Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church January 26-27, 2019 BAPTISM IS A BATH OF REGENARATION,' SAYS POPE Vatican City, Nov 13, 2013 / 07:09 am (CNA/EWTN News).- During his general audience, Pope Francis devoted his reflections to the sacrament of Baptism, stating that it opens the door to a journey of faith, and helps to sustain us along the way. This sacrament constitutes a true immersion in the death of Christ to rise with him in a new life. It is a bath of regeneration by water and the Spirit and that illuminates us with the grace of Christ, the Pope expressed in his Nov. 13 address. The pontiff offered his words to the thousands of pilgrims present in Saint Peter s Square for his general audience earlier this morning. Dear brothers and sister, he began, I would like to continue our catechesis on the Creed by turning to the Sacrament of Baptism. Each Sunday when making the Profession of Faith, we pray the words I believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins, noted the Pope, adding that this Baptism is the door of faith and the fountain of Christian life. It expresses our relation with God as children, as well as the starting point of a path of conversion that lasts our whole life, he explained, and it constitutes a true immersion in the death of Christ in order to rise with him in a new life. Focusing on three main elements of the proclamation, Pope Francis explained first that the words I confess are a solemn declaration which highlights the importance of Baptism and affirms our identity as children of God. In the Sacrament, continued the pontiff, our faith is also linked to the remission of sins. When we confess our sins, we renew and strengthen our Baptismal identity. Baptism illuminates us with the grace of Christ, so that we may also be light for others, he went on to say, and it is in this sacrament that God s mercy intervenes in a powerful way to save us and forgive our sins, opening to us the doors to a new life. In the second part of the proclamation, when we confess our belief in one Baptism, the word for the sacrament literally means immersion, the Pope revealed, and through this process we are immersed spiritually in the death of Jesus Christ and we rise with him as a new creation. Regenerated by water and the Holy Spirit, we are illuminated by grace which dispels the darkness of sin. For the forgiveness of sins, reflected the Pope, referring to the third part of the proclamation he wished to specify, Baptism forgives original sin and personal sin. The door to a new life is opened and the mercy of God enters our lives, he noted, warning that despite receiving the grace of the sacrament, human weakness remains, and that our responsibility and our effort to fight each day against evil impulses and Satan s action, which QUOTE OF THE WEEK Just as a man cannot live in the flesh unless he is born in the flesh, even so a man cannot have the spiritual life of grace unless he is born again spiritually. This regeneration is effected by Baptism: "Unless a man is born again of water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God" [Jn 3:5]. St. Thomas Aquinas Fr. Vincent Farhat, Pastor Fr. David Fisher, Weekend Assistant Fr. Richard Cannuli, Weekend Assistant Mrs. Zeina Topalian, Religious Education Director Address: 1013 Ellsworth Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147 Office: 215-389-2000 Hall Reservations: 215-334-1884 Evening Emergency Number: 215-952-0712 or 561-371-5316 Website: www.saintmaron.org Church Office: saintmaronphiladelphia@hotmail.com Instagram Page: @saintmaronphiladelphia Facebook Page: Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church of Philadelphia OFFICE HOURS: The Church office will be open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm.
