Maronite Voice - Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn

The
Maronite Voice
A Publication of the Maronite Eparchies in the USA
Volume II Issue No. 7 July 2006
A Reflection on Fathers and on Saint Joseph, Foster Father of Jesus
Saint Joseph, foster father of
Jesus and respectful spouse
of the Virgin Mary is also
called “patron of the Church,”
“friend of open hearts,” great
“helper for men,” and “patron of a
happy death.” Yet, before
reflecting on these titles of Saint
Joseph, I’d like to reflect on the
four tasks of fatherhood.
Fatherhood
The first important task of a father
is to love his children. He is an
image of God for them, and so all
that he does can either help them
grow into loving persons, or
because of selfish or dominant
desires, harm their development.
A father desires the best for his
children, and sacrifices for this.
Heimposes rules for the home that
are fair and which advance the
common and individual good. He
helps each person discern his/her
vocation from God so as to find
themselves and their relationship
with God.
The second important task of
a father is to love his children’s
mother. An old man who
successfully raised a happy and
healthy family of seven was asked
what was his secret. He answered
clearly and affectionately, “I loved their
mother.” This secret is really no secret
at all. If fathers want their children to
respect women, to respect themselves,
to respect the vocation of marriage, and
to love and respect God, he must also
show this love and respect to the one
whom God has given to him as a
spouse, and with whom God has given
him children.
The third task of a father is to
provide for his family. This is not easy,
because there are many difficulties
associated with work. A father has to
work long hours, work with people that
he may not like, put up with difficult
working conditions, his work may be
unstable, and his pay less than he
deserves. These are among the many
pressures on a man to provide well for
his family. Thus, all of us must do our
best to support and strengthen a father
as he attempts to provide for his family.
The fourth important task of the
father is that he must protect his
wife and children. He must put
them first, emotionally, socially,
and spiritually. At times he must
defend their honor and dignity. He
must also love them and advise
them in such a way that keeps them
from the temptations, the
vulnerabilities, and the dangers of
society. He must, like Christ, lay
down his life for them.
A good example and
intercessor for the good Father is
Saint Joseph.
Saint Joseph, Patron
of the Church, Great
Helper for Man
Ap s y c h o l o g i s t o n c e
commented that Joseph’s
respect and reverence, as
well as his strong, attentive and
loving involvement for a wife not
his own, and a son not his own, was
the primary human reason why
Jesus could preach and live a life of
unconditional and sacrificial love.
The positive way that Joseph was a
father and a husband made possible
much of the inner strength and
freedom that Jesus possessed. He
was able to live in this world of
many troubles without a paralyzing
fear; and in His human nature, Jesus
freely expressed a deep and yet chaste
love for others, and a beautiful
confidence.
(Continues on Page 20)

Schedule of Bishop Robert Shaheen
June 28-July 2, 2006
Pastoral visit of His Beatitude Patriarch Nasrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir to the
Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon, St. Raymond Cathedral, St. Louis, Mo.
July 3-9, 2006
Annual Clergy Conference and NAM Convention, Chicago, Ill.
July 10-12, 2006
St. Maron Church, Detroit and St. Sharbel Church, Warren, Mich.
August 12, 2006
Ordination of Deacon Tom Craven to priesthood, St. Maron, Youngstown, Oh.
August 13 -15, 2006
Annual Pilgrimage, National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, North Jackson,
Oh.
August 20, 2006
Anniversary Liturgy, Danbury, Conn.
Schedule of Bishop Gregory Mansour
June 28-July 2, 2006
St. Louis, Mo., for Patriarch Sfeir’s visit
July 3-9, 2006
Annual Clergy Conference and NAM Convention, Chicago, Ill.
July 12-13, 2006
St. Anthony Church, Lawrence, Mass., for Patriarch Sfeir’s visit
July 14-17, 2006
Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y., for Patriarch Sfeir’s visit
July 20- 21 , 2006
Maronite Youth Organization (MYO) Retreat, Youngstown, Oh.
July 30, 2006
Our Lady of Lebanon Church, Easton, Penn., celebration in honor of Msgr.
Sami Hayek for his years of priestly services
August 4, 2006
Raleigh, N. C., Installation of Bishop Burbidge
August 5, 2006
Ordination of Subdeacon Dominique Hanna to the Order of Deacon, St.
Anthony Church, Glen Allen (Richmond), Va.
August 12, 2006
Our Lady of Victory Church, Pittsburgh, Penn.
August 13, 2006
St. George Church, Uniontown, Penn.
August 14-15, 2006
Feast of the Assumption, Our Lady of Lebanon Shrine, North Jackson, Oh.
August 27, 2006
Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Summer Break
The Maronite Voice wishes its readers an enjoyable, safe and God-filled summer.
The Maronite Voice will not be published in August. It will appear again in
September. The deadline for the September issue is August 25, 2006.
The Maronite Voice
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Phone: 804/270-7234
Fax: 804/273-9914
E-Mail: gmsebaali@aol.com
http://www.stmaron.org
http://www.usamaronite.org
The Maronite Voice, (ISSN 1080-
9880) the official newsletter of the
Maronite Eparchies in the U.S.A.
(Eparchy of OurLady of Lebanon of
Los Angeles and Eparchy of Saint
Maron of Brooklyn), is published
monthly.
Send all changes of address, news,
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Voice at the above captioned
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$20.00 per year. Advertising rates
are available upon request.
Publishers
• Most Reverend Bishop Robert
Joseph Shaheen
• Most Reverend Bishop Gregory
John Mansour
Editor Msgr. George M. Sebaali
Consultor Fr. Abdallah Zaidan,
M.L.M.
Editing and proofreading
Mary Shaia
Anne- Marie Condlin
Michael Maynes
Printed in Richmond, Virginia.
Maronite Census
Register your family in the
Maronite Census
www.maronitecensus.net
email: usa@maronitecensus.net
or call
Eparchy of Saint Maron of
Brooklyn
at 1-718-237-9913
Eparchy of Our Lady of
Lebanon
at 1-314-231-1021
Leave your name and address and
you will receive the Census form
by mail.
The Maronite Voice Volume II Issue No.7 Page 2 July 2006

