The Blessed Virgin's role in our Salvation | St. Sebastian Church

Devotions, EXPLAINED! Since the earliest days of the Church, Christians have meditated upon Christ’s passion and death. Over the centuries, the Stations of the Cross was popularized as a devotional means to experience the places and moments central to the story of Holy Week.

LIVE THE LITURGY — Too many of us make the mistake of expecting prosperity here on Earth as a reward for following Christ. But Jesus is very clear: sorrow and hardship are a part of life. But when we offer these sufferings to Christ, they become transformed. They become blessed. And so do we.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK — We heard this past weekend how Jesus brought comfort to those struggling in life and challenged those who lived a life of ease. Is there someone you know who could benefit from your words of comfort this week?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE February 16, 2025 6th Sunday of Ordinary Time Luke 6:17, 20-26 I craved four things as a teenager: success in sports, food, fun and the attention of popular people. However, I noticed that as I acquired them, I was more unsatisfied than before. So, I’d strive even more energetically, achieve more, and the sense of emptiness was greater still. These four things started to feel like burdens or even curses. Soon after, I encountered Christ in my high school youth group. Experiencing his love was totally different than anything those four things previously produced. It produced a lasting happiness. Jesus utters a kind of four-fold curse in this week’s Gospel of Saint Luke’s “woes”: “Woe to you who are rich…who are filled now…who laugh now…who are well-spoken of” (cf. Luke 6:24-26). How marvelous that these correspond perfectly to the four things that obsessed my teenage soul: riches, food, laughter and good reputation. The “woes” the Lord speaks are warnings: when those things are the purpose of your life, you’ll be miserable. He is saying, “You’ll be happy, or blessed, in the measure that these things do not determine the shape of our lives, and the kingdom of God does.” To some degree, we’re all spiritual teenagers, addicted to one or more of those four “woes.” How splendid that the Lord wants his to bless us — that is, to satisfy us, make us laugh with joy, and in the kingdom of God, offer us what will truly satisfy us. But first let’s admit what is causing our “woes.” — Father John Muir ©LPi

Saint Vs. Blessed Question: What is the difference between a “Saint” and a “Blessed”? Answer: The process of proclaiming someone as a saint in the Catholic Church has evolved over the course of many centuries. In the beginning, those honored as saints were almost exclusively biblical figures or martyrs. However, after the legalization of Christianity in the fourth century, new holy women and men came to be honored as saints, and this was often done by popular acclaim or by the local bishop or abbot. It was Pope Gregory IX (who was pope from 1227 to 1241) who officially proclaimed that only the pope had the authority to add someone to the official list (the “canon”) of saints. This is the meaning of the word “canonization.” Today, the saint-making process includes several steps, including detailed studies of the person’s life and a recognition that they died as a martyr or lived a life of “heroic virtue.” Once someone is recognized as a martyr or if a miracle is attributed to their intercession, they will be beatified and honored as “Blessed.” This means that they can be celebrated by Catholics in a particular country or region or by the members of certain religious community. If another miracle occurs and is approved, then the “Blessed” is canonized and honored with the title “Saint,” meaning that they are now officially recognized as a universal model of holiness and an intercessor. ©LPi

Happy Valentine's Day! Today, we celebrate love and remember St. Valentine, a 3rd-century Roman priest and martyr. St. Valentine, pray for us!

Prayer When Facing the Unknown — Dear Jesus, When you call me to places where I am unfamiliar, be with me. When you invite me to a mission, I feel ill-equipped to handle, give me your strength. Help me to leave everything and follow you. Amen.

CATHOLIC UPDATES SEMINAR On Wednesday, February 12, as part of our monthly” Catholic Updates" seminar series, we will have Deacon John Henderson speaking on "The Connection Between the Sacrament of Baptism and Easter." It will take place at LeSage Hall at 6:30 pm. Please make plans to attend these monthly seminars to update your catholic faith and knowledge. Invite some one to join you, even if they are of a different faith. All are welcome.

Devotions, EXPLAINED! St. Patrick’s Breastplate is an ancient Irish prayer attributed to St. Patrick. Its 11 sections call upon different elements of divine protection, beseeching Christ to surround the physical and spiritual reality of those who say it.

