The Latin Parish of Zarqa North, known as the Church of the Apostles, is part of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem. It is situated in Zarqa, Jordan’s third-largest city, approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Amman. The name "Zarqa" is derived from the "Zarqa River," an extension of the Amman Stream. The river is historically significant and is referenced in the Old Testament as the “Jabbok River” (Genesis 32:22-31). It is believed that Jacob crossed this river with his livestock while returning from Mesopotamia, where he wrestled with an angel.
As Zarqa expanded northward, several parishioners from South Zarqa moved into the new neighborhoods. By 1957, the Latin community in the area had grown to 185 families, totaling 979 people. To accommodate students who could not attend Pope Pius X Parish School, the Patriarchate rented a house to provide education, particularly for girls. Over time, the parish extended northward to the Hashemiya district, leading to the establishment of the Sultana of Peace Parish (St. Joseph - New Zarqa) in 2016.
Today, Zarqa is home to three churches under the Latin Patriarchate, with the Northern Zarqa parish being one of the largest, comprising over 450 families. The parish is served by two priests, four nuns from the Daughters of the Sacred Heart (Sisters of St. Dorotea), and four deacons ordained in 2019. It is known for its vibrant community life, hosting up to 15 major events along with various pastoral groups.
Parish History
In 1957, the Latin Patriarchate purchased a plot of land in the city of Zarqa, which at that time was spreading north. Initially, the vicar priest of Southern Zarqa parish provided pastoral care for those in the northern area until the parish was officially established and the priest was appointed in 1960.
In 1960, the German Knights of the Holy Sepulcher donated another plot of land, where a school and a hall were built for prayer and religious services.
The school was established in April 1963, followed by the development of a center that housed a health clinic, a sewing workshop, an embroidery school, and a liturgical office. In 1965, The Sisters of Saint Dorothy, Daughters of the Sacred Hearts came to serve the parish and oversee the workshop and women's activities.
Construction of the new church began in 1966 and was inaugurated in 1969. Subsequently, a kindergarten was built near the parish center.
Education
Established in 1962, the school offers coeducational learning from first to sixth grade, while grades seven through Tawjihi are reserved for girls. The kindergarten, founded in 1969, provides quality education and developmental care for 46 children. Additionally, the children's nursery, established in 1975, operates under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Health, offering care to all children in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Pastoral life
In 2023, the parish priest formed a 15-member parish council to assist in managing parish affairs and coordinating spiritual activities with neighboring parishes. The Northern Zarqa parish is known for its generosity, love, and joyful service to the community, providing food parcels to families in need every two months.
The parish provides ongoing spiritual formation for the laity through Bible study, lectures, and spiritual retreats. The priests of the Zarqa area (North, South, and New) organize a fraternal meeting at the end of each month to strengthen their bonds.
Pastoral Groups
- Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary (Sisters of St. Dorotea): Fr Mario Forlan, the founding priest, sought the presence of nuns in the parish to care for the women of the community. He reached out to the Italian Sisters of St. Dorotea, Daughters of the Sacred Hearts, who began serving in 1965. Their mission continues today in collaboration with the parish priests in spiritual, pastoral, liturgical, and educational fields.
- Charity Committee (Serving the Poor): Established in 2002 with modest financial resources, the committee initially supported 15–20 underprivileged families with monthly food supplies. Through God’s blessings and the assistance of priests, the committee has since expanded, now supporting 130 families. It also allocates 15 Jordanian dinars per child during Christmas and Easter for 200 children to buy holiday clothing. At the start of each academic year, the committee distributes school bags and full stationery kits to these children.
- Scouts and Guides Group: Founded in 1967, it is one of the oldest Christian scout groups affiliated with the Catholic Scouts of Jordan. In 2017, the group celebrated its golden jubilee. It consists of approximately 200 active members and 35 musicians and participates in all parish activities. The group also organizes an annual bazaar in cooperation with parish initiatives.
- Christian Youth Group: The Apostles' Youth Group was founded in 1982, drawing its values and mission from the Bible and following the example of Jesus Christ. Its goal is to empower Christian youth and help them live as Christ’s disciples in today’s changing world. For the past 20 years, the group has organized the annual "Jesus My Joy" gathering for university and working youth from parishes across the kingdom.
- Sacred Heart of Jesus Group: Established between 1991 and 1993, this group consists of girls of various ages, accompanied by a spiritual guide from the Sisters of St. Dorotea. The group focuses on deepening devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, emphasizing love. Their spiritual practices include attending Adoration Hour and the First Friday Mass each month, as well as renewing their consecration annually on the Feast of the Sacred Heart.
- Marian Fraternity Founded by Father Mario Forlan in 1963 with 18 women, the fraternity continues its mission today by maintaining a spiritual life centered on praying the Rosary, reading the Bible, and visiting the sick. Every year on December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, the group renews its consecration to the Virgin Mary. A priest and a nun accompany the fraternity, which now has over 35 members.
- Altar Servers The Altar Servers Group consists of more than 50 young men and women of different ages, guided spiritually by a priest and a nun. They meet weekly for spiritual and personal development, focusing on deepening their awareness of their role and significance in the Liturgy while upholding the sacredness of the altar.
- Liturgy Committee Founded in 1997 under the supervision of the parish priest, a nun, and three committed parishioners, the committee is responsible for preparing and distributing liturgical readings, selecting appropriate hymns in coordination with the parish choir, and ensuring the smooth organization of the Mass.
- Choir Since the establishment of the parish, priests and nuns have sought to involve parishioners in assisting prayer through sacred music. The choir was officially formed in 2016 and plays a key role in leading liturgical singing during Masses and organizing contemplative spiritual evenings.
- Our Lady of Peace Center for Persons with Disabilities: founded in 2012, this center is a branch of Our Lady of Peace Center on Airport Road. It provides free therapeutic and rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, for individuals with disabilities.
- Caritas Zarqa Center: established in 1978, it was the first healthcare center affiliated with Caritas Jordan in Zarqa. Due to political instability in neighboring countries, the center has expanded its services to include humanitarian aid, education, psychological support, and healthcare.
- Secular Fraternity of the Sisters of St. Dorotea: founded in 2014, this fraternity consists of lay men and women who make evangelical promises and live according to their personal circumstances while drawing inspiration from the spirituality of the Daughters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. They strive to embody the hearts of Jesus and Mary in their daily lives.
