eligion places of prayer
eligion places of prayer chaldean churches in and around metro detroit THE DIOCESE OF ST. THOMAS THE APOSTLE IN THE UNITED STATES St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Diocese 25603 Berg Road, Southfield, MI 48033; (248) 351-0440 Mar (Bishop) Ibrahim N. Ibrahim www.chaldeandiocese.org HOLY MARTYRS CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 43700 Merrill, Sterling Heights, MI 48312; (586) 803-3114 Rector: Rev. Manuel Boji Parochial Vicar: Rev. Ayad Khanjaro Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 9 a.m. in Chaldean; Saturday, 5 p.m. in English; Sunday: 9 a.m. in Chaldean and Arabic, 10:30 a.m. in English, morning prayer at noon, high mass at 12:30 p.m. in Chaldean. MAR ADDAI CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 24010 Coolidge Highway, Oak Park, MI 48237; (248) 547-4648 Pastor: Rev. Stephen Kallabat Parochial Vicars: Rev. Fadi Habib Khalaf, Rev. Suleiman Denha Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 12 noon; Sunday, 10 a.m. in Sourath and Arabic, 12:30 p.m. in Sourath MOTHER OF GOD CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 25585 Berg Road, Southfield, MI 48034; (248) 356-0565 Rector: Rev. Wisam Matti Parochial Vicar: Rev. Anthony Kathawa Bible Study: 7-9 p.m. for High School Ages in English; 7-9 p.m. College/Young Adult in English Mass Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 8 a.m. mass in English; Tuesday, 9 p.m. mass in English; Wednesday, noon-midnight, adoration; Saturday, 5:15 p.m. in English; Sunday: 8:30 a.m. in Arabic, 10 a.m. in English, noon in Chaldean, 7 p.m. in English OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP MISSION Located inside St. Sylvester Church 11200 12 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48093; (586) 804-2114 Pastors: Fr. Fadi Philip and Fr. Fawaz Kako Mass: Sunday 12:30 p.m. in Arabic and Chaldean SACRED HEART CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 310 W. Seven Mile Road, Detroit, MI 48203; (313) 368-6214 Pastor: Fr. Sameem Belius Mass Schedule: Friday, 6 p.m. in Chaldean; Sunday 11 a.m. in Chaldean ST. GEORGE CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 45700 Dequindre Road, Shelby Township, MI 48317; (586) 254-7221 Pastor: Msgr. Emanuel Hana Isho Shaleta Assistant Pastor: Rev. Basel Yaldo Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 10 a.m.; Saturday, 6:30 p.m.; Sunday: 8:30 a.m. in Chaldean, 10 a.m. in Arabic, 11:30 a.m. in English, 1:15 p.m. in Chaldean. ST. JOSEPH CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 2442 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, MI 48083; (248) 528-3676 Pastor: Msgr. Zouhair Toma (Kejbou) Parochial Vicar: Fr. Rudy Zoma Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 10 a.m. in Chaldean; Saturday, 5 p.m. in English and Chaldean; Sunday, 8 a.m. in Chaldean, 9:30 a.m. in Arabic, 11 a.m. in English, 12:30 p.m. in Chaldean, 2:15 in Chaldean and Arabic. Baptisms: 3 p.m. on Sundays. ST. MARY HOLY APOSTOLIC CATHOLIC ASSYRIAN CHURCH OF THE EAST 4320 E. 14 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48092; (586) 825-0290 Rector: Fr. Benjamin Benjamin Mass Schedule: Sunday, 9 a.m. in Assyrian; 12 noon in Assyrian and English ST. THOMAS CHALDEAN CATHOLIC CHURCH 6900 Maple Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48322; (248) 788-2460 Pastor: Rev. Frank Kalabat Rev. Emanuel Rayes (retired) Parochial Vicar: Rev. Jirgus Abrahim Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 10 a.m. in Sourath; Saturday, 5 p.m. in English; Sunday 9 a.m. in English, 10:30 a.m. in English, 12:30 p.m. in Sourath, 2 p.m. in Arabic. First Thursday and Friday of each month, Holy Hour 10 a.m., Mass 11 a.m. in Sourath. Saturday 3 p.m., Night Vespers (Ramsha) in Sourath. aEvery Wednesday from midnight to Thursday midnight, adoration in the Baptismal Room. Grotto is open 24/7 for prayer and reflection. ST. TOMA SYRIAC CATHOLIC CHURCH 25600 Drake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48335; (248) 478-0835 Pastor: Rev. Toma Behnama Fr. Safaa Habash Mass Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 6 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m. All masses are in Syriac, Arabic and English The Tribunal of the Divine Mercy During the course of Jesus’ revelations to Saint Faustina on the Divine Mercy He asked on numerous occasions that a feast day be dedicated to the Divine Mercy and that this feast be celebrated on the Sunday after Easter. The liturgical texts of that day, the Second Sunday of Easter, concern the institution of the Sacrament of Penance, the Tribunal of the Divine Mercy. This year it is on May 1. This year marks another significant event for Catholics. Pope Benedict XVI set May 1 as the date for John Paul’s beatification — a key step toward Catholicism’s highest honor, entering Sainthood. The beatification will be the fastest on record, coming just more than six years after his death and beating out Mother Teresa’s then-record beatification in 2003 by a few days. Pope Benedict signed off on the miracle needed for the beatification of Pope John Paul II. Pope Benedict said in a decree that a French nun’s recovery from Parkinson’s disease was miraculous, the last step needed for beatification. A second miracle is needed for the Polish-born John Paul to be made a saint. The Chaplet of the Divine Mercy 1. Begin with the Sign of the Cross, one Our Father, one Hail Mary and The Apostles Creed. 