are always lurking, are not diminished. The Church teaches us to confess our sins with humility stressed the Pope, because only in forgiveness, received and given, do our restless hearts find peace and joy. Pope Francis concluded his reflections by challenging those present, asking them Brothers, are we conscience that Baptism is the fountain of our relationship with God? Is it a live reality for us? Do we often reflect about this gift that we have received, this profound union with Jesus who gave His life for me, he continued, Do I trust in the love of God that dwells in the depths of my being? SECOND COLLECTION FOR USCCB As per the directive of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, there will be a second collection taken for the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. This money is used for worldwide charities in Central and Eastern Europe, the Church in Latin America, Catholic Relief Services, and Operation Rice Bowl which is part of CRS. Thank you for your generosity. SAINT MARON FEAST DAY PONTIFICAL LITURGY AND HAFLI Please mark your calendars for February 9, the feast day of our founder Saint Maron. Bishop Gregory Mansour will join us for a Pontifical Divine Liturgy at 6:00 PM, followed by our Saint Maron Feast Day Halfi, in the Church hall. Tickets will go on sale on January 6, 2019. Adults will be $45.00 per person, children 12 and under will be $20.00 and children 3 and under will be free. Lebanese food, music, dancing and cash bar will be available. Hope to see all of you there. SUPERBOWL PARTY SPONSORED BY THE MEN S CLUB The Men s Club of St. Maron is sponsoring a Superbowl Party on Sunday, February 3, at the Church Hall. There will be pizza, wings, desserts, and soft drinks available. There will be a $10.00 donation. Come and enjoy the Superbowl and each other s company. A sign-up sheet will be available so that we may prepare accordingly. FINANCE COUNCIL MEETING There will be a finance council meeting on Wednesday, January 30, at 7:00 PM. Please mark your calendars for this important meeting. It is very important that all attend. If there is a conflict please let Fr. Vincent know. Thank you for your dedication. MEN S DISCERNMENT RETREAT Have you ever wondered if the Lord is calling you to serve as a Maronite priest? Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Seminary is having a discernment weekend for men who are interested to see if God is calling them to the priesthood from March 29-31. For more information please contact Msgr. Peter Azar at 202-723- 8831. Let us all pray for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life. UPCOMING EVENTS Super Bowl Party hosted by the Men s Club, Sunday, February 3, in the Church Hall. This is open to all parishioners. Details to follow. Saint Maron s Feast Day Hafli, Saturday, February 9, 2019, 7:00 PM. SAINT MARON NOVENA Beginning Friday, February 1, we will have the Saint Maron Novena. Divine Liturgies will be scheduled during the week at 6:30 PM, and the novena will follow immediately after the Saturday and Sunday Divine Liturgies. A schedule will be posted next week. I hope all of you will be able to join us in giving honor to our patron saint. WOMEN S DISCERNMENT RETREAT Have you ever wondered if the Lord is calling you to serve as a religious Sister for the Maronite Church? The Maronite Servants of Christ the Light are having a discernment weekend for women who are interested to see if God is calling them to the religious life April 26-28. Details are listed below. Let us pray for more vocations to the religious life.
DIVINE LITURGIES Saturday, January 26, @ 6:00 PM, liturgy is being offered for the soul of Joan Anastasi requested by Frank and Rita Marie Olivieri. May her soul rest in peace. Sunday, January 27, @ 11:00 AM, liturgy is offered for the soul of Nahi Rai requested by Khalil and Madeline Raie and family. May her soul rest in peace. Monday, January 28, @ 11:00 AM, (Feast of St. Ephrem the Syriani) Tuesday, January 29, @ 11:00 AM, Wednesday, January 30, @ 6:00 PM, Thursday, January 31, @ 11:00 AM, (Feast of St. John Bosco) liturgy is being offered for the soul of Josephine Rudolph requested by Jeannie Rudolph. May her soul rest in peace. Friday, February 1, @ 6:30 PM, Divine Liturgy and St. Maron Novena. Saturday, February 2, @ 6:00 PM, liturgy is being offered for the soul of Carmen Marrone requested by Yasmine Myers and family. May his soul