Welcome to Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Church
Holy Mysteries
- The Maronite church along with other Eastern churches use the term mysteries to describe the sacred rites by which the Church perpetuates the saving action of Christ on earth. The Western church uses the term sacrament.
- In the Eastern churches, mystery generally refers to the realm of the holy and to God's plan of salvation. The Syriac/Maronite world, observed by the senses, was only the surface of the real. With the eyes of faith, we are able to appreciate the real presence of God in creation.
- The seven Holy Mysteries are:
- -Baptism, Chrismation (or ‘Confirmation’) and the Eucharist, which make up the three Mysteries of Initiation
- -Penance (‘Reconciliation’ or ‘Confession’) and Sacrament of the Sick are the Mysteries of Healing
- -Crowning (or ‘Marriage’) and Holy Orders, make up the Mysteries of Vocation or Community.
- As Maronite Catholics, we believe Christ's presence in creation did not end with His death. His resurrection confirms His presence among us in power. Christ is present in His disciples and all those who form His Mystical Body. By being united to Christ, the "image of God" which each one of us possesses by our creation reaches fulfillment. The process of being united to Christ is achieved through the "mysteries". In other words, Christ not only performed acts of divine power during His public life, but He continues His divinizing power in the mysteries that He instituted. Just as Christ used earthly things and gestures as instruments of divine power, so He provided that through the invoking of the Holy Spirit by the Church on water and oil and bread and wine we would have the means of sanctification.Therefore, Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist and the other sacred rites are called mysteries because they introduce us to the world of the holy which is incarnated in our visible world. They enable us with the eyes of faith to realize that "God is with us" and that His Spirit is available to us.Our Divine Liturgy teaches us that during the service of the Eucharist, our earthly celebration mirrors the angelic liturgy in heaven. In other words, during the course of the Anaphora we are brought into sacred time and sacred space, the realm of mysteries. In the same way, when we celebrate baptism, chrismation and the other mysteries, we also enter the world of sacred time and space and partake of holy things.
- Source: Maronite Eparchy of Australia
Welcome to Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Church
Discover the Joy of Community at Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Church
At Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Church, we believe that there is joy in community. We strive to create a supportive and welcoming environment where everyone can come together to worship, learn, and grow in their faith. Whether you are new to the area or have been a member of our congregation for years, we invite you to join us and experience the joy of community at Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Church.
Welcome to Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Church
Discover the Joy of Community at Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Church
At Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Church, we believe that there is joy in community. We strive to create a supportive and welcoming environment where everyone can come together to worship, learn, and grow in their faith. Whether you are new to the area or have been a member of our congregation for years, we invite you to join us and experience the joy of community at Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Church.
Get Involved in Our Youth Group
Our youth group is a vibrant and active community of young people who come together to learn, grow, and have fun. From weekly meetings to special events and mission trips, there is always something exciting happening in our youth group. Join us and get involved!
Welcome to Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Church
Holy Mysteries
The Maronite church along with other Eastern churches use the term mysteries to describe the sacred rites by which the Church perpetuates the saving action of Christ on earth. The Western church uses the term sacrament.
In the Eastern churches, mystery generally refers to the realm of the holy and to God's plan of salvation. The Syriac/Maronite world, observed by the senses, was only the surface of the real. With the eyes of faith, we are able to appreciate the real presence of God in creation.
The seven Holy Mysteries are:
- Baptism, Chrismation (or ‘Confirmation’) and the Eucharist, which make up the three Mysteries of Initiation
- Penance (‘Reconciliation’ or ‘Confession’) and Sacrament of the Sick are the Mysteries of Healing
- Crowning (or ‘Marriage’) and Holy Orders, make up the Mysteries of Vocation or Community.
As Maronite Catholics, we believe Christ's presence in creation did not end with His death. His resurrection confirms His presence among us in power. Christ is present in His disciples and all those who form His Mystical Body. By being united to Christ, the "image of God" which each one of us possesses by our creation reaches fulfillment. The process of being united to Christ is achieved through the "mysteries". In other words, Christ not only performed acts of divine power during His public life, but He continues His divinizing power in the mysteries that He instituted. Just as Christ used earthly things and gestures as instruments of divine power, so He provided that through the invoking of the Holy Spirit by the Church on water and oil and bread and wine we would have the means of sanctification. Therefore, Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist and the other sacred rites are called mysteries because they introduce us to the world of the holy which is incarnated in our visible world. They enable us with the eyes of faith to realize that "God is with us" and that His Spirit is available to us.Our Divine Liturgy teaches us that during the service of the Eucharist, our earthly celebration mirrors the angelic liturgy in heaven. In other words, during the course of the Anaphora we are brought into sacred time and sacred space, the realm of mysteries. In the same way, when we celebrate baptism, chrismation and the other mysteries, we also enter the world of sacred time and space and partake of holy things.
- Source: Maronite Eparchy of Australia
Welcome to Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Church
Get Baptized
Find Hope and Healing
Find Hope and Healing
Baptism is an important step of obedience and public declaration of faith. We offer baptism services several times a year, and would love to help you take this important step. Click below to learn more about baptism and how to sign up.
Find Hope and Healing
Find Hope and Healing
Find Hope and Healing
We understand that life can be difficult and painful at times. That's why we offer support groups and resources to help you find hope and healing in the midst of life's challenges. Click below to learn more about our support groups.
Give Generously
Find Hope and Healing
Experience God's Presence
We believe that giving is an act of worship and a way to support the work of God's Kingdom. We offer a variety of ways to give, including online giving, text-to-give, and in-person giving. Click below to learn more about giving at Our Lady of Mercy Maronite Church.
Experience God's Presence
Connect with Kids and Teens
Experience God's Presence
We believe that God's presence is real and powerful, and that He desires to encounter us in a personal way. We offer opportunities to experience God's presence through prayer, worship, and other spiritual practices. Click below to learn more.
Connect with Kids and Teens
Connect with Kids and Teens
Connect with Kids and Teens
We believe that kids and teens are an important part of our church community. We offer age-specific ministries for kids and teens, where they can learn about God in a fun and engaging way. Click below to learn more about our kids and teens ministries.
Join a Team
Connect with Kids and Teens
Connect with Kids and Teens
We believe that everyone has something to offer and a role to play in the work of the church. We offer a variety of volunteer opportunities and ministry teams where you can use your gifts and talents to make a difference. Click below to learn more about our volunteer opportunities.