Sacred Heart of Jesus! Have mercy on us!

St. Justin Martyr (c. 100 – 165) was a second century apologist whose detailed texts which show the depth of the Catholic tradition were meant to dispel rumors of the early Church practices during the Roman persecution. An eyewitness account of his martyrdom still survives today.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — It sometimes feels like God is silent, like he sets himself apart from us and our struggles on earth. But Jesus reminds us of the fig tree, who can feel the coming of spring deep within itself. In the same intuitive way, we know the voice of God. Listen.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK - Jesus speaks to his disciples about the signs that will accompany his Second Coming, even though only God the Father knows the exact time. How should one best prepare for this unknown future?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE November 17, 2024 33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time I recently moved into a new neighborhood. On my first evening I went grocery shopping and could not find my usual favorite Greek yogurt. Strangely, my heart started to race. All the losses of my previous life hit me. So many of my old friends, habits, comforts, and predictable experiences had fallen away. There I stood, a grown man, crying like a little boy whose world was falling apart in the dairy aisle. This week, Jesus describes what to do when one world ends, and another begins. Does it apply to the end of time? Yes. Does it apply to the end of our individual lives? Yes. It also applies to every “world” we inhabit throughout our lives, in school, family, friendships, work, play and so on. First, the sun, moon, and stars fall. The old, familiar ways of running things suddenly stop working. Light fades. Things fall apart. It’s awful. But, second, Christ comes “in the clouds.” Jesus, the Son of Man, replaces those old powers with himself as the prime governing principle. Third, he sends out his angels to “gather his elect from the four winds.” He re-integrates the fragments into a new integrated whole. “Summer is near,” he concludes. A new world begins. Is your world crumbling? Are your sun, moon, and stars falling from the sky? Learn to discern the pattern of the Cross and Resurrection at work in it. This is the power we touch in the Mass. Jesus is coming precisely in this transition from the old to the new world. It doesn’t make our losses easy. But it does make it possible to glimpse the dawning of a summer, a new beginning, the life of the world to come. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Changes to Mass Question: Why do we make changes in the Mass? Some seem so small and unimportant. Are they really necessary? Answer: The celebration of the Eucharist is at the heart of our identity as Catholics. Our purpose as a Church community revolves around the Eucharist. Everything we are and everything we do is measured not only by how well we celebrate, but also by how well we live the sacrament. If that is so, then we as a community will always strive to celebrate the Mass as best we can. The reasons for some changes might seem more obvious than others, but there is a reason behind each one. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal is the introduction to the Missal that contains all the prayers for the celebration of the Mass. The Order of Mass we use now was issued in 1975 and, as often happens over the course of years, some questions have come up about the proper way of doing some things and whether or not other practices are acceptable. These changes clarify some things and make the celebration of the Mass more meaningful for everyone. The opportunity is presented to us to better learn and understand each part of the Mass, which in turn should help us deepen our appreciation for its beauty and meaning. We will be a better Church if we have a clearer understanding and knowledge of Who and what we celebrate. ©LPi

This weekend we hear in the first reading about how the prophet Daniel foresaw a time of great distress and ultimate judgment for the living and the dead. Who supports you when you are feeling anxious or are deeply worried? See you at Mass!

Fun Fact — Purgatory is a state of purification that is available for souls who need a little more preparation before they're ready to be united with God in heaven.

St. Gemma Galgani (1878-1903) was an Italian layperson who lived an intense prayer life. She experienced ecstasies, was reported to levitate, and received the grace of the holy stigmata. She is called the “Daughter of the Passion” because of her deep union with Christ’s Passion.

Prayer of Generosity — Oh God, whose generosity cannot be outgiven, mold my heart to mimic Yours. Teach me what it means to be giving, knowing that whatever I have is a gift, from Your abundance. Blessed be Your name. Amen.

Catholic Updates Seminar On Wednesday, November 13th at 6:30 pm, LeSage Hall, St. Sebastian Church. By Rev. Kevin C. Nelson Theme: “Bible & Confession”. All are welcome.

