Saint Rafka Maronite 7th & 8th Sunday of Pentecost In today’s Gospel we stand witness to Christ Jesus, the risen Lord, as he empowers his holy apostles (Shleehe) to be his courageous spokespersons by the power of the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of Truth. Saint Paul reminds us that Christ the Word and the Spirit are one: wholly united. Thus “the Lord is the Spirit”. Christ is present among us through the Holy Spirit dwelling in the midst of his church community. Christ Jesus himself is the Word, and those who witness to him have to represent him in the truth of the Spirit. It is this truth that transform us, and humanity, and sets us free. It is paramount therefore that we keep ourselves pure hearted and vigilant; that Christ and the Spirit may truly be able to work through us and within us – and because of us be glorified with the Father – as we say in our prayers. Catholics of the East in the Upstate! 1215 S. Highway 14, Greer, SC 29650 864.469.9119 saintrafka.org [email protected]July 16 & 23, 2017 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, [email protected]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 Continued next page
Transcript
Saint Rafka Maronite
7th & 8th Sunday of Pentecost
In today’s Gospel we stand witness to Christ Jesus, the risen Lord, as he empowers his holy apostles (Shleehe) to be his courageous spokespersons by the power of the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of Truth.
Saint Paul reminds us that Christ the Word and the Spirit are one: wholly united. Thus “the Lord is the Spirit”. Christ is present among us through the Holy Spirit dwelling in the midst of his church community.
Christ Jesus himself is the Word, and those who witness to him have to represent him in the truth of the Spirit. It is this truth that transform us, and humanity, and sets us free.
It is paramount therefore that we keep ourselves pure hearted and vigilant; that Christ and the Spirit may truly be able to work through us and within us – and because of us be glorified with the Father – as we say in our prayers.
Catholics of the East in the Upstate! 1215 S. Highway 14, Greer, SC 29650 864.469.9119
The Holy Spirit removes from Christ’s loved ones the veil that obscures their vision. Hence they can find the Lord in their life’s challenges and follow the divine will for them. Even if these challenges turn difficult the Spirit will be with them helping through, as Jesus the Lord of Power promises them.
Let us therefore draw on the gifts and the graces of the Holy Spirit, that we too may be able to see the Lord in the truths of our lives, and follow him with courage.
Father Steve Bonian, S.J. 8th Sunday of Pentecost
Saint Paul today reminds us that being a servant of God does not necessarily bring appreciation for our service; rather sometimes it brings outright persecution. Nevertheless it is an important ministry that we have even though unappreciated.
For example: teaching and moral formation of children, especially in poor areas, may be a very important ministry though not often appreciated or valued in the world at large in terms of salaries, benefits, etc.
The Gospel of Matthew reveals Jesus for us (in the words of the Loving Father) to be that Gentle Servant – and like him his humble apostles – by whom we are to model ourselves and service.
It is the Holy Spirit – the Spirit of Truth – that empowers the servants of God to stand up with love in persecutions, and with faith and confidence in times of trouble. We hear the Church (On Thursday’s Qolo of the Apostles) proclaim:
When they seize you, do not worry about what to say for the Spirit of the Father will descend upon you and speak on your behalf.
And in the Qolo (of the Friday of Martyrs) we hear:
We do not fear torments, for the Love of Christ brings joy to our souls.. For their love of the cross, the martyrs bore all hardships and like a mother, the grace of the Lord sustained them at the our of their death. Let us therefore, like the good servants of the Lord, face up to the challenges and threats in life with courage. Let us root ourselves in that grace of the Holy Spirit who – like a most caring mother – gives us assurance and peace, and fills us with the compassionate love of the Father. Father Steve Bonian, S.J.
Maronite Mission of Charlotte
Visit the homepage of our Maronite neighbors to the north of us, the Maronite Mission of Charlotte. This Mission is under the leadership of Father Elias Khalil and is growing in Grace and numbers. The mission bulletin is outstanding and they, like us, are a community that is growing. Pray that God will grant them many holy, good and wise members so that their mission will grow to a large parish community.
