GUEST column Why we must
GUEST column Why we must attend the Chaldean Church “ We are all Catholic … does it matter which church I go to?” This is a question that I hear from many people within the Chaldean community. I decided to survey a number of people of all ages and backgrounds and asked why they as Chaldeans go to Roman Catholic Churches — the Church more commonly known as the “American Church.” Many people stated various reasons in the survey. Simply stated, Chaldeans choose to go to Roman Catholic Churches because the church is closer to their house, they go to that particular Catholic school so they go to Mass there, or there is no traffic jam in the parking lot at the Roman Catholic Church. Although the reasoning may seem sound, it is not justified. We need to belong to the Church that we originated from, the Chaldean Catholic Church. We are immensely blessed to have a Church that holds wonderful traditions, meaning, spirituality and history. All these were preserved because of the enormous efforts and bloodshed given by our ancestors. In our family trees, there are many grandparents, great grandparents and their parents who fought and struggled to keep our faith and the Chaldean Church alive. From the start of the Chaldean Church, which began immediately after the death of Christ, until now, the Chaldean Church has been the only Church called the Church of Fr. Anthony Kathawa special to the chaldean news Martyrs. From the beginning until now, the faithful of the Church have been constantly persecuted and constantly shedding their blood to keep our Church alive. Even today in Iraq, Chaldeans are in a religious battle trying to keep their religion alive for themselves and the next generations. It saddens me when Chaldeans abandon their Church for the sake of convenience. We need to honor our family, honor our ancestors, honor our martyrs, and do our best to keep our Church alive by practicing our faith inside our Chaldean Churches in America. We need to continue to strive and keep our Church going by supporting it. We need to be active in our parishes and support our Church. We should not let ourselves stray away for any reason. Some of the other reasons for not going to Church raised by Chaldeans is that they feel they must dress up because they are attending a fashion show, the Mass is too long, it is difficult to understand the Mass, or other people who attend Mass attend for the wrong reasons. These artificial reasons are the works of the devil. They stand to keep us away from our home — the Chaldean Church. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:15, “beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but underneath are ravenous wolves.” These falsehoods for not attending Chaldean Mass are the devil’s way of rationalizing why it is OK to not attend. However, the reasons are clothed in sheep’s clothing — seemingly justifiable yet detrimental to a Church that has withstood the test of time. We need to have a stronger focus on our faith and love for God without distraction and recognize who we are as God created us … Chaldeans. Therefore, Chaldean Church Law — Eastern Code of Canon Law approved by Rome — states, “they [Catholics] are to fulfill with great diligence the duties which they owe to the universal Church and to their own Church of their own Rite.” (Eastern Code of Canon Law, can.12, par.2) Notwithstanding what the Chaldean Church Law states, it is the Roman Catholic Church that mandates we must attend Mass at the Chaldean Church. The Second Vatican Council, a council of the Roman Catholic Church states, “each and every Catholic must retain each his own Rite wherever he is, and follow it to the best of his ability.” (Vatican II Council, par. 4) In other words, attending Chaldean Mass is not only prescribed by the Chaldean Church, it is a mandate of the Roman Catholic Church. Thus, the Roman Catholic Church that you may attend prescribes, through authority of the Pope, that you attend your own Rite. Therefore, we must renounce the traps of the devil that prohibit us from attending the Chaldean Church. Our Church is the defining element of who we are. We are Chaldean not only because of a language or culture, but because of the Church! It is the common thread that unites us together as one community in Christ. Your participation in the Chaldean Church honors, exemplifies and resurrects the bloodshed and glory of