Today is Veteran's Day. United in prayer this day, we pray in gratitude for all of those who have defended peach, virtue, and justice with honor. We pray especially for those who have suffered in mind and body from the ravages of war. God's blessings and healings upon our veterans today and always.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE November 10, 2024 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Once at an evening Mass as a poor college student, the collection basket was fast approaching, and I only had a ten-dollar bill. I was planning on using that to buy my favorite Chipotle burrito that night for dinner. Should I keep the money? Who would know if I did? If I gave it away, what would I eat? Would I be okay? I kissed my future burrito goodbye, dropped the money in the basket, and winced. But strangely, the rest of the Mass I felt more engaged than usual. I had skin in the game. I left the Mass excited to see how God would take care of me. And he did, in amazing ways. When the poor widow places two copper coins in the temple treasury, Jesus doesn’t pity her. He praises her. He blesses her. He brags about her. He celebrates her as the temple’s largest benefactor. Her giving is an act of radical, concrete trust in God. It is as if she is entering a new level of giving that excites Jesus, because she contributes not out of her abundance, but she gives “everything she had.” What a challenge this is to each one of us! How easy it is to ignore this! But imagine the eruption of the energy of faith, hope, and love that would be unlocked if our financial sacrifices to the Church actually tapped into daily bread and not only our disposable income. I challenge us to try this in some way this coming week and see what happens in our hearts. Even if it costs us a burrito. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Sin on the Soul Question: Why do some sacraments leave a character or mark on the soul? Don’t all sacraments affect the soul? Answer: All sacraments mediate grace and connect us to Christ and to the Church. Some sustain us in our faith journey, while others help us heal from the effects of sin. Each one offers a share in God’s life, giving us what we need to be faithful followers of Jesus. But some sacraments change us in ways that are irreversible. The three sacraments that leave a character are Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. We are literally different people because of the effect of the grace of those sacraments. We are changed at the core of our being in such a fundamental way that we can not go back to what we once were. In Baptism, we are freed from original sin, initiated into the Body of Christ as adopted sons and daughters. In Confirmation, we are given the fullness of God’s Spirit, sealed in his grace and gifted with what we need to live a Christian life. In Holy Orders, a priest is marked as an ‘alter Christus,’ another Christ, and is once and forever a priest who offers sacrifice, forgives sin, and acts in the person of Christ. In these three sacraments, we are conformed more closely to Christ, reflecting his love and truth. ©LPi

This upcoming weekend we hear about how Jesus praises the widow who gives to the poor despite her own poverty. Do you have family or friends who likewise selflessly give to others? See you at Mass!

Venerable Marthe Robin (1902-1981) was a French layperson and mystic who was paralyzed as a young adult and survived for thirty years on the Eucharist alone, unable to take any other nourishment. She is the foundress of the Foyers of Charity.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — Christ tells us that we must love God with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind and all our strength. Live that love loudly. Hold nothing back. Give God all you have.

Let's join in prayer for our nation as our citizens gather to vote for our leadership. Thanks for voting today!

This week is National Vocations Awareness Week. PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS: For our married couples, strengthen their covenant. For our religious sisters, surround them with Your love. For our priests, support them as they guide. For our parents, sustain them in Your grace. For our religious brothers, draw them nearer to You. For our consecrated singles, be everything they need. For those discerning, be with them as they journey. Amen.

Harvest Festival Beautiful everything!!! Great band... Good food…

November 1 All Saints Day Today is All Saints Day, when we celebrate all of the saints and martyrs throughout history on this special day. Tomorrow on All Souls, we remember those we love who have passed away.

October 31 All Hallows' Eve, also known as "Halloween," is celebrated the day before All Saints Day. Today marks the beginning of Allhallowtide, a 3-day celebration that ends with All Soul's Day on November 1st. These three days celebrate life, death, and what comes in between. All Saints day Mass Schedule Vigil Mass On Thursday,October 31 at 7:00 pm Feast day Masses On Friday, November 1, at 8:30 & 10:30 am

October 30 Venerable Anne de Guigné (1911-1922) had a profound understanding of Jesus’ presence in the Holy Sacrament. She developed a strong personal relationship with Jesus, declaring that she loved to talk with “little Jesus.”

October 29 Prayer for Courage - “Take courage,” we hear, “Jesus is calling you!” Jesus, give me the grace to respond to your call — your invitation to what I don’t understand, to the unknown, the mystery. In these spaces, your grace abounds. Be with me, give me courage! Amen.

