MYA Bible Study
1st and 3rd Fridays following Mass.
*Learning Opportunity: Key Verses Highlighting the Word of God
5th Sunday of the Resurrection
Our Lady of Lebanon and May Crowning.
O Holy Virgin Mary, O Beautiful Lily and Fragrant Rose, the fragrance of your holiness has filled the whole universe. Pray for us that we may become the sweet fragrance of Christ that spreads throughout the world.
Etro, Season of Glorious Pentecost: Wednesday A
*Learning Opportunity: Lebanon’s Love for the Blessed Mother| National Catholic Register
Ascension of Our Lord
Holy Day of Obligation.
*Learning Opportunity: Propers of the Ascension – Maronite Meditations: Fr Yuhanna Azize
Pentecost
Rite of Kneeling
*Learning Opportunity: The Feast of Pentecost in the Maronite Catholic Church
Adoration and Reconciliation
Last Friday of the month following Mass.
*Learning Opportunity: Prayers for Adoration
Sunday of the Most Holy Trinity
*Learning Opportunity: The Holy Trinity explained | Maronite Eparchy
The Immaculate Heart of Mary
*Learning Opportunity: Prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
6th Sunday of Pentecost
Celebrations of Saints Peter and Paul (Actual feast June 29)
On the rock of Saint Peter, Jesus built His Holy Church. He completed her structure through the labors of St. Paul.
Mazmooro, Feast of Peter and Paul
*Learning Opportunity: Saints Peter and Paul – Maronite Meditations: Fr Yuhanna Azize
9th Sunday of Pentecost
Celebration of St. Sharbel (Actual Feast July 23)
From St. Sharbel’s hermitage light has dawned for all to see, a light of great love that reveals your face, O Lord. May his prayers obtain for us eternal light when we leave this passing world.
Entrance Hymn, Feast of St. Sharbel
*Learning Opportunity: Saint Sharbel's Biography
Transfiguration of Our Lord
Come rejoice, Peter, James and John! You beheld the face of Christ, shining bright like the midday sun; he was clothed in brilliant light.
Entrance Hymn, The Transfiguration of Our Lord
*Learning Opportunity: Transfiguration of the Lord
Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Holy Day of Obligation.
*Learning Opportunity: The Assumption of Mary: Full of Grace — The Maronite Voice
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
*Learning Opportunity: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Saintapedia
Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Actual feast September 14.
Lord your cross is a ladder leading us to Heaven’s heights. May your church and her children join the angel hosts on high.
Mazmooro, The Exaltation of the Holy Cross
*Learning Opportunity: Exaltation of the Holy Cross | Eparchial MYO Office
3rd Sunday after Holy Cross
Holy Rosary Sunday
Mary, you are the garden who has given the world the fruit of life. Ask your only Son to bless our seasons, harvests, and the works of our hands; may He sow His word in our hearts and in our souls.
Etro, Safro of the Memorial of the Virgin Mary
Consecration of the Church
Fall Back! Daylight Savings Time ends!
All Saints Day
Come and Shine in purity at the altar of the Lord, where the priest stands in between God and all humanity. He takes what the people give and lifts it up, heavenward on high.
Entrance Hymn, Consecration and Renewal of the Church
*Learning Opportunity: Consecration of the Church
Commemoration of the Faithful Departed
*Learning Opportunity: Maronite Weeks of Commemoration | Maronite Eparchy
Visitation of the Virgin to Elizabeth
*Learning Opportunity: The visit of Mary to Elizabeth
Immaculate Conception
Holy Day of Obligation.
*Learning Opportunity: Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Geneology Sunday
*Learning Opportunity: Geneaology Sunday – Maronite Meditations: Fr Yuhanna Azize
Glorious Birth of Our Lord
Holy Day of Obligation.
Praise to you, Child of Wonder, hope of peoples everywhere! O pure Sun, shining brightly, you give light to all the world.
Mazmooro, The Glorious Birth of Our Lord
*Learning Opportunity: The Glorious Birth of The Lord
Praises of the Mother of God
*Learning Opportunity: Melto D’Moronoyo: Veneration of Mary, Mother of God
4th Sunday of the Resurrection
*Learning Opportunity: Feed my sheep | Reflections of a Lay Catholic
Book of Offering Page 315
Gen 1:20-23
Heb 13:18-25
Jn 21:1-14
Mass intentions: St. Rafka’s parishioners and their families.
