saint rafka maronite 19 2017.pdfsaint rafka maronite sunday of the faithful departed ... and the...
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Saint Rafka Maronite
Sunday of the Faithful Departed
On this last Sunday of Epiphany, Sunday of the Faithful Departed, we celebrate all the faithful departed, and the memory of all our loved ones who have died, and who have reflected for us the Light of Christ. We also believe that all who sleep in the Lord, with hope, will be awakened into the New Life with Christ. This epiphany celebration of theirs, today, is also an invigorating joy for us as well as we look forward to our future life!
Saint Paul in today’s epistle calls the faithful ones who await the Lord, Children of the Day, in contrast to the night or darkness. Likewise, Saint Ephrem, calls them
Catholics of the East in the Upstate! 1215 S. Highway 14, Greer, SC 29650 864.469.9119
saintrafka.org [email protected]
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7 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]
Rev. Bartholomew Leon, Administrator,
Rev. Christopher Henderson, Retired,
Pastor’s Advisory Council Ramiz Askar, Marlene Saad Secretary
Richard Sleiman, ChairmanPaul Sleiman, Linda Wickett, Jack Yacu
Finance Committee George Azan, Joseph Chebeir,
Chairman Tony Sleiman, Paula Howard-Casby
Administration
Richard, Wickett, Financial Secretary
Joseph Chebeir,Administrative Assistant to the Pastor
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Children of the Light – whose light is Christ, our Risen Lord. It is the Robe of his Glory – his compassion and mercy they have put on – as the welcomed guests of the heavenly banquet in his kingdom. With this, the purpose of the Christ’s resurrection has been fulfilled.
This Sunday the Church prays to Christ for all her children – the living and the departed – that we may all become worthy of his Kingdom: “O True Hope who never fails, grant the power of your resurrection to their bodies, and the forgiveness of sins to their souls” (Opening Prayer).
Even more fascinating, this Sunday, is the Church’s selection of the Gospel passage for today: it is the gospel parable of Lazarus. Laazar in Hebrew and Aramaic means the poor and the wretched one. Here Lazarus is portrayed as that helpless one who is totally dependent on the charity of others and the mercy of God. When no one helps, God, compensates for his losses with heavenly rewards. But wow to the one – or the ones – at whose gates the poor man – a Lazarus – lay abandoned and suffering – and did not give a helping hand. We have been warned!
Compassion, is the message of this parable-story told by Jesus, the wise Rabi-teacher of Israel, sent down to us to turn the hearts of the Children back to their Compassionate Father. Again and again in his parables, Jesus lets us know that It is by the measure of our compassion that we will be judged; or rather – it is by the measure of our deepest compassion – being in the image likeness of God – that our own hearts will judge us! The more compassionate we are, the nearest we should expect to be to God; while the less, the farthest from God.
As we pray the Our Father let us ask our Compassionate and Merciful Father that his compassion and mercy may deepen and increase within us; that Christ the Lord may bestow upon us, and the faithful departed – through his kindness and mercy and in spite of our failings – the Robe of his Glory. As our mother the Church and her saints remind us: none of us is free from the guilt against Lazarus!
Father Steve Bonian, S.J.
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The Nazarene Fund to aid Christians in need of assistance. Funded and sponsored by local Catholic Christians from Saint Mary’s.
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Abouna’s Corner
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Mid-WInter Greetings from Saint Rafka!
It was a hard week that flew by quickly. On Monday morning, I learned of the death of John Paul (JP) Makowski, 28, of COPD. JP was in and out of Saint Rafka for the past four years. JP was not known to many, but was willing to move a table, haul away trash and help as he could. His life was hard but he had a smile on his face and always a joke to tell. He leaves behind a wife and a year and a half old son. May God grant him rest eternal and eternal memory.
We also learned of the death of Patti Archibald Waters, mother of Joe Waters. Patti and Harold were frequent visitors to Saint Rafka, especially when we were at Gallivan Hall of Saint Mary’s. May her memory be eternal!
As you can see from the pictures further back, progress is being made in Wickett Hall. Electrical work is going on, the storage closet is being reconstructed in the back corner and the new hood and vent is being installed in the kitchen. I am excited about this renovation as it will allow us to have room to eat and socialize, as well as actually cook in the kitchen. Wow!
Next week, after the 11 AM Liturgy, we will process to Francis House for the Blessing and Dedication and have open house. Please plan to join us as we bless this office space for our growing community.
Have a great weekend! See you in Church!!