AOH FALL DINNER TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AOH Fall dinner this Saturday Nov 2nd . Herb Roasted pork loin , cran apple stuffing mashed potatoes veggies and savory herb gravy. Dessert coffee etc . Music by local Fellsmere blue grass band PennyCreek . Tickets available in the parish office .

October 28 INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK - Bartimaeus called upon Christ, even when everyone scolded him to be silent. He was not afraid to ask God for what he needed, and his courage was rewarded. Be like Bartimaeus. Be bold. Do not be content with the darkness. Call out for Christ.

Trunk or treat at St. Sebastian!!! What a beautiful evening!!!

October 27 Gospel Refelction Your faith has made you well This phrase by which Jesus opens the blind man’s eyes will be familiar. “Your faith has made you well” is most often associated with the synoptic story of the woman who has been suffering from a hemorrhage (cf. Matthew 9:22; Mark 4:34; Luke 8:48). It also appears in Luke 17:19 when Jesus cleanses ten lepers, and one in particular, who returns to thank him, hears these same words. This is, I think, an important promise that this story suggests for preaching. Faith can make us well. This is not magic, or superstition, or some simple fix of course. It seems clear, to me at least, that when Jesus says, “Your faith has made you well” he is not saying that these people somehow believed their way into wellness. Rather he is pronouncing their wellness, declaring it, making it happen for them. It is Jesus who heals, and faith that receives that healing. And so it is, or can be, for those who hear this story and this good news. Faith can make us well. Faith can open our ears, unstop our ears — even raise us from death. This is the power of the promise wherein faith and forgiveness, faith and wellness, meet; this is the power of Jesus’ word for salvation. And it is to this meeting of faith and fullness of life that we ought to be preaching.

Wedding Feast & Epiphany Question: How are the feasts of the baptism of Jesus and the account of the wedding feast of Cana related to the Epiphany celebration? Answer: The Epiphany season focuses on revealing Jesus to the world. Following the Christmas celebration, the liturgical year lays out a series of manifestation points in which Jesus is made publicly known. From its very beginning, the Christian community highlighted three events in the life of Jesus. These are the Epiphany, the Baptism of the Lord and the wedding feast at Cana. The Epiphany discloses Jesus to the world of the Gentiles, represented by the magi from the East. The accounts of Jesus' baptism reveal his identity and mission, along with exposing him to those to whom he was sent to minister. The miracle of turning water to wine at the wedding feast of Cana, unique to John's Gospel, is the first public sign that Jesus performs, thus manifesting his public identity and his powers. Today in the Roman Church, these are usually celebrated on three successive Sundays: Epiphany, the Baptism of the Lord which is usually the next Sunday, and the wedding feast of Cana, which is proclaimed on the 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time in lectionary year C. These feasts connect around the concept of epiphany, public manifestation of Jesus to the world. They help us get to know more intimately who Jesus is and what he is about. Spend some time delving more deeply into your understanding of who Jesus is. Continue to cultivate these "epiphany" moments in your life. ©LPi

October 25 This Sunday we hear about how the blind man, Bartimaeus, pleaded to Jesus and Jesus healed him saying, “Your faith has saved you.” What worries or fears do you need to bring to the Lord?

St. Sebastian Pumpkin Patch!!!

October 24 Fun Fact - Praying before eating is a way to thank God for His gifts to us. Even Jesus prayed over His meals, like before the multiplication of the loaves or the Last Supper.

October 23 Charles de Foucauld (1858-1916) whose calling was to live like Jesus, is the inspiration for lay associations, religious communities and secular institutes of laity and priests collectively known as “the spiritual family of Charles de Foucauld.”

Hurricane Relief Drive Update… Response to our Hurricane Relief Drive was overwhelming. Thank you to each and everyone who in one way or another was part of this project… those who made the donations, those who picked them up and those who worked this morning to load them up on to the trailer for delivery to the distribution center. God bless you all! Let us continue to be “We the People “.

October 22 Prayer for those who Serve - Oh God, With abiding gratitude, we thank You for the men and women who offer of themselves in service to our church and our community. Bless them, their families, and their ministries with abundance! Amen.

