Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church Bulletin. Sunday, November 18, 2018.
Ninth Sunday after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Gospel of the Rich Fool.

November 18. Commemoration of the Holy Martyrs Plato and Romanus.
Plato was martyred in Ankara under Emperor Maximianus at the beginning of the fourth century.
Romanus, a deacon from Caesarea of Palestine, was martyred in Antioch of Syria in the year 305.

Sunday, November 18, 2018. Thanksgiving Luncheon organized by our Holy Cross Church Youth. $10 a plate of turkey, mashed potatoes, veggies, salad, and stuffing (pie and water included). Come enjoy a delicious meal with our Holy Cross family.

2018 Bishop’s Appeal. At this time of year when our nation offers thanksgiving for all God’s blessings, Our Lord speaks to us in the Gospel about being rich in the things of God and about storing up treasure in Heaven instead of clinging to our worldly goods. Let us give back to the Lord in return for all the blessings he has bestowed upon us and our families. Offer thanks to God by giving a generous gift to the Bishop’s Appeal. Extra Appeal envelopes are available in the narthex. Thank you for your generosity.

Our Eastern Christian Formation (Sunday School) program for all children in Kindergarten to grade 8 has started. Please contact the office if you are interested and have children in kindergarten to grades 8. It is essential that we enroll our children in Sunday School because this is one of the best ways to teach faith to our children and build a living relationship with God. The registration form is available at: Holycrossmelkite.org/ministries/ecf. If you have questions call: (714) 985-1710.
Christmas play practice will be after church on November 18, 25 & December 2 & 9.
December 15, 2018: Christmas play rehearsal 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. in the church.
December 16, 2018: Christmas play after Church. Come enjoy a beautiful Christmas play hosted by our Sunday School Children.

November 16, 2018. 7:00 p.m. Annual Ladies Salad Night at Holy Cross Church. Includes food, D.J. music, dancing, a raffle, and a lot of fun. $25 tickets are available through Our Lady’s Society members, Eman Lutfi at (714) 595-7999, or the parish office. All proceeds go to our building fund.

Holy Cross Christmas Boutique and Crafts Sale in the hall. December 2, 9, and 16, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. Handmade items will be available for sale such as desserts, wreaths, Christmas gift baskets, mugs, crochet hats, and many more items. If you would like to donate any items please contact the office or Koki Choueiri at (714) 726-0087. All proceeds will go to our Building Fund.

December 31, 2018. Holy Cross Church’s New Year’s Eve Party at The Grand Banquet Hall (300 S. Flower Street, Orange, CA 92868) will start at 7:00 p.m. There will be an open bar, a wide variety of mazza, a delicious Middle Eastern dinner, a variety of music, dancing, midnight champagne, a raffle, and so much more. Come celebrate the New Year with your family and friends. Tickets are $100 per adult and $40 for children. All proceeds go to our building fund.

2018 Building Fund Raffle tickets are now available. The Grand prize is a 2018 Jeep Cherokee. Current Raffle Ticket Sales: $15,400. The drawing will take place on December 31, 2018 during the New Year’s Eve Dinner party at Grand Catered Events (300 S Flower St., Orange, CA 92868). Winner does not need to be present. Raffle tickets are $20 per ticket and a book of 10 for $200. They can be purchased from the Church office, Nadia Saikali, or the table outside church on Sunday.

The Melkite Eastern Catholic Community at Saint Kilian’s Roman Catholic Church. Please invite your family and friends and remind everyone in the area to join us. We will meet in the hall at 5:45 p.m. to review the hymns and the Divine Liturgy will begin in the Church at exactly 6:30 p.m. on December 9, 2018, at Saint Kilian’s. 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (off Marguerite Parkway).
2018 dates: Sunday, December 9.
2019 dates: January 13, February 10, March 10, April 7, May 12, June 9, July 14, August 11, September 8, October 13, November 10, and December 8.
If you live or know anyone who lives in the area surrounding Mission Viejo please give us their contact information so that we can keep everyone informed on upcoming events. Please send contact details to the parish office at (714) 985-1710 or email a list of names to Father François at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
“Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain” (Psalm 127:1).

