WORKSHOPS

The annual convention is noted for many activities, not the least of which is its workshops. NAM’s mission is to preserve our religious heritage. These workshops offer a way in which we can accomplish this goal. Tampa will offer new and exciting vehicles for learning and growth.

Thursday 7/4 10:00 - 11:30 am - Fundraising and Stewardship

Mr. John F. Kurey, Esq., MBA

Tips for helping your parish or organization raise money (With a special focus on creating successful fundraising events). Fundraising is both an art and a science and how often we have event with this particular goal, yet we just don’t really know where to start or how to accomplish this goal. This year we are privileged to have Mr. John Kurey, Stewardship Director for both eparchies, share his expertise with us. This is also a perfect opportunity for pastors and parish leaders to learn also about the various grants that are given by various charitable institutions and how to apply for them.

Thursday 7/4 3:00 - 4:30 pm - Effective Church Leadership by the Laity

A discussion on the laity’s role in the Maronite church with a panel of priests and community leaders.Many times we are elected or appointed to positions of leadership within our parish without knowing what our specific responsibilities and legal abilities are. Find out what church guidelines say and how you can be most effective in your role of leadership within the church. As members of NAM,parish councils, and organizations we serve our parishes in many roles, learn more how to organize and maximize the benefits to our community by our leadership.

Friday 7/5 (all day 10/11:30 am, & 3/4:30 pm)
- Seminar on Catechism and Religious Education

Rev. George EL Khalli & Deacon Louis Peters

This is a two-session workshop, one morning and one afternoon. Catechesis and the religious education of both adults and children are among the primary missions and tasks of the Church. Topics will include the following:

• Foundational principals of religious education;
• A review of the basic tenets of the Catholic Faith;
• A review and overview of basic concepts of Christian education;
• A review of the documents of the recent Maronite Patriarchal Synod on Christian education;
• An overview of the recently revised Maronite religious education series Faith of the Mountains; and using the Liturgy and liturgical calendar in catechesis

Friday 7/5 10:00 - 11:30 am – THE FIRST HALF CENTURY OF NAM

This special presentation will serve as a complement to the special commemorative journal being published for NAM’s 50th Anniversary. Edward Shiner, former Executive Director of NAM, will moderate this interactive discussion involving the audience (clergy and laity), who will serve as the “panel,” providing their thoughts related to NAM’s past, present and future. Explore this special 50th anniversary journal beforehand and come prepared to offer your recollections of the past, your observations on the present and your hopes and suggestions for the future.

Friday 7/5 3:00 – 4:30 pm - New Translation of the Maronite Liturgy and Liturgical Music

Chorbishop Thomas will showcase the parts where the Syriac is used and also enable the worshiper to pray and understand in the language that he/she is comfortable with, Arabic or English. The liturgical music comprises the songs that fill our hearts during the Divine Liturgy and the poignancy of their words. Both are incredible testaments to the richness of our culture. Come fill your senses with the beauty that is the Maronite Church. You will also be able to experience the first ever compilation of the Inter-Eparchial Music Commission that Rev. Abdallah has led for the past few years. Let the poetry that is our music fill your senses and soothe your soul.

Saturday 7/6 10:00 – 11:30 am – “Maronites … Destination Freedom” film screening

University of the Holy Spirit - Kaslik ( USEK)

A short documentary drawing the route the Maronites took from persecutions towards freedom. This film answers the questions: Where do they come from? How they lived? Their monasteries, their monks, their churches, their way of life; why they settled in Lebanon and migration from Lebanon to the four corners of the world. Let us reflect back on our history and faith.

The Holy Spirit University of Kaslik has been a leader in preserving the Maronite tradition and shaping the Maronite Identity. Being the first Maronite University, this film will show a brief look at the history of Maronites in Lebanon and the saints. The panel will open a discussion on the film and what USEK is doing to preserve Maronite manuscripts, photos, and archives.

Saturday 7/6 3:00 – 4:30 pm–The Eastern Church & the challenges of the Arab Spring

- Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood,
- Dr. Sami Nader, Ph. D. and
- Moderator Chorbishop Seely Beggiani

Panel discussion on how the Middle Eastern Christians are living these turbulent times, and how should they cope with these crucial challenges?

"A wave of revolts, often referred to as Arab spring is sweeping several countries of the Middle East. The Arab society is going through a deep transformation that stirs hopes but poses real threats. Political Islam is on the rise and democracy is still far from being a reality. While some consider that this troubled period is a mandatory route for progress, others fear a return to authoritarian regimes under religious cover."