Catholic Diocese of Spokane, Washington

From the

Official News Magazine of the Diocese of Spokane

(From the Jan. 13, 2005 edition of the Inland Register)

Maronite Catholic Bishop Robert J. Shaheen is asking all Maronite Catholics in the Western United States to register with the Maronite Census now being conducted.

Bishop Shaheen said that the Holy See has asked that the Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles, which covers 34 of the western United States, conduct such a census. Sixteen of those states presently have no Maronite church or mission, said Bishop Shaheen.

Religious persecution in Lebanon has seen many Maronite Catholics fleeing to other countries, including the United States.

Maronite Catholics are one of 22 autonomous rites within the Catholic Church. The various Catholic Eastern Churches use language and prayers unique to their history and culture, yet observe the same sacraments.

To register online, visit www.maronitecensus.net. To receive a census form by mail, call 800-261-2996. For more information, e-mail census@usamaronite.org