Christmas Party
HO, HO, HO
Calling on all the kids and youth in our Saint Rafka community. Join us December 15 for Saint Rafka's yearly recital: Singing, reciting, rejoicing and celebrating Christmas with friends and family. Santa won't miss it so you shouldn't either! Youth: If you need volunteering hours, join us—we can use your help. If you're talented with a musical instrument, we'd love to have you with us. If you're interested, please call/text Diala (316) 213-7216 or Bernadette (814) 441-2981. We will have 3 practices at church; Nov. 17 @12pm, Dec. 8 @12pm, and Dec. 14 (time tbd + a surprise!!!)
THEN JOIN US in the church hall for our Annual Christmas Lunch!!!
Please RSVP to the Annual Christmas Lunch by Dec. 8th!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBV8G1GtWCQcGbKTsT-T7z1wYYQl8kl5mRSnDouXDr6QG2wQ/viewform
Ladies Society Bake Sale
December 7, 2024 at 10:30am Baking, packaging, labeling and pricing. Please sign up to help!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D49AAA82CA1FF2-53231875-bake
December 8, 2024 Please sign up to help run a booth at St. Elias Christmas Bazaar!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D49AAA82CA1FF2-53337895-bake
Please RSVP to the Bake/Craft Sale at St. Elias Christmas Bazaar! St. Rafka will have 2 tables at the Christmas Bazaar held at St. Elias Church.
Friendsgiving Dinner Party
The Ladies’ Society is sponsoring a party for Thanksgiving. It will be Saturday, November 23 at 7 pm. Dinner, drinks, and dessert will be provided. There will be Bingo for $5, or just bring your cards. Adults—$25, Children 5 and up $15. Call Carla Beaini at (720) 291-9786 or Gisele at (303) 960-8646.
Scripture Study Fridays
Abouna Habib is leading a Scripture Study every other Friday evening in the hall after the 6:30 pm Divine Liturgy (start time for the study is around 7 pm). Bring your Bible and something to add to the potluck meal. We are beginning the discussion with the Gospel of St. John. Anthony Hamamji is the organizer, and he invites all to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Anthony at 508-654-3734, or call Abouna Habib.
Halloween Party
St. Rafka’s Annual Halloween Party
Following Divine Liturgy, BYOP (bring your own pumpkin) to decorate!
There will be pizza and cupcakes!
St. Rafka Annual Lebanese and Middle Eastern Festival
Divine Liturgy celebrating the Exaltation of the Holy Cross 10am.
Then join us for traditional Middle Eastern food, music and FUN for ALL!!! 11am-10pm.
Please click on the SignUp Genius links to volunteer for the festival!
Retreat in the Rockies
Join us for a spiritual retreat in the mountains!
Sunday August 18, 2024 at 11am
Staunton State Park (near Conifer), Ranch Hand covered picnic area.
Volunteers, please meet at the church 9am to load supplies.
Fr. Habib will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at 11am, followed by a barbecue picnic lunch.
For those who would like to stay after liturgy and lunch, there will be 2 hiking groups (easy and hard).
Cost: 12yrs+ is $20, 5-12 is $10 and under 5 is FREE!
Bring your whole family!
Please RSVP to Dan Ashkar at dashkar@msn.com or click here if you can make it to the picnic!
Father's Day BBQ
Annual Father’s Day BBQ following Divine Liturgy. Treat your dad’s, come pray, relax and enjoy the afternoon!
1st Holy Communion
Congratulations to all our candidates receiving their First Holy Communion!
A parish brunch will follow the Divine Liturgy in the hall.
Happy Mother’s Day to all our mothers!
St. Rafka Annual Hafli
Save the dates!
Saturday April 6, 2024 at 6pm
St. Rafka’s annual party with special guest Bishop Elias A. Zaidan, Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon, Los Angeles.
Buffet, Cash Bar, DJ, Raffle
18 and up $100
Location: Queen of Peace Catholic Church 13120 East Kentucky Ave. Aurora, CO 80012
RSVP to Carla Beaini at 720-291-9786 or click here.
Tickets may be purchased through Zelle 724-912-8840
Sunday April 7, 2024 at 11am
Divine Mysteries celebrated by Bishop Elias A. Zaidan.
Location: St. Rafka Maronite Church 2301 Wadsworth Blvd. Lakewood, CO 80214
Resurrection Sunday
The Glorious Resurrection
Messih qam! Christ is risen!
Following 11am Divine Liturgy, there will be a children’s outdoor Easter Egg Hunt, weather permitting.
BYOB (bring your own basket!)
Men’s Society Fish Fry
Great Friday of the Crucifixion (Friday of the Passion)
10am Stations of the Cross, Signing of the Chalice (Mass of the Sanctified with communion).
6:30pm Burial of Christ
Following Divine Liturgy, the men’s society will have their annual fish fry in the hall.
$20 per person 12 years and above.
$5 under 12 years old.
Please RSVP to Joe Beaini 303-907-7782.
Holy Week Schedule
Monday March 25 Rite of the Arrival to the Safe Harbor, 6:30pm
Tuesday March 26 5:30pm confessions, 6:30pm Divine Liturgy
Wednesday March 27 Rite of the Lamp, Annointment of the Sick 6:30pm
Thursday of the Mysteries March 28, 6:30pm Washing of the Feet, followed by adoration until midnight.
Great Friday of the Crucifixion March 29, 10am Stations of the Cross and Signing of the Chalice; 6:30pm Burial of Christ followed by fish fry dinner.
Great Saturday of the Light March 30, 5:30pm Easter Vigil mass
The Glorious Resurrection Sunday March 31, 11 am Divine Liturgy, followed by Children’s Easter Egg Hunt.
White Week, Easter Monday April 1, 6:30pm Divine Liturgy
Hosanna (Palm) Sunday
Divine Liturgy 11am.
Candles for sale, $10 each.
Outdoor procession with palms, olive branches and candles (weather permitting).
Lenten Observances
Ash Monday February 12 Liturgy 6:30pm, distribution of ashes to follow.
Wednesday February 14 Liturgy 6:30pm, distribution of ashes to follow.
All Fridays during Lent, Liturgy 5:50pm followed by Stations of the Cross.
The Pillars of Lent: Fasting, Almsgiving, Prayer.
Abstinence: All Maronites who are physically capable are to abstain from meat on Ash Monday and all Fridays of Lent.
Fasting: Ash Monday and Great Friday of the Crucifixion are days of fasting. In the Maronite church, fasting involves eating and drinking nothing at all (with the exception of water and medication) from midnight until noon. The rest of the day, normal meals are accepted without meat.
Feast of St. Maron
Following the Divine Liturgy, brunch will be served in the church hall.
$10 per person, 12 and under FREE. Drinks $1.
St. Rafka community: St. Maron Brunch (signupgenius.com)
View Evite: Evite: Online Invitations, Greeting Cards & Party Ideas
Bishop Aquila's visit to St. Rafka
Bishop Aquila will visit our parish and concelebrate the Divine Liturgy with Fr. Habib. Lunch will be provided in the hall following the mass.