Dec 7 bulletin and Christmas mass schedule

Dear Parishioners & Friends of St. Raymond’s,

As we celebrated Thanksgiving last week, I offered my special thanks to God Almighty for each and everyone of you, for your vocation and for your kindness and generosity in using yourself to serve God and His church.

Indeed, our community is blessed to have so many wonderful and dedicated people that are always using themselves to help others and make our community a healthier and more prosperous family. After all, the parish is the spiritual home of each one of you. If any of you have not been involved and participated in building up our community, now is the right time to do so. As we move into the season of the greatest Mystery in existence, it is that God is becoming a human like us in all things except sin. Of course, there are no words sufficient enough to describe this Mystery, all that we can do is offer praise and exaltations to God and honor His name by living our faith and trust in Him.

How privileged we are to be called His body, the church, and how lucky we are to be able to know, see and feel Jesus in the Sacraments, as well as in the beautiful lives of those that we encounter in our daily life.

God became one like us in His son Jesus to unite us together. This unity is an invitation to all of us to realize how much God loves us and how much the world needs this love through us. Let us reveal this love to others around us, let people see Christ in us and hear Him through our mouth as we give them hope and salvation.

To each and everyone of you, I extend my warmest wishes, hoping that this blessed Christmas season may empower you with the gift of faith, peace and joy so that you may pass it on to those whom you meet daily.

 

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Msgr. Moussa Joseph

Rector

 

St. Raymond’s New Year’s Eve Party Tuesday December 31, 2013

The Cedars Hall 8:00 P.M.-1:00A.M.

There will be dinner, cash bar, party favors, and live music.

Featuring Joseph Beshara and his band. 

Tickets are $75.00 per person

For Reservations call 314-621-0056 or Rick/Janet Baker 314-845-5997

Please join us in bringing in the New Year with liturgy at 7:00 P.M.

 

Thank you to all those who donated to the Collection for the Philippines. Your generosity is appreciated. We collected $750.00.

 We ask you kindly to send us your email address so we can communicate with you faster. Any of you who have moved or changed phone numbers, please contact the rectory at

314-621-0056.

Santa is coming to St. Raymond’s on Sunday December 15th. We need elf volunteers Saturday December 14th at 8 am to help set up. If you have any questions, please call Robbyn Wahby at 314-374-8339 or email at rgwahby@gmail.com. Don’t forget your wrapped gift for the needy children.

 

As of January 1, 2014, we have no more mass intentions from the Parish for weekdays and Saturdays. We have only a few intentions for Sundays till end of February. Do not be surprised if you only see “Special Intentions” or unfamiliar names. I hope and pray that you will go back to the traditions in remembering your deceased family members or any intention you would like to pray for.

 

CHRISTMAS MASS SCHEDULE:

 

Christmas Novena:           Monday December 16th –Friday, December 20th at 7 pm

                                                  Saturday December 21st following 5 pm Liturgy

                                                  Sunday, December 22nd following 11 am Liturgy

                                                    Monday, December 23rd at 7 pm

Christmas Eve:                     Tuesday December 24th:  5 pm Children’s Liturgy & 10 pm Christmas Liturgy (following the 10 pm liturgy, everyone is  invited to the hall for refreshments and fellowship.)

Christmas Day Wednesday December 25th: 10 am Christmas Liturgy (No coffee hour today)

Schedule for confessions: Everyday during novena from 6:15-7 pm

Tuesday December 24th: 3:30-4:30 pm and 8:30-9:30 pm

New Year’s: Tuesday December 31st 7 pm Liturgy

Wednesday, January 1, 2014 10 am Liturgy

 

Nov 30th bulletin

THE VISITATION TO ELIZABETH

The third Sunday of the Season of Announcement

commemorates another important event in the unfolding

of the promises of God: Mary went to visit her cousin,

Elizabeth.

After receiving such tremendous good news, Mary could

have secluded herself in a life of prayer and contemplation.

