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Saint Rafka Maronite
5th Sunday of Pentecost
On this Sunday we continue to commemorate the full descent of the life-giving Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and disciples on the day of Pentecost. All things that Christ had promised are completed in the same Spirit Who strengthened the Apostles to bear witness to Christ. In today’s gospel reading Christ commissions His Apostles to do as He does in His mercy of healing, exorcizing and cleansing those in need of His help. Christ, our Almighty God, commissions His Apostles not because He is limited, but He wishes His works of mercy to be spread upon the earth through humans so that they may participate in His dispensation. In Christ’s infinite love He wished that these deeds of mercy not end when His Apostles died, but that His Apostles should be succeeded by the bishops and priests of the Church to continue these works by the same Spirit Who ordains them.
Catholics of the East in the Upstate! 1215 S. Highway 14, Greer, SC 29650 864.469.9119
saintrafka.org [email protected]
June
17,
201
8
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.
Rev. Bartholomew Leon, Administrator,
Pastor’s Advisory Council Ramiz Askar,
Marlene Saad Secretary Richard Sleiman, Chairman
Paul Sleiman, Linda Wickett, Jack Yacu
Finance Committee George Azan, Joseph Chebeir, Chairman
Tony Sleiman, Paula Howard-Casby
Administration
Richard, Wickett, Financial Secretary
Joseph Chebeir, Scott Herr, Administrative Assistants to the Pastor
Continued next page
Being the Almighty Lord, God is not made any less by giving to us. In fact, He wishes to enrich us if we ask of His wealth. Though God is very mysterious and incomprehensible because of His infinite being, He wished to make Himself accessible throughout the ages so He established the Church and commission her ministers as we recall in our prayers:
He who chose for Himself priests on Earth, set them in authority over the treasury of His kingdom, and in their hands placed the keys to His treasury so that they may distribute His riches to the poor. (From the Maronite Prayers for Wednesday Night)
The riches of the treasury of God the prayer speaks of are the mercy of God given through His Holy Mysteries, the sacraments, which the Holy Spirit allows the priests to perform. As the Syriac Father Narsai states, at Mass even the holiest layman cannot call the Spirit down to make the bread and wine the Body and Blood of Christ unless he is a priest for priests have been ordained to this sacred duty. It is not because priests are worthy that they can perform the sacraments, but because God loves His people and wishes to give them a normal and known way of regularly receiving His mercy – what better way than to receive eternal life and the forgiveness of sins through His Body and Blood, the Eucharist. And just as Christ commissioned His Apostles to go out and heal, He gave them the sacraments of the Anointing of the Sick and Penance so that they may make us well.
The same power Christ gave to His Apostles continues to be given to the priests of the Church through the Holy Spirit so that we may all receive healing, both physical and spiritual. In fact, the Syriac Fathers often refer to the Apostles as the “Twelve Physicians” and the priests continue to exercise that role today. The Light of the World, Jesus Christ, wishes that we be able to see Him, and so “Twelve Lamps that burn the oil of the Holy Spirit were sent from the Upper Room to all the corners. They illumined the peoples in the darkness of idolatry” (From the Maronite Prayers for Sunday Morning). The priests of the Church are the new lamps, equipped with the same Holy Spirit, who are sent out in the love and mercy of God to enrich us with the treasures of heaven. Let us gladly receive from Him what He has sent us for our own salvation and flourishing. Seminarian Michael Shami
© 2018 Saint Rafka Maronite Catholic Church, Greer, SC. All rights reserved.
No Wednesday 7 PM Liturgy during JulyDue to Independence Day, NAM Convention and vacation, there will be no Wednesday 7
PM Divine Liturgies. Liturgies will resume on Wednesday, August 1.
Digital Parish Directory - Update!!!! Up and Running!!!
The Online Parish Directory is live!
Though the hard work of Joe Chebeir, the directory is online. Now comes the hard part - keeping it accurate!
Parishes change over the years. People come, people go. Some move away, some die, so go to other churches. There is an ebb and flow to life. Sometimes we changed the database, sometimes we didn’t! As I mentioned previously, the published directory is a read only file and any Important personal information is always protected and access to change any of this information is limited to you and the parish staff only.
