Vietnamese Catholic Community

Mass for You at Home (Mass online)
[Follow Community directives]


Chaplain: Fr Joseph Vu SVD

Pastoral Minister (Youth): Sr My Vu FDCC
Online Services Team Leader: Triet Hoang

Community Liaison Officer: Thy Nguyen

Telephone: 3879 1953
Email: banmucvu@cdcgvnbrisbane.net
Website: https://www.cdcgvnbrisbane.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cdcgvnb/

Mass Times:
Weekdays 10am, Saturday Vigil 6pm, Sunday 10am

(Subject to COVID-19 restrictions; contact community)

See also Archdiocese of Brisbane

Historical Background:
The priests who have quietly worked and supported the Vietnamese community (provision of spiritual and pastoral care; addressing resettlement needs of refugees) over the years include: Fr Paul Sach, Fr Maurice Benoit CSsR, Fr Joseph Han, Fr Dominic Trinh, Fr John Khoai, Fr Augustin Thu SJ, Fr Paul Chanh, Fr Joseph Liem and Fr Vu Dinh Tuong.

Former Catholic Immigration Office Director Fr Frank Lourigan shares his experience with the Vietnamese Community:

I worked in the Catholic Immigration Office from 1979—1985. It was an interesting time for Australia and for the Archdiocese of Brisbane. The Archdiocese was experiencing a massive explosion of lay ministry and parish initiatives following the arrival of Archbishop Francis Rush in 1973. Australia, with a strong history of settlement of European migrants and refugees over the previous quarter century, was experiencing the first major arrival of large numbers of refugees from Asia. The host country had little language, small experience of Asia, but a lot of compassion for the Vietnamese. I particularly recall the excellent relations developed between C.I.O. and the Immigration Department, the enlightened programs of settlement, the Community Refugee Resettlement Scheme (CRSS). Many parishes in Brisbane, as well as up and down Queensland, accepted families and supported settlement. Australian parishioners found houses, equipped them; the Government offered financial backing. The St. Vincent De Paul, notably Denis Connellan, provided a marvellous link between Wacol and the community. There was miraculous interaction between Australians and the new arrivals — people learnt English, aspects of the culture, food and life experiences were shared.

I have special memories of the arrival, to help us, of a French Canadian priest, Fr. Maurice Benoit, who had spent forty years in Vietnam. He was a marvellous bridge between Australian Catholics and the Vietnamese. He developed the system of “Basic Community” which enabled a rich sharing of resources, money and friendship between old Australians and new arrivals. In the parish where I currently work, “Basic Community” still exists, though a quarter century has elapsed. I remember the struggle we had to find Vietnamese priests to come to Brisbane. What a delight that this Archdiocese now has several of its own Vietnamese priests and it is a special joy that I was able to be part of the formation of most of them in the 90’s when I was on the seminary staff.

It is a quarter century since the Vietnamese people have arrived. They have brought a special quality that has richly enhanced our Australian way of life.

 – Fr. Frank Lourigan

 

 

For a quick guide on general culture visit SBS Cultural Atlas

 


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