However, after the angel of the Lord had communicated the

news of Elizabeth’s conception to her, Mary perceived it as

the Lord’s will that she go to be with Elizabeth, and thus

chose to share the divine life within her with another. Mary

shared Jesus with others even before his birth. The

fundamental task of an apostle is to share Jesus with others,

and so, Mary is called the “Queen of the Apostles.”

Impelled by the Spirit of God, Mary left on a journey that

required four days of difficult travel, especially for a poor girl such as herself. Yet, as the Mother of God and our Mother, she was already concerned for the welfare of others.

When Mary encountered Elizabeth, the unborn infant in her womb leapt for joy, and Elizabeth herself was filled with the Spirit and sang of the blessedness of Mary.

 Mary is blessed, not simply because she was to be the Mother of God, but also because of her own personal faith. She heard the words of the angel and accepted everything that was to happen with humility. For this reason, she is blessed throughout the ages.

The hymn of Mary differs from that of Zechariah. Zechariah’s hymn is communal: he is proclaiming gratitude to God on behalf of all the people of Israel. On the other hand, Mary’s  hymn is personal, “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord.” She is humbly proclaiming the great things that God has done for her. In humility, the Virgin of Nazareth proclaims how great the Lord has made her by choosing her as the Mother of his Son.

The hymn of Mary announces a revolution which God will bring about through his Son. This revolution has a variety of aspects: it is moral (“He has confused the proud in their inmost thoughts.”); social (“He has deposed the mighty from their thrones and raised the lowly to high places.”) and economic (“The hungry He has given every good thing, while the rich He has sent empty away”.)

To be called by God for any task, brings with it a crown of sorrow and a crown of joy. God chooses us not for our own glorification, but in order to use us to bring about his kingdom. Like Mary, all of us should respond with humility and be grateful to God for choosing us as his instruments.

 

Pope Francis has named Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi as a member of the Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education, state-run National News Agency reported on Wednesday.

The Maronite Patriarchate’s secretariat said al-Rahi was appointed on November 9th, noting that he will occupy the post for a period of five years.

Congratulations Your Beatitude Mar Beshara Cardinal Boutros Rahi!

 

SAVE THE DATES!

The invitations for Msgr. Moussa ordination were mailed 2 weeks ago to all parishioners. If any of you did not get an invitation, please contact the Rectory at 314-621-0056.  Please send your replies as soon as possible.

The Ladies Society will hold their Christmas party on Thursday, December 5th at 6 pm at Bartolino’s Osteria on Hampton Ave. Tickets are $27 per person. Anyone interested in attending may call Pat Busekrus at 314-920-2573.

The Men’s Society will hold their Christmas party on Wednesday, December 4th at 6:30 pm and will serve St. Louis style barbeque prepared by the folks at Pappy’s Smokehouse. We would like everyone to try and get their sons or nephews to attend, if they are college age or older. We will send out an email for people to RSVP so we can order enough food. If you are not receiving our emails currently, please contact David Wahby at wahby@sbcglobal.net or Mike Hurley at Michael@hurleyandhurley.com. As always, men’s society will sponsor the meal, but will accept donations to offset the cost, however your attendance is what we consider most important. Please make an effort to attend this meeting, as well as, to help create interest in the men’s society among young men in our parish. Thank you

On Tuesday, December 31, 2013 we will have a New Years Eve Party at the Cedars Hall. Tickets will be available for purchase this weekend after all masses, They are $75 per person. More details will be mailed to everyone next week. I hope many of you will consider joining us at St. Raymond’s

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

While you are out shopping, please pick up a toy, game or craft for a needy child.

Please bring the wrapped present to the Children’s Liturgy Sunday, December 15th,

At 9 am. Fr. Moussa will accept the gifts on behalf of area needy children. Your

Generosity is appreciated.

Did you purchase your Breakfast with Santa and raffle tickets yet? Hurry, they are

Almost gone!

