The National Apostolate of Maronites
Preserving Maronite Traditions Since 1964
The National Apostolate of Maronites (NAM) is the official lay apostolate of the Maronite Church of the USA and the only one in the world. Its mission is to assist its bishops, serve as a link in unifying Maronite laity in the US, and strengthen the bond between clergy and laity.
The National Apostolate of Maronites - www.namaronites.org
www.namaronites.org
What is NAM and Why it is important
The National Apostolate of Maronites (NAM) is a key organization dedicated to promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ within the Maronite tradition across the United States. Its importance stems from its mission to unite Maronites in all 50 states, support the Maronite faith in parishes and missions, and provide a vital connection to those who do not have a Maronite church in their area.
Why NAM is Important:
- Unification of Maronites: NAM seeks to unite Maronites across the country, ensuring that Maronites feel connected, even if they live in areas without a local Maronite church.
- Faith Preservation: It plays a crucial role in keeping the Maronite faith alive in communities, especially through local parishes and missions.
- Lay Apostolate: NAM is a lay organization, meaning it is driven by ordinary Maronite men and women who share their personal experiences of faith.
- Support for Bishops: NAM assists Maronite bishops in their mission of serving the faithful throughout the country.
- Scholarships and Youth Involvement: The organization offers scholarships to college students, helping to engage and support younger generations.
- Cultural and Spiritual Heritage: NAM emphasizes the continuity of Maronite traditions, rooted in Lebanon, while recognizing the diversity of its members, who come from many nationalities.
By joining NAM, Maronites add their voices to a larger community, helping to advocate for Maronites worldwide, and ensuring the growth and vitality of the Maronite Church in the U.S.
NAM History
The National Apostolate of Maronites (NAM) has a rich history intertwined with the immigration of Lebanese Maronites to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Seeking religious, political, and economic freedom, many settled in close-knit communities, initially attending Latin Catholic churches before establishing their own Maronite parishes. The first recorded Maronite parish, St. Joseph Maronite Church, was founded in New York City in 1891.
namaronites.org
As the Maronite population grew, so did the desire for a unified organization to support their faith and cultural heritage. This led to the establishment of the Maronite Seminary in Washington, D.C., in 1961, serving as a catalyst for further development. In 1964, NAM was officially founded to unite Maronites across the U.S., fostering communication, cultural preservation, and spiritual growth.
Over the decades, NAM has played a pivotal role in various initiatives, including the promotion of youth organizations, support for clergy, and the establishment of Maronite missions and parishes nationwide. Today, NAM continues its mission to preserve and promote Maronite heritage, serving as a vital link between Maronite communities across the United States. Go to namaronites.org to read about the NAM history, mission and activities.
