Senate Resolution Opposes Deportation of Chaldeans
Sen. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake, introduced a resolution on Wednesday opposing the mass deportation of Iraqi nationals living in Michigan and the United States.
Grand Opening of the New Chaldean Home Apartments
On the feast day of St. Joseph, Bishop Francis visited Holy Martyrs Church for a very special Mass and blessing of the new Chaldean Home of Sterling Heights Apartments.
Update – Abuse Allegations
Sub-deacon Hurmiz Ishak (Najeeb) was able to fulfill his bond requirements on December 12, 2018 and therefore was allowed to be at home while the case is investigated by civil authorities.
The Issue of Recreational Marijuana and Other Drugs in our Community
[vc_row][vc_column][movedo_empty_space][vc_column_text]
The Chaldean Diocese of Saint Thomas the Apostle on the Issue of Recreational Marijuana and Other Drugs in our Community
The Chaldean Diocese of Saint Thomas the Apostle joins the Church at large in condemning the use of ALL drugs outside of “strict, therapeutic grounds.”[1]
We have now entered a new liturgical year where we reflect on the value of a good family in the themes of the Sunday Scripture readings, and yet, the recent vote for the legalization of recreational marijuana in Michigan will have detrimental impacts on our families and youth. Legalizing marijuana and other so-called “recreational drugs” has never curbed addiction rates, but rather, in places where recreational marijuana has been legalized, there have been spikes in emergency room visits, abuse by teens, more traffic deaths, more societal costs, more expulsions and dropouts, and an increase in the use of harder drugs like cocaine, heroin, and opioids.
The American Psychological Association[2], the National Institute on Drug Abuse[3], and the American Academy of Pediatrics[4] have pointed out how the use of marijuana is linked to addictions, depression, anxiety, psychosis, damage to brain development, and lung problems. There is no question as to the social evils that will increase as marijuana usage is continued to be embraced as a neutral practice in society.
To our young people, especially, the normalization of recreational marijuana socially is unacceptable. Children and families will be damaged as a result. Using marijuana for adolescents often results in significant changes to brain structure and cognitive functioning compared to those who don’t use and you can experience up to an eight-point drop in IQ.
Beloved faithful, there have been one too many instances where we hear about a member of our community overdosing, and oftentimes dying. The clergy of the Diocese are too often called by families for help with this very issue. There is no question as to the fact that drug use and abuse is an issue in the local Chaldean community of metro Detroit, whether it be with marijuana, cocaine, and/or opioids. We strongly encourage you parents to bring awareness to your children about the dangers of drugs and to not be in denial that many are struggling and should seek professional help, rather than be hidden away for fear of shame on the family name.
Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, urges us to not just oppose all improper drug use, but to “recognize the need for serious prevention programs.” “To say no” to drugs, he said, “one has to say ‘yes’ to life, ‘yes’, to love, ‘yes’ to others, ‘yes’ to education, ‘yes’ to greater job opportunities.” We must ask ourselves honestly, why do I turn to drugs? What I am I trying to avoid or escape from?
If you or someone you know struggles with drug abuse, we are here for you to help you to “be sober-minded and watchful” (1Peter 5:8), and to honor your body which is “a temple of the Holy Spirit” (1Corinthians 6:19). Reach out to a specialist for help, to a friend or family member, to your parish priest. You have many who will listen to you.
May the holy family intercede on our behalf to achieve the peace and freedom that God intends for each and every one of us.
Chaldean Catholic Diocese of Saint Thomas the Apostle of USA
On December 6, 2018, marijuana for recreational use will become legalized in the State of Michigan. Although marijuana for recreational use will be legalized, it is still illegal under federal law and prohibited pursuant to church policy. This new state law will not change policies prohibiting the use or possession of marijuana on any property owned or managed by the Chaldean Catholic Diocese of Saint Thomas the Apostle of USA and by the Clergy, sub-deacons, nuns, altar servers, church employees, volunteers or representatives of the church on any Diocese property or during off-site events or functions.
Any representatives who violate the Diocese policy prohibiting the use or possession of illegal drugs on church premises, or functions will be subject to suspension and disciplinary action, which may include a permanent removal from duties.
[1] Catechism of the Catholic Church 2291
[2] https://www.apa.org/monitor/2015/11/marijuana-brain.aspx
[3] https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/marijuana/nida-research-marijuana-cannabinoids
[4] https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/American-Academy-of-Pediatrics-Reaffirms-Opposition-to-Legalizing-Marijuana-for-Recreational-or-Medical-Use.aspx[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Official Statement – Abuse Allegations
November 2, 2018
Official Diocesan Statement Regarding the Arrest of Hurmiz Risko Ishak:
The Chaldean Diocese of St. Thomas the Apostle, Southfield, Michigan is cooperating fully with local law enforcement authorities regarding the arrest of Hurmiz Risko Ishak on allegations of child sexual abuse.
Hurmiz, 65, also known as Najib, was hired in 1997 as a sacristan at St. Joseph Chaldean Church located in Troy. His duties included opening and closing the church daily and preparing the church for all the liturgies. As a sub-deacon, he assisted the priest in the masses, weddings and funerals. A sub-deacon (acolyte) in the Chaldean Church is not part of the Holy Orders therefore, is not allowed to perform any of the sacraments. Hurmiz was not trained in the seminary therefore, is not a cleric.
The recent allegation against Hurmiz Ishak was immediately reported to the authorities. He was also immediately dismissed from his position as sacristan.
