A Publication of the Maronite Eparchies in the USA · A Publication of the Maronite Eparchies in the USA Volume II Issue No. 7 July 2006 A Reflection on Fathers and on Saint Joseph,

TheMaronite Voice

A Publication of the Maronite Eparchies in the USA

Volume II Issue No. 7 July 2006

A Reflection on Fathers and on Saint Joseph, Foster Father of Jesus

Saint Joseph, foster father ofJesus and respectful spouseof the Virgin Mary is also

called “patron of the Church,”“friend of open hearts,” great“helper for men,” and “patron of ahappy death.” Yet, beforereflecting on these titles of SaintJoseph, I’d like to reflect on thefour tasks of fatherhood.

FatherhoodThe first important task of a fatheris to love his children. He is animage of God for them, and so allthat he does can either help themgrow into loving persons, orbecause of selfish or dominantdesires, harm their development.A father desires the best for hischildren, and sacrifices for this.Heimposes rules for the home thatare fair and which advance thecommon and individual good. Hehelps each person discern his/hervocation from God so as to findthemselves and their relationshipwith God.

The second important task ofa father is to love his children’smother. An old man whosuccessfully raised a happy andhealthy family of seven was askedwhat was his secret. He answeredclearly and affectionately, “I loved theirmother.” This secret is really no secretat all. If fathers want their children torespect women, to respect themselves,to respect the vocation of marriage, andto love and respect God, he must alsoshow this love and respect to the onewhom God has given to him as aspouse, and with whom God has givenhim children.

The third task of a father is to

provide for his family. This is not easy,because there are many difficultiesassociated with work. A father has towork long hours, work with people thathe may not like, put up with difficultworking conditions, his work may beunstable, and his pay less than hedeserves. These are among the manypressures on a man to provide well forhis family. Thus, all of us must do ourbest to support and strengthen a fatheras he attempts to provide for his family.

The fourth important task of thefather is that he must protect hiswife and children. He must putthem first, emotionally, socially,and spiritually. At times he mustdefend their honor and dignity. Hemust also love them and advisethem in such a way that keeps themfrom the temptations, thevulnerabilities, and the dangers ofsociety. He must, like Christ, laydown his life for them.

A good example andintercessor for the good Father isSaint Joseph.

Saint Joseph, Patronof the Church, Great

Helper for Man

A p s y c h o l o g i s t o n c ecommented that Joseph’srespect and reverence, as

well as his strong, attentive andloving involvement for a wife nothis own, and a son not his own, wasthe primary human reason whyJesus could preach and live a life ofunconditional and sacrificial love.The positive way that Joseph was afather and a husband made possiblemuch of the inner strength andfreedom that Jesus possessed. Hewas able to live in this world of

many troubles without a paralyzingfear; and in His human nature, Jesusfreely expressed a deep and yet chastelove for others, and a beautifulconfidence.

(Continues on Page 20)

The Maronite Voice Volume II Issue No.7 Page 2 July 2006

The Maronite Voice4611 Sadler Road

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The Maronite Voice, (ISSN 1080-9880) the official newsletter of theMaronite Eparchies in the U.S.A.(Eparchy of OurLady of Lebanon ofLos Angeles and Eparchy of SaintMaron of Brooklyn), is publishedmonthly.

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Publishers• Most Reverend Bishop Robert

Joseph Shaheen• Most Reverend Bishop Gregory

John MansourEditor Msgr. George M. SebaaliConsultor Fr. Abdallah Zaidan,

M.L.M.

Editing and proofreadingMary ShaiaAnne- Marie CondlinMichael Maynes

Printed in Richmond, Virginia.

Summer BreakThe Maronite Voice wishes its readers an enjoyable, safe and God-filled summer.The Maronite Voice will not be published in August. It will appear again inSeptember. The deadline for the September issue is August 25, 2006.

Maronite CensusRegister your family in the

Maronite Censuswww.maronitecensus.net

email: [email protected]

or callEparchy of Saint Maron of

Brooklynat 1-718-237-9913

Eparchy of Our Lady ofLebanon

at 1-314-231-1021Leave your name and address andyou will receive the Census form

by mail.

Schedule of Bishop Robert Shaheen

June 28-July 2, 2006Pastoral visit of His Beatitude Patriarch Nasrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir to theEparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon, St. Raymond Cathedral, St. Louis, Mo.

July 3-9, 2006Annual Clergy Conference and NAM Convention, Chicago, Ill.

July 10-12, 2006St. Maron Church, Detroit and St. Sharbel Church, Warren, Mich.

August 12, 2006Ordination of Deacon Tom Craven to priesthood, St. Maron, Youngstown, Oh.

August 13 -15, 2006Annual Pilgrimage, National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, North Jackson,Oh.

August 20, 2006Anniversary Liturgy, Danbury, Conn.

Schedule of Bishop Gregory Mansour

June 28-July 2, 2006St. Louis, Mo., for Patriarch Sfeir’s visit

July 3-9, 2006Annual Clergy Conference and NAM Convention, Chicago, Ill.

July 12-13, 2006St. Anthony Church, Lawrence, Mass., for Patriarch Sfeir’s visit

July 14-17, 2006Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y., for Patriarch Sfeir’s visit

July 20- 21 , 2006Maronite Youth Organization (MYO) Retreat, Youngstown, Oh.

July 30, 2006Our Lady of Lebanon Church, Easton, Penn., celebration in honor of Msgr.Sami Hayek for his years of priestly services

August 4, 2006Raleigh, N. C., Installation of Bishop Burbidge

August 5, 2006Ordination of Subdeacon Dominique Hanna to the Order of Deacon, St.Anthony Church, Glen Allen (Richmond), Va.

August 12, 2006Our Lady of Victory Church, Pittsburgh, Penn.

August 13, 2006St. George Church, Uniontown, Penn.

August 14-15, 2006Feast of the Assumption, Our Lady of Lebanon Shrine, North Jackson, Oh.

August 27, 2006Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y.


Our Lady of Lebanon ShrineNorth Jackson, Ohio

41st Assumption Pilgrimage

August 13 – 15, 2006marks the 41st Pilgrimageto the National Shrine of

Our Lady of Lebanon in NorthJackson, Ohio. “The years havepassed quickly and manyvisitors and pilgrims have cometo Mary’s home for manyreasons. All have left withGod’s blessings and graces,”said Monsignor Anthony S.Spinosa, Rector.

Pilgrimage ScheduleOn Sunday, August 13, 2006

ReverendAndrew Kolitsos of St. George RomanianCatholicCathedral will celebrate “Parakleses to The Mother of God”at 4:00pm. The Most Reverend Basil M. Schott, O.F.M.,Metropolitan Archbishop for the Byzantine Catholic Dioceseof Pittsburgh, Penn., will celebrate at 7:00pm an eveningByzantine Rite Liturgy followed by a candlelight procession.

On Monday, August 14, 2006, from noon until 4:00pmthere will be Hayrides to Martyr Trail; Rosary on the hourfrom 1:00 until 6:00pm; Childrens activities from 2:00 until5:00pm and Maronite Vespers chanted by the AntonineSisters at 4:00pm. Monsignor Robert J. Siffrin, VicarGeneral of the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio, will celebrateat 7:00pm an evening Roman Rite Liturgy followed by acandlelight procession.

