Transcript New NAM Board Member Introduction

NATIONAL
APOSTOLATE
OF
MARONITES
Mission Statement
The National Apostolate of Maronites (NAM)
serves as a unifying force among the laity of the
Maronite Church in the U.S.A. and as a common
link between the clergy and the laity. NAM helps
preserve the Syriac-Maronite traditions by making
people aware of the rich heritage of the Maronite
faith and by fostering pride in the Maronite Church.
National Apostolate
of Maronites

The National Apostolate of Maronites was the
first Maronite related organization in the United
States formed in 1963.

The official organization of the laity of the
Eparchies of St. Maron and Our Lady of
Lebanon and since 1967.

The only Apostolate and largest non-political
organization of its kind in the entire Maronite
World.
Purpose

Preserve Maronite Spirituality, Heritage & Traditions
as given to us by the Disciples of St. Maron.

To be a uniting force for all Maronite clergy & laity
of the USA. With 2 Eparchies, NAM’s unifying
aspect has been an important Apostolate bridging
both Eparchies.
History

In the early 1960’s, Maronites established the National Association of
Maronites (original name) which would be a vehicle to secure the
appointment of a Bishop and establish a Diocese. The NAM convention
was held in Washington D.C. in May, 1964, where now Bishop Robert
Shaheen was ordained the first United States born Maronite priest.

In 1966 Bishop Francis M. Zayek was appointed the First Apostolic
Eparch for the Maronites of the USA and in 1971 in Detroit, MI as the
first Bishop in the United States.

The Apostolate developed financial independent stability enabling it to
increase its service projects to the Church and a growing number of
members and participants in the national and regional conventions.
NAM in 2009

The possibilities are endless with the increased support
of our Eparchs & Clergy, and most importantly with a
greater grassroots membership support!
PROGRAMS
SCHOLARSHIPS
2.
AWARDS
3.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
4.
VOCATIONS
5.
YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS MINISTRY
6.
SPIRITUAL RETREATS
7.
CEDAR TREE PROGRAM
8.
BONE MARROW ASSISTANCE
9.
MARONITE OUTREACH
10.
CONVENTION
1.
Scholarships

PAUL & NAOMI KASSOUF NAM SCHOLARSHIP
Two $2,000 scholarships awarded annually to graduating high school seniors
whose parents are active members of NAM.

JOHN A. SOLOMON MEMORIAL NAM SCHOLARSHIP
Two $2,000 scholarships awarded annually to graduating high school seniors who
are active participants in their MYO.

THOMAS & JENNY AYOUB MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
One $2000 Scholarship awarded annually to a college student.
Awards
Gold and Silver Massabki




Highest honor bestowed upon NAM members named after 3
martyred Maronite brothers who refused to renounce their faith.
Awarded annually to those NAM members who have
contributed time, talent & treasure on a local, regional or
national level.
The National Gold Massabki is awarded annually for each
Eparchy presented at the Annual Convention by the Eparchial
Bishop
The Silver Massabki is awarded at the parish level with the
recommendation of the parish pastor.
Awards
Faith of the Mountain

Presented to an individual young adult member of
NAM, ages 18-25, who has contributed his or her
time, talent and treasure to his or her Maronite Church
and has exhibited Maronite leadership.

Awarded on the local and regional levels.
Religious Education

Helped fund the publishing of the Maronite
catechism series, Faith of the Mountain, and the new
adult resource book, Captivated by Your Teachings,
written by Rev. Anthony J. Salim.

Additional periodic funding of other books/materials
such as Homily Helps and coloring books for children.
Vocations

Recognizes the need for Eparchial vocations.

Established Vocation Poster & Essay Contest to
make religious education students aware of vocations
and perhaps recognize their own religious vocation.
Hosts all Clergy and Seminarians at all NAM
Conventions and events.
Multimedia Project


Youth Ministry

The Maronite Youth and Young Adult organizations (MYO and MYA) primary
purpose is to promote the spiritual welfare of its members, to strengthen youth
groups in the Maronite faith, to have prayer days, to learn more about each other
and to grow socially and intellectually. Their goal is to build a community of
teens and adults. In this community, they strive opportunities for the
development of personal faith, service to others and systematic instruction in our
Maronite religious tradition

Initially established in 2003 at the NAM convention in Brooklyn, NY is now is
now a spiritual, cultural and social organization, which strives to foster unity
among the young adults of the Maronite church. The young adults are the bridge
to the future and the role models to the youth of Maronite heritage.
•Spiritual Retreats

As an Apostolate, NAM recognizes the importance
of Spiritual Awareness.

Regional Retreats are held throughout the country
during different times of the year.

Few other retreats are held by delegates on a local
level
•Cedar Tree Program


500 Cedar Trees have been planted in the ‘NAM
CEDAR GROVE’ in the Arz al Rab section of
Becharre, Lebanon. This was undertaken with the
International Committee for the Preservation of The
Cedars.
The purpose of this program was not only to reforest
the historic cedars, but it also reflects NAM’s
commitment to our heritage and culture and was
concluded in 2004 and is now being re-vitalized by
the Board to continue the tradition.
Conventions

Very important part of NAM’s agenda by bringing our Maronite
family together….BEIT MAROUN.

Annually sponsors the National Convention and several Regional
Conventions.

Goals: Spiritual Renewal, Education, Ethnic Pride and Fun!

These conventions are a time of rejuvenation where we
Celebrate our identity

Take pride in our heritage!
Meet and reunite with friends and relatives
NAM Membership
The Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon
reported over 24,000 registered Maronites &
30,000 in the Eparchy of St. Maron.
It is estimated that you can triple these figures
to account for those Maronites in cities where
there is a Maronite parish who are not registered
members.
Join!
Your membership WILL make a
difference……YOU can keep the flame
burning!
Contact your parish Delegate or the NAM
office to BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!
NAM Office
P.O. Box 717
Yonkers, NY 10702
Phone: 914-964-3070
Fax: 914-964-3071
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.namnews.org
Associations/Affiliations
Order of St Sharbel
 Maronite Voice
 The Antonine Sisters www.antoninesistersadultdaycare.com
 National Shrine
 St. Maron Publications
 Noursat/Telelumiere
 MYO/MYA

www.usamaronite.org/pdf/SaintSharbel.pdf
www.stmaron.org/maronite_voice.html
www.ourladyoflebanonshrine.com
www.stmaron.org/pubtoc.html
www.telelumiere.com/eng/index.html
www.maroniteyouth.com/info.htm
Order of Saint Sharbel
 Mission
The Order of St. Sharbel is a congregation of lay
benefactors pledging their spiritual strength and financial
support to assist in educating seminarians and in caring for
the retired clergy of both eparchies. They meet annually at
the National NAM Convention
Goals
Grow the Maronite Church in the United States.
Financially assist Our Lady of Lebanon Seminary
Assist the Eparchies in the financial burden of retired
clergy
Order of Saint Sharbel (con’t)
 For
more information, contact:

Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon
 1021 South 10th Street
 Saint Louis, Mo 63104
 Tel: 314-231-1021