October 21 QUESTION OF THE WEEK - Jesus teaches James and John that humility and service to others is what defines greatness in the kingdom of God. How might you be of service to a friend or co-worker this week?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE October 20, 2024 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time From a young age, I loved winning at sports. I confess that winning was a bit of an addiction. It was probably coming from a deep desire for attention and affirmation from others. Nevertheless, it was a driving motivation for me. Baseball, soccer, track, table tennis, and whatever else I could find was a chance to win. Competition was my obsession. Another John, and his brother James, demonstrate a kind of wildly competitive obsession when they dare to say to Jesus: “Grant us to sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your glory” (Mark 10:37). Their audacity arouses an indigent reaction from the other apostles, who are clearly raw that these two are out to win the highest spots. How does Jesus respond to us in our desires for greatness? The same way he does to James and John. He does not criticize them for their desire for glory. But he does highlight their ignorance (“you do not know what you are asking.”). Then he invites them to be champions of true greatness: by drinking not the cup of worldly victory, but his cup of self-giving suffering love, to be the “slave of all.” The true winners are slaves of love. This week, dare to tell Jesus what your ambitions truly are. Hear him call you to an even greater victory. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Coming Back to Church Question: I have been away from the Church for a few years and really want to get active again, not so much for me, but for my children. Is this a bad reason to come back to Church? Answer: If you are on your way to the supermarket, and you are forced to detour from your usual route because of road work, does the food you buy taste different? Is the meal less filling? Are the vegetables less tasty? Of course not. In our faith journey, there are many detours called sin. Some are greater than others, some are even a bit longer. But God's grace comes to us in ways we understand and recognize and need. Your children leading you back to the Church is not as important as the fact that you are back. This is an opportunity for you to renew, strengthen, and deepen your faith. Regardless of how we get to Church, or what draws us closer to God, the fact is we are there. Do what you need to do to get right with God and the Church. Go to confession, begin good family religious practices, and be involved in the ministries your parish offers. Be more than a lukewarm parishioner. Be the kind of Catholic you want your children to be. ©LPi

CHRIST RENEWS US RETREAT AT ST. SEBASTIAN We have been working with a group of our parishioners and staff at St. Sebastian to begin an ongoing parish retreat and renewal program in our parish. After many meetings and planning finally here it is. This weekend we have our the first retreat for women and next weekend we will have our first retreat for men. These are formation retreats, which means we are forming a team of men and women who will take up this ministry and keep it going for our parish. A group of men and women from our neighboring parish Holy Name of Jesus, Indialantic, are helping us to begin this renewal program in our parish. Please pray for the men and women who are participating in the retreats this weekend and next. Let us hope and pray that “Christ Renews US” parish retreats become a channel of spiritual growth and renewal here in our parish of St. Sebastian. #christrenewsus

This upcoming weekend we celebrate World Mission Sunday. In the Gospel reading, we hear: "For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mk 10:45)

BLESSING OF CHILDREN @11:30 MASS. Since the beginning of Faith formation classes this year, we have started “Blessing of Children” during 11:30 am Mass. Seeing so many children at Mass brings joy to our entire Faith Family. #letthechildrencometome

October 17 St. Stanislaus Kostka (1550-1568), unable to enter the Jesuit order in Vienna, disguised himself to avoid any objections from his family and walked first to Dillingen, Germany and then to Rome to enter the order. He is the patron of Jesuit novices, students, and Poland.

October 16 Fun Fact - "Scapular" actually means "shoulder" in Latin. Scapulars have changed through history, now they are small pieces of wool worn between the shoulders, reminders of devotion to God.

MEMORIAL MASS FOR LORELEI RAMMEL, BELOVED WIFE OF DEACON ANDY RAMMEL. Lorelei E. “Lori” Rammel, age 61, Beloved wife of our Deacon Andy Rammel unexpectedly passed away Sunday, September 29, 2024. May her soul Rest In Peace. We have planned for a memorail Mass for Lorelei on Saturday 19th of October at 11:00 am. Let us come together as a faith family to support our Deacon Andy and his family during this diffcitult time. Lori's obituary can be found in the following link. https://www.hogenkampfh.com/obituary/lori-rammel

October 15 Prayer of Reliance on God - Oh Lord, I entrust today’s challenges, fears, and uncertainties to You. I don’t know how I will do them. I don’t know that I can. But I know that You fill the gaps in my ability at every turn. And so, today, I turn to You again. Amen.

October 14 LIVE THE LITURGY - “Who can be saved?” the apostles wonder. Who can be good enough? Smart enough? Holy enough? Jesus reminds them that no one can be — not without asking for help. We all need help to be holy. Never tire of asking for the help you need.