Choir practice. “Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16). Please join our choir practices to review the regular hymns of the Divine Liturgy and learn new ones. Everyone is welcome.
At Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church every Sunday at 9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m.

Holy Cross Youth Ministry Spiritual Meetings take place every Sunday following the Divine Liturgy for all those in grades 9-12.

Holy Cross College Ministry. We are planning social and religious activities to build our College Community at Holy Cross Church. See calendar for event details (holycrossmelkite.org/ministries/college-ministry). Contact: Robert Fragnito at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Mariah Shea at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Upcoming evenings:
Saturday, December 1: 7:00 p.m. Youth and College Ministry Basketball Game: Melkite’s vs Maronite’s at The Brea Community Center (695 Madison Way, Brea, CA 92821).

Holy Cross Young Adults Ministry. We are planning social and religious activities to build our Young Adults Community at Holy Cross Church. Feel free to bring your friends and family. Ages 21-35. See calendar for event details (Holycrossmelkite.org/ministries/young-adults). Contact: Tony Helo (562) 371-5466; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Upcoming events:
Sunday, December 2: 2:30 p.m. Paint and Sip. One of our gracious families has opened their house to host this event for us. $15/person (paint supplies, canvass, wine, and snacks included). Please RSVP to the office by November 28.

Isaiah House Women’s Shelter. December 30, 2018. Holy Cross Church prepares and serves a meal for the women at Isaiah House (316 South Cypress Avenue, Santa Ana) every month that has a 5th Sunday. Volunteer to help prepare, serve, and enjoy a meal with those in need. Contact the office to participate. Time: 3:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. 2018 dates: December 30. 2019 dates: March 31, June 30, September 29, and December 29. The colder months of the year are coming and the women’s shelter distributes blankets to those in need. They would appreciate it if anyone is able to donate any used or new blankets (twin or larger) or donate any amount for us to purchase the blankets.

Listen to Melkite audio links on our parish website at holycrossmelkite.org/Melkite-hymns
We uploaded many Melkite hymns for the Divine Liturgy and other important services. To practice or become more familiar with our beautiful liturgical hymns you can listen or download them by visiting the above link.

Vocation Awareness. Saint Paul urges us to wake up from the sleep of ignorance and come to the joy of a life centered on God. In the Gospel, we see a man who has not yet been awakened. Priests are constantly saying during the Divine Liturgy and through their ministry “Let us be attentive,” “Wisdom,” and “Let us stand well.” Unfortunately, we do not have enough priests for our diocese. Please pray that more may answer God’s call to serve in our presbyterate.

Vocation View. Saint Paul urges Christian readers to live a life of communion, in mutual love, and in the love that God has given us. Jesus teaches us the importance and implications of that life of loving communion. Who shall preach and teach it to us today? Pray for an increase of vocations to the priesthood and monastic life and encourage possible candidates.

A Prayer for Vocations. O Lord God, in every age, You invite men and women to hear Your call to serve You and the Church. We bow before You now, asking that You call forth more persons to serve our Melkite Church in America. Give us priests, deacons, monks and nuns, who will lead and guide your holy people. By Your will, bless us with vocations so that we continue to be the church which You called us to be, centuries ago. Let all hear Your voice inviting them to care for and serve Your people. Strengthen us in being disciples of Jesus Christ, Your Only-begotten Son and fishers of men. Inspire in us the spirit and pride of Antioch, our holy heritage. We ask You, O Lover of mankind, to raise up men and women who appreciate what they have received from You and who want to be generous in their service, willing to offer their lives and all their gifts, to serve others, to give You glory, thanksgiving and worship, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and always and forever and ever. Amen.

Your Sunday donation envelopes are mailed to you every two months. These envelopes are dated with your envelope number on the back. Please contact the office if you are not registered or did not receive your envelopes. Thank you.

Receive the emailed weekly Holy Cross Church Bulletin and Homily. If you or someone you known would like to receive the emailed weekly parish bulletin or homily please sign up on our website or email or call the office. Please also let us know if you are on our list but have changed your email. To read past homilies visit: holycrossmelkite.org/parish/homilies

Do you want to be inspired and learn more about your Catholic Faith? Listen to Relevant, a Catholic Radio station (formerly Immaculate Heart Catholic Radio) on 930 am. For further information visit their website or call 1-888-887-7120.