On Tuesday, August 15, 2006, (Feast of the Assumption),additional liturgies during the day are scheduled. From Noonuntil 4:00pm there will be Hayrides to Martyr Trail; Rosaryonthe hour from 1:00 until 6:00pm; Childrens activities from2:00 until 5:00pm; Maronite Vespers chanted by theAntonineSisters at 4:00pm and Confessions. His ExcellencyGregory John Mansour, Bishop of the Eparchy of SaintMaron of Brooklyn, will celebrate the Noon Liturgy followedby the blessing of the sick. Bishops Robert J. Shaheen andGregory J. Mansour will celebrate at 7:00pm an eveningMaronite Rite Pontifical Liturgy followed by candlelightprocession.

The Cedars Dining Hall will be open all three days from11:00am until 11:00pm with many varieties of ethnic foodsand deserts.

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon is located at2759 North Lipkey Road in North Jackson, Ohio. For furtherinformation on the Shrine call (330)-538-3351 or by emailin fo@ourladyof lebanonshr ine .org or websi tewww.ourladyoflebanonshrine.org.

Altar Servers Team Building andAppreciation Event

Houston, Texas

by Alberto G. Tohmé

The energetic altar servers at Our Lady of the CedarsMaronite Church in Houston, Texas, worked very hardto serve the liturgies throughout the past year. The altar

server program has grown to include over twenty dedicatedmembers ranging in age from eight to fifteen years old. Altarservice duties are scheduled on a rotational basis to provideeveryone a chance to serve and to ease the burden on parentsand children alike. More often than not, however, thesechildren show great personal initiative by volunteering toserve masses as needed outside of regularly scheduled dates.

To encourage team building, show appreciation to thealtar servers, and just plain have fun, Our Lady of the cedarsChurch organized a First Annual Altar Server Soccer Matchfollowed by a pizza and ice cream party and appreciationgifts. The soccer match event was a huge success. Despitethe stifling 90+ degree temperature, humidity just as high,and scattered rain showers that drenched and steamed up theplaying field, the children (and parents alike) had lots of fun.Fr. André Estephan,Assistant Pastor,demonstrated hissoccerskills by helping his team score multiple goals. A pizza andice cream party followed the match. Caps and shirtsembroidered with the church building logo were offered to allthe children. Frs. André and Milad Yaghi, Pastor, thanked allthe kids and wrapped up the event on a high “team spirit”note.

This event was a great way to end the academic year forthe children. Children and parents alike voiced their stronginterest in having a similar event in the fall to kick off thenext academic year. And the priests better sharpen theirsoccer skills!

Group photo of the altar servers with (left to right) AssistantPastorFr. André Estephan, Altar Server Program CoordinatorAlberto Tohmé, and Fr. Milad Yaghi after the First AnnualSoccer Match event.


Anaheim Young Adults Share Spiritual Awakening Over Email

The Maronite Young AdultAssociation (MYAA) of SaintJohn Maron Church in Anaheim,

California, held a premier spiritualretreat for its members on April 28-30,2006. The group rented a large cabin inthe mountains which served as a safehaven for those who wished to attend.

Approximately two dozen youngadults were present, all with differentexpectations ranging from fun activitiesto spiritual clarity. Some were unsureabout what to expect as this was thefirst spiritual retreat for the majority.What in fact occurred that weekendbetween the young adults and theclergy was truly a spiritual experiencethat has had a residual effect on theentire group, including those notpresent. Since then, the entireexperience has been documented viarecurring daily emails. Apparently, thespiritual retreat, expected to only lastone weekend, has spilled over to whatmany members hope to be for the restof their lives, citing that they wereforever bonded through theirconnection to the Lord. One youngadult noted to the group via email that“[I hope] this feeling continues to growand spread through all the young adultsand our entire church community.”

The MYAA had not participated ina spiritual retreat for a few years.However, with the arrival of FatherGaby Hoyek from Lebanon, came therevival of the MYAA and spiritualretreats. With the consent and supportof Father Tony Bakh, presiding priestat Saint John Maron Church, FatherGaby Hoyek escorted the young adultsto the mountains with hopes of bringingthe MYAA members closer to eachother and to the Lord. AccompanyingFather Tony and Father Gaby’s insightto aiding the youth, Father NabilMouannes from Saint Ephrem in SanDiego drove over two and a half hourseach way to attend a portion of theretreat. From the onset, the retreat wasfully supported by the clergy, leavingthe young adults with the impressionthat what awaited them was somethingfar more exciting than the fun pre-planned activities.

According to the emails whereinvirtually all two dozen members haveroutinely participated in circulating, allof the attendees, enraptured by the HolySpirit, learned to love and accept each

other as brothersand sisters of the Lord.During one particular night, all of themembers were circled around FatherGaby Hoyek. Throughout the lecture,the entire group started to embrace theteachings of our Lord and Savior JesusChrist, and one by one their tearsstarted to fall to the floor. After aseemingly religious silence, the groupmembers started hugging each other,and referring to each other as brotherand sister. That same evening, after allthe successes that had already past, onemember indicated that he had yet toreceive his first communion. In aglorious but simple ceremony, FatherGaby Hoyek administered to RonTrabousli his First Holy Communion.The spiritual retreat deeply touched thesouls of all of the MYAA members whowere in attendance, and those who readthe subsequent emails (one of whomwas so inspired felt that it should beshared with the entire community in theform of an article).

The day after the conclusion of theretreat, members started sharing theirown personal experiences via email,and confessing their renewed love forthe Church and their brethren. Manyemails congratulated Ron on receivinghis first communion, sharing that theywere honored to take part in such areligious experience. After reading theoutpour of emails, Ron Traboulsicommented: “Not only did my FirstCommunion bring me closer to God,but I'm happy to know that it hasbrought all of us closer to one anotherand to show how much we care for eachother.”

After reading all of the emails,

Father Tony sent out a masscorrespondence to all the members ofthe MYAA advising that, “The nextstep is for the club to gain staminathrough the day-to-day trials that pull usdown. (I am speaking relationally, notin terms of activities.) This is thehardest part. Once there is continuedinner strength and stability, the club cantake part in activities that can motivatethe rest of the parish. My mostimmediate concern is outreach to otheryoung adults who do not come tochurch or feel apart from everyoneelse.” He appropriately ended his emailwith “I love you all.”

As for the MYAA, nothing haschanged in the weeks that have past.The energy and closeness between thegroup continues to grow and hasmanifested many friendships and evenattracted newcomers, and members thathad stopped coming to church. In fact,the President of the MYAA, AbdoCoury, has kept the fire burning byconstantly planning meetings, biblestudies, helping with the kid’s club,luncheons, and social events ever since.

Abir Coury, who was at the retreat,summed up the overall experience bynoting that the retreat demonstrated thework of the Holy Spirit that created an“Amazing bond that united us andbrought us up to a new spiritual level.The connection born in us that day willnever be broken. Each one of us foundin the MYAA a new family for them.”

The MYAA wishes to thank FatherTony Bakh, Father Gaby Hoyek, andFather Nabil Mouannes for all theirsupport and assistance in helping theMYAA members bond socially andspiritually. Their unrelentingdedicationto the youth has contributed to thefamilial bond that now exists betweenall the MYAA members.


St. Anthony’s Lebanese FoodFestival Sets New Record

Glen Allen, Virginia

The 22nd

a n n u a lLebanese

Food Festivalheld by St.A n t h o n y ’ sC h u r c h i nGlen Allen,Va., broke allr e c o r d s –becoming whato n e n e w saccount called“Richmond’sbiggest picnic”a n d i t i scertainly nowone of CentralV i r g i n i a ’ slargest ethnicfestivals.