rest in peace. Sunday, February 3, @ 11:00 AM, (Feast of Sts. Simeon and Anna) liturgy is being offered for the souls of Nicola and Majd Dib requested by Fewaz and Bouchra Dib and family. May their souls rest in peace. Liturgy is offered for the souls of Helen, Inyoze, and Michael Mowad requested by their family. May their souls rest in peace. MYO UP-COMING RETREAT March 16, Our Lady Star of the East in Pleasantville, NJ, will have an MYO/MYA Regional Lenten Retreat Day. It will begin at 11:00 AM and conclude at 8:00 PM. The program will include icebreakers, activities and games, meals and snacks, prayer and Divine Liturgy, presentations and small group discussions, adoration and confession, and talks by Bishop Gregory, Fr. Simon Hajj, and Fr. Vincent. Fr. Kamil and his community have always been wonderful hosts. The cost of this retreat is $25.00 per person. REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8. SAINT MARON CHURCH HALL For our parishioners who may not be aware of our hall rentals policy, please know that if you would like to rent the hall for a special family function or event, the hall is available at parishioner cost. For a day event the rental is $300.00 and an evening event is $600.00. If you would like to plan an event at the hall please contact the office and Claudine will be happy to assist you. CARE WORKER JOB OPPORTUNITY A job opportunity for a woman who speaks Arabic to care for elderly woman who has Alzheimer s five afternoons a week from 3PM- Midnight. If she is able to sleep there, that would be good as well. Please respond to Naseem at 856-424-2036 or 856-770-4500. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION) Please know that confession is available before liturgies. You may also call to set up an appointment. IN OUR PRAYERS Please keep in your prayers Fran LoCastro, Dr. Phillip Khoury, Bassam Isawi, Kevin Khoury, Mirta Ruiz, Tina Grassi, Rita Impo, Lisa and Henry Schaffer, Jade Kellam, Marion Thomas Branca, Francesca Impo, Raja Kaldany, Lucy DiLuce, Cat Niven Glaze, Laurent Chidiac, Tom Hart, John Hart, Fadi Jaber, Albert Anderson, Sr., Joseph Realdine, Benjamin Uzzo, Emily Stone, Roseann Anthony, Elaine Nader, Amelia Habib, Suzanne Haney, Lisa Alestra, John Nader, Chucky Simon, Mary Fetterman, Aminee Skaf, Yasmine Myers, Joey Gdowick, Francis Joseph Kerns, Samer Chokeir, Kathy Newman, Rita Arrigale, Helen Freedenberg, Maryann Bratton, Renee Sahar, Sister Nahida Al Sawa, Rose De Jesse, James Cordisio, Stacey Fuentes, Debbie Freedenberg, Noel Andjuhar, Eddie Gussin, Angel Salerno, Dennis McGiney, and Bonnie Sabatini. We ask Almighty God to bless them with good health so that they may join us in the Church and give glory and thanksgiving to God. Please notify the Church office of any family member who is ill so that we may remember them in our daily prayers and on our altar of intentions.
PRAYER FOR SOLDIERS During these difficult times, we remember those family members and friends in faraway places. Let us lift in prayer the many women and men serving overseas in our armed forces. May they know of our respect and gratitude and be kept safe in the Lord s loving hands. Amen. WEEKLY COLLECTION FOR JANUARY 19-20, 2019 Collection $ 1,521.00 Coffee Hour $ 56.00 Total: $ 1,577.00 PLEASE REMEMBER TO SILENCE YOUR CELL PHONES AND BEEPERS WHEN YOU ENTER THE CHURCH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.
Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church First Reading Galatians 3:23-29 January 26-27, 2019 A reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Galatians. Your blessing father Brothers and Sisters: Before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham s offspring, heirs according to the promise. Praise be to God always. فصل من رسالة القد يس بولس إلى أهل غالطية ي أ تي اإل ي م ان ك ن ا م ح ت ج ز ين م حب وس ين ت ح ت الش ر يع ة إ لى أ ن ي ع ل ن اإل ي م ان الم ن ت ظ ر. يا إ خو ت ي ق ب ل أ ن ل ن ا م ؤ د ب ا ي ق ود ن ا إ لى الم س يح ل ك ي ن ب ر ر ب اإل ي م ان. ف ل م ا أ ت ى اإل ي م ان ل م ن ع د ت ح ت م ؤ د ب إ ذ ا ف الش ر يع ة ك ان ت فأ ن ت م ج م يع ال ذ ين ٱع ت م د ت م في الم س يح ق د هللا ب اإل ي م ان في الم س يح ي س وع. ل ب س ت م ٱلم س يح. أل ن ك م ج م يع ا أ ب ن اء فال ي ه ود ي ب ع د وال ي ون ان ي ال ع ب د وال ح ر ال ذ ك ر وال أ ن ث ى فإ ن ك م ج م يع ا و اح د في الم س يح ي س وع. ف إ ن ن س ل إ ب اره يم وو ار ث ون ب ح س ب الو ع د. ك ن ت م ل لم س يح فأ ن ت م إ ذ ا والتسبيح هلل دائما.
