Dec 01, 2022

Greetings,

It is easy to find things about which one might be concerned, even seriously concerned, about our nation. There is no short supply of bad news being pumped out by the media and plenty of places to air complaints both in person and online. Fewer, it seems, are the opportunities to do something good and constructive about it.

This week, however, we are given that opportunity. Thursday, December 8, is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Under this title, Mary is the patroness of the United States and so we come together not only to honor her, but to pray for our nation that is in so much need of it. This is why it is a holy day of obligation no matter what day it falls on, unlike other holy days of obligation from which we might be excused if it should fall on a Saturday or Monday.

This day celebrates Mary being immaculately conceived and living her sinless life. On a much lesser scale of things, it is also the day on which Bishop Pevec came to St. Sebastian Parish to have the installation Mass for me as the pastor over a decade ago, although the official start date of my pastorate was on the Feast of St. Leo the Great on November 10.

IN OTHER NEWS:

HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION: This Thursday, December 8 is a Holy Day of Obligation, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. Here is the Mass schedule:

Wednesday, December 7 - 7:00pm Vigil

Thursday, December 8 - 9:00am, 5:00pm Extraordinary Form (Latin)  and 7:00pm

THANK YOU: I have noticed an uptick in the collection since our State of the Parish presentation. I want to sincerely thank you. Every little bit helps more than you know. As we keep this trend going it will allow us to expand our ministries and keep our buildings and grounds, which go a long way in attracting people to the parish and to the faith, in top notch condition. Thank you so much for participating in this effort that has such a beneficial impact on so many people in our community and beyond. God bless.

UPCOMING ADVENT EVENTS: Of course, there is always our Tuesday Adoration from 8:30am until 8pm. Come spend whatever time you might be able to gather together and be with the Lord for Whose coming we prepare at Christmas.

TUESDAY ADVENT ADORATION & ORGAN RECITAL: Every Tuesday in advent beginning at noon. They last approximately 20 to 30 minutes. This is another opportunity to pray and meditate in this holy season.

TUESDAY COMPLINE: Tuesday Night Prayer and Benediction is kicked up a notch during advent with organ accompaniment. Confessions begin at 7pm although the line is usually long by then. I try to come a little early but confession must end at about 7:30pm for Compline. Prayer begins at 7:40pm and typically ends by 8pm.

CONCERT: December 9 at 8pm, The Baldwin Wallace Men’s Choir will be performing their Christmas concert in the church. Tickets are $20 and are available now online and at the door.

God bless,

Fr. Valencheck