Holy Cross Melkite Catholic Church Bulletin. Sunday, August 19, 2018.
Thirteenth Sunday After Pentecost. Gospel of the Wicked Tenants.

August 19. Fifth Day of Celebration of the Dormition of the Mother of God and the Commemoration of the Holy Martyrs Andrew the Centurion and his two thousand five hundred and ninety-three companions. Before fighting a battle with the Persians, Andrew, a commander, converted to faith in Christ all the soldiers under his command. He then won the battle. When Emperor Maximian heard of the mass conversion, he ordered Andrew put to death with all his men. This occurred at the end of the third century.

Thank you to all those who attended and donated towards our Falafel Luncheon. We raised $776.

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 Sunday September 16, 2018, at Saint Kilian’s. 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 (off Marguerite Parkway).
2018 dates: Sunday, September 16, Sunday, October 14, Sunday, November 11, and Sunday, December 9.
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 for the Sunday choir. Every Thursday at 7:00-8:30 p.m. and every Sunday at 10:00-10:45 a.m. Thursday, August 30 moved to Wednesday, August 29.
For the Melkite Eastern Catholic community at Saint Kilian’s Roman Catholic Church (26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691). 7:00 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Upcoming dates: August 22 and September 12. Parish center. Room 6.

Our Eastern Christian Formation (Sunday School) program for all children Kindergarten to grade 8 will re-start on September 9, 2018. We need teachers and assistants for our program so we can have great faith formation classes for our children. Please contact the office if you are interested in teaching our wonderful children or if you have children in kindergarten to grades 8. (714) 985-1710. The registration form is available at: Holycrossmelkite.org/ministries/ecf

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

Holy Cross Young Adults Group. 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, September 2: 12:15 p.m. Batting Cages.
Thursday, September 13: 7:00 p.m. Bonfire at the beach.

Isaiah House Women’s Shelter. 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. 2018 dates: September 30, and December 30. 2019 dates: March 31, June 30, September 29, and December 29. Time: 3:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Contact the office on how to get involved.

Women’s Silent Retreat. Reservations are now being accepted for the Women’s Silent Retreat November 9-11, at Sacred Heart Retreat House in Alhambra. The theme this year is “In You all find their home” Psalm 87:7, and will be led by retreat master Fr. John Paul Ouellette, CFR. For information and reservations, please contact Melinda Guinaldo at (714) 403-8455.

If anyone is looking for a caregiver (older or younger) please call Janan G. at (714) 592-6358. Speaks Arabic and English.

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 invites all the faithful to cooperate with the servant-ministers sent to work with them, since it is to their benefit and salvation. In today’s Gospel, we see people who did not receive nor cooperate with such workers. How do we treat and cooperate with our clergy and others who are volunteering their time for the Church? Is it in a manner that will encourage others to become priests or to serve the Church? God wants to send workers to call all to the salvation that Jesus offers. Pray that those who are called may respond generously.

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:
-Friday, August 3 building fund deposit: $1,194.
-Saturday, August 4 collection: $255 in 7 envelopes (average of $36 per envelope) + $194 cash = $419
-Sunday, August 5 collection: $1,769 in 29 envelopes (average of $61 per envelope) + $128 cash + $125 candles = $2,022.
-Wednesday, August 8 building fund deposit: $2,251.
-Sunday, August 12 collection: $1,680 in 34 envelopes (average of $49 per envelope) + $149 cash + $118 candles = $1,947.
-Sunday, August 12 Mission Viejo collection: $390.
-Wednesday, August 15 building fund deposit: $2,460.

Total deposits in the past four months: May: $24,485, June: $18,839, July: $25,177. August: $10,693.

Sample Holy Cross Church Expenses:
$161.19 paid on July 23, 2018 for Republic Trash services.
$441.46 paid on August 2, 2018 for Church Cleaning services.
$200.00 paid on August 2, 2018 for Gardening services.
$181.25 paid on August 7, 2018 for Envelope services.
$76.17 paid on August 14, 2018 for Sparkletts water services.

Hymns: (See our Church’s website for Audio Recordings: holycrossmelkite.org/Melkite-hymns)
Troparion of the Resurrection (Tone 4). The Women disciples of the Lord heard from the Angels the joyful news of the resurrection, and casting away the ancestral sentence, they announced with pride to the Apostles: Death is vanquished, Christ God is risen! And has bestowed great mercy upon the world.
Troparion of the Dormition (Tone 1). In giving birth you have preserved your virginity and in falling asleep you did not forsake the world, O Mother of God. You have passed to life being the Mother of Life. Through your intercession, save our souls from death.
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 Dormition (Tone 2). Neither death nor the tomb could hold the Mother of God, our watchful Protectress and our unfailing hope. Since she is the Mother of Life. Christ who dwelt in her ever-virginal womb lifted her up to the eternal life.