3rd Sunday of the Resurrection
*Learning Opportunity: A Reflection on the Road to Emmaus
Book of Offering Page 315
Job 42:1-6, 12
2 Tm 2:8-13
Lk 24:13-25
Mass intentions: For the healing of Lori Kendirjian, as requested by Margot Karam.
MYA: Colorado Rapids vs. Inter Miami
If you have any questions, please reach out to: Andrew Dawood at 303-238-4540.
2nd Sunday of the Resurrection
New Sunday (Divine Mercy Sunday)
*Learning Opportunity: How to Recite the Chaplet of The Divine Mercy | The Divine Mercy
Book of Offering Page 386
Is 52:7-12
2 Cor 5:11-21
Jn 20:26-31
Mass intentions: For Peace in Lebanon, the Middle East, and the whole world.
Easter Sunday Luncheon
Dear parishioners of St. Rafka,
Abouna Joe requests the pleasure of your company at the Easter Sunday Luncheon on April 5, 2026, in the church hall immediately following the 11am Divine Liturgy. While entrance to the luncheon is free, we do require an RSVP by March 29th at the latest to help us with planning. Additionally, while not required, donations are welcome, and we encourage attendees to bring side dishes, desserts and/or beverages to share with the community. Thank you for your contributions!
Click here to RSVP and contribute food/drinks: Saint Rafka Church: Easter Luncheon
Easter Egg Hunt
Children’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt, following Divine Liturgy! Organized by our MYA.
Glorious Resurrection
Christ is Risen! Messih qam!
When Isaiah saw his Lord, he cried out asking: “O Son of God, who has dyed your garments red as blood?” Jesus then replied; “I have trampled death itself to save my loved ones, and the blood of conquered death has stained my garments.” Alleluia! Our Lord has been raised!
Entrance hymn, Sunday of Glorious Resurrection
*Learning Opportunity: Glorious Resurrection of Our Lord | Eparchial MYO Office
Book of Offering Page 315
Midnight Jon 2:1b-3, 4b, 5, 7-11 Phil 2:1-11 Mt 28:1-10
Morning Jon 2:1b-3, 4b, 5, 7-11 1 Cor 15:12-26 Mk 16:1-8
Mass intentions: For all donors and volunteers of St. Rafka Parish and their families.
Great Friday Fish Fry
Great Friday of the Crucifixion
Annual Fish Fry in the church hall, following services.
For preparation purposes, kindly let us know if you can attend the annual Fish Fry on Friday April 3rd, following the services at St. Rafka Maronite Church.
Cost: $20 adults, $10 kids (12 & under)!
Any questions, please contact Joe Beaini at 303-907-7782.
Thank you!
Click the following link to RSVP:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DA9A928AAFEC43-63103024-fish
Holy (Passion) Week
*Learning Opportunity: Great Lent and Passion Week in the Maronite Church
Synaxarion & Daily Readings:
Sunday, March 29 Hosanna Sunday Book of Offering Page 284 Zec 9:91-12,14-15a,16-17 Phil 1:1-13 Jn 12:12-22
Monday, March 30 Monday of Passion Week Book of Offering Page 295 Heb 6:1-9 Mt 21:17-27
Tuesday, March 31 Tuesday of Passion Week Book of Offering Page 295 1 Thes 2:13-17 Lk 13:22-30
Wednesday, April 1 Wednesday of Passion Week Book of Offering Page 295 Heb 2:5-12 Jn 11:47-5
Thursday, April 2 Thursday of the Mysteries Washing of the Feet Book of Offering Page 305 1 Cor 11:23-32 Lk 22:1-23 Jn 13:1-20
Friday, April 3 Great Friday of the Crucifixion Signing of the Chalice Heb 12:12-21 Jn 19:31-37 Adoration of the Cross Is 53:7-12 &/or Heb 4:14-16 &/or Gal 2:17-3:14 Lk 23:33-47 & Jn 19:17-30
Saturday, April 4 Great Saturday of the Light Prayer of Forgiveness Jer 31:31-35 &/or Zech 1:1-6 &/or 2 Cor 5:16-21 Mt 18:15-22
Hosanna (Palm) Sunday
Book of Offering Page 284
Zec 9:91-12,14-15a,16-17
Phil 1:1-13
Jn 12:12-22
Mass intentions: For peace in the world, especially in the Middle East.
