![June 25 2017[1]](http://data.docslib.org/img/630846d668ae94d7111603f59df9ad78-1.webp)
Saint Rafka Maronite
Catholics of the East in the Upstate! 1215 S. Highway 14, Greer, SC 29650 864.469.9119 saintrafka.org [email protected]
Saint Rafka Maronite Church is a Catholic Parish of the Antiochene Syriac Maronite Church, Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, NY, Most Rev. Gregory John Mansour, Bishop, 109 Remsen Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, 718.237.9913. [email protected] June 25, 2017 Rev. Bartholomew Leon, Administrator, [email protected]
Pastor’s Advisory Council Ramiz Askar, Marlene Saad Secretary Richard Sleiman, Chairman Festival of Saints Peter and Paul Paul Sleiman, Linda Wickett, Jack Yacu Finance Committee The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, or the George Azan, Joseph Chebeir, Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul, is a liturgical Chairman feast in honor of the martyrdom in Rome of the Tony Sleiman, Paula Howard-Casby apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul, which is observed on 29 June. The celebration is of Administration ancient origin, the date selected being the Richard, Wickett, Financial Secretary anniversary either of their death or of the translation of their relics. In the Roman Catholic calendar of saints, it is celebrated as a solemnity. In the General Roman Calendar of 1962, it is a first-class feast. It is a holy day of obligation in the universal Church, although individual conferences of bishops can suppress the obligation. In England, Scotland and Wales the feast is
Continued next page observed as a holy day of obligation while in the United States and Canada, it is not (except for Eastern Rite Catholics). In Malta it is a public holiday and in Maltese known as L-Imnarja. This is the day of the liturgical year on which those newly created metropolitan archbishops receive the primary symbol of their office, the pallium, from the pope. For Eastern Orthodox and some Eastern Catholic Christians this feast also marks the end of the Apostles' Fast (which began on the Monday following All Saints' Sunday, i.e., the second Monday after Pentecost). It is considered a day of recommended attendance, whereon one should attend the All-Night Vigil (or at least Vespers) on the eve, and the Divine Liturgy on the morning of the feast (there are, however, no "Days of Obligation" in the Eastern Church). For those who follow the traditional Julian Calendar, 29 June falls on the Gregorian Calendar date of 12 July. In recent decades, this feast, along with that of Saint Andrew, has been of importance to the modern ecumenical movement as an occasion on which the pope and the Patriarch of Constantinople have officiated at services designed to bring their two churches closer to intercommunion. This was especially the case during the pontificate of Pope John Paul II, as reflected in his encyclical Ut Unum Sint Monday, 6 PM Divine Liturgy, Bishop Gregory presiding Bar-b-que dinner to follow in Ashy Pavilion and Wickett Hall All invited!
The Nazarene Fund to aid Christians in need of assistance. Funded and sponsored by local Catholic Christians from Saint Mary’s. Rachel’s Vineyard Retreats bring spiritual healing and strengthening of faith to individuals who have had or participated in an abortion. The retreat is a journey to healing, peace and reconciliation.
July 7-9, 2017 in Charleston , SC For information and registration call Christy 803 554 6088 or Kathy 803 546 6010 or [email protected], rachelsvineyard.org
Maronite Mission of Charlotte
Visit the homepage of our Maronite neighbors to the north of us, the Maronite Mission of Charlotte. This Mission is under the leadership of Father Elias Khalil and is growing in Grace and numbers. The mission bulletin is outstanding and they, like us, are a community that is growing. Pray that God will grant them many holy, good and wise members so that their mission will grow to a large parish community.
Bishop Francis Y. Kalabat, Eparchy of the Saint Thomas the Apostle, will make a visit to our community July 7 - 9, the weekend after the NAM Convention. There will be a spiritual conference on Friday evening and the Chaldean Divine Liturgy on Sunday at 11 AM.
The Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of Saint Thomas the Apostle of Detroit (Latin: Eparchia Sancti Thomas Apostoli Detroitensis Chaldaeorum) is located with the cathedral episcopal see of Our Lady of Chaldeans Cathedral, located in Southfield, Michigan, United States. It was created by Pope John Paul II on January 11, 1982 as the Apostolic Exarchate of United States of America for the Chaldeans, covering the entire United States. It was elevated to an eparchy, an Eastern-rite Catholic diocese, led by an eparch (bishop) on August 3, 1985. On 21 May 2002 it lost vast territory to establish the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of Saint Peter the Apostle of San Diego.
The eparchy still governs thirteen parishes, ten of which are located in Michigan and two that are located in Illinois. On Saturday, May 3, 2014, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of Bishop Ibrahim Namo Ibrahim as Eparch of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle of Detroit, and appointed the Reverend Father Francis Y. Kalabat as Eparch- elect. Eparch-elect Kalabat was born in Kuwait, on May 13, 1970. In 1989, he began undergraduate (philosophy) studies at the Seminary of Saint Francis, in San Diego, California. Subsequently, he began the requisite graduate theological training for the Chaldean Catholic priesthood at the Major seminary of the Sacred Heart, in Detroit, Michigan. Ordained a priest on July 5, 1995, he was appointed Parochial Vicar (Associate Pastor) of Mother of God Church in Southfield, Michigan, the city where the Eparchy has its Cathedral. Since 2001, Eparch Kalabat has been Pastor of Saint Thomas Church in Detroit, Director of Vocations for the Eparchy, and has been involved with the Center for Re-Evangelization. He speaks Arabic, English and Chaldean, and knows Spanish and Aramaic. He received his episcopal ordination and was installed as Eparch on June 14, 2014. Abouna’s Corner
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Happy and Holy Festival of Saints Peter and Paul!
This festival, commemorating the two great Apostles of the Jews and the Gentiles, is a great bridge for Eastern Rite Catholics and the West. From the beginning, there have been differences and variations, different interpretations and understandings. Peter directly established the Church of Antioch as he left Jerusalem before going to Rome. Paul preaches to those who are outside of the people of Israel and brings the light of Christ to the nations. We know that they were not the best of co-workers, but they both had the same ultimate goal, to bring the message of Jesus Christ to the world. This gives me great hope as it is hard to bring the Word of the Lord to those who are confused by the messages of the world that are so contrary to God’s Law. The thing for all ministers to remember is that we preach and minister, planting the seeds. We don’t always get to harvest the fruits!
Well, the week we have thought of, planned for and anticipated is upon us. Priests and bishops are arriving as early as Sunday morning and throughout the day. The major portion will arrive on Monday afternoon. My one request is that you pray! Pray for a good clergy conference, and excellent NAM Convention and that the fruits of the Holy Spirit will touch many this week. Also pray for me and all involved. May our smiles be big and our patience in abundance! We will need it!
Have a great weekend! See you in Church!
Ab. Bart
Teaching Position St. Mary's Catholic School in Greenville, SC is seeking a French and a Spanish teacher for the 2017-2018 school year. If interested, please e-mail your resume to school.offi[email protected]."
International Rosary An International Rosary for Our Lady of Fatima will be held at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Fort Mill, SC on Thursday, July 13 at 7:00pm. Each decade will be prayed in a different language and all nationalities are welcome! Please bring an international dessert to share following the rosary. For questions, please contact us at ★Calendar
June
24, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy 25, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy Coffee Social to follow 7 PM, Divine Liturgy 26, 6 PM, Divine Liturgy, Visiting Bishops and Priests with Parishioners BBQ Supper to follow 28, NO DIVINE LITURGY due to NAM
July
01, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy Grand Hafli, Hyatt Hotel 02, DIVINE LITURGY AT HYATT HOTEL 7 PM, Divine Liturgy 04, Independence Day Church Office Closed
Church Office will be closed July 4 - 7
05, 7 PM, Divine Liturgy Anointing of the Sick 07, 7 PM, Spiritual Conference Bishop Francis Kalabat 08, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy 09, 11 AM, Chaldean Liturgy Social to follow
! Novena to Saint Rafka
Join us each Tuesday evening, 7 PM, to pray Ramsho and the Novena to Saint Rafka as we prepare for the 2017 NAM Convention. ! 4 Days till NAM!
How will you help?