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 16:13-24. Amin Abukhader will read this Sunday’s Epistle. Full reading below. If you would like to read the Epistle please contact the office.
Gospel: Matthew 21:33-42. Full reading below.

Today’s Divine Liturgy is celebrated for the repose of the souls of:
One year memorial for Sheikha Salman (June 8, 2017) & Elias Odeh Salman (August 20, 2017).
Nassim Samawi (August 15, 2018), Avadis (Avo) Semeridgian (August 8, 2018), Sebastian Pappy (August 4, 2018), Samira (Besmar) Tannous (July 29 , 2018), Juana Flores de Lopez (July 26, 2018), Barbara Patterson (July 19, 2018), Marino Kilzi (July 17, 2018), Souad Zahalan Saikaly (July 7, 2018), John Koury (June 16, 2018), Gharami Haykal (June 10, 2018), Georgette Mahfouz Abou-Eid (April 21, 2018), Susan Jumean Masso, Najib Lutfi, Mariam Lutfi, Fuad Lutfi, Fawzie Lutfi.
the health, safety, and salvation of:
Jimmy Bahnan, Brother Gabriel, George & Majda Kassaseya, Minerva Mazzawi, Jamal Nesheiwat, Fr. Jim Ries, Marie Semaan, Florence Shaib.
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:
“Greet one another with a holy kiss. [21] I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. [22] If any one has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! [23] The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. [24] My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen” (1 Corinthians: 16:13-24).

“When therefore the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenants?" [41] They said to him, ‘He will put those wretches to a miserable death, and let out the vineyard to other tenants who will give him the fruits in their seasons.’ [42] Jesus said to them, ‘Have you never read in the scriptures: ‘The very stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?” (Matthew 21:40-42).

Calendar:
Saturday, August 18.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, August 19.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
10:00 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Youth Ministry spiritual discussion for all in grades 9-12. “How music persuades our beliefs. Differences from then and now.” Nicole Rayyan
1:30 p.m. Theosis Meeting in conference room. Adult members of Holy 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 that man can become God-like. Anyone seeking more information can contact Mark Bergeron at (714) 307-2196.

Wednesday, August 22.
7:00 p.m. Choir practice for the Melkite Eastern Catholic community at Saint Kilian’s Roman Catholic Church. 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691. Parish center. Room 6. Second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

Saturday, August 25.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, August 26.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
10:00 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Youth Ministry spiritual discussion for all in grades 9-12.

Wednesday, August 29.
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Choir Practice at Holy Cross Church.

Saturday, September 1.
9:30 a.m. Be My Witness leadership team meeting. “Witness Matters.”
5:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy in Arabic.

Sunday, September 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).
10:00 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy in English.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Youth Ministry spiritual discussion for all in grades 9-12. Web-meeting with the youth of Saint John of the Desert Melkite Catholic Church, Phoenix, Arizona.
12:15-1:30 p.m. Young Adults Group for ages 21-35. Batting Cages.
3:00 p.m. Baptism of Ayed Salman, son of Fareh & Rhonda Salman.

Wednesday, September 5.
10:30 a.m. Eastern Catholic Pastoral Association meeting at St. Anne Melkite Catholic Cathedral (11211 Moorpark Street, North Hollywood, CA 91602) for all the Eastern Catholic Clergy in the Southern California region.

Thursday, September 6.
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Choir Practice at Holy Cross Church.

Sunday, September 9.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
10:00 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Youth Ministry spiritual discussion for all in grades 9-12.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. First day for our Eastern Christian Formation/Sunday School for children in kindergarten to grade 8. Please call the office to register your child or to volunteer teaching.

Wednesday, September 12.
7:00 p.m. Choir practice for the Melkite Eastern Catholic community at Saint Kilian’s Roman Catholic Church. 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691. Parish center. Room 6. Second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

Thursday, September 13.
7:00 p.m. Young Adults Group for ages 21-35: Bon Fire at the beach.
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Choir practice at Holy Cross Church.

Friday, September 14.
7:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Holy Cross.

Saturday, September 15.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, September 16.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
10:00 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Youth Ministry spiritual discussion for all in grades 9-12.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Eastern Christian Formation/Sunday School for children in kindergarten to grade 8.
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 that man can become God-like. Anyone seeking more information can contact Mark Bergeron at (714) 307-2196.

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.

Thursday, September 20.
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Choir Practice at Holy Cross Church.

Saturday, September 22.
9:30 a.m. Be My Witness leadership team meeting. “Witness Matters.”
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, September 23.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
10:00 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Eastern Christian Formation/Sunday School for children in kindergarten to grade 8.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Youth Ministry spiritual discussion for all in grades 9-12.

