1013 Ellsworth Street Philadelphia PA 19147 Jan. 25-26, 2013 First Reading: Galatians 3:23-29 A reading from 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. رسالة القد يس بولس إلى أهل غالطية يا إ خو ت ي ق ب ل أ ن 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. إ ذ ا ف الش ر يع ة ك ان ت 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 أل ن ك م ج م يع ا أ ب ن اء اهلل ب اإل ي م ان في الم س يح ي س وع. فأ ن ت م ج م يع ال ذ ين ٱع ت م د ت م في الم س يح ق د ل ب س ت م ٱلم س يح. 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 ك ن ت م ل لم س يح فأ ن ت م إ ذ ا ن س ل إ ب راه يم وو ار ث ون ب ح س ب الو ع د. والتسبيح هلل دائما" The Apostle Writes: Gospel Reading: John 3:1-16 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. إنجيل القد يس 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 اهلل 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 اهلل 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 اهلل 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 ل ك ال أ ح د ي ق د ر أ ن ي د خ ل م ل ك وت اهلل م ا ل م ي ول د م ن الم اء والر وح. م ول ود الج س د ج س د وم و ل ود الر وح ر وح. ال 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 هذ ا «. أ ج اب ي س وع 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 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 ون 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 اهلل الع ال م حت ى إ ن ه ج اد ب ٱبن ه الو 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.
1013 Ellsworth Street Philadelphia PA 19147 Jan. 25-26, 2213 Third Sunday After Epiphany PLEASE REMEMBER TO SILENCE YOUR CELL PHONES AND BEEPERS WHEN YOU ENTER THE CHURCH. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. Father Vincent Farhat, Pastor Father Richard Cannuli, Weekend Assistant FOOD FOR THOUGHT Therefore, you are without excuse, every one of you who passes judgment. For by the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the very same things. We know that the judgment of God on those who do such things is true. Do you suppose, then, you who judge those who engage in such things and yet do them yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you hold his priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience in low esteem, unaware that the kindness of God would lead you to repentance? By your stubbornness and impenitent heart, you are storing up wrath for yourself for the day of wrath and revelation of the just judgment of God, who will repay everyone according to his works: eternal life to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through perseverance in good works, but wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truth and obey wickedness. Yes, affliction and distress will come upon every human being who does evil, Jew first and then Greek. But there will be glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good, Jew first and then Greek. There is no partiality with God. Romans 2:1-11 I may sound like a broken record or you may be thinking to yourself enough Abouna!!! I understand. However, if Jesus felt the need to remind people over 2000 years ago time and time again, then I also have an obligation to remind myself and you of the same! Forgiveness is one of the most difficult virtues to obtain. Each of us know the reason why as all of us have been hurt by others in one way or another. In the reflection from the Letter to the Romans, St. Paul is addressing the Jewish people. The background of this letter makes St. Paul tell the Jewish people that they are not exempt from their condemnation of others. Although they are the chosen QUOTE OF THE WEEK Virtue is nothing without the trial of temptation, for there is no conflict without an enemy, no victory without strife. Saint Leo the Great ones in the sight of God, they are not exempt in their judgment of others. St. Paul tells them that when they condemn others, especially the Gentiles, they are just as much a sinner as those who are different than them. The Jewish people considered themselves privileged and believed that they would be saved for the mere fact that they were chosen ones of God. Father Michael Marrone, Weekend Assistant Sr. Nahida Al-Sawa, CSFN, Director of Religious Education St. Maron s Church Office: 215-389-2000 Hall Reservations: 215-334-1884 Emergency Number: 267-687-8079 or 561-371-5316 CHURCH E-MAILS: Church Office: saintmaronphiladelphia@hotmail.com Sr. Nahida Al-Sawa: saintmaronreligioused@hotmail.com Sr. Nahida s cell number: 856-693-9691 P(2) Dabke
St. Paul reminds them of some very important lessons. He says Do you suppose, then, you who judge those who engage in such things and yet do them yourself, that you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you hold his priceless kindness, forbearance, and patience in low esteem, unaware that the kindness of God would lead you to repentance? We cannot treat His kindness, forbearance (mercy), and patience with disrespect. When we pass judgment on others that is exactly what we are doing. We expect God to treat us with mercy and kindness but because we are followers of Christ, we are exempt from doing the same. There is no such thing as a favored people in the sight of God. This leads us to another thought. Having faith alone does not give us a free pass to the kingdom of heaven. To believe one thing and act completely opposite does not work in the sight of God. It is through faith and good deeds that determines how we will be judged in the end. Faith and works go together in living the life that Jesus asks us to live. In moral theology we are taught that faith leads to good works and it is by this measure that we are condemned or rewarded. When we are ready to pass judgment on others let us take a step back and think about what Jesus has told us time and time again. Judgment of an action can be determined as good or evil. The person can be judged by the love that Jesus instructs us to show; the compassion that Jesus instructs us to give; and the forgiveness that Jesus instructs us to extend. Let us remember the sinful woman who was caught in adultery and the mercy that Jesus extended to her. Or the sinful woman who anointed his feet and the gentleness he showed her. Or the tax collector that Jesus dined with who repented for his evil ways and followed Jesus. No one likes to be judged - Vengeance is mine says the Lord. I will repay. Let us not pass judgment but help each other to convert our ways. May we build up one another with the love of Jesus Christ so that when we come face to face with Almighty God he will look down upon us with mercy and say job well done my good and faithful servant. SECOND COLLECTION FOR USCCB There will be a second collection taken this