WELCOME!

We have been waiting for you and believe every person who enters this special place was sent by God. Our desire is to express Christ’s love to you with genuine, heartfelt warmth We are excited to share with you the many ways God is working in our Church and in your life.

MARONITE CATHOLIC?

The Catholic communion of churches is made up of both the Eastern and Western Churches all equal in dignity. Most Catholics in this country belong to the Roman or Latin Church; whereas, Maronites belong
to one of the eighteen Eastern churches.

Our Liturgy is from the ancient cities of Antioch and Edessa. What makes us all Catholic is our union with the Pope.

The Maronite Church has one of the oldest traditions in the Catholic Church. Before Saint Peter established the Church in Rome, he founded the Church in Antioch where Saint Paul preached. It was in Antioch that those who believed in Jesus Christ as the Son of God were first called CHRISTIANS.

WHY MARONITE?

Our name is derived from our founder, Saint Maron. After the Fourth Ecumenical council (Chalcedon) in 451, which was held to settle a dispute regarding the divinity and humanity of Christ; many did not  accept the Council’s decision and abandoned their Catholic faith. Maron staunchly defended the Council’s teachings. Later, he followed God’s call  to go into the desert to devote his life to prayer. He  settled on the banks of the Orontes River and converted a temple into a Church. Having received  the gift of spiritual insight and physical healing, many sought him out and a Christian community developed. Later, a monastery was established  known as “Beit Maron” or House of Maron which became the largest monastery of its day.

WHAT IS DIFFERENT?

The ritual of the Maronite and Latin Churches  are similar in format: Liturgy of the Word, Offertory and Anaphora (Canon). Our liturgical language is Syriac, the written form of the ancient Aramaic language which Christ spoke. You will hear it used especially at the Words of Institution.

The Sign of Peace comes before the Consecration, of Biblical initiative; whereas, the Intercessions come after the Consecration.

Maronites stand for prayer as we believe this posture prepares us to agree the risen Christ when He comes again in glory. Kneeling is a passive  posture of the body requiring time and energy to respond to a guest. Standing has the believer anticipating the great Guest, Jesus Christ. Our Maronite Liturgy focuses the worshiping community on Christ's return to glory. The future coming of Christ gives rise to our standing alert, attentive and ready.

Every celebration of the Holy Ministries is a commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The emphasis on the resurrection focuses our attention in anticipation of the greatest  of the end of our Christian faith. Our prayers are rich in imagery relating the story of salvation using biblical concepts.

Our liturgy is of course in theology, employing spiritual poetry to give praise, honor and  thanksgiving for the loving mercy and forgiveness God grants us.

“You have united, O Lord, Your divinity with our humanity and our humanity with Your divinity; Your life with our mortality and our mortality with Your  life. You have assumed what is all ours and given us what is Yours for the life and salvations of our  souls. To You be glory forever.”                (Maronite Liturgy)

Catholics believe when the priest prays the prayer of
consecration, the bread and wine are changed into the Body and Blood of Christ.

NOT CATHOLIC?

Those not of the Catholic faith are welcome to worship with us to give praise and thanks to God. We are pleased you are here. Our tradition of  worship may be different from what you have  experienced.

Many times our liturgy refers to Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. He forgives our sins and saves us through His mercy and compassion, which He showed by dying on the cross to redeem us from our
sins.

Sadly, the unity that Jesus Christ envisioned for  His Church is not today a reality. Unfortunately, those not of the Catholic faith may not be invited to receive communion. However, you are encouraged to come forward to receive a special blessing from the priest.

ANY QUESTIONS?

If you have questions regarding the Catholic faith or the  Maronite Church, please do not hesitate to speak with the Pastor following the Liturgy or call the Parish Office for an appointment.

BEEN AWAY?

If you have been away from the Church and would like to return, or if you are interested in receiving instructions in the faith, or want to take a “refresher” course in Catholicism, you are encouraged to speak with the Pastor.