Gospel Reading Saint John 3:1-16 The Apostle Writes: Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. He came to Jesus by night and said to him, Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God; for no one can do these signs that you do apart from the presence of God. Jesus answered him, Very truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above. Nicodemus said to him, How can anyone be born after having grown old? Can one enter a second time into the mother s womb and be born? Jesus answered, Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit. What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not be astonished that I said to you, "You must be born from above." The wind blows where it chooses, and you hear the sound of it, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit. Nicodemus said to him, How can these things be? Jesus answered him, Are you a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not understand these things? Very truly, I tell you, we speak of what we know and testify to what we have seen; yet you do not receive our testimony. If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. This is the truth. Peace be with you. م ن إ ن جي ل الق د ي س يوحن ا كان إ ن س ان م ن الف ر يسي ين ٱس م ه ن يق ود ي م وس ر ئ يس ل لي ه ود. هذ ا ج اء ل ي ال إ لى ي س وع وق ال ل ه : "ر اب ي ن ح ن ن ع ل م أ ن ك ج ئ ت م ن هللا م ع ل م ا أل ن ه ال أ ح د ي ق د ر أ ن ي ص ن ع اآلي ات ال ت ي أ ن ت ت ص ن ع ه ا م ا ل م ي ك ن هللا م ع ه". أ ج اب ي س وع وق ال ل ه : "أ ل ح ق ٱل ح ق أ ق ول ل ك : ال أ ح د ي ق د ر أ ن ي ر ى م ل ك وت هللا م ا ل م ي ول د م ن ج د يد". ق ال ل ه ن يق ود ي م وس: "ك ي ف ي ق د ر إ ن س ان أ ن ي ول د وه و ك ب ير في الس ن ه ل ي ق د ر أ ن ي د خ ل ث ان ي ة ح ش ا أ م ه وي ول د ". أ ج اب ي س وع: "أ ل ح ق ٱل ح ق أ ق ول هللا م ا ل م ي ول د م ن الم اء والر وح. وم و ل ود الر وح ر وح. ال م ول ود الج س د ج س د ل ك ال أ ح د ي ق د ر أ ن ي د خ ل م ل ك وت ت ع ج ب إ ن ق ل ت ل ك : ع ل ي ك م أ ن ت ول د وا م ن ج د يد. أ لر يح ت ه ب ح ي ث ت ش اء وأ ن ت ت س م ع ص وت ه ا لك ن ك ال ت ع ل م م ن أ ي ن ت أ ت ي وال إ لى أ ي ن ت م ض ي: هك ذ ا ك ل م و ل ود م ن الر وح ". أ ج اب ن يق ود ي م وس وق ال ل ه : "ك ي ف ي م ك ن أ ن ي ص ير ي سوع وق ال ل ه : " أ ن ت م ع ل م إ س ر ائ يل وت ج ه ل هذ ا أ ل ح ق ٱل ح ق أ ق ول ل ك : ن ح ن ن ن ط ق ب م ا ن ع ل م ون ش ه د هذ ا ". أ ج اب ب م ا ر أ ي ن ا وأ ن ت م ال ت ق ب ل ون ش ه اد ت ن ا. ك ل م ت ك م في ش ؤ ون األ ر ض وال ت ؤ م ن ون ف ك ي ف ت ؤ م ن ون إ ذ ا ك ل م ت ك م في ش ؤ و ن الس م اء م ا م ن أ ح د ص ع د إ لى الس م اء إ ال ال ذي ن ز ل م ن الس م اء أ ي إ ب ن اإل ن س ان. وك م ا ر ف ع م وس ى الح ي ة في الب ر ي ة ك ذل ك ي ج ب أ ن ي ر ف ع ٱب ن اإل ن س ان ل ك ي ت ك ون ل ك ل م ؤ م ن ب ه ح ي اة أ ب د ي ة. هك ذ ا أ ح ب هللا الع ال م حت ى إ ن ه ح يد ل ك ي ال ي ه ل ك أ ي م ؤ م ن ب ه ب ل ت ك ون ل ه ح ي اة أ ب د ي ة ج اد ب ٱبن ه الو. حق ا واألمان لجميعكم.