SUNDAY OF THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED
Today the Maronite Church commemorates all the faithful Christians who have departed this life in the faith. This feast is the Maronite Church’s equivalent to the feast of All Souls in the Latin Church.
As we have just prayed in the Hoosoyo, we ask our Lord Jesus Christ to welcome all our deceased brothers and sisters, who have been nourished with his body and blood, into his kingdom of light. Not knowing the state of perfection they have achieved in their lives, we commend them to the mercy of God with hope and expectation.
It is a Christian obligation for us to help our brothers and sisters through our prayers and the offering of the Divine Mysteries for their salvation. For though they have not yet reached the joy of the righteous and the just, they are called to ultimately enter the kingdom of light and peace. Our intercession can bring them nearer to the day of eternal happiness.
We should pray in a special way for those who have been near us, our relatives, friends, and benefactors who have died. At the same time we should pray for the deceased members of our parish and for all the departed who have no one to pray for them.
We commend the faithful departed to the Lord that by his cross He may lead them into the eternal wedding feast, and newly arrived in God’s kingdom may they intercede before him on our behalf.
The Power of Confession
As part of the Year of Mercy, upon the request of our Holy Father Pope Francis, we need to reconcile with our Heavenly Father through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Realizing that approaching the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a difficult challenge for some of our people, and truly wanting to help you calm your fears and concerns, I have obtained brochures and CDs that are available in the vestibule of the Cathedral for you to reflect upon. I truly desire that these brochures and CDs will assist you and ease your mind for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Feast of Saint Maron
Sunday, February 7, 2016
The Feast of Saint Maron is a special and Holy celebration in the Maronite Catholic Church. Our Cathedral Parish will celebrate the Feast of Saint Maron on Sunday, February 7th, with one Mass at 10:00 am, immediately followed by a lunch at The Cedars in honor of our revered Saint Maron. The menu for the lunch will be Lebanese food and tickets are being sold in advance for $15. Children 8 years and younger are free. This Sunday, January 31st, will be the last day to purchase tickets before the event. Let us all plan to participate in this wonderful celebration on Sunday, February 7th, the day before the Holy Season of Lent begins on Ash Monday. For additional information, please contact the Parish Office or John and Margie Simon.
Ladies Society Fashion Show
Mark your calendars for the Fashion Show Sunday March 6th. Tickets will go on sale Sunday February 14th. We need models ( Women, men, and children of all ages), vendors, and volunteers to help. If anyone is interested please contact Gina Fanetti at gfanetti5@gmail.com
SUBDEACON CANDIDATE’S CORNER
As part of our formation, one of the goals of our ministry is to help parishioners develop a greater understanding of our rich Maronite Catholic History and Heritage. In furtherance of that goal we will be adding a short explanation to each bulletin about some aspect of our faith. This continues the discussion about our Maronite Liturgy.
Acceptance of the Offerings
Representing the Church, the celebrant accepts the gifts of the faithful. Since our offerings signify our desire to reach out to God, and we pray that God will reach out to us in acceptance, they must be sincere and represent our inner intentions. Spiritual writers remind us that in the Bible beginning with the story of Cain and Abel, God has embraced those who come to Him in honesty of intention, and has rejected the offerings of those who are insincere. The prophets constantly caution us that true worship is not a matter of externals, but begins with purity of heart.
The celebrant's prayer of offering also reminds us that our generosity is always exceeded by God's generosity. It concludes by praying: "... in exchange for their perishable gifts, grant them the gift of life and entrance into your kingdom."
The celebrant's prayer of offering also reminds us that our generosity is always exceeded by God's generosity. It concludes by praying: "... in exchange for their perishable gifts, grant them the gift of life and entrance into your kingdom."
Commemorations
At every Divine Service, it is the whole church, the mystical Body of Christ that is at worship. In this prayer we recall that our existence as a redeemed community is due to God's plan of salvation achieved in Jesus Christ. Assembled with us is the whole communion of saints from Adam to the present time, and the Blessed Virgin Mary is especially remembered. As we recall those who have gone before us, we petition God to remember our dead and to remember us, the living, those present at this Divine Service and those who were unable to attend.
Incensation
With the gifts placed at the altar, the celebrant incenses the gifts, the altar and the faithful again as a symbol of purification. We pray that our gifts and especially we, ourselves be rendered worthy to participate in this sacrifice.
Taken from A Commentary on the Holy Mysteries: The Holy Mystery of Offering (Qorbono)
If you have questions about Catholic teaching or our Maronite tradition, or would like to suggest a topic, please email us or tell us the next time we see you. Thank you and God Bless.
Altar Servers
As we have announced in the past, we are still in great need of altar servers at ALL MASSES. We are looking for all interested BOYS AND GIRLS that would like to serve at mass to send an email to Tony or David. We would love to have more servers and can teach you everything you need to know. NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
Sympathy
Sincere sympathy to Dr. Edmond Abrahamian and Dr. Jacqueline R. Batanian on the loss of their beloved mother and mother-in-law, Mrs. Alice Awad, who passed away in Lebanon a few weeks ago. A memorial 40-day liturgy will be celebrated at St. Raymond’s Cathedral on Sunday February 14th at 11am. May the Lord grant her eternal rest and peace. May He bestow upon her family the blessings of comfort and consolation at this time of sorrow.
Men’s Society Meeting
The Men’s Society will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday February 4th beginning with a liturgy at 6pm in Church, dinner at 6:30pm in the Lebanon room, followed by the meeting.
All members are invited to attend!
Ladies Society Meeting
The Ladies Society will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday February 2nd at 7pm in the Lebanon room. All members are invited to attend!
Kitchen Scoop
Making Tabouli Monday February 1st @ 8 am, Rolling Cabbage Rolls or Grape Leaves Mondays @ 8 am,
Making Kibbi Aras on Tuesdays @ 8 am, Preparing to serve lunch on Wednesdays @ 8 am-11:00am,
Serving Wednesday Luncheon @ 11am-2pm.
Beginning Wednesday February 3rd, the lunch line will be open until 1:30 pm and carry-outs will remain open until 2:00pm. The Cedars will be closed for lunch on Wednesday February 17th, but the kitchen will remain open Mon-Wed to prepare for Palm Sunday.
In preparation for the Feast of St. Maron, we will be making small meat pies and kibbi aras on Thursday February 4th at 8:30 am. If anyone is able to help that day please let Kathleen, Denise, or Gina know.
Thank you!
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