Baptism in the Maronite Rite is always accompanied by Chrismation (Confirmation). Both Sacraments are given by a priest, and always in the same ceremony. Baptism is done by immersion or by pouring water over the head.
Preparation to receive the Sacraments of Baptism and Chrismation is required. We encourage this to happen before the birth of your child. Contact the parish office for more information.
The sacrament of Reconciliation is an expression of God’s forgiveness of our sins that reconciles us with God and with the Church.
The priest is available to hear your confessions each Sunday before the Liturgy or by appointment.
In the Syriac tradition and in other traditions, the Eucharist is seen as the central mystery toward which all other mysteries are drawn. It is the climax of the process of Christian initiation by which we become disciples of Christ. Baptism and Chrismation prepare believers for participation in the Eucharist. It is the Eucharist that forms Church and unites us to one another in the love of Christ. Through the sacramental body of Christ we grow as members of the Mystical Body of Christ.
When taking their marriage vows, the couple place their hands on the Bible, and the priest places his stole over their hands. The celebrant blesses the bride and groom in the name of the Holy Trinity and crowns them. In the eastern Churches, the Mystery of Crowning must include a priestly blessing, for the marriage to be valid.
The Maronite tradition attributes many characteristics and roles to the Order of Priesthood. Two of the more prominent ones are the roles of mediator and steward. The priest has been given the keys to the treasure of the Kingdom so that he might distribute its riches to those who have need of it. Through offering the Holy Sacrifice, he opens the door of repentance, and thus obtains forgiveness for himself and for his flock. As the mediator between God and humanity, he is given the hidden mysteries and proclaims God’s revelation.
The priest is also the steward of the Divine Mysteries. The idea of steward impresses on us that the priest does not act in his own name but in the name of Christ. He has been given talents by his Master and instructed to make them fruitful. His main goal is to be a good and faithful servant.
To discern a vocation of commitment to priesthood or religious life, please speak with the pastor.
The Church is a mother to all who have been redeemed by Christ. As a mother, she seeks to guide, nourish and protect her children in all the aspects of their lives. We, Christians, find our identity as a community, the Mystical Body of Christ. As a community, we celebrate together our joys and sorrows, our successes and failures. And so, when serious illness strikes one of us, the Church as a mother seeks to pray for healing and comfort, and fellow Christians rush to offer their concern and support.
The sacrament of anointing of the sick is available upon request by calling the pastor.
Please Note: Because of Privacy Laws, hospitals may not inform us when a Catholic is in the hospital. To notify the parish, please call the parish office.
In the face of death, the Church confidently proclaims that God has created each person for eternal life and that Jesus, the Son of God, by his death and resurrection, has broken the chains of sin and death that bound humanity.
Maronite Funerals comprise three rites, corresponding to the three places: funeral home, church and the cemetery.
If you need assistance or have any questions, call our parish office and we shall gladly provide help.