October Rosary
During October, the month dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary, you are invited to join us in praying the Rosary, every Saturday at 11 AM, before the 11:30 AM Divine Liturgy.
How to pray the Rosary: Rosary Center & Confraternity
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
Book of Offering pg. 7
Readings:
Is 54:1, 3, 5–8,
10 Heb 9:1–12
Mt 16:13–20
Mass intentions:
Commemoration of the Faithful Departed
Actual Feast November 2
*Learning Opportunity: Maronite Weeks of Commemoration | Maronite Eparchy
Book of Offering pg. 166
Readings:
Heb 10:11–18
Jn 17:1–8
MYA Bible Study
1st Fridays of the month following Mass.
*Learning Opportunity: Key Verses Highlighting the Word of God
ARC Classes in Session!
St. Rafka Maronite Church ARC (Arabic & Religious Class) Program 2026/2027
It is our goal to make St. Rafka’s ARC program a wonderful and beneficial experience for your child(ren).
Classes begin on Saturday September 26, 2026, and continue through May 22, 2027.
1st Holy Communions/Certificates of Completion are scheduled for Sunday May 23, 2027.
Schedule: Saturdays 3:30-4:30pm (Catechism), 15-minute break, 4:45-5:20pm (Arabic), culminating with Divine Liturgy at 5:30pm.
Renewal of the Church
*Learning Opportunity: Renewal of the Church
Book of Offering pg. 7
Readings:
2 Mac 10:1–6a, 7b–8
Heb 9:11–15
Jn 10:22–42
Mass intentions:
Announcement to Zechariah
*Learning Opportunity: The announcement to Zechariah
Book of Offering pg. 18
Readings:
Gen 17:15–22
Rom 4:13–25
Lk 1:1–25
Mass intentions:
St. Sharbel Healing Mass
Healing Mass (Divine Liturgy, Anointing, Benediction of 1st-Class Relics) 22nd of the month
*Learning Opportunity: Saint Charbel Makhlouf: Complete Life, Miracles & Incorrupt Body — The Eastern Church
Announcement to the Virgin Mary
*Learning Opportunity: The Announcement to Mary (The Annunciation) – Maronite Meditations: Fr Yuhanna Azize
Book of Offering pg. 27
Readings:
2 Sam 7:8–10, 11b–12, 13b–17
Gal 3:15–22
Lk 1:26–38
Mass intentions:
Visitation of the Virgin to Elizabeth
*Learning Opportunity: The visit of Mary to Elizabeth
Book of Offering pg. 38
Readings:
2 Sam 6:9–15, 17, 18b
Eph 1:1–14
Lk 1:39–45
Mass intentions:
Birth of John the Baptist
*Learning Opportunity: The birth of John the Baptist
Book of Offering pg. 48
Readings:
1 Sam 1:9–11, 19b–22
Gal 4:21–5:1
Lk 1:57–66
Mass intentions:
Immaculate Conception
Holy Day of Obligation.
*Learning Opportunity: Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Book of Offering pg.
Readings:
Heb 7:11–17
Lk 11:27–32
Revelation to Joseph
*Learning Opportunity: The revelation to Joseph
Book of Offering pg. 57
Readings:
Is 7:10–15
Eph 3:1–13
Mt 1:18–25
Mass intentions:
Geneology Sunday
*Learning Opportunity: Geneaology Sunday – Maronite Meditations: Fr Yuhanna Azize
Book of Offering pg. 66
Readings:
Is 11:1–4a, 6–9
Rom 1:1–12
Mt 1:1–17
Mass intentions:
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
Book of Offering pg. 76
Readings:
Is 8:23,9:1–5
Heb 1:1–12
Lk 2:1–20
Praises of the Mother of God
*Learning Opportunity: Melto D’Moronoyo: Veneration of Mary, Mother of God
Book of Offering pg.
Readings:
Eph 1:3–14
Lk 1:46–55
Sunday After the Glorious Birth of Our Lord
Book of Offering pg.
Readings:
2 Cor 11:1–9
Mt 23:29–24:2
Mass intentions:
The Circumcision of Jesus
New Year’s Day
Holy Day of Obligation
Book of Offering pg. 97
Readings:
Mic 4:1–4 or Gen 21: 1–5
Eph 2:11–22
Lk 2:21
Sts. Basil and Gregory, Doctors of the Church, C
Volunteer Appreciation Mass & Lunch
St. Rafka Maronite Church 2026 Festival Committee is holding a Volunteer Appreciation Lunch Sunday October 25th following the Divine Liturgy for all our parishioners that shared their time, treasures and talents. It was our most successful event to date! Please RSVP by Oct. 18th for purposes of planning and preparation. God bless us everyone!