2. Then on the Our Father Beads say the following: Eternal Father, I offer You the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your dearly beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world. 3. On the 10 Hail Mary Beads say the following: For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world. (Repeat step 2 and 3 for all five decades.) 4. Conclude with (three times): Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world. the influx of refugees has increased, it has also turned its attentions to serving that population. “That’s where the need is,” Sagmani said, “and we’ve been able to respond to that need.” COACH’s main focus is Project Hope, a mentoring program held in Warren each Saturday for refugee children ages 6-18. The kids receive both academic and life-skills help. Thanks to the donation of a shutorganizations continued from page 19 St. John’s Eastwood Clinic in Royal Oak to offer free mental health counselling. In late 2010, the foundation received a second state grant to establish a new initiative, Refugee Acculturation Sustainability and Training (RAST). The goal is to help refugees assimilate to life in Michigan and become less dependent on federal and state subsidies and services. In March, the foundation opened a RAST office in Sterling Heights, where most refugees live. That office also houses two staff members of the Chaldean American Association of Health Professionals’ Project Bismutha. Through its funding, the foundation has sub-contracted 0,000 to the CFA, 5,000 to CALC and ,000 to CAAHP – Project Bismutha. Nearly half of the refugee mental health funding is allocated to St. John’s Eastwood Clinic. The foundation, which has eight board members, is also funded by the profits of two major events each year: the Golf Outing and the Chaldean Festival. COACH About five years ago a group of young adults got together to help the community’s needy. COACH (Chaldean Outreach and Community Hope) has since evolved into a 501 (c) (3) with a six-person board of directors. Kristen Sagmani is the group’s founder and president but resists taking the credit. “It’s been an amazing collective effort,” she said. COACH started out by tutoring kids in Oak Park and running a program for at-risk teenage girls. But as organizations continued on page 21 22 CHALDEAN NEWS MAY 2011
obituaries Zuhair Hanna Ayar Zuhair Hanna Ayar, of Southfield, passed away on April 14, 2011 at the age of 65. He is survived by his wife Ahlam; children Johnny, Rona, Kevin, Lenore, Suzie and Lenny; mother Meriam Ayar; and siblings Roofy, Talal, Salman, Sahera and Bernadette. Zuhair was preceded in death by his father Hanna Ayar and son Randy. At the age of 17, Zuhair, with great pride, took on the role of a father to his siblings after his father Hanna died. The lessons he taught will be carried and passed along for generations to come. Everyone who crossed Zuhair’s path was touched by the depth of his love, kindness, respect and compassion. He never let anyone leave his sight without a smile on their face and joy in their heart. He had a way of making every person feel like his brother, sister or child. His love was so pure and genuine that all who met him would instantly fall in love with him. He always loved to tend to his garden. He often spent many days in the garden making sure everything was perfect. We his children are like that garden, which he helped nurture with his unending love. He had an outstanding contribution and dedication to the church, in which he faithfully served for many years. Through his years of service, he was chosen to meet Pope John Paul II. He also volunteered to rescue people out of the country with Bishop Ibrahim. He was a great man amongst great men. Zuhair was the perfect role model and leader. We will always cherish the memories we had with him. Zuhair will be loved and missed dearly by everyone. He paved the road for all of us to follow; now we must honor him by following that road the way he would. Emmanuel F. Kathawa On March 9, 2011 my beloved brother, Emmanuel F. Kathawa, aka Rocky, lost his courageous battle with cancer. Rocky never backed down from a challenge and this time God gave him one. He accepted it gracefully and fought with