Saint Rafka Maronite Sunday of the Prodigal Son The Prodigal Son is one of the most important teaching parables of Jesus. It was common among Jewish teachers to use comparisons from the daily life of their people to demonstrate how they should live according to the Torah, the Word of God, and his Commandments. This parable may rather be more fittingly called the Parable of the Merciful Father, as it demonstrates the compassion of the Heavenly Father in human terms – It is this aspect that Jesus wants to emphasize the most. The Son of God has come to reveal his Father to us so that we may model ourselves according to his compassionate image. Jesus stresses in his teachings how God often prefers compassion to fasting. Catholics of the East in the Upstate! 1215 S. Highway 14, Greer, SC 29650 864.469.9119 saintrafka.org [email protected]March 19, 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]Rev. Christopher Henderson, Retired, [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 Joseph Chebeir, Administrative Assistant to the Pastor Continued next page
Transcript
Saint Rafka Maronite
Sunday of the Prodigal Son
The Prodigal Son is one of the most important teaching parables of Jesus. It was common among Jewish teachers to use comparisons from the daily life of their people to demonstrate how they should live according to the Torah, the Word of God, and his Commandments.
This parable may rather be more fittingly called the Parable of the Merciful Father, as it demonstrates the compassion of the Heavenly Father in human terms – It is this aspect that Jesus wants to emphasize the most. The Son of God has come to reveal his Father to us so that we may model ourselves according to his compassionate image. Jesus stresses in his teachings how God often prefers compassion to fasting.
Catholics of the East in the Upstate! 1215 S. Highway 14, Greer, SC 29650 864.469.9119
This is the lesson and the goal for us to strive towards during this season of Lent.
In this awesome parable we also see the extent of God’s compassion. The Father is not only forgiving towards his prodigal son but he is also patient with the righteous older brother. In fact he judges no one but loves and rejoices in everyone. What a positive image of God is Jesus portraying for us here in this story! This is the kind of God whom we approach after having strayed away; and also after having been judgmental towards others.
It is this Father of Mercy that the Church wants us to approach during this season of forgiveness through his beloved Son Jesus. It is through the model of the beloved son that the love of God becomes victorious in the life, passion, and resurrection of Jesus. In the Hoosoyo the Bride-Church calls onto Christ saying: You are the true light coming into the world. You are the only Way leading to the Father. You lived among us and showed us your love.
Then she – the Mother Church – asks the Lord – like the Merciful Father – to show his compassion for her children: Open your loving arms to them and bring them closer to your heart so that they may meet you with joy and find happiness in knowing you.
In the Qolo the Church recognizes Jesus the Lord, as the New Adam, who shined forth from the Father’s heart, and who came to renew our human image according to his own. It is by this light incarnate that humanity is now instructed, and receives the gospel of God’s love and forgiveness. And just as the prodigal son returned to his Father’s house, now Jesus brings us back to his Father having taken upon himself the fall of our sins; and having enlightened us with the light and joy of his holy gospel.
Therefore let us forgive that we may be forgiven; and with the Father and the Son and in the Holy Spirit let us rejoice and celebrate for we were once (many times) lost and we now have been found. Father Steve Bonian, S.J.
The Nazarene Fund to aid Christians in need of assistance. Funded and sponsored by local Catholic Christians from Saint Mary’s.
There will be a Catholic Engaged Encounter Weekend on the following dates: St. Mary Magdalene, Simpsonville on April 29-30, Our Lady of the Hills, Columbia on June 3-4, and St. Andrews, Clemson on July 29-30. Please see the web site at: www.cee-sc.org for more information and to register.
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!