Thank you for your ongoing generous donations:
-Sunday, October 21 collection: $1,485 in 22 envelopes (average of $68 per envelope) + $236 cash + $51 candles = $1,772.
-Sunday, October 21 evening collection: $215 in 6 envelopes (average of $36 per envelope) + $352 cash = $567.
-Wednesday, October 24 building fund deposit: $1,615.
-Sunday, October 28 collection: $1,905 in 37 envelopes (average of $51 per envelope) + $278 cash + $169 Candles = $2,352.
-Wednesday, October 31 building fund deposit: $2,135.
-Saturday, November 3 collection: $291 in 9 envelopes (average of $32 per envelope) + $17 cash = $308.
-Sunday, November 4 collection: $2,695 in 32 envelopes (average of $84 per envelope) + $210 cash + $136 candles = $2,905.
-Wednesday, November 7 building fund deposit: $3,478.
-Sunday, November 11 collection: $1,825 in 39 envelopes (average of $47 per envelope) + $698 cash + $116 candles = $2,639.
-Sunday, November 11 Mission Viejo collection: $555 in 11 envelopes (average of $50 per envelope) + $42 cash = $597.
-Wednesday, November 14 building fund deposit: $3,805.

Total deposits in the past four months: August: $17,171, September: $20,610, October: $25,604, November: $13,732.

Sample Holy Cross Church Expenses:
$277.00 paid on October 1, 2018 for cleaning company.
$118.63 paid on October 1, 2018 for printer lease.
$143.23 paid on October 3, 2018 for church icons and cross repairs.
$810.07 paid on October 9, 2018 for Edison electricity.
$372.73 paid on October 10, 2018 for Our Sunday Visitor envelopes.
$58.14 paid on October 12, 2018 for Sparkletts water.
$16.00 paid on October 15, 2018 for printer supplies.
$100.58 paid on October 23, 2018 for American Chemical & Sanitary supplies.
$169.20 paid on October 23, 2018 for Republic trash services.
$1,968.30 paid on October 31, 2018 for Golden State Water Company.
$200.00 paid on November 1, 2018 for gardening services.
$50.17 paid on November 6, 2018 for Sparkletts water.
$750.00 for the 2019 calendar was fully donated by the Mieh-Mieh community.

Hymns: (See our Church’s website for Audio Recordings: holycrossmelkite.org/Melkite-hymns)
Troparion of the Resurrection (Tone 1). While the stone was sealed by the Jews and soldiers were watching your sacred body, You rose, O Savior, on the third day, giving life to the world. Wherefore, O Giver of life, the powers of heaven cried out: Glory to your resurrection, O Christ. Glory to your kingdom, glory to your Plan of redemption, O You who alone are the Lover of mankind.
Troparion of the Holy Cross (Tone 2). O Lord, save your people and bless your inheritance. Strengthen our Public Authorities in every good deed and protect your nation with your Cross.
Kondakion of the Presentation of our Lady to the Temple (Tone 4). The most pure Temple of the Savior, His most precious bridal chamber, the Virgin, sacred treasury of God’s glory, enters today in the house of the Lord, bringing with her the grace of the divine Spirit. Wherefore the angels of God are singing: “Behold the heavenly tabernacle!”

Epistle: Ephesians: 5:8-19. Annalee Maayah will read this Sunday’s Epistle. Full reading below. If you would like to read the Epistle please contact the office.
Gospel: Luke 12:16-21 & 8:8. Full reading below.

Today’s Divine Liturgy is celebrated for the repose of the souls of:
Jacqueline Lutfi (November 11, 2018), Father Robert F. Taft (November 2, 2018), Maguy Naddaf (October 28, 2018), Saif Tashman (October 18, 2018), Jires Jreisat (October 15, 2018).
the health, safety, and salvation of:
Raji Abou Saada, Atalah Alassad, Eman Andrawos, Father John Azar, Patrick Flynn, Laila Halteh, Odet Kashou, Chris & Anna Montes and family, Najiba Nasser, Josephine Saba, Marie Semaan, Florence Shaib, Matthew Shamoon, Abdalah Tashman, Ibtesam Tashman, Rania Tashman, Yasmeen Tashman, Brother Gabriel Veitch.
For vocations to the priesthood, monastic life, and lay parish ministries.
For peace in Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and all the troubled regions around the world.

