Our Church

Below you will find the principles of our church:

MARIE SHAHEEN MICHAEL
Chairman of the Mission
Alexandria, LA.

FEY (FEIROUZ) EDWARDS
Secretary
Baton Rouge, LA

DR. BASSAM ABI-RACHED
Treasurer
Alexandria, LA

FR. MICHAEL CRAIG SCOTT
Bi-Ritual for the State of Louisiana, Maronite Catholics

Beautiful St. Rita's Catholic Church, located in Alexandria, LA. is one of the fine churches we utilize for ceremonies, such as Baptisms and Wedding Blessings.

Below you can view some of the differences and similarities between the Maronite and Roman Catholic Mass:

Roman Catholic Mass

Maronite Mass

	Makes a genuflection to the Blessed Sacrament
	Incense is used only in special celebrations of the Mass
	Sign of peace is exchanged before the Eucharistic Prayer
	Priests vestments are in Latin fashion
	Priest consecrates bread and wine in the vernacular
	People kneel during consecration
	Host is received in hands or mouth

	Makes a profound bow to the Blessed Sacrament
	Incense is used throughout the celebration of every Mass
	Sign of peace is exchanged after the Eucharistic Prayer
	Priest vestments are in Syrian fashion
	Priest consecrates bread & wine in Aramaic, the language of Jesus
	People stand during the consecration
	Host is received by intinction: dipped in Precious Blood & given on tongue

Important Saints in the Maronite faith.

Painting by artist Christine Habib El-Daye, Deir El Kamar- Lebanon
Saint Sharbel
Lebanese Maronite Monk.

Saint Nimatullah Hardini
The teacher of St. Sharbel. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2003