Rafka Maronite

Catholics of the East in the Upstate! 1215 S. Highway 14, Greer, SC 29650 864.469.9119 www.saintrafka,net [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, , 109 Remsen Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, 718.237.9913. [email protected]

Rev. Bartholomew Leon, Administrator, [email protected] November 6, 2016 Rev. Christopher Henderson, Retired, [email protected]

Pastor’s Advisory Council Ramiz Askar, Marlene Saad Secretary Richard Sleiman, Chairman Paul Sleiman, Linda Wickett, Jack Yacu Dedication and Renewal of the Church Finance Committee On this Sunday of the Consecration of the George Azan, Chebir Chairman Church, the Bride-Church re-consecrates Tony Sleiman, Paula Howard herself and her children, the faithful, to Christ. The letter to the Hebrews reminds us Administration Richard, Wickett, Financial Secretary that the Temple in Jerusalem and it’s rituals Nemr Farhat, Volunteer was only a temporal preparation for the “new Administrative Assistant to the Pastor order” that would be established between Christ and his Church and her children.

From now on the Children of God would worship him in Spirit and Truth on earth as in + the Heavenly Jerusalem. For it is not God’s will to dwell among stones, but in the caring hearts of his faithful people, and among them to establish his Kingdom. Our Church

Continued next page Sunday of the Church ★Calendar Community is this New Temple! November 5, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy In Matthew’s Gospel Jesus establishes Peter – who 6, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy consecrates himself to Christ Jesus in faith – and his 3 PM, Holy Hour Church as the link between God’s Kingdom on earth 7 PM, Divine Liturgy with it’s fulfillment in Heaven. And just as God had 9, 7 PM, Divine Liturgy sealed his Covenant of Promise with and 12, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy his descendants in the past; so now Christ seals his 13, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy New Covenant with Peter, the guardian of the 7 PM, Divine Liturgy Church, and his faithful descendants, the children of 16, 7 PM, Divine Liturgy the Church. 19, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy 20, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy In the Hoosoyo we hear the Voice of Christ as it 7 PM, Divine Liturgy echoes deep within his Church in confirmation of his 23, 7 PM, Divine Liturgy promise of unwavering love for her: “behold I am 24, 10 AM, Divine Liturgy with you to the end of time!” The Church’s self- consecration to Christ is therefore a result of his self 26, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy consecration to her: “It was He who loved us 27, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy first” (1John 4:19). Our Sunday’s Communion itself – 7 PM, Divine Liturgy the bread of fire and the cup of the Spirit – becomes 30, 7 PM, Divine Liturgy the expression of this mutual commitment and self December consecration between Christ and his Church, and his 3, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy peace with her children. 4, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy 3 PM, Holy Hour In his teachings, Saint Paul guides his married faithful 7 PM, Divine Liturgy to consecrate themselves to each other as Christ has 7, 7 PM, Divine Liturgy done for the Church (Ephesians 5: 22-32). Like the 8, 7 PM, Divine Liturgy Church who consecrates herself to Christ, this is now Holy Day of Obligation the appropriate time for married couples – along 10, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy with their loved ones – to re-consecrate themselves 11, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy and their families to each other, and to Christ. 7 PM, Divine Liturgy In our families that have experienced breakdowns this is the right season to forgive and ask for Church Office Hours forgiveness from each other. This is also the right time to remember the and our faithful departed who have entered into eternal Communion with God, and await us to join them in glory. 9 AM - 2 PM Father Steve Bonian, S.J. St. Mary’s Catholic School Tradition Virtue Excellence

Open House Grades K3-8 7-11 November SACS Accredited Call to schedule your school tour: 864.679.4117 National Blue Ribbon School 101 Hampton Avenue, Greenville, SC 29601 www.stmarysgvl.org/theschool The Annual Radiothon for Catholic Radio in South Carolina will be broadcast on Thursday and Friday November 17th and 18th on WCKI 1300 AM in the Upstate, and WLTQ 730 AM along the Coast, and on-line at www.CatholicRadioInSC.com. Radiothon gives listeners a chance to participate in the New Evangelization through their support of Catholic Radio Broadcasting. For more information about how to pledge your assistance to Catholic Radio during Radiothon, representatives can be reached at 864-877-8458 or donations can be accepted securely online at www.CatholicRadioInSC.com.