Teaching Position St. Mary's Catholic School in Greenville, SC is seeking a French and a Spanish teacher for the 2017-2018 school year. If interested, please e-mail your resume to [email protected]."
There will be a Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend on the following dates: St. Andrew, Clemson on July 29-30, St. Michael, Murrells Inlet on October 7-8, and All Saints, Lake Wylie on November 11-12. Please see the web site at: www.cee-sc.org for more information and to register.
Summer is now in full swing in South Carolina! After a cool and rainy start, we are now suffering with the normal heat and humidity! For those who love the heat, enjoy it! For those of us who do not, pray that Fall comes early!!
A ritual for many of us during the summer is vacation. A time to rest from work, travel, enjoy our family time and unplug from normal routine. I begin my vacation this weekend. Needless to say, I am so ready for this time of rest and leisure! While I am gone, we will have the pleasure to welcome back into our midst, Father Robert (Bob) Kincl, a Latin Rite priest of the Diocese of Austin, TX. Father Bob as he is commonly known, is a bi-ritual priest with Maronite faculties. Our Lady’s Maronite Church in Austin is his Maronite home with Msgr. Don Sawyer. Father Bob, now retired, holds a BA from St. Thomas University in Houston; a STL from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome; MA from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and a J.C.L from Catholic University of America. In addition to studies, Father Bob is also a military veteran, serving as a priest chaplain in the United States Navy from 1974-1994 and the United States Army from 2003-2006. Quite an impressive lists of accomplishments. And to boot, he is a pretty nice guy! Welcome him as you would welcome Our Lord!
See you soon!
Ab. Bart
★Calendar
July
15, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy 16, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy Coffee Social 7 PM, Divine Liturgy 19, NO DIVINE LITURGY 22, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy 23, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy Coffee Social 7 PM, Divine Liturgy 26, NO DIVINE LITURGY 28, 7 PM, Catholic Homeschool Graduation Mass 29, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy 30, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy (Saint Sharbel) Coffee Social 7 PM, Divine Liturgy August 02, 7 PM, Divine Liturgy Anointing of the Sick 05, 4 PM, Divine Liturgy 06, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy Coffee Social 3 PM, Holy Hour 7 PM, Divine Liturgy 09, 7 PM, Divine Liturgy Anointing of the Sick 12, 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy 13, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy Coffee Social 7 PM, Divine Liturgy
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PILGRIMAGE TO THE HOLY LAND -- 2018 FR. BOB KINCL
Dear Holy Ones, Baptized in the Lord Jesus,
All Christians of any Christian Faith are welcome on this Pilgrimage.
Please note that I receive no compensation or pay-back for being the person planning this, my 21ST Holy Land Pilgrimage.
The cost of the Pilgrimage pre-pays all hotel costs, breakfast and dinner each day, all tours and transfers from the Tel Aviv Airport and, at the end of the Pilgrimage, return to the airport for your flight home, etc.
Please book your own flights to Tel Aviv and from the United (Ben Gurion Airport) and your return home.
Cost:
$1788.00 per person in a Double Room $2296.00 for a Single Room
A $500.00 deposit is due on October 1, 2017
The balance of your Pilgrimage bill is due on January 15, 2018. Please subtract your deposit from the total cost of your final payment.
Prayer List Bernadette Smith, Claire Barnett, Hans Wascom, Ethel Brassel, Katrina Shunk, Chuck Wilson, George Vargo, Julie Tullis, Dan Steinker, Irma Galvan, Mary Cleary, Joe Lemire, Mary Anne McAfee, Tish Oney, Lois Taylor, Jim Hopsecger, Virginia LaFave, Nabeel Howard, Father M. T. Phillips, Paul Cote and Family, Paul Bussemey, Ramza Sleiman, Moe Mercier, Joan Bussemey, Special Intention by Abouna, Bob Brown, Joe Durham, Michael Bays, Patrick Lavelle, Tara Galvin, Susan Connor, Bill Hines, Beth Banks, Andrea Fiorni-Frazier, Shawn Sexton, Robert Mercier, James and Kaleigh, Mark Pelletier, Antonella, Stephanie, Derek Gerard Solomon, JoAn Salloum, Susie, Jim Hopka, Family of Colbert Arthur, Berma Darlene Bell, Terry Vadnais, Elaine Gillen, 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, Intentions of Nancy Gegorian, Thomas Shaluly
Someone in need of prayer? Let me know!