Contact Greg or Mary Anne Lepak
54TH ANNUAL CONVENTION • ST. RAFKA • GREENVILLE SC • JUNE 28–JULY 2 • 2017
Substitute Singer to be announced!
PERFORMERS ABEER NEHME AMIN SULTAN MICHEL AZZI Lebanese Angelic Voice Middle Eastern Performer Lebanese Superstar Thursday Spiritual Concert Friday Middle Eastern Banquet Saturday Grand Banquet
DR. WILLIAM E. RABIL, MD CHORBISHOP MICHAEL G. THOMAS The Shroud of Turin Marriage: A Vocation Blessed by God Thursday, 10:30–11:30am Thursday, 3:30–4:30pm
REV. VINCENT FARHAT & REV. GEORGE HAJJ SR. LINA KHAWAND & SR. CYNTHIA KASSIS Catechesis: Practical Resources & Challenges Workshop for Sacred Art Friday, 10:30–11:30am Friday, 10:30–11:30am
REV. DOMINIQUE HANNA REV. AARON SANDBOTHE Going Deeper in the Spiritual Life Maronite Music for Choir Directors & Members Friday, 3:15–4:15pm Friday, 4:15–5:15pm
MOTHER OLGA CARL ANDERSON, SUPREME KNIGHT Featured Speaker Featured Speaker PRESENTERS Contemplating the Heart of Jesus The Church’s Call to Build a Civilization Through Mary in the School of Nazareth of Love in the Middle East Saturday, 10:30am Saturday, 3:30pm
THE BILTMORE & WINERY THE GORGE ZIP-LINING GREEN RIVER KAYAKING Wednesday, 9:30am–7:00pm Wednesday, 9:30am–5:15pm Wednesday, 9:45am–5:15pm EXCURSIONS
YOUTH RAFFLE TICKETS HOTEL INFORMATION LAURALEE SAAD Children’s Program
MICHELE HOUMIS Maronite Youth BISHOP GREGORY MANSOUR, BISHOP ELIAS ZAIDAN, AND SISTER THERESE Maronite Young Adults 1ST Free round trip tickets to Beirut HYATT REGENCY CODE: NAM CONVENTION 2ND One Week in a Condo in St. Maarten’s 220 N. Main St. for the discounted rate of MARONITE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS in the Caribbean Greenville, SC 29601 $129 per night per room. Social Mixers 3RD Cash winning of $1,000 1-888-421-1442 Once you make your 4TH Cash winning of $500 reservations, contact the hotel directly to book your One ticket for $5, or five tickets for $20 free shuttle from and to the airport. 1-864-235-1234
saintrafka.org namnews.org June 28-July 2, 2017
Pre-registration Deadline: Friday, June 5, 2017 Greenville, South Carolina Please complete all information or register online: www.namnews.org Incomplete forms will not be processed. Please PRINT legibly. You will receive a confirmation via email or mail. Primary Registrant: Please add additional family members on reverse side.
First Name: Last Name: Check all that apply: Address: NAM Member NAM Delegate City/State/Zip: NAM Board Ord. St. Sharbel Phone: E-mail: Conv. Comm. Child (5-11) Parish: Youth (12-18) Yng Ad. (18-35) Package/Program Purchased: Vegetarian Age:______
PACKAGES ONLY –Enter number of packages desired and make sure to fill in Totals and Grand Totals. Daily Workshops are included with any purchase. NAM members whose 2017 dues have been paid will receive $15 off of the full adult package and $1O off all other packages. This discount is void after the pre-registration deadline of June 9, 2017. If you wish to pay for your member dues withthis registration: send a check payable to NAM. Child,Youth, YoungAdult,and Excursions are additional and not included in packages. Saturday Banquet seating is chosen for you unless you contact NAM office or request on-line. The "Covenant of Behavior" MUST be completed for all Child and Youth registrants- if not accompanied by parent. See forms on-line. **YOUTH: If you are18 and did not graduate from high school by summer; YOUNG ADULT: If you are over 18 and a high school graduate and younger than 35.
