Our Parish

Dear Friends in Christ,

Welcome to our parish family! Whether you are visiting us for the first time or have been a part of this community for years, I want you to know that you are deeply loved and cherished.

Our parish is more than a church, it’s a home. It’s a place where faith is nurtured, hope is renewed, and love is shared. We are here to walk with you on your journey, to celebrate your joys, and to support you in your challenges. Together, we grow as one family in Christ, united in prayer, worship, and service.

As you explore our website and parish life, I invite you to join us in the many ways we come together as a community; through the sacraments, ministries, and opportunities to serve. There is a place here for everyone, and that includes you.

May you always feel the presence of God’s grace and the warmth of His love in our parish community.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor, Fr. Joseph,

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Parish History

Our Lady of the Rosary Maronite Catholic Mission Sacramento, California

Many Lebanese Maronite immigrants in Sacramento dreamed of having a Maronite Church in Sacramento. Many of them were in some way associated with the Maronite Church in the Bay Area, Our Lady of Lebanon. The Maronites in Sacramento were active with other Catholic churches in the area and on their own holding month of May rosary prayers at the homes of individuals in the community since 2003.

In 2006, Father Nabil Mouannes encountered George Choufani, Ziad Awil, and Jack Assaly in Las Vegas, which he considers to be a providential encounter that initiated the mission in Sacramento. Fr. Nabil stated that “the birth of Our Lady of the Rosary is a miraculous one.”

In March of 2009, the community had its first mass at George Choufani’s home marking the beginning of formal worship. In October 2009, the community began holding bimonthly Divine Liturgies at St. George Melkite Church. Finally on November 27, 2009, following a Thanksgiving meal at the home of Mr. John Aboubechara, elections were held, leading to the official establishment of the Maronite Catholic Community of Sacramento. The initial official council included Chairperson George Choufani, Vice Chairperson Eva Hashem Aramouni, and Secretary Carolyn Aboubechara as officers.

Masses slowly increased to once a month starting September 2010. On December 23, 2010, the Maronite Catholic Community of Sacramento held Christmas Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in Downtown Sacramento as we were speculating the purchase of a new church. Hundreds of individuals celebrated with our new community.

His Most Reverend Latin Bishop of Sacramento, Bishop Jaime Soto, visited Our Lady of the Rosary in July of 2011 and celebrated the Maronite Divine Liturgy with the community. 

Later that year, Father Nabil Mouannes asked a Jesuit Priest, Father Fady El Chidiac to celebrate Divine Liturgy with the Mission when he was unavailable, and so he regularly held Divine Liturgies with the community and became a part of the community. He was also given the opportunity to announce to the community the official appointment of Father Nabil Mouannes as the first permanent pastor of Our Lady of the Rosary Church on Palm Sunday of 2012. Father Nabil Mouannes’ first official day as pastor of the church was the 1st of June 2012. Soon after his appointment a generous donor from San Diego bought a house adjacent to the church that was surprisingly up for sale at the right time so that Father Nabil Mouannes would have a place to stay close to the church.

Father Nabil Mouannes got to work right away to bring a joyous and blessed gift to Sacramento. On July 20, 2012, the shrine of Mother of God, Our Lady of Sacramento arrived at Our Lady of the Rosary Church. A statue of the Virgin Mary holding infant Jesus and stands approximately 16 feet high. He later worked on establishing an annual American Lebanese and Middle Eastern Festival, which drew thousands from all over. On October 6, during the opening of the first American Lebanese and Middle Eastern Festival while a crowd surrounded and was crowning Mother of God, Our Lady of Sacramento Shrine, a “Divine Heart” appeared in the sky with Latin Emeritus Bishop William Weigand as an eyewitness.

 

Under Father Nabil Mouannes, the parish grew and successfully organized two festivals. In October 2013, he moved to France to continue his mission. During this time, Our Lady of the Rosary welcomed various visiting Latin priests until the newly elected Bishop, Elias Zaidan, assigned Father William Lesser as the temporary pastor. After Father Lesser's departure, Father Raymond Guy Sarkis, a student priest studying in Rome, stayed in Sacramento for the summer of 2014. In September 2014, Father Ghattas Khoury was appointed as Our Lady of the Rosary’s second permanent pastor.

In January 2011, the Maronite Catholic Community of Sacramento held its first mass in the new church the community was pursuing to purchase. On February 23, 2011, the Mission closed escrow on its new church Our Lady of the Rosary. Coincidentally on the same day, Maronites all over the world were celebrating the 1600-year anniversary of Saint Maron by the installation of the marble statue of Saint Maron, which was blessed by Pope Benedict XVI, at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Fr. Mouannes said, “Our church is a gift from heaven.” On February 25, 2011, Mass was celebrated by Fr. Mouannes for the first time officially in our new church.

