Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church August 19-20, 2017 GO IN PEACE SAYEDNA ROBERT This past week the Maronite Church throughout the United States bids farewell to a faithful shepherd of the church. Bishop Robert Shaheen, Bishop Emeritus for the Eparch of Our Lady of Lebanon, passed away in the Lord s loving arms. He served this church for over 50 years and captured the hearts of those who knew him. Bishop Shaheen was the first Maronite priest ordained in the United States in 1964 and became the first American born priest to become a bishop in the United States. He served with passion, love, compassion, and humor. His love for the church was evident and his love for his priests unwavering. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him. Now he is in the loving arms of God who has greeted him with these words job well done my good and faithful servant. Rest in peace Sayedna. You will be missed! MAY GOD GRANT YOU ETERNAL REST SAYEDNA ROBERT SHAHEEN ST. LOUIS Retired Bishop Robert J. Shaheen, who was the second bishop to head the Maronite Catholic Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles, died in St. Louis Aug. 9. Bishop Shaheen, who turned 80 June 3, was a native of Danbury, Connecticut, and ordained a priest in 1964. He was the first Maronite priest to be ordained in the United States and was assigned as pastor of St. Raymond's Maronite Church, now cathedral, in 1967. The parish was founded in 1912 to serve Maronite Catholics primarily of Lebanese and Syrian descent. On Dec. 5, 2000, St. John Paul II named him the second bishop of the Maronite eparchy. He retired in 2013. The eparchy, which relocated its headquarters from Los Angeles to St. Louis in 2001, extends across 34 states, ministering to about 46,800 Maronite Catholics from California to Ohio and Michigan to Alabama. "We pray for the repose of his soul, and give thanks to God for all of the lives that Bishop Shaheen has touched in his extraordinary life" said Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, the eparchy's current bishop and successor to Bishop Shaheen. Visitation for Bishop Shaheen will take place Aug. 16 at St. Raymond Maronite Cathedral in St. Louis from noon until the celebration of the Divine Liturgy at 7 p.m. Another visitation is planned for St. Anthony Maronite Church in Danbury Aug. 20 He will be buried from St. Anthony the morning of Aug. 21. Archbishop Robert J. Carlson of St. Louis in an Aug. 10 statement said he was saddened to hear of the death of Bishop Shaheen, "a good friend and a beloved shepherd of the Maronite Catholic community." "I ask that the faithful of the Archdiocese of St. Louis join me in praying for the repose of the soul of QUOTE OF THE WEEK To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible. St. Thomas Aquinas Fr. Vincent Farhat, Pastor Fr. Richard Cannuli, Weekend Assistance 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.
Bishop Shaheen," he said. "Bishop Elias Zaidan and the faithful of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers." When he retired, Bishop Shaheen had called St. Louis home for nearly 47 years; in retirement, he split his time between St. Louis and Danbury. "St. Louis has been part of my life for almost 47 years," said Bishop Shaheen, who was third-generation Lebanese. "It's become my home more than in Connecticut where I was born." He was ordained May 2, 1964, at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington by then- Bishop Francis M. Zayek, the founding bishop of the Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn, New York, established in 1972. It is the other U.S. Maronite Catholic diocese. In 1967, when he was assigned to be pastor of St. Raymond, then-father Shaheen became the first Maronite priest to serve at St. Raymond in more than 20 years. Largely credited with leading the renewal of the LaSalle Park neighborhood south of downtown St. Louis, the future bishop led the parish through a large capital program including the construction of a new church, rectory, hall and eparchal center over the years of his pastoral ministry. Robert Joseph Shaheen was born to Albert and Aileen Shaheen in Danbury. He attended St. Peter Grammar School and Danbury High School before entering the Latin Church's St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, Connecticut, in 1955. In 1958, he transferred to the Eastern Catholic Church's St. Basil Seminary in Methuen, Massachusetts, while attending classes at St. Anselm College in Goffstown, New Hampshire. When he was named St. Raymond's pastor, the parish had been without a resident priest for over 20 years. Under his leadership, St. Raymond's went from just a few faithful parishioners using a four-family apartment to eventually a cathedral with hundreds of active families. From 1965 to 1970, he organized and celebrated Maronite liturgies on a regular basis. He also developed newsletters, bulletins, and fliers; conducted a census to identify Maronites in the greater metropolitan area; and introduced