Dasa Catholic Church

Overview

Dasa Church is a church of the Archdiocese of Daegu located in Maegok-ri, Dasa-eup, Dalseong-gun, Daegu Metropolitan City. As apartment complexes were built in Dasa-eup and the number of the faithful grew, it was established on August 26, 2005. Its patron is St. Paul the Apostle, and its first pastor was Father Kim Seong-tae.

History

〔Establishment〕 The Encyclopedia of Daegu History and Culture states that it is a church built because apartment complexes were developed in Dasa-eup, Dalseong-gun, Daegu Metropolitan City in 2005, the number of the faithful increased, and a new parish needed to be established. It was established on August 26, 2005 with Father Kim Seong-tae as its first pastor. The establishment date, August 26, 2005, is also listed in the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea directory and in the Archdiocese of Daegu parish information.

〔Temporary chapel〕 According to the Encyclopedia of Daegu History and Culture, in 2005 it purchased land at No. 258, Maegok-ri, Dasa-eup, formerly used as a textile factory, and in the same year on December it prepared a temporary chapel and celebrated the first Mass.

〔Dedication of the new church〕 The Encyclopedia of Daegu History and Culture states that on November 22, 2015 the dedication ceremony for the new church was held at the present site, presided over by Archbishop Cho Hwan-gil of the Archdiocese of Daegu. The pastor at the time of writing was Father Mun Bong-han (James).

〔Hyosimwon〕 The Encyclopedia of Daegu History and Culture states that the “Hyosimwon” on the 1 floor of the new church built in 2015 is attracting attention as a space leading a new prayer culture. Memorial boxes are kept there (width 20 cm × height 15 cm × depth 30 cm), and because under current law it is difficult to build a columbarium for cremated remains in an urban area, Dasa Church has provided a space where the faithful can remember deceased parents and pray by keeping mementos rather than remains.

〔Jurisdiction and organizations〕 The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea directory lists its jurisdiction as all of Maegok-ri and part of Jukgok-ri, Dasa-eup, Dalseong-gun. The Encyclopedia of Daegu History and Culture lists as major organizations the Joseph Association, the Marian Association, the altar servers, the St. Kim Dae-geon Association, the Cursillistas, and others.

〔Significance〕 The Encyclopedia of Daegu History and Culture evaluates Dasa Church as a church newly created following population growth after 2000, and as good material for glimpsing recent changes in Dalseong, unlike churches with a long tradition.

Architecture and Space

According to the Encyclopedia of Daegu History and Culture, Dasa Church has 3 floors above ground and 1 floor below ground. The 1 floor houses the Hyosimwon, the hall, and the café; the 2 floor houses the church; and the 3 floor houses the church, the choir loft, catechism rooms, meeting rooms, and the audiovisual room.

Related Places and People

• Father Kim Seong-tae: the first pastor (Encyclopedia of Daegu History and Culture).
• Archbishop Cho Hwan-gil: the head of the Archdiocese of Daegu who presided over the dedication ceremony for the new church in 2015 (Encyclopedia of Daegu History and Culture).
• Father Mun Bong-han (James): the pastor at the time of writing of the Encyclopedia of Daegu History and Culture.

References and Sources

1. Academy of Korean Studies, Encyclopedia of Daegu History and Culture, “Dasa Church”. Establishment background, temporary chapel, dedication of the new church in 2015, Hyosimwon, building layout, major organizations, significance.
   https://www.grandculture.net/daegu/toc/GC40081239
2. Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea, Catholic Directory in Korea, “Dasa” (Archdiocese of Daegu). Establishment date 2005.08.26, patron St. Paul the Apostle, jurisdiction.
   https://directory.cbck.or.kr/OnlineAddress/Catholic/DetailInfo.aspx?cgubn=c&gubn=4&gyogu=201000021&code=201000781&gubn2=all&char=all
3. Catholic Archdiocese of Daegu, Parish Information, “Dasa Church”. Date of establishment August 26, 2005, patron St. Paul the Apostle.
   https://www.daegu-archdiocese.or.kr/page/area.html?menu=c4&number=160&premenu&srl=church_search