Special Collection.
Divine Liturgy, procession with palms, olive branches and candles.
*Learning Opportunity: Hosanna Sunday – Maronite Meditations: Fr Yuhanna Azize
Hosanna Candles
Hosanna Candle Sales begin Sunday March 15 through Sunday March 29. Call the office to reserve yours!
Decorated candles are $15 each.
Fridays during Lent
*Sign up here to bring and share a Lenten dish: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DA9A928AAFEC43-62017723-lenten
Pastoral Guidelines for Great Lent: Fasting & Abstinence
*Patriarchal guidelines:
• Great Lent lasts seven weeks, in preparation for Easter. It begins on Ash Monday and ends on the evening of Holy Saturday. It is based on abstinence from food from midnight to midday, as well as abstinence from meat and whites (milk, its derivatives and eggs).
• The Saturdays, Sundays and the following public holidays are exempt from fasting and abstinence: Saint Jean Maron (March 2), the Forty Martyrs (March 9), Saint Joseph (March 19), the Annunciation (March 25) and the Patron Saint of the parish, St. Rafka (March 23). Throughout Holy Week, from Monday to Holy Saturday, fasting and abstinence remain mandatory.
*Eparchial guidelines:
• All physically capable Maronites are required to abstain from meat on Ash Monday and all Fridays of Lent.
• Ash Monday and Great Friday are also days of fasting (no food or drink except water and medicine from midnight to noon)
• Clergy, religious, and laity who wish to observe the more traditional Maronite practice of fasting and abstinence are encouraged to do so.
Annunciation to the Virgin Mary
Book of Offering Page 27
Gal 3:15-22
Jn 7:1-13
O pure Virgin Mary, you are the cloud who has dropped down dew on the world, filling it with the sweet fragrance of Christ.
Etro, Sunday of the Announcement to Mary
*Learning Opportunity: Annunciation to Mary
Divine Liturgy with H.E. Bishop Elias Zaidan, followed by a reception in the hall.
Please click the link to sign up for appetizers/desserts/beverages:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DA9A928AAFEC43-62971612-reception
St. Rafka Feast
HAPPY FEAST DAY DEAR BRETHREN!
Book of Offering Page 255
Eph 5:3-13
Mk 5:1-20
*Learning Opportunity: Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès (1832-1914) - biography
Healing of the Blind Man
Book of Offering Page 246
Is 46:6-8,16-18
2 Cor 10:1-7
Mk 10:46-52
Mass intentions: Memorial Mass for Hanna & Najla Chahine, as requested by Natalie Feghali and her family.
*Learning Opportunity: Sunday of the Blind Man – Maronite Meditations: Fr Yuhanna Azize
St. Rafka Feast Day Celebration
The MYA is proud to invite everyone to our St. Rafka Feast Day Celebration on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
Join us for a night filled with delicious food, drinks, as well as fun activities to fill the night.
Mass is at 6:30 PM (consecration of the MYA), with the party taking place after in the church hall.
(Mass intentions: Memorial Mass for Claude Srour, as requested by her sister, Gisele Cherabie and her family).
Prices are $40 for adults and $20 for children and can only be purchased at the door.
You may purchase tickets through PayPal or Zelle, just scan the Q.R. Codes on the flyers.
Please make sure you include how many feast day celebration tickets you are purchasing and whether they are for an adult or child.
If you have any questions or have other payment methods, please contact the St. Rafka Parish @720-833-0354 or MYA President, Leanna Marcus @720-965-0710
If you are at all interested in volunteering to help prepare or run certain things, please sign up using the sign up genius.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B45ACAF2BA5F4C52-62715626-strafka#/
Thanks so much!
We can’t wait to see you all!
St. Joseph the Virgin, Spouse of Mary
Book of Offering Page 227
Eph 3:1-13
Mt 1:18-25
*Learning Opportunity: St Joseph The Worker, Spouse of the Blessede Virigin Mary, Patron of Workers - Vatican News
Healing of the Paralytic
Book of Offering Page 237
Is 35:1-10 1
Tm 5:24-6:5
Mk 2:1-12
Mass intentions: Memorial Mass for Youssef and Labibi Gedeon, as requested by their daughter Joyce Maalouf and her family.