Did you know? On February 11, 1858, the Blessed Virgin Mary first appeared at the Grotto of Massabielle in Lourdes, France, to 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — “I am a sinful man,” says Simon Peter as he falls to his knees before Jesus. He had doubted the Lord, had hesitated to follow his instructions. How often can the same be said of us? Remember that God knows the outcome. He knows our nets will be filled. Do not be afraid.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE February 9, 2025 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 5:1-11 My parents’ garage is full of old junk that no longer serves any purpose in my life. As a 46-year-old man, I admit that’s pretty lame. Either due to my sentimentality or laziness (or both, probably), I just couldn’t get myself to throw things away. But a few days ago, by a grace of God, I thought: “I’ll hire my nephew Ryan to throw a bunch of my stuff away — he couldn’t care less about my junk!” And you know what? It worked. In one day, Ryan chucked the majority of his uncle’s useless stuff. I feel so free, ready for a new junk-free chapter in my life. This kind of thing happens in this Sunday’s Gospel. Peter’s net is full of useless junk. Luke says he and the others are cleaning their nets after catching no fish. Imagine them dejectedly and impatiently removing a nasty assortment of seaweed, sticks and muck. The Lord teaches and calls them once their nets are cleared out. So it goes with us. Spiritual life begins by removing that which is useless and merely taking up space in our hearts, minds and lives. Then Jesus teaches and acts in a marvelous way in our lives, too. So what’s junking up your net? What habits, attachments, possessions, preoccupations? If, like me, you struggle to clean your nets by yourself, ask the Lord to send you someone like my nephew to be your “Peter” and help you clean it out. It is well worth it. Once Peter’s net is clean, he is free to make a wonderful catch. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Religious Orders Question: What is the meaning of the letters that professed religious have after their names? Answer: The Catholic Church includes hundreds of religious communities. The priests, religious brothers, religious sisters, and nuns of these communities (which are often referred to as “religious orders”) are committed to particular spiritual traditions and often to a particular charism (such as teaching, healthcare, social work, or pastoral care). To help identify a person as a member of a particular religious community, the custom developed of including post-nominal letters that provide a sort of shorthand for the name of the community that the priest, brother, sister or nun is part of. So, for example OSB after a person’s name would indicate that they are a member of the Order of St. Benedict (the Benedictines), just as SJ would indicate that a priest or brother is a member of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) or RSM would show that a woman is a Sister of Mercy. Other common examples include: DC = Daughters of Charity FSC = The Brothers of the Christian Schools/Christian Brothers OCist = The Order of Cistercians OCD = Order of Discalced Carmelites OFM = The Order of Friars Minor (the Franciscans) OFM Cap = The Capuchin Franciscans OP = The Order of Preachers (Dominicans) OSF=Franciscan Sisters SC = Sisters of Charity SDS = Society of the Divine Savior (Salvatorian Priests and Brothers and Salvatorian Sisters) SSND = School Sisters of Notre Dame SVD = Society of the Divine Word (Divine Word Missionaries) ©LPi

Today, February 7th, marks the start of National Marriage Week, with World Marriage Day coming up this Sunday! Let’s celebrate by fostering a culture of love, supporting marriages, and lifting families in prayer.

Prayer of Faith — Dear God, Open my eyes to Your movement in my life. And, even when I don’t see it or don’t understand, help me to rely on the promises of Your love and mercy. Amen.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE February 2, 2025 Presentation of the Lord Luke 2:22-40 What is the secret to sharing in God’s power to overcome our difficulties? Mary teaches us this in the prophecy of her pierced heart. This Sunday, the old man Simeon prophecies that when her son faces opposition, Mary’s soul will be pierced by a sword. The seemingly pointless agony of a mother helplessly watching her son be mocked, tortured, killed and then cruelly desecrated in death by a spear — somehow this piercing of her heart releases a power by which “the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed” (Luke 2:35). What to make of this? Whatever problems we currently face, the deepest threat is finally that evil thoughts are hidden in the human heart: hatred, envy, pride, lust, greed and so on. Behind every tyrant’s injustice, for example, is a heart unpierced by love. Evil hides in our hearts. Mary’s pierced heart, and its suffering love for her son, reveals and scatters these evil thoughts, and replaces them with love, forgiveness, generosity and peace. This week, I invite us to ponder Mary’s pierced heart. Her heart is quietly at work for us in the Church and world, exposing our evil thoughts and making a path for her son’s divine love. This is how she gently cooperates in our salvation. Closed hearts are our biggest problem; love-pierced hearts are the ultimate power to overcome every difficulty. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Catholic Vs. Protestant Bibles Question: Why are Catholic and Protestant Bibles different? Answer: Since the earliest days of the Church, Christians used a Greek translation of the Old Testament known as the Septuagint. This collection of the texts of the Hebrew Scriptures included 46 books. At the time of the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s, the Protestant reformers began to create their own translations of the Bible (into local languages) and some began to question why the Jewish Scriptures would have included texts that were written in Greek, because, they assumed, the only valid Jewish Scriptures would have been written in Hebrew. And so, they decided to remove seven books from the Old Testament: Baruch, Sirach, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Tobit, Judith and Wisdom (as well as portions of the Books of Daniel and Esther). This means that the Protestant Old Testament only includes 39 books, while Catholic Bibles continue to include those original 46 books. Both Catholic and Protestant Bibles include 27 books and letters in the New Testament. ©LPi

This weekend, we celebrate the Presentation of the Lord. Mary and Jospeh received incredible news from Simeon and Anna about the infant Jesus at his presentation in the Temple. Who helps you process startling or unsettling information? See you at Mass!

Jesus didn’t come to fix the brokenness of the world. He came to fix our brokenness. He offers us not relief from the trials of life, but an answer to the question of how to live in joy, in love and in purpose in the midst of these evil days.