Voter Guide for Serious Catholics Catholic Voter Guide Political Activity Guidelines for Catholic This is a great reference, published in Entities 2012, on forming our consciences as Prayer Intentions Catholics as we prepare to vote for Presidential Candidate Guide - English various candidates seeking public office. I offer this for your careful reading and reflection. Click here. Abouna’s Corner

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

Greetings in the Lord!

Electronic communication and social media are very important to most us to keep up with family and friends. Social issues, clubs, interests, pets and a variety of other interests keep us linked to the word. The same is true with our parish life. Email. webpage and FaceBook postings keep us in formed and up to date. I have to admit that I am not as quick to update FaceBook as often, but our website is top notch! It is out of my hands and placed in the very capable hands of our webmaster, Matt Pelicano. This week, the webpage was updated. It looks great! Visit it!! This is our digital presence in the world and we have a site to be proud of!

This is the first weekend of the month, so we have several exciting events this weekend. On Sunday, after the 11 AM Liturgy, we have our Potluck Luncheon. Look on the next page and see what you are to bring and come! These are great community builders and nourish the body after we nourish the soul!

Please remember that we have the 3 PM First Sunday Holy Hour. This month, I would urge you to consider coming to pray for our country as we prepare to vote for our new president on Tuesday. Divine Guidance is exactly what we need in this contentious election!

Speaking of voting, regardless of who you like or dislike, VOTE! This is one of the great privileges that we have as citizens of this country. The fate of this country is in our hands. Exercise your right to be heard! Read the Voter Guides further back, pray, then vote. God bless America!

Have a great weekend! See you in Church!

Salaam!

Ab. Bart Pot Luck Luncheon November 16, 2016

Meats Side Dishes/Salads Desserts J - R S - Z A - I

Sunday, November 6 First Sunday of the Month

Second Collection

Building Fund

Many thanks for your generosity!

First Sunday Holy Hour

Exposition and Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament Chaplet of Mercy Confessions

Sunday, November 6 Come pray for our country! 3 PM The Poinsett Club 807 East Washington Street Greenville, South Carolina

Please join us for the second annual St. Jude Miracles in Greenville - a night of fun and philanthropy! This celebration of support for the kids of St. Jude will include cocktails, food, a live and silent auction and entertainment.

By attending and supporting this event, you will help St. Jude in its mission of finding cures for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Thanks to the generosity of friends like you, no family ever receives a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food - because all a family should worry about is helping their child live. Individual - $100

For more information, please contact

Megan Hannon at [email protected] or (704) 554-7710 or visit our event site. 235 Days till NAM!

How will you help? Contact Greg or Mary Anne Lepak

Biblical Perspectives of Kids!

Jesus was born because mary had an Immaculate Contraption.

St. John the Blacksmith dumped water on his head.

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WCKI 1300 AM www.catholicradioinsc.com