With your help, we will have the accurate information now on each household. You have either received an invitation, or will, to go to the ServantKeeper website. Register with your email and password. It is up to you. You can then change any information that is not up to date or add/delete your profile picture. To view the entire directory, hit the button the says “Visit Saint Rafka Maronite Church’s Directory”. You will be taken to a new screen and there will you will be asked for the password. At this phase, the password is Rafka2012. You can then see the information of other parishioners. It is a pretty simple procedure. Any questions? Email or call Joe: [email protected] or 864.469.9119.
NEW!!! Saint Rafka Parish Directory Online
Click here.
Calendar of EventsJune 16, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy, 5 Pentecost 17, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy 4:30 PM, Korean Mass 7:00 PM, Last Chance Divine Liturgy 20, 7 PM, Divine Liturgy Anointing of the Sick 23, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy, Saints Peter and Paul 24, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy 7:00 PM, Last Chance Divine Liturgy 27, 7 PM, Divine Liturgy Anointing of the Sick 30, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy, 7 Pentecost July 1, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy 3:00 PM, Divine Mercy Holy Hour 7:00 PM, Last Chance Divine Liturgy July 4, NO 7 PM Divine Liturgy, Independence Day July 7, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy, 8 Pentecost July 8, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy 4:30 PM, Korean Mass 7:00 PM, Last Chance Divine Liturgy July 11, NO 7 PM Divine Liturgy, July 14, 2 PM, Wedding of Alex Roman and Shea Menge, Aiken, SC 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy, 9th Pentecost 11 AM, Divine Liturgy 4:30 PM, Korean Mass
Ramsho and Blessing with the relics of Saints Rafka, Sharbel Nimatullah, and the Massabki Brothers Tuesday evening, 7:00 PM, Saint Rafka Church. Come to offer the evening sacrifice and ask God’s blessing, healing, mercy and compassion through these holy men and women. Bring a friend!
Ramsho and Blessing with the relics of Saints
Rafka, Sharbel, Nimatullah and the
Massabki Brothers will resume on September 4
at 6:30 P.M.
Father’s Day Tributes and MemorialsLance Edward Martin, & Cecil Ray Bays Gary Bays Dan Beckman Chris Beckman Dan Beckman, Robert L. Beckman, Eugene Benzinger, & Gerald Benzinger Susan Beckman Rev. Arthur Brown Jr. David Brown Raymond Bussemey, Joseph Lemire, & Joseph Niemec Joan & Paul Bussemey John P., Sr., Steve, Robert Sr., Alan, Greg, George Sr., George Jr., Sam Jr., Mike Sr., & Ernest Howard, Elias Howard and John Mansour Sr., Mel Casby & Robert Howard Jr. Paula Howard Casby Joel Lakadosch & William Cox Diana Cox Santo Arduini Joanna Davis Jules Anthony Dursse, William B Rogers, Jr., & Matt Dursse BJ & Michael Dursse James A Dyer Jim Dyer Sylvian Wilson Eptin & David Rhys Wagner Tom Epting Dr. Ferenc Gabor Tish & George Gabor Paul Gallagher Elizabeth Gallagher & Tabouli Louis Sijon, & David Sijon Lisa Hamberis Don Higgins, Ray Higgins, & Charles Byars Austin, Wendi & Peri Hill Edward J Howard Dr. Leroy Howard Pete Howard JP, Elyse, & Rachel John A. Jebaily Ron Jebaily John A. Jebaily Jerry Jebaily Captain Joseph E Leon Abouna William A Leon, Sr, and Michael J. Kelly Abouna David Gibbons Abouna Delmar Francis Quackenbush, Jr. Carleen Maher Hany Roman & Michael Menge Alex Roman & Shea Menge Leo Talbot & Donat Mercier M Mercier Stanley Mileski Bernadette Mileski Edward Nevin Bridget Nevin Chester Surfus, Arthur Newton Sue Newton Frank Magin Lenore Ozzimo Orlando Ozzimo Gerry Ozzimo John H. Rauch, Herman Stewart, & Johnny Blackwelder Maria & Ed Rauch Wade N. Howard Sandra Reece J Wayne Reece Ashley Reece C. Rhett Riddle S Riddle Vincent Georgetti, & John Rothermich Lori & John Rothermich Oscar Saad Lauralee & Michael Saad Lawrence D. Shaw, Sr Sister Mary Shaw George Louis Sijon David Sijon Pawlo Szajda & Daniel Stachiw Oksana Stachiw Anthony Giovio Donna Stafford Paul Anseim Stewart, & Beauford Francis Webster Pat & John Stewart
Philip K Howard Marilou Sullivan Dr. William B. Tomlinson Rev. Richard B. Tomlinson Robert Van Norden Rob Van Norden Alfred Richard Wickett, & George H Harvey Linda & Richard Wickett Papa Harvey, Richard Wickett, Alfred Wickett, & Hartsel Wilson Kathy & Chuck Wilson Anwer Yacu, Zuhair Yacu, Amjed Yacu, Aziz Yacu, & Mikhael Issa Nazar Yacu
"Fathers play a unique and important role in the lives of their children. As mentor, protector, and provider, a father fundamentally influences the shape and direction of his child's character by giving love, care, discipline, and guidance. As we observe Father's Day, our nation honors fatherhood and urges fathers to commit themselves selflessly to the success and well-being of their children. And we reaffirm the importance of fathers in the lives of their children. Raising a child requires significant time, effort, and sacrifice; and it is one of the most hopeful and fulfilling experiences a man can ever know. A father can derive great joy from seeing his child grow from infancy to adulthood. As a child matures into independence and self reliance, the value of a parent's hard work, love, and commitment comes to fruition.