Scripture Memory:
“For once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light [9] (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), [10] and try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. [11] Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” (Ephesians: 5:8-11)

“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God." [22]And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat, nor about your body, what you shall put on.” (Luke 12:12-22)

Calendar:
Friday, November 16.
7:00 p.m. Annual Ladies Salad Night at Holy Cross Church. Includes food, D.J. music, dancing, a raffle, and a lot of fun. $25 tickets are available through Our Lady’s Society members, Eman Lutfi at (714) 595-7999, or the parish office. All proceeds go to our building fund.

Saturday, November 17.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, November 18.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy led by Holy Cross Church Children’s choir on third Sunday of the month. Arrive at 10:30 a.m. in the choir room, ready, and dressed in a white button down shirt or blouse, navy blue skirt or pants, and black close toe shoes.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Eastern Christian Formation/Sunday School Christmas play practice.
12:45 p.m. Thanksgiving Luncheon organized by our Holy Cross Church Youth.
1:30 p.m. Theosis Meeting in Conference Room. Adult members of Cross Church are invited to learn more about their Eastern Byzantine tradition by attending our monthly meetings to discuss how Scripture and Christ’s teachings show us how God became man in order so that man can become God-like. Anyone seeking more information can contact - Mark Bergeron at (714) 307-2196.

Saturday, November 24.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, November 25.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy. Special celebration of the Entrance of Mary to the Temple.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Eastern Christian Formation/Sunday School Christmas play practice.
No Youth Ministry discussion. Thanksgiving Holiday!

Wednesday, November 28.
10:30 a.m. Eastern Catholic Pastoral Association (ECPA) meeting at Saint Justin Martyr Catholic Church (2050 W Ball Rd, Anaheim, CA 92804).

Saturday, December 1.
No confession, Vespers, or Divine Liturgy tonight.
7:00 p.m. Youth and College Ministry Basketball Game: Melkite’s vs Maronite’s at The Brea Community Center (695 Madison Way, Brea, CA 92821).

Sunday, December 2.
On the first Sunday of each month you may use your building fund envelope (or a specially marked envelope) and deposit it in the regular collection. Thank you for your continued generosity as we move closer to our parish goal of a new hall and church building.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy in English. Youth Choir Day.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Eastern Christian Formation/Sunday School Christmas play practice.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Youth Ministry spiritual discussion for all in grades 9-12. Apologetics: The Divine Liturgy Part 1.
12:30 p.m. Saint Barbara Day and Pre-Christmas Holy Cross Church Luncheon for the whole community. Organized and sponsored by the Mieh-Mieh community.
12:30 p.m. Holy Cross Christmas Boutique and Crafts Sale in the hall. December 2, 9, and 16, 2018. Handmade items will be available for sale such as desserts, wreaths, Christmas gift baskets, mugs, crochet hats, and many more items. If you would like to donate any items please contact the office or Koki Choueiri at (714) 726-0087. All proceeds will go to our Building Fund.
2:30 p.m. Young Adults Group for ages 21-35. Paint and Sip. One of our gracious families has opened their house and host this event for us. $15/person (supplies, wine, and snacks included). Please rsvp by November 28th.

Saturday, December 8.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, December 9.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.
12:30 p.m. Falafel luncheon at Holy Cross Church.
12:30 p.m. Holy Cross Christmas Boutique and Crafts Sale in the hall. December 2, 9, and 16, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. Handmade items will be available for sale such as desserts, wreaths, Christmas gift baskets, mugs, crochet hats, and many more items. If you would like to donate any items please contact the office or Koki Choueiri at (714) 726-0087. All proceeds will go to our Building Fund.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Eastern Christian Formation/Sunday School Christmas play practice.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Youth Ministry spiritual discussion for all in grades 9-12.

5:45 p.m. Music practice in the hall.
6:30 p.m. Divine Liturgy. The Melkite Eastern Catholic Community at Saint Kilian’s Roman Catholic Church. 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691.