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Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered. Jubilee Year of Mercy - The Holy Door at St Mary’s - the pilgrimage church for the Greenville Deanery - will close on Sunday 13 November 2016. Prayer List Father M. T. Phillips, Paul Cote and Family, Paul Bussemey, Ramza Sleiman, Jack Yacu, Moe Mercier, Joan Bussemey, Priscilla Watson, Denise Steinker, Special Intention by Abouna, Bob Brown, Joe Durham, Bays, Patrick Lavelle, Tara Galvin, Susan Connor, Bill Hines, Beth Banks, Andrea Fiorni-Frazier, Shawn Sexton, Alice Howard, Robert Mercier, James and Kaleigh, Mark Pelletier, Antonella, Stephanie, Derek Gerard Solomon, Connie Brushaber, Billy, JoAn Saints We Celebrate Salloum, Susie, Health and recovery of W. F. William B. November 5, Saint Assia the Just, Confessor (Bill) Rodgers, Jr., Jim Hopka, November 8, Saint Michael the Archangel Family of Colbert Arthur, Berma Darlene Bell, Terry November 10, Saint Moura, Confessor Vadnais, Elaine Gillen, November 11, Saint Mennas, Martyr Elizabeth Gallagher, Special Saint Martin, Confessor Intention, Amy Hunter, Shawn Sexton, Cindy Miller, Deacon November 13, Saint John Chrysostom, Confessor Bob Smith, Adrian Kassentar, Saint Francis Cabrini, Virgin- Beth Hopsecger, Mark Confessor, Saint of the United States Barnard, Special Intention of MKS, Janice Radich, Paula November 14, Saint Lemire, Becky Jarvis, Lillian November 16, Saint Matthew the Evangelist Moon, Vito Fortuna, Sam November 17, Saint Gregory the Wonderworker, Howard, Jr., Betty Braun, Deanne Valencia, Mary Yacu, Confessor Sister Mary Emmanuel, Katie Frank, Adelaide George, Beverley Davis, Maryanne Polidoro, John Fender, Katherine Dennman, Alan Howard, Intentions of Nancy Gegorian, Greg Howard, Thomas Shaluly,

Someone in need of prayer? Let me know! Liturgical Items Liturgical Readings

Feast New Testament Gospel Church Heb. 9:1-12 Matt 16:13-20 English B J Durusse Arabic Suhail Yousiff

Mass Intentions

November 5 & 6

Saturday, 4 PM Deceased Members of the Jack Stewart Family Jack and Pat Stewart Sunday, 11 AM +Josephine Howard Sons Sunday, 7 PM Open Wednesday, 7 PM Open November 12 & 13

Saturday, 4 PM Open Sunday, 11 AM +Richard A. Kalata Tom and Ellen Deux Sunday, 7 PM Open Wednesday, 7 PM Open

If you would like a Mass offered for your loved ones, please call the church office at 864.469.9119 or send your request to [email protected]. You can also check the Mass Intention calendar on our webpage to see if dates are available.

Sanctuary Lamp

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 this week in supplication as we prepare for the Presidential election. NATIONAL NOVENA Sunday, Oct. 30 – Monday, Nov. 7 in prayerful preparation for the election

Prayer to Mary, the Immaculate Conception, Patroness of the United States

Most Holy Trinity: Our Father in Heaven, who chose Mary as the fairest of your daughters; Holy Spirit, who chose Mary as your Spouse; God the Son, who chose Mary as your Mother, in union with Mary we adore your majesty and acknowledge your supreme, eternal dominion and authority.

Most Holy Trinity, we put the United States of America into the hands of Mary Immaculate in order that she may present the country to you. Through her we wish to thank you for the great resources of this land and for the freedom which has been its heritage.

Through the intercession of Mary, have mercy on the in America. Grant us peace. Have mercy on our president and on all the officers of our government. Grant us a fruitful economy, born of justice and charity. Have mercy on capital and industry and labor. Protect the family life of the nation. Guard the precious gift of many religious vocations. Through the intercession of our Mother, have mercy on the sick, the tempted, sinners – on all who are in need.

Mary, Immaculate Virgin, our Mother, Patroness of our land, we praise you and honor you and give ourselves to you. Protect us from every harm. Pray for us, that acting always according to your will and the will of your divine Son, we may live and die pleasing to God. Amen.