A crowdo f n e a r l y23,000 peopleattended thet h r e e - d a yevent, whichwas held May19-21, 2006 atSt. Anthony’s15-acre complex in Richmond’s westernsuburbs. The festivalfeatured a wide variety of food, desserts and beverages aswell as live Lebanese music and dancing.

“The festival requires a lot of work on everyone’s part,”said Monsignor George Sebaali, St. Anthony’s pastor. “Butfortunately, it is a labor of love. We love working together tobuild our parish community and we love sharing our foodandculture with everyone.”

Preparations for the festival begin each year in February,when organizing meetings occur. Shortly after that, cookingbegins two days a week. Volunteers from the 200-familyparish also work on other preparations, such as lining uptents, lighting, seating and other items as well as publicity.During the week before the festival, preparations occuralmost around the clock.

About 130 dancers from age three on up participated inthe festival, performing all three days. They rehearsed weeklyfor three months to get ready for the festival

Other parish members comprised the two musical groupsthat performed traditional music.

This year’s festival benefitted from three days of perfectweather as well as a growing tradition among Richmondersto attend the event. “The first event drew just 500 people, butword-of-mouth from happy attendees and an advertisingcampaign have caused the festival to grow each year” saidSandra Brown. Many attendees proudly proclaim that theyattend all three days.

Diners had a choice of either ala carte items sold atbooths on the church grounds or a full dinner served in thesocial hall. Business was brisk all around. For example,approximately 7,000 shawirma and falafel sandwiches weresold.

The event is held traditionally the weekend afterMother’s Day, so the dates for next year’s festival are alreadyset – Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 18-20, 2007.

Lebanese Culture celebrated inSan Antonio, Texas

For the past thirty-five years the parishioners and friendsof St. George Maronite Church in San Antonio, Texas,have been participating in the Texas Folklife Festival

sponsored by the University of Texas Institute of TexanCultures of San Antonio. The event, this year June 8-11,celebrates the various cultures of those ethnic groups whohave settled in Texas through the showcasing of authenticfoods, entertainment, and arts and crafts.

Representing the rich and beautiful culture of Lebanon,St. George gave the public a taste of the old country byselling Lebanese food and pastries. But it is not just thedelicious food or the famous Middle Eastern hospitality thatkeeps people coming year after year, it’s also our dancers.The Lebanese Folk and Mediterranean dancers under thejoint direction of Mrs. Deborah Mery Fernandez and herdaughter Yazmeen delight the standing room only crowdswith breath-taking performances. The Troupe has beendelighting crowds for over forty years with “an exitingtradition of combining the ageless culture and charm of theMediterranean with the energy and spirit of modern-day SanAntonio.”

Approximately 7,000 shawirma and falafelsandwiches were sold at the 22nd annual St.Anthony’s Lebanese Festival.

St. George’s dance troupe performs at the Texas FolklifeFestival sponsored by the University of Texas Institute ofTexan Cultures of San Antonio, Texas.


The Antonine Sisters Celebrate The Graduationof Two of Its Members

by Sr. Celine Nohra, A.S.

On May 21, 2006, the Antonine Sisters’ Community in Youngstown, Ohio,was pleased to have an open house in honor of Sr. Grace Azoury and Sr.Nisrine El-Najjar. Sr. Grace graduated with a Bachelor of Science in

Nursing from Youngstown State University and Sr. Nisrine with a Master’s Degreein Educational Administration from Ursuline College. They both graduated withhonors.

Priests, sisters, friends, neighbors, teachers and co-workers all gathered on thatbeautiful Sunday to celebrate the graduation of both Sisters while savoring adelicious meal prepared especially for the occasion. Also, the presence of Sr. JudithHaroun, Major Superior added to the beauty of the celebration. Sr. Judith traveledfrom Lebanon for the occasion and visited with the nuns for few weeks.Congratulations to all the Maronite graduates of 2006 as well.

Chorbishop JosephAbi-Nader CelebratesHis 58th Anniversary

On June 28, 2006, ChorbishopJoseph Abi-Nader celebrated his58th anniversary of priesthood.

His Excellency Bishop Gregory J.Mansour joins the clergy and faithful ofthe Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklynin extending heartfelt congratulations toChorbishop Abi-Nader and the promiseof our prayers. May the Almighty Godgrant him much peace, health andhappiness.

Left to right: Sr. Marie Madeleine Iskandar, Sr. Nisrine El-Najjar, Sr. JudithHaroun, and Sr. Grace Azoury.

Chorbishop Joseph Abi-Nader withBishop Gregory Mansour.

THE ORDEROF

SAINT SHARBEL

NEW MEMBERS

Perpetual MembersFr. Paul MooraddSt. Anthony Church,

Danbury, Conn.

Annual MembersTimothy and Donna Marie

GammaSt. Raymond Cathedral,

Saint Louis, Mo.

***The Order of Saint Sharbel is anorganization of lay people andclergy who have pledged theirspiritual strength and financial

support for Our Lady of LebanonSeminary and the retired Maroniteclergy of the Maronite Eparchies

in the USA.For more information about the

Order, ask your pastor or write to

Eparchy of Saint MaronOrder of Saint Sharbel

109 Remsen StreetBrooklyn, NY 11201

Or

Eparchy of Our Lady of LebanonOrder of Saint Sharbel

1021 South StreetSt. Louis, MO 63104


Dinner Reception in Honor ofFather Larry Jensen

Danbury, Conn.

by Ghassan Najm

On June 23, 2006, Father Larry Jensen, Pastor of St.Anthony Maronite Catholic Church in Danbury,Conn., was honored for his almost eight years of

service and dedication at a testimonial dinner reception heldat the Amber Room Colonnade. It was attended byparishioners, guest priests, and friends of St. Anthony, cityand state officials and dignitaries. Mark Chory, a parishtrustee, was the Master of Ceremonies, with Alan Raph, theparish organist providing dinner music.

The evening program, which was opened with theInvocation by Fr. George Alberts, Pastor of St. GeorgeOrthodox Christian Church in Danbury, and a soloperformance by Margaret McKerrow, was followed withremarks, presentations and several performances bythe musicministries. Prior to the remarks, St. Anthony Choir openedwith a song written and composed by Father Larry to honorhis love for music. This was followed by the speakers, ShayMiller – representing the trustees, the Honorable ProbateJudge Dianne Yamin - Conn., State President of ProbateJudges, Tom Saadi - City councilman, Michaela Petrini -representing the Emmaus community for whom Father Larrywas their spiritual leader, and Frank Cappiello who read apersonal letter on behalf of his son, the State Senator DavidCappiello. All speakers reflected on Father Larry’s positiveimpact on their personal lives as well as on St. Anthonyparish, its ministries and the greater Danbury community.

Father Larry was also presented with two proclamations,first by the city of Danbury representing Mayor Boughton,Danny Jowdy, the city Treasurer. The second by the State ofConnecticut legislative body. Representing State SenatorDavid Cappiello was Tom Saadi, Danbury city councilman.Both emphasized many of Father Larry’s accomplishmentsthat resulted in the renaissance of St. Anthony Parish, due tohis empowering leadership, welcoming and caring spirit.Evelyn Ellis, who made the reception favors of Chocolatecrosses, presented Father Larrywith a parish gift and a basket

full of Chocolate Chip cookies, his favorite. This wasfollowed by Father Larry gracious remarks which were filledwith humor and emotions, as was the mood for much of theevening. A musical presentation was then lead by the ChoirDirector, Linda Gabordi, and the Revelation 12 musicalgroup whom along with Father Larry, have lead theparishioners and other Catholics in the community with theLiving Rosary ministry throughout the year. At closing,Nadia Najm performed the last song ‘Irish Blessing’ whichwas followed by the final blessing given by Father Larry.

