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 is a of the Antiochene Syriac Maronite Church, of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, NY, Most Rev. , Bishop, 109 Remsen Street, Brooklyn, NY, 11201, 718.237.9913. [email protected] June 4, 2017 Rev. Bartholomew Leon, Administrator, [email protected]

Pastor’s Advisory Council Ramiz Askar, Marlene Saad Secretary Richard Sleiman, Chairman Paul Sleiman, Linda Wickett, Jack Yacu

Finance Committee On this Sunday we celebrate the feast of the Holy George Azan, Joseph Chebeir, Spirit. It is the dawn of a new era in the history of Chairman our human redemption, when Christ our Lord, Tony Sleiman, Paula Howard-Casby after his Resurrection, with the Father, sent down the Holy Spirit to fill-up his creation and to Administration recreate all anew! Throughout Christendom the Richard Wickett, Financial Secretary churches on this holy feast day of Pentecost celebrate with great joy in praise, with Joseph Chebeir, thanksgiving and adoration this precious gift of Administrative Assistant to the Pastor life-divine from our most-loving triune God!

Today, we, the Bride-Church and her children celebrate this moment of our transformation – from the worldly into the spiritual – by recalling the promise of Christ to send down the Holy Spirit to his Apostles. For us, this divine creative presence of the Holy Spirit is perpetually

Continued next page manifested in the reading of the Holy Scriptures, the Sacraments, and the of the divine Mysteries.

The thrice adoration of the Divine (Qadishat Aloho) at every Sunday Celebration, reflects the style of the worship and prayer of our Syriac in their adoration and self-surrender to the Blessed Trinity. This dialogue with the members of the Divine Trinity is beautifully manifested in the Sedro the Liturgy of the Word, as well as in other seasons of the Liturgical Year.

In the Introductory Hymn, the Qolo, the Church recalls the descent of the Spirit on the Apostles of Jesus, with the by fire -- of the Holy Spirit -- as he had promised. Not only has Christ opened for us the gates of in heaven – by his Ascension – but he has also granted us life by his Spirit – Pentecost. This jubilant theme is repeated in the Hoosoyo, and is echoed in a new way in the following Qolo in the light of the forgiving power of Christ’s Resurrection, with it’s saving victory.

Creation, now marked by the saving sign of the Cross, has been enveloped in the redeeming love of the Holy Trinity. Now through Pentecost, and by the grace of the Holy Spirit (who becomes our divine mother in holy Baptism), nature has been transformed, and our humanity has taken-on the gifts of . Thus, we no longer know ourselves by the physical qualities of our existence in this world; but rather by the saving love of Christ who said: “I will not leave you orphans,” opening for us the g a t e w a y t o H e a v e n , a n d transforming our lives through his Holy Spirit -- into the newness of the Life with the Divine Trinity.

Father Steve Bonian, S.J.

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 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 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 , 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, 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,

Pentecost Greetings from Saint Rafka!

I hope that you and your family had a great Memorial Day weekend. On Monday morning, after getting up late, I offered my morning prayer for those who died in service to our great country and asked God’s mercy and rest upon them. Then, I basically did nothing! I cleaned my bedroom closet. Boxes of Christmas decorations were still on my floor. I cleaned everything up and then did nothing. I felt like a slug! It was the first full day off I had since Christmas. As you all know, it has been a whirlwind of events and things that needed to be attended to. I sorta felt guilty, but not for long. I rested well and was ready to hit the new week ahead!

On Thursday morning, I had the opportunity to attend the graduation of JohnPaul Sleiman from Riverside High School. I was impressed with the caliber of the student population, the academic achievements of so many in the class and the 99% of them continuing on to college studies. JohnPaul has been such a visible member of our community and we thank him for his service to the altar and the community. JohnPaul will study at Furman University this coming Fall.