Our Lady of Lebanon Shrine
North Jackson, Ohio
41 st Assumption Pilgrimage
August 13 – 15, 2006
marks the 41 st Pilgrimage
to the National Shrine of
Our Lady of Lebanon in North
Jackson, Ohio. “The years have
passed quickly and many
visitors and pilgrims have come
to Mary’s home for many
reasons. All have left with
God’s blessings and graces,”
said Monsignor Anthony S.
Spinosa, Rector.
Pilgrimage Schedule
On Sunday, August 13, 2006
ReverendAndrew Kolitsos of St. George RomanianCatholic
Cathedral will celebrate “Parakleses to The Mother of God”
at 4:00pm. The Most Reverend Basil M. Schott, O.F.M.,
Metropolitan Archbishop for the Byzantine Catholic Diocese
of Pittsburgh, Penn., will celebrate at 7:00pm an evening
Byzantine Rite Liturgy followed by a candlelight procession.
On Monday, August 14, 2006, from noon until 4:00pm
there will be Hayrides to Martyr Trail; Rosary on the hour
from 1:00 until 6:00pm; Childrens activities from 2:00 until
5:00pm and Maronite Vespers chanted by the Antonine
Sisters at 4:00pm. Monsignor Robert J. Siffrin, Vicar
General of the Diocese of Youngstown, Ohio, will celebrate
at 7:00pm an evening Roman Rite Liturgy followed by a
candlelight procession.
On Tuesday, August 15, 2006, (Feast of the Assumption),
additional liturgies during the day are scheduled. From Noon
until 4:00pm there will be Hayrides to Martyr Trail; Rosary
onthe hour from 1:00 until 6:00pm; Childrens activities from
2:00 until 5:00pm; Maronite Vespers chanted by the
AntonineSisters at 4:00pm and Confessions. His Excellency
Gregory John Mansour, Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint
Maron of Brooklyn, will celebrate the Noon Liturgy followed
by the blessing of the sick. Bishops Robert J. Shaheen and
Gregory J. Mansour will celebrate at 7:00pm an evening
Maronite Rite Pontifical Liturgy followed by candlelight
procession.
The Cedars Dining Hall will be open all three days from
11:00am until 11:00pm with many varieties of ethnic foods
and deserts.
The National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon is located at
2759 North Lipkey Road in North Jackson, Ohio. For further
information on the Shrine call (330)-538-3351 or by email
info@ourladyoflebanonshrine.org or website
www.ourladyoflebanonshrine.org.
Altar Servers Team Building and
Appreciation Event
Houston, Texas
Group photo of the altar servers with (left to right) Assistant
PastorFr. André Estephan, Altar Server Program Coordinator
Alberto Tohmé, and Fr. Milad Yaghi after the First Annual
Soccer Match event.
by Alberto G. Tohmé
The energetic altar servers at Our Lady of the Cedars
Maronite Church in Houston, Texas, worked very hard
to serve the liturgies throughout the past year. The altar
server program has grown to include over twenty dedicated
members ranging in age from eight to fifteen years old. Altar
service duties are scheduled on a rotational basis to provide
everyone a chance to serve and to ease the burden on parents
and children alike. More often than not, however, these
children show great personal initiative by volunteering to
serve masses as needed outside of regularly scheduled dates.
To encourage team building, show appreciation to the
altar servers, and just plain have fun, Our Lady of the cedars
Church organized a First Annual Altar Server Soccer Match
followed by a pizza and ice cream party and appreciation
gifts. The soccer match event was a huge success. Despite
the stifling 90+ degree temperature, humidity just as high,
and scattered rain showers that drenched and steamed up the
playing field, the children (and parents alike) had lots of fun.
Fr. André Estephan,Assistant Pastor,demonstrated hissoccer
skills by helping his team score multiple goals. A pizza and
ice cream party followed the match. Caps and shirts
embroidered with the church building logo were offered to all
the children. Frs. André and Milad Yaghi, Pastor, thanked all
the kids and wrapped up the event on a high “team spirit”
note.
This event was a great way to end the academic year for
the children. Children and parents alike voiced their strong
interest in having a similar event in the fall to kick off the
next academic year. And the priests better sharpen their
soccer skills!
The Maronite Voice Volume II Issue No.7 Page 3 July 2006

Anaheim Young Adults Share Spiritual Awakening Over Email
The Maronite Young Adult
Association (MYAA) of Saint
John Maron Church in Anaheim,
California, held a premier spiritual
retreat for its members on April 28-30,
2006. The group rented a large cabin in
the mountains which served as a safe
haven for those who wished to attend.
Approximately two dozen young
adults were present, all with different
expectations ranging from fun activities
to spiritual clarity. Some were unsure
about what to expect as this was the
first spiritual retreat for the majority.
What in fact occurred that weekend
between the young adults and the
clergy was truly a spiritual experience
that has had a residual effect on the
entire group, including those not
present. Since then, the entire
experience has been documented via
recurring daily emails. Apparently, the
spiritual retreat, expected to only last
one weekend, has spilled over to what
many members hope to be for the rest
of their lives, citing that they were
forever bonded through their
connection to the Lord. One young
adult noted to the group via email that
“[I hope] this feeling continues to grow
and spread through all the young adults
and our entire church community.”
The MYAA had not participated in
a spiritual retreat for a few years.
However, with the arrival of Father
Gaby Hoyek from Lebanon, came the
revival of the MYAA and spiritual
retreats. With the consent and support
of Father Tony Bakh, presiding priest
at Saint John Maron Church, Father
Gaby Hoyek escorted the young adults
to the mountains with hopes of bringing
the MYAA members closer to each
other and to the Lord. Accompanying
Father Tony and Father Gaby’s insight
to aiding the youth, Father Nabil
Mouannes from Saint Ephrem in San
Diego drove over two and a half hours
each way to attend a portion of the
retreat. From the onset, the retreat was
fully supported by the clergy, leaving
the young adults with the impression
that what awaited them was something
far more exciting than the fun preplanned
activities.
According to the emails wherein
virtually all two dozen members have
routinely participated in circulating, all
of the attendees, enraptured by the Holy
Spirit, learned to love and accept each
other as brothersand sisters of the Lord.
During one particular night, all of the
members were circled around Father
Gaby Hoyek. Throughout the lecture,
the entire group started to embrace the
teachings of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ, and one by one their tears
started to fall to the floor. After a
seemingly religious silence, the group
members started hugging each other,
and referring to each other as brother
and sister. That same evening, after all
the successes that had already past, one
member indicated that he had yet to
receive his first communion. In a
glorious but simple ceremony, Father
Gaby Hoyek administered to Ron
Trabousli his First Holy Communion.
The spiritual retreat deeply touched the
souls of all of the MYAA members who
were in attendance, and those who read
the subsequent emails (one of whom
was so inspired felt that it should be
shared with the entire community in the
form of an article).
The day after the conclusion of the
retreat, members started sharing their
own personal experiences via email,
and confessing their renewed love for
the Church and their brethren. Many
emails congratulated Ron on receiving
his first communion, sharing that they
were honored to take part in such a
religious experience. After reading the
outpour of emails, Ron Traboulsi
commented: “Not only did my First
Communion bring me closer to God,
but I'm happy to know that it has
brought all of us closer to one another
and to show how much we care for each
other.”
After reading all of the emails,
Father Tony sent out a mass
correspondence to all the members of
the MYAA advising that, “The next
step is for the club to gain stamina
through the day-to-day trialsthat pull us
down. (I am speaking relationally, not
in terms of activities.) This is the
hardest part. Once there is continued
inner strength and stability, the club can
take part in activities that can motivate
the rest of the parish. My most
immediate concern is outreach to other
young adults who do not come to
church or feel apart from everyone
else.” He appropriately ended his email
with “I love you all.”
As for the MYAA, nothing has
changed in the weeks that have past.
The energy and closeness between the
group continues to grow and has
manifested many friendships and even
attracted newcomers, and members that
had stopped coming to church. In fact,
the President of the MYAA, Abdo
Coury, has kept the fire burning by
constantly planning meetings, bible
studies, helping with the kid’s club,
luncheons, and social events ever since.
Abir Coury, who was at the retreat,
summed up the overall experience by
noting that the retreat demonstrated the
work of the Holy Spirit that created an
“Amazing bond that united us and
brought us up to a new spiritual level.
The connection born in us that day will
never be broken. Each one of us found
in the MYAA a new family for them.”
The MYAA wishes to thank Father
Tony Bakh, Father Gaby Hoyek, and
Father Nabil Mouannes for all their
support and assistance in helping the
MYAA members bond socially and
spiritually. Their unrelentingdedication
to the youth has contributed to the
familial bond that now exists between
all the MYAA members.
The Maronite Voice Volume II Issue No.7 Page 4 July 2006

