Frequently Asked Questions

You've Got Questions...We've Got Answers

What makes Maronites different from Catholics?

Maronites are not different from Catholics. Maronites ARE Catholics, and have always been so. Many Roman Catholics have an incomplete knowledge of the Maronite Church and are unaware that there are different rituals within the Catholic church besides the church that uses the Latin ritual. The various rites vary from one another with regards to their Eucharistic Liturgies, fasting regulations, celebration of holy days, art, architecture, etc. Each rite is autonomous in that each has its own canons, ecclesiastical discipline, and spiritual hierarchy. However, each rite maintains the Sacraments (Mysteries), the fundamental teachings of the Church (the Incarnation, Resurrection, the Blessed Trinity, and stresses the common Apostolic Tradition. All rites within the Catholic Church are of equal dignity. Differences in forms of worship do not compromise the essential unity of the Church. Catholics of various rites are encouraged to worship in each other's churches, including receiving the Sacraments.

What? No Kneelers?

In the Eastern churches, we stand as a symbol of Christ's resurrection. We bow to show humility and respect.

I've seen icons. What do they represent?

Icons are holy objects like a rosary or statues and tell a story about a holy person or event.

What's the kiss of peace?

The kiss of peace comes from the altar to the Holy Gifts, to the priest and then to the deacon and acolytes who bring it to the congregation. So we wait. When the person next to you turns to pass the kiss of peace to you, their hands will be together. Place your hands on the outside of theirs and bring yours together around theirs. Then turn to the next person with your hands together and pass it on. Watch the others. No one will be upset if you miss a beat. Relax and enjoy the blessing.

Why are infants taken to communion?

You will notice that everyone, including children and infants go to communion. Those who are not receiving go anyway and receive a blessing, even babies in the womb! Cross your hands on your chest, get in line and wait at the edge of the carpet until the person in front of you has moved on. Tell Father or the Deacon your name when you step up. He will say your name as he gives you the Host that has been dipped in the Chalice. There is no Communion in the hand as in the Roman rite. We stand to receive Communion.

What is Syriac/Aramaic?

This is the language that Jesus spoke. There are only a few prayers that we say in Syriac/Aramaic. A phonetic spelling is given in the missal. The consecration is chanted in Syriac/Aramaic. We hope that you find it as beautiful and moving as we do.

How do I keep track in the Missal?

The deacon or the priest will announce what page we are on, or where to turn. Since we want our visitors to feel comfortable, someone will help you keep your place. You will notice people helping others. It's okay. This is a family event.

Comment: You sure do bless yourselves a lot!

Yes we do, especially when the priest blesses us. He holds a hand cross when he does this to show that the blessing comes from above.

The Lord's Prayer

We raise our hands in supplication, but do not hold hands during the Lord's Prayer. We also add the Doxology (For the kingdom, the Power, and the Glory are yours, now and forever) at the end without waiting for the priest to say the intermediate prayer that you may be familiar with.

Are Maronite services in Tulsa some type of experiment?

No. Although Maronite services began in Tulsa over five years ago as an "experiment", the Maronite Mission of Tulsa is now an official mission of the Maronite Diocese of Los Angeles, which covers the western half of the United States. Our Bishop is the Most Reverend Robert Shaheen who resides in Saint Louis.

What is a mission?

A mission is the official status normally given to new Maronite churches prior to designation as a parish. Normally, the mission status lasts from three to five years. When we complete one full year as a mission in April 1999, we will receive a name for our church, which will remain the church name once we become a parish. Missions perform all the functions of a parish, including baptisms, weddings, funerals, religious education, and all other normal sacramental and liturgical functions. Our priest, Fr. Elias Abi Sarkis, has already officiated Maronite baptisms and funerals in the Tulsa area.

Who can attend?

The Maronite church is fully Catholic and in communion with John Paul II, the Pope of Rome. Therefore, any Catholic can attend and fully participate in our services. We also welcome other Christians and those of other faiths to join us for our weekly services and many special events.

3D Model of the Church in Google Earth On 8.25.2007 the 3D model of Saint Therese was completed. The church has also been accepted by the Google Earth Community and added to a public layer seen within Google Earth.		Lebanese Food The Saint Therese Kitchen is cooking some great Lebanese food. Take a look at some of the Lebanese favorites.