Responsible fatherhood is important to a healthy and civil society. Numerous studies confirm that children whose fathers are present and involved in their lives are more likely to develop into prosperous and healthy adults. Children learn by example; and they need their father's presence as examples of virtue in their daily lives. A child's sense of security can be greatly enhanced by seeing his parents in a loving and faithful marriage."
President George W. Bush
God our Father Bless these men,
that they may find strength as fathers. Let the example of their faith and
love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and
daughters, may honor them always
with a spirit of profound respect. Amen!
Create eyes in me, and so may I see with Your eyes, for I cannot see with my own eyes.
May my mind travel inwards towards the hiddenness of Your sacrifice, just as You have travelled out into the open and been cojoined to Your Mysteries.
At this moment may I be totally forgetful of myself, and remain utterly unmindful of my own person. May every bodily image be wiped away from my mind’s Eye, and may You alone be depicted before the Eye of my mind.
And now, when Your Spirit descends from heaven upon your Mysteries, may I ascend in spirit from earth to heaven.
— Prayers of Joseph the Visionary in “The Syriac Fathers On Prayer And The Spiritual Life,” translated from the original Syriac-Aramaic by Sebastian Brock, Cistercian Publications.
The most up to date Maronite Voice is always available here.
Prayers & SquaresPrayers and Squares is a prayer ministry that also involves making prayer quilts and prayer squares for those facing medical, spiritual, emotional difficulties, or anyone in the Parish that is active duty military. Don't know how to quilt? That's ok, we can teach you. Not interested in sewing? That's ok, we will need help with staying organized, record keeping and correspondence. What is needed are willing hearts and hands to do God's work and pray together for those in need, and each other too.
A prayer quilt or square, once requested, is made and tied with each knot representing a prayer for that individual and their specific needs. The recipient must be willing to receive the quilt and the prayers. The purpose of the group is not to give away quilts, but to offer a physical representation of God's love and the prayers of the community. A recipient is able to wrap themselves in prayer during a difficult time. The quilt itself has no power, but the prayers offered do.
The first meeting was held last weekend. Watch now for more details!
Dear Friends, Re: End-Stage Kidney Disease Some of you may already know: I have end-stage kidney disease. My kidneys do not work well enough to keep me alive, and my treatment options are limited to dialysis or kidney transplant. Regular hemodialysis treatments, three times per week for four hours at a time, help my kidneys do their job and keep me alive. But a transplant would offer me the ability to live a longer, healthier, more normal life and with more freedom. Finding a kidney for a transplant is not easy. There are 100,000+ people, just like me, on the waiting list for a deceased donor kidney. Time is not on our side. Some die while waiting. I've been waiting nearly six years, about a year longer than the average wait time of five years. There is another option: receiving a kidney from a living donor. Asking a family member or a friend to donate a kidney is very difficult for me, extremely personal, takes much thought and involves your family's consideration. Your decision will not affect our relationship, and I absolutely do not want a donor feeling pressured in any way. You may not know a lot about living donation, which I did not until recently. Understandably, many people are fearful of surgery and what living with one kidney will mean for them. Here's some basic information about kidney donation: • Most people are born with an extra kidney - only one is needed to live a long, healthy life. • As a living donor, you will have a separate team of Healthcare professionals to evaluate you. Their job is to help YOU understand the risks and benefits, looking out for YOUR best interests. • Cost of your evaluation and surgery will be covered by my insurance; the hospital can provide to you more information. • Most donor surgery is done laparoscopically, meaning through tiny incisions. • Recuperation is usually fairly quick, generally two weeks, for people with desk jobs, to six weeks, for jobs involving heavy lifting.