St. Anthony’s Lebanese Food
Festival Sets New Record
Glen Allen, Virginia
The
22 nd
a n n u a l
Lebanese
Food Festival
held by St.
A n t h o n y ’ s
C h u r c h i n
Glen Allen,
Va., broke all
r e c o r d s –
becoming what
o n e n e w s
account called
“Richmond’s
biggest picnic”
a n d i t i s
certainly now
one of Central
V i r g i n i a ’ s
largest ethnic
festivals.
A crowd
o f n e a r l y
23,000 people
attended the
t h r e e - d a y
event, which
was held May
19-21, 2006 at
St. Anthony’s
Approximately 7,000 shawirma and falafel
sandwiches were sold at the 22 nd annual St.
Anthony’s Lebanese Festival.
15-acre complex in Richmond’s westernsuburbs. The festival
featured a wide variety of food, desserts and beverages as
well as live Lebanese music and dancing.
“The festival requires a lot of work on everyone’s part,”
said Monsignor George Sebaali, St. Anthony’s pastor. “But
fortunately, it is a labor of love. We love working together to
build our parish community and welove sharing our foodand
culture with everyone.”
Preparations for the festival begin each year in February,
when organizing meetings occur. Shortly after that, cooking
begins two days a week. Volunteers from the 200-family
parish also work on other preparations, such as lining up
tents, lighting, seating and other items as well as publicity.
During the week before the festival, preparations occur
almost around the clock.
About 130 dancers from age three on up participated in
the festival, performing all three days. They rehearsed weekly
for three months to get ready for the festival
Other parish members comprised the two musical groups
that performed traditional music.
This year’s festival benefitted from three days of perfect
weather as well as a growing tradition among Richmonders
to attend the event. “The first event drew just 500 people, but
word-of-mouth from happy attendees and an advertising
campaign have caused the festival to grow each year” said
Sandra Brown. Many attendees proudly proclaim that they
attend all three days.
Diners had a choice of either ala carte items sold at
booths on the church grounds or a full dinner served in the
social hall. Business was brisk all around. For example,
approximately 7,000 shawirma and falafel sandwiches were
sold.
The event is held traditionally the weekend after
Mother’s Day, so the dates for next year’s festival are already
set – Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 18-20, 2007.
Lebanese Culture celebrated in
San Antonio, Texas
St. George’s dance troupe performs at the Texas Folklife
Festival sponsored by the University of Texas Institute of
Texan Cultures of San Antonio, Texas.
For the past thirty-five years the parishioners and friends
of St. George Maronite Church in San Antonio, Texas,
have been participating in the Texas Folklife Festival
sponsored by the University of Texas Institute of Texan
Cultures of San Antonio. The event, this year June 8-11,
celebrates the various cultures of those ethnic groups who
have settled in Texas through the showcasing of authentic
foods, entertainment, and arts and crafts.
Representing the rich and beautiful culture of Lebanon,
St. George gave the public a taste of the old country by
selling Lebanese food and pastries. But it is not just the
delicious food or the famous Middle Eastern hospitality that
keeps people coming year after year, it’s also our dancers.
The Lebanese Folk and Mediterranean dancers under the
joint direction of Mrs. Deborah Mery Fernandez and her
daughter Yazmeen delight the standing room only crowds
with breath-taking performances. The Troupe has been
delighting crowds for over forty years with “an exiting
tradition of combining the ageless culture and charm of the
Mediterranean with the energy and spirit of modern-day San
Antonio.”
The Maronite Voice Volume II Issue No.7 Page 5 July 2006

THE ORDER
OF
SAINT SHARBEL
The Antonine Sisters Celebrate The Graduation
of Two of Its Members
NEW MEMBERS
Perpetual Members
Fr. Paul Mooradd
St. Anthony Church,
Danbury, Conn.
Annual Members
Timothy and Donna Marie
Gamma
St. Raymond Cathedral,
Saint Louis, Mo.
***
The Order of Saint Sharbel is an
organization of lay people and
clergy who have pledged their
spiritual strength and financial
support for Our Lady of Lebanon
Seminary and the retired Maronite
clergy of the Maronite Eparchies
in the USA.
For more information about the
Order, ask your pastor or write to
Eparchy of Saint Maron
Order of Saint Sharbel
109 Remsen Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Or
Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon
Order of Saint Sharbel
1021 South Street
St. Louis, MO 63104
Left to right: Sr. Marie Madeleine Iskandar, Sr. Nisrine El-Najjar, Sr. Judith
Haroun, and Sr. Grace Azoury.
by Sr. Celine Nohra, A.S.
On May 21, 2006, the Antonine Sisters’ Community in Youngstown, Ohio,
was pleased to have an open house in honor of Sr. Grace Azoury and Sr.
Nisrine El-Najjar. Sr. Grace graduated with a Bachelor of Science in
Nursing from Youngstown State University and Sr. Nisrine with a Master’s Degree
in Educational Administration from Ursuline College. They both graduated with
honors.
Priests, sisters, friends, neighbors, teachers and co-workers all gathered on that
beautiful Sunday to celebrate the graduation of both Sisters while savoring a
delicious meal prepared especially for the occasion. Also, the presence of Sr. Judith
Haroun, Major Superior added to the beauty of the celebration. Sr. Judith traveled
from Lebanon for the occasion and visited with the nuns for few weeks.
Congratulations to all the Maronite graduates of 2006 as well.
Chorbishop Joseph
Abi-Nader Celebrates
His 58 th Anniversary
On June 28, 2006, Chorbishop
Joseph Abi-Nader celebrated his
58 th anniversary of priesthood.
His Excellency Bishop Gregory J.
Mansour joins the clergy and faithful of
the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn
in extending heartfelt congratulations to
Chorbishop Abi-Nader and the promise
of our prayers. May the Almighty God
grant him much peace, health and
happiness.
Chorbishop Joseph Abi-Nader with
Bishop Gregory Mansour.
The Maronite Voice Volume II Issue No.7 Page 6 July 2006