Sunday of Christ the King
*Learning Opportunity: The Feast of Christ the King – Maronite Meditations: Fr Yuhanna Azize
Book of Offering pg. 606
Readings:
Job 29:1–3, 12–16
Rom 12:9–21
Mt 25:31–46
Mass intentions: For ALL our festival volunteers, donors, and their families.
5th Sunday after Holy Cross
Book of Offering pg. 606
Readings:
Song 5:2–8
Phil 2:12–18
Mt 25:1–13
Mass intentions:
*For unity and missionary work in the church, inspired by Pope Leo’s message for World Mission Day.
*For the quick recovery of Pope Leo.
4th Sunday after Holy Cross
Clergy appreciation day and Deacon Sunday! Prayer for Priests
Book of Offering pg. 606
Readings: Gen 41:38–44; 1 Thes 5:1–11; Mt 24:45–51
Mass intentions:
*Deacon George Karam (Deacon Sunday)
*The Couri Family on the occasion of the Baptism & Chrismation of Maria Rose
Order of St. Sharbel:
October 11th is designated “Order of Saint Sharbel Sunday” in the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles. We will have a brief, special presentation on the Order that day. The Order of Saint Sharbel is vitally important in providing financial and spiritual support for educating our seminarians, who are crucial for the future of our Maronite Church, and caring for our retired priests. Please prayerfully consider joining the Order. You may enroll online at www.orderstsharbel.org or ask Father for more information.
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
Book of Offering pg. 606
Dan 7:9–14
Phil 3:17–4:1
Mt 24:23–31
Mass intentions: For Tony & Josephine Marcus+, as requested by their daughter, Lora Soliman, and family.
2nd Sunday after Holy Cross
Book of Offering pg. 606
Joel 2:1, 10–13, 15–16a
1 Cor 15:19–34
Mt 24:1–14
Mass intentions: Care for the water, as expressed in Pope Leo’s monthly intention.
1st Sunday after Holy Cross
Book of Offering pg. 606
Deut 17:14–20
2 Tim 2:1–10
Mk 10:35–45
Mass intentions:
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
Book of Offering pg. 606
Ex 17:8–15
1 Cor 1:18–25
Jn 12:20–32
Mass intentions: For the healing of Lory Kendirijian
Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
*Learning Opportunity: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary - Saintapedia
Book of Offering pg. 512
2 Cor 4:1–6
Lk 8:16–21
Mass 8:30am: Cel. Fr. Joe
Rosary 6:00pm, Mass 6:30pm: Cel. Fr. Habib, in memory of Bob Martin.
16th Sunday of Pentecost
Book of Offering pg. 492
Amos 5:21–24
Rom 8:18–27
Lk 18:9–14
Mass intentions:
19th Annual Lebanese Festival
Help us spread the word! Click flyer to download and share!
Festival website: 19th Annual Lebanese Festival — St. Rafka Maronite Catholic Church
Parishioners, please sign up to volunteer here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DA9A928AAFEC43-57284123-festival
ALL Volunteers, don’t forget to complete your training and background check! Safe Environment Training — St. Rafka Maronite Catholic Church
Please see Heidi Kyburz for tickets!
15th Sunday of Pentecost
Book of Offering pg. 425 or 492
Mic 7:7–9, 18–20
1 Thes 1:1–10
Lk 7:36–50
Mass intentions: 40-day Memorial for Andree Karam Martin+, as requested by her brother, Deacon George Karam and family.
14th Sunday of Pentecost
Book of Offering pg. 425 or 492
Deut 6:4–9 1
Thes 2:1–13
Lk 10:38–42
Mass intentions: For Evangelization in the City and for Saint Rafka Parish's Growth.
13th Sunday of Pentecost
Book of Offering pg. 425 or 492
Gen 2:8–10, 15–17
1 Cor 3:1–11
Lk 8:1–15
Mass intentions: For Yvonne Homsi+ and the Homsi Family
Assumption of the Virgin Mary
Holy Day of Obligation.