great dignity. Two years prior to Rocky’s birth our family suffered a devastating loss of my 2-year-old brother, Freddie. God smiled upon our family as the birth of Rocky brought much-needed happiness and joy into our home. Rocky loved challenges and Rocky loved life. He was an avid hunter who also loved to fish. He collected coins and his knowledge became so vast that many collectors sought him out. He also collected and sold firearms new as well as antiques. Rocky was talented in many ways but his greatest gift was storytelling. He could hold an audience Zuhair Hanna Ayar Emmanuel F. Kathawa Victoria Dabish Kashat spellbound as he told of his many adventures. Young and old were mesmerized until the very end. He always left his audience wanting to hear more. I am sure God is also enjoying hearing about all of your fascinating adventures on earth, for even He had a hard time keeping up with your action-packed life! A man for all seasons, a spirit not broken and man with a heart of gold. Rocky died in Cape Coral, Florida, on March 9, 2011. He will be dearly missed by his wife, Carol, his son Joseph and his daughter, Lori Lisa. He is also survived by his siblings, Rosemary Najor (Thomas), Julia Najor (Salim), Catherine Jaboro (Najy), George (Anita), Jerry (Barbara) and Evelyn. Rocky will also be missed by many nieces and nephews. Peace be with you, my sweet brother. Love your sister, Rosemary. P.S. I know that you got a new pair of dancing shoes, the best dancing shoes, so dance away little brother. Victoria Dabish Kashat Victoria Dabish Kashat, our loving mother and grandmother, passed away on March 17, 2011 at the age of 84. She was born on April 15, 1926 in Baghdad, Iraq. She was married to her late husband Naeem Kashat, who passed in 1991. Victoria was the mother to five children who reside in the Metro Detroit area: sons Rafid and Raad Kashat, and daughters Rafida Shaman, Rwaida Korkis and Raidah Awdish. She was a grandmother to 11 grandkids; Venus, Vance, Steven and Vincent Shaman; Madonna, Crystal, Heather, and Lauren Awdish, Francis Korkis, Remone Kashat, and Zoe Kashat. Victoria was the rock and foundation of our family. She gave everyone strength and courage, and was always there for her family. She was selfless and at peace with everyone and had a pure heart of gold. May God bless her always and may she shine down upon us with her beautiful smile. May you be our special angel from heaven above, always guiding us and protecting us. Recently deceased Community members Najat Mariam Kakos April 15, 2011 Ramzia Denha April 7, 2011 Jawhara Falla Shavota April 2, 2011 Jawhara Falla Shavota April 2, 2011 Regina Konja Garmo April 8, 2011 Talal Mikhael Jadan April 5, 2011 Vivian Habba March 28, 2011 Foad Daoud Abbo April 18, 2011 Caswan Habib April 18, 2011 Parikha Kas-Shamoun Jarbo April 12, 2011 Submit your loved one’s obituary to info@ chaldeannews.com, or send it to Chaldean News, 29850 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, MI 48034. organizations continued from page 20 tle van, COACH provides transportation for Project Hope as well as occasional field trips and visits to stores and doctors for refugee families. COACH also has a Family Support Program and holds food and clothing drives throughout the year. Most COACH members are in their early 20s to mid 30s. Sagmani said she has been inspired to volunteer since childhood. “I feel very privileged as a first-generation Chaldean,” she said. “A lot of these refugee kids don’t have the same opportunity.” CCC: Chaldean Cultural Center A museum honoring Chaldeans in Iraq and America has been long in the works at Shenandoah Country Club. The Chaldean Cultural Center will include five galleries: Ancient Mesopotamia, Faith, Church, Village Life, Coming to America and Chaldeans Today. It will also include rotating exhibits, lectures and tours. The concept for the CCC dates to 2003 and “took root earnestly” in 2005 when Shenandoah opened, said Mary Romaya, who sits on the CCC board. Special events, state grants and corporate and private donations have totaled more than million thus far. Major contributors include Dean Foods/Country Fresh, Pepsi Bottling Group, Spartan Stores, DTE Energy, Fifth Third Bank and the State of Michigan. Work on the CCC grinded to a halt while Shenandoah grappled with its myriad financial problems in 2008-2009. Once Shenandoah stabilized its financial situation in 2010, fundraising for the CCC was renewed. “We could not move forward with this project until we knew that the issues with Shenandoah were resolved,” said board member Francis Boji. Design work has been completed, artifacts purchased and materials archived. It is now hoped that construction will start in June; work will take at least six months. Additional funds are needed to bring the project to completion. MAY 2011 CHALDEAN NEWS 23