Package Options Adult and Youth Child Entertainment Only Young Adult 12 to 18 years ** 5 to 11 years 35 & under - no meals included DOES NOT Entry after 10PM – valid 18 years old + student ID required INCLUDE HOTEL Before After Before After Before After Before After ROOMS 6/9/2017 6/9/2017 6/9/2017 6/9/2017 6/9/2017 6/9/2017 6/9/2017 6/9/2017
Full (Thur-Sun ) #____ @$300 #____ @$330 #____ @$270 #____ @$300 #____ @$150 #____ @$180 #____ @$120 #____ @$150
Weekend (Fri - Sun) #____ @$260 #____ @$290 #____ @$220 #____ @$250 #____ @$130 #____ #____@$1 60 #____ @$100 #____ @$130
Saturday & Sunday #____ @$170 #____ @$200 #____ @$150 #____ @$180 #_____ @$80 #____ @$110
Thursday Only #____ @$50 #____ @$80 #____ @$40 #____ @$70 #____ @$20 #____ @$50 #____ @$20 #____ @$50
Friday Only #____ @$110 #____ @$140 #____ @$90 #____ @$120 #____ @$50 #____ @$80 #____ @$50 #____ @$80 __ Saturday Only #____ @$140 #____ @$170 #____ @$120 #____ @$150 #____ @$60 #_____ @$90 #____ @$70 #____ @$100
Sunday Only #____ @$50 #____ @$80 #____ @$40 #____ @$70 #____ @$20 #____ @$50
Totals $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
EXCURSIONS (Children, Youth, Young Adults, Adults, and Seniors) Wednesday: Excursion to Biltmore Estate & Winery, all-inclusive Buffet, audio tour and wine tour Adults ages 17 + # @$120 Wednesday: Excursion to Biltmore Estate & Winery (all above included) ages 5-16 ONLY # @$ 90 Wednesday: Excursion to Biltmore Estate & Winery (all above included) children 4 and under # @$ 35 Wednesday: THE GORGE ZIPLINING & Box Lunch** # @$140 Wednesday: GREEN RIVER INFLATABLE KAYAKING & Box Lunch** # @$100 Thursday, Friday and Saturday: Children’s Program – Children’s Museum, Zoo, Crafts with Lauralee Saad # @$30/day or $75/all Thursday and Friday: Youth – Program with Michele Houmis # @$ 20 Thursday: Young Adults – Theology on Tap with the Bishops - Brazwells Pub with Hors d’oeuvres – Main Street # @$ 20 Friday: Young Adults – Lunch with the Bishops – Ink N Ivy Restaurant – Buffet Included - Main Street # @$ 20 Saturday: Order of St. Sharbel luncheon # @$ 50 I want to make a Non-Taxable Donation for Religious and Clergy attending NAM ’17 $100____ $200____$300____ # On-site registration for all excursions and above events will incur a $20 fee per event **Pre-registration and Signed Waiver Required: Contact Elias Jowdy for Forms: [email protected] GRAND TOTAL $ Make checks payable to "NAM Convention" and mail to NAM, P.O. Box 717, Yonkers, NY 10702 Do Not Send Cash. If using a CREDIT CARD register online or complete the information below and fax to 914-964-3071 For Credit Card: Visa MC Discovery AMEX Acct#: EXP Date: V-code (3 or 4 digit# on front/back of card): Signature:
OFFICE USE ONLY: AMT.PD: DATE: CHK#: REG#:
For hotel reservations call Hyatt Regency Greenville at (888) 421-1442 code 'NAM Convention'. Hotel rate: $129/night for single/double/ triple/quad room. Parking extra. A one-night deposit is required for all reservations. Rate valid only until June 5, 2017 Prayer List Hans Wascom, Ethel Brassel, Katrina Shunk, Chuck Wilson, George Vargo, Julie Tullis, Dan Steinker, Irma Galvan, Mary Cleary, Joe Lemire, Mary Anne McAfee, Tish Oney, Lois Taylor, Jim Hopsecger, Virginia LaFave, Nabeel Howard, Father M. T. Phillips, Paul Cote and Family, Paul Bussemey, Ramza Sleiman, Moe Mercier, Joan Bussemey, Special Intention by Abouna, Bob Brown, Joe Durham, Michael Bays, Patrick Lavelle, Tara Galvin, Susan Connor, Bill Saints We Celebrate Hines, Beth Banks, Andrea Fiorni-Frazier, Shawn Sexton, June 29, The Apostles, Peter and Paul Robert Mercier, James and June 30, The Twelve Apostles Kaleigh, Mark Pelletier, Antonella, Stephanie, Derek July 10, The Three Massabki Brothers, Maronite