Please see Robbyn Wahby following 9 am liturgy for tickets!

 

 

Nov 23 bullein - NO WED LUNCH NOV 27

THERE WILL BE NO WEDNESDAY LUNCH ON NOVEMBER 27TH!

THE ANNOUNCEMENT TO MARY

The second Sunday of the Season of Announcement

commemorates the announcement to Mary that she is

to be the Mother of God. The feast actually recalls two

aspects of the same salvific mystery: the incarnation of

the divine Word and the motherhood of Mary. For this

reason, the feast was given different names according

to the aspect which was being emphasized. With time,

the incarnation of the Son of God was stressed on the

feast of the Birth of our Lord and today’s feast

became a Marian feast.

In addition to this second Sunday of the Season of

Announcement, the Maronite Church celebrates the

Annunciation of March 25th. The feast of the Annunciation appeared in the West, in Italy, during the fifth century, and was eventually adopted by the Maronite Church.

This great announcement to Mary, the fulfillment of the promises of the prophets, took place in the humble home of Mary in Nazareth. At the time, Mary was probably between fourteen and sixteen. Again it was Gabriel, the messenger of the end times, who brought the wonderful message to the young girl.

In many ways, the announcement to Mary can be compared to the announcement to Zechariah. Both apparitions took place during the day and both Zechariah and Mary were to be found at prayer. Mary, the Queen, is speaking with her Lord in her own home. It was necessary for Zechariah to go to the Temple and encounter the Lord in the holy of holies. When the angel appeared to Zechariah, he was described as “standing.” During the announcement to Mary, the angel greets her with signs of respect, gives her the good news and departs. He is not described as “standing.” The angel himself praises Mary, “you have found favor with God.”

In the name of all humanity, Mary consented to be the instrument through which salvation was to be brought into the world. One recalls Eve, who consented to bring darkness and sin into the world. With Mary, the New Eve, salvation history is at a turning point. She is to be the “Mother of the Light.”

 

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

 Breakfast with Santa tickets go on sale following Sunday liturgy! Adults $15, Children $5. Breakfast with Santa will be held Sunday, December 15, 10 a.m., immediately following 9 a.m. Mass."The Raffle tickets will also be on sale. Proceeds from the raffle tickets help offset the cost of this wonderful event. Need not be present to win.

We need help converting the Cedars into a Winter Wonderland, December 14th at 8 am. All volunteers welcome! If you have any questions,please contact Robbyn Wahby at rgwahby@gmail.com or 314-374-8339."

 

SAVE THE DATES!

The invitations for Msgr. Moussa ordination were mailed this past week to all parishioners. If any of you did not get an invitation, please contact the Rectory at 314-621-0056.  Please send your replies as soon as possible.

The Ladies Society will hold their Christmas party on Thursday, December 5th at 6 pm at Bartolino’s Osteria on Hampton Ave. Tickets are $27 per person. Anyone interested in attending may call Pat Busekrus at 314-920-2573.

The Men’s Society will hold their Christmas party on Wednesday, December 4th at 6:30 pm and will serve St. Louis style barbeque prepared by the folks at Pappy’s Smokehouse. We would like everyone to try and get their sons or nephews to attend, if they are college age or older. We will send out an email for people to RSVP so we can order enough food. If you are not receiving our emails currently, please contact David Wahby at wahby@sbcglobal.net or Mike Hurley at Michael@hurleyandhurley.com. As always, men’s society will sponsor the meal, but will accept donations to offset the cost, however your attendance is what we consider most important. Please make an effort to attend this meeting, as well as, to help create interest in the men’s society among young men in our parish. Thank you

On Tuesday, December 31, 2013 we will have a New Years Eve Party at the Cedars Hall. Tickets will be available for sale next weekend after all masses, They are $75 per person. More details will be mailed to everyone next week. I hope many of you will consider joining us at St. Raymond’s.