To the community’s surprise, the first year Father Ghattas Khoury was assigned to the parish coincided with his 25th anniversary as a priest. In May 2015, he organized a beautiful concert with Joumana Mdawar from Lebanon, held at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in downtown Sacramento. He invited all the Eastern churches to join, and a large crowd attended. The community also hosted a luncheon the following day to celebrate his 25th anniversary of service to the Lord, along with Joumana Mdawar.

In December 2015, Our Lady of the Rosary was fortunate to host the relics of St. Sharbel. This was a great blessing for the church, and hundreds visited day and night to receive blessings. Together with Father Ghattas Khoury, the community continued its journey of faith, service, and hope, preaching the word of God and passing down its traditions and culture to future generations.

In June 2024, a new priest was assigned to Our Lady of the Rosary: Fr. Mhanna Joseph Kallas. Exciting changes were on the horizon as negotiations were underway between the Maronite Bishop Elias Zaidan and the Latin Bishop Jaime Soto. Their plan was to have a Maronite priest receive bi-ritual faculties, allowing him to serve both the Latin community at St. Elizabeth of Portugal Parish and the Maronite community at Our Lady of the Rosary; an agreement that would allow Our Lady of the Rosary to relocate to the Church of St. Elizabeth in downtown Sacramento.

By October 2024, the transition was complete, and the community celebrated its new home with a heartfelt Mass at St. Elizabeth, coinciding with the feast of Our Lady of Fatima, also known as Our Lady of the Rosary. This significant occasion not only marked a new beginning but also reflected the community's deep devotion to Mary, their guiding star. The first Mass in their new home, aligning with her feast day, was seen as a profound blessing, reinforcing the belief that Mary continues to watch over and guide their journey. Under her protective mantle, the parishioners gathered in unity and hope, embracing the future with renewed faith and commitment to their shared mission.

Our Priests

Succession of Pastors

  • Father Nabil Mouannes, 2011 - 2013

  • Father Fady El Chidiac, 2013 - 2014

  • Father William Lesser, 2014

  • Father Raymond Guy Sarkis, 2014

  • Father Ghattas Khoury, 2014 - 2024

  • Father Mhanna Joseph Kallas, 2024 – Present time

Maronite History

The Maronite Church: A Journey of Faith and Perseverance

The Maronite Church is a vibrant Eastern Catholic Church with deep roots in the Middle East. Emerging from the life and teachings of St. Maroun, this Church has journeyed through centuries of spiritual devotion, persecution, and global expansion, maintaining its rich traditions and steadfast faith.

Origins of the Maronite Church

The Maronite Church traces its origins to St. Maroun, a 4th-century priest and hermit in Cyrrhus, Syria. Renowned for his holiness and miracles, St. Maroun lived a life of prayer and asceticism, inspiring countless disciples. These followers carried his teachings to the mountains of Syria and later Lebanon, forming the foundation of the Maronite community.

St. Maroun’s first disciple, Abraham of Cyrrhus, known as the Apostle of Lebanon, brought the Maronite faith to Lebanon, converting many non-Christians and establishing strong Christian communities. After St. Maroun’s death in 410 AD, his disciples continued his mission, building the Monastery of Beit Maroun in 452 AD, which became a spiritual and cultural hub for the growing Maronite community.

Faith Amid Persecution

From its earliest days, the Maronite Church faced intense persecution for its unwavering commitment to Catholic doctrine, particularly its adherence to the Council of Chalcedon’s teachings on the dual nature of Christ. In 517 AD, 350 Maronite monks were martyred, and by the 7th century, the Monastery of Beit Maroun was destroyed. This led to the migration of many Maronites to the mountains of Lebanon, where they found refuge and safety.

In 685 AD, the Maronites elected their first Patriarch, St. John Maroun, who was affirmed by Pope Sergius I. This marked the beginning of the Maronite Patriarchate and underscored the Church’s communion with Rome—a relationship that has remained unbroken to this day.

A Monastic and Patriarchal Tradition

The Maronite Church is deeply rooted in its monastic spirituality. St. Maroun’s legacy of prayer, simplicity, and asceticism continues to shape Maronite identity. The rugged mountains of Lebanon became home to countless hermitages and monasteries, particularly in the Qadisha Valley, where Maronites lived a life of prayer, work, and devotion.