What is a paired kidney exchange? Roughly one-third of kidney failure patients with a willing living donor will be unable to receive the kidney because of incompatibility. In a paired kidney exchange, a donor may donate their kidney to another recipient in exchange for a compatible kidney for their loved one. Before deciding, you can explore the living donation program by calling MUSC's Kelly Canavan, my Living Donor Coordinator, at 843-792-1594. A living donation may not be right for you, but you can still help. Please help by sharing my story, spreading the word about kidney disease, raising awareness of living donation and helping me and the many others on the waiting list. Thank you for reading and for your concern and for your help in spreading the word about kidney disease. Appreciatively, Joe Baranski 864-201-2480 Greer, SC November 25, 2017
A Unique Parishioner Call for Help
Visit the homepage of our neighbors to the north of us. Saint Stephen is under the leadership of Father Elias Khalil and is growing in Grace and numbers.
Religious Education - First Holy Communion Preparation
Is your child ready for the reception of First Penance and Holy Communion? Parishioner Alex Roman, a professional teacher, has volunteered to teach in our religious education program. Other children, post Holy Communion, are also welcome to these classes. Contact the Church Office to register.
Books for Prisoners
Catholic volunteers to the Greenville County Detention Center are in need of paperback (only paperback) books for the inmate library. We will set up a box in Wickett Hall to place your books into and these will be collected by Sharon Bookbinder, a volunteers from Prince of Peace Church. This is a great way to un-clutter and help those in prison by giving them reading materials. Thanks for your help and assistance! Thanks for your help with this project and the books you have brought in - keep them coming!
Music Teacher
St Mary’s Catholic School in Greenville, SC, is accepting applications for a qualified part-time Pre-K through 8th grade Music teacher for the 2018 - 2019 school year. The scope of the position is dependent on the skills and experience that the applicant brings to the school. Candidates with experience leading a school band, orchestra, and/or various choirs will be considered for a full-time position. A current South Carolina license or its equivalent and prior teaching experience are preferred. Applicants will need to perform a piece on their major instrument and/or piano as part of the application and interview process. Email resume and cover letter to [email protected]. St Mary’s Catholic School is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Deadline for applications is July 1, 2018.
Prayer List
Chris Davis, Raymond Trinidad, Theresa Woodson, Joe Treacy, Marguerite LaBella, Dakota Miller, David Olmsted, Okshana Stachiw, Pixie Geren, Mike Dyer, Christian Pereira, Houda Askar, Jack D’Aquin, Moe Mercier, Ed Rauch, Art Newton, Mike Georgion, Nancy Georgion Jack Yacu, Houda Askar, Montaha Achi, Jim Hopsecger, Recovery of RS, Ashley Mullinex, Bill McAfee, Bill Leon, Sr., Charley Dusthimer, Bernadette Smith, Claire Barnett, Hans Wascom, Ethel Brassel, Katrina Shunk, George Vargo, Dan Steinker, Irma Galvan, Mary Cleary, Joe Lemire, Mary Anne McAfee, Lois Taylor, Virginia LaFave, Nabeel Howard, Father M. T. Phillips, Paul Cote and Family, Paul Bussemey, Ramza Sleiman, Joan Bussemey, 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, James and Kaleigh, M a r k Pe l l e t i e r, A n t o n e l l a , Stephanie, Derek Gerard Solomon, JoAn Salloum, Susie, Jim Hopka, Family of Colbert Arthur, Berma Darlene Bell, Terry Vadnais, Elaine Gillen, Amy Hunter, Shawn Sexton, 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, Beverley Davis, John Fender, Thomas Shaluly
Someone in need of prayer? Let me know!