St. Sebastian will be having a hurricane relief drive beginning this Monday thru the week. You can drop off water, energy drinks, batteries and Sanitary papers in front of our church. We will make sure that your donation be delivered to those who need them most.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE October 13, 2024 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time This week we hear of the man who inquires of Jesus how to obtain eternal life. He rejects Jesus’ invitation to sell his goods, give to the poor, and follow Jesus. Mark tells us this devastatingly sad line, “At this saying, his countenance fell and he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions” (Mark 10:22). The man’s heart wasn’t centered on Jesus, but on his possessions. Perhaps Jesus intuited this. Now, we don’t know if Jesus intended to actually make him go through with it, like God’s call to test Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac. But sadly, in this case the willingness was not there to entrust everything to Jesus. And this made the man deeply sad. For most of us, the literal dispossessing of our goods is not our call. But as Christians, a consistent renouncing of them is. This week, especially if you’re noticing a persisting sadness, I invite you to hear Jesus calling you to acknowledge that none of your possessions are finally yours. They are God’s and on loan to you. We get so addicted to that stuffy and sad word, “mine.” At Mass, we rehearse this attitude of joyful detachment by giving bread, wine, and money to the Lord, as if to say, “Lord, all I have is yours.” And what we get back is a sadness-defeating joy beyond all description: knowing that He is ours, and we are His. What possessions are pre-occupying you at the moment? Write them down. Intentionally offer them to the Lord at the next Mass you attend. — Father John Muir ©LPi

New additions to our Spiritual Home! An Icon of St. Sebastian and an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Our Lady of Guadalupe! Pray for us! Saint Sebastian! Pray for us!

Dropped Host Question: What happens to a consecrated host if it accidentally falls to the ground? Answer: This a very practical question because, as we all know, accidents happen, even during the most careful celebration of the liturgy. The short answer to this question is that nothing happens to the consecrated host. The Real Presence of Jesus remains in the consecrated host or any consecrated wine that might accidentally be spilled. Another question we might ask is: How should the minsters respond if the Eucharist is dropped or spilled? If this happens, the priest, deacon, or extraordinary minister of holy Communion should immediately pick up the dropped host and consume it. If it is a case of the Precious Blood being spilled, the minister would use the purificator (and additional purificators if needed) to clean the spill and then the area should be reverently washed as soon as the Mass is over and the water poured into the sacrarium (a special sink that is located in church sacristies for reverently disposing of holy water, the water used to clean sacred vessels, etc.). ©LPi

October 11 This upcoming Sunday, the Gospel reading tells us to, “Go, sell what you have, and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me.” (Mk 10:21) See you at Mass!

Grateful & Thank you. By the grace of God St. Sebastian church and campus were protected from damages from Hurricane Milton. Let us be grateful But fallen tree branches and debris were all over the place. Jordan family worked all day today to clean it up to get the church and campus ready for the weekend. God bless Mark and Gabriela Jordan and their family. Thank you.

October 10 Fun Fact - Confession is an important part of our life of faith. It's a good way to build some spiritual gains!

Let’s pray for those who are in the path of Hurricane Milton!

October 9 St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850 –1917) dreamed of being a missionary. She first served Italian immigrant populations, from New York to Chicago, and across the U.S. She is the first United States citizen to be canonized and is the Universal Patron of Immigrants.

October 8 INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK - To follow Jesus, we must cast off all illusions of importance and wisdom. We must embrace our own smallness, rejoice in our own weakness. In doing that, we become like true children, and discover the saving strength of our God.

"We the People" Homily of Fr.Antony on October 6, 2024.

Wednesday Seminar Cancelled. “Catholic Update” seminar that was planned for Wendnessday 6:30 pm, by Very Rev. Glenn Pothier, Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Palm Beach has been cancelled because of the storm that is coming our way. Be safe and may God protect all os us!