Gerard Solomon, JoAn Martyrs Salloum, Susie, Jim Hopka, July 11, Saint Benedict of Nursia Family of Colbert Arthur, Berma Darlene Bell, Terry July 16, Our Lady of Einsiedeln Vadnais, Elaine Gillen, Amy July 17, Saint Marina, Nun of Qunnabine Hunter, Shawn Sexton, Cindy Miller, Adrian Kassentar, Beth July 20, Saint Elias the Prophet Hopsecger, Mark Barnard, July 22, Saint Nouhra Special Intention of MKS, Janice Radich, Paula Lemire, July 23, Saint Sharbel Becky Jarvis, Lillian Moon, July 24 Saint Christina of Tyre Vito Fortuna, Sam Howard, Jr., July 27, Saint Pantaleon Betty Braun, Deanne Valencia, Sister Mary Emmanuel, Katie July 31, 350 Maronite Martyrs Frank, Adelaide George, Beverley Davis, Maryanne Polidoro, John Fender, Katherine Dennman, Intentions of Nancy Gegorian, Thomas Shaluly
Someone in need of prayer? Let me know! Liturgical Items Liturgical Readings
Feast New Testament Gospel Peter & Paul 2 Cor. 11:21-30 Matt 16:13-20 English Paul Leonardi Arabic Afaf Sleiman
Mass Intentions
June 24 & 25 Saturday, 4 PM Bo Hermes (for wisdom) Andy and Ceil Frisari Sunday, 11 AM +Brother Gerard Nichols Paul and Mary Leonardi Sunday, 7 PM +Mary Lou Gillespie Kate Edwards Monday, 6 PM Deceased Parishioners and Benefactors July 1 & 2 Saturday, 4 PM Open NO MASS AT THE CHURCH. MASS AT HYATT HOTEL Sunday, 7 PM +Shafik Hayek (40-day anniversary) Michael and B J Dursse Wednesday 7 PM +Mary Lou Gillespie Kate Edwards
Sanctuary Lamp and Flowers
To have the Sanctuary Light for your relatives or intentions, please use the envelope provided at the entrance. Donation is $5.00. The Sanctuary Candle burns for these Intentions from Sunday thru Saturday. Church Offerings and Attendance
June 18 Saturday 4 PM Sunday 11 AM Sunday 7 PM Total Budget +/- Wed. 7 PM
People 59 71 30 160 160 0 22 Collection $846.00 $1190 $252.00 $2288.00 $2,667.00 -$379.00 0
Average per person $14.34 $16.7605633802817 $8.40 $14.30 Holy Hour 0
Average Attendance 55 66 24 145 Novena 9 Building Fund 0 0 0 0
Year to Date $61,918.00
Average per person 0 0 0 $0.00 Average PP $14.30
Attendance
Attendance Year to Date 4:00 PM 1315 11:00 AM 1586 7:00 PM 587 Wednesday 7 PM 444 First Sunday 113 Holy Day 64 Saint Rafka Novena 61 Special Liturgy 13 Lenten Weekday 343 Funerals 315 Weddings 25
New Statistics!! When I decided to use MailChimp to send out our bulletins, I did not realize what a powerful tool it could be. After each mail out, I am able to see how many emails were opened and how many clicked the link to the bulletin. I can also see who opened their emails. The results were quite interesting! This stat will now be a part of each week’s bulletin. For last week, the results were:
Date Emails Sent Opened Clicks to Bulletin % Opened
June 18 520 389 117 47.2%
June 11 522 433 129 47.7%
Difference 2 -44 -12 -0.5% Birthdays
June Ashy Pavilion Please remember that registered and supporting 24, John Maroun parishioners are free to use 25, Katie Saad the Ashy Pavilion for family 26, Dan Beckman events, reunions, parties, etc. 27, Tony Nawar Others are welcome to rent 28, Suhail Yousiff the facilities. More information? Contact Richard 29, Lori Rothermich Wickett here. 30, Carter Bryant July Coffee Socials 1, Younan Younan If you would like to sponsor 1, Layla Younan a Coffee Social In Memory 1, Muayad Noori Of or In Honor Of someone, please call or email the 2, Aida Farah office to let us know. Abouna 6, Paula Howard-Casby 9, Helen Rouch Wickett Hall 11, Alexis DeBo Newly refurbished Wickett Hall can be used by our registered and supporting Anniversaries parishioners for family events, reunions, etc. Others 2, Tony and Yasmine Nawar may request permission to 3, Bob and Marlene Dowd rent the Hall. Contact Richard Wickett. Necrology Masses Online +Emily Ann Bibbes, June 24, 2006 Where to go to Mass when traveling? Look here! +John A. Jebaily, Sr., June 24, 2007 +Mera Barbara Bouharoun, July 1, 2006 MassTimes.org +Edward J. Howard, July 5, 1989 The Catholic Directory +Louis Charles Howayeck, July 22, 2013 Parishes Online +Rita Bitalke, July 24, 2015 +Josephine N. Howard, July 27, 2001 +Jamile J. Francis, Sr., July 31, 2008