His Excellency Bishop Gregory John Mansour, Bishopof the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, has reassignedFather Larry Jensen to St. Joseph Church in Waterville,Maine, effective July 23, 2006. Fr. Larry has been a blessingto St. Anthony Parish and to the greater Danbury community.St. Anthony Parish wishes him the best in his new pastoralassignment of the Maronite Catholic Faith, as it prepares towelcome Father Paul Mooradd, its new pastor.

Maronite Youth Conference

The Maronite Youth Conference will take place July 19-23, 2006 at Youngstown State University inYoungstown, Ohio. For more information, please call

Fr. Gary George, Youth Director, at (330) 792-2371 or byemail at [email protected].

73rd Annual Lebanese FestivalOur Lady of Lebanon Church,

Wheeling, W. Va.

Our Lady of Lebanon Church will hold its 73rd annualfestival (Mahrajan) on August 13, 2006, at the scenicOglebay Park in Wheeling, West Virginia. The

festival begins at 10:30 a.m. with an outdoor MaroniteLiturgy and all booths will open at Noon featuring Lebanesefood and pastries, live Lebanese music and entertainment aswell as games for adults and pony rides and games forchildren.

The mahrajan will be held rain or shine and admission isfree. This year a mahrajan eve dinner will be held on August12, 2006 at. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church hall. Foradditional information contact the parish website atwww.ololwv.com or call the Church at (304) 233-1688.

St. Anthony Annual “Mahrajan”Danbury, Connecticut

St. Anthony’s Church in Danbury, Conn., will hold itsannual festival“Mahrajan”Saturday (Noon-12AM) andSunday (Noon-7PM) on August 19 - 20, 2006. The

festival will feature Middle Eastern live music and folk danceperformances by the youth of the parish; Lebanese foods andsweets; children’s games and activities; vendors andtournaments; free admission and parking. For moreinformation call the co-chair, Ghassan Najm, at (860) 488-0074 or the church rectory at (203) 744-3372.

Danny Jowdy, representing Mayor Boughton and the city ofDanbury, presents Fr. Larry with a proclamation.


Thanksgiving and FarewellBoston, Mass.

by Cborbishop Joseph Lahoud

After twenty-five years of service at Our Lady of theCedars of Lebanon Church in Boston, Mass., Fr. PeterFink is departing to assume a new responsibility in

Manhattan, N.Y., where he began fiftyyears ago. A gratefulparish celebrated his farewell with a Divine Liturgy,reception and banquet on June 4, 2006. Fr. Fink’s friendsfrom the Weston School of Theology joined him at theLiturgy of Thanksgiving, along with clergy from Lebanonand locally.

Fr. Fink was a Professor of Liturgy at the Weston Schoolof Theology in Cambridge, Mass. He is a graduate ofFordham University with a degree in Physics as well ashaving a degree in Natural Science from RensselaerPolytechnic Institute. He pursued his theological studies atWoodstock College and holds a doctorate in SystematicTheologyfrom Emory University. He is widely respected forhis innovative thinking and clarity in his chosen fields.

During his twenty-five years at Our Lady of the Cedars,Fr. Fink made many friends whose lives have been enrichedby his knowledge, experience, dedication and caring. He isa true priest with whom we are proud to be associated. Hegoes to Manhattan to become an associate pastor at St.Francis Church where, as a young Jesuit, he taught highschool.

Local Scout Volunteer AttendsNational Catholic Committee On

Scouting Biennial Meeting

More than 250 adult Boy Scout volunteers from acrossthe United States attended the 39th biennial meetingof the National Catholic Committee on Scouting

(NCCS) from April 24 to April 29, 2006 in Schaumburg,Illinois. Among those attending were Margaret Dillenburg ofScranton, Penn., representing the Eparchy of Saint Maron ofBrooklyn.

She attends St. Ann Maronite Catholic Church inScranton, Penn., and is a member of the Executive Board ofNCCS and is Chairman of Region 15, serving the EasternChurches in the United States.

She joined with other Catholic Scouters in a week longprogram of training sessions, seminars and presentationsfocusing on Scouting as youth ministry in the CatholicChurch. The conference featured twenty separate workshopsfocusing on various aspects of the NCCS program, as well aspresentations from Robert Mazzuca, National Director of theDevelopment Group of the Boy Scouts of America; KevinDriscoll, Coordinator for the Office of Youth and YoungAdults of the Diocese of Gary, Ind.; and Brian Gray, Directorof the Boy Scouts of America Philmont Training Center.

Keynote speakers were Rev. Dan Coughlin, Chaplain ofthe United States House of Representatives and Chris Bury,ABC news correspondent, and an Eagle Sout.

The National Catholic Committee on Scouting is achurch committee of concerned Catholic lay people andclergy who see their mission as the constructive use of theprogram of the Boy Scouts of America as a viable form ofyouth ministry with the Catholic youth of the United States.

The committee, which is advisory to the Boy Scouts ofAmerica (BSA), seeks to sustain and strengthen therelationship between BSA and the Catholic Church in theUnited States of America.

(Left to right) Altar Boys John Rodriguez and CharbelLaham; Fr. Bechara El-Khoury, Dean of Students at NotreDame University (Louaize , Lebanon); Fr. Richard Clifford,S.J., Professor of Old Testament at the Weston School ofTheology; Fr. Hanna Karam, Assistant Pastor at Our Lady ofthe Cedars; Fr. Leonard Basinow of West Palm Beach, Fla.;Chorbishop Joseph Lahoud, Pastor; Fr. Peter Fink; Fr. JohnProdimore, S.J., a chaplain from Portland, Me.; Fr. RandySack, S.J., Dean of Students at the Weston School ofTheology; Fr. Charbel Batour, S.J., from Boston College; andFr. Paul Brouwers, S.J., Dean of Students at Our Lady ofConsolata in Tanail, Lebanon.

Margaret Dillenburg with Fr. Nicholas Rachford, Ruthenianpriest of the Eparchy of Parmam Ohio and Chaplain forEastern Scouts, Region 15.



Truth Or Fiction?

by Bishop Gregory J. Mansour

The days in which we live arebaffling. Fiction trumps Truth,and hearsay replaces eyewitness.

Who can we trust anymore? Some saywithout any doubt, surely not theCatholic Church – the well-knownoppressor of people and the obstacle toscientific and cultural progress! Otherssay with even greater certainty, surelynot the priests, well known for theiroffenses! But have we lost somethingtoday?

No one can accuse us of being toonaive, too trusting. In fact the oppositeis true. We are convinced today thatwhatever our grandparents trustedshould be suspect. We are baffled.Who and what shall we believe?

In the early Church there were fourGospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke andJohn, which were acceptable to all ofthe early Christians. There were alsoseveral others circulating a fewcenturies after these Gospels. The earlyChristians rejected these other“gospels” because they told too manylegends of Jesus, introduced somestrange teachings in the words of Jesus,or denied the truth about the Lord’spassion and death. Strangely enough,today people are more interested inthese other later “gospels” than in thefour accepted by the eyewitnesses!

Below is a partial list of those

gospels called apocryphal and rejectedby the early Christians.