Many thanks to the few, the proud, but the hard working volunteers from Council 15519 who have been working so hard on the women’s room in Wickett Hall. The only thing missing is the special order handicapped sink that is due to arrive this coming week to be installed. We will have a very nice handicapped restroom for the women of our parish. Men’s room work to begin after NAM. There are only so many things that can be done!

Have a great weekend! See you in Church!

Ab. Bart ★Calendar

June 3, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy 4, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy of Pentecost Potluck to follow 3 PM, Holy Hour 7 PM, Divine Liturgy 6, 7 PM, Ramsho and Novena to Saint Rafka 7, 7 PM, Divine Liturgy, Anointing of the Sick 10, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy 11, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy, Southern Tea Party to follow 7 PM, Divine Liturgy 13, 7 PM, Ramsho and Novena to Saint Rafka 14, 7 PM Divine Liturgy, Anointing of the Sick 17, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy 18, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy Coffee Social to follow 7 PM, Divine Liturgy 20, 7 PM, Ramsho and Novena to Saint Rafka 21, 7 PM, Divine Liturgy, Anointing of the Sick 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

! 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. ! Southern Tea Party

A Special Fund Raising Event for Saint Rafka!

Every year at the NAM Convention, a silent auction is held for the benefit of the host parish. We are in need of items to be donated for the silent auction. The auction coordinator for this event is Nadia Najm, a graduate student at Clemson University and a NAM Board Member.

Items that may be brought to the Tea Party include, but are not limited to, art object, religious item, jewelry, sports item or memorabilia, handmade items such as a quilt or afghan, giftware, children’s items, vintage liquors or wines, gift certificates, home or garden items, or any item of interest that you believe will help us achieve our goal. Also, items that can be placed in baskets are helpful.

You may also go online and donate an item through our gift registries: www.bedbathandbeyond.com www.williamssonoma.com www.macys.com

(click - "Wedding & Registry” and or “Registry", then click - "Find a Registry" under Nadia Najm.)

If you would like, you may also donate a monetary gift of your choosing during the Tea Party that will be used to obtain unique items for the Silent Auction.

You can bring items to the Tea Party, or for your convenience you can drop items at Francis House, the church office building, or arrange for a pick up by the chairperson; all items donated through the registries will automatically be delivered to St. Rafka Church. For any further information, please contact the Silent Auction Chairperson: Nadia Najm (860) 488-0520, [email protected]. 25 Days till NAM!

How will you help? Contact Greg or Mary Anne Lepak

First Sunday Holy Hour

3 PM

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

Divine Mercy Chaplet

Confessions

Evening Prayer

Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament

Sunday, June 4 First Sunday of the Month

Second Collection Building Fund

Many thanks for your generosity! 54TH ANNUAL CONVENTION • ST. RAFKA • GREENVILLE SC • JUNE 28–JULY 2 • 2017

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 – 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 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 We Celebrate Hines, Beth Banks, Andrea Fiorni-Frazier, Shawn Sexton, June 10, Saint Barnabas, Apostle Robert Mercier, James and June 11, Saint Bartholomew, Apostle Kaleigh, Mark Pelletier, Antonella, Stephanie, Derek June 13, Saint Aqualina of Byblos, Martyr (+293) Gerard Solomon, JoAn June 13, Saint Anthony of Padua, Confessor (+1231) Salloum, Susie, Jim Hopka, Family of Colbert Arthur, June 14, Elisha the Prophet Berma Darlene Bell, Terry June 19, Saint Jude Thaddeus, (Laba), Apostle Vadnais, Elaine Gillen, Amy June 22, Saint Eusebius, of Samosata Hunter, Shawn Sexton, Cindy Miller, Adrian Kassentar, Beth June 29, The Apostles, Peter and Paul Hopsecger, Mark Barnard, June 30, The Twelve Apostles Special Intention of MKS, Janice Radich, Paula Lemire, July 10, The Three Massabki Brothers, Maronite Becky Jarvis, Lillian Moon, Martyrs Vito Fortuna, Sam Howard, Jr., Betty Braun, Deanne July 11, Saint Valencia, Sister Mary July 16, Our Lady of Einsiedeln Emmanuel, Katie Frank, July 17, Saint Marina, of Qunnabine Adelaide George, Beverley Davis, Maryanne Polidoro, John Fender, Katherine Dennman, Alan Howard, Intentions of Nancy Gegorian, Thomas Shaluly