The Official Lay Apostolate of the Eparchies of St. Maron of Brooklyn and Our Lady of Lebanon
June 2017 Vol. 4, No. 15
June, 2017 Bernadette Shalhoub Regional Vice President Regional Activity Mary, Mother of the Light, Tequesta, FL ❖ Attended Spring Board Meeting in Chicago.
❖ Sent emails to all delegates requesting updates of their parish activites.
❖ I asked everyone to encourage membership, promote NAM and convention attendance, Delegates and work with their priests for my parish visit. Linda Wickett ❖ I asked for delegates to let me know if they were attending the convention. Richard Sleiman St. Rafka, Greer, SC ❖ Requested delegates to log in to the NAM site to check on the member status in their parish. I suggested for them to call Mike if they needed assistance with login. I offered assistance if they Chehade Chihane needed help with this project. Hopefully, we will be able to get our region to the 100 percent Maria Moussa payment or close to that goal. St. Joseph, Atlanta, GA
❖ Introduced myself and welcomed our new delegates. Carol Tegho Tiffany Trad Respectfully submitted, St. Maron, Jacksonville, FL
Bernadette Shalhoub Blanche Abou-Jaoude Regional Vice President Khalil Abou-Jaoude Far South Region St. Jude, Orlando, FL Noha Moubarak Sts. Peter and Paul, Tampa, FL Delegate Reports St. Rafka, Greenville, SC — Reported by Delegate Linda Wickett; see page 2 Marsha Macary Abla Khahil-Dagher St. Joseph, Atlanta, GA — No Report Heart of Jesus, St. Maron, Jacksonville, FL — Reported by Delegates Carol Tegho and Tiffany Trad; see page 4 Ft. Lauderdale, FL St. Jude, Orlando, FL — No Report Joseph George Jr. Saints Peter and Paul, Tampa, FL — No Report Aleen Sirgany Mary, Mother of the Light, Tequesta, FL — Reported by Bernadette Shalhoub; see page 3 Our Lady of Lebanon, Miami, FL Heart of Jesus, Fort Lauderdale, FL — Reported by Marsha Macary; see page 3 Our Lady of Lebanon, Miami, FL — No Report
Publisher Mary Somerville Mary, Mother of the Light, Tequesta, FL
Newsletter of the Region Encompassing South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida The Far South Voice Newsletter June 2017
St. Rafka ith Wickett Hall’s renovations completed, St. Rafka’s parishioners are enjoying the spaciousness that was so badly needed. Under the direction of Afaf Sleiman, women of the parish have taken advantage Mission of the well-equipped kitchen to cook many delicious foods for the NAM Convention Hospitality Room. Greer, SC Since the Feast of St. Rafka fell during Lent, St. Rafka’s Mission celebrated that feast day on April 30th. Fr. Bart thanked Marlene Saad and all the founding families for persisting in their desire to have a Maronite community in the Upstate of South Carolina. The mission was founded in 2002 under Bishop Stephen Hector Doueihi, and it was Bishop Gregory Mansour who asked Fr. Bart to return to St. Rafka after a year and a half pastorate in Pennsylvania. Msgr. Ron Beshara, Fr. David Michael, and Fr. Peter Boulos also served the flock at St. Rafka’s. As Fr. Bart stresses, St. Rafka’s community “has a wonderful reputation for working well with the priests and that is the hallmark of a great community.” Fr. Bart showed his appreciation of his congregation by contributing to the Building Fund the $718.00 from the second collection on Easter meant for the Clergy.