Saints We CelebrateJuly 16, Our Lady of Einsiedeln July 17, Saint Marina, Nun of QunnabineJuly 20, Saint Elias the ProphetJuly 22, Saint NouhraJuly 23, Saint Sharbel (Transferred to July 30)July 24 Saint Christina of TyreJuly 27, Saint PantaleonJuly 31, 350 Maronite Martyrs August 1, Saint Shmooni and Her Children, Martyrs
July 15 & 16
Saturday, 4 PM +Carmel Whittier, (1st anniversary of her repose on June 23)
Richard & Linda Wickett
Sunday, 11 AM +Marie Michael Marlene Saad
Sunday, 7 PM Josephine & Peter, Anniversary Blessings Andy and Ceil Frisari
Wednesday 7 PM No Divine Liturgy
July 22 & 23
Saturday, 4 PM Chris Bourne - To New Beginnings Andy and Ceil Frisari
Sunday, 11 AM Mary Yacu, 1st Anniversary +Rita Bigalke, 2nd Anniversary
Yacu Family Anne and Ken Migut
Sunday, 7 PM Alfredo & Luc Wedding Blessings Andy and Ceil Frisari
Wednesday 7 PM No Divine Liturgy
Mass Intentions
Feast New Testament Gospel 8th Pentecost
7th Pentecost 2 Cor. 3:1-6 Luke 10:1-7 Rom. 8:1-11 Matt 12:14-21
English Marlene Saad Heather Sijon
Arabic Adib Chebli Nazar Yacu
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. The Sanctuary Candle burns the week of July 23 - 29 in Memory of +Richard A. Kalata, by his grandparents, Richard and Linda Wickett.
Church Offerings and Attendance
July 9 Saturday 4 PM Sunday 11 AM Sunday 7 PM Total Budget +/- Wed. 7 PM
Average per person $24.35 $13.02 $12.85 $17.43 Holy Hour 0
Average Attendance 56 82 26 164 Novena 0
Building Fund 0
Year to Date $73,221.00
Average per person 0 0 0 $0.00 Average PP $17.43
Attendance Year to Date
4:00 PM 1515 11:00 AM 2215 7:00 PM 688 Wednesday 7 PM 482 First Sunday 123 Holy Day 64 Saint Rafka Novena 61 Special Liturgy 153 Lenten Weekday 343 Funerals 315 Weddings 25
Attendance
How are these totals calculated?
One total graphed to the left is through envelope usage for each week.
The totals to the to the right are counted by the ushers during the Divine Liturgy and tabulated.
Date Emails Sent Opened Clicks to Bulletin % Opened
July 2 521 422 131 39.5%
July 9 521 414 110 37.9%
Difference 0 8 21 1.6%
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 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 July
15, Mary Yacu Coxey16, Amy Brown17, Mary Souri17, Jack Zarrouf19, Yasmine Newar20, Michael Ryan Yammine27, Pat Bouharoun27, Jeffrey Howard28, Gabriella Sleiman29, Daniel Saad August 5, Maria Rauch5, Britton Saad6, Father Jay Scott Newman7, Ron Jebaily7, Ramiz Askar8, Wael Namouz9, Joseph Chebeir
Anniversaries 14, Joe and Jean Treacy
Necrology
+Louis Charles Howayeck, July 22, 2013+Rita Bigalke, July 24, 2015+Josephine N. Howard, July 27, 2001+Jamile J. Francis, Sr., July 31, 2008
Video on the life of Saint SharbelEnglish subtitles. Click here.
