Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church June 16-17, 2018 HAPPY FATHER S DAY This weekend we celebrate Father s Day. We honor and thank our father s both living, and deceased for the special care they give us and have given us throughout our lives. You have heard me on many occasions speak about the wonderful gift of our mother s. Well today, I speak about the wonderful gift of our father s. In God s infinite wisdom, He created man and woman, each with their special attributes and specific roles in the lives of their children and family. We can never take for granted the men in our lives. Each of them, in their own ways, shape and mold our lives as a family and as a community of faith in Jesus Christ. This responsibility is a very daunting task; a task that father s, who take this role seriously, help define who we are. A father works very hard in order to provide for his family. He provides shelter, food, education, discipline, and love. He uses his authority as head of the family---an authority that may not always be what we want as children; however, it is usually what is best for us. Frequently when we begin our own families that we realize this. This role as father, if taken seriously, is one of the defining roles that children rely on in times of need. With age comes wisdom---a saying you have heard me convey to you on several occasions---is what children need to remember. We as children must remember that our fathers have experience in the world; have walked in our shoes as children. Even though the world constantly changes with new technology, new fashion, and new challenges that children have at their disposal, our fathers have experience that is timeless and it is with this experience that a father s authority and discipline must be respected. A father s role in the spiritual life of his family defines the kind of man he is. It is in the context of a family that a father s role as spiritual leader is one that Jesus requires of the men in our lives. Beginning in Genesis with the Prophet Abraham and all throughout the Old Testament, we hear the word of God outlining the role of the father. We see this in Exodus with Moses and his descendants and we see this in the New Testament with the fulfillment of God s Word through Jesus Christ. One passage in the New Testament that comes to mind is in St. Paul s letter to the Collossians, chapters 3-4. This passage, which is usually misunderstood by many, especially in the 21 st century, gives us a complete model as to what Jesus tells us about the Christian family. The Christian Family: Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged. Slaves, obey your human masters in everything, not only when being watched, as currying favor, but in simplicity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord and not for others, knowing that you will receive from the Lord the due payment of the inheritance; be slaves of the Lord Christ. For the wrongdoer will receive recompense QUOTE OF THE WEEK A good father knows how to wait and knows how to forgive from the depths of his heart. Certainly, he also knows how to correct with firmness: he is not a weak father, submissive and sentimental. The father who knows how to correct without humiliating is the one who knows how to protect without sparing himself. Pope Francis 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.
for the wrong he committed, and there is no partiality. Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, realizing that you too have a Master in heaven. (Collossians 3:18-4:1) St. Paul s letter is not meant to be degrading to women by appealing to their submissiveness to men; a point taken out of context by many and a point that makes St. Paul an easy target by equal rights groups. What St. Paul is saying to us is that each of us, men, women, children, and servants, have a role to play and each of us are equally responsible by giving mutual respect to each other. This letter stresses the importance of respect for one another based on love and compassion. St. Paul includes, what was common during those days as the family unit, wives and husbands, parents and children, and slaves and masters. These relationships are given conditions of the actions of the subordinates (wives, children, slave), as well as conditions of what is expected of the master (husband, father, master). These conditions are based on the love of Christ and all that is pleasing to the Lord. The meaning of this is service to the Lord. St. Paul wants to keep the focus on being subordinate to the Lord as it is through this submission that the natural order of human beings keeps love as the basis of one s relationship in the world. St. Paul explains what is expected of husbands towards their wives. There is a strict code in which husbands are to respect their wives. This love based on Jesus' teachings keeps in the forefront the wellbeing of both husband and wife for a strong bond with each other and with God the Father. It is through this mutual respect and love that order and respect in the household can achieve fruitful results. St. John Chrysostom expressed this during his homily by saying, "To love, therefore, is the husbands part, to yield pertains to the other side. If, then, each one contributes his own part, all stand firm. From being loved, the wife too becomes loving; and from her being submissive, the husband learns to yield." Children are to be obedient to their parents; an obedience that was established with the Ten Commandments. In has always been pleasing to God in giving respect and love to one's parents. Jesus shows through His life of obedience to His Father the magnitude of this command. And although this obedience is expected through the commands of God, St. Paul also tells us that fathers have a responsibility not to provoke their children so that they may become discouraged. St. Paul outlines the father's actions to his children. Fathers are not to abuse their authority to their children just as they are not to abuse their authority to their wives. Through nurturing love and care for one s children, in return, the children are to love and obey their