On Sunday, May 14, St. Rafka had the 40 Day Memorial for Fr. Christopher Henderson. The next day Fr. Bart and several parishioners, Elizabeth Gallagher and Joe Chebeir, traveled with Fr. Chris’s ashes to Charlotte, NC, where his family had a simple ceremony at which his ashes were buried next to his deceased family members.
Fr. Bart announced that Bishop Francis Y. Kalabat, of the Eparchy of Saint Thomas the Apostle of Detroit, will visit St. Rafka’s the weekend after the NAM Convention, July 7-9, to lead a spiritual conference on Friday evening and to celebrate the Chaldean Divine Liturgy on Sunday at 11:00 AM. St. Rafka’s has many Chaldean parishioners.
Fr. Bart has asked St. Rafka’s community to come together on June 24 at 9:00 AM to do last-minute cleaning and weeding in preparation for the NAM Clergy Conference that begins on Monday, June 26. At 6:00 PM on that day the Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at St. Rafka’s Church. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend the Liturgy and the BBQ supper that will follow.
As the time of the 2017 NAM Convention nears, the parishioners at St. Rafka’s Mission are feeling excitement tinged with a bit of nervousness. This will be the first such convention St. Rafka’s has hosted, and anyone who has hosted a NAM Convention knows how much planning and hard work is required. The Convention Co- chairpersons, Mary Anne and Greg Lepak, along with Fr. Bartholomew Leon and the Convention Committee Chairpersons had a hotel tour/dinner/meeting on June 12 at the Hyatt Regency in Greenville to discuss their progress and to tie up any lose ends. The reports were encouraging. The offering of the Office of Ramsho and the Novena Prayer to St. Rafka, said every week by Fr. Bart from January 17 - June 20, has been a beautiful spiritual preparation for the 2017 NAM Convention hosted by St. Rafka’s Mission.
Respectfully submitted, Linda Wickett
Volume 4 \ Number 15 \ Page 2 The Far South Voice Newsletter June 2017
uring the last week of April our parish hosted four Maronite priests who were meeting with Chorbishop Heart of Michael for Eparchial business. All the parishioners were invited to come to the noon Liturgy and welcomed Jesus Msgr. Peter Azar, Rector of our Maronite Seminary in Washington, D.C.; Father Vincent Farhat, pastor in Mission Philadelphia, PA; Father Simon El Hajj, pastor in Easton, PA; and Father Dominique Hanna, pastor in Atlanta, GA. Ft. Lauderdale, Heart of Jesus Maronite Mission began the month of May with the beautiful crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Many of the ladies gather once a week to pray the Rosary before the daily Liturgy in honor of the Blessed Virgin. FL Mother’s Day Liturgy was offered for all mothers, living and deceased, and was followed by a delicious luncheon given and prepared by the parish men’s club. Wednesday, May 31st, the last day of the month was dedicated to Our Lady. The Rosary was prayed at 11:30a.m. followed by the Liturgy at noon and a procession around the church with the icon of Mary. A delicious luncheon was held in the parish hall for all those attending Liturgy. The Ladies Club honored all fathers with a falafel lunch held in the parish hall on Father’s Day, June 18th. Everyone enjoyed the delicious homemade falafel sandwiches, and all the fathers really enjoyed their special day. June is the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Novenas and prayers leading up to the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus began on Thursday, June 15th. The Feast of the Body of Christ concludes on Friday, June 23, with the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, our parish patronal feast. Each night begins with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, followed by Benediction and Divine Liturgy. On closing night, the novena ends with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament held in the gazebo on the parish grounds with a procession into the church followed by Liturgy. A wonderful dinner will follow in the parish hall. It will be a special ending to a blessed and holy week. We are happy that all the parish NAM members have renewed their memberships and many will be attending the NAM convention in South Carolina. Our parish is happy to have our pastor, Chorbishop Michael Thomas, as one of the speakers. We wish NAM a successful and blessed convention. We pray everyone has a happy, healthy, and safe summer. Respectfully submitted, Marsha Macary