 

               HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!

Start your Thanksgiving Day by attending 10 am

Liturgy at St. Raymond’s and give thanks to the Lord.

 

Oct 26 bulletin

The Maronite Community of St. Raymond’s welcomes our shepherd, His Excellency Bishop Elias A. Zaidan as Bishop of the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon Los Angeles.

 

Come in peace, O Good Shepherd

Prudent Leader

Guide of Our Souls

Rock of the Church.

 

 

Thank you Sayedna Shaheen for the  years

of service, prayer, love and support!

May God continue to bless you as you

retire and start a new chapter of your life. We

hope and pray for good health and happiness

as you continue to serve our Lord and His

people.

 

Attention all 2013 high school graduates, NAM would like to give you a complimentary membership. Please send us your name by calling the office at 314-621-0056 or email at straymondscathedral@hotmail.com

 

DATE CHANGE

 Breakfast with Santa will be held on Sunday, December 15

instead of December 8th as previously noted. Tickets will go

on sale November 17th.

 

 

We will celebrate the feast of St. Raymond on November 10th with Bishop Elias Zaidan. There will only be one mass that day (10 A.M.) so we can come together as the family of St. Raymond’s. Following mass, everyone is invited to a brunch at The Cedars Hall.

 

Nov 9th bulletin

HAPPY FEAST DAY!

 

Dear Parishioners and Friends,

 

As we celebrate the renewal Sunday of the church,

we also celebrate the Feast of our Patron Saint in our Parish.

Romanos was born in Palestine in Caesarea and ordained

Deacon in one of the villages belonging to this province.

When the Roman Emperor, Diocletian, began his persecution

of the Christians both in the East and in the West, especially

at Antioch, Romanos immediately decided to go to that city

when he heard that many of the Christians there were

abandoning their Christian faith. The Emperor threatened to

cut out Romanos’ tongue, but the future martyr continued

preaching and urged the people to confess to no other savior

but Jesus.

Finally, he was arrested, thrown into prison and in 303, beheaded.

On this special day commemorating his feast, in coincidence with Renewal Sunday, we pledge to follow the example of St. Raymond, to renew our commitment to the church, to renew our Christian faith as sons and daughters of God the Father, and to renew our commitment to our community of St. Raymond and its organizations.

We cannot be called “Christians” only by name, our deeds must precede us in action. Our church is not a building of stones, it stands on the participation and stewardship of everyone of us, old and young, single and married.

We are called today to be an example and model in our own families, in our neighborhood, at work, in our schools and everywhere we go.

We have so many opportunities and so many places we can live our Christian faith and our commitment. We have our own organizations: The Ladies Society, The Men’s Society, the Maronite Youth Organization (MYO), the heritage classes for children, the choir, we can also live our commitment by volunteering as a reader on the altar, as a server, as an usher.

Most importantly, we can be an example of St. Raymond by inviting a family member or a friend to participate and attend the service of the Eucharist, to discuss and encourage them to participate in any other spiritual function as a body of Christ, the Church.

This is the best way to renew ourselves today, this is the best way to honor St. Raymond on His Feast day, and promise Him our love and commitment.

May the Lord, through the intercession of St. Raymond, guide us, strengthen us, and give us the perserverance to live our Faith and be true witnesses to His gospel today and forever.

Happy Feast day!

Msgr. Moussa Joseph

Rector

 

DATE CHANGE

 Breakfast with Santa will be held on Sunday, December 15 instead of

December 8th as previously noted. Tickets will go on sale November 17th.

 

Save The Dates!

On Friday, December 13, 2013 the ordination of Msgr. Moussa Joseph

to the dignity of Chorbishop will be celebrated during a liturgy at 6:30 pm

followed by a buffet reception at the Cedars. More details to follow.

 

The Ladies Society will hold their Christmas party on Thursday, December 5th at 6 pm at Bartolino’s Osteria on Hampton Ave. Tickets are $27 per person. Anyone interested in attending may call Pat Busekrus at 314-920-2573.

