At Home in a Catholic Church in Rangsit

As a Filipino Catholic, I feel that something is missing when I couldn't attend a Sunday mass while I was in Thailand. There's a lot of Filipino Catholics in the place where I was staying but their mass is being held in a multi-purpose hall. There's nothing wrong in attending a Holy Mass in a multi-purpose hall but it can never beat the Holy Mass in a proper church.

My Pinoy friends told me of a church that is just a bus ride away from our place. And so I discovered the Our Lady Mother of God Parish Church in Rangsit, Pathumthani.

This church in Rangsit is just a simple one and relatively new compared to the Bangkok Cathedral and Kalawar Church.

Its facade only have a simple cross and nothing else.

The symbol depicting the Mother of God can be found at the top of the door.

Rangsit Catholic Church was built after Vatican II so it is understandable why this church lack the grandiose of churches built during the Medieval Era or the Rennaisance Period or even later.

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The altar of this church is also a simple one.

Good thing that the tabernacle was placed in the center.

I felt at home in Rangsit Catholic Church because there are many Filipino parishioners. In fact, majority of the attendees in the English-language Mass are Filipinos. The lectors are Filipinos. The choir are composed by Filipinos. Even the priest is a Filipino.

Attending a Sunday Mass in Rangsit Catholic Church is just like attending Sunday Mass at home.

One thing that I like with this church is the availability of missals and prayer books at the pews. It is very helpful because parishioners can easily follow what's happening during Mass. I think that parish churches should also do this.

There are many things that I like in Rangsit Catholic Church but the best one is the warmth of the Thai Catholics in parish.

I noticed that there is a sort of division between Thai Catholics and their brethren from other countries due to language barrier. Thais have difficulty in speaking English that's why they don't mingle with the Filipino crowd.

Despite of the language barrier, I manage to befriend a Thai in this parish. I appreciate the fact that my friend tried very hard to speak in English even though he can't construct even a simple sentence. He even introduced me to other Thai Catholics, young and old.

I didn't know how it happened but I got a Thai friend in just a short time of attending Mass in that church.

I am glad that I found the Our Lady Mother God Parish Church in Rangsit. I am glad that I found friends in both the Filipino community and Thai parishioners. I am glad that our Lord made me feel at home in His church in Rangsit.

- ADDENDUM -

How to Go to Our Lady Mother of God Church in Rangsit, Pathumthani

I know that there are many Catholics, specifically those who are studying in Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), who looking for a Catholic church in the area of Rangsit. Here are some way to reach the Our Lady Mother of God Parish Church:

Take note that I never rode a taxi to reach this church. I just commuted using bus to reach Future Park mall and then waled to the church.

1. The first thing that you should do is to go to the Future Park.

2. You can walk to reach the church.

Or

3. You can ride a motorcycle and tell the driver to take you to Bod Chris. I think that the fare is about 50 Baht.

Just make sure that you turn right from Paholyothin Road when you the arch with a cross at the top (see image below).

Mass Schedules

Holy Mass in English language is available during Sundays at 10:30 AM. Other masses are in Thai language.