As a Patriarchal Church, the Maronites have maintained a strong hierarchical structure. The Patriarch, based in Bkerké, Lebanon, serves as the spiritual leader, guiding Maronites in Lebanon and the worldwide diaspora.

A Church in Communion with Rome

The Maronite Church is one of the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Pope and the universal Catholic Church. This communion reflects the Church’s Chalcedonian faith, rooted in the belief in the dual nature of Christ; fully God and fully man. The Maronites have always been loyal defenders of the faith and have contributed significantly to the Catholic Church's mission, balancing Eastern traditions with universal Catholicism.

Global Expansion

The Maronite Church’s expansion began with waves of migration, particularly in the 19th and 20th centuries, as Maronites sought refuge from persecution and economic hardship. Today, Maronite communities thrive across the globe, from North and South America to Europe, Africa, and Australia. In the United States, the establishment of Maronite dioceses has allowed the Church to flourish while preserving its unique traditions.

Unique Aspects of Maronite Tradition

  1. Antiochene Heritage: The Maronites trace their roots to Antioch, where followers of Christ were first called Christians (Acts 11:26).

  2. Chalcedonian Faith: The Church upholds the Council of Chalcedon’s teaching on Christ’s dual nature.

  3. Monastic Spirituality: A tradition of asceticism and prayer remains central to Maronite identity.

  4. Liturgical Richness: The Liturgical language of the Maronite Church is Syriac, an archaic form of the Aramaic; the language of Christ. The Maronite Church also retains elements of ancient Antiochene worship.

  5. Lebanon as a Spiritual Home: The Maronite Church is deeply tied to Lebanon, where it has shaped and been shaped by the country’s history and culture.

A Legacy of Faith

The Maronite Church has endured centuries of persecution, exile, and hardship, yet it remains a testament to resilience and faith. Its members have carried St. Maroun’s legacy across the globe, building vibrant communities rooted in prayer, service, and devotion to Christ.

The Maronite Church invites all to explore its rich history, experience its unique spirituality, and join in its mission to proclaim the Gospel with unwavering faith and love.

Hierarchs of the Maronite Church

Pope Leo XIV
Pope of Rome

Beshara Peter Al-Rai
Patriarch of Antioch
and all the East

Elias A. Zaidan
Eparch (Bishop) of
Our Lady of Lebanon of LA, USA

Maronite Divine Liturgy Calendar

Please download our Liturgical Calendar for this year on that link

Maronite Prayers

Our Father

Our Father who are in Heaven,
Hallowed be your name;
your kingdom come;
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven,
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgives us our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil.
For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours,
now and forever. Amen.

Prayer of Praise (Doxology)

† Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit now and forever. Amen.

Lord Jesus Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!

Prayer After a Meal

May food abound and never fail;
may it remain plentiful,
through the prayers of Our Lord’s Mother,
and the prayers of the righteous and just,
who pleased the Lord with their deeds.
O Lord,
you are a good God,
and we praise and thank you,
Father Son, and Holy Spirit,
now and for ever. Amen.

Hail Mary

Hail Mary, full of grace!
The Lord is with you.
Blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb,
Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners,
now, and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Trisagion

Holy are you, O God!
Holy are you, O Strong One!
Holy are you O Immortal One!
(said three times)
Have mercy on us!

Prayer Before a Meal

Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
O Lord God, may your blessing † and prosperity
come down upon this meal prepared by your worshipers,
and bestow upon those who partake of it
the abundance of your favors.
Amen.

St Maron

O Lord, accept the prayers we offer in memory of our
Father, St. Maron.
Bless and protect the people who bear your name.
Make us worthy of his holy legacy that we may carry
the message of your Gospel
throughout the world.
Grant faithfulness to his people and courage to his
inheritance.

Prayer for the Beatification of Patriarch Duwayhi

O Lord Jesus,
You bestowed your many graces upon Patriarch Estefan Duwayhi.
As a true disciple, he responded to them, eager to imitate his
Master, for the love of you and your glory.
You said, “Let the children come to me.”
He sought the children of Lebanon, poor and orphaned, and taught
them the words of truth.
You traveled through cities and villages, preaching the Kingdom of God.
Through his preaching and writing, he announced your Good News as a
priest, then as a bishop and later as a patriarch.
You said, “Do not be afraid, 0 little flock.”
Your chosen one, Patriarch Estefan, took on himself these words, and
passed them to all his children, encouraging them, confirming them,
and defending their faith. 
You loved your Church and gave your blood to redeem her. He bore all
kinds of hardships for the Church’s love and salvation. 
We now ask you, 0 Lord, to reveal the abundance of your graces to him,
and to show us how great was his response to them, so that the
holiness of his life may shine before us. 
Grant us to see our Patriarch Estefan among the ranks of your saints, so
that he may shine like a lighthouse in our land of the East. 
Through his intercession, grant us to build up your Church with
knowledge, faith, devotion and courage, so that we may become true
witnesses to you and lighthouses of love and peace. To you only are
due glory and honor, now and for ever. Amen. 
Our Father…Hail Mary…Glory Be …