spiritual and cultural programs, including Maronite religious education classes. He hosted the National Apostolate of Maronites Convention in 1970. Kicking-off a fund drive for new church in 1971, he later dedicated a new church in November 1975 and a new rectory in February 1977. He was ordained an archpriest in September 1978, and dedicated a new parish center "The Cedars" in November 1979. On March 31, 1986, Shaheen was ordained a Chorbishop by Archbishop Zayek. He purchased additional property and buildings for future development as a Maronite retirement center and cultural center in 1991, and again hosted the National Apostolate of Maronites Convention in 1995. After he was named to head the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon, he was consecrated a bishop Feb. 15, 2001, at the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica by Patriarch Nasrallah Sfeir, then leader of the world's Maronite Catholics. http://www.catholicherald.com/news/national Int ernational/national/retired_maronite_bishop_shah een_dies_at_age_80/ MYA CLOTHING AND BOOK DRIVE The MYA is sponsoring a Clothing and Book drive during the summer months which will be donated to charity in the fall. If you have any clothes or books that you do not want or need please bring them with you to the Church and give them to one of the MYA members by Sunday, August 27. Keep up the great work and God bless you all. SECOND COLLECTION For the next three weeks we will be having a second collection to cover the food for our church picnic. Thank you for your kindness and help. I look forward to seeing all of you here on September 10. God bless. CCD REGISTRATION Registration forms for CCD are available via email as well as in the church hall. Please take the time to register your children for classes so that we may prepare and order supplies and books for them. Classes begin Sunday, September 12. I look forward to another wonderful year. Thanks to Zeina Topalian and all the volunteers who dedicate their time and efforts teaching our children the importance of our faith and the love of Jesus Christ. JOB OPPORTUNITY Passyunk Dental Office on 15 th and Passyunk Avenue requires the services of a qualified young person to fill the position of front desk receptionist. Position is available immediately. Interested candidates may send their resume to Michael.alharir@gmail.com In case of any questions, please contact Michael at 901-319-0222. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION) Please know that confession is available before liturgies. You may also call to set up an appointment. 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 love. Amen.
UPCOMING EVENTS Saint Anthony Maronite Church, Danbury, CT, will be having their annual summer festival on Friday, August 18, from 3:00 PM- Midnight, and on Saturday, August 19, from Noon- Midnight. There will be a variety of Lebanese food, music, and dancing. Saint Maron Church BBQ, Sunday September 10, 2017, following Divine Liturgy in the Church. This BBQ will be in the Church hall as well as the alley way. Food will be pr ovided but we ask each family to bring a side dish to pass. Saint Maron Church honors our Police, Firefighters, and First Responders, on Friday, September 15, with Divine Liturgy and dinner. We thank them for all they do for this community and for the city of Philadelphia. God bless you and protect you always. Saint Maron Church Fall Hafli, Saturday, October 14, 2017, at 7:00 PM, in the church hall. Entertainment by Said Abi Akl and Band. WEEKLY COLLECTION FOR August 12-13, 2017 Collection $ 1,118.00 Memorial $ 240.00 Coffee Hour $ 36.00 Total: $ 1,394.00 LITURGY INTENTIONS Saturday, August 19, 2017, @ 6:00 PM, liturgy is offered for parishioners and friends of Saint Maron Church. Sunday, August 20, 2017, @ 11:00 AM, liturgy is offered for soul of Fidelia Tavani requested by her daughters. May her soul rest in peace. Saturday, August 26, 2017, @ 6:00 pm, Liturgy is offered for the parishioners and friends of St. Maron Church. Sunday, August 27, 2017 @ 11:00 am, Liturgy is offered for the soul of Sulaiman Rai requested by Philip and Vivian Rai and family. May his soul rest in peace. IN OUR PRAYERS Please keep in your prayers Sal Pinto, Michael Pascucci, Jenny DiCicco, Bob Rosner, Nicholas Carine, Amelia Habib, Baby Elle Isgro, Suzanne Haney, Lisa Alestra, John Nader, Joseph Alestra, Rita Impo, Albert Boulos, Mary Fetterman, Issa Mazahreh, Aminee Skaf, Carmen Marrone, Helen Butrus, Rose Kouri, Yasmine Myers, Joey Gdowick, Francis Joseph Kerns, Albert Saleem, Albert Anderson, Jr., Michelina Krewda, Samer Chokeir, Kathy Newman, Vickey Saulino, Rita Arrigale, Helen Freedenberg, Maryann Bratton, Renee Sahar, Joann Divon, Jane Trevelino, Sister Nahida Al Sawa, Virginia Ramano, Rose De Jesse, James Cordisio, Stacey Fuentes, Debbie Freedenberg, Noel Andjuhar, Eddie Gussin, Angel Salerno, Dennis McGiney, Emilia and Alan Sacilowski, Donny Pizzi, Betty Antrilli, 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.
