April 26, 2014

Canonization of Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II

Pope Francis will canonize two Popes this Sunday April 27, 2014.

Pope John Paul II is remembered for helping bring down communism and for inspiring a generation of Catholics.  He  showed many how to forgive after he forgave the man who attempted to assassinate him. Many people call him “The Great”.

Pope John XXIII was known as “The Good Pope.” He called the second Vatican Council, but died before it was completed. His passionate views on equality were summed up in this famous statement, “We are all made in God’s image, and therefore we are all Godly alike.”

 

TOWN HALL MEETING

In honor of the Feast of St. Sharbel, on Thursday May 8th,  Sayedna Elias A. Zaidan will celebrate a  Liturgy at St. Raymond’s Cathedral at 6:30 pm followed by a town hall meeting  at the Maronite Heritage Institute  at 7:30  pm We have moved the location as there will be a large party in the Cedars Hall.  Everyone is invited to attend the Liturgy and meeting. Sayedna Zaidan will  run the meeting and will answer any questions to the best of his ability.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The forms for the NAM scholarship and St. Raymond’s Scholarship are in the vestibule of the church. Please remember the deadline of May 12th. No applications will be accepted after that date.

 

NAM CONVENTION

Mark your calendars for the NAM convention:

July 2-6 in Pittsburgh, PA. Registration forms are  available in the vestibule of the church.

  THANK YOU!

Chorbishop Moussa would like to express his sincere thanks and appreciation for all the prayers, wishes and thoughtfulness during the Easter Season. May the Risen Lord reward you all with His blessings of happiness and peace!

 

Due to special events in the month of May, the Ladies and Men’s society meetings have been changed.  In honor of the Blessed Mother, The Ladies Society will begin their monthly meeting on Tuesday May 13th with a Liturgy at 6:30 pm followed by a Living Rosary to the Shrine by the Pastoral Center and a Blessing with the Icon of the Blessed Mother.  The Ladies will proceed with their meeting in the Lebanon Room. All members are encouraged to attend this special evening.

 

The Men’s Society will hold their monthly meeting on Thursday May 15th at 6:30 pm in the Lebanon Room. All members are encouraged to attend. Please share the change of date with your friends and family members.

 

PALM SUNDAY DINNER REPORT

Income:                       $8,667.90

Food expenses:              $2606.28

Security expense:              $140.00

Porters expense:              $613.00

Net Income: $5,308.62

 

COFFE HOUR HOSTS

Attending the Liturgy is of central importance for the Family of St. Raymond Parish. After the Sunday Liturgies, we have the great custom of gathering in the Cedar’s to socialize with our families and friends. We would like to add to this tradition by asking families, or a combinations of couples, to host the coffee hour. Please think about volunteering for the Sunday Liturgy that you normally attend. We hope to get a number of people involved in this important ministry. Please  write your names on the sign up sheets in the vestibule of the church.

 

NEW SUNDAY

New Sunday is the eighth day of the Church’s celebration of the resurrection. The first week of the Season of Resurrection, the Week of Hawareyeen, has come to a conclusion. During this week we have seen the various appearances of the Lord: to Mary Magdalene, the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, to Peter, the disciples on the road to Emmaus, and the disciples gathered in the upper room. Now the appearances of the Lord are over. In overcoming the hesitation of Thomas, the Lord revealed to the apostles the truth of the resurrection. Christ has risen, truly risen!

New Sunday once and for all puts an end to the old way of looking at the Lord. He is no longer revealed in the flesh (as the disciples did). From now on, he is revealed in Spirit, through the experiences of faith and in the Mysteries (sacraments). Only in the Spirit is there a sharing in his mystery of redemption. His word is crystal clear and resounds for all ages and generations:

“You have become a believer,

Because you saw me.

Blessed are they who have not

Seen and have believed.”

 

 

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!

Come join us this coming Thursday May 1st in the

celebration of Sayedna Robert Shaheen’s 50th

anniversary to the priesthood. A  Liturgy of

Thanksgiving will be celebrated at 7 pm at St. Raymond’s Cathedral followed by a reception in The Cedars Hall. This is an open invitation, everyone is welcome.