The Infancy Gospel of ThomasAn Arabic Infancy GospelThe Gospel of JamesThe Gospel of the Nativity of

MaryThe Gospel of Mary (Magdalene)The Gospel of Pseudo-MatthewThe Gospel of Nicodemus (Acts of

Pilate)The Gospel BartholomewThe Gospel of PeterThe Gospel of ThomasThe Gospel of PhillipThe Gospel of the Lord (by

Marcion)The Secret Gospel of MarkThe Gospel of JudasThe Gospel of Barnabas

It ought to be noted that the Da VinciCode, which is found in the bookstoresunder the “fiction” section... yes,fiction, relies on some of these rejectedtexts. There are also groups today thatclaim they know the historical Jesus,not through the four accepted Gospelsbut from these other texts.

In fact, some deny that Jesus wascrucified at all, rather it was someoneelse who went to the cross andChristians were mistaken.Their thoughtis reminiscentof the apocryphal Gospelof Barnabas, which purported thatJudas was actually mistaken for Jesusand crucified!

Thus, it is not surprising thatelements of these “gospels” found theirway into our modern times. People areeager to indulge their curiosity to knowthe “full picture” of Jesus. Thetranslation and promotion of these“gospels” is a multi-million dollarbusiness. Jesus was betrayed by 30pieces of silver; today he is betrayed bya dollar.

It is worth noting, in conclusion,that there are common themes found inall these “gospels”. Some deny thesuffering, death and resurrection ofJesus. Others dilute our Lord’s difficultmoral teachings on forgiveness, love ofenemy, the sanctity of marriage andsexual purity. Others deny the need forsacrificial love, for self-denial, and forunconditional love.

If one were to read the trueChristian Gospels – Matthew, Mark,Luke or John – and then compare them

with any of these other “gospels”, itwill take only a few minutes to realizewhy the Church decided on Her four,while rejecting the others. The Gospelsof Matthew, Mark, Luke and Johninvite the reader to a profound life withGod, which has moral implications.These Gospels ask of the reader acommitment to a life based on sacrifice,forgiveness and love. The other“gospels” do nothing of the sort. Readfor yourself and see. In the long run,truth is much more beautiful thanfiction, and an eyewitness, morereliable than hearsay.

Prayer For PriestlyVocations

Father, in every generation Youprovide ministers of Christ and the

Church.

We come before You now, asking

that You call forth more men toserve our eparchies in theministerial priesthood.

Give us priests who will lead andguide Your holy people gathered

by Word and Sacrament.

Bless us with priestly vocations sothat we can continue to be a truly

Eucharistic Church,strengthened in our discipleship of

Jesus Christ, Your Only Son.

Raise up, we pray, men who are

generous in their service,willing to offer their lives and alltheir gifts for Your greater gloryand for the good of Your people.

We make our prayer in the

presence and power of the HolySpirit, through Christ, our Lord.

Amen.Year of Prayer for Priestly

VocationsNovember 4, 2005 – November 4,

2006


Maronite Patriarchal Synod’s Conclusion HeraldsA New Pentecost For Maronites

by Doreen Abi Raad

The completion of the MaronitePatriarchal Synod represents a “newPentecost” for the approximately fivemillion Maronites around the world.

In their concluding message onJune 10, 2006 the Maronite bishopscalled for the Synod’s resolutions to beimplemented in eparchies, religiousorders and in all institutions of theMaronite Church.

“Thus,” the bishops said, “theSynod will produce its fruits in spiritualrenewal and faith commitment for theglory of God and the achievement ofthe mission entrusted to the church inthe homelands” where Maronitescurrently live.

The three-phase Maronite Synod,begun in June 2003, was the mostexhaustive reflection and examinationof issues and suggested reforms relatedto the Maronite Church. It was the firstsynod to be held in Lebanon since1818.

Of the 433 individuals whoparticipated in the opening session threeyears ago, 255 were lay people. Inaddition, representatives from otherreligious communities – includingSunni and Shiite Muslims and Druze –attended as observers.

Together, the participants hashedout the focus of twenty-four texts.Drafts were presented and voted on bythe Maronite bishops in the Synodsessions of 2004 and 2005.

The fruit of the Synod – an 850-page bound book – was presentedduring a Pontifical Liturgy on June 11,2006 celebrated by His BeatitudePatriarch Nasrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeirat Bkerke to mark the Synod’sconclusion.

What distinguishes the Synod bookis that there are no doctrines ortheology presented. The book includesthe twenty-four texts produced as aresult of the Synod, which cover threemain areas: the identity of the MaroniteChurch from a historical andtheological perspective; the renewal,pastoral and spiritual structure of theMaronite Church; and the Maronitechurch in the contemporary world,including its relationship with otherchurches and its relationship withIslam.

Specific topics covered in the textsinclude the formation of priests;education; the role of lay people in theMaronite Church, the family; the youthand the Maronite church’s relationshipwith politics, the media, social workand the economy.

The book, now available in Arabicand French, is scheduled to be ready inSeptember in English.

Forty bishops attended theconclusion of the synod. In addition toBishop Robert J. Shaheen, Bishop ofthe Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon,and Bishop Gregory J. Mansour,Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maronof Brooklyn, bishops came from theeparchies of Syria, the Holy Land,Egypt, Cyprus, Europe, Canada,Mexico, Brazil, Argentina andAustralia.

Recognizing that the majority ofMaronites live outside of Lebanon, oneoutcome of the synod is that the term“Maronites of the Expansion” nowreplaces the term diaspora.

“Despite the sad consequences” oflarge numbers of Maronites emigratingLebanon, said Bishop Mansour, “welike to see the emigration as a morepositive thing.”

“We try to emphasize that theMaronites throughout the world are asource of strength and pride and a realsupport for the Christians of the MiddleEast,” Bishop Mansour explained.

Of the Maronites around the world,

and in particular the United States,Bishop Mansour said, “We should be asupport for those in Lebanon who wantto be a witness for the love of Christ.And the Maronites outside of Lebanonshould take pride in the way theChrist ians of Lebanon havesuccessfully lived in dialogue withothers, including Protestants, Orthodoxand Muslims. This is a source of prideand should be an inspiration to the restof the world.”

Patriarch Nasrallah Peter Sfeir,during his homily at the concludingLiturgy, attended by thousands, assuredthe faithful that “the providence hasnever abandoned the Maronite church.”

Referring to the current situation inLebanon, Patriarch Sfeir said it is “verycritical and full of anxiety.”

“We see people divided, leadersignoring the suffering of their peopleand countries surrounding Lebanon atwar. In the same way our Lord calmedthe storm at sea for his disciples, he willdo the same for us,” His Beatitude said.

In their concluding message, theMaronite bishops said they expect a“total response” to the Synod’sinstructions and resolutions “so that thespirit of dialogue will reign among all,renouncing disunion and antagonism,”especially among the youth. Theyadded that such initiatives will “raisethe cause of love and the culture of lifeto face the culture of violence anddeath.”

“This is in accordance with therenewed call of His Holiness PopeBenedict XVI in his latest encyclicalletter, ‘God is Love.’”

Bishop Ad Abikaram of Australiaproposed that Maronite youth fromLebanon, the Middle East and aroundthe world gather for the next WorldYouth Day (in the summer of 2008 inAustralia). His suggestion was wellreceived by the bishops.


Busy Season At St. George ChurchUniontown, Penn.