fathers. This includes an understanding to parents as well, in that, they are instructed "to do nothing which would alienate their children." This does not exclude normal discipline but is meant to facilitate a true relationship between children and parents that is built on mutual respect for the individual. St. Paul has conditions for each family member in the full Christian structure of the family. In addition, although there is a sense of a hierarchy of the Christian family unit, each one of those members is expected to act out of love for one another. By this mutual love and respect in the family unit, we all participate in the submission to the love of Jesus Christ. St. Paul s instructions to submit oneself in pleasing the Lord serves as a goal to mankind to act with the motive of love to one another and knowing that each person is subject to God. One will conclude through St. Paul's letter that God judges one ultimately and that all are subject, regardless of social class, to the same Master, Jesus Christ. By sharing this passage with you on Father s Day, it is my hope that we as faithful Catholics understand the responsibilities that are placed on our fathers and to appreciate their role in our lives. Father s, we thank you and we ask almighty God to bless you and give you the strength to continue your role in the true Christian commands. WELCOME TO THE FLOCK OF CHRIST Congratulations to Waddah and Diala Nesheiwat on the baptism of their children Jawad and Shaham. We also congratulate their grandparents and godparents Tawfiq and Alia Nesheiwat and Awni and Terese Lutfi and their entire family. May Almighty God held them in His loving arms every day. Mabrook! Congratulations to David and Jacyln Truscello on the baptism of their son Santino. We also congratulate his grandparents Anthony and Nora (Tayoun) Truscello, great grandmother Dolores Tayoun, godparents, and their entire families. May Almighty God protect him and hold him in His loving arms every day. Mabrook. NATIONAL MYO RETREAT PARENT/MEMBER MEETING Please remember that for those children attending the National MYO Retreat on June 26- July 1, we will have a meeting with parents and participants on Sunday, June 24, immediately following Divine Liturgy. We will meet in the Church hall to go over last minute details. ONLINE COURSE WITH FR. DAVID FISHER Fr. David will be teaching an online course for the Byzantine Seminary of Saints Cyril and Methodius from June 4 until July 19, 2018. The course is open to the public and is an introduction to Church History. For more information please email Fr. David at david_andrew@mac.com or you may call him at 614-313-6073. MYA BBQ AND GATHERING The MYA BBQ and gathering will be held on Saturday, July 21, immediately following 6:00 PM Divine Liturgy. Fr. David will join us as well. Please mark your calendars as we plan the next steps for this group.
LITURGY INTENTIONS Saturday, June 16, 2018, @ 6:00 pm, liturgy is being offered for the soul of Michael Anthnoy requested by the Simon family. May his soul rest in peace. Sunday, June 17, 2018 @ 11:00 am, liturgy is being offered for all fathers, both living and deceased, from the parish of St. Maron. Happy Father s Day! Saturday, June 23, 2018 @ 6:00 PM, liturgy is being offered for soul of Virginia Farhat requested by her family. May her soul rest in peace. Sunday, June 24, 2018 @ 11:00 AM, liturgy is being offered for the soul of Gretta Elias requested by Paul and Amal Kouyoumdji and Christina. Liturgy is being offered for the soul of Peter Koway requested by Mike and Jean Marakowski. May their souls rest in peace. ADULT BIBLE STUDY AND MARONITE CHURCH HISTORY CLASS Fr. David Fisher will have adult bible study and church history class on Thursday, June 14, 2018, from 7:00 PM 8:30 PM, at the Church hall. SUGGESTION BOX As was mentioned at the Parish Town Hall Meeting, a suggestion box was installed in the foyer of the Church hall. Forms are in the box for your convenience. Please utilize this for any comments or concerns pertaining to this parish. I will address them either with you personally, if your name is included on the form or in the bulletin so that anyone may remain anonymous. UPCOMING EVENTS Our Lady Star of the East Annual Festival, Friday-Sunday, June 22-24, 2018, located at 25 West Black Horse Pike, Pleasantville, NJ. National MYO Retreat, June 26-30, 2018, Philadelphia, PA. NAM CONVENTION, July 11-15, Houston, TX. Flyers are in the back of the Church. Sunday, August 26, 2018, Parish BBQ immediately following Divine Liturgy in the Church Hall. CONGRATULATIONS 2018 GRADUATES Congratulations to all of our 2018 graduates and we wish and pray for your continued success. Chris Sholy received his Master s Degree with High Honors in Structural Engineering from Rutgers. He will begin his career in Engineering working for the elite engineering firm of WSP in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Elias Irani graduated from Drexel University with a BA in Mechanical Engineering. Alicia Marrone graduated from Arcadia University School of Art and Science with a degree in Biology. Robert Gallante graduated from Temple University with two bachelor s degrees, one in Global Studies and one in Spanish with Summa Cum Laude Latin Honors. Anthony Marrone graduated from Springside Chestnut Hill High School and will be attending East Strousberg with a football scholarship. Anthony Azzi graduated from Owen J. Roberts High School. 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. 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 Brian McBride, Cat Niven Glaze, Patty Roth, Laurent Chidiac, Albert Saleem,Tom Hart, John Hart, Fadi Jaber, Alexis Carine, Mary Joseph, Salema Dahdah, Albert Anderson, Sr., Michael La Pergola, Paul Daley, Maria Lemons, Joseph Realdine, Rita Impo, Benjamin Uzzo, Emily Stone, Roseann Anthony, Elaine Nader, Sal Pinto, Michael Pascucci, Nicholas Carine, Amelia Habib, Suzanne Haney, Lisa Alestra, John Nader, Joseph Alestra, Chucky Simon, Mary Fetterman, Aminee Skaf, Carmen Marrone, Rose Kouri, 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, 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.
