We Run for Protection to Mary

Mission Outreach

Maronite Faith Formation- New Bedford

This week we began our Maronite Faith Formation program for the 2013/2014 year at Our Lady of Purgatory Maronite Church in New Bedford. Our theme this month was the Season of the Glorious Cross and the message of forgiveness. Jesus in lovingly giving his life for us on the Cross teaches us to love, pray for and forgive those who hurt us. Pictured are some of the children with their decorated cross activity and the pastor, Abouna Jack. Our upcoming monthly classes for 2013 are: October 12; November 23; December 14. 

Catechist Workshop- Worcester

On Saturday September 7 we were invited by Father Gaby Hoyekas to give the catechists at Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Church in Worcester a catechist workshop from 2:00PM to 6:00PM. In our introductory workshop we covered the following key ideas through visual media, video and interactive discussion: what catechesis is, how is it done, what are the source documents for catechesis. Furthermore, we explored the vocation and essential qualities and skills of a catechist; how to keep children engaged in the classroom; tips in preparing the learning environment; and how to use the Faith of the Mountain Catechetical series in developing effective lessons for the children.

The catechists found the sessions to be useful, refreshing and encouraging in their mission and service to the Church in guiding the children closer to our Lord Jesus by their Christ-like witness and love for our Maronite heritage. If you would like the Maronite Servants to visit your parish and present a catechist workshop please call (508) 996-1753 or email sister@maroniteservants.org.

Blessed Mother’s Guild Afternoon Retreat- Dartmouth

On Sunday September 8 (the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary) we facilitated an afternoon retreat for the Blessed Mother’s Guild from St. Anthony of the Desert, Fall River. We had 15 ladies attend our reflection afternoon of Marian presentations, Lectio Divina, silence, sharing, Rosary, Ramsho, supper and fellowship. Chorbishop Kaddo, pastor of St. Anthony of the Desert joined us for Ramsho and supper. The ladies were glad to have attended and found this time of reflection with Mary to be a great blessing of peace, strength and joy. 

Read more about the USCCB letter on the urgent situation in Syria. Click here. 
The Prayer of the United States Catholic Bishops (USCCB) 
FOR THE PEOPLE OF SYRIA
God of Compassion,
Hear the cries of the people of Syria,
Bring healing to those suffering from the violence,
Bring comfort to those mourning the dead,
Strengthen Syria’s neighbors in their care and welcome for refugees,
Convert the hearts of those who have taken up arms,
And protect those committed to peace.
God of Hope,
Inspire leaders to choose peace over violence and to seek reconciliation with enemies,
Inspire the Church around the world with compassion for the people of Syria,
And give us hope for a future of peace built on justice for all.
We ask this through Jesus Christ,
Prince of Peace and Light of the World,
Amen.

A Glimpse of Our Week

Lunch with our neighbors. 

The Holy Cross Fathers, who live two house down from us, came over for a meal at our convent this past week. We thoroughly enjoyed their company, their stories and fellowship. Thank you Fathers for your supportive friendship and witness of Christ’s love and mercy.

Festival at St. Anthony - Lawrence

On Saturday 31st August we attended the annual parish festival of St. Anthony of the Desert, Lawrence, M.A. We are pictured with some of the youth of the parish.  We grateful to God for the generosity of Monsignor Peter Azar and the parishioners for their loving hospitality and delicious Lebanese food!

MYO at our convent.

On Wednesday Sept. 4, we hosted Our Lady of Purgatory MYO kick-off for 2013/2014 at our convent in Dartmouth. We had a fun movie night with the teens, including snacks and ice-breakers. Our pastor, Father Jack Morrison joined us and offered a blessing on our time together throughout the up-coming year. Our next MYO gathering for teens will be October 30 for an All Saints Event, including a presentation on the saints and our call to holiness.