INTRODUCTION TO THE KOREAN COMMUNITY IN OUR PARISH
The Korean community of our parish always shares the joys and challenges of immigrant life with an open mind, striving to spread the Lord's peace to the world and families.
"We sincerely welcome everyone who visits Bayside Korean Church."
In 1997, the Korean Catholic Church in Queens, Brooklyn Diocese, had grown to over 6,000 members, becoming somewhat oversized.
The then-parish priest, Father Joseph Ahn Sang-in, proposed establishing a new community so that Korean believers could enjoy a more fulfilling religious life. However, finding an American parish that truly understood and embraced the Korean minority as brothers and sisters proved challenging. However, the tireless efforts of the Korean community members and the compassionate cooperation of Msgr. John B. Lavin, the parish priest of Bayside Parish, paved the way. After lengthy negotiations with the Brooklyn Diocese, we finally reached a final agreement to separate from the Queens Cathedral, and the new community was finally permitted to begin.
At 3:00 PM on February 9, 1997, we took our first step in a mass attended by approximately 470 Korean parishioners. That moment wasn't simply a separation, but the "birth of a new community" where we would embrace each other more deeply in our faith.
Interior view of the main sanctuary of Bayside Korean Catholic Church
