From 1965 to 1970, he organized and celebrated Maronite liturgies on regular basis.[5] He also developed newsletters, bulletins, and fliers; conducted a census to identify Maronites in the greater metropolitan area; and introduced spiritual and cultural programs, including Maronite religious education classes.[5] He hosted National Aposolate of Maronites Convention in 1970. Kicking-off a fund drive for new church in 1971, he later dedicated a new church in November 1975 and a new rectory in February 1977.[5] He was ordained an archpriest in September 1978, and dedicated a new parish center "The Cedars" in November 1979.[6]
On March 31, 1986, Shaheen was ordained a Chorbishop by Archbishop Zayek.[7] He purchased additional property and buildings for future development as a Maronite retirement center and cultural center in 1991, and again hosted the National Apostolate of Maronites Convention in 1995.[7]
Shaheen was the first Lebanese Maronite priest or bishop from the United States.[2][9]Pope Francis accepted his age-related resignation on July 10, 2013.
Shaheen died on August 9, 2017, in St. Louis at the age of 80.[10] He was buried in his birthplace of Danbury, Connecticut on August 21.[11]
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