Devotions, EXPLAINED! �The practice of examining one’s conscience dates to the very beginning of the Christian faith. It simply calls for reflection on one’s actions, making note of lapses in judgment that should be confessed in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK – Jesus is the fulfillment of the Scripture passage he reads in the synagogue, a missive of promise and hope from an ancient prophet. But he invites us to be part of his work, here and now, in our own lives, our own communities. Be part of the fulfillment.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK – In the second reading this past weekend, Paul uses the human body as an analogy for the many and varied parts of the Christian community. What role would you like to have in your parish?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE January 26, 2025 3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time Luke 1:1-4, 4:14-21 A young couple in my parish told me they were expecting their second child, a baby boy. I knew that their five-year old only child Emma had been desperately wanting to be a big sister for years, so I said, “Emma must have been so happy when you told her the news.” “Actually,” they said, “she burst into tears. She wanted a baby sister!” How often in life God wonderfully fulfills our desires and we are sad because we don’t approve of the way he does it. We want to control the gift and the delivery method. The same thing occurs in the Gospel this week when Jesus announces in his hometown that the promise of an Anointed One bringing glad tidings to the poor is “fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21). After a moment of elation, his fellow townsfolk realize this man is the way God is fulfilling his promises, and they erupt into a violent outburst. So Jesus departs. How sad for them. Every single Sunday at Mass, including this one, some version of this happens to many of us. God’s word announces the fulfillment of God’s promises in Christ, and we easily overlook or disdain it. His way is almost never according to our narrow expectations. What’s required of us is to set these aside, and to embrace a new openness to God’s gifts, no matter how he wishes to give them. God is fulfilling his promises the way He likes — why be sad? — Father John Muir ©LPi

Anointing of the Sick Question: If it isn’t only for people who are dying, when should someone receive the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick? Answer: One of the unfortunate realities in the Church today is that so few people understand the meaning and value of the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick, largely because so many people still mistakenly think of this sacrament as “Last Rites” or “Extreme Unction.” In his life and ministry, Jesus healed the sick. In this sacrament, the Church continues the healing mission of Jesus and, in hope, prays that God will grant healing to the person who is suffering. But even if there is no physical healing, the sacrament offers spiritual healing through the Holy Spirit’s gifts of peace and courage. And so, anyone who is living with serious illness (including emotional or psychological illness) and the elderly are encouraged to celebrate this sacrament when it is needed. The ritual for Anointing of the Sick does also include special prayers and blessings for those who are facing death, including viaticum (communion given to the dying, trusting that the Lord Jesus will be their companion along the way, as they make their final journey). ©LPi

Catholic Schools week is next week, Jan. 26-Feb. 1, with the theme "Alive in Christ!" Don't forget to pray for all Catholic school students, families, facility and staff this upcoming week!

Devotions, EXPLAINED! The Angelus is an ancient devotion whose practice developed over the course of several centuries. It is composed of three antiphons that tell the story of the annunciation, each followed by a Hail Mary. It is usually said daily at noon.

Today, January 22nd, is the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. Don't forget to say a prayer for the unborn and all expecting mothers today.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK — This weekend, we heard about Jesus performing his first miracle at the wedding at Cana. After all the wine was consumed, Jesus turned water into wine for the bride and groom at the wedding. When have you received an unexpected gift from someone?

Today we honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by remembering that God calls all of us to create communities of justice, peace, and freedom, and to love one another.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE January 19, 2025 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time John 2:1-12 A friend invited me to an invitation-only wine-tasting event. There were over two hundred varieties of wine. Having no idea how to approach such a massive selection, I wandered aimlessly among the tables, sipping this and that. At the end of the evening my friend asked if I had tried some of the exceptionally expensive wines. I hadn’t. “The really good stuff disappears first,” he said. “My man, you missed out on some amazing vino.” I was so disappointed. I wasted my chance for amazing once-in-a-lifetime wine. The wine I tasted was, well, blah. Don’t we often feel a similar disappointment in life? I missed this or that opportunity. If only I had known. Optimism sputters and fades. The glory days are gone. The chances, it seems, for the really great things in life come and go so quickly. Then they are gone forever. The good stuff goes first. Then life is just blah. Not so with the Lord Jesus. In Jesus’ miracle at the wedding at Cana, the steward of the feast says, “Everyone serves good wine first, and then…an inferior one” (John 2:10). That’s the natural downward progression of life. The good stuff disappears quickly. But he says of the groom (who symbolizes Jesus), “But you have kept the good wine until now.” This is the ever-improving trajectory of the realm of God’s grace. With Jesus, the “good wine” of divine love, hope and peace gets better as our journey of faith progresses. Where are your greatest disappointments? Don’t give in to the lie that the really good stuff is gone. Tell Jesus you’ve run out. Then learn how to taste that amazingly good wine, because he saves the best until now. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Patron Saints Question: Why are some saints honored as “patron saints”? Answer: Each person is unique and each of us has different gifts, interests, talents, and, yes, even struggles and areas where we need to grow. This is no less true of those holy women, men, and children who have been canonized or beatified. Because we believe that the saints and blesseds are both models of faith and intercessors, Christians have looked to certain holy people as role models and heavenly protectors for occupations, spiritual charisms, and even places. Although the Church sometimes names a person as a patron saint (e.g. Saint Philip Neri as the patron of Rome, Saint Clare of Assisi as the patroness of television, or Saint Aloysius Gonzaga as the patron of youth and young adults), more often it is popular devotion that inspires lay Christians to turn to a particular saint or blessed for heavenly help and support. This is how, for example, Saint Cecilia came to be honored as the patroness of musicians, Saint Toribio Romo as patron of migrants coming into the United States, and Saint Gertrude of Nivelles as patroness of cat lovers. Although there are official and unofficial lists of patron saints, we should always feel free to ask any and all the saints to give us their patronage and protection in whatever it is that we need. ©LPi