weekend, January 25th and 26th. This collection which is sent to the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops helps the Eparchy and well as all dioceses in the United States respond to the many requests for emergencies and other needs that they are called upon to help with. Thank you for your generosity. PASTORAL VISIT FROM HIS EXCELLENCY St. Maron s Church will be graced with a Pastoral visit by Bishop Gregory Mansour on Sunday, March 2, 2014. We look forward to his visit for this very special occasion. Divine Liturgy will be at 11:00 am followed by a reception in the Church hall. PARISH COUNCIL MEETING There will be a Parish Council meeting on Monday, February 3, 2014, immediately following Divine Liturgy at 7:00 pm. Please make a note of this meeting and notify Fr. Vince if you are unable to attend. Thank you. FINANCE COUCIL MEETING The Finance Council meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 5, 2014, immediately following Divine Liturgy at 7:00 pm. Please make a note of this meeting and notify Fr. Vince if you are unable to attend. Thank you. FESTIVAL DABKE TROOPS With the festival quickly approaching volunteers from the Church are ready to bring our youth together to learn and perform dabke for our visitors. This, as are all functions at the Church, will take dedication from the parents as well as the children. It is my hope that we will be able to have three different dance groups ranging from the 4 years old to the MYA. Please notify the office if your children would like to participate in this. Practices will take place on Saturdays. I know that all who attend the festival will enjoy the entertainment of our youth. Thank you. MEDICAL SERIES AT SAINT MARON HALL St. Maron will be the venue for the Medical Series lectures presented by parishioners and friends of St. Maron Church. This series is twofold: to promote preventative information regarding our health and to benefit the church in fundraising. This series is open not only to those in the medical field but to the parishioners of St. Maron Church and the community at large. In the next week, a flyer will be available with the different topics that will be presented. These series will be held on Saturday evenings at 5:00 pm, followed by questions and answers as well as pizza and refreshments. Donations of $20.00 will be collected at the door to benefit St. Maron Hall. Thank you to all who are making this possible. FEAST OF SAINT MARON St. Maron Church will be celebrating the feast day of our Patron St. Maron on Sunday, February 9, 2014. We will celebrate Divine Liturgy at 11:00 am, and will have our luncheon immediately in the church hall. Tickets for this will be $25.00 for adults and $10.00 for children under 17. Tickets are now on sale. It is necessary that all tickets must be purchased by February 2. We will not be able to sell tickets at the door and space is limited.
Please do not wait until the last minute as we will not be able to accommodate last minute reservations. Thank you for your understanding. YEARLY TAX CONTRIBUTION REQUESTS For those who use envelopes, you may request a copy of your contributions for your 2013 tax returns. If you would like a copy of these please email or call the office and we will have them prepared for you. SAINT JUDE CANDLE DONATIONS This is a gentle reminder that many of the candles in the Saint Jude Chapel are being lit without donations. Although I do not want money to be an issue for this, every week there are many candles that are being lit which do not cover the cost of these candles. Please be sure to leave a donation so that we may replenish these candles. I do not want money to be an issue for your prayers but it is becoming very expensive to cover the cost. Thank you for your understanding. COLLECTION ENVELOPES The new collection envelopes for 2014 are available in the Church hall. These boxes are labeled with each family s name. If there are any missing or if you are a new parishioner and would like a box please notify the Church office and we will have them issued for you. 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. PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS Lord Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, show forth, we beseech Thee, in Thy Church the Holy Spirit with whose power the apostles were so abundantly filled. We thank Thee for the blessings bestowed upon the work of priests and religious; and we pray that Thou wilt add to the number of those who now pray, labor, and sacrifice themselves for Thy glory and the salvation of souls. Give them unselfish zeal for Thy glory. O good Jesus, give us more priests and religious after Thine own heart. Amen. LITURGY SPECIAL INTENTIONS SATURDAY, January 25, 2014, @ 6:00 pm, liturgy is being offered for the parishioners and benefactors of St. Maron Church. SUNDAY, January 26, 2014 @ 11:00 am, liturgy is being offered as a 40 day memorial for the soul of Sleiman Al Sawa requested by the parishioners of St. Maron. May his soul rest in peace. MONDAY, January 27, @ 6:00 pm, Liturgy is being offered for the soul of Joseph Tavani requested by Carmen and Rosemarie Marrone. May his soul rest in peace. TUESDAY, January 28, 2014, @ 9:00 am, WEDNESDAY, January 29, 2014, @ 6:00 pm, Liturgy is being offered for the soul of Joseph Tavani requested by Helen Butrus. May his soul rest in peace. THURSDAY, January 30, 2014, @ 9:00 am, SATURDAY, February 1, 2014, @ 6:00 pm, SUNDAY, February 2, 2014 @ 11:00 am, Liturgy is being offered for the soul of Nicola Dib requested by Fewaz and Boushra Dib and Family. May his soul rest in peace. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION (CONFESSION) Please know that confession is available before liturgies. You may also call me to set up an appointment. We will be scheduling confessions throughout the season of Lent in conjunction with Eucharistic Adoration. These times will be published in the bulletin as well as announced at Divine Liturgy. IN OUR PRAYERS Please keep in your prayers Alan Sacilowski, Donny Pizzi, Mrs. Rose Kouri, 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. WEEKLY COLLECTION FOR January 11-12, 2014 Sunday Collection $ 1,909.00 Hall Rental $ 600.00 Feast of St. Maron Lunch $ 820.00 Sanctuary Candle $ 25.00 Sunday Coffee $ 72.00 Total: $ 3,426.00 PARISH PHONE NUMBERS St. Maron s Church Office: 215-389-2000 St. Maron s Hall Reservations: 215-334-1884 Evening Emergency Phone Number: 267-687-8079 or 561-371-5316 CHURCH E-MAILS Church Office: saintmaronphiladelphia@hotmail.com Sr. Nahida Al-Sawa: saintmaronreligioused@hotmail.com Sr. Nahida s cell number: 856-693-9691
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