Dinner Reception in Honor of
Father Larry Jensen
Danbury, Conn.
Danny Jowdy, representing Mayor Boughton and the city of
Danbury, presents Fr. Larry with a proclamation.
by Ghassan Najm
On June 23, 2006, Father Larry Jensen, Pastor of St.
Anthony Maronite Catholic Church in Danbury,
Conn., was honored for his almost eight years of
service and dedication at a testimonial dinner reception held
at the Amber Room Colonnade. It was attended by
parishioners, guest priests, and friends of St. Anthony, city
and state officials and dignitaries. Mark Chory, a parish
trustee, was the Master of Ceremonies, with Alan Raph, the
parish organist providing dinner music.
The evening program, which was opened with the
Invocation by Fr. George Alberts, Pastor of St. George
Orthodox Christian Church in Danbury, and a solo
performance by Margaret McKerrow, was followed with
remarks, presentations and several performances bythe music
ministries. Prior to the remarks, St. Anthony Choir opened
with a song written and composed by Father Larry to honor
his love for music. This was followed by the speakers, Shay
Miller – representing the trustees, the Honorable Probate
Judge Dianne Yamin - Conn., State President of Probate
Judges, Tom Saadi - City councilman, Michaela Petrini -
representing the Emmaus community for whom Father Larry
was their spiritual leader, and Frank Cappiello who read a
personal letter on behalf of his son, the State Senator David
Cappiello. All speakers reflected on Father Larry’s positive
impact on their personal lives as well as on St. Anthony
parish, its ministries and the greater Danbury community.
Father Larry was also presented with two proclamations,
first by the city of Danbury representing Mayor Boughton,
Danny Jowdy, the city Treasurer. The second by the State of
Connecticut legislative body. Representing State Senator
David Cappiello was Tom Saadi, Danbury city councilman.
Both emphasized many of Father Larry’s accomplishments
that resulted in the renaissance of St. Anthony Parish, due to
his empowering leadership, welcoming and caring spirit.
Evelyn Ellis, who made the reception favors of Chocolate
crosses, presented Father Larrywith a parish gift and a basket
full of Chocolate Chip cookies, his favorite. This was
followed by Father Larry gracious remarks which were filled
with humor and emotions, as was the mood for much of the
evening. A musical presentation was then lead by the Choir
Director, Linda Gabordi, and the Revelation 12 musical
group whom along with Father Larry, have lead the
parishioners and other Catholics in the community with the
Living Rosary ministry throughout the year. At closing,
Nadia Najm performed the last song ‘Irish Blessing’ which
was followed by the final blessing given by Father Larry.
His Excellency Bishop Gregory John Mansour, Bishop
of the Eparchy of Saint Maron of Brooklyn, has reassigned
Father Larry Jensen to St. Joseph Church in Waterville,
Maine, effective July 23, 2006. Fr. Larry has been a blessing
to St. Anthony Parish and to the greater Danbury community.
St. Anthony Parish wishes him the best in his new pastoral
assignment of the Maronite Catholic Faith, as it prepares to
welcome Father Paul Mooradd, its new pastor.
Maronite Youth Conference
The Maronite Youth Conference will take place July 19-
23, 2006 at Youngstown State University in
Youngstown, Ohio. For more information, please call
Fr. Gary George, Youth Director, at (330) 792-2371 or by
email at abounag1@hotmail.com.
73 rd Annual Lebanese Festival
Our Lady of Lebanon Church,
Wheeling, W. Va.
Our Lady of Lebanon Church will hold its 73 rd annual
festival (Mahrajan) on August 13, 2006, at the scenic
Oglebay Park in Wheeling, West Virginia. The
festival begins at 10:30 a.m. with an outdoor Maronite
Liturgy and all booths will open at Noon featuring Lebanese
food and pastries, live Lebanese music and entertainment as
well as games for adults and pony rides and games for
children.
The mahrajan will be held rain or shine and admission is
free. This year a mahrajan eve dinner will be held on August
12, 2006 at. St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church hall. For
additional information contact the parish website at
www.ololwv.com or call the Church at (304) 233-1688.
St. Anthony Annual “Mahrajan”
Danbury, Connecticut
St. Anthony’s Church in Danbury, Conn., will hold its
annual festival“Mahrajan”Saturday (Noon-12AM) and
Sunday (Noon-7PM) on August 19 - 20, 2006. The
festival will feature Middle Eastern live music and folk dance
performances by the youth of the parish; Lebanese foods and
sweets; children’s games and activities; vendors and
tournaments; free admission and parking. For more
information call the co-chair, Ghassan Najm, at (860) 488-
0074 or the church rectory at (203) 744-3372.
The Maronite Voice Volume II Issue No.7 Page 7 July 2006

Thanksgiving and Farewell
Boston, Mass.
Local Scout Volunteer Attends
National Catholic Committee On
Scouting Biennial Meeting
(Left to right) Altar Boys John Rodriguez and Charbel
Laham; Fr. Bechara El-Khoury, Dean of Students at Notre
Dame University (Louaize, Lebanon); Fr. Richard Clifford,
S.J., Professor of Old Testament at the Weston School of
Theology; Fr. Hanna Karam, Assistant Pastor at Our Lady of
the Cedars; Fr. Leonard Basinow of West Palm Beach, Fla.;
Chorbishop Joseph Lahoud, Pastor; Fr. Peter Fink; Fr. John
Prodimore, S.J., a chaplain from Portland, Me.; Fr. Randy
Sack, S.J., Dean of Students at the Weston School of
Theology; Fr. Charbel Batour, S.J.,from Boston College; and
Fr. Paul Brouwers, S.J., Dean of Students at Our Lady of
Consolata in Tanail, Lebanon.
by Cborbishop Joseph Lahoud
After twenty-five years of service at Our Lady of the
Cedars of Lebanon Church in Boston, Mass., Fr. Peter
Fink is departing to assume a new responsibility in
Manhattan, N.Y., where he began fiftyyears ago. A grateful
parish celebrated his farewell with a Divine Liturgy,
reception and banquet on June 4, 2006. Fr. Fink’s friends
from the Weston School of Theology joined him at the
Liturgy of Thanksgiving, along with clergy from Lebanon
and locally.
Fr. Fink was a Professor of Liturgy at the Weston School
of Theology in Cambridge, Mass. He is a graduate of
Fordham University with a degree in Physics as well as
having a degree in Natural Science from Rensselaer
Polytechnic Institute. He pursued his theological studies at
Woodstock College and holds a doctorate in Systematic
Theologyfrom Emory University. He is widely respected for
his innovative thinking and clarity in his chosen fields.
During his twenty-five years at Our Lady of the Cedars,
Fr. Fink made many friends whose lives have been enriched
by his knowledge, experience, dedication and caring. He is
a true priest with whom we are proud to be associated. He
goes to Manhattan to become an associate pastor at St.
Francis Church where, as a young Jesuit, he taught high
school.
Margaret Dillenburg with Fr. Nicholas Rachford, Ruthenian
priest of the Eparchy of Parmam Ohio and Chaplain for
Eastern Scouts, Region 15.
More than 250 adult Boy Scout volunteers from across
the United States attended the 39 th biennial meeting
of the National Catholic Committee on Scouting
(NCCS) from April 24 to April 29, 2006 in Schaumburg,
Illinois. Among those attending were Margaret Dillenburg of
Scranton, Penn., representing the Eparchy of Saint Maron of
Brooklyn.
She attends St. Ann Maronite Catholic Church in
Scranton, Penn., and is a member of the Executive Board of
NCCS and is Chairman of Region 15, serving the Eastern
Churches in the United States.
She joined with other Catholic Scouters in a week long
program of training sessions, seminars and presentations
focusing on Scouting as youth ministry in the Catholic
Church. The conference featured twenty separate workshops
focusing on various aspects of the NCCS program, as well as
presentations from Robert Mazzuca, National Director of the
Development Group of the Boy Scouts of America; Kevin
Driscoll, Coordinator for the Office of Youth and Young
Adults of the Diocese of Gary, Ind.; and Brian Gray, Director
of the Boy Scouts of America Philmont Training Center.
Keynote speakers were Rev. Dan Coughlin, Chaplain of
the United States House of Representatives and Chris Bury,
ABC news correspondent, and an Eagle Sout.
The National Catholic Committee on Scouting is a
church committee of concerned Catholic lay people and
clergy who see their mission as the constructive use of the
program of the Boy Scouts of America as a viable form of
youth ministry with the Catholic youth of the United States.
The committee, which is advisory to the Boy Scouts of
America (BSA), seeks to sustain and strengthen the
relationship between BSA and the Catholic Church in the
United States of America.
The Maronite Voice Volume II Issue No.7 Page 8 July 2006

