06/12/2026
Archdiocese of the Western USA, holding the 2026 Annual Meeting
June,8 2026
Burbank, CA — On Saturday, June 06, 2026, the Archdiocese of the Western USA held its Annual Meeting, which was notably successful and collaborative. The event brought together committed church clergy and parish council representatives from throughout the region, providing an important platform for fellowship, open discussion, and strategic planning to strengthen the Archdiocesan community and enhance service to its faithful.
Participants showed great dedication, traveling from across California to attend in person, while several out-of-state churches joined the discussions via Zoom.
The meeting focused on showcasing the Archdiocese's major accomplishments over the past year, with an emphasis on two significant initiatives.
• Church Retirement Plan Initiative. The launch of the Church Retirement Plan, initially introduced by Brother Gabriel Shahin, Board Member of St. Peter Church, and developed in collaboration with Eagle Wealth Management Group, marks a significant advance in ensuring the long-term financial security of the Archdiocese’s clergy and church staff.
• Advancement Toward Full Nonprofit Compliance. With the dedicated support and cooperation of the clergy, church delegates, and parish leadership throughout the Western Archdiocese, the Archdiocese is nearing full nonprofit compliance across all its parishes. This significant achievement helps ensure that each church maintains its tax-exempt status and possesses a clear understanding of its legal and administrative responsibilities, thereby strengthening the Church’s organizational foundation and long-term stability.
These accomplishments demonstrate our shared dedication to strengthening the foundation and future of our Churches.
Addressing Challenges and Fostering Deeper Unity
The meeting offered each parish a forum to openly address their ongoing challenges. A recurring theme among many churches was the desire for greater unity and engagement across the entire network of parishes.
Participants strongly advocated for improved communication by suggesting that the Archdiocese organize multiple meetings annually. There was also enthusiastic support for regional social events designed to bring together all age groups, from youth to seniors.
Guided by the Archdiocese, our unified faith community's upcoming gatherings are designed to bring members together, share experiences, build enduring relationships, and strengthen the sense of belonging within our diocesan family.
Next Steps
In the coming days, the Archdiocese will distribute the updated Western Archdiocese roster and contact directory to the clergy and church delegates. Additionally, detailed contact information from Eagle Wealth Management Group will be shared with those interested in the newly launched Church Retirement Plan.
The Western Archdiocese sincerely thanks everyone whose collaboration contributed to the success of this weekend, highlighting that the collective energy of the gathering reflects the strong and dedicated leadership propelling the Archdiocese’s progress.
Special appreciation goes to those who ensured the smooth running of the meeting: our esteemed Archdiocese Attorneys and Secretaries, Jack Chammas, Esq., and Charles Malki, Esq., for their invaluable efforts in making the meeting run smoothly and efficiently.
Thanks are also due to St. Ephraim Cathedral for hosting the meeting, and to everyone who assisted with the preparations.
We thank all who participated in the Annual Meeting, whether in person or via Zoom, with special appreciation for those who traveled from near and far to attend in person. We look forward to continued collaboration and shared progress in the year ahead.
