ARC Program Begins!
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).
Begins on Saturday September 12, 2026, and continues through May 23, 2027
Mandatory parent/ student information meeting on Saturday September 12th, 2026, at 3pm.
Schedule: Saturdays 3:30-4:30pm (Catechism), 15-minute break, 4:45-5:20pm (Arabic), culminating with Divine Liturgy at 5:30pm.
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
MYA Bible Study
1st and 3rd Fridays following Mass.
*Learning Opportunity: Key Verses Highlighting the Word of God
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:
St. Sharbel Healing Mass
Healing Mass (Divine Liturgy, Anointing, Benediction of 1st-Class Relics) 22nd of the month — 6:30 PM
*Learning Opportunity: Saint Charbel Makhlouf: Complete Life, Miracles & Incorrupt Body — The Eastern Church
Adoration and Reconciliation
Last Friday of the month following Mass.
*Learning Opportunity: Prayers for Adoration
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:
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:
4th Sunday after Holy Cross
Clergy appreciation day!
Book of Offering pg. 606
Gen 41:38–44
1 Thes 5:1–11
Mt 24:45–51
Mass intentions:
5th Sunday after Holy Cross
Book of Offering pg. 606
Song 5:2–8
Phil 2:12–18
Mt 25:1–13
Mass intentions:
Sunday of Christ the King
*Learning Opportunity: The Feast of Christ the King – Maronite Meditations: Fr Yuhanna Azize
Book of Offering pg. 606
Job 29:1–3, 12–16
Rom 12:9–21
Mt 25:31–46
Mass intentions:
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
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
Heb 10:11–18
Jn 17:1–8
Renewal of the Church
*Learning Opportunity: Renewal of the Church
Book of Offering pg. 7
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
Gen 17:15–22
Rom 4:13–25
Lk 1:1–25
Mass intentions:
Announcement to the Virgin Mary
*Learning Opportunity: The Announcement to Mary (The Annunciation) – Maronite Meditations: Fr Yuhanna Azize
Book of Offering pg. 27
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
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
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.
Heb 7:11–17
Lk 11:27–32
Revelation to Joseph
*Learning Opportunity: The revelation to Joseph
Book of Offering pg. 57
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
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
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.
Eph 1:3–14
Lk 1:46–55
Sunday After the Glorious Birth of Our Lord
Book of Offering pg.
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
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
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.
4th Sunday of Pentecost
Book of Offering pg. 425 or 492
Wis 7:7–14
1 Cor 2:11–16
Lk 10:21–24
Mass intentions: Consecration of St. Rafka Parish to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The Immaculate Heart of Mary
*Learning Opportunity: Prayer to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Book of Offering pg. 482 or 553
Acts 7:30–38
Jn 16:29–33
The Sacred Heart of Jesus
*Learning Opportunity: Prayer to the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Book of Offering pg. 473 or 542
Gal 1:11–17
Mt 11:25–30
Mass Intentions: 3-Year Memorial for Philip Kyburz, Sr., as requested by his son, Philip
3rd Sunday of Pentecost
Book of Offering pg. 425 or 492
Prov 8:22–23, 30–36
1 Cor 2:1–10
Jn 14:21–27
Mass intentions: 1-Week Memorial Mass for Josephine Marcus
Thursday of the Body of Christ
“Corpus Christi” Sacred Heart Holy Hour (Adoration)
Book of Offering pg. 463 or 532
1 Cor 10:14–21
Jn 6:47–63
*Learning Opportunity: The True Presence Association | Eucharistic Miracles
Sunday of the Most Holy Trinity
*Learning Opportunity: The Holy Trinity explained | Maronite Eparchy
Book of Offering pg. 416
Gen 18:1–8
Rom 11:25–36
Mt 28:16–20
Mass intentions: For those receiving their First Holy Communion: Angela Samara, Elena Samara, Eddy Wiggins, & Mac Wiggins. For the rest of the souls of Terri McKenzie, Mary Zmolek, Marilyn & John McKenzie, and Pat & Larry Swanson.
Rosary Saturdays in May
*Learning Opportunity: How to pray the Rosary
May 2nd: St. Rafka rectory (Abouna’s house)
May 9th: Feghali residence
May 16th: Kyburz residence
May 23rd: Toma residence
May 30th: Cherabie residence
Consecration to the Sacred Heart
To prepare for the Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart, please join St. Rafka's parish for a "Holy Hour of Eucharistic Adoration for Peace", which will take place today following the 6:30 p.m. Mass.
Pentecost
Rite of Kneeling
*Learning Opportunity: The Feast of Pentecost in the Maronite Catholic Church
Book of Offering pg. 406
Gen 11:1–9
Acts 2:1–21
Jn 14:15–20
Mass intentions: 25-year Memorial Mass for Habib Homsi, as requested by his son Elie and his family. 10-year Memorial Mass for Jihad Salameh, as requested by his wife, Pascale and family.