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We are all IRCCG

About us

We are an international community with people from all over the world and we are one of the youngest communities in Flanders. Our members consist of all categories: young families, students, workers. We worship every Sunday from 11:30 to 13:00, in English and in French. We have a very diverse choir that sings in many different languages. People know us as a very vibrant and warm community and have a special attraction to our choir.

Every Sunday, we welcome new members in a special way, singing a beautiful welcome song for them. We are happy to see our members every Sunday, after Mass we greet each other and socialize with everyone.

At the beginning of each academic year, we organize a welcome day for students, accompanied by a light lunch reception. Every last Sunday of the month, we celebrate the birthdays of those born in that month and every third Sunday of the month, we have adoration immediately after Mass. Feel welcome to pay us a visit, we await you with open arms.

WHO DOES WHAT

Our choir, ushers and readers

What do our members say

Testimonies

Christian KOBA

My name is Christian KOBA, I’m a student studying for my PhD at the University of Gent. I have been living in Gent, Belgium for over a year. I knew about this parish when I came twice to the commune for the papers. Unfortunately, I never made effort to visit this beautiful church in Rerum Novarum.

I attended two masses in Gent but it was very cold so I decided to go to pray in Brussels at our Lady of the Assumption. The masses there are animated very well and give a sense of familiarity since they look the same as the ones in Africa.

During the end of 2022 I met an African lady who dropped her rosary whilst getting on the bus I was ridding. We had a discussion in which in the end I asked her if she was Catholic and as well which parish she prays at in Gent. This is how I found out about the Rerum Novarum parish.

The following Sunday, I participated in the Eucharist and I felt wonderfully welcomed by the Christians of the parish. There was a wonderful choir and I did not hesitate to join the latter, guides who facilitate this progressive integration. 

Thank you to everyone who I became friends with. I am grateful for the sharing, the meetings and not just at mass of course!

Johan

In 2019, I attended a Mass of the IRCCG for the first time. Since then, my Sunday has looked different. A Mass at 11:30 a.m. that ends at 1:15 p.m. changes your Sunday. Thus, Mass literally becomes the highlight of your Sunday. There are several reasons why I find that Mass so special. I mention only a few. The carefully kept liturgy exudes a living faith. The sermons provide spiritual food and are sometimes interactive. The liturgical chants are contemporary, beautiful texts and melodies. Virtuoso musicians and fantastic choir. The psalms are sung exceptionally beautifully by the soloist. Come and see, a warm welcome awaits you if you come.

Lies

Iedere keer dat ik naar de internationale kerk ga, voel ik me weer helemaal opgeladen! Het diepe geloof en gebed van de mensen sterkt me. Ook de preek is echt voedsel voor de ziel. En last but not least: de muziek is hemels! Ik ben blij dat ik de internationale kerk gevonden heb.

Jane

Als nieuweling voelde ik me meteen welkom in de internationale gemeenschap! Ik werd persoonlijk aangesproken en uitgenodigd om iedere zondag aan te sluiten. Dat gaf me een echt gemeenschapsgevoel. Ik denk dat dit een beetje is zoals bij de eerste christenen... Een aanrader voor iedereen die op zoek is naar een warme katholieke gemeenschap!

Eva

I left Uganda, I never felt at home anywhere until Father Bert introduced me to this church (warm community). Whenever I'm at the church, I feel the peace I don't feel in other places. Indeed, God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good. That's his way!

John

Every time I go to the international church, I feel completely recharged! The deep faith and prayer of the people strengthens me. The sermon is also real food for the soul. And last but not least: the music is heavenly! I'm glad I found the international church 🙂

As a newcomer, I immediately felt welcome in the international community! I was personally approached and invited to join every Sunday. That gave me a real sense of community. I think this is a bit like the first Christians... Highly recommended for anyone looking for a warm Catholic community!

    AT HOME IN GHENT

    OUR CHURCH

    How to get to our church

    As we are located in the city-center, we advise