Imprimatur: +Patrick O’Boyle, Archbishop of Washington, May 8, 1959. Mosaic of the Immaculate Conception © Basilica of the National of the Immaculate Conception. Used with permission. Church Offerings

October 30 Saturday 4 PM Sunday 11 AM Sunday 7 PM Total Budget +/- Wed. 7 PM

People 55 60 45 160 150 10 Collection $523.00 $812.00 $272.00 $1607.00 $2,243.00 -$636.00 0

Average per person $9.51 $13.53 $6.04 $10.71 Holy Hour 0

0 0

Average Attendance 47.82 66.38 33.96 Year to Date $94,894.00

All Saints 0 0 $458.00 458

Average per person 0 0 $10.18 2.8625

Attendance Year to Date How are these totals calculated? 4:00 PM 2487 One total graphed above is through envelope usage 11:00 AM 3452 for each week. 7:00 PM 1766 Wednesday 7 PM 577 The totals to the left and above are counted by the First Sunday 157 ushers during the Divine Liturgy and tabulated. Holy Day 229 March 4, 2017 Prince of Peace Catholic Church | 1209 Brushy Creek Road | Taylors, SC

Men’s Issues Do you want to: Grow in your Catholic Faith? Deepen your relationship with Christ? Be a better father, son, husband and man? Be a spiritual leader in your family, church, work place, and community?

This conference is for you! Steve Ray Come and fill your spiritual toolbox with the Author, Evange- information you need to build your faith and list, International lead your family. Speaker, Pilgrim Guide

Most Reverend Robert COST: $40 Pre-Registration / $50 at the door E. Guglielmone

Discounts for: Knights of Columbus ● Bishop of Charleston

Knights of the Equestrian Order of the Holy

Sepulchre of Jerusalem ● Knights of Peter

Claver ● Ancient Order of Hibernians ● Dr. Bill Thierfelder

College/HS Students ● Early Registration President of Belmont Ab-

bey, Former US Olympic Includes light breakfast and lunch Committee, Two time All

American, Charlotte, NC

REGISTRATION: On-line at www.sccatholicmensconf.org or mail Fr. Jeffery Kirby check to: E. Barton | 1510 Alric Court Author and National | Charleston, SC 29412-8436 Speaker, EWTN Dioceses of Charleston Registration at 7:30 a.m., Mass 8:30 a.m., Presentations 19:45 a.m., Conclude 4:00 p.m. Fr. Hotel Accommodations: Wingate by Wyndham Renaurd West 33 Beacon Drive Greenville, SC 29615 Parochial Vicar, (864) 281-1281 St Mary Help of Christian Room Rate: $89.00 plus tax Catholic Church, Reservation: Prior to February 17, 2017

The South Carolina Catholic Men’s Conference is sponsored by the South Carolina Knights of Columbus State Council in support of the Diocese of Charleston Office of Family Life & Youth Ministry Birthdays

5. Basma Seleem Ashy Pavilion 7, Abouna Aaron Sandbothe 7, Nader Hermiz Please remember that 9, Susan Beckman registered and supporting 10, Linda Wickett parishioners are free to use 10. Mike Fontayne the Ashy Pavilion for family 11, Bishop Gregory Mansour events, reunions, parties, etc. 11. Camille Kalas-Oczkowski Others are welcome to rent 12, Victor Farah the facilities. More 12, Saleh Salfiti information? Contact Richard 13. Susan Burman Wickett here. 14, Tony Howard 14, Ken Migut Coffee Socials 14, Hezar Rafkah 16, Steven Hage If you would like to sponsor 16. Dee Kalata a Coffee Social In Memory Of or In Honor Of someone, Anniversaries please call or email the office to let us know. Abouna 5, Peter and Danielle Bouharoun 18,Sandra and Wayne Reece Wickett Hall 29, Greg and Mary Anne Lepak 29, Majed and Sura Farah Wickett Hall - Wickett Hall can be used by our Necrology registered and supporting parishioners for family No recorded deaths in November events, reunions, etc. Others may request permission to Prayers to Saint Sharbel and Saint rent the Hall. Contact Rafka Richard Wickett.

You can always have your intentions prayed for at Masses Online the monastery where Saint Sharbel is buried. Click here. Prayers to Saint Rafka, click here. Where to go to Mass when traveling? Look here!

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