Wednesday, September 26.
7:00 p.m. Choir practice for the Melkite Eastern Catholic community at Saint Kilian’s Roman Catholic Church. 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691. Parish center. Room 6. Second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

Thursday, September 27.
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Choir Practice at Holy Cross Church.

Saturday, September 29.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, September 30.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
10:00 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Eastern Christian Formation/Sunday School for children in kindergarten to grade 8.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Youth Ministry spiritual discussion for all in grades 9-12.
3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Prepare meal in the Holy Cross Hall Kitchen for Isaiah House Catholic Worker’s Women’s shelter.
4:30 p.m. Carpool to Isaiah House (316 South Cypress Avenue, Santa Ana. http://occatholicworker.org).
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Set up, serve meals, visit with the women, and clean up.

Thursday, October 4.
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Choir Practice at Holy Cross Church.

Saturday, October 6.
9:30 a.m. Be My Witness leadership team meeting. “Mission Matters”.
5:00 p.m. Divine Liturgy in Arabic

Sunday, October 7.
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).
10:00 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy in English.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Eastern Christian Formation/Sunday School for children in kindergarten to grade 8.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Youth Ministry spiritual discussion for all in grades 9-12. Web-meeting with the youth of Saint John of the Desert Melkite Catholic Church, Phoenix, Arizona.
12:15-1:30 p.m. Young Adults Group for ages 21-35. Kayaking.

Wednesday, October 10.
7:00 p.m. Choir practice for the Melkite Eastern Catholic community at Saint Kilian’s Roman Catholic Church. 26872 Estanciero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691. Parish center. Room 6. Second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

Thursday, October 11.
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Choir Practice at Holy Cross Church.

Saturday, October 13.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, October 14.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
10:00 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Eastern Christian Formation/Sunday School for children in kindergarten to grade 8.
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.

Thursday, October 18.
7:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Choir Practice at Holy Cross Church.

Saturday, October 20.
4:30 p.m. Confession.
5:00 p.m. Vespers (Evening prayer).

Sunday, October 21.
9:45 a.m. Orthros (Morning prayer).
10:00 a.m. Choir practice.
11:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Eastern Christian Formation/Sunday School for children in kindergarten to grade 8.
12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Youth Ministry spiritual discussion for all in grades 9-12.
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, August 19, 2018.
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 16:13-24.
Prokimenon (Tone 4)
How great are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you have wrought them all.
Stichon: Bless the Lord, O my soul! You are very great indeed, O Lord my God!

A Reading from the First Epistle of St. Paul to the Corinthians:
Brethren, I remind you of the Good News I preached to you, and which you received, and in which you stand, through which also you are being saved, if you hold fast to it as I preached it to you — otherwise you would have believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all what I had also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Kephas, and after that, to the Twelve. Then He was seen by more than five hundred brethren at one time, many of whom are still with us, while some have fallen asleep. After that, He was seen by James, then by all the apostles, and last of all, as by one born out of due time, He was seen also by me. For I am the least of the apostles, and am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted God’s Church. But by God’s grace, I am what I am, and His grace in me has not been fruitless — in fact, I have labored more than any of them, yet not I, but God’s grace with me. Whether it be I or they (who speak), this is what we preach, and this you have believed.

ALLELUIA (Tone 3)
String your bow, go forth, reign for the sake of truth, meekness and righteousness and your right hand shall lead you wonderfully.
Stichon: You loved righteousness and hated iniquity: therefore God, your God, anointed you with the oil of joy above your companions.

Gospel of the Feast: Matthew 21:33-42.
The Holy Gospel According To St. Matthew the Evangelist.
The Lord told this parable: “There was a man, a landowner, who planted a vineyard, and put a hedge around it, and dug a wine vat in it, and built a tower; then he leased it to the vine-dressers, and went abroad. But when the fruit season drew near, he sent his servants to the vine-dressers to receive his fruits. And the vine-dressers seized his servants, and beat one, killed another, and stoned another. Again he sent another party of servants more numerous than the first; and they did the same to these. Finally he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will respect my son.’ But the vine-dressers, on seeing the son, said among themselves, ‘This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and we shall have his inheritance.’ So they seized him, cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. When, therefore, the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vine-dressers?” They said to him, “He will utterly destroy those evil men, and will lease the vineyard to other vine-dressers, who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures, ‘The Stone which the builders rejected has become the corner stone; by the Lord this has been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes’”

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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: September 1, October 6, November 3, December 1.

ENGLISH DIVINE LITURGY: 11:00 a.m. First Sunday of the month. In 2018: September 2, October 7, November 4, 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.

July 8, 2018
"Do you have time or are you B.U.S.Y.?" Homily. Fr. François Beyrouti.
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Romans 15:1-7
Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. [2] Therefore he who resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. [3] For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of him who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, [4] for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain; he is the servant of God to execute his wrath on the wrongdoer. [5] Therefore one must be subject, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience. [6] For the same reason you also pay taxes, for the authorities are ministers of God, attending to this very thing. [7] Pay all of them their dues, taxes to whom taxes are due, revenue to whom revenue is due, respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due.