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

Feast New Testament Gospel Pentecost Acts 2:1-21 John 14:15-20 English Mary Anne Lepak Arabic Evon Souri

Mass Intentions

June 3 & 4

Saturday, 4 PM + Betty & Hartsel Wilson Kathy and Chuck Wilson

Sunday, 11 AM Irene M Bikulege Mark and Theresa

Sunday 7 PM Special Intention Carleen Maher Wednesday 7 PM Chad Schiller Andy and Ceil Frisari June 10 & 11

Saturday, 4 PM Stephanie Hermes (for wisdom) Andy and Ceil Frisari +Regina Schneider Arps, May 26 (Memorial) Family Sunday, 11 AM 11 AM +Joseph R. Shaluly, Jr. Terry Shaluly

Sunday, 7 PM +Mary Lou Gillespie and Father David Kate Edwards Gillespie, Anniversary of Ordination Wednesday 7 PM Vic Smith (for health) Andy and Ceil Frisari

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

May 28 Saturday 4 PM Sunday 11 AM Sunday 7 PM Total Budget +/- Wed. 7 PM

People 48 61 33 142 160 -18 20 Collection $718.00 $1054.00 $513.00 $2285.00 $2,667.00 -$382.00 0

Average per person $14.96 $17.28 $15.55 $16.09 Holy Hour

Average Attendance 55 68 26 149 Novena 5 Building Fund 0 0 0

Year to Date $53,229.00

Average per person 0 0 0 $0.00 Average PP $16.09

Attendance

Attendance Year to Date 4:00 PM 1173 11:00 AM 1440 7:00 PM 557 Wednesday 7 PM 379 First Sunday 93 Holy Day 23 Saint Rafka Novena 61 Special Liturgy 13 Lenten Weekday 343 Funerals 285 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 Difference

May 28 514 182 83 35% 1

May 21 515 179 118 34%

Difference 1 3 -35 1 Birthdays

June Ashy Pavilion 4, Wendi Hill 7, Muna Younan Please remember that registered and supporting 10, Ramez Sleiman parishioners are free to use 11, John Peter (JP) Howard, III the Ashy Pavilion for family 14, Ryan Chebli events, reunions, parties, etc. 14, Thomas Zeimetz Others are welcome to rent 18, Shafek Hayek the facilities. More information? Contact Richard 24, John Maroun Wickett here. 25, Katie Saad 26, Dan Beckman Coffee Socials 27, Tony Nawar 28, Suhail Yousiff If you would like to sponsor 29, Lori Rothermich a Coffee Social In Memory 30, Carter Bryant Of or In Honor Of someone, please call or email the Anniversaries office to let us know. Abouna

5, Tim and Cheryl Gilson Wickett Hall 8, Father Bart, Priesthood Ordination 1985 12, Ken and Annie Migut Newly refurbished Wickett 22, Dan and Sue Beckman Hall can be used by our registered and supporting parishioners for family Necrology events, reunions, etc. Others may request permission to +Joseph R. Shaluly, Jr., June 12, 2008 rent the Hall. Contact +Emily Ann Bibbes, June 24, 2006 Richard Wickett. +John A. Jebaily, Sr., June 24, 2007 Masses Online Video on the life of Saint Sharbel Where to go to Mass when English subtitles. Click here. traveling? Look here!

Prayers to Saint Sharbel and Saint MassTimes.org The Rafka You can always have your intentions prayed for Parishes Online at the monastery where Saint Sharbel is buried. Click here.

!

!

WCKI 1300 AM www.catholicradioinsc.com