The diocese encourages any person who has been sexually abused by clergy, personnel, or church volunteer to report the abuse to the bishop, regardless of when it occurred. Allegations may also be brought forward to the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator, Janan Senawi, at (248) 354-3066. Because this matter remains in the hands of law enforcement, neither the diocese nor the parish can comment further at this time.
Most Reverend Francis Y. Kalabat
Bishop of St. Thomas the Apostle
Chaldean Diocese – U.S.A.
Final Profession of Vows for Sister Mary Christine
Sister Christine Foumia is the first American born nun to profess her final vows in the Chaldean Sisters, Daughters of May Immaculate. She will be professing her final vows and becoming a professed nun on May 19, 2018 at 4pm at Mother of God Cathedral.
All are welcome to join the ceremony at Mother of God. We ask you please keep Sister Christine in your prayers as well as all those discerning the religious life!
50th Priestly Anniversary
Save the Date
-Form for registration: REQUIRES first name, last name, how many people are attending, and telephone number
-It’s free of charge, light appetizers provided
-Location: Bellagio’s on 14 & Ryan
-Doors open at 7pm Program starts 8pm
– Registration is ONLY required for June 1st at Bella
-Click HERE to RSVP
Updated Clergy Assignments
Dear Faithful of the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle,
The clergy assignments have been updated this year and include the following:
– Fr. (elect) John Jaddou, expected to be ordained on June 30, 2018, will be assigned as
Parochial vicar of Saint Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church in Troy, Michigan.
-Fr. (elect) Fadie Gorgies, expected to be ordained on June 30, 2018, will be assigned as
Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Chaldean Catholic Church in Warren,
Michigan. Fr. (elect) Gorgies will also be assigned to the Chaldean Church’s mission to
the Chaldean community in Boston, Massachusetts, visiting at least once a month to
celebrate Mass.
– Fr. Pierre Konja will be assigned as a spiritual director at St. Peter Chaldean Catholic
Seminary in Ankawa, Iraq. The role of a spiritual director is to help one to recognize how
God is working in their lives and to help one grow in holiness.
– Fr. Bryan Kassa will be assigned as the vocations director of the Eparchy, an assignment
formerly held by Fr. Pierre Konja. The role of the vocations director is to help men and
women who are exploring a possible vocation to either the priesthood or religious life to
discern properly and effectively. The vocations director also has a role in helping to form
the men who are currently in the seminary program. Fr. Kassa is expected to start this
assignment officially on May 1 st due to Fr. Konja’s new assignment in Iraq.
– Fr. Sanharib Youkhanna will be assigned as the Rector of Mother of God Chaldean
Catholic Cathedral in Southfield, Michigan.
– Fr. Hermiz Haddad will be assigned as the Administrator of Mar Aprem Chaldean
Catholic Church in Chicago, Illinois.
All assignments, with the exception of the Vocations Director, will officially begin on August 1 st .
Please continue to keep the Eparchy and your brother clergy in your prayers.
Urgent Cancer Relief Fund (UCRF)
“Live simply so that others may simply live.” -Mother Teresa
As we begin our Lenten journey towards Easter, let us remember that Lent is not only a time to turn away from sin, but also a time to help us return to the simple things: prayer, fasting, and almsgiving.
This Lent, as an act of almsgiving, consider donating Help Iraq’s Urgent Cancer Relief Fund to help give our brothers and sisters in Christ a fighting chance against cancer. These cases are especially urgent, and their families are desperate to help their loved ones.
To donate, please Click Here. 100% of your donation goes directly to those in need.
Fr. Pierre Konja’s Assignment
It’s with a bittersweet heart that I write this article to my beloved home parish and the people God has trusted me to serve.
At the end of April I will be leaving Mother of God church and I will begin a year long assignment in Iraq.
Let that soak in.
Now, let me explain. When I first joined Seminary I knew that I would have to learn Chaldean, and maybe even Arabic, in order to serve the Chaldean Church. I even discerned becoming a Roman Catholic priest because the daunting task of learning these languages gave me such deep anxiety. God, however, made it clear to me that he called me to be a Chaldean Catholic and he was calling me to be a Chaldean Catholic priest.
Throughout my six years of Seminary and my almost seven years of priesthood I’ve worked at my Chaldean studies. I can celebrate mass and carry a very simple and broken conversation, but my time doesn’t allow me to really become fluent in the language. Being in Iraq, immersed in the language and culture will (hopefully) change that.
Also, I don’t know any Arabic and my lack of languages has hindered my ability to serve the many people of God whose preferred language is Arabic.
So, for the past few years I’ve been asking the bishop to send me to Iraq where I can study Chaldean and Arabic in a more immersed way, enrich myself with the culture of my forefathers, assist where I can in teaching English, build bridges with the Church in Iraq and the Church in Detroit, and be open to the graces the God has in store. With approval of Bishop Francis and Patriarch Sako, I’ll depart in early May and return in June of 2019.
This is my choice and I make it freely and with a very peaceful heart.
In the past couple years many places in Iraq have become more stable and I have great confidence in my safety because I’ll be going with an official assignment letter and be welcomed by the bishops with official letters.
My replacement will be announced in March and will begin in August.
I have great faith in this parish. It’s my home, it’s where I received the sacraments, where I fell in love with Jesus, and where I discerned my call to serve his Church. Now it’s time for me to better myself, serve elsewhere, and entrust my home to another priest.
Please keep me in your prayers. You will perpetually be in mine.
Everything for the greater glory of God.