Saturday, December 15.
1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Christmas play dress rehearsal start time. Bring sack lunch. Beverages will be provided.
3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. Toys for Tots in Youth Room.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, December 16.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
9:55 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy led by Holy Cross Church Children’s choir on third Sunday of the month. Arrive at 10:30 a.m. in the choir room, ready, and dressed in a white button down shirt or blouse, navy blue skirt or pants, and black close toe shoes.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Children’s Christmas Play.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Youth Ministry spiritual discussion for all in grades 9-12. Apologetics: The Divine Liturgy. Part 3.
12:30 p.m. Holy Cross Christmas Boutique and Crafts Sale in the hall. December 2, 9, and 16, 2018 at 12:30 p.m. Handmade items will be available for sale such as desserts, wreaths, Christmas gift baskets, mugs, crochet hats, and many more items. If you would like to donate any items please contact the office or Koki Choueiri at (714) 726-0087. All proceeds will go to our Building Fund.
1:30 p.m. Theosis Meeting in Conference Room. Adult members of Cross Church are invited to learn more about their Eastern Byzantine tradition by attending our monthly meetings to discuss how Scripture and Christ’s teachings show us how God became man in order so that man can become God-like. Anyone seeking more information can contact - Mark Bergeron at (714) 307-2196.

Readings for Sunday, November 18, 2018.
Epistle Ephesians 5:8-19.
Prokimenon (Tone 1)
May Your kindness, O Lord, be upon us, for we have hoped in You.
Stichon: Exult, you just, in the Lord; praise from the upright is fitting.

A Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians: 5:8-19.
Brethren, walk as children of light (for the fruit of the spirit is in all virtue and holiness and truth), testing what is well pleasing to the Lord, and have nothing to do with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. For of the things that are done by people in secret, it is shameful even to speak; but all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light: for all that is made manifest is light. Thus there is a saying, Awake, sleeper, and arise from among the dead, and Christ will enlighten you. (Is.26: 19) See to it, therefore, brethren, that you walk with care, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. Do not become foolish, then, but understand what is the Lord’s will. And do not be drunk with wine, for in that is wantonness; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and chanting in your hearts to the Lord.

ALLELUIA (Tone 1)

O God, You granted me retribution and made peoples subject to me and saved me from my raging enemies.
Stichon: Therefore I will proclaim You, O Lord, among the nations, and I will sing praise to Your name.

Luke 12:16-21 & 8:8 (The Rich Fool)
The Holy Gospel According To St. Luke the Evangelist.
The Lord told this parable: “The land of a certain rich man brought forth abundant crops. And he began to consider, saying, ‘What shall I do, for I have no room to store my crops?’ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store up all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, ‘Soul, you have many good things laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool, this very night, you must give up your life; and the things you have provided, whose will they be?’ So is the man who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich as regards God.” After He had said this, He cried out, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

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Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church.
451 West Madison Avenue, Placentia, CA 92870-4537
Telephone: (714) 985-1710.
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Parish Web site: HolyCrossMelkite.org
Facebook Page: Facebook.com/HolyCrossMelkite
YouTube Page: Youtube.com/HolyCrossMelkite
Twitter: https://twitter.com/HCMelkite

Pastor: Father François Beyrouti.
Electronic mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Cellular phone: (714) 914-1710

Pastoral Associate: Deacon Elias Kashou.
Office Manager: Tony Helo.
Administrative Assistant: Rosemarie Nasr.
Parish Hall Rentals: Hala Nakhoul (714) 920-6180.
Choir Directors: Reader Saad Tashman and Lupe Ojeda.
Sunday School / Eastern Christian Formation Program: Every Sunday after the Divine Liturgy from September-May. Pre-School to Grade 8.
Our Lady’s Society: Iman Lutfi (714) 595-7999.

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE
SATURDAY: 4:30 p.m. Confession. 5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).
SUNDAY: 9:45 p.m. Orthros (Morning prayer). 11:00 a.m. The Divine Liturgy.

ARABIC DIVINE LITURGY: 5:00 p.m. Saturday before the first Sunday of the month. In 2018: December 1.

ENGLISH DIVINE LITURGY: 11:00 a.m. First Sunday of the month. In 2018: December 2.

HOLY DAYS AND WEEKDAYS: Please check the bulletin.