The Maronite Voice Volume II Issue No.7 Page 9 July 2006

Truth Or Fiction?
by Bishop Gregory J. Mansour
The days in which we live are
baffling. Fiction trumps Truth,
and hearsay replaces eyewitness.
Who can we trust anymore? Some say
without any doubt, surely not the
Catholic Church – the well-known
oppressor of people and the obstacle to
scientific and cultural progress! Others
say with even greater certainty, surely
not the priests, well known for their
offenses! But have we lost something
today?
No one can accuse us of being too
naive, too trusting. In fact the opposite
is true. We are convinced today that
whatever our grandparents trusted
should be suspect. We are baffled.
Who and what shall we believe?
In the early Church there were four
Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and
John, which were acceptable to all of
the early Christians. There were also
several others circulating a few
centuries after these Gospels. The early
Christians rejected these other
“gospels” because they told too many
legends of Jesus, introduced some
strange teachings in the words of Jesus,
or denied the truth about the Lord’s
passion and death. Strangely enough,
today people are more interested in
these other later “gospels” than in the
four accepted by the eyewitnesses!
Below is a partial list of those
gospels called apocryphal and rejected
by the early Christians.
The Infancy Gospel of Thomas
An Arabic Infancy Gospel
The Gospel of James
The Gospel of the Nativity of
Mary
The Gospel of Mary (Magdalene)
The Gospel of Pseudo-Matthew
The Gospel of Nicodemus (Acts of
Pilate)
The Gospel Bartholomew
The Gospel of Peter
The Gospel of Thomas
The Gospel of Phillip
The Gospel of the Lord (by
Marcion)
The Secret Gospel of Mark
The Gospel of Judas
The Gospel of Barnabas
It ought to be noted that the Da Vinci
Code, which is found in the bookstores
under the “fiction” section... yes,
fiction, relies on some of these rejected
texts. There are also groups today that
claim they know the historical Jesus,
not through the four accepted Gospels
but from these other texts.
In fact, some deny that Jesus was
crucified at all, rather it was someone
else who went to the cross and
Christians were mistaken.Theirthought
is reminiscentof the apocryphal Gospel
of Barnabas, which purported that
Judas was actually mistaken for Jesus
and crucified!
Thus, it is not surprising that
elements of these “gospels” found their
way into our modern times. People are
eager to indulge their curiosity to know
the “full picture” of Jesus. The
translation and promotion of these
“gospels” is a multi-million dollar
business. Jesus was betrayed by 30
pieces of silver; today he is betrayed by
a dollar.
It is worth noting, in conclusion,
that there are common themes found in
all these “gospels”. Some deny the
suffering, death and resurrection of
Jesus. Others dilute our Lord’s difficult
moral teachings on forgiveness, love of
enemy, the sanctity of marriage and
sexual purity. Others deny the need for
sacrificial love, for self-denial, and for
unconditional love.
If one were to read the true
Christian Gospels – Matthew, Mark,
Luke or John – and then compare them
with any of these other “gospels”, it
will take only a few minutes to realize
why the Church decided on Her four,
while rejecting the others. The Gospels
of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
invite the reader to a profound life with
God, which has moral implications.
These Gospels ask of the reader a
commitment to a life based on sacrifice,
forgiveness and love. The other
“gospels” do nothing of the sort. Read
for yourself and see. In the long run,
truth is much more beautiful than
fiction, and an eyewitness, more
reliable than hearsay.
Prayer For Priestly
Vocations
Father, in every generation You
provide ministers of Christ and the
Church.
We come before You now, asking
that You call forth more men to
serve our eparchies in the
ministerial priesthood.
Give us priests who will lead and
guide Your holy people gathered
by Word and Sacrament.
Bless us with priestly vocations so
that we can continue to be a truly
Eucharistic Church,
strengthened in our discipleship of
Jesus Christ, Your Only Son.
Raise up, we pray, men who are
generous in their service,
willing to offer their lives and all
their gifts for Your greater glory
and for the good of Your people.
We make our prayer in the
presence and power of the Holy
Spirit, through Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
Year of Prayer for Priestly
Vocations
November 4, 2005 – November 4,
2006
The Maronite Voice Volume II Issue No.7 Page 10 July 2006

Maronite Patriarchal Synod’s Conclusion Heralds
A New Pentecost For Maronites
by Doreen Abi Raad
The completion of the Maronite
Patriarchal Synod represents a “new
Pentecost” for the approximately five
million Maronites around the world.
In their concluding message on
June 10, 2006 the Maronite bishops
called for the Synod’s resolutions to be
implemented in eparchies, religious
orders and in all institutions of the
Maronite Church.
“Thus,” the bishops said, “the
Synod will produce its fruits in spiritual
renewal and faith commitment for the
glory of God and the achievement of
the mission entrusted to the church in
the homelands” where Maronites
currently live.
The three-phase Maronite Synod,
begun in June 2003, was the most
exhaustive reflection and examination
of issues and suggested reforms related
to the Maronite Church. It was the first
synod to be held in Lebanon since
1818.
Of the 433 individuals who
participated in the opening session three
years ago, 255 were lay people. In
addition, representatives from other
religious communities – including
Sunni and Shiite Muslims and Druze –
attended as observers.
Together, the participants hashed
out the focus of twenty-four texts.
Drafts were presented and voted on by
the Maronite bishops in the Synod
sessions of 2004 and 2005.
The fruit of the Synod – an 850-
page bound book – was presented
during a Pontifical Liturgy on June 11,
2006 celebrated by His Beatitude
Patriarch Nasrallah Peter Cardinal Sfeir
at Bkerke to mark the Synod’s
conclusion.
What distinguishes the Synod book
is that there are no doctrines or
theology presented. The book includes
the twenty-four texts produced as a
result of the Synod, which cover three
main areas: the identity of the Maronite
Church from a historical and
theological perspective; the renewal,
pastoral and spiritual structure of the
Maronite Church; and the Maronite
church in the contemporary world,
including its relationship with other
churches and its relationship with
Islam.
Specific topics covered in the texts
include the formation of priests;
education; the role of lay people in the
Maronite Church, the family; the youth
and the Maronite church’s relationship
with politics, the media, social work
and the economy.
The book, now available in Arabic
and French, is scheduled to be ready in
September in English.
Forty bishops attended the
conclusion of the synod. In addition to
Bishop Robert J. Shaheen, Bishop of
the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon,
and Bishop Gregory J. Mansour,
Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maron
of Brooklyn, bishops came from the
eparchies of Syria, the Holy Land,
Egypt, Cyprus, Europe, Canada,
Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and
Australia.
Recognizing that the majority of
Maronites live outside of Lebanon, one
outcome of the synod is that the term
“Maronites of the Expansion” now
replaces the term diaspora.
“Despite the sad consequences” of
large numbers of Maronites emigrating
Lebanon, said Bishop Mansour, “we
like to see the emigration as a more
positive thing.”
“We try to emphasize that the
Maronites throughout the world are a
source of strength and pride and a real
support for the Christians of the Middle
East,” Bishop Mansour explained.
Of the Maronites around the world,
and in particular the United States,
Bishop Mansour said, “We should be a
support for those in Lebanon who want
to be a witness for the love of Christ.
And the Maronites outside of Lebanon
should take pride in the way the
Christians of Lebanon have
successfully lived in dialogue with
others, including Protestants, Orthodox
and Muslims. This is a source of pride
and should be an inspiration to the rest
of the world.”
Patriarch Nasrallah Peter Sfeir,
during his homily at the concluding
Liturgy, attended by thousands, assured
the faithful that “the providence has
never abandoned the Maronite church.”
Referring to the current situation in
Lebanon, Patriarch Sfeir said it is “very
critical and full of anxiety.”
“We see people divided, leaders
ignoring the suffering of their people
and countries surrounding Lebanon at
war. In the same way our Lord calmed
the storm at sea for his disciples, he will
do the same for us,” His Beatitude said.
In their concluding message, the
Maronite bishops said they expect a
“total response” to the Synod’s
instructions and resolutions “so that the
spirit of dialogue will reign among all,
renouncing disunion and antagonism,”
especially among the youth. They
added that such initiatives will “raise
the cause of love and the culture of life
to face the culture of violence and
death.”
“This is in accordance with the
renewed call of His Holiness Pope
Benedict XVI in his latest encyclical
letter, ‘God is Love.’”
Bishop Ad Abikaram of Australia
proposed that Maronite youth from
Lebanon, the Middle East and around
the world gather for the next World
Youth Day (in the summer of 2008 in
Australia). His suggestion was well
received by the bishops.
The Maronite Voice Volume II Issue No.7 Page 11 July 2006