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity starts tomorrow and goes through January 25th. This global ecumenical observance invites us to reflect on Christ's prayer in John 17:21, "that they may be one so that the world may believe," and to join in praying for one another.

Prayer for Baptism — Oh God, You desire each of us to be a part of Your sacred family, called and invited into relationship with You. May the grace of our Baptisms surround us anew, who are beloved and chosen by You. Amen.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — “The people were filled with expectation,” writes Luke. And so we find ourselves, two thousand years later, filled with expectation, with longing. Who can give us what we seek? Only the one upon whom the dove descended. Follow him.

It makes perfect sense that everyone thought John the Baptist was the Messiah. He was the guy pouring the water. But the Messiah was the man who came to be baptized. He was the one who descended into the waters, submerging himself in our experience of death and pain and sorrow.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE January 12, 2025 The Baptism of the Lord Luke 3:15-16, 21-22 In my second year of theology studies, I went to confession to a priest visiting the seminary for a three-day retreat. My heart wasn’t in it. I was going through the motions. I confessed my sins and waited for his response. The priest said, “For your penance, I’d like you to go into the chapel and repeat the words ‘You are my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased’ (Luke 3:22) until they mean something to you.” Easy penance, I thought. But to my surprise, I struggled to say those words. I sensed a strong interior resistance blocking them. How could God be well-pleased with me? He couldn’t be, I thought. A battle within me ensued. Two hours later, the resistance vanished, and I found myself able to speak, and claim as my own, those marvelous words. I emerged from the chapel with a new, deep, peaceful conviction that I was indeed God’s beloved son. Those words are a precious gift from heaven to all of us. Jesus’ baptism, which we celebrate this week, offers them to us. Are we willing to receive these words anew? Many things can block this deepening of our baptismal identity: failings, sins, disappointments, traumas, problems, and so on. Yet God’s love is always greater. This week I challenge you to prayerfully repeat these words over yourself — or perhaps over someone you’re struggling to love — until those words find a home in your heart. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Vestment Colors Question: What do the colors of the priest’s and deacon’s vestments mean? Answer: In the Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, the colors of the vestments evolved over the course of several centuries and there was wide variation both in the colors used, and in the feasts and seasons associated with particular colors. It was Pope Innocent III (d. 1216) who gave us the basic outline that was later prescribed by Pope Saint Pius V in 1570. The various colors remind us of the dominant themes of a particular season or celebration. · White: Used for the seasons of Christmas and Easter and in celebrations of the Lord, of Mary, the angels, and saints who were not martyrs. This color is also used in Masses for the dead, at baptisms, weddings and other festive celebrations. · Red: As the color of both blood and fire, red is used on Palm Sunday and Good Friday, as well as Pentecost and special celebrations of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, red is used on the feasts and memorials of the Apostles and those saints who died as martyrs. · Violet: The color for Advent and Lent. Violet may also be used in Masses for the dead and on All Souls Day (November 2). · Green: A color of life and hope, green is used throughout Ordinary Time. · Other colors: Rose may be used on the Third Sunday of Advent and the Fourth Sunday of Lent, black may be used in Masses of the dead and on All Souls Day, gold or silver may be used on solemn occasions in place of white, red, or green. ©LPi

This weekend, we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord. In the Gospel reading, we'll hear: "After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove." (Lk 3:22) See you at Mass!

Fun Fact — The Magi brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to Baby Jesus. We remember them on Epiphany!

Prayer of Rejoicing — Fill our hearts, Lord, with rejoicing as we seek and discover You. Your ways are full of wonder, glory, surprise, and joy. Amen.

Devotions, EXPLAINED! The Epiphany household blessing is an ancient practice in the Church. This tradition is a beautiful way to observe the coming of the magi while invoking God’s blessing on your home and all who enter it. All that is needed is chalk and a prayerful heart! The door, lintel, or similar is marked with "20+C+M+B+25". The numbers represent the year, and the letters C, M, and B are the initials of the names of the three wise men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. The initials also stand for the Latin phrase Christus Mansionem Benedicat, which means "May Christ bless this house". Prayers: A leader may say prayers such as "Lord Jesus Christ, the three kings presented their gifts to you in praise and adoration". The leader may also invite all present to say the Lord's Prayer.

