Annual NAM Convention 2019 – Miami, Florida

By Sr. Natalie Sayde Salameh, MSCL

We attended the National Apostolate of Maronites (NAM) Convention in Miami, Florida from June 26^th to June 30th, 2019 and were blessed to be with over 1,000 of our Maronites who attended from across the US. We had an evangelization table in the exhibitors area which gave us the opportunity to share the faith and meet with many of the people.  

Some highlights: we attended a Theology on Tap, hosted by Fr. Tony Massad and Sister Therese Maria. An outdoor venue was also booked where the young adults had a BBQ and a vocation panel. 

We also attended the Bishops’ Panel Commission on the affairs of Lebanon in its current political and economic state, we listened to the many concerns and issues currently affecting Lebanon. The evangelical concert of Lebanon’s Christian singer, Carla Ramia, who moved the audience to tears by her strong faith, radiant joy and sweet angelic voice.

Bishops Elias and Gregory also made themselves available for all the conventioneers in a Q&A discussion, where they could be asked on any matter of faith. The Bishops were very engaging, and at times quite humorous, as they also fielded personal questions relating to their lives as Bishops.    

 

In addition to the activities, the sisters enjoyed praying with the clergy and the faithful every morning and evening, and each day’s Divine Liturgy, with included a unique message from each of the Bishops. 

May God bless the efforts and work of all those involved in this year’s Convention. It was a great success. We look forward to attending next year in Cincinnati, Ohio, God willing.  

Recent Pastoral Missions

Confirmation Retreat – St. Andrew’s, Taunton, MA

 

On Saturday, April 6, the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light facilitated a Confirmation Retreat for the 25 teens of St. Andrew the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Taunton, MA at the invitation of Fr. Edward Murphy, pastor.

The retreat consisted of prayer, reflections, group discussions, and games, centered around the theme of God’s “Everlasting Love” from Jeremiah 31:3.  The confirmande were asked to ponder serious questions throughout the course of the day, such as “Who are you?”, “Why are you here?”, “What is the purpose of your life?” and “What gives meaning to your life?” These questions were part of the small group discussions.  Fr. Murphy, led a beautiful Eucharistic Adoration which included a professional guitarist and singer. The confirmande also focused on the significance of the Sacrament of Confirmation and the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.

The day concluded with the Vigil Liturgy, and the promise of our prayers for the teens who will be confirmed on April 23. 

***

Catechetical Workshop at Our Lady of the Cedars Church in Boston, MA

On Saturday, March 30, the Maronite Servants of Christ the Light facilitated a Catechetical Workshop for the Catechists at Our Lady of the Cedars Church of Boston. This was their third workshop in a four-part series that the sisters are offering to help catechists serve their parish and catechesis more effectively.   

This workshop focused on some key areas in catechesis: planning the learning environment, verbal and non-verbal communication of the catechist, and discipline do’s and don’ts.

The final catechetical workshop will cover topics which include, but are not limited to, tools on child engagement, especially how to help the catechists pray with children; and creating a safe environment.