Matthew 9:27-35
And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, "Have mercy on us, Son of David." [28] When he entered the house, the blind men came to him; and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They said to him, "Yes, Lord." [29] Then he touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you." [30] And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly charged them, "See that no one knows it." [31] But they went away and spread his fame through all that district. [32] As they were going away, behold, a dumb demoniac was brought to him. [33] And when the demon had been cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds marveled, saying, "Never was anything like this seen in Israel." [34] But the Pharisees said, "He casts out demons by the prince of demons." [35] And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity.

Homily.
“Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every infirmity” (Mt. 9:35).

In today’s Gospel and in many other parts of the gospels we often hear of Jesus healing people. Throughout His life, Jesus healed the blind, the deaf, the lame, and the crippled. But more importantly He came to heal people’s spiritual sicknesses. In Jesus’ mind, feeding or healing people was only a very small part of His ministry. His ultimate purpose was to show us the will of the Father and how we can achieve live our Divine calling.

Without exception, every single person that Jesus healed eventually died, and every single person that He fed with either fish or bread, got hungry again within a few hours. If Jesus had come only to heal or to feed, His ministry would have been interesting, but not very long lasting or significant. Jesus healed the sicknesses of the body, but gave more attention to healing the soul.

In a variety of ways, some sort of spiritual sickness inflicts all of us. If Jesus were to walk around today, from what spiritual sickness would He want to heal us? There may be many, but one in particular that seems to be common is the spiritual sickness of busyness. Many people seem to be on a constant go, go, go. Definitely the demands of life require hard work. We certainly have responsibilities and should avoid laziness, but there is always more work to do, more games to play, more TV to watch, and more money to make. At times we set unrealistic goals, then kill ourselves and ruin family life trying to achieve these goals.

There is a story about a meeting Satan had with his friends. He said to them, “We won’t be able to make Christianity illegal in America, but we can do even better. Let them enjoy their life, but keep them busy so that they will not have any time to think about God or their families. Keep them busy with the non-essentials of life and invent as many schemes as possible to occupy their minds. Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and then to borrow, borrow, borrow.

“Keep them in this cycle as long as possible by convincing them that they need more to impress everyone around them. Convince them that without all their glamor no one will like them. Persuade them to work long hours on 6-7 days a week. This way they will not be able to spend time with their family and soon they will not be interested in each other. If you see them with a free evening and a few extra dollars in their pockets, convince them that the best place to be is at a restaurant or even better the Casino.

“Keep them busy with music, TV, computers, newspapers, magazines, sports, entertainment events, and long hours playing with their phone. Remember, the more they think of themselves, the less they will think of God and the needs of others. In short: keep them at all times BUSY. B.U.S.Y. B – Burdened/ U – Under/ S - Satan's/ Y – Yoke.”

The question now is: has the devil been successful in keeping us B.U.S.Y.?

Perhaps at times, yes. However, Jesus came to heal us from this constant busyness by reminding us of the essentials of life. Church and family are more important than work, entertainment, and money; even if the latter may bring us more excitement and satisfaction.

How many people find they have too much to do to go to Church? No matter where you live and no matter what you do, there is always something else that you can be doing on Sunday morning?

In terms of family, it is not sufficient to justify why we can’t spend more time together. Rather families must think of creative ways to see each other, eat with each other, and spend time together. Spending time together does not mean watching TV together or sitting next to each other playing on your phones. There needs to be personal interaction between family members. Robots can sit next to each other, but only humans can talk, listen, and respond to each other’s needs and interests.

This is what Jesus does in today’s Gospel and throughout His life. Jesus stops to see and talk to people. It was only when He stopped did He see their needs.

Children can only be raised once. No amount of money can replace the lost memories of children growing up. Unfortunately, sometimes people only realize they have children when they start leaving home. Your family time is precious. It is irreplaceable and not renewable.

Also, a married couple needs to constantly work on their friendship. What a tragedy it is when a couple after 20 or more years of marriage realize they have very little in common. This only happens when couples overlook the importance of spending time with each other, talking to each other, and listening to each other on a regular basis.

If certain priorities are not set in life, there will always be something keeping us busy. We can certainly say that today Jesus wants to heal us from the hypnosis that has been cast upon us, that keeps us B.U.S.Y.: Burdened, Under, Satan’s, Yolk., so that we will not have time for Church, prayer, and family.

Putting God and others first should be our priority as this was the message that Jesus came to bring us. We all need to be healed of busyness, especially if that busyness blinds us to the most important things in the world: time with God in prayer and real time with our family.

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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