Altar-Rosary Mother-DaughterBreakfast

The Altar-Rosary Society of St. George Church inUniontown, Penn., held its annual Mother-DaughterLuncheon on May 13, 2006 at the 30-East Main Street

Restaurant. Pins of the Blessed Mother with a miniaturerosary attached were distributed to each attendee. Thisannual event names an honoree for the year. This year’shonoree was Sylvia Roger who was presented with abeautiful wall rosary by Devona Unice, President.

Ladies GuildThe annual memorial liturgyfor the deceased members of theLadies Guild was held on Sunday, May 21, 2006 at St.George Maronite Church, Uniontown, Penn., with Fr. JosephR. David as celebrant. Prior to the liturgy, the group gatheredat the outdoor St. Rafka grotto where Fr. David led the prayerfor the deceased.

Following the liturgy a committee of the men of theparish served a breakfast to the ladies. After the breakfast, avotive candle was lit by a relative of the deceased and a largecandle was lit for all deceased ladies of the parish by GeorgeMansberry, President.

Graduates Recognized

St. George Maronite Church in Uniontown, Penn.,recently recognized nine high school, one college andtwo law school graduates at their monthly MYO Sunday

Liturgy which is held the first Sunday of each month.Thegraduates processed into the church led byFr. Joseph

R. David, Pastor, and accompanied by Subdeacon Thomas R.George and two MYO altar serves, Anthony Howard andMatthew Macar.

Each graduate was presented with a certificate and a

small prayer book during liturgy. Devona Unice, President ofthe Altar and Rosary Society later presented them with fingerrosaries.

Courtney Sanner and Sandy Risha, both five yearsmembers, received the 2006 Angel of Light award foroutstanding leadership, attendance and dedication to theMYO of St. George Parish.

Following the Liturgy, a brunch was held in honor of thegraduates at a local restaurant with Mrs. Patricia Joseph, amember of the parish and discalced Carmelite, as guestspeaker.

The 2005 edition of the Maronite Qurbono in Arabic isnow available from Saint Maron Publications.

The Congregation text is available for $10. Shippingcharges will be added.

The threevolume CelebrantEdition (Volume One: Sundaysof the Church; Season of Announcements; Birth of the Lordand Epiphany; Great Lent and Resurrection; Volume Two:Seasons of Pentecost and Holy Cross; and Volume Three orthe Book of the Anaphorae) is available for $45. Shippingcharges will be added.

The Mystery of Baptism and Chrismation in Arabic isavailable for $5. Shipping charges will be added.

The Mystery of Crowning in Arabic is also available for $5.Shipping charges will be added.

ThePrayer of the Faithful in English (three volumes) is nowavailable from Saint Maron Publications.

Volume One (Sundays of the Church; Season ofAnnouncements; Birth of the Lord and Epiphany) is availablefor $40 plus $5 shipping

Volume Two (Seasons of Great Lent and Resurrection) isavailable for $40 plus $5 shipping

Volume Three (Seasons of Pentecost and Holy Cross) isavailable for $30 plus $5 shipping

To order your copy (ies) please write to:Saint Maron Publications

4611 Sadler RoadGlen Allen, Virginia 23060

For further information, call (804) 762-4301. For a completelisting of publications carried by Saint Maron Publications,please visit www.stmaron.org.

From left to right: High school graduates, Emily Brower,David Macar, Kate George, Fr. Joseph R. David, Pastor,Sandy Risha and Courtney Sanner.


NAM Holds Its SpringMeeting In Buffalo, N.Y.

St. John Maron Church in Williamsville (Buffalo), N.Y.,was privileged to host the Board of Directors' meetingof the National Apostolate of Maronites (NAM) on

April 21-23, 2006. Delegates from California, Texas,Atlanta, New England, Pennsylvania, and places in betweengathered for their Spring meeting.

The Directors met on Friday Night at the Church for anevening Vespers service, which was followed by a catereddinner in the Educational Center. About thirty peopleattended, including the officers of the Holy Name and Altarand Rosary Societies, representatives of the MYO and theReligious Education program, as well as invited guests. Thedinner was catered by Fouad and Sonya Badawy, activemembers of the parish.

The dinner started out as an informal get-together to meetand greet and enjoy the meal, but it turned out to be a verylively discussion about NAM, the future of the MaroniteChurch, the changes to be made at the NAM convention inJuly, the need to get and keep the young people active andinvolved, and especially the need to stay connected withMaronites across this great nation. Saturday was filled withmeetings andother business for the delegates, and on Sunday,they participated in all three Liturgies before returning totheir respective homes.

The Maronite Trilogy- The Gloryof Lebanon

Upon This Rock Ministry presents “The MaroniteTrilogy-The Glory of Lebanon.” Host Jan MarieHalphen interviews Fr. Nabil Mouannes, PhD, Pastor

of St. Ephrem Maronite Church, San Diego, California, onEWTN, July 24, 25, and 26, 2006.

July 24, 2006 topic is St. Maron and the Maronite Rite July 25, 2006 topic is The Maronite Saints July 26, 2006 topic is Contemplative prayer in the lives

of Maronite Saints.Each program airs twice at 3 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (EasternTime). Programs may also be viewed on the internet atwww.ewtn.com.

Happy 100th Birthday

Sheffia Thomas of Sterling Heights,Michigan celebrated her 100th

birthday on Sunday, June 4, 2006with Liturgy and lunch at St. SharbelMaronite Church, Warren, Mich.

Sheffia came to the United Statesfrom Serhel, Lebanon in 1920, and is theoldest of twelve children. She and herlate husband were very active in theMaronite Catholic community in the

Greater Detroit area. She is thought to be the oldest livingLebanese immigrant in the Midwest.

Vacation Bible Campin Glen Allen, Va.

Saint Anthony’s Church in Glen Allen (Richmond),Virginia held its annual Summer Bible Camp from June26 through June 30, 2006. Ninety-five children, ages 3

to 12, attended the camp. Each day the children participatedin activities related to music, religion, arts and crafts, andoutdoor games. Donna Goodman, the Bible Campcoordinator assembled parents and teenagers to shepherd thechildren, run one of the centers, or fix snacks and lunches.

This year’s camp theme was “Treasure Hunt.” Theyexplored the way to Jesus through trust, love, and prayer.They used the stories of Peter walking on water to Jesus onthe Sea of Galilee, Jesus washing the feet of the disciples,Jesus praying for his disciples, and Jesus’ crucifixion,resurrection and appearance to Mary Magdalene to find thepath to Jesus. The children learned songs and practicedMaronite hymns. They also made treasure bags, footprintcrafts, praise drums, and cross boxes throughout the week torepresent the themes found in the Bible stories.

Msgr. George M. Sebaali, Pastor, assisted by SubdeaconDominique Hanna celebrated a children’s Liturgy on Friday.The young people sang the responses and hymns, read thefirst reading and intercessions, and participated in other partsof the Liturgy. Afterwards, the children proudly performedthe many songs they learned during the camp and showedtheir parents their arts and crafts. The camp ended with acookout and swimming.

Food For ThoughtGod’s love for us in heaven is not greater than it is now.

St. Thomas Aquinas

Children attending Vacation Bible Camp at St. AnthonyMaronite Church in Glen Allen (Richmond), Virginia.


First Holy Communion in The Maronite Eparchies in The U.S.A.St. George in Uniontown, Penn.

St. Sharbel Church in NewtownSquare, Penn.

St. Anthony/St. George in Wilkes-Barre, Penn.