October 7 QUESTION OF THE WEEK - The Pharisees learned that Jesus holds a higher standard on marriage than even Moses. Does Jesus’s position on marriage surprise you?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE October 6, 2024 27th Sunday in Ordinary Time As a young pastor years ago, I met with a middle-aged couple who had been divorced and civilly remarried. They were frustrated that an annulment had to precede a Church marriage. Sympathizing with their plight, I promised to walk with them along their journey. Once as we sat in my office, the man said to me, “Why is the Church so difficult on marriage?” I replied, “Actually, Jesus’ teaching is what’s difficult.” He furrowed his brow and asked what I meant. We opened the Bible and together read today’s gospel passage from Mark 10:12 in which Jesus says, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another, commits adultery with her…” My two friends sat in silent astonishment. Surely Jesus understands the complexities of human life and sexual love. The words hung thick and heavy in the air. How could the merciful Lord be so seemingly unrealistic in his expectations, especially with so much divorce and remarriage in our world? I didn’t know what to say. So, we kept reading. Next, Jesus says, “Let the children come to me.” The innocence of children allows them to receive and give love, to trust unconditionally, to believe in love that endures. Most children aren’t yet jaded by statistics, broken hearts, or dysfunctional relationships. Children remind us of the world to come. The couple and I began to talk about child-like trust in Jesus and his teaching, and we continued to move forward. When it comes to the Church’s demanding teaching on marriage, it’s best to approach it as trusting children, whatever situations in which we find ourselves. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Fall Fest…. International Food Festival… what an amazing evening

October 5 Lord God, your spirit of wisdom fills the earth and teaches us your ways. Look upon these teachers. Let them strive to share their knowledge with gentle patience and endeavor always to bring the truth to eager minds. Grant that they may follow Jesus Christ, the way, the truth, and the life, forever and ever. R/. Amen.

Family night and talent show at St. Sebastian Fall Fest.

Blessing of our Furry Friends today at St. Sebastian on the occasion of Feast of Francis of Assisi.

Getting ready for our international food festival as part of Fall Fest 2024.

October 4 On October 4th, we celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis of Assisi is a beloved saint, known for his devotion to Jesus, his reform of the Church, founding the Franciscan order, and also his love of animals. Today at 12:00 Noon, St. Sebastian will host a blessing of pets and animals. All are welcome!

October 4 This upcoming weekend we celebrate Respect Life Sunday! May God help us protect and honor life from conception to death.

October 3 Tomorrow, Friday October 4th, we celebrate the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis of Assisi is a beloved saint, known for his devotion to Jesus, his reform of the Church, founding the Franciscan order, and also his love of animals. Tommorrow at 10:30 am St. Sebastian will host a blessing of pets and animals. All are welcome!

October 2 Saint Anthony Mary Claret (1807-1870), sometimes called the “spiritual father of Cuba,” was a priest and popular preacher with a missionary heart. He founded the Claretians missionary order and the Religious Publishing House and reformed the Archdiocese in Cuba.

October 1 October is the Month of the Rosary. At St. Sebastian we pray the Rosary before every Mass. Come early and join this authentic Catholic Devotion. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!

September 30 QUESTION OF THE WEEK — Jesus taught his disciples the valuable lesson: “Whoever is not against us is for us.” How do you promote unity rather than division at work or at home?

September 29 GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE September 29, 2024 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Maggots, grubs, worms. When I imagine one or many of these nasty slimy buggers living inside my body — unseen, feeding off my flesh, slowly rotting me out — I feel deeply disgusted. If I knew I had a worm, I would do anything to remove the alien invader, and fast. But what if I couldn’t ever get it out? This is precisely the image Jesus uses to describe those who cause others to sin and fail to cut out what leads them to sin. He contrasts the kingdom of God with Gehenna, “where the worm does not die.” If we can stomach it for a moment, there is much wisdom in this nauseating metaphor. First, sin is always parasitic. It feeds on what is good like a worm in a host. It’s not symbiotic or additive, as virtue and love always are. Sin invades, devours, and damages the sinner. Second, sin is always social. No matter how hidden, it quietly eats away at others — usually the most poor and vulnerable, the “little ones,” as the Lord says. How healthy it is for us to acknowledge this! Our gossiping, greed, over-indulgence, lying, pride, laziness, lust for power and reputation, and so on … they do not add anything to life. They are worms eating away at others and ourselves. We cut out these filthy parasites through genuine repentance and bold action. Imagine the peace and relief that follows the removal of a sickening worm from your body. How much greater is the peace we enjoy when the spiritual worms are gone for good. We’d never wait to act against physical parasites. Neither should we with the worms of sin. — Father John Muir ©LPi

