Thanks!
Phil