Parker Dorsey, Brianna McGovern, Jacob Khalife,Michael Koury, Mallory Ellis and Joseph DeMacereceived their First Holy Communion on Sunday, May

7, 2006 at St. Anthony/St. George Maronite Catholic Churchin Wilkes-Barre, Penn.

St. Ann Church in Scranton, Penn.

Fadi Naser received his First Holy Communion onSunday, May 7, 2006 at St. Sharbel Maronite CatholicChurch in Newtown Square, Penn. Fadi also carried the

crown for the Blessed Mother while Maya Alsaigh and JuliaStilwell were the angels in Attendance.

Ashley Michael, Justine Gillen, Rachel Rogers, AriannaHaky and Myra Edde received their First HolyCommunion on Sunday, May 7, 2006 at St. George

Maronite Catholic Church in Uniontown, Penn.

Robert Rade, Jr., and Angelina Hazzouri received theirFirst Communion on Sunday, May 7, 2006 at St. AnnMaronite Catholic Church in Scranton, Penn. At the

end of the Liturgy, Robert carried the crown and Angelinacrowned the Blessed Mother.


First Holy Communion in The Maronite Eparchies in The U.S.A.St. Louis Gonzaga Church in Utica, N.Y.

St. Anthony of the Desert in Fall River,Mass.

Our Lady of Lebanon Church inChicago, Ill.

Bashir Zakhem, Tiffany Roumi, Maria Antoon, SharbelDawalibi, Gergeis Hattar, Matthew Dandan, ChristianNaddaf, Justin Dawalibi and Calvin Lebbos received

their First HolyCommunion on Sunday, May 14, 2006 atOurLady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church in Lombard(Chicago), Ill.

Our Lady of Purgatory Church inNew Bedford, Mass.

Joseph Abidib, Anthony Coppola,Brianna Schafer, AlexisCarey, Eddie White, Lindsay Hayduk, Joseph Costello,Natalie Ciaccia, Kaitlyn Gozy, Aneesa Lewis, Erica

Cornmire, Frank Alesandro, John Lloyd, Paige Baird, TrinaBaird, Isabella Donatello, Tiana Lewis, Salvatore Ferroneand Kyle Kuty received their First Holy Communion onSunday, May7, 2006 atSt. Louis GonzagaMaronite CatholicChurch in Utica, N.Y.

Sarah Abdow, Marc Akouri, Katherine Boustany,Priscella Chedid, Jenna Farias, Cameron Filipe,Christelle Houeiss, John Karam, Leona Karam, Zachary

Mahfouz, Katherine Moniz, Christine Nasiff, Shawn Nasiff,Ambre Richard, Cassidy Shaker, Quincy Sears, HannahWhritenour and Andrew Wolstenholme received their FirstHoly Communion on Sunday, June 7, 2006 at St. Anthony ofthe Desert Maronite Catholic Church in Fall River, Mass.

Tyler Desjardins, Marc Zaknoun, Samantha Hakeem,Lilly Reynolds, Thomas Reynolds and Jacob Barbourreceived their First Holy Communion on Sunday, May

7, 2006 at Our Lady of Purgatory Maronite Catholic Churchin New Bedford, Mass.


First Holy Communion in The Maronite Eparchies in The U.S.A.St. John Maron in Williamsville, N.Y.

St. Sharbel Church in Portland, Ore.

St. Anthony of Padua in Cincinnati, Oh.

Our Lady of the Cedars In Akron, Oh.

Georgio Khoury, Wesley Michael, Steven Khoury,Anthony Atallah, Jonathon Harris, Brooke Saffire,Michelle Cheaib, Selena Khoury, Samuel Khoury,

Thomas J. Marron, Michael Kessler, Thomas Evans, andMatthew Saleh received their First Holy Communion onSunday, May 21, 2006, at St. John Maron Church inWilliamsville, N.Y.

Lina Kaldawi, Dietrich Lachmann, CameronMarkwell, Nathaniel Moffitt, Jessica Karam,Contessina Scuderi, Jenna Koury and Alan

Ghossein received their First Holy Communion onSunday, April 23, 2006 at St. Sharbel MaroniteCatholic Church in Portland, Ore.

Anthony Chemaly, Mark Ghastine and AndrewSamaan received their First Holy Communion onSunday, May 14, 2006 at St. Anthony of Padua

Maronite Catholic Church in Cincinnati, Oh.

Tony Abou-Elias, Melissa Abou-Toma, Celine Akiki,Mariam Boulos, Vanessa El Ashkar, Edward (E.J.)Hamad, Jennifer Jesser and Alexander (Alex) Michael

received their First Holy Communion on Sunday, May 28,2006 at Our Lady of the Cedars Maronite Catholic Church inAkron, Oh.


First Holy Communion in The Maronite Eparchies in The U.S.A.St. Anthony Church in Danbury, Conn.

St. Joseph Church in Olean, N.Y.

St. George Church in Pawtucket, R.I.

St. Maron Church in Cleveland, Oh.

Michael Buenaventura, Steven Buenaventura,Georgette Michael–Duncan, Sabrina Michael–Duncan, Michael Gaboardi, Griffin Henley, Ryan

Ramey, Jared, Shakro and Christina Shoushani received theirFirst Holy Communion on Sunday, May 14, 2006 at St.Anthony Maronite Catholic Church in Danbury, Conn.

Derek Heath, Kylie Pleakis, Bridget Havens, Leah Sitterand Madelyn Hamed received their First HolyCommunion on Sunday, May 28, 2006 at St. Joseph

Maronite Catholic Church in Olean, N.Y.

John Paul Imad, Jennifer Kalbourji, Sarah Marie Khoury,Adam Samir Khoury, Jonathan Pierre Saker, andChristian Nicholas Stufano received their First Holy

Communion on Sunday, May 7, 2006 at St. George MaroniteCatholic Church in Pawtucket (Providence), R.I.

Mona Roufaeil, Issam Roufael, Sara Koussa, ZiadRoufael, Nicolette Estephan, Charbel Elias, CarlaDiab, Smara Lahoud, Bassel Lahoud, Yara Saad,

Anthony Barakat, Rachel Nin, Joshua Lahoud, KaitlinSalloum, Nicholas Daher, Delilah Kirallah, Joseph Lahoudand Marie Louise Hatm received their First HolyCommunionon Sunday, May 14, 2006 at St. Maron Maronite CatholicChurch in Cleveland, Oh.


St. Anthony Maronite ChurchGlen Allen, Va.

Chrismation Class At St. AnthonyOf The Desert Maronite Church

Fall River, Mass.

On May 7, 2006, Christopher Azar, Maya Karam,Johanna Khoury, Evan Massoud, Sadie RoseMassoud, Christina Michaels and Giselle Youssef

reaffirmed their faith and pledged their loyalty to the Churchat a Chrismation Liturgy celebrated by Chorbishop Joseph F.Kaddo, Pastor, at St. Anthony of the Desert Maronite Churchin Fall River, Mass. At the same time Chorbishop Kaddoadministered the Mystery of Chrismation to Lindsley Hetzler,Danielle Grimo and Mikala Grimo. The class was preparedby Deacon Donald Massoud and Richard Capuano.

Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral inBrooklyn, N.Y.

Our Lady of Mount Lebanon Cathedralin Los Angels, Calif.