This past weekend, we celebrated the Epiphany! The visit of the magi teaches us about God’s desire for the whole world know about his Son, Jesus. When do you first recall hearing about Jesus?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE January 5, 2025 The Epiphany of the Lord Matthew 2:1-12 Have you ever wondered why the magi had gold, frankincense, and myrrh? Matthew’s Gospel tells us, “Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matt. 2:11). Why are these things their “treasures”? One possible answer is they were magicians and astrologers, and these three items were the tools of their questionable trade. In offering them to Christ, they demonstrate that they will cease using such items to predict or control life. They place this baby-king, the God of Israel, at the center of their lives, and not their own devices of control, manipulation and prediction. Isn’t that what we need to do, too? Consider, for example, the magical power of money, symbolized by the magi’s gold. Seemingly whatever we ask of money, it does. It wields a god-like power over the world. It can predict the future by guaranteeing better outcomes for us — which is why it is such a tempting alternative to trusting in God. The problem is such absolute trust in money enslaves us to the economic forces that make money so powerful. In paying homage to Jesus with “gold” (i.e., tithing), we participate in his authority over (and therefore freedom from) the magical sway of money. What things in your life do you use to predict or control your future? What in your life seems to give you power over the world? Those are your treasures. Are you tired of feeling enslaved to them? Find a way to open them and give them to Christ, and you will be freer. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Jesus’ Grandparents Question: July 26 is the feast of Joachim and Anna. Who are they and what do we know about them? Answer: Joachim and Anna are the parents of Mary, the mother of Jesus, yet there is absolutely no biblical reference to them whatsoever. So where do we get their names, and what is their story? Their names are found in an apocryphal (hidden) gospel known as "The Infancy Gospel of James." Apocryphal, or hidden gospels, consist of accounts of Jesus' life that were ultimately not accepted as inspired works, and thus were not included in the Bible. However, they sometimes captured the Christian imagination, spilling into the devotional dimension of the community. James' infancy gospel begins with the parents of Mary and their desire for a child. In their prayer and petitions to God, they are heard and given the blessings of a child, whom they named Mary. While we have no idea who Mary's parents really were, the fact that we celebrate the feast of Joachim and Anna indicates that the bond of family love is important in the Christian life. Long before Grandparents' Day was established, the church had a feast that honored the presumed grandparents of Jesus. While their names are part of non-inspired apocryphal legends, the fact of the Savior's human ancestry is not. Christ, the incarnate Word, dwelt among us in the flesh in a human family. In honoring the grandparents of Jesus we really proclaim our faith in the Incarnation--God becoming human! ©LPi

January is the month dedicated to the Most Holy Name of Jesus, and today we celebrate its feast day. In his letter to the Philippians, St. Paul reminds us that the name of Jesus is above every other name, for it is in this name that we are all saved.

As we begin New Year 2025, Please leave a google review, so that others can find us and join us. Please click the link below to leave a google reveiw of St.Sebastian Thank you. https://g.page/r/CSUbrWA8_iyuEAE/review

St. Gianna Beretta Molla (1922-1962) is the first woman doctor and working mom to be canonized. During her last pregnancy, a uterine tumor was surgically removed so she could bring her daughter into the world, even at the expense of her own life.

Happy New Year! May 2025 be filled with God’s abundant blessings, drawing you deeper into a relationship with Jesus and closer to the joy of His presence. We wish you a year of love, grace, and boundless hope in Christ. Mass at 8:30 am

As we welcome a new year, may God’s peace rest upon you and His love inspire each moment. Solemnity of Mother of God December 31, 2024 Vigil Mass at 7:00 pm January 1, 2025 Mass at 8:30 am