Q&A

  • Maronites are members of the Eastern Catholic Church who practice their truly Catholic faith in the West Syriac Antiochene Tradition, a Tradition that is as ancient as Christianity itself.

    The Church takes its name from St. Maron, a Syrian hermit who lived in the 4th Century. His life of poverty, fasting, holiness, and prayer, along with his ability to heal illnesses, inspired many followers. After his death, a monastery was founded in the valley of the Orontes River. It soon developed into a booming religious center of substantial magnitude and affluence.

    During the Council of Chalcedon (451 AD), the Syriac Church, along with the Alexandrian and Armenian Churches, disagreed with the decisions of the Council Fathers and broke communion with Rome. The monks of the monastery of St. Maron, along with many of their supporters, refused the decision of the Syriac Church, considering it to be heresy, and remained loyal to the Catholic faith. In time these people became known as Maronites.

    The Maronites have never in their history broken communion with the Pope.

  • Description textThe Catholic Church is a communion of 22 autonomous or self-governing churches. We say self-governing (sui iuris) because while remaining in union with the Pope of Rome, each Catholic Church has its own hierarchy and clergy generally headed by a Patriarch or Metropolitan, and separate ecclesiastical jurisdictions called dioceses in the West, or eparchies in the East. No Catholic church is more Catholic than another and it cannot be stressed too highly that all churches are of equal rank and dignity.

    Maronites follow the leadership of the Pope of Rome. We are not Roman Catholic but Maronite Catholic. Roman Catholics are the largest of the 22 self-governing churches with over one billion members, but like the Maronites, there are some 20 million other Christians worldwide that live out their faith as Eastern Catholics.

    All Catholics share the same faith, partake of the same Eucharist, and receive the same seven Sacraments. goes here

  • The Early Church was centered in Jerusalem. Since the first followers of Our Lord were Jewish, the liturgical practices and pious customs of the Jerusalem Church were patterned after those found in the Temple and synagogues.

    In an effort to bring the Gospel to the Gentiles, the Apostles and Evangelists left Jerusalem and journeyed to the principal cities of the Roman Empire: Rome, Alexandria, and Antioch.

    Each metropolitan area developed its own unique way of liturgical worship and of expressing theological ideas. We call these Traditions. While there are several accepted ways of naming the traditions, the most common is the Roman (Latin) also called by some Western, Byzantine (Constantinopolitan), Alexandrian, Armenian, Antiochene (West Syriac), and Chaldean (East Syriac). Roman Catholics come from the Roman or Latin Tradition and Maronites come from the West Syriac Tradition.

  • All Catholics may attend services at any Catholic Church or register in any parish, be it Eastern or Western. That said, Maronites have a moral responsibility to support their Church and attend services at a Maronite parish if at all possible.

    Maronites generally refer to the Mass as the Divine Liturgy or Qoorbono, which means offering in Syriac. Syriac is the liturgical language of the Maronite Church, much like Latin is for the Roman Church.

  • A careful viewer will notice that Maronites do not genuflect but like all Eastern Christians, bow profoundly to the Tabernacle when entering or leaving the church.

    Every Sunday incense is used extensively throughout the service.

    The Sign of Peace is exchanged prior to the start of the Anaphora (Eucharist Prayer) so that we may be reconciled with our brothers and sisters before we approach the Altar of our Lord.

    The vestments of the priest are in the Eastern, Syriac fashion and a small hand Cross is carried by the celebrant, used in blessing the congregation.

    At the Words of Institution (when the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Christ) the priest sings the same words, spoken in the same language, Aramaic, as Our Lord, thus recreating the Last Supper in the language that it was spoken.

    During this time we do not kneel, but stand ready to greet our Savior when He comes again. We kneel only on Pentecost Sunday during the Kneeling Ritual, and at the Great Matany on Great Friday.

    One receives Holy Communion by intinction meaning that the Sacred Host is dipped into the Precious Blood and given to the communicant on the tongue, never on the hand.