Dear Parishioners of St. John Maron:

I pray this letter finds you all well. I am Abouna Elie G. Kairouz and I am blessed to be your new pastor at St. John Maron. I am addressing you in this letter as we prepare together for the 12th Annual Lebanese Festival of Western New York. The festival has been a great success year after year. I am calling on all of you to keep our Church united as one family and our Lebanese heritage shared with the local community. I wish and pray that we work together as you have done with Abouna Georges to keep the festival a success.

Our 12th Annual Festival is scheduled for August 7th and 8th. As we introduce new items every year, we hope to keep everyone interested.

Religious Heritage Display: Our Church will be open throughout the festival. On display you will find vestments, icons, church paraphernalia, articles, books, literature and brochures about the Maronites. There will be scheduled guided tours for those inquiring about the artwork, stained-glass and Icons. Don’t forget to purchase our book “A Colorful Bouquet of Saints” which is a useful instrument to further your knowledge about the artwork, the lives of saints and the church renovation.

Our Souvenir Festival Sponsor Booklet was a big hit in 2009; we intend to have it again this year. Not only was it a nice way to acknowledge our parishioners and sponsors, but also a good vehicle for advertisement and public relations. A contract ad form is included with this mailing and if you took an ad last year, it is also included. If you wish to advertise in it, please fill out the ad form and return it as soon as possible.

The Gift Shop, the Children’s Attractions and the Lebanese Café never cease to be creative and are quite interesting. They provide a good sense of entertainment and camaraderie. The Lebanese Beer & Wine made a superb impression last year. If you are interested in a case or more, please call the rectory to pre-order.

Raffle prizes continue to evolve and grow. More than ever before local businesses are donating to our raffle, which makes it more appealing. We are aiming at record sales this year. If you can help sell $5.00 booklets in your neighborhood, call the rectory or the Raffle Committee. Your help in selling raffle tickets would be greatly appreciated. You, as parishioners, are the most effective selling and marketing vehicles. To help publicize the festival, please make as many flyers as you can, use them at your stores and businesses and share them with your neighbors and local markets.

A festival flyer, a $20.00 Raffle Booklet, a return-address envelope, contract ad form for the sponsor booklet and a venue listing are enclosed for your convenience. Please return the raffle tickets as soon as you possibly can as well as the ad contract. The festival requires volunteers. We depend on you for help. Locate a venue on the list and contact a chairperson for the schedule.

May our Lord Jesus Christ, through the intercession of Mary, the Mother of God and St. John Maron, our Patron, bless you and your families for your generosity and support as we continue the up building of our parish.

Fraternally Yours in Christ,

Rev. Elie G. Kairouz, Pastor

• Foods, Coffees, Sweet Delights
• T-Shirts
• Cookbooks
• Brassware, Coffee-Sets
• Kitchen Gadgets
• Aprons
• Mugs
• CD's & Tapes of Popular Lebanese Artists
• Religious Articles
• And, MUCH MORE...Come and VISIT US!