Dear brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus,

The month of August is a time to relax and take a vacation and we wish all of our families joyful times during this month. Spiritually, we will celebrate the Transfiguration of the Lord on Saturday and Sunday, August 5 and 6, and the Feast day of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, on Tuesday, August 15.

Our MYO leaders have once again organized a fantastic summer camp activity for all church children ages 9 to 17, Thursday & Friday, August 10-11, at the Church. The camp will include a beautiful variety of activities, including a half day of activities at Lebanon Hills, spiritual conversation & guidance, games, swimming, canoeing, hiking, archery, heritage, and more.

The annual Fall Festival will be held Saturday, September 9, with games for young and old alike and tons of delicious food. Thank you to Gloria Deeb-Reyes for chairing this major fundraiser of ours. Our always popular bingo will most likely be held in November. Thank you to Carolyn Marker and her entire family for always doing such a fantastic job of sponsoring the bingo. Feel free to contact Gloria and Carolyn with questions as to how you can help make each of these major fundraisers a great event.

The church continues to celebrate the legacy and memories of our ancestors, following the heritage Syriac Aramaic Maronite hymn: "On your altar o Lord, are remembered our departed fathers and brothers and teachers. They will rise again at your right hand on the day when your majestic power appears, our Lord Christ and King" and Syriac Aramaic phonetics are the following: "al madebhokh Mor netdakhroun abohain w ahain w rabonain wanqoomoun men yaminokh byawmo ddonho raboutokh malko Mshiho Halleluia".

A special thank you to Father Tony Salim for filling in for me while I was in Lebanon meeting with my order and seeing my family. You are a true son of Holy Family Parish, Father Tony. Thank you for being willing to assist when asked.

I wish you and great and blessed month of August.

Yours in Christ Jesus,

Abouna Emmanuel Nakhle-Ghorr, Pastor +

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