September 27 Is it Right to Sue? Question: Is it right to sue someone? Isn't it a way of getting revenge? Answer: Revenge is inflicting harm for harm's sake, the idea of an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, and then some. There is often a fine line between justice and mercy, between compensation and forgiveness. Unfortunately, things can happen to us that cause harm, suffering, and damage, regardless of people's intentions. When someone is hurt, especially in such a way that special care or treatment is required, the cost of that care needs to be paid. In a perfect world, those with special needs, handicaps, or disabilities would find the help and care they need, including those who are injured or hurt. But justice is not always forthcoming, and people are not always fair. So, using the legal system to right a wrong is sometimes the only option. In some cases, it is the only way that people can get the help they need and deserve. However, frivolous lawsuits, or 'fishing for money' is not only unfair, but immoral as well. The law is there to protect people and making use of it when necessary is a good thing. ©LPi

September 27 Don't forget to take the opportunity to thank our priests for responding to God's call when you see them at Mass this weekend.

Let’s pray for those who are in the path of Hurricane Helene!

September 26 Often called the father of the medieval papacy and Apostle of the English, Saint Gregory (540-604) became Pope in 590. He is known for his reform of the liturgy, the consolidation of papal power, and the conversion of England.

September 25 Fun Fact — Men and women called to religious life still enjoy all kinds of activities — cooking, reading, traveling, and yes... even running races.

September 24 Prayer for Children — Dear Jesus, Wrap the young members of our family in your love. They know how to love BIG, even though they are still small. Their trust can inspire, their faith can change hearts. Help them to know you, now and always. Amen.

September 23 INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — The apostles argue, each one claiming to be the greatest of Christ’s followers. But Christ shows them who is truly the greatest — a child, one who has no thought of his own importance, one who has no ambition. Let’s seek to be like that child.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE September 22, 2024 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time When I was a wet-behind-the-ears seminarian, I was sent for an immersion with the poor. For one month, I lived in a home for adults with developmental disabilities. It was a challenge for me because the residents had significant communication issues. A 30-year-old man there named Robin was totally deaf and mute. He had Down’s Syndrome. He looked like a Viking, with a shock of red hair and a fine beard. But I felt awkward and disconnected from him. All my normal ways of interacting failed. I resigned myself to the fact that we’d never connect. Then one morning something amazing happened. He was on the living room floor quietly playing with toys. Watching him from a chair, I sensed Jesus’ words float into my mind, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me” (Mark 9:37). I thought, “Jesus, you must somehow be in Robin.” I sheepishly made sure no one else was in the room, and then I spoke in a clear voice: “Jesus, are you there?” Robin did not turn to me and say, “Hi, John. Yes, it’s me, Jesus.” He kept playing with his toys in silence. But something changed in me. From that moment on, it was easier to just be with Robin, to joke around with him, to try sign-language with him, to let him be himself, and for me to be myself. His “disabilities'' were no longer obstacles to overcome. He became just Robin, my friend. Who in your life seems awkwardly distant or uncomfortable to be with? Next time you see him or her, quietly invoke the name of Jesus, and see how the barriers disappear in you. — Father John Muir

Should a Catholic Pursue an Annulment? Question: After a civil divorce, is a Catholic obligated to pursue an annulment? Answer: Many Catholics are not exactly sure what an annulment does. An annulment does not deny that a marriage took place, nor does it deny that there once was love. It does not mean that people say anything untrue, such as they never loved each other or that everything in their marriage was wrong. An annulment does not negate children, nor make them illegitimate. An annulment addresses the spiritual aspect of marriage. In effect, an annulment says that at the time of the wedding, there was either something present or something absent that prevented the sacrament from taking place. It is a spiritual determination that, if granted in the affirmative, allows a person to marry in the Church. Annulments have no legal standing and are unable to be used in a civil court. Therefore, a Catholic has no moral obligation to pursue an annulment. However, when the tragedy of divorce occurs, and there is no hope for reconciliation, annulments may help bring some spiritual closure to a person’s life. Some people have found the process to be healing and others have found it to be difficult. Speak to your priest or a member of the Diocesan Tribunal staff to decide what is best for you.

September 20 This Sunday we hear in the Gospel: “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.” (Mk 9:35) See you at Mass!