*Learning Opportunity: The Assumption of Mary: Full of Grace — The Maronite Voice
Book of Offering pg. 594
Rom 12:9–15
Lk 1:46–55 or Lk 10:38–42
12th Sunday of Pentecost
Book of Offering pg. 492
Ruth 1:15–19a
Eph 3:1–13
Mt 15:21–28
Mass intentions:
Transfiguration of Our Lord
No Mass.
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
Book of Offering pg. 583
2 Cor 3:7–17
Mk 9:1–7
11th Sunday of Pentecost
Book of Offering pg. 425 or 492
Ezek 18:1, 21–23, 27–28
Eph 2:17–22
Lk 19:1–10
Mass intentions: The members of St. Rafka Parish and their families.
10th Sunday of Pentecost
Book of Offering pg. 425 or 492
2 Kings 1:2–8 1
Cor 12:1–11
Mt 12:22–32
Mass intentions: for the people of Lebanon
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
Book of Offering pg. 425, 492, or 718
Is 61:1-4,8-11
2 Cor 5:20-6:10
Lk 4:14-21
Mass intentions: Those named after St. Sharbel, St. Elias and for the people of Venezuela.
2nd Collection for Venezuela Disaster Relief
8th Sunday of Pentecost
Book of Offering pg. 425 or 492
Is 42:1–8
Rom 8:1–11
Mt 12:14–21
Mass intentions: 40-day Memorial Mass for Josephine Marcus+
Festival Prep Day
Brethren,
Please join us this coming Saturday for our crucial Festival Preparation Day as we get ready for our upcoming parish festival. Your time and hands are greatly needed to make this event a success.
Event Details
· Date: This Saturday July 11th
· Start Time: 9 AM
· Location: St. Rafka Maronite Church
Core Tasks
· Storage Cleanout: Emptying, sorting, and organizing our main storage containers.
· Booth Maintenance/General Fixes: Inspecting, cleaning, and repairing our festival booths.
What to Bring
· Work gloves/hat
· Basic tools (hammers, screwdrivers, cordless drills) if you have them
· A willing and helpful spirit
Whether you can stay for one hour or the entire morning, every bit of help makes a massive difference for our community. Water and light refreshments will be provided.
Thank you for your continued generosity and dedication to our parish!
Blessings,
The 2026 Festival Committee
7th Sunday of Pentecost
Book of Offering pg. 425 or 492
Num 11:16–17, 24–29
2 Cor 3:1–6
Lk 10:1–7
Mass intentions: For the United States of America.
Catechism Registration is now OPEN!
St. Rafka Maronite Church ARC (Arabic & Religious Class) Program 2026/2027
It is our goal to make St. Rafka’s ARC program a wonderful and beneficial experience for your child(ren).
Whether your child is preparing to receive the Eucharist or wishes to expand their faith education and learn some Arabic along the way, we have the class for you!
• Our ARC program will begin on Saturday September 12, 2026, and continue through May 23, 2027;
• It will run on Saturdays 3:30-4:30pm (Catechism), 15-minute break, 4:45-5:20pm (Arabic), culminating with Divine Liturgy at 5:30pm.
• Registration fee: 1 child $100, 2 children $150, 3+ children $200. Money shall not be a reason for not registering your child(ren); for assistance, please call Fr. Joe at (805) 402-5060.
• Registration will be available July-August 2026 at this link: Religious Education — St. Rafka Maronite Catholic Church. No application will be admitted afterwards.
• There will be a mandatory parent/ student information meeting on Saturday September 12th, 2026, at 3pm.
Contact: st.rafkacommunity@outlook.com
The Feast of the Twelve Apostles
Book of Offering pg. 573
Acts 12:12–24
Mt 15:10–20
NO MASS Tonight!
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
Book of Offering pg. 562
2 Cor 11:21–30
Mt 16:13–20
Mass intentions: Private intention.
Birth of St. John the Baptist
*Learning Opportunity: The Birth of John the Baptist – Maronite Meditations: Fr Yuhanna Azize
Book of Offering pg. 454
Gal 4:21–5:1
Lk 1:57–66
5th Sunday of Pentecost
*Father’s Day: Prayer for Fathers
Book of Offering pg. 425 or 492
Ex 1:1–7
Phil 3:7–14
Mt 10:1–7
Mass intentions: For the living and departed Fathers of our Parish Community.