Salaam!
Ab. Bart
Donation Statements
Click here and the 2016 Donation Statement will be sent by return email in PDF format.
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.
★Calendar
February
18, 4 PM, Divine Liturgy 19, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy 7 PM, Divine Liturgy 21, 7 PM, Novena to St. Rafka 22, 7 PM, Divine Liturgy 25, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy 26, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy Blessing and Open House, Francis House 7 PM, Divine Liturgy 27, Ash Monday 7 PM, Divine Liturgy 28, 7 PM, Novena to St. Rafka 01, 7 PM, Divine Liturgy 02, 7 PM, Ramsho
LIFE LINE SCREENING Life Line Screening, a leading provider of community-based preventive health screenings will be in our community on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at Saint Rafka Maronite Catholic Church. Ultrasound screenings to Identify risk factors for Cardiovascular disease include; Carotid Artery (plaque buildup-a leading cause of stroke), Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (an enlargement or weak area in the main blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body), Peripheral Arterial Disease (hardening of the arteries in the legs), a Heart Rhythm Screening (an EKG to detect Atrial Fibrillation-irregular heartbeat) and an Osteoporosis Risk Assessment for men and women. Being proactive about your health by knowing your risks helps you and your doctor address problems early. Register online TODAY at www.lifelinescreening.com/advantageclub and receive your “Advantage” club discount and your Preferred Appointment! We are looking forward to a wonderful event. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need any additional marketing materials to share with your community!
Kimberly Reeser Life Line Screening Phone: ext. Mobile: 803-556-7274 Fax: (888) 286-7452 Email: [email protected]
Principal
Saint Mary’s Catholic School in Greenville, South Carolina is searching for a principal to begin in Summer 2017. Saint Mary’s School, founded in 1900 as an apostolate of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, today serves about 270 students from K-3 through the 8th Grade.
The successful candidate will be a practicing Catholic in full communion with the Church who holds at least a Master’s Degree in an appropriate discipline and has had experience both as a classroom teacher and as the principal of a Catholic school.
Please submit resume and cover letter before 3 March 2017 to Fr Jay Scott Newman at [email protected]. For more information about Saint Mary’s, visit our website at www.stmarysgvl.org.
Virtue ExcellenceTradition
SaintMary’sChurch
& School
129Days till NAM!
How will you help?Contact Greg or
Mary Anne Lepak
Construction Progress
The exhaust vents of the new hood in the kitchen of Wickett Hall.
Interior view of the hood. A gas range with six burners, a grille and two overs will be installed soon!
3rd Sunday Food Collection
Please remember to bring your donation of nonperishable food items for those in need. Open your hearts by helping those who don't have the food resources to last them through the month.
Join us for a Franciscan Lenten Retreat on Saturday, March 18th, 2017 at St Anthony’s Catholic Church on 10 Douthit Street, Greenville, SC.
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Will include Speakers, Confessions, Adoration, and the Franciscan Crown Rosary. Lunch will be served - no cost, but rsvp appreciated.Marsha Wiggins,ofs [email protected]. for questions contact Judy Bruce @864-288-0035
40 Days for Life You are invited to join other Christians throughout the Upstate to take part in our local 40 Days for Life effort from March 1 through April 9.
40 Days for Life, an ecumenical prayer campaign to end abortion, began in College Station, Texas. It has expanded not only nationally, but internationally since its inception in 2007. There are two campaigns a year, one beginning on Ash Wednesday for 40 days of Lent. The Fall campaign begins on the fourth Wednesday of September. These prayer campaigns are initiated and organized at the grassroots level in communities throughout the nation and abroad. Prayer, fasting and public vigil at the abortion facility are key components. The National Organization requires anyone participating in a campaign sign a promise to conduct themselves in a peaceful, respectful manner. Many believe the Holy Spirit is using this movement to end abortion and at the same time bring people of many faiths together.
To find out more and sign up to help please contact: Ingrid Ireland 864-329-0044 or visit www.40daysforlife.com/greenville and www.facebook.com/40daysgreenville.
