Jan 02, 2026

Greetings,

Last week we had another Holy Day of Obligation.  I heard from a few people that we might like to look into an earlier Mass either on the vigil or the actual day for those who are uncomfortable traveling during dark hours.  I am currently mulling it over and recommend that if you are one of those persons, please contact someone on Parish Council who can be found on our website.  Let it be known that it is a true need and not a passing whim!

IN OTHER NEWS:

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL:  The 53rd International Festival is coming on February 7 from 5:30-8pm sponsored by our Sanctuary Society. They need you to consider sponsoring a food booth!  Don’t you have something that you make that represents one of the great cultures of our world?  They would love for you to set up or sponsor a food table to share your talent while you help raise funds for the many needs of our sanctuary.  This festival, which is over a half century old here, only works when people exactly like you step up and volunteer your fantastic talents!  For more information, please contact Erin Ereth at erinereth16@gmