Membership Type: Diocesan

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Born and raised in Lebanon, in 2004, I became a certified physical therapist. Not being able to deny God’s calling, I joined the Maronite Missionaries in 2007. I was ordained a priest in 2014 and moved to Houston, Texas in 2016 as assistant pastor of Our Lady of the Cedars and in 2020 I was appointed National Director of The Office of Maronite Youth. On May 8th I received my MBA. I work remotely from the Ocean State, Rhode Island. 

How has being a member of NFCYM helped you and your ministry to young people?

Being new to this country and position, I needed all the help I could get in finding resources and help from experts. NFCYM offered me access to many resources, conferences, and experts who helped me better understand the reality of our youth ministry in the United States and helped me find ideas and form a strong youth program for our diocese.

What is your relationship with NFCYM? What does accompaniment mean to you and how has NFCYM accompanied you?

I have been a member of this organization since 2020. I regularly join the regional meetings and participate in different conferences and momentums. Accompaniment to me, means that someone is at my side helping guide me and give me advice along the way. NFCYM has done just that. Anytime I am at a loss for ideas and understanding, NFCYM has been there.

Why ministry? Why do you do what you do?

The priesthood is a call to serve all who I encounter. An essential part of this call is serving the youth during their critical age of faith formation. It is very important to me and to the future of our Church that I be able to assist them and positively influence and help them find and keep their special Maronite identity within the Catholic Church.

What are some unique ways you have ministered and accompanied through these times?

The recent events in our world turned into the perfect opportunity for me to listen to our youth and to be there with them to guide them in constructive and informative lessons and debates. They were taught to always depend on Christ and follow his teachings on love and acceptance. I always aim to explain the church teachings when needed in a wise manner and at the right time.

As the Director of Mission Advancement, I  foster critical areas of internal and external resources, relationships, and funding in an effort to advance the mission of NFCYM. I connect NFCYM to the people, places, and organizations that can help us grow our ministry by sharing the story of NFCYM. 

If you could share one thing with other ministers, parents, families, and clergy, that you have learned throughout your experience ministering what would it be? 

Working with the youth is a big challenge. They are so vulnerable and thirsty for knowledge at this age. We should always be ready to challenge ourselves and our capabilities. You will be surprised how much you can do when you depend on the Lord!

NFCYM Members can ask me about…

The Maronite Eastern Catholic Church (litugies, traditons…) Coming from a different cultural background, I learned how to adjust to a new culture and way of life. The diversity I experienced in my youth was a helpful experience for me. It has made me able to better understand diversity and cultural differences and I am always willing to give my advice on these issues.

Anything else you want to mention?

I want to pray:
May the Lord bless all youth leaders for their dedication and service. May He lead us to discern His divine will and work upon it in order to guide our youth on the right path and towards the one Goal, 

Amen.