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Saint Rafka Maronite
Sunday of the Hemorrhaging Woman
If I just touch his clothes, I will be healed (Mark 5:28). That's what she told herself, this nameless, bleeding woman who'd traveled 30 miles, fueled by nothing but faith.
It was a daring plan. According to Mosaic Law, women who were ceremonially unclean weren't allowed to touch anyone, let alone the Son of God. But desperate women do desperate things. For 12 long years blood had flowed from her body, making her physically sick and socially unacceptable.
The physicians of her time were unable to relieve her suffering. She "spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew
Catholics of the East in the Upstate! 1215 S. Highway 14, Greer, SC 29650 864.469.9119
saintrafka.org [email protected]
Mar
ch 1
2, 2
017 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
Continued next page
worse" (Mark 5:26). Some of us have been there, dealing with a prolonged illness or stubborn medical condition. It's frustrating, even embarrassing, to keep going to the doctor, only to return home with an expensive prescription, yet little hope.
The true miracle in this story is what remained healthy: her faith. Her willingness to believe she could be well again, despite all evidence to the contrary. When she heard about a man who'd "healed many who had various diseases" (Mark 1:34), she made a beeline for Capernaum.
After a 30-mile journey, I would have thrown myself in his path, begging him to help me. Instead our bleeding sister quietly "came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak" (Mark 5:27). By law, her touch would have made him unclean. By grace, just the opposite happened. "Immediately her bleeding stopped" (Mark 5:29). Without a word, a look, or a touch from Jesus, she was made whole simply by believing he could heal her—and daring to act on that belief.
When her faith was rewarded, she wasn't the only one who noticed. "He turned around in the crowd and asked, 'Who touched my clothes?'" (Mark 5:30). How her heart must have pounded. She'd just stolen a miracle!
When the disciples pointed out that many in the crowded street were touching him, "Jesus kept looking around to see who had done it" (Mark 5:32). He wasn't looking to accuse but to affirm. The same faith that empowered her to stretch out her hand now gave her the strength to step forward. She "fell at his feet and, trembling with fear, told him the whole truth" (Mark 5:33).
She risked everything—public humiliation, if not punishment—to make her confession of faith, explaining to the crowd "why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed" (Luke 8:47).
With a single word from Jesus, 12 years of pain and isolation were swept away: "Daughter … " (Mark 5:34). In no other gospel account does Jesus use this term of endearment and respect. Daughter. She was a member of the family now, restored to her community, setting an example for others who "begged him to let them touch even the edge of his cloak, and all who touched him were healed" (Mark 6:56). This woman literally put feet to her faith: traveling to Capernaum, reaching out to touch Jesus' garment, and walking forward at his invitation. By faith, we too can go first in our families, in our workplaces, and in our circles of influence, stepping forward to proclaim, "There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole."
Liz Curtis Higgs
The Nazarene Fund to aid Christians in need of assistance. Funded and sponsored by local Catholic Christians from Saint Mary’s.
General Lenten Regulations
Good Friday is a day of abstinence for all Catholics over the age of 14. Abstinence is also obligatory for those from the ages of 18-59. Abstinence means abstinence from meat. Fast means no food from midnight to noon. No Catholic will lightly excuse himself or herself from this obligation.
All other Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence from meat. Here again Catholics will not hold themselves lightly excused, but if there is a serious health problem (such as diabetes), this obligation would not apply.
We strive to make all days of Lent a time of prayer and penance. In Eastern Catholic traditions, including the Maronite tradition, there is no fast on Saturday and Sunday, days that celebrate Creation and Resurrection.
Lenten Liturgies this Week
Saturday, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy Sunday, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy 7 PM, Last Chance Mass Monday, 7 PM, Ramsho Tuesday, 7 PM, Ramsho and Novena to Saint Rafka Wednesday, 7 PM, Divine Liturgy and Anointing of the Sick Thursday, 7 PM, Ramsho Friday, 7 PM, Ramsho and Benediction of the Cross
DJ NEEDED
DJ needed for a upcoming church fundraising function. Must have own equipment and be willing to donate time and talent for a one-time event. If this is you, or someone you know, please call Donna at 313-5140 for details.
Abouna’s Corner
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Greetings from Saint Rafka!
Thankfully, a busy but calmer week! Many things are occurring, some visible, some invisible, but all going on! Lent, NAM preparations, the renovation decisions and the day to day running of the parish are all happening at the same time. It is like a pot of soup: add this and that and it comes together as a great dish! Life, like soup, can never be done exactly the same way again!
The new gas range in the kitchen has been installed and tweaks were made to the range, gas line and hood/vent system. The women’s room handicapped stall is being renovated to accommodate various wheelchair types and the second stall being replaced. It has been quite interesting (and challenging) to work on a 50 year old building. Some days we see the solidness of the structure, other days we want to take a stick of dynamite to it! All in all, it will be quite beautiful and functional for us in the years to come.
Come and join us for the weekday Lenten liturgies at 7 PM. The chanting of Ramsho is a calming time after a hectic day.
Have a great weekend! See you in Church!
Salaam! Ab. Bart
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
March
11, 4 PM, Divine Liturgy 12, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy 7 PM, Divine Liturgy 13, 7 PM, Ramsho 14, 7 PM, Ramsho and Novena to Saint Rafka 15, 7 PM, Divine Liturgy, Anointing of the Sick 16, 7 PM, Ramsho 17, 7 PM, Ramsho and Benediction of the Cross 18, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy 19, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy 7 PM, Divine Liturgy 20, 7 PM, Ramsho 21, 7 PM, Ramsho and Novena
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
109Days till NAM!