 

The Men’s Society will hold their Christmas party on Wednesday, December 4th at 6:30 pm and will serve St. Louis style barbeque prepared by the folks at Pappy’s Smokehouse. We would like everyone to try and get their sons or nephews to attend, if they are college age or older. We will send out an email for people to RSVP so we can order enough food. If you are not receiving our emails currently, please contact David Wahby at wahby@sbcglobal.net or Mike Hurley at Michael@hurleyandhurley.com. As always, men’s society will sponsor the meal, but will accept donations to offset the cost, however your attendance is what we consider most important. Please make an effort to attend this meeting, as well as, to help create interest in the men’s society among young men in our parish. Thank you

 

On Tuesday, December 31, 2013 we will have a New Years Eve Party at the Cedars Hall.  I hope many of you will consider joining us at St. Raymond’s. Details will be posted in future bulletins.

 

 

No Wednesday lunch, Oct .23

Due to the Installation of Bishop Zaidan, there will be no Wednesday lunch October 23. We will re-open on October 30th at 11 am.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23RD—3:00 P.M.—INSTALLATION OF OUR NEW BISHOP

BISHOP ELIAS A. ZAIDAN

The Apostolatic Nuncio, Maronite Bishops from far and near, Eastern Bishops and Latin Bishops will be present to welcome our new Bishop.

Please make every effort to be here so we can join our Parish Community and our friends in welcoming Bishop Elias Zaidan. All are welcome and invited to the Cedars following the ceremony to greet the Bishop and to share in food and drink.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25TH—6:00 P.M.—MASS OF THANKSGIVING BY BISHOP SHAHEEN

Con-celebrated by Bishop Zaidan and visiting Bishops and Priests. Banquet invitations due to seating capacity in the Cedars Hall is open to those who responded to the invitation.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27TH—10:00 AM (ONE MASS ONLY)

This is the first official Mass of the New Bishop as he assumes the Office of Chief Shepherd of our Diocese.

Bishop Shaheen will Con-Celebrate with him as his final Liturgy as Bishop. Visiting Bishops and Priests will also Con-Celebrate.

Following the Liturgy, the Cedars Hall will be open for a complimentary brunch for all Parishioners and guests. We are looking forward to having everyone present. It should be a real community celebration.

 

CONGRATULATIONS!

Chorbishop Moussa Joseph—Our Rector, Msgr. Moussa has been granted the dignity of

Chorbishop by the Patriarch at the request of Bishop Shaheen.

The Ordination will take place sometime in January due to

the fact that we have so many activities from now to the end of

the year. All will be notified of the proper date.

 

Attention all 2013 high school graduates, NAM would like to give you a complimentary membership. Please send us your name by calling the office at 314-621-0056 or email at straymondscathedral@hotmail.com

 

Due to the installation of our new Bishop, His Excellency Bishop Elias A. Zaidan, the Cedars Hall will be closed (no Wednesday lunch). We will re-open on Wednesday, October 30th at 11am—2 pm

 

FAITH & HERITAGE

Attention St. Raymond’s Parents: for children 5 years to 8th grade. Faith & Heritage Program began October 6th, 10 am in the Educational Center in the Cedars Hall (lower level). Even if your child is attending Catholic School, our Faith & Heritage Program provides your children with a deeper understanding of our faith, and exposes them to the Maronite Traditions. Registration forms are in the back of church. Please register your children. Its not too late to sign up!

 

SAVE THE DATE

Breakfast with Santa will be Sunday, December 8th this year! Tickets will go on sale November 17th. A mailing has been sent to you this week

We will celebrate the feast of St. Raymond on November 10th with Bishop Zaidan. There will only be one mass that day (10 A.M.) so we can come together as the family of St. Raymond’s. Following mass, everyone is invited to a brunch at The Cedars Hall.