WCKI 1300 AM www.catholicradioinsc.com
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Prayer ListDan Steinker. Marguerite LaBella, 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, Priscilla Watson, Denise Steinker, Special Intention by Abouna, Bob Brown, Joe Durham, Michael 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 Salloum, Susie, Health and recovery of W. F. William B. (Bill) Rodgers, Jr., Jim Hopka, Family of Colbert Arthur, Berma Darlene Bell, Terry Vadnais, Elaine Gillen, Elizabeth Gallagher, Special Intention, Amy Hunter, Shawn Sexton, Cindy Miller, Deacon Bob Smith, Adrian Kassentar, Beth Hopsecger, Mark Barnard, Special Intention of MKS, Janice Radich, Paula Lemire, Becky Jarvis, Lillian Moon, Vito Fortuna, Sam Howard, Jr., Betty Braun, Deanne Valencia, Mary Yacu, 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,
Saints We CelebrateFebruary 19, 300 Martyrs of Soor (Tyre) February 20, Saint James the Hermit, Confessor February 21, Saint Ostatius, Patriarch of Antioch, Confessor February 22, The Chair of Peter in Antioch February 23, Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, Martyr February 28, Saints Cora and Marana, Virgin-Confessors March 1, Saint Domnina, Disciple of Saint Maron March 1, Saint Afdokia of Baalbek, Martyr March 2, Saint John Maron, First Patriarch (+707) March 3, Saint Katherine Drexel, USA
February 18 & 19
Saturday, 4 PM +Alberta Dusthimer Charles Dusthimer
Sunday, 11 AM Open
Sunday 7 PM Open
Wednesday, 7 PM + Martha Tarrant Bernadette Mileski and Peggy Shunk
February 25 & 26
Saturday, 4 PM +Aggie Schiller Andy and Ceil Frisari
Sunday, 11 AM Open
Sunday 7 PM 40th Wedding Anniversary of +Curtis Manning and Bernadette Mileski
Bernadette Mileski
Monday 7 PM Open
Mass Intentions
Feast New Testament Gospel
Departed 1 Thes. 5:1-11 Luke 16:19-31
English Paul Leonardi
Arabic Suhail Yousif
Liturgical Readings
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.
Liturgical Items
Sanctuary Lamp
To have the Sanctuary Light for your relatives or intentions, please use the envelope provided at the entrance. Donation is $5.00.
Church Offerings and Attendance
February 12 Saturday 4 PM Sunday 11 AM Sunday 7 PM Total Budget +/- Wed. 7 PM
People 58 67 32 157 160 -3 21
Collection $939.00 $1481.00 $328.00 $2748.00 $2,667.00 $81.00 0
Average per person $16.19 $22.10 $10.25 $17.50 Holy Hour
Average Attendance 42 53 22 117
Building Fund 0 0 0 $0.00 Year to Date $14,265.00
Average per person 0 0 0 $0.00 Average PP $17.50
Attendance Year to Date
4:00 PM 365 11:00 AM 375 7:00 PM 156 Wednesday 7 PM 94 First Sunday 31 Holy Day 23 Saint Rafka Novena 24 Special Liturgy 0
Attendance
How are these totals calculated?
One total graphed to the left is through envelope usage for each week.
The totals to the to the right are counted by the ushers during the Divine Liturgy and tabulated.
Ashy Pavilion Please remember that registered and supporting parishioners are free to use the Ashy Pavilion for family events, reunions, parties, etc. Others are welcome to rent the facilities. More information? Contact Richard Wickett here.
Coffee Socials If you would like to sponsor a Coffee Social In Memory Of or In Honor Of someone, please call or email the office to let us know. Abouna
Wickett HallWickett Hall - Wickett Hall can be used by our registered and supporting parishioners for family events, reunions, etc. Others may request permission to rent the Hall. Contact Richard Wickett.
Masses OnlineWhere to go to Mass when traveling? Look here!
MassTimes.org The Catholic Directory Parishes Online
BirthdaysFebruary
20, Christine Howard 23, Judy Mathis 26, Chorbishop Michael G. Thomas 26, Heather Sijon 26, Jordan Plumblee 27, David Howard 28, David Fiorini March 4, Harley DeBo 5, David Sijon 5, Sherri Sandbothe 6, Tiffany Chebeir 6, Brett Lloyd 7, Sam Sandbothe 9, Charley Van Norden 10, Mark Duffy 11, Adib Chebli 11, Reema Askar 11, John Alan Chebeir
Anniversaries 19, Leroy and Marie Howard 21, Subdeacon Roger and Paul Dannels 2, Consecration of Bishop Gregory John Mansour, 2004
Necrology+Hind Jawad Ashy, February 23, 2009 +Rose Henderson, February 24, 2004 +Selma Ashy, February 24, 2006
Video on the life of Saint SharbelEnglish subtitles. Click here.