Mary, our boys received their First Holy Communion on the Feast of Our Lady of Lebanon, May 7th. May God Mother of bless Elias Azzi, Flavio Matta, Nicholas Seal, and John Azzi pictured below. the Light Mother's Day brunch was held on May 14th and Father's Day brunch on June 18th. Mission Mabrook to our parish family graduates (high school, college, doctorate): Marissa Faddoul, Rachel Jouni, Alain Tequesta, FL Jouni, Patrick Rizk, Maureen Mikosz, and John Dalack. May God bless you in your future endeavors. Mary, Mother of the Light Academy held its second annual commencement for 21 preschoolers graduating to Kindergarten on June 2nd. Respectfully submitted, Bernadette Shalhoub
Volume 4 \ Number 15 \ Page 3 The Far South Voice Newsletter June 2017
St. Maron ay marked the Centennial of the Apparition of Our Lady of Fatima, Portugal. In heeding Our Lady's request at Fatima, Fr. Elie invited every one of us parishioners to join him in consecrating ourselves, our Mission families, our parish, the Church, our homeland and the whole world to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In Jacksonville, commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Apparition of Our Lady in Fatima, a special Liturgical celebration FL was held at our church on Thursday, May 11th, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. The first Sunday of May marks the Feast of Our Lady of Lebanon. The whole month of May is dedicated to Our Lady. The blessing with the icon of Our Lady (Ziah assoura) took place at the beginning of Mass during all Sundays of May. On March 24-26th The Maronite Servants collaborated with Reverend Elie Abi-Chedid in scheduling this Lenten retreat. On Friday we had the Benediction of the Cross, followed by a supper where Mother Marla Marie facilitated a "Lectio Divina" on the Sunday's Gospel of the Healing of the Paralytic, and taught the adults of the parish this method of prayerfully reading the scriptures. On Saturday we facilitated a combined retreat with the MYO and MYA. The theme was "Be Made Clean" and was based on the Gospel of the Healing of the Leper. We had two presentations for the day, one from Mother Marla Marie and the other from Sr. Therese Maria. There was discussions which focused on some of the fears and distractions we may have on approaching confession, and how confession improves our relationship with God. After the retreat we joined with a number of the MYO at Mandaloun Lebanese Restaurant for dinner and a Dabke party. Congratulations go to Claudia Naddaf, Michael Naddaf, and Gabriella Bahri on the occasion of their First Holy Communion, May 21, 2017. We pray for God's blessing upon them. Our wholehearted congratulations go to Elias Nammour, Jean-Paul Korkmaz, and Carlo Clemente for their graduation from high school; and to Amada Baroutgian for her graduation from college in Biology. A Mass will be offered on Sunday, June 25th for all our parish graduates this year. We express our gratitude to Mrs. Carol Tegho and Ms. Tiffany Trad for accepting to serve as NAM delegates for our church. The NAM Convention was advertised with all pertinent information needed for convention and hotel registration. An explanation of who NAM is and what NAM has to offer was explained. Membership was encouraged. The NAM Cedar Tree Project was advertised with all pertinent information included. Project Roots was advertised along with all pertinent information needed. Charitable gift annuity was mentioned for the Eparchy of St. Maron. The Order of St. Sharbel was advertised with all pertinent information included.
Respectfully submitted, Carol Tegho Tiffany Trad
Volume 4 \ Number 15 \ Page 4
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