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — For three days, Mary and Joseph search and worry before finding Jesus in the temple. “Didn’t you know where I was?” he says to them, in so many words. We, too, look for Jesus. We, too, know where to find him. Let us never forget and never despair.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE December 29, 2024 The Holy Family As a first-time pastor in a parish, I received a phone call one afternoon from a young married couple, “Father, our 2-year-old son drowned in our pool this morning. We are at the hospital. Please help us.” I sped over. The little boy was gone, his body cold, slightly blue, laid out on a bed. His parents were distraught and in shock. For the next few years, I walked with the couple along their difficult and painful road. They openly shared with me how they were often tempted to blame and accuse each other for the loss. And yet, by God’s grace, their love for each grew stronger and deeper as the years went by. The Holy Family was not without its pain and loss, either. Luke tells us, after losing their twelve-year-old son, Joseph and Mary “after three days found him in the temple area, sitting among the teachers…” (Luke 2:46). We don’t know specifically what those three days were like for them except for what Mary says: “Your father and I have been looking for you anxiously.” The three days of his absence foreshadow his death and burial. His finding in the temple is a kind of resurrection for his family. They had to learn, again and again, that their family was becoming a place where death and resurrection was not only accepted but welcomed and celebrated. But surely they deeply felt the dangerous agony of their loss — just like every couple who has lost a child. What losses in your experience of family still cause you anxiety? In what ways has God’s presence seemingly vanished in your family? Will you keep searching for Jesus? Remember, he will rise and be found. Your family may be suffering, but when he is found, it will be stronger than ever before. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Miraculous Medal Question: What is the “Miraculous Medal” and why is it called that? Answer: The medal of the Immaculate Conception that has come to be called simply the “Miraculous Medal” dates back to an apparition of Mary to Saint Catherine Laboure, who was then a novice sister with the Daughters of Charity. On November 27, 1830, Our Lady appeared to her standing on a globe, with shafts of light streaming from her hands and the words, “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee,” surrounding the image. In the same vision, Catherine saw a capital “M” with a cross above it and below two hearts. Catherine seemed to hear a voice telling her to have what she saw struck as a medal and a promise that those who wore the medal would have the protection and intercession of the Mother of God. The first 1,500 of medals were distributed in 1832. Many miraculous favors were attributed to the use of the medal. Saint Catherine’s “Miraculous Medal” is among the recognizable and popular symbols of modern Catholicism. Reflecting on its widespread use, the 2001 Vatican document, “Directory on Popular Piety and Liturgy,” observes that the medal “recalls the mystery of Redemption, the love of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and of the Sorrowful Heart of Mary. It signifies the mediatory role of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mystery of the Church, the relationship between Heaven and earth, this life and eternal life.” ©LPi

This weekend, we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. In the Gospel reading, we hear about an anxious experience that Mary and Jospeh had as parents raising the young boy, Jesus. Do you recall a time when your parents were worried or anxious about you? See you at Mass!

St. Margaret Clitherow (1556-1586), the pearl of York, hid priests and allowed Mass to be celebrated in her home, a criminal offence at the time. She was pressed to death. St. Margaret was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1970 as one of 40 martyrs of England and Wales.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. December 25 Masses at 8:30 am & 10:30 am

We pray that you have a wonderful Christmas Eve! December 24 Masses at 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm Christmas carols from 9:30 pm December 25 Masses at 8:30 am & 10:30 am Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Christmas is just around the corner, and you are invited to join us! December 24 Masses at 4:00 pm, 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm Christmas carols from 9:30 pm December 25 Masses at 8:30 am & 10:30 am Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE December 22, 2024 4th Sunday of Advent The Blessed Virgin teaches us the secret to being blessed, happy, and full of joy. When Elizabeth, her cousin, greets her, she calls Mary “blessed” for two reasons, her motherhood of Jesus, and Our Lady’s belief that “there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord” (Luke 1:45). Mary is “blessed” entirely because of her relationship to the Incarnation of God in Jesus, and for no other. This of course makes perfect sense, because as the Lord, as God-in-the-flesh, her son is the source of all blessedness, life, and joy. Mary is blessed because of her contact with Jesus, and by her faith in him. So, it is with us, too. We become blessed by our “motherly” contact with Christ in our souls through baptism. He lives in us and grows to maturity within us. We bear him to the world. This requires unshakeable faith that his promises to us will be fulfilled, despite all the problems and difficulties that plague us. We become blessed, happy, and joyful in the measure that we are in contact with Jesus and trust in him. Advent challenges: 1.) This week go to someone who has borne the love of Jesus to you and tell her or him how they have been a blessing to you. 2.) Name someone in your life now to whom God has sent you to bring Jesus’ presence. Pray: “Lord, thank you for the blessing of sending me to bring your presence to this person. Help me bear you faithfully to him/her.” — Father John Muir ©LPi

Church Collections Question: Where does the money go that is collected each week at Church? Answer: This is a good question! Every parish has financial obligations, including the basic operation of the buildings, salaries, maintenance, and improvements. In addition, there are schools to support, programs to run, charities to be funded, and operational expenses like hosts and wine for Mass, music books, vestments, and so on. In some cases, cemeteries and other buildings need attention. Finally, there is the diocesan assessment that each parish pays to help run the diocese and the support services provided to each parish. Most parishes manage to get by with the collection, a few fundraisers and endowments. But contrary to popular opinion, cash flow is also a problem, and many parishes operate in the red. The Finance Committee is responsible for assisting the pastor in fiscal management, and good stewardship is the basis for successful programs. ©LPi

Prayer for the fourth week of Advent — Dear Jesus, The news of your coming was met with boundless joy — fill us anew with the wonder of your presence. You are Emmanuel, God with us. Amen.

Fun Fact — There are many ways to say "Merry Christmas," but each one is a wonderful blessing of the good news of Jesus come to earth as our savior. Are you ready for Christmas next week?

Blessed Alexandrina Maria de Costa (1904-1955) became paralyzed after jumping from a window to escape an attack. She suffered the passion of Jesus each Friday for serval years and would survive on the Holy Eucharist alone for 13 years until her death.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — Give. Love. Act with justice. This, says John, is how to live out your repentance. As Christmas approaches, be “baptized” by these words of God’s greatest prophet. Let them fill you with new life as you await the coming of Christ.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK — Paul encourages the Christians in Philippi to be a community that rejoices and finds peace with God. What could you celebrate this Advent season with family or friends?

