chaldean chamber Awards
chaldean chamber Awards photo by david reed The ECRC celebrated its 10th anniversary at Shenandoah Country Club last November. ECRC straightens faith Chamber pays special tribute By Vanessa Denha Garmo It was Pope John Paul II who called Catholics to evangelize the faith. The call was heard all over the world including right here in Michigan. Members of the Chaldean Catholic Church heard that call and more than 10 years ago created an organization for the laity to spread the word of the Lord. This month, the Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce honors the Eastern Catholic Re-evangelization Center (ECRC) for its dedication to spreading the word of God to the community. More than 500 people a week attend various programs offered for the organization. In 2001, Neran Karmo and Karam Bahnam approached Fr. Frank Kalabat from St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church in West Bloomfield with interest in Bible study, theology and evangelization. Following that conversation and many meetings, the ECRC was born. “This honor is for all the volunteers who help us carry out our mission of evangelizing,” said Karmo. “The laity – especially the youth – play a vital role in leading other youth. There is proof that our faith is strong and there is hope in the community’s ability to deliver the word of Jesus Christ.” Last fall, more than 600 people celebrated ECRC’s anniversary at Shenandoah Country Club. At the dinner, ECRC announced their new venture — the creation of Mar Toma Chaldean Productions and the construction of a new television studio inside ECRC’s St. Ephraim center at Inkster and Maple. They are producing content for existing stations that focus on Chaldean Catholics. Networks such as the Noursat, considered the largest Arabic-speaking Catholic network with a presence in five continents, showed an interest to broadcast programs produced by Chaldeans. EWTN, which broadcasts to 190 million homes, showed an interest as well; they inquired about programs focused on Eastern Catholic spirituality and traditions and about Chaldean martyrs. This lay organization operates primarily by volunteers. Since its inception, the center has operated under the guidance of the Chaldean Catholic Diocese, offering programs for kids, youths and adults. These include retreats, educational programs, pilgrimages and prayer groups. Since the beginning, ECRC has received personal support from Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim. Some of the programs include Bible study, Kairos retreats, summer Bible camps for kids, the annual conference Awake My Soul, ENDOW study and faith night. ECRC has also hosted several nationally known speakers. “ECRC is where I learned that the strongest form of leadership is to serve,” said Reem Samona in a video produced by ECRC. “Once you connect that we are not here to conquer the world but to serve it, our faith makes a lot more sense.” Every year people experience ECRC for the first time. However, Matthew Zetouna was among the first wave of Chaldeans to participate in ECRC programs and joined the Chaldeans Loving Christ (CLC) group early on. “I don’t know if I would have heard my vocation if it wasn’t for getting involved and letting the Holy Spirit work through ECRC and the ministry,” said Zetouna, now a seminarian. Basil Bacall has participated in Bible study, theology classes, the annual program as well as different events. Also speaking via a video, Bacall said, “If you have not been to ECRC and you do not know what it has to offer, you are missing a lot. You can own the world yet not understand your role in life or why you even exist. What good is it to own the world? ECRC is an opportunity to change your life, get closer to Jesus and closer to God.” “This is celebration for not only our Church and our faith but for the entire community,” said Bahnam. “ECRC has been a bridge between the Roman Catholics, Rome and our Eastern Rite. We are one body of the Catholic Church.” “ECRC in many ways has changed my life,” said Fr. Frank during a videotaping. “It has made the church alive for me. It is not just me bringing the message — I am receiving the message just as much as everybody else is.” The Chaldean American Chamber of Commerce’s Ninth Annual Awards Dinner takes place on Friday, March 23 at Shenandoah Country Club. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are 5 per person or ,500 for a table of ten. Call (248) 996-8340 for more information. 44 CHALDEAN NEWS MARCH 2012
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