Saints We Celebrate
June 19, Saint Jude Thaddeus, (Laba), Apostle
June 22, Saint Eusebius, Archbishop of Samosata
June 29, The Apostles, Peter and PaulJune 30, The Twelve ApostlesJulyJuly 10, The Three Massabki Brothers, Maronite MartyrsJuly 11, Saint Benedict of NursiaJuly 16, Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Our Lady of Einsiedeln (Benedictine Observance)July 17, Saint Marina, Nun of QunnabineJuly 20, Saint Elias the ProphetJuly 22, Saint Nouhra
June 16 - 17 Intention Donor
Saturday, 4 PM Patrick and Kathryn Howey, First Anniversary Mark and Lisa Advent
Sunday, 11 AM +Doris Howard, Forty Day Memorial Family
Sunday, 7 PM +Ruth Choffel Sandy & Stephen Choffel
Wednesday, 7 PM Gabriella & Michael Ruane Andy and Ceil Frisari
June 23 - 24
Saturday, 4 PM 50th Wedding Anniversary Blessings for Susan & Dan Beckman
Sunday, 11 AM +Departed Family of Djingutzian (Djin Goo Zian) & John Joseph Kanaan
Roger Kanaan
Sunday, 7 PM +Carmel, Claudia Slusz"s Sister Richard and Winda Wickett
Wednesday, 7 PM Brendan Hatley- Graduation Blessings Andy and Ceil Frisari
Mass Intentions
Feast New Testament Gospel
5th Pentecost Philip. 3: 7-14 Matthew 10: 1-7
English B. J. Dursse
Arabic Fady Nassif
Liturgical Readings
Liturgical Items
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. If you would like a Mass offered for your loved ones, please call the church office at 864.469.9119 or [email protected]. The Sanctuary Candle burns this week in Memory of Joseph & Martha Niemiec by Paul and Joan Bussemey.
New! To review the readings online, go here.
Church Offerings and Attendance
June 10 Saturday 4 PM
Sunday 11 AM
Sunday 7 PM
Total Budget per week
+/- Wed. 7 PM
People 69 93 43 205 170 35 27
Collection $1379.00 $1483.00 $572.00 $3434.00 $2,800.00 $634.00 0
Average per person $19.99 $15.95 $13.30 $16.75 Holy Hour 0
Building Fund 0 0 0 0 Ramsho 0
Average 0 0 0 3434 YTD $69,320.00
Average Attendance 65 76 28 169 Average
Budget YTD $66,388.00 YTD $69,320.00 Budget +/- $2,932.00
Attendance Year to Date
4:00 PM 1429 11:00 AM 1679 7:00 PM 612 Wednesday 7 PM 332 First Sunday 98 Ramsho 46 Holy Day 50 Special Liturgy 429 Funerals 160 Weddings 70 Pasta Supper 297
Offerings
How are these totals calculated?
One total graphed to the left is through donations each week, compared to the previous year.
The totals to the to the right are counted by the ushers during the Divine Liturgy and tabulated.
Date Emails Sent % Opened % Clicked
June 10 512 31.3% 0%
June 3 514 36.4% 19.4%
Difference 2 5.1% 19.4%
Scripture Readings for Sunday
Philippians 3: 7-14
Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ.
More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus.
Matthew 10: 1-7
Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean
spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax-collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, "The kingdom of heaven has come near."
Teaching Opportunity
Our Lady of the Rosary School is hiring dynamic, faithful Catholic teachers for the 2018-2019 school year. We currently have open positions for 2nd grade and 5th grade but will consider all candidates. If you are interested in these positions or know someone who might be, please contact OLR Headmaster, Thomas Curtin by email: [email protected].
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.
Wickett Hall
Newly refurbished 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 Online
Where to go to Mass when traveling? Look here!
MassTimes.org The Catholic Directory
Parishes Online
Birthdays
June
18, Shafek Hayek
24, John Maroun
25, Katie Saad
26, Dan Beckman
27, Tony Nawar 28, Suhail Yousiff 29, Lori Rothermich
30, Carter Bryant July1, Younan Younan1, Layla Younan1, Muayad Noori
Anniversaries
June22, Dan and Sue Beckman July2, Tony and Yasmine Nawar
NecrologyJune
+Emily Ann Bibbes, June 24, 2006
+John A. Jebaily, Sr., June 24, 2007
July
+Mera Barbara Bouharoun, July 1, 2006
Video on the life of Saint Sharbel English subtitles. Click here.
Prayers to Saint Sharbel and Saint Rafka You can always have your intentions prayed for at the monastery where Saint Sharbel is buried. Click here.
Prayers to Saint Rafka Click here.
Website Sponsors
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