Bethlehem Village more photos…

Bethlehem Village at St. Sebastian on “Gaudate Sunday”.

Parish Christmas Gala 2024. Thanks everyone for making it a huge success

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE December 15, 2024 3rd Sunday of Advent On a bright Spring morning, a passerby once saw St. Francis of Assisi hoeing a row of beans and asked him, “What would you be doing right now if you knew this was the last day of your earthly life?” The Saint responded, “I’d keep hoeing this row of beans.” Preparing for this world to end — whether by our death or by Jesus’ glorious coming — invites us to live not in the past or the present, but deeply in the present moment. This same point is on display in the simple advice given by the wild and eccentric John the Baptist. He speaks of the one who is to come who will baptize “with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Luke 3:16). Despite the bizarre awesomeness of this announcement, he tells his listeners to engage in the present moment with simple acts of justice and love as their preparation for Jesus’ coming, sharing their clothes and food, eliminating greedy and underhanded practices, being content with their wages. It’s so undramatic. But how many actually did it? We don’t know. How many of us will commit ourselves to these types of humble and demanding practices in our lives? That’s what we should be doing now in our present moment, not worrying about the future. Advent challenge: Name one way you are doing the bare minimum towards others in your daily life. Or name something you are doing because you are not content with your financial situation. Pray: “Jesus, if it is your will, help me to stop doing these things this week. Help me prepare for your coming.” Then make the appropriate changes. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Communion & Mortal Sin Question: I have a friend who receives communion, but who I know for a fact is in a state of mortal sin. Should I tell our priest? Is it my responsibility to say something? Answer: While we may always want to do what is best for our friends and family members, we have a responsibility to respect their privacy and their conscience. In its reflections on the Eighth Commandment (“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor”), the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Respect for the reputation of persons forbids every attitude and word likely to cause them unjust injury. [One] becomes guilt: -of rash judgment who, even tacitly, assumes as true, without sufficient foundation, the moral fault of a neighbor; -of detraction who, without objectively valid reason, discloses another’s faults and failings to persons who do not know them; of calumny who, by remarks contrary to the truth, harms the reputation of others and gives occasion for false judgments concerning them” (no. 2477). We will never truly know what is in a person’s mind, heart, and soul; only God knows those things. We should, of course, take our concerns to God and entrust the person about whom we are concerned to God’s grace and mercy. If we have concerns about the spiritual wellbeing of someone with whom we are close, we should go to the person themselves and talk about our fears and concerns. Unless it is a case of abuse or endangerment (which we have a moral and even legal responsibility to report to the appropriate authorities), we ultimately do not have the freedom to share another’s persons faults or sins, however good we think our intentions might be. ©LPi

Prayer for the third week of Advent — Through the intercession of St. John the Baptist, help us to remember the least fortunate, and how caring for them shares in the caring of the beloved Christ-child. Bring Your generosity into our community. Amen.

Our Lady of Guadalupe revealed herself as the Mother of God and of all humanity when she appeared to Juan Diego on a hill in Mexico in 1531.

Catholic Updates Seminar Series “Angels-All you want to know about them”. Good turnout- great presentation- Beautiful evening. Thank you Very Rev . Albert Dello Russo

Catholic Updates Seminar Series Today at 6:30 pm, LeSage Hall Very Reverend Albert Dello Russo JCL Angels-All you want to know about them All are welcome! Bring a guest!

St. Elizabeth of the Trinity (1880-1906) was a French mystic, a member of the Discalced Carmelites. In her writing, her fierce belief in the Trinity within us, reachable through contemplative prayer, and her deep wish that we embrace God’s love by letting ourselves be loved are her powerful legacy.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — John the Baptist was appointed to prepare the way for the Lord. This Advent, follow his example and prepare the way for the Lord. Invite the Lord to make straight the roads in your life that wind, and to smooth all that is rough in your heart.

St. Sebastian Community At Sebastian Christmas Parade. Thanks everyone for preparing the plot and for showing up. Merry Christmas.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE December 8, 2024 2nd Sunday of Advent In the year 1995, in the seventeenth year of my life, when Fife Symington was governor of Arizona, Bill Clinton was president of the United States, Chuck Keiffer was pastor of St. Theresa parish in Phoenix, Arizona, and Ron and Mary were my parents, the word of God came to my youth minister Eric and through him I started to see the salvation of God. Soon, Christ came into my life never to leave. I’m thankful beyond words. Why am I being so specific, you ask? Because in the Gospel this week we hear the specific names of people holding civic and religious authority in first century Palestine when “the word of God came to John the Baptist:” Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate, Herod, Philip, Lysanias, Annas, Caiaphas, and Zechariah. All this is meant to help us see that God breaks into our history, into real human events. Jesus is no mere myth. He is the Word-which-breaks-in, in concrete moments, you might say. And now we anticipate his coming once again in our specific situations. Advent challenge: Name as many civic and religious leaders who are in authority currently in your life. Now, name who the potential John the Baptists may be. A spouse? A friend? A podcaster? A work colleague who brings God’s word to you? Spend a moment considering that this comprises the concrete, historical setting into which Christ wishes to come. Then, with these specifics in mind, pray: “Come, Lord Jesus. Come.” — Father John Muir ©LP

