October bulletin

OCTOBER: THE MONTH OF THE ROSARY

The month of October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary. According to an account by fifteenth-century Dominican, Alan de la Roch, Mary appeared to St. Dominic in 1206 after he had been praying and doing severe penances because of his lack of success in combating the Albigensian heresy. Mary praised him for his valiant fight against the heretics and then gave him the Rosary as a mighty weapon, explained its uses and efficacy, and told him to preach it to others.

“Since the prayers of the Rosary come from such excellent sources-from Our Lord Himself, from inspired Scripture, and from the Church-it is not surprising that the Rosary is so dear to our Blessed Mother and so powerful with heaven.”

The Rosary had its origin in the liturgical mentality of former ages. Even at the present time it is called “Mary’s Psalter.”

The Rosary is Christocentric setting forth the entire life of Jesus Christ, the passion, death , resurrection  and glory. Of course, the Rosary honors and contemplates Mary too, and rightly so, for the same reason that the Liturgical Year does likewise: “Because of the mission she received from God, her life is most closely linked with the mysteries of Jesus Christ, and there is no one who has followed in the footsteps of the Incarnate Word more closely and with more merit than she.” Meditation on this cycle of Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious and Luminous Mysteries make the Rosary not only “a breviary or summary of the Gospel and of Christian life,” but also a compendium of the Liturgical Year. Therewith the Rosary stands revealed as a dynamic teacher and nurturer of Christian faith, morality, and spiritual perfection, fostering in various ways faith, hope, charity and the other virtues, and mediating special graces, all to the end that we may become more and more like unto Christ.

Pope Benedict XVI in an address at the Basilica of St. Mary Major where he prayed the rosary with the faithful said:

Today, together we confirm that the Holy Rosary is not a pious practice banished to the past, like prayers of the times thought of with nostalgia. Instead, the Rosary is experiencing a new Springtime. Without a doubt, this is one of the most eloquent signs of love that the young generation nourish for Jesus and his Mother, Mary. In the current world, so dispersive, this prayer helps to put Christ at the centre, as the Virgin did, who meditated within all that was said about her Son, and also what he did and said. When reciting the Rosary, the important and meaningful moments of salvation history are relived. The various steps of Christ’s mission are traced. With Mary the heart is oriented toward the mystery of Jesus. Christ is put at the centre of our life, of our time, of our city, through the contemplation and meditation of his holy mysteries of joy, light, sorrow and glory. May Mary help us to welcome within ourselves the grace emanating from these mysteries so that through us we can “water” society, beginning with our daily relationships, and purifying them from so many negative forces, thus opening them to the newness of God. The Rosary, when it is prayed in an authentic way, not mechanical and superficial but profoundly, it brings, in fact, peace and reconciliation. It contains within itself the healing power of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, invoked with faith and love at the centre of each “Hail Mary.”

In this month of October, let us consider the beautiful prayer of the Rosary as a means to draw closer to Jesus and Mary by meditating on the great mysteries of our salvation!

HOLY MARY PRAY FOR US!

 

THANK YOU

The celebration of our Annual Saint Raymond Parish Festival continues as we not only enjoy the financial benefits of the Festival, but also the success of the stewardship of time and talent offered by so many faithful parishioners and friends. As your Cathedral Rector, I wish to offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to all who helped defray the cost of the Festival, all who purchased the various raffle tickets, those who donated goods and services, and all who came to celebrate the faith and heritage of this great Parish of St Raymond. A very sincere thanks to the anonymous donor of $18,000.00 to defray the cost of the car. May God reward him and his family with abundant blessings.

 In a special and heartfelt way, I extend my gratitude to all of the dedicated volunteers, from the youngest to the oldest, who sacrificed so much of their time to make the 2014 Parish Festival a success. No amount of thanks, though, can replace the joy we all experience in working together as a parish family to build up the Kingdom of God. I extend to all of you my sincere appreciation for making the Festival a true example of Stewardship - time, talent, and treasure - where everyone experiences the joys of parish life. God bless all of you and your families.

Chorbishop Moussa Joseph

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR RAFFLE WINNERS:

CAR:                                                     MR & MRS. DON & TERRY LEONG & MR. & MRS. FRANK & MARY EHLEN

TUPPERWARE BASKET:                     AMY FINNIGAN

KIDS BASKETS:                                     ALEX BAUER, AMYA GARST

RING:                                                     ELIE & ANNIE HLEISS

$1000 CASH:                                       DEBBIE ELKING

LIQUOR WAGON:                               OESTERLEI FAMILY

NECKLACE:                                            LISA GARRETT

MEN’S RING:                                       SANDY WAHBY

MONEY BASKET:                                DEBBIE ELKING

 

AN APPRECIATION

PARTY

SUNDAY OCTOBER 12, 2014

4 PM IN THE

LEBANON ROOM.

ALL ARE INVITEDTO

ATTEND & PARTICIPATE.

PLEASE COME & ENJOY

YOURSELVES &

CELEBRATE A JOB WELL

DONE

A festival evaluation meeting will be held on Monday, September 29th at 7 pm in the Lebanon room. We will discuss our successful festival. Everyone is invited to attend and participate!