How will you help?Contact Greg or
Mary Anne Lepak
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. Please join us in Prayer…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. Help to spread the word to others about this important life-saving effort. Sidewalk Counseling Training Saturday, Mar. 11, 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM sponsored by Sidewalk Advocates for Life. Potluck lunch. Community Chapel of Greenville, 1636 Bethel Rd., Simpsonville. Sign-up for event at http://saflgvlsc.com or call Cristy at 864-423-9778. This training will help you talk to anyone who is abortion minded.
DEBKE DANCE!
In preparation for our NAM Convention at St. Rafka, we would like to gather our youths, ages 6 and up to showcase our Middle Eastern traditional Folklore dance – the debke. This will be on Friday evening, June 30, 2017.
I will teach a group of boys and girls and hope that you would be proud to have your family involved. However, you must be committed to the practice sessions until the Convention. Please email or call me to join in the Sunday classes, beginning March 5th after the 11 AM Mass.
Thank you! Marlene Saad [email protected] (864)574 9722
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, 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, Robert Mercier, James and Kaleigh, Mark Pelletier, Antonella, Stephanie, Derek Gerard Solomon, Connie Brushaber, Billy, JoAn Salloum, Susie, Jim Hopka, Family of Colbert Arthur, Berma Darlene Bell, Terry Vadnais, Elaine Gillen, Elizabeth Gallagher, Special Intention, Amy Hunter, Shawn Sexton, Cindy Miller, 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, Sister Mary Emmanuel, Katie Frank, Adelaide George, Beverley Davis, Maryanne Polidoro, John Fender, Katherine Dennman, Alan Howard, Intentions of Nancy Gegorian, Greg Howard, Thomas Shaluly
Someone in need of prayer? Let me know!
Saints We CelebrateMarch 18, Saint Cyril of Jerusalem March 19, Saint Joseph, Foster Father of Our Lord March 21, Saint Benedict March 23, Saint Rafka, Virgin-Confessor March 25, The Annunciation of Mary March 26, Gabriel the Archangel March 29, Saint Cyril, Deacon of Baalbek March 30, Saint John Climacus of Mount Sinai April 1, Saint Mary of Egypt April 23, Saint George the Martyr April 25, Saint Mark the Evangelist April 27, Saint Simon the Apostle April 29, Saint Catherine of Sienna
March 11 & 12
Saturday, 4 PM Jack & Pat Stewart’s 62nd Wedding Anniversary Stewart Family
Sunday, 11 AM Vivian Yacu, Surgery Jeni Yacu
Sunday 7 PM +Roger Pelliter Bridget Nevin
Wednesday 7 PM +Mary Velten Kathy Reilly
March 18 & 19
Saturday, 4 PM +Sergio Antonino Andy and Ceil Frisari
Sunday, 11 AM +Ted Slusz Slusz Family
Sunday 7 PM +Roger Pellitier Bridget Nevin
Wednesday 7 PM Open
Mass Intentions
Feast New Testament Gospel
Hemorrhage 2 Cor. 7: 4-11 Luke 8: 40–56
English Paula Howard-Casby Afaf Sleiman
Arabic Afaf Sleiman
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
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.
The Sanctuary Lamp burns throughout Lent and Easter In Memory of +Oscar Saad by Marlene Saad.
Church Offerings and Attendance
March 5 Saturday 4 PM Sunday 11 AM Sunday 7 PM Total Budget +/- Wed. 7 PM
People 46 74 39 159 160 -1 18
Collection $880.00 $1,908.00 $494.00 $3282.00 $2,667.00 $615.00 0
Average per person $19.13 $25.78 $12.67 $20.64 Holy Hour 25
Average Attendance 47 53 18 118
Building Fund $404.00 $553.00 $154.00 $1111.00 Year to Date $21,285.00
Average per person $8.78 $7.47 $3.95 $6.99 Average PP $20.64
Attendance Year to Date
4:00 PM 478 11:00 AM 532 7:00 PM 189 Wednesday 7 PM 134 First Sunday 54 Holy Day 23 Saint Rafka Novena 36 Lenten Weekday 63
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.
Will be
updated
next week!
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
March
11, Adib Chebli 11, Reema Askar 11, John Alan Chebeir 14, Zouhad Mamouz 16, Antoine Sleiman 18, Susan Howard Smith 18, Matt Pelicano 19, Theresa Jebaily 23, Isabell Howard Poinsette 23, Joseph Chebli 23, Clara Rebecca Saad 24, Mariana Elizabeth Saad 24, Giselle Sleiman 24, Paul Leonardi 25, Janie Howard
Anniversaries No anniversaries on record for March.
Necrology+Diane Dyer, March 17, 2011 +Violet Monsour Howayeck, March 20, 2013 +Fadwa Chalouhi, March 26, 2014
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Luck of the Irish
KNIGHTSOF COLUMBUS
Fundraiser
www.kofc9184.org
6:30pm - 10:00pmGreer Cannon Center
Casino Night
of Greenville
Pre-Sale Tickets - $25 • At the Door - $35
WCKI 1300 AM www.catholicradioinsc.com
!
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