*Learning Opportunity: The Sunday of the Paralytic – Maronite Meditations: Fr Yuhanna Azize
Spring Cleaning
Please come help clean and organize the church hall kitchen, beginning at 10am, followed by Divine Liturgy 11:30am.
The Forty Martyrs
The Forty Martyrs (actual feast March 9)
Book of Offering Page 227
2 Cor 4:11-18
Lk 6:20-23
*Learning Opportunity: Martyrs of Sebaste - EARLY CHURCH HISTORY
Parable of the Prodigal Son
Spring forward! Daylight savings time begins.
Book of Offering Page 217
Zec 3:1-7
2 Cor 13:5-13
Lk 15:11-32
Mass intentions: For Peace in the world, especially in the Middle East.
*Learning Opportunity: Melto D'Moronoyo: A Maronite meditation on the Prodigal Son | The Catholic Weekly
St. John Maron, First Maronite Patriarch
St. John Maron, First Maronite Patriarch (actual feast March 2)
Book of Offering Page 688
Phil 1:21-30
Mt 5:13-17
*Learning Opportunity: Saint John Maron History — The Eastern Church
Healing of the Hemorrhaging Woman
Book of Offering Page 207
Num 15:37-41
2 Cor 7:4-11
Lk 8:40-56
Mass intentions: For the living and deceased members of St. Rafka Parish.
Second collection: Caritas Lebanon
Mass in Colorado Springs, 5pm.
*Learning Opportunity: The Hemorrhaging Woman Sunday
Healing of the Leper
Book of Offering Page 196
2 Kings 5:1-14
Rom 6:12-23
Mk 1:35-43
*Learning Opportunity: Sunday of the Leper – Maronite Meditations: Fr Yuhanna Azize
Ash Monday
Ash Monday: Divine Liturgy and distribution of Ashes (8am and 6:30pm).
Book of Offering page 186 +rite
2 Cor 5:20-6:7
Mt 6:16-21
Pastoral Guidelines for Great Lent: Fasting & Abstinence
Patriarchal guidelines:
• Great Lent lasts seven weeks, in preparation for Easter. It begins on Ash Monday and ends on the evening of Holy Saturday. It is based on abstinence from food from midnight to midday, as well as abstinence from meat and whites (milk, its derivatives and eggs).
• The Saturdays, Sundays and the following public holidays are exempt from fasting and abstinence: Saint Jean Maron (March 2), the Forty Martyrs (March 9), Saint Joseph (March 19), the Annunciation (March 25) and the Patron Saint of the parish, St. Rafka (March 23). Throughout Holy Week, from Monday to Holy Saturday, fasting and abstinence remain mandatory.
Eparchial guidelines:
• All physically capable Maronites are required to abstain from meat on Ash Monday and all Fridays of Lent.
• Ash Monday and Great Friday are also days of fasting (no food or drink except water and medicine from midnight to noon)
• Clergy, religious, and laity who wish to observe the more traditional Maronite practice of fasting and abstinence are encouraged to do so.
Sunday of the Entrance into Lent
Miracle at Cana in Galilee
Book of Offering page 176
Is 55:1-13
Rom 14:14-23
Jn 2:1-11
*Learning Opportunity: The Entrance to Lent Sunday- A wedding at Cana
St. Maroun (Maron) Feast
Holy Day of Obligation.
Book of Offering page 678
2 Tm 3:10-17
Jn 12:23-30
Blessed are you, Saint Maroun, for you became a prayer on the lips of the faithful, and a living example for the people who bear your name and will be known as Maronites to the end of the age.
Sedro, Feast of St. Maroun
*Learning Opportunity: St. Maron – christianapostles.com
St. Maroun Brunch
Please save the date for our St. Maroun Feast Day Celebration!
Sunday February 8th: Divine Liturgy 11am, followed by brunch in the church hall.
Cost: Adults $15, kids under 12 $10.
RSVP by Friday Feb. 6th: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DA9A928AAFEC43-61912763-stmaroun
Sign Up to donate menu items: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DA9A928AAFEC43-61912165-stmaroun
Contact Hadeel Mati with any questions: (720)239-3281.
Thank you and God bless!
Sunday of the Faithful Departed
Book of Offering page 166
Ez 37:1-10
1Thes 5:1-11
Lk 16:19-31
Mass intentions: For the living and deceased of our Parish Community.
Celebration of our patron, St. Maroun.
*Learning Opportunity: Sunday of the Faithful Departed