Why Marry in a Church? Question: Why are Catholics required to get married in a church, and not outside or at a different venue? Answer: Because the sacrament of marriage is a sacred covenant between the husband and wife, the celebration of the sacrament of matrimony is much more than simply a social or family event. So, the rule that the sacrament be celebrated in a church is a way to help reinforce the deeper meaning of Christian marriage. To help make this clearer, the Church’s tradition also normally includes the celebration of the Mass when the marriage is being celebrated between two Catholics, and so a church or chapel is the ideal setting. For special reasons — which vary from diocese to diocese — the local bishop can give permission for the marriage to be celebrated in another suitable place. ©LPi

As Sebastian, our home town celebrates its centenial year, get to know her history through this short video. Let us thank Mr. Philip Bova, member of the Historical Society of Indian River Country for his reserach and compilation of the photos.

Prayer for the second week of Advent — With abiding hope as we look forward to Jesus’ arrival — Make straight the paths, Lord! Fill us with holy excitement, in Your name. Amen.

Tomorrow (Dec. 6th) is St. Nicholas Day! Does your family celebrate by placing your shoes outside of your door with hopes of receiving treats? Do you do something else? We'd love to know!

Blessed Chiara Luce Badano (1971-1990) an ordinary teenager who freely gave her life to Jesus in joy and suffering. She was beatified in 2010, the first member of Generation X to be Beatified. In 2018 she was one of the patrons of the Synod on Youth.

It is giving tuesday! GivingTuesday is a global day of generosity that takes place on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving in the United States: Purpose GivingTuesday encourages people to give back to their communities and the world through charitable donations, volunteering, or other acts of kindness. It's a day to counter the consumerism of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. If you would like to make a tax deductable donation to St. Sebastian church and ministries please click the link below. Thank you. https://www.wesharegiving.org/app/giving/WeShare-1626?tab=home

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — There is only one king whose subjects can choose whether or not they will serve him. We choose Christ when we choose the truth. When we serve the truth, we serve Christ the King.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE December 1, 2024 1st Sunday of Advent When I was a young priest, about one year after ordination, I was called to the hospital to anoint a dying mother of three young children. She had a painful, terminal cancer. After celebrating Last Rites with her, I said, “Don’t be afraid.” She looked me square in the eye from her hospital bed and said, “Oh Father, I am in a lot of pain, but I am not afraid. Something wonderful is about to happen.” A few days later she died. Christians face the ending of our personal various “worlds” in a totally unique way. This first Sunday of Advent, Jesus says that when people see their world falling apart, they find themselves “fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world” (Luke 21:26). In our fear, our natural response is to check out, to hide our heads in drunkenness, distraction, and false securities. But Jesus commands us to “look up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” He then compares what’s coming to a lovely summer in full bloom. That’s what the cross and resurrection empower us to do, as strange as it may seem. Advent challenge: What world in your life is collapsing? A relationship, a dream, a work opportunity? Maybe you’re troubled by a crumbling world in the political or economic sphere. Or maybe someone you love is seriously ill or dying. Name that world or worlds. Then pray: “Lord, help me to not faint with fear. Help me to raise my head and see your redemption coming.” — Father John Muir ©LPi

Psychics and Mediums Question: Are Catholics allowed to visit psychics? Why or why not? Answer: It’s part of human nature to experience some sense of unease and fear about the future. This can lead some people to seek out the services of psychics or consult horoscopes or turn to other occult practices or resources (e.g. Ouija boards or tarot cards). The Catechism of the Catholic Church is very clear that Catholics should avoid such practices: “Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone” (no. 2116). Despite the uncertainties we might feel, we are called to have faith and trust in God, confident of God’s desire for what is best for us. This means that we are called to surrender, to pray and to reflect on how we can best move into the future in hope, knowing that God is with us. ©LPi

Can you believe it? Advent starts this upcoming Sunday. Let's begin the season together at Mass with joy and expectation! Prayer for the first week of Advent — Dear God, As we prepare for Your arrival, align our hearts and homes to Your will. Pour into us Your grace, as we wait in joyful expectation. Amen

Have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving! MASS AT 8:30 AM THANKSGIVING MEAL FROM 11:00 AM TILL 1:00 PM

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901-1925) was an avid outdoorsman and has become a global patron for youth and young adults. He had difficulties with exams and problems with his parents, but he formed his life around Jesus. St. John Paul II declared him a patron for World Youth Day.

Question of the Week — In his trial, Jesus tells Pilate he was born to testify to the truth. Can you think of a time in your life when you had to tell a difficult truth to someone?