Marah Bourret, Emily Condlin, Darian Flammia,Mallorie Fodill, Christine Ghoussoub, CarolineHarik, Justin Little, Katherin Meadows, Tyler

Shebelski, Anthony Shulleeta, Leanna Webb and AbbieZohab received their First Holy Communion on Sunday, May14, 2006 at St. Anthony Maronite Catholic Church in GlenAllen (Richmond), Va.

Valentina Malouf, Murielle Malouf, AlexandraKadamani, Sarah Bassile, Isabella Jazrawi, JamesHaddad, Michelle Sahlani, Celeste Azzi, Celine

Moarkech, Noor Njeim, Elizabeth Dahan, Melissa Safi,Taylor Jazrawi, Ellis Noun, Michael Abi-habib and CynthiaSarkis received their First Holy Communion on May 21,2006 at Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Amanda Gores, Catherina Gores, Brandon Hawi,Celine Habalrih, James Joukhadar, Jean PaulMarlow, Khalil Simaan, Sabrina Simaan,

Gabrielle Sfeir, StephanoWatchi and Daisy Zaarourreceived their First HolyCommunion on Sunday, May21, 2006 at Our Lady of Mount Lebanon Cathedral inLos Angeles, Calif.


The Maronite Outreach Holds Its Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizonia

by Dr. Anthony El Khoueiry

The St. Joseph Maronite Church inPhoenix, Arizona,hosted the thirdannual national meeting of the

Maronite Outreach on Saturday May27, 2006. Maronite Outreach membersrepresenting their chapters came fromArizona, Washington D.C., andSouthern and Northern California.Other chapters from Texas andPennsylvania could not sendrepresentatives but submitted theirreports and input prior to the meeting.The attendees sacrificed their time andmoney to engage in a day-long series ofplanned sessions focused on reviewingthe current status of the organizationand drafting a course for the future.

After a heartfelt introduction andprayer filled with well-wishes, praise,and advice led by Father GhassanMatar, M.L.M, the group started theirstructured meeting. ExecutiveChairman, Dr. Anthony El-khoueiry,presented a “big picture” overview onbehalf of the executive and advisoryboards. His presentation focused on thesteady growth of the organizationmanifested by the activities of the sevenlocal chapters, the amount of moneyraised and spent on charitable projectsin Lebanon, and the continuingcoordination with multiple non-profitorganizations. This was followed byproject specific updates presented bythe lead project coordinators. Inaddition, each chapter gave anoverview of their activities,accomplishments and challenges.

In the afternoon, the attendeesengaged in simultaneous projectspecific workshops. During theworkshop sessions, they conducted adetailed and organized review of eachproject, its impact, and its importance

to the overall mission of theorganization. Taking into considerationthe successes and challenges of theprevious year, they formulated specificgoals for the coming year, drafted astrategy and an itemized list of actionitems.

In the course of the day, threeawards were presented on behalf of theadvisory board. The “Service andDedication Award” went to Linda Srourfrom the St. John Maron (Anaheim,Calif.) chapter, who has led the“sponsorship project” at the nationallevel. The “Leadership Award” went toMarc Suidan from the Our Lady ofLebanon (Millbrae, Calif.) chapter forhis contributions and innovative ideasat the level of the advisory board. The“Model Chapter Award” went to the St.Joseph Church chapter in Phoenix fortheir organization andaccomplishmentsduring the past year.

Over the last six years, theMaronite Outreach has successfullygrown from a small committee at St.John Maron Church in Anaheim into anational organization active in sevenparishes across the United States underthe blessing and support of theirExcellencies Bishops Robert Shaheenand Gregory Mansour. Thus far,through the contributions ofparishioners and friends at all sevenchapters, the Maronite Outreach hasprovided over a hundred scholarships to

the students in need in Lebanon,assisted in the rebuilding of sixchurches in Lebanon and linked over300 Lebanese-American children tochildren in Lebanon through the piggybank project. During the previous year,the “sponsorship project” has witnessedtremendous growth allowing theMaronite Outreach to double thenumber of children in Lebanon who aresponsored by individuals and familiesin the U.S.A. to more than 120.

Other highlights of the meetingincluded the unveiling of a remodeledwebsite and of a new web-basedprogram designed to manage thesponsorship project. This program hasbeen made possible by the generouscontribution of Mr. and Mrs. Mario andLana Boustani and the technicalexpertise of Mr. Fady Garabet from OurLady of Lebanon/St. Peter Cathedral inLos Angeles.

The Maronite Outreach leadershipand members would like to thank everyparish with an active chapter for theirsupport and guidance. The MaroniteOutreach is grateful to its members fortheir silent volunteer work which theyperform with professionalism,selflessness and dedication to the causeof the less fortunate members of ourcommunity in Lebanon.

Maronite Outreachdedicated to the

preservation of Christianityin Lebanon


A Reflection onFathers and On SaintJoseph, Foster Father

of JesusContinued From Page 1

In finding human words to describe hiseternal and mystical relationship withGod, He called God “Father”. Thiscould only have been due in great partto the positive “father” experience thatJesus had with Joseph, his own fosterfather.

Thus, Joseph is called the “Patronof the Church” because he was firstpatron, provider, protector, and caregiver to the holy family. Like theJoseph of the Old Testament, he toowas the faithful steward of all that wasentrusted to him

Joseph is also called the greathelper of men. This is because of hisability to relate well with a son not hisown. All men can take pride in the wayJoseph related to Jesus and to Mary,with respect and honor.

Saint Joseph, Friend ofOpen Hearts, Patron of a

Happy Death

Joseph is also referred to as “friendto open hearts.” This is becauseJoseph, like his namesake of the

Old Testament, learned to listen to God

speak to him in a variety of ways, evenin his dreams. He listened to God inprayer.

Joseph had originally reasoned thatto spare Mary shame because she waspregnant, he would divorce her quietly.This was the honorable thing to do forher and for him. But God appeared tohim in a dream and said, Joseph haveno fear in taking Mary for your wife.Joseph listened, and like Mary, notunderstanding everything that washappening, he wanted all to be doneaccording to God’s will. BecauseJoseph was willing to change his wellreasoned plans for his life, and becauseJoseph was a man of prayer, he is calledfriend of open hearts.

Joseph is also called the patron of ahappy death, for tradition holds thatMary and Jesus were present whenJoseph closed his eyes to this world.Who could want for more, to haveJesus and Mary at one’s bedside?

A Concluding Word ForFathers And For All

Who Seek TheIntercession Of Saint

Joseph

Sometimes we are stuck in our ownplans, even our righteous and justplans. Sometimes we cannot be

bothered to really pray, which meanslistening to God. Sometimes we needthe extra help of a saint, in times ofdifficulty, and even at the hour of

death. Sometimes men need a man theycan turn to. Sometimes we are selfish,demanding and harmful to thoseentrusted to our care; and sometimes,by a profound gift of the Holy Spirit,we live a self-less, sacrificial love forothers – without owning or possessingthem. In all of these ways we not onlyrely on, but hopefully we also becomelike our open-hearted patron, St.Joseph.

O patron of the Church, O friend ofopen hearts, O foster father of Jesus,respectful spouse of the Virgin Mary,helper of fathers, patron of a happydeath, St. Joseph, pray for us.

+ Gregory J. MansourBishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maronof Brooklyn.

The Maronite VoiceSt. Anthony’s Maronite Catholic Church4611 Sadler RoadGlen Allen, Virginia 23060-6108

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Documents

A Publication of the Maronite Eparchies in the USA · A Publication of the Maronite Eparchies in the USA Volume II Issue No. 7 July 2006 A Reflection on Fathers and on Saint Joseph,