Busy Season At St. George Church
Uniontown, Penn.
Altar-Rosary Mother-Daughter
Breakfast
The Altar-Rosary Society of St. George Church in
Uniontown, Penn., held its annual Mother-Daughter
Luncheon on May 13, 2006 at the 30-East Main Street
Restaurant. Pins of the Blessed Mother with a miniature
rosary attached were distributed to each attendee. This
annual event names an honoree for the year. This year’s
honoree was Sylvia Roger who was presented with a
beautiful wall rosary by Devona Unice, President.
Ladies Guild
The annual memorial liturgyfor the deceased members of the
Ladies Guild was held on Sunday, May 21, 2006 at St.
George Maronite Church, Uniontown, Penn., with Fr. Joseph
R. David as celebrant. Prior to the liturgy, the group gathered
at the outdoor St. Rafka grotto where Fr. David led the prayer
for the deceased.
Following the liturgy a committee of the men of the
parish served a breakfast to the ladies. After the breakfast, a
votive candle was lit by a relative of the deceased and a large
candle was lit for all deceased ladies of the parish by George
Mansberry, President.
Graduates Recognized
small prayer book during liturgy. Devona Unice, President of
the Altar and Rosary Society later presented them with finger
rosaries.
Courtney Sanner and Sandy Risha, both five years
members, received the 2006 Angel of Light award for
outstanding leadership, attendance and dedication to the
MYO of St. George Parish.
Following the Liturgy, a brunch was held in honor of the
graduates at a local restaurant with Mrs. Patricia Joseph, a
member of the parish and discalced Carmelite, as guest
speaker.
The 2005 edition of the Maronite Qurbono in Arabic is
now available from Saint Maron Publications.
The Congregation text is available for $10. Shipping
charges will be added.
The threevolume CelebrantEdition (Volume One: Sundays
of the Church; Season of Announcements; Birth of the Lord
and Epiphany; Great Lent and Resurrection; Volume Two:
Seasons of Pentecost and Holy Cross; and Volume Three or
the Book of the Anaphorae) is available for $45. Shipping
charges will be added.
The Mystery of Baptism and Chrismation in Arabic is
available for $5. Shipping charges will be added.
The Mystery of Crowning in Arabic is also available for $5.
Shipping charges will be added.
ThePrayer of the Faithful in English (three volumes) is now
available from Saint Maron Publications.
Volume One (Sundays of the Church; Season of
Announcements; Birth of the Lord and Epiphany) is available
for $40 plus $5 shipping
Volume Two (Seasons of Great Lent and Resurrection) is
available for $40 plus $5 shipping
From left to right: High school graduates, Emily Brower,
David Macar, Kate George, Fr. Joseph R. David, Pastor,
Sandy Risha and Courtney Sanner.
St. George Maronite Church in Uniontown, Penn.,
recently recognized nine high school, one college and
two law school graduates at their monthly MYO Sunday
Liturgy which is held the first Sunday of each month.
Thegraduates processed into the church led byFr. Joseph
R. David, Pastor, and accompanied by Subdeacon Thomas R.
George and two MYO altar serves, Anthony Howard and
Matthew Macar.
Each graduate was presented with a certificate and a
Volume Three (Seasons of Pentecost and Holy Cross) is
available for $30 plus $5 shipping
To order your copy (ies) please write to:
Saint Maron Publications
4611 Sadler Road
Glen Allen, Virginia 23060
For further information, call (804) 762-4301. For a complete
listing of publications carried by Saint Maron Publications,
please visit www.stmaron.org.
The Maronite Voice Volume II Issue No.7 Page 12 July 2006

NAM Holds Its Spring
Meeting In Buffalo, N.Y.
St. John Maron Church in Williamsville (Buffalo), N.Y.,
was privileged to host the Board of Directors' meeting
of the National Apostolate of Maronites (NAM) on
April 21-23, 2006. Delegates from California, Texas,
Atlanta, New England, Pennsylvania, and places in between
gathered for their Spring meeting.
The Directors met on Friday Night at the Church for an
evening Vespers service, which was followed by a catered
dinner in the Educational Center. About thirty people
attended, including the officers of the Holy Name and Altar
and Rosary Societies, representatives of the MYO and the
Religious Education program, as well as invited guests. The
dinner was catered by Fouad and Sonya Badawy, active
members of the parish.
The dinner started out as an informal get-together to meet
and greet and enjoy the meal, but it turned out to be a very
lively discussion about NAM, the future of the Maronite
Church, the changes to be made at the NAM convention in
July, the need to get and keep the young people active and
involved, and especially the need to stay connected with
Maronites across this great nation. Saturday was filled with
meetings andother business for the delegates, and on Sunday,
they participated in all three Liturgies before returning to
their respective homes.
The Maronite Trilogy- The Glory
of Lebanon
Upon This Rock Ministry presents “The Maronite
Trilogy-The Glory of Lebanon.” Host Jan Marie
Halphen interviews Fr. Nabil Mouannes, PhD, Pastor
of St. Ephrem Maronite Church, San Diego, California, on
EWTN, July 24, 25, and 26, 2006.
July 24, 2006 topic is St. Maron and the Maronite Rite
July 25, 2006 topic is The Maronite Saints
July 26, 2006 topic is Contemplative prayer in the lives
of Maronite Saints.
Each program airs twice at 3 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. (Eastern
Time). Programs may also be viewed on the internet at
www.ewtn.com.
Happy 100 th Birthday
Sheffia Thomas of Sterling Heights,
Michigan celebrated her 100 th
birthday on Sunday, June 4, 2006
with Liturgy and lunch at St. Sharbel
Maronite Church, Warren, Mich.
Sheffia came to the United States
from Serhel, Lebanon in 1920, and is the
oldest of twelve children. She and her
late husband were very active in the
Maronite Catholic community in the
Greater Detroit area. She is thought to be the oldest living
Lebanese immigrant in the Midwest.
Vacation Bible Camp
in Glen Allen, Va.
Children attending Vacation Bible Camp at St. Anthony
Maronite Church in Glen Allen (Richmond), Virginia.
Saint Anthony’s Church in Glen Allen (Richmond),
Virginia held its annual Summer Bible Camp from June
26 through June 30, 2006. Ninety-five children, ages 3
to 12, attended the camp. Each day the children participated
in activities related to music, religion, arts and crafts, and
outdoor games. Donna Goodman, the Bible Camp
coordinator assembled parents and teenagers to shepherd the
children, run one of the centers, or fix snacks and lunches.
This year’s camp theme was “Treasure Hunt.” They
explored the way to Jesus through trust, love, and prayer.
They used the stories of Peter walking on water to Jesus on
the Sea of Galilee, Jesus washing the feet of the disciples,
Jesus praying for his disciples, and Jesus’ crucifixion,
resurrection and appearance to Mary Magdalene to find the
path to Jesus. The children learned songs and practiced
Maronite hymns. They also made treasure bags, footprint
crafts, praise drums, and cross boxes throughout the week to
represent the themes found in the Bible stories.
Msgr. George M. Sebaali, Pastor, assisted by Subdeacon
Dominique Hanna celebrated a children’s Liturgy on Friday.
The young people sang the responses and hymns, read the
first reading and intercessions, and participated in other parts
of the Liturgy. Afterwards, the children proudly performed
the many songs they learned during the camp and showed
their parents their arts and crafts. The camp ended with a
cookout and swimming.
Food For Thought
God’s love for us in heaven is not greater than it is now.
St. Thomas Aquinas
The Maronite Voice Volume II Issue No.7 Page 13 July 2006