September 19 Fun Fact — Dominicans follow a lifestyle outlined by St. Dominic. Dominicans focus on prayer, community, study, and service. Many serve the world as preachers and teachers.

September 18 St. Mary Jospeh Rossello (1811-1880) was born to a poor family in Liguria, Italy. She was prevented from entering established religious orders because she lacked a dowry. However, the bishop of Savona helped her open a school and establish her own order, which never required a fee to enter.

September 17 INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — “Take up your cross and follow me,” Jesus tells us. We are called to have a faith that is defined by the willingness to go where Christ has gone, and to do what Christ has done, to see Christ in others and to love them as he loves us.

September 16 QUESTION OF THE WEEK — James believed that good works are the fruit of faith. Where is there a need for good works from you this week among family or friends?

A beautiful morning at St. Sebastian, Sebastian, Florida. Happy Sunday!!!

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE September 15, 2024 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time This morning I received a text message that a member of my extended family will likely die of cancer within the next few hours. His name is Luke. He is a 45-year-old husband and father of six. Though I am not as close to him as my sister (she is his sister-in-law and knows him well), I wonder: how can we, including Luke himself, manage such a terribly awful and unfair situation? The words of this Sunday’s Gospel offer a powerful and challenging path. Jesus says, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34). Today I see with new freshness the starkness and strangeness of the words take up. The cross stands for suffering which is unjust, absurd, seemingly hopeless, and humiliating. Jesus doesn’t say “accept” or “endure” or “tolerate,” but “take up.” Embrace it, actively. Choose it and lift it up for others to see what terrifies and sickens us. But somehow, for Jesus, this is the path to “saving one's life.” A new world is breaking in, one in which love is everything, when no relationship can be wounded or die. I trust that in the embraced suffering of Luke and his loved ones, Jesus is taking up his cross and saving us all. By the time you read this, barring a miracle, Luke will have died. He will be carrying his cross no longer. But we all still face suffering. This week let’s not just endure, but take up our crosses, big and small. That’s our only hope for saving our lives. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Priests & Marriage Counseling Question: How can a priest counsel people about marriage when he has never been married? Answer: If a marriage counselor is in a bad marriage does that mean that he or she will be a bad counselor? If one's counseling ability depended upon first-hand experience, would that require counselors to be perfect before they can help others? Obviously not. Some of the skills necessary to help others do come out of personal life experience. But you don't need personal, first-hand experience in order to understand something. We would not think that a doctor, who is an oncologist, would not be able to treat cancer because he himself has never been sick. We also would not expect every doctor to treat cancer. It is the same with priests. Essentially marriage is a relationship and we've all been involved in different kinds of relationships: in our family, with our friends, and with God. And so counseling people about marriage is really helping them to look at the issues that really are part of their relationship, finding ways to better understand themselves in relationship to one another and in relationship to God. In many ways a priest's training, background, and experience, as well as his personal knowledge of many different relationships in families and couples, gives him a broad background from which to draw upon. Most priests are quite capable of helping couples prepare for marriage and discussing the issues that are important as they begin their life together. And they do not do it alone. With the help of married couples and specially trained counselors, most parishes offer a very good preparation for the sacrament of marriage. ©LPi

September 13 Prayer for Catechism Students — Dear God, You never stop drawing us closer to You. Pour Your grace upon these young disciples as they learn about You. Attract them. Challenge them. Love them. Guide them. Bless them. Amen.

September 12 St. Caterina Volpicelli (1839-1894) left a life of elegant Neapolitan society to serve the Lord. She adhered to the Apostleship of Prayer, dedicating each day to the Sacred Heart. Her order, the Servants of the Sacred Heart, opened an orphanage, a lending library, and nursed cholera victims.

September 11 On this anniversary we remember and honor all of those lost and endured suffering that tragic day. "If we learn nothing else from this tragedy, we learn that life is short and there is no time for hate." - Sandy Dahl, wife of United Flight 93 pilot Jason Dahl.

September 10 INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — “Be opened!” said Christ two thousand years ago, as he placed his finger in the ear of the deaf man. “Be opened!” he says to us today, laying his hand upon our hearts. May we always accept Christ’s invitation to become a new creation.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK — The prophet Isaiah encouraged the Israelites to be strong in their conviction that God was coming to heal them and renew creation itself. Who could you encourage to be firm in their faith this week?