The Unseen Pillar Of Faith: 7 Essential Facts About St. Thomas Korean Catholic Center In Anaheim
The St. Thomas Korean Catholic Center (STKCC) in Anaheim, California, stands today,
Its significance is deeply rooted in the history of Korean immigration to Southern California, representing a successful effort by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange to provide a dedicated "national parish" where language, culture, and faith can intertwine seamlessly. From its energetic youth programs to the recent appointment of its leadership, the STKCC continues to evolve, making it an essential pillar for thousands of Korean-American Catholics in the region.
Leadership and Center Profile: Rev. Tony Key Park and STKCC Biography
The St. Thomas Korean Catholic Center is a key institution within the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange (RCBO), dedicated entirely to serving the spiritual and cultural needs of Korean-American Catholics. Its profile is defined by its mission to provide a welcoming and culturally relevant environment for worship, education, and community engagement.
Current Director Profile: Rev. Tony Key Park
- Current Role: Director, St. Thomas Korean Catholic Center.
- Location: Anaheim, California.
- Appointment Date: Rev. Park’s current status as Director was confirmed in the 2024 Priest Assignment Changes for the Diocese of Orange, having previously served as Director Pro-Tempore.
- Ministry Focus: As Director, Rev. Park is responsible for the spiritual leadership, administrative oversight, and continued growth of the center, ensuring it remains a vibrant hub for the Korean Catholic community. His work is central to maintaining the center's mission as a cultural and religious anchor.
St. Thomas Korean Catholic Center (STKCC) Overview
- Official Name: Saint Thomas Korean Catholic Center.
- Affiliation: The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange.
- Location: 412 N Crescent Way, Anaheim, CA 92801.
- Contact: (714) 772-3995.
- Estimated Founding Year: Circa 1987. The center was established approximately 10 years after the first Korean faith community in Orange County, the Korean Martyr Catholic Center, was founded in 1977.
- Mission: To provide ministry, religious education, and cultural preservation for Korean and Korean-American Catholics in Orange County, California.
The Historical Significance of the Anaheim Center
The establishment of the St. Thomas Korean Catholic Center is a direct reflection of the demographic shifts and the growth of the Korean-American population in Southern California. The center did not emerge in isolation; it is part of a broader, decades-long effort by the Catholic Church to serve its diverse immigrant communities.
A Spiritual Anchor for Immigrants
The initial wave of Korean immigrants began to establish a formal Catholic presence in Orange County in the late 1970s. The first community, the Korean Martyr Catholic Center in Westminster, was established in 1977. Recognizing the rapidly expanding population and the logistical challenges of serving a large, dispersed community, the Diocese of Orange supported the creation of a second, dedicated center in Anaheim. St. Thomas Korean Catholic Center followed roughly a decade later, positioning its founding around 1987.
This timing was crucial, coinciding with a surge in immigration that has since continued to fill the pews of Korean Catholic centers across the region. The center’s location in Anaheim, a central point in Orange County, allowed it to serve families from surrounding cities like Fullerton, Buena Park, and Irvine, creating a spiritual home away from home.
Preserving Language and Identity
One of the most vital functions of the STKCC is its role as a cultural ministry. For first-generation immigrants, the opportunity to attend Mass in the Korean language provides profound spiritual comfort and familiarity. For second and third-generation Korean-Americans, the center is a place to connect with their heritage, often offering language classes, cultural programs, and events that reinforce their identity as Korean-American Catholics.
This dual focus—faith and culture—is what defines the center’s success and its necessity. It provides a sense of community that transcends the typical parish model, acting as a national parish dedicated to a specific ethnic group within the larger diocesan structure.
Community Life and Current Programs at STKCC
The St. Thomas Korean Catholic Center is a hub of year-round activity, offering a robust schedule of Masses, sacraments, and community programs that cater to all age groups, from children to seniors. These programs are essential in maintaining the vitality of the Korean-American Catholic faith journey.
Worship Schedule and Sacraments
The center maintains a consistent schedule designed to accommodate the community. The core worship times include weekend Masses, which are typically celebrated in Korean, serving the primary linguistic needs of the community.
- Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:30 PM.
- Sunday Masses: 8:00 AM and 9:45 AM.
- Other Services: The center also provides opportunities for Confession and Eucharistic Adoration, integral parts of the Catholic faith.
Youth and Young Adult Ministries
A significant focus of the STKCC is its youth ministry, which is critical for ensuring the longevity of the community. The center actively participates in larger diocesan events, such as the annual Korean Youth Day. These gatherings, often held at locations like the Christ Cathedral, bring together young Korean Catholics from various parishes under a unified theme, fostering a strong sense of peer community and shared faith. The center’s involvement in events like "Korean Youth Day – 'All Who Thirst'" highlights its commitment to engaging the younger generation in a relevant and meaningful way.
Cultural and Spiritual Events
The STKCC’s calendar is often marked by special cultural and spiritual observances that provide fresh and unique content for its members:
- Jubilee Celebrations: The community actively participates in significant Catholic milestones, such as the Jubilee Year of St. Andrew Kim Taegon, one of the 103 Korean Martyr Saints. Such events connect the local Anaheim community directly to the deep, often persecuted, history of the Korean Catholic Church.
- Pilgrimages and Tours: The center has hosted or participated in significant relics and tours, such as the "Fatima Tour for Peace," demonstrating its connection to global Catholic movements and devotion.
- Prayer Groups: The center also hosts various lay movements and prayer groups, such as the SCRC Charismatic Renewal prayer group, which meets regularly to provide spiritual growth and fellowship.
The Future Role of the Korean Catholic Center
As immigration patterns continue to shift and the Korean-American community matures, the St. Thomas Korean Catholic Center's role is evolving. Under the leadership of Director Rev. Tony Key Park, the center is positioned to be a model for how ethnic ministries can thrive in a modern American diocese.
The center’s success lies in its ability to serve as a "third space"—neither solely Korea nor solely America—but a place where the Korean-American identity is celebrated and nurtured through the lens of Catholic faith. It is a place where a child can learn about St. Andrew Kim Taegon's martyrdom, a young adult can participate in a vibrant youth group, and a senior can attend Mass in their native tongue. This holistic approach ensures that the center remains an indispensable spiritual anchor for the Orange County Korean Catholic community for decades to come.
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