FESTIVAL FINANCIAL REPORT Thank you all for a job well done. Despite all the rain we were blessed to have the best year yet as far as the total profit. God bless all of you for your support and hard work. Total Income From Festival: $82,874.71 Total Expenses For Festival: $31,686.28 Profit After All Expenses: $51,188.43 WEEKLY COLLECTION FOR June 9-10, 2018 Collection $ 1,188.00 Coffee Hour $ 46.00 Total: $ 1,234.00
First Reading Philippians 3:7-14 A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Philippians. Your blessing father Brothers and Sisters: Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead. Not that I have already obtained this or have already reached the goal; but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. Beloved, I do not consider that I have made it my own; but this one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on towards the goal for the prize of the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus. Praise be to God always. فصل من رسالة القد يس بولس إلى أهل فيلب ي ا ح س ب ت ه ا م ن أ ج ل الم سيح هذ ه األ م ور ال تي ك ان ت ل ي ر ب ح خ س ر ان ا. ب ل إ ن ي أ ح س ب ك ل إ خ و ت ي إ ن ك ل يا خ س ر ان ا إ ازء الر ب ح األ ع ظ م وهو م ع ر ف ة الم س يح ي س وع ر ب ي ال ذي م ن أ ج ل ه خ س ر ت ك ل ش يء ش يء أ ي ضا و أ ح س ب ه ن ف اي ة أل ر ب ح الم س يح وأ وج د فيه م ب ر ار ال بالب ر ال ذي م ن الش ر يع ة ب ل بالب ر ال ذي من اإل ي م ا ن ه و م ن هللا والق ائ م ع لى اإل ي م ان. بالم س يح وال ذي آالم ه م ت ش ب ها ب ه في م وت ه ل ع ل ي أ ب ل غ الق ي ام ة م ن ب ي ن األ م و ات. أ س ع ى ل ع ل ي أ د ر ك ه أل ن الم س يح ي س وع أ د ر ك ن ي! أ ن ي ب ل غ ت إ لى الك م ال لك ن ي وذل ك ل ك ي أ ع ر ف ه وأ ع ر ف ق و ة ق ي ام ت ه وأ شت ر ك في وه و أ ن أ ن س ى ما ور ائ ي وأ م ت د إ لى ما أ م ام ي. أ د ر ك ت ولك ن ي ه م ن ي أ م ر و اح د بالج ائ ز ة الع ل ي ا ال تي ي د ع ون ا هللا إ ل ي ه ا في الم س يح ي س وع. والتسبيح هلل دائما. وال أ د ع ي أ ن ي ق د ح ص ل ت على ذل ك أ و أ ي ه ا اإل خ و ة أ ن ا ال أ ظ ن أ ن ي فأ س ع ى إ لى اله د ف أل ف وز Saint Maron Maronite Catholic Church June 16-17, 2018
Gospel Reading Saint Matthew 10:1-7 The Apostle Writes: Then Jesus summoned his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to cure every disease and every sickness. These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, also known as Peter, and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax-collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Cananaean, and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed him. These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. As you go, proclaim the good news, "The kingdom of heaven has come near." This is the truth. Peace be with you. م ن إ ن ج يل الق د يس مت ى د ع ا ي س وع ت الم ي ذ ه اٱلث ن ي ع ش ر ف أ ع ط اه م س ل ط ان ا ي ط ر د ون ب ه األ ر و اح الن ج س ة وي ش ف ون الش ع ب م ن ك ل م ر ض وك ل ع ل ة. ل ٱٱلث ن ي ع ش ر: أ أل و ل س م ع ان ال ذي ي د ع ى ب ط ر س وأ ن در او س أ خ وه وهذ ه أ س م اء الر س وي ع ق وب بن ز ب د ى وي وح ن ا أ خ وه وف ي ل ب س وب ر ت ل م او س وت وم ا وم ت ى الع ش ار وي ع ق وب بن ح ل ف ى وت د او س أ س ل م ي س وع ص اه م خ ر ي وط ي ال ذي. هؤ الء اٱلث ن ا ع ش ر أ ر س ل ه م ي س وع وق د أ و اإل س وس م ع ان الغ ي ور وي ه وذ ا ت سل ك وا ط ر يقا إ لى الو ث ن ي ين وال ت د خ ل وا م د ي ن ة ل لس ام ر ي ين ب ل ٱذ ه ب وا ب الح ر ي إ لى الخ ر اف الض ال ة ق ائ ال :»ال إ س ر ائ يل. وف يم ا أ ن ت م ذ اه ب ون ن اد وا ق ائ لين: ل ق د ٱق ت ر ب م ل ك وت الس م او ات. م ن ب ي ت حق ا واألمان لجميعكم.