the past and symbolizes the continuation of a unified Chaldean Church. We must stand strong and dedicated to our Church. Chaldean Church Law — Eastern Code of Canon Law approved by Rome — states, “they [Catholics] are to fulfill with great diligence the duties which they owe to the universal Church and to their own Church of their own Rite.” As Saint Paul emphasized, “We should not stay away from our assembly, as is the custom of some.” (Hebrews 10:25) We should all encourage one another to remain as one strong Chaldean Church body with no division. For God has so constructed the body (our Church) so as to not allow division among its parts. (1 Cor. 12:24-25) Fr. Anthony Kathawa of Mother of God Chaldean Catholic Church in Southfield was ordained in May 2010. Are You Lost in the Medicare Maze? ACCREDITED MEDICARE SPECIALIST ALL TYPES OF HEALTH INSurANcE, LONG TErM cArE, LIFE ANd dISABILITY Steve George 800- 696-8918 E-MAIL: stephengeorge100@att.net www.aipagency.com American Insurance Producers Agency, Inc. All Receptions • Dinner Parties • Holy Communions • Showers/Engagements Grand Openings • Banquets & Special Events 20 CHALDEAN NEWS NOVEMBER 2011
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 Schedule: 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 Pastors: Fr. Pierre Konja, Fr. Basel Yaldo Mass Schedule: Weekdays, 10 a.m. in Chaldean; Wednesdays, 7 p.m.; adoration and confession from 8-10 p.m.; Saturday, 6:30 p.m. in English (during the school year); 6:30 p.m. (in Chaldean during the summer); Sunday: 8:30 a.m. in Chaldean, 10 a.m. in Arabic, 11:30 a.m. in English, 1:15 p.m. in Chaldean; 7:30 p.m. in English. Tuesdays: Circle of Friends (teenage girls) 6:30 p.m.; Wednesdays, Adult English Bible Study at 8 p.m.; Thursdays, Teen Bible Study at 6:30 p.m.; Fridays, Arabic Bible Study at 8 p.m. 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. Every 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 Love thy enemy Words from Christ Jesus about enemies in this world: “But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you ... But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.” (Luke 6:27, 28; 32, 33) Ten ways to love thy enemy • Pray for them • Be kind even when they are hurtful • Say something nice about them even when others are criticizing • Think positive thoughts about them • Share advice with them that has helped you in the past • Find goodness in them every day • Share Christ with them by using Him as an example during a discussion • When things between you are at their worst ask yourself, What would Jesus do? • Stay silent at the moment you want to scream the loudest at the person • Ask God for strength to do all the above! Prayer for Our Enemies Jesus, Prince of Peace, you have asked us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. We pray for our enemies and those who oppose us. With the help of the Holy Spirit, may all people learn to work together for that justice which brings true and lasting peace. To you be glory and honor for ever and ever. OBITUARIES Karam Khalil Hanna Karam Khalil Hanna was killed in a car accident in Novi on September 27, 2011. He was born July 13, 1989 in Bakhdida, Iraq. After he finished elementary school in Bakhdida, Karam and his family moved to Jordan for a few years. He came to Michigan in 2003. An excellent student, Karam graduated from Lutheran High School and then applied for the engineering program at Lawrence Tech University. He just graduated in August 2011, and had applied for a master degree program in architecture. Karam worked as a manager at the Holiday Inn & Suites in Farmington Hills. He enjoyed working out, playing soccer and hanging out with friends. He was one of the smartest students in his class, and was very kind. Karma was the only son of Khalil Hanna and Faeza Anton. He is also survived by his sisters, Hiba, Zina and Lucy. Recently deceased Community members Sami Tobia Roumayah November 24, 1933 - October 17, 2011 Dalia Dabish Salem March 16, 1975 - October 17, 2011 Shawkat Jarjis Etta July 1, 1922 - October 14, 2011 Jameel Hana Sheena July 1, 1930 - October 6, 2011 Fuad Atto March 28, 1930 - October 13, 2011 Abraheem Murad Abbo July 1, 1943 - September 27, 2011 Hasena Hajjar Zaitona January 1, 1927 - October 6, 2011 Ablahad Salim Dawood July 1, 1929 - September 27, 2011 Najeeba Bachuwa July 1, 1932 - October 1, 2011 NOVEMBER 2011 CHALDEAN NEWS 21