 

IF ANYONE WORKED SERVICE HOURS FOR THE FESTIVAL, PLEASE EMAIL THE RECTORY WITH NAME, HOURS WORKED, AREA WORKED, AND WHERE TO SEND THE LETTER. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HELPED!

straymondscathedral@hotmail.com or 314-621-0056

 

The Men’s Society meeting will be held on Thursday, October 2nd at 6:30 in the Lebanon room. All men are invited to attend!

 

The Ladies  Society meeting will be held Tuesday October 7th at 7 pm in the Lebanon room. All ladies are invited to attend.

 

SAVE THE DATE!

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 15TH AND SUNDAY NOVEMBER 16TH WE WILL CELEBRATE ST. RAYMOND’S FEAST!

MORE DETAILS WILL FOLLOW!

 

 

 

EVALUATION MEETING

We will have a meeting Monday September 29th at 7 pm in the Lebanon Room to evaluate our successful festival. Everyone is invited to attend and participate!

APPRECIATION PARTY

AN APPRECIATION

PARTY

SUNDAY OCTOBER 12, 2014

4 PM IN THE

LEBANON ROOM.

ALL ARE INVITEDTO

ATTEND & PARTICIPATE.

PLEASE COME & ENJOY

YOURSELVES &

CELEBRATE A JOB WELL

DONE

 

 

 

On Sunday September 7th the Faith and Heritage classes began for the year. Those of you who have not registered your children, please do so this week or bring your children next Sunday. Classes take place between 10:00 am and 10:45 am. Registration forms and calendars are available in the vestibule. Please take one on your way out.

 

Maronite Young Adults (MYA) meeting Wednesday September 24th in the Lebanon room at 7:00 pm All young adults are invited to participate.

 

MYO kickoff Saturday September 20th. All youth ages 13-18 are invited for a day of fun, service, and reflection. Join us from 1:30-6 pm followed by the festival. Meet in the Lebanon room. Parents please join us for 5:00 mass.

 

THANK YOU

A sincere thank you to those of you who have already given: M/M John Simon, Diana Deeba, Dr. & Mrs. Dan Abodeely, M/M Frank Ehlen, Milad Abounader, Shirley Milford, Dr. & Mrs. John Bouhasin in memory of Josephine Bouhasin, Helene Gazall, Lorraine Jaboor, Linda Hill, M/M Roger Sholy, M/M Lou Wright, M/M Terry Rask,  M/M Mike Banovz, Jamie Jabouri, Donna Thomas,  M/M Hoppy Randazzo,  M/M Robert Rapp, a donor, Sis McGuire, Marie Kallial, M/M Elias Hitti, Elizabeth Wolff, M/M John Jabouri, Midwest Produce,  M/M Mike Thomas, Raymond Gazall, M/M Don Leong,  Leroy Wilson, M/M Guy Gendron,  Patricia Webbe, M/M Michael Day, Dr. Maged Haikal, M/M Michael Woodling,  M/M Thomas McDermott, Merry Kweiter

We are also thankful to our sponsors:

 

North American Montessori-Child Care, Inc.

Kenricks Meats & Catering

Midwest Cardiovascular, Inc.,

Scholwalter & Jabouri, PC

John Bouhasin, Jr. Attorney at Law

 

COFFEE HOUR

We kindly ask you to please clean off your tables/trays during

coffee hour after both liturgies as we have no porters on that day.

We are grateful for your

cooperation!

 

EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

Today’s feast is one of the greatest feasts of the Eastern Churches. It is frequently mentioned in ecclesiastical writings and always has as its object the triumph of Christ, his resurrection, and the veneration of the holy cross, the sign of his victory over death. The feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was first instituted in order to commemorate the dedication of the Church of the Resurrection on September 13, 335. The Emperor Constantine built this church and the one in Bethlehem and they are both in existence today. The Church of the Resurrection had five naves protected the sanctuary of the sepulcher or tomb of Christ. The date of September 13 was chosen in order to supplant the pagan feast of the Temple of Jupiter in Rome.

The second historical event which is the source of our present feast was the return of the holy cross to Jerusalem under Emperor Heracilius. The wood of the cross had been preserved in the Church of the Resurrection until May 4, 614 when the Persians captured Jerusalem, burned the Church of the Resurrection  and carried off the cross. After the victory of Emperor Jeracilus over the Persians, the cross was returned to Jerusalem on September 14, 628.

On this day the Maronite Church celebrates the Rite of the Cross, which is a service of adoration of the cross, the sign of our salvation. This feast which comes at the end of the annual liturgical cycle is also directed toward the second coming of Christ, who carries his cross of the readings and prayers of the seven weeks which follow and which close the liturgical year. Adoration and honor to the cross of our Savior! Glory and Praise to Christ our God, for ever! Amen.

 

 

St. Raymond’s Festival

Please make every effort to participate in giving a hand for one or two hours during this period in preparation for the Festival:

Monday, September 15 at 10 am—prepare “Kafta” for Saturday meal.

Wednesday September 17th at 4 pm till ?? - prepare “chicken” for Saturday meal.