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 Ephesians 3:1-13 A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Ephesians. Your blessing father Brothers and Sisters: This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles for surely you have already heard of the commission of God s grace that was given to me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations, this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellowheirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. Of this gospel, I have become a servant according to the gift of God s grace that was given to me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so, that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him. I pray therefore that you may not lose heart over my sufferings for you; they are your glory. Praise be to God always. فصل من رسالة القديس بولس إلى أهل أفسس يا إ خو ت ي أ ن ا ب ول س أ س ير الم سيح ي س وع م ن أ ج ل ك م أ ي ه ا األ م م... إ ن ك ن ت م ق د س م ع ت م ب ت د ب ير ن ع م ة هللا ال تي و ه ب ت لي وهو أ ن ي ب و ح ي أ ط ل ع ت على الس ر ك م ا ك ت ب ت إ ل يك م بإ ي ج از م ن ق ب ل ح ين ئ ذ ي م ك ن ك م إ ذ ا ق ر أ ت م ذل ك أ ن م ن أ ج ل ك م ت د ر ك وا ف ه م ي ل س ر الم س يح هذ ا الس ر ال ذي ل م ي ع ر ف ع ن د ب ن ي الب ش ر في األ ج ي ال ال غاب ر ة ك م ا أ ع ل ن اآلن ب الر وح ل ر س ل ه الق د يس ين واأل ن ب ي اء وه و أ ن األ م م ه م في الم س يح ي س وع ش ر ك اء ل ن ا في الم ير اث والج س د والو ع د ب و اس ط ة اإل ن ج يل أل ذي ص ر ت خ اد م ا ل ه ب ح س ب ه ب ة ن ع م ة هللا ال تي و ه ب ت لي ب ف ع ل ق د ر ت ه ي س ت ق صى وه ي الن ع م ة أ ن أ ب ش ر األ م م ب غ ن ى الم س يح ال ذي ال الد ه ور في هللا ال ذي خ ل ق ك ل ش يء أ ص غ ر الق د يس ين ج م يع ا و ه ب ت هذ ه لي أ ن ا ه و ت د ب ير الس ر الم ك ت وم م ن ذ وأ ن أ وض ح ل لج م يع م ا ل ك ي ت ع ر ف اآلن م ن خ الل الك ن يس ة ل د ى الر ئ اس ات والس الط ين في الس م اوات August 19-20, 2017 الو ص و ل هللا الم ت ن و ع ة ق ص د ه األ ز ل ي ال ذي ح ق ق ه في الم س يح ي س وع ر ب ن ا ال ذي ل ن ا فيه أ ي ب اإل ي م ان ب ه ح ك م ة ب ح س ب ب ج ر أ ة وث ق ة إ لى هللا. ل ذ ل ك أ س أ ل ك م أ ن ال ت ض ع ف ع ز ي م ت ك م ب س ب ب الض يق ات ال تي أ ع ان يه ا م ن أ ج ل ك م: إ ن ه ا م ج د ل ك م! والتسبيح هلل دائما.
Gospel Reading Saint Matthew 15:21-28 The Apostle Writes: Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon. But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us. He answered, I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. But she came and knelt before him, saying, Lord, help me. He answered, It is not fair to take the children s food and throw it to the dogs. She said, Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters table. Then Jesus answered her, Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish. And her daughter was healed instantly. This is the truth. Peace be with you. الق د يس إنجيل من ص ور وص ي دا وإ ذ ا ب ٱم ر أ ة ك ن ع ان ي ة م ن ت ل ك الن واحي خ ر ج ت ت ص ر خ وت ق ول: إن ص ر ف ي س وع إ لى ن واح ي "إ ر ح م ني ي ا ر ب ي ا ٱب ن د او د! إ ن ٱب ن ت ي ب ه ا ش ي ط ان ي ع ذ ب ه ا ج د ا". ف ل م ي ج ب ه ا ب ك ل م ة. ود ن ا ت الم يذ ه ف أ خ ذ وا!". ف أ ج اب وق ال: " ل م إ ل ي ه ق ائ لين: " ت ص ر خ في إ ث ر ن ا أ ر س ل إ ال إ لى الخ ر اف الض ال ة إ ص ر ف ه ا ف إ ن ه ا ي ت و س ل ون إ س ر ائ يل ". أ م ا ف أ ت ت وس ج د ت ل ه وق ال ت : "س اع د ن ي ي ا ر ب!". ف أ ج اب وق ال: "ال ي ح س ن أ ن ي ؤ خ ذ م ن ه ي ب ي ت خ ب ز الب ن ين وي ل ق ى إ لى ج ر اء الك الب!". فق ال ت : "ن ع م ي ا ر ب! وج ر اء الك الب أ ي ض ا ت أ ك ل م ن الف ت ات الم ت س اق ط ع ن م ائ د ة أ ر ب اب ه ا". مت ى ت ل ك الس اع ة ش ف ي ت ٱب ن ت ه ا. حق ا واألمان لجميعكم. ح ين ئ ذ أ ج اب ي س وع وق ال ل ه ا: "أي ت ه ا ٱلم ر أ ة ع ظ ي م إ ي م ان ك! ف ل ي ك ن ل ك ك م ا ت ريد ين". و م ن