First Holy Communion in The Maronite Eparchies in The U.S.A.
St. George in Uniontown, Penn.
St. Anthony/St. George in Wilkes-
Barre, Penn.
Ashley Michael, Justine Gillen, Rachel Rogers, Arianna
Haky and Myra Edde received their First Holy
Communion on Sunday, May 7, 2006 at St. George
Maronite Catholic Church in Uniontown, Penn.
St. Sharbel Church in Newtown
Square, Penn.
Parker Dorsey, Brianna McGovern, Jacob Khalife,
Michael Koury, Mallory Ellis and Joseph DeMace
received their First Holy Communion on Sunday, May
7, 2006 at St. Anthony/St. George Maronite Catholic Church
in Wilkes-Barre, Penn.
St. Ann Church in Scranton, Penn.
Fadi Naser received his First Holy Communion on
Sunday, May 7, 2006 at St. Sharbel Maronite Catholic
Church in Newtown Square, Penn. Fadi also carried the
crown for the Blessed Mother while Maya Alsaigh and Julia
Stilwell were the angels in Attendance.
Robert Rade, Jr., and Angelina Hazzouri received their
First Communion on Sunday, May 7, 2006 at St. Ann
Maronite Catholic Church in Scranton, Penn. At the
end of the Liturgy, Robert carried the crown and Angelina
crowned the Blessed Mother.
The Maronite Voice Volume II Issue No.7 Page 14 July 2006

First Holy Communion in The Maronite Eparchies in The U.S.A.
St. Louis Gonzaga Church in Utica, N.Y.
Our Lady of Lebanon Church in
Chicago, Ill.
Joseph Abidib, Anthony Coppola,Brianna Schafer, Alexis
Carey, Eddie White, Lindsay Hayduk, Joseph Costello,
Natalie Ciaccia, Kaitlyn Gozy, Aneesa Lewis, Erica
Cornmire, Frank Alesandro, John Lloyd, Paige Baird, Trina
Baird, Isabella Donatello, Tiana Lewis, Salvatore Ferrone
and Kyle Kuty received their First Holy Communion on
Sunday, May7, 2006 atSt. Louis GonzagaMaronite Catholic
Church in Utica, N.Y.
St. Anthony of the Desert in Fall River,
Mass.
Bashir Zakhem, Tiffany Roumi, Maria Antoon, Sharbel
Dawalibi, Gergeis Hattar, Matthew Dandan, Christian
Naddaf, Justin Dawalibi and Calvin Lebbos received
their First HolyCommunion on Sunday, May 14, 2006 atOur
Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church in Lombard
(Chicago), Ill.
Our Lady of Purgatory Church in
New Bedford, Mass.
Sarah Abdow, Marc Akouri, Katherine Boustany,
Priscella Chedid, Jenna Farias, Cameron Filipe,
Christelle Houeiss, John Karam, Leona Karam, Zachary
Mahfouz, Katherine Moniz, Christine Nasiff, Shawn Nasiff,
Ambre Richard, Cassidy Shaker, Quincy Sears, Hannah
Whritenour and Andrew Wolstenholme received their First
Holy Communion on Sunday, June 7, 2006 at St. Anthony of
the Desert Maronite Catholic Church in Fall River, Mass.
Tyler Desjardins, Marc Zaknoun, Samantha Hakeem,
Lilly Reynolds, Thomas Reynolds and Jacob Barbour
received their First Holy Communion on Sunday, May
7, 2006 at Our Lady of Purgatory Maronite Catholic Church
in New Bedford, Mass.
The Maronite Voice Volume II Issue No.7 Page 15 July 2006

First Holy Communion in The Maronite Eparchies in The U.S.A.
St. John Maron in Williamsville, N.Y.
St. Anthony of Padua in Cincinnati, Oh.
Georgio Khoury, Wesley Michael, Steven Khoury,
Anthony Atallah, Jonathon Harris, Brooke Saffire,
Michelle Cheaib, Selena Khoury, Samuel Khoury,
Thomas J. Marron, Michael Kessler, Thomas Evans, and
Matthew Saleh received their First Holy Communion on
Sunday, May 21, 2006, at St. John Maron Church in
Williamsville, N.Y.
St. Sharbel Church in Portland, Ore.
Anthony Chemaly, Mark Ghastine and Andrew
Samaan received their First Holy Communion on
Sunday, May 14, 2006 at St. Anthony of Padua
Maronite Catholic Church in Cincinnati, Oh.
Our Lady of the Cedars In Akron, Oh.
Lina Kaldawi, Dietrich Lachmann, Cameron
Markwell, Nathaniel Moffitt, Jessica Karam,
Contessina Scuderi, Jenna Koury and Alan
Ghossein received their First Holy Communion on
Sunday, April 23, 2006 at St. Sharbel Maronite
Catholic Church in Portland, Ore.
Tony Abou-Elias, Melissa Abou-Toma, Celine Akiki,
Mariam Boulos, Vanessa El Ashkar, Edward (E.J.)
Hamad, Jennifer Jesser and Alexander (Alex) Michael
received their First Holy Communion on Sunday, May 28,
2006 at Our Lady of the Cedars Maronite Catholic Church in
Akron, Oh.
The Maronite Voice Volume II Issue No.7 Page 16 July 2006

First Holy Communion in The Maronite Eparchies in The U.S.A.
St. Anthony Church in Danbury, Conn.
St. George Church in Pawtucket, R.I.
Michael Buenaventura, Steven Buenaventura,
Georgette Michael–Duncan, Sabrina Michael–
Duncan, Michael Gaboardi, Griffin Henley, Ryan
Ramey, Jared, Shakro and Christina Shoushani received their
First Holy Communion on Sunday, May 14, 2006 at St.
Anthony Maronite Catholic Church in Danbury, Conn.
John Paul Imad, Jennifer Kalbourji, Sarah Marie Khoury,
Adam Samir Khoury, Jonathan Pierre Saker, and
Christian Nicholas Stufano received their First Holy
Communion on Sunday, May 7, 2006 at St. George Maronite
Catholic Church in Pawtucket (Providence), R.I.
St. Joseph Church in Olean, N.Y.
St. Maron Church in Cleveland, Oh.
Derek Heath, Kylie Pleakis, Bridget Havens, Leah Sitter
and Madelyn Hamed received their First Holy
Communion on Sunday, May 28, 2006 at St. Joseph
Maronite Catholic Church in Olean, N.Y.
Mona Roufaeil, Issam Roufael, Sara Koussa, Ziad
Roufael, Nicolette Estephan, Charbel Elias, Carla
Diab, Smara Lahoud, Bassel Lahoud, Yara Saad,
Anthony Barakat, Rachel Nin, Joshua Lahoud, Kaitlin
Salloum, Nicholas Daher, Delilah Kirallah, Joseph Lahoud
and Marie Louise Hatm received their First HolyCommunion
on Sunday, May 14, 2006 at St. Maron Maronite Catholic
Church in Cleveland, Oh.
The Maronite Voice Volume II Issue No.7 Page 17 July 2006