Friday September 19th 8:30am-4 pm preparation of tabouli and getting other dishes packed for Saturday meal.

Saturday and Sunday we need help in every area, especially the kitchen to prepare the last items for the festival.   GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

 

 

Sept 6 bulletin

 

The invitations will be mailed soon for this great event honoring Bishop Emeritus Robert Shaheen! Register early as seating limited. General admission—$850 table of 10/ $85 per ticket. For more information please contact Stacey Krieg at 314-256-8858 or by email : krieg@ai.edu.

 

On Sunday September 7th the Faith and Heritage classes will begin for the year. Those of you who have not registered your children, please do so this week or bring your children next Sunday. Classes take place between 10:00 am and 10:45 am. Registration forms and calendars are available in the vestibule. Please take one on your way out.

 

Maronite Young Adults (MYA) meeting Wednesday September 24th in the Lebanon room at 7:00 pm All young adults are invited to participate.

 

MYO kickoff Saturday September 20th. All youth ages 13-18 are invited for a day of fun, service, and reflection. Join us from 1:30-6 pm followed by the festival. Meet in the Lebanon room. Parents please join us for 5:00 mass.

 

A sincere thank you to those of you who have already given: M/M John Simon, Diana Deeba, Dr. & Mrs. Dan Abodeely, M/M Frank Ehlen, Milad Abounader, Shirley Milford, Dr. & Mrs. John Bouhasin in memory of Josephine Bouhasin, Helene Gazall, Lorraine Jaboor, Linda Hill, M/M Roger Sholy, M/M Lou Wright, M/M Terry Rask,  M/M Mike Banovz, Jamie Jabouri, Donna Thomas,  M/M Hoppy Randazzo,  M/M Robert Rapp, a donor, Sis McGuire, Marie Kallial, M/M Elias Hitti, Elizabeth Wolff, M/M John Jabouri, Midwest Produce,  M/M Mike Thomas, Raymond Gazall, M/M Don Leong,

We are also thankful to our sponsors:

North American Montessori-Child Care, Inc.

Kenricks Meats & Catering

Midwest Cardiovascular, Inc.,

Scholwalter & Jabouri, PC

 

Many raffle tickets for the car have been purchased! Thank you for your generosity!

 

St. Raymond’s Festival

Please make every effort to participate in giving a hand for one or two hours during this period in preparation for the Festival:

Monday, September 15 at 10 am—prepare “Kafta” for Saturday meal.

Wednesday September 17th at 4 pm till ?? - prepare “chicken” for Saturday meal.

Friday September 19th 8:30am-4 pm preparation of tabouli and getting other dishes packed for Saturday meal.

Saturday and Sunday we need help in every area, especially the kitchen to prepare the last items for the festival.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

 

Recently, a second collection was taken up for direct aid to Christians in need in Iraq. The response was good, thanks to your efforts and generosity.

However, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is asking that all parishes in the United States make another effort to assist Christians throughout the Middle East at this great time of need. The impetus  for the special appeal is a “great concern for the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, the cradle of Christianity,” Archbishop Kurtz explained in the letter. “Our church mourns the terrible suffering of Christians and other innocent victims of violence in Iraq, Syria and Gaza who are struggling to survive, protect their children and live with dignity in dire conditions.”

Therefore, Bishop Zaidan designated the week of the Holy Cross, September 13-14 for a second collection that we will forward directly to the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. I know you will respond again with generosity. Money given to the collection will be disbursed for humanitarian needs by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and other Catholic agencies working in partnership with the local Church in the Middle East. This collection will assist the refugees in Lebanon.

A Summit “in defense of Christians” will be held in Washington, D.C. on September 9-11, 2014. Religious leaders from the Middle East will be part of this summit including His Beatitude Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi (Maronite Patriarch of Antioch), His Holiness Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II (Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch), His Eminence Donald Cardinal Wuerl (Archbishop of Washington), His Eminence Leonard Cardinal Sandri (Perfect of the Vatican’s Congregation for Oriental Churches), His Holiness Catholics of Aram I (head of the Holy See of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Church), His Beatitude Gregory III Laham (Melkite Greek Patriarch of Antioch), His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch (Primate of the Greek Orthodox Patriatchate of Antioch and All the East), and His Beatitude Moran Mor Ignatius Joseph III Younan (Patriarch of Antioch and all the East of the Syrians).

Since this is an extremely crucial time for Christians throughout the Middle East, we ask you to pray for the success of this summit and a solution for the Christians in the Middle East to stay in their countries and homes.

After the summit, His Beatitude Cardinal Bechara Boutros Al-Rahi will visit three parishes in our Eparchy before returning to Lebanon: St. Elias Maronite Church, Birmingham, AL., St. Maron church, St. Paul, MN, and St. Maron church, Cleveland, OH.

I will be traveling to Birmingham, AL on Friday September 12 to participate in His visit there. I will return on Saturday night.  Father Dominic McManus, a Dominican priest will celebrate the 5:00 pm liturgy on Saturday, September 13th. I will be back for Sundays Liturgies on the 14th.

Chorbishop Moussa Joseph

Rector