THE HOLY MYSTERIES
MYSTERIES OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION: The three Mysteries of Baptism, Chrismation and Holy Eucharist are always celebrated together in one ceremony. One month notice is required and one baptismal preparation meeting is required with the priest.
MYSTERY OF HOLY CROWNING: Six month notice, an initial meeting with the priest, marriage preparation sessions, and a wedding license are required. You must be an active member of the parish.
MYSTERY OF HOLY CONFESSION: Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
MYSTERY OF HOLY ANOINTING: Available for anyone who is ill.
PLEASE NOTE: There is no charge for the celebration of the Sacramental Mysteries, however, it is appropriate to offer a gift of thanksgiving. Therefore the Parish Advisory Council suggests an offering of $200 for Baptisms; $500 for Weddings; $300 for Funerals; and $100 for a Memorial Service.

HALL RENTAL POLICY.
MERCY-MEAL ON THE DAY OF THE FUNERAL, MERCY-MEAL FOR THE 40th DAY OR OTHER MEMORIALS: $200.00 for registered parishioners of Holy Cross Church who regularly use donation envelopes.
A PARTY WITH MUSIC, FOOD, AND DRINKS (up to 5 hours of use): $400.00 for parishioners + $100 insurance payable to the diocese. $500.00 for non-parishioners + $100 insurance payable to the diocese.
DAMAGE/CLEANING DEPOSIT: $200.00. Refundable if the hall is left in the condition it was given to you.
SECURITY FEE: $150 charge will be added to cover security for 5 hours.
A MEETING (Use of the chairs and tables only. No use of the kitchen, oven, or refrigerator). $75 / hour for parishioners. $100 for non-parishioners.
ADDITIONAL CHARGE FOR A RENTAL OVER 5 HOURS: $100 / hour.

Our church is featured in the OC Catholic Newspaper:

A Faith Born in Antioch Article

FATHER FRANCOIS BEYROUTI IS PASTOR OF HOLY CROSS MELKITE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN PLACENTIA. / PHOTO: CHALLENGE RODDIE

The Church: A Family not a Building. Father François Beyrouti Homily.

Sunday, November 4, 2018.
Fifth Sunday after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. Gospel of the Rich Man and Lazarus

A Reading from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Ephesians (2-14-22).
BRETHREN, Christ is our peace. He it is who has made both [Jews and Gentiles] one, and has broken down the intervening wall of the enclosure, the enemy, in his flesh. He has voided the Law of commandments expressed in decrees, so that of the two he might create in himself one new man, and make peace, and reconcile both in one body to God through the cross, having destroyed their enmity within himself. And as he came, he announced the good tidings of peace to you who were far away, and of peace to those who were near: because through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. Therefore, you are now no longer strangers or foreigners, but citizens with the saints and members of God’s household: you are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets (Cf.Is.28: 16) with Christ himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole structure is closely fitted together and grows into a temple holy in the Lord; in him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in the Spirit.

ALLELUIA (Tone 7)
It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High!
Stichon: To proclaim your kindness at dawn and your faithfulness throughout the night.

Gospel of the 5th Sunday of Holy Cross. Luke 16:19-31 (The Rich Man & Lazarus)
At that time, the Lord told this parable; “there was certain rich man who used to clothe himself in purple and fine linen, and who feasted every day in splendid fashion. And there was certain poor man, named Lazarus, who lay at his gate, covered with sores, and longing to be filled with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. And it came to pass that the poor man died and was borne away by the angels into Abraham’s bosom; but the rich man also died and was buried in hell. And lifting up his eyes, being in torments, he saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham have pity on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame.’ But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember you in your lifetime have received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now here he is comforted whereas you are tormented. And besides all that, between us and you a great gulf is fixed, so that those who wish to pass over from this side to you cannot, and they cannot cross from your side to us.’ And he said, ‘Then, father, I pray you to send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they too come into this place of torments.’ And Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ But he answered, ‘No father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not believe even if someone rises from the dead.”

Homily
The word “Church” means different things to different people.

Some people go to Church because thy love the singing, some like the opportunity to see their family and friends, believe it or not some even like the homily, and some are actually intrigued with the collection.