St. Anthony Maronite Church
Glen Allen, Va.
Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral in
Brooklyn, N.Y.
Marah Bourret, Emily Condlin, Darian Flammia,
Mallorie Fodill, Christine Ghoussoub, Caroline
Harik, Justin Little, Katherin Meadows, Tyler
Shebelski, Anthony Shulleeta, Leanna Webb and Abbie
Zohab receivedtheir First Holy Communion on Sunday, May
14, 2006 at St. Anthony Maronite Catholic Church in Glen
Allen (Richmond), Va.
Chrismation Class At St. Anthony
Of The Desert Maronite Church
Fall River, Mass.
Valentina Malouf, Murielle Malouf, Alexandra
Kadamani, Sarah Bassile, Isabella Jazrawi, James
Haddad, Michelle Sahlani, Celeste Azzi, Celine
Moarkech, Noor Njeim, Elizabeth Dahan, Melissa Safi,
Taylor Jazrawi, Ellis Noun, Michael Abi-habib and Cynthia
Sarkis received their First Holy Communion on May 21,
2006 at Our Lady of Lebanon Cathedral in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Our Lady of Mount Lebanon Cathedral
in Los Angels, Calif.
On May 7, 2006, Christopher Azar, Maya Karam,
Johanna Khoury, Evan Massoud, Sadie Rose
Massoud, Christina Michaels and Giselle Youssef
reaffirmed their faith and pledged their loyalty to the Church
at a Chrismation Liturgy celebrated by Chorbishop Joseph F.
Kaddo, Pastor, at St. Anthony of the Desert Maronite Church
in Fall River, Mass. At the same time Chorbishop Kaddo
administered the Mystery of Chrismation to Lindsley Hetzler,
Danielle Grimo and Mikala Grimo. The class was prepared
by Deacon Donald Massoud and Richard Capuano.
Amanda Gores, Catherina Gores, Brandon Hawi,
Celine Habalrih, James Joukhadar, Jean Paul
Marlow, Khalil Simaan, Sabrina Simaan,
Gabrielle Sfeir, StephanoWatchi and Daisy Zaarour
received their First HolyCommunion on Sunday, May
21, 2006 at Our Lady of Mount Lebanon Cathedral in
Los Angeles, Calif.
The Maronite Voice Volume II Issue No.7 Page 18 July 2006

The Maronite Outreach Holds Its Annual Meeting in Phoenix, Arizonia
Maronite Outreach
dedicated to the
preservation of Christianity
in Lebanon
by Dr. Anthony El Khoueiry
The St. Joseph Maronite Church in
Phoenix, Arizona,hosted the third
annual national meeting of the
Maronite Outreach on Saturday May
27, 2006. Maronite Outreach members
representing their chapters came from
Arizona, Washington D.C., and
Southern and Northern California.
Other chapters from Texas and
Pennsylvania could not send
representatives but submitted their
reports and input prior to the meeting.
The attendees sacrificed their time and
money to engage in a day-long series of
planned sessions focused on reviewing
the current status of the organization
and drafting a course for the future.
After a heartfelt introduction and
prayer filled with well-wishes, praise,
and advice led by Father Ghassan
Matar, M.L.M, the group started their
structured meeting. Executive
Chairman, Dr. Anthony El-khoueiry,
presented a “big picture” overview on
behalf of the executive and advisory
boards. His presentation focused on the
steady growth of the organization
manifested by the activities of the seven
local chapters, the amount of money
raised and spent on charitable projects
in Lebanon, and the continuing
coordination with multiple non-profit
organizations. This was followed by
project specific updates presented by
the lead project coordinators. In
addition, each chapter gave an
overview of their activities,
accomplishments and challenges.
In the afternoon, the attendees
engaged in simultaneous project
specific workshops. During the
workshop sessions, they conducted a
detailed and organized review of each
project, its impact, and its importance
to the overall mission of the
organization. Taking into consideration
the successes and challenges of the
previous year, they formulated specific
goals for the coming year, drafted a
strategy and an itemized list of action
items.
In the course of the day, three
awards were presented on behalf of the
advisory board. The “Service and
Dedication Award” went to Linda Srour
from the St. John Maron (Anaheim,
Calif.) chapter, who has led the
“sponsorship project” at the national
level. The “Leadership Award” went to
Marc Suidan from the Our Lady of
Lebanon (Millbrae, Calif.) chapter for
his contributions and innovative ideas
at the level of the advisory board. The
“Model Chapter Award” went to the St.
Joseph Church chapter in Phoenix for
their organization andaccomplishments
during the past year.
Over the last six years, the
Maronite Outreach has successfully
grown from a small committee at St.
John Maron Church in Anaheim into a
national organization active in seven
parishes across the United States under
the blessing and support of their
Excellencies Bishops Robert Shaheen
and Gregory Mansour. Thus far,
through the contributions of
parishioners and friends at all seven
chapters, the Maronite Outreach has
provided over a hundred scholarshipsto
the students in need in Lebanon,
assisted in the rebuilding of six
churches in Lebanon and linked over
300 Lebanese-American children to
children in Lebanon through the piggy
bank project. During the previous year,
the “sponsorship project” has witnessed
tremendous growth allowing the
Maronite Outreach to double the
number of children in Lebanon who are
sponsored by individuals and families
in the U.S.A. to more than 120.
Other highlights of the meeting
included the unveiling of a remodeled
website and of a new web-based
program designed to manage the
sponsorship project. This program has
been made possible by the generous
contribution of Mr. and Mrs. Mario and
Lana Boustani and the technical
expertise of Mr. Fady Garabet from Our
Lady of Lebanon/St. Peter Cathedral in
Los Angeles.
The Maronite Outreach leadership
and members would like to thank every
parish with an active chapter for their
support and guidance. The Maronite
Outreach is grateful to its members for
their silent volunteer work which they
perform with professionalism,
selflessness and dedication to the cause
of the less fortunate members of our
community in Lebanon.
The Maronite Voice Volume II Issue No.7 Page 19 July 2006

The Maronite Voice
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A Reflection on
Fathers and On Saint
Joseph, Foster Father
of Jesus
Continued From Page 1
In finding human words to describe his
eternal and mystical relationship with
God, He called God “Father”. This
could only have been due in great part
to the positive “father” experience that
Jesus had with Joseph, his own foster
father.
Thus, Joseph is called the “Patron
of the Church” because he was first
patron, provider, protector, and care
giver to the holy family. Like the
Joseph of the Old Testament, he too
was the faithful steward of all that was
entrusted to him
Joseph is also called the great
helper of men. This is because of his
ability to relate well with a son not his
own. All men can take pride in the way
Joseph related to Jesus and to Mary,
with respect and honor.
Saint Joseph, Friend of
Open Hearts, Patron of a
Happy Death
Joseph is also referred to as “friend
to open hearts.” This is because
Joseph, like his namesake of the
Old Testament, learned to listen to God
speak to him in a variety of ways, even
in his dreams. He listened to God in
prayer.
Joseph had originally reasoned that
to spare Mary shame because she was
pregnant, he would divorce her quietly.
This was the honorable thing to do for
her and for him. But God appeared to
him in a dream and said, Joseph have
no fear in taking Mary for your wife.
Joseph listened, and like Mary, not
understanding everything that was
happening, he wanted all to be done
according to God’s will. Because
Joseph was willing to change his well
reasoned plans for his life, and because
Joseph was a man of prayer, he is called
friend of open hearts.
Joseph is also called the patron of a
happy death, for tradition holds that
Mary and Jesus were present when
Joseph closed his eyes to this world.
Who could want for more, to have
Jesus and Mary at one’s bedside?
A Concluding Word For
Fathers And For All
Who Seek The
Intercession Of Saint
Joseph
Sometimes we are stuck in our own
plans, even our righteous and just
plans. Sometimes we cannot be
bothered to really pray, which means
listening to God. Sometimes we need
the extra help of a saint, in times of
difficulty, and even at the hour of
death. Sometimes men need a man they
can turn to. Sometimes we are selfish,
demanding and harmful to those
entrusted to our care; and sometimes,
by a profound gift of the Holy Spirit,
we live a self-less, sacrificial love for
others – without owning or possessing
them. In all of these ways we not only
rely on, but hopefully we also become
like our open-hearted patron, St.
Joseph.
O patron of the Church, O friend of
open hearts, O foster father of Jesus,
respectful spouse of the Virgin Mary,
helper of fathers, patron of a happy
death, St. Joseph, pray for us.
+ Gregory J. Mansour
Bishop of the Eparchy of Saint Maron
of Brooklyn.
The Maronite Voice Volume II Issue No.7 Page 20 July 2006