Needless to say, it has been a hard week. Right after the Divine Liturgy and coffee social last Sunday, Joseph Chebeir said that Father Chris was not answering his phone. This was unusual. For the past few weeks he had been sleeping later, so it was not usually till 11/11:30 that we would hear from him. By 1 PM, it was strange. Joe and I decided to walk over to see how he was doing. At about the same time, Father’s younger brother Tom Henderson and wife Kim had come to visit and knew where the key was to the house. Tom went in and found Father, just before we got there. The rest is history. Father Chris died sometime in the night. He died alone, and I suspect, just as he wanted. He had sitters for a week or so, but said he was feeling better, so one was not sent for Saturday night. After the 4 PM Vigil Liturgy, Joe and Mary Anne Vicaro went to visit and bring him supper. He ate and enjoyed his meal but seemed very tired. Evidently he went to sleep and then went home to the Lord. We thank God that Father did suffer a long and miserable death. Father Chris was ready to go to the Lord and he slipped away in the quiet darkness of the night. He blessed us with celebrating the Divine Liturgy, preaching, hearing confessions and anointing our sick and elderly. Father had happiness of life and the support of this community for his last years. Thank you to all who loved him, supported him, helped him and did works of help and mercy for him. May God bless you for all you have done.
Thank you to all who have said kind words and how Father Chris touched your lives. He left his mark upon this community and will be remembered fondly. To his family and friends, our deepest condolences on your loss. May his memory be eternal!
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.
Reverend Christopher (James Edgar) Henderson passed into eternal life while at his residence in Greer, SC on Sunday, March 12, 2017. He was born to Louie and Margaret “Peggy” Henderson on August 10, 1947 in Charlotte, NC.
Father Christopher received degrees in Classics, English, Theology, 18th Century Studies and Literature. He was ordained on January 29, 1994 by Archbishop Francis M. Zayek. After ordination, Father Christopher was appointed Assistant Pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Church in Cincinnati, OH, and served for two months. He was then appointed as Administrator of Saint George Church in Uniontown, PA, in 1994 and became
Pastor in 1995 and served until 1998. He was then appointed Pastor of Saint Theresa Church in Brockton, MA, and served from 1998 until 2002.
Although Father Christopher took a three year absence in 2002, and a medical retirement in 2005, he was serving, when called upon at Saint Rafka Parish in Greenville, SC at the request of Father Bartholomew Leon.
Father Christopher left behind his brother, Thomas Henderson and wife, Kim; his sisters, Margaret Ritchie and husband, Lewis and Patricia Noller and husband, Dr. William; as well a many nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
The reception of the body will be held on Friday, March 17, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.; The Ramsho and Offering of Incense will be at 7:00 p.m. at Saint Rafka Mission, 1215 S. Highway 14, Greer, SC 29650. The Divine Liturgy will be on Saturday, March 18, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Rafka Maronite Catholic Church. Father Christopher’s burial will be at a later date in Charlotte, NC.
In lieu of flowers, play some bridge, read a library book, share a poem with a loved one, eat some luxuriously wonderful fudge, and hug your friends, family, and feline and canine companions. Contributions may also be made to St. Rafka Church Building Fund, 1215 S. Highway 14, Greer, SC 29650, to The Honor Fund at The McCallie School, 500 Dodds Avenue, Chattanooga, TN 37411, or to Open Arms Hospice, 1836 West Georgia Rd., Simpsonville, SC 29680, Animal lovers may choose to make a donation in honor of "Shadow," my beloved "everything" for nearly 10 years, to Avery County Humane Society, New Vale Road, Newland, NC 28657.
★Calendar
March
17, 5 PM, Reception of the Body 7 PM, Ramsho and Service of Incense 18, 10 AM, Funeral Liturgy 4 PM, Vigil Liturgy 19, 11 AM, Divine Liturgy 7 PM, Divine Liturgy 20, 7 PM, Ramsho 21, 7 PM, Ramsho and Novena to Saint Rafka 22, 7 PM, Divine Liturgy, Vigil of Saint Rafka, Anointing of the Sick 23, 7 PM, Ramsho 24, 7 PM, Ramsho and
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]
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.
Prayer ListJulie Tullis, Dan 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?
Saints We CelebrateMarch 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 April 30, Saint James, Son of Zebedee
March 18 & 19
Saturday, 4 PM +Sergio Antonino Andy and Ceil Frisari
Sunday, 11 AM +Father Christopher Henderson Slusz Family
Sunday 7 PM +Roger Pellitier Bridget Nevin
Wednesday 7 PM Open
March 25 & 26
Saturday, 4 PM Open
Sunday, 11 AM +Amadio & Emma Endrizzi Paul and Mary Leonardi
Sunday 7 PM Open
Wednesday 7 PM Open
Mass Intentions
Feast New Testament Gospel
Prodigal 2 Cor. 13:5-13 Luke 15:11-32
English Marlene Saad
Arabic Joseph Chebeir
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.
Average per person $11.01 $34.84 $10.07 $16.66 Holy Hour 0
Average Attendance 56 57 23 136
Building Fund $0.00 Year to Date $24,250.00
Average per person 0 0 0 $0.00 Average PP $16.66
Attendance Year to Date 4:00 PM 562 11:00 AM 576 7:00 PM 235 Wednesday 7 PM 147 First Sunday 54 Holy Day 23 Saint Rafka Novena 45 Special Liturgy 0 Lenten Weekday 103 Funerals 100 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.
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
BirthdayMarch
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, Jane Howard
Anniversaries No anniversaries on record for March.
Necrology+Violet Monsour Howayeck, March 20, 2013 +Fadwa Chalouhi, March 26, 2014
Video on the life of Saint SharbelEnglish 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.
4 PM Vigil Liturgy 11 AM, Solemn Liturgy with Procession Coffee Social to follow 7 PM, Divine Liturgy
Holy Monday
7 PM, Coming to the Harbor Liturgy
Holy Tuesday
7 PM, Coming to the Harbor Liturgy
Holy Wednesday
9 AM - 6 PM, Day of Confessions 7 PM, Rite of the Lamp
Holy Thursday of the Mysteries
7 PM, Divine Liturgy, Washing of the Feet Eucharistic Procession and Adoration
Good Friday of the Crucifixion
7 PM, Burial of Christ
Holy Saturday of the Awaited Light
11 AM, Service of Forgiveness 4 PM, Solemn Vigil Liturgy
Easter Sunday
11 AM, Solemn Vigil (Ashy Pavillion?) Coffee Social to follow
NO 7 PM Last Chance Liturgy
Easter Flower Memorials
Envelopes are available this week for your convenience.
The Maronite Mission of Charlotte cordially invites you to their 5th Annual Hafli Featuring Danny Ashcar and his Ensemble on Saturday May 6, 2017
At the Sheraton Airport Hotel [3315 Scott Futrell Dr. Charlotte, NC 28208 For reservations Call: Hanaa Nassar (704)733-8485 or Roger Soudir (704)236-4994
Tickets Price: $85/Adult – $70/Student Before April 21, 2017 $95/Adult – $80/Student After April 21, 2017
Journey of Hope Conferences offer much needed support to the divorced community through
compassionate and inspiring speakers, uplifting music, good food, and fellowship. The event offers
practical tools for healing and growing in faith, a chance to encounter God’s healing grace and
presence through the sacraments, and come away feeling inspired and refreshed.
Visit JourneyOfHopeConference.Com for more information or to register
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Rose SweetAuthor, Speaker,Divorce Recovery
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Chris EasterlyAuthor,
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Certified Divorce Financial Analyst
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The presentations were so heartfelt and relevant. My times here has provided time and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to open places in my heart that have been closed off from God for nearly 4 years. - Tony, past attendee What a powerhouse of faith, hope and love! Mission accomplished! This is a journey of hope – now seen with clarity, promise and dare I say – joy. Thank you each & all! - Terry, past attendee
In partnership with
What You Can Expect
Special Event for Parish Leaders and Group Support FacilitatorsAre you a parish leader or group support facilitators? There will be a special mini-conference for you with
presentations on Amoris Letitia, self-care and how to avoid urnout, and much more!