The Sunday collection is sometimes called the “tithe.” This word means 10 percent and refers to many passages in the Old and New Testament that speak of giving 10 percent of your income to the temple or Church.

One day in Church a father gave the envelope to his daughter and said: “Today, you can give our tithe.” After putting the envelope in the basket, the girl turned to her parents and said: “Now that we’ve paid our fine, can we leave.” There is a big difference between a tithe and a fine.

For most people the word “Church” refers to either the different aspects of the service or the building.

However, Church is not the building: where we are, it is not the service: what we are doing, it is who we are and who we are becoming as sons and daughters of God because we have come together.

When people get together to worship God and receive His body and blood in the Eucharist, that is Church.

In the New Testament, the word “Church” appears over 100 times. It does not refer to a building because there were no Church buildings for the first 300 years of the Church when all Christians were persecuted by the Jews and Romans.

The first mention of Church in the New Testament is in Matthew 16:18 where Jesus says: “I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.”

The Acts of the Apostles speak about the growth of the Church and how the Church was persecuted.

We read in Acts 8:1 “On that day a great persecution arose against the church in Jerusalem” and in Acts 9:31 “The church throughout all Judea, Galilee, Samaria had peace and was built up; and walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit it was multiplied.”

Even the message of the book of Revelation is structured around how God will strengthen the Church and help the Church grow until the end of time.

So the idea of the Church as a building is not correct. When we think of the Church, the first word we should think of is a “family.”

On Sunday, we don’t go to Church, the building; we go to Church the family and we become Church the family.

Notice how in Church structure we use words that speak of a family not ones that speak of an organization or company.

The priest is called “father,” the bishop is called “our father and bishop,” the word Patriarch means “father” and “head,” the word Pope means “father,” we call the Church a mother, and we call each other brothers and sisters.

In Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians (2:19-21), he says: “You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, [20] built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, [21] in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord.”

The Church reminds us that we are not strangers to one another or to God, we are one family to each other and one family with God. We are brothers and sisters to each other and we are sons and daughters of God. Saint Paul also says in Ephesians 3:14-15 “I bow my knees before the Father, [15] from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named.” That is why the Church is a family.

Notice also how in today’s Gospel Jesus speaks of heaven. When we die, we are welcomed by Abraham. The name Abraham comes from two words, “ab” which means “father” and “raham” which means “a multitude.” Therefore, Abraham means “Father of a multitude.” In other words, Abraham is the father not only of his family but of all the nations who form one family under God. Abraham visibly represents our heavenly Father and reminds us that at the end of time we will be gathered as God’s children in the bosom of the “ab” the father.

In today’s Gospel, Abraham says to the man who distanced Himself from God: “Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things.” (Luke 16:25). This reminds us that despite our distance, despite what we do, and despite how we feel, God always calls us son or daughter, because we are always His children.

Therefore, when we gather as God’s children, the Church, here on earth we are living a foretaste of the gathering of an even larger family in heaven with the family we know and see and our larger God family.

We can pray at home. In fact, we should pray every day at home, but we cannot be “the Church” without gathering as the Church family.

This image is very important because sometime people think of the Church as a building or an organization, rather than a family that they are active members of. If the Church is a building you go to it, if it is an organization you get something from it, but if it is a family, you are actively responsible for it.

Two main characteristics of a family is that each member acknowledges each other as brothers and sisters and each member gathers to see each other, spend time with each other, and grow with each other. You cannot say you have a family if you never gather to see each other. It is the same thing with the Church.

Some people have a consumer idea of the Church and ask: “What will the Church do for me?”

The better question is: “How responsible am I as an active member of the Church family?”

God has made us in family of brothers, sisters, and parents and reminds us that our neighbor is also a member of our family. God further reminds us that in addition to our earthly parents, God is our father who created us and the Church is our mother who gathers and nourishes us.

If the Church were only a building we wouldn’t have to go to it because it is already there, but if it is a family, then we need to gather to see each other and remind each other that we live, pray, sacrifice, and serve them here on earth and long to be with them forever.

Father François Beyrouti
Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church
451 West Madison Avenue
Placentia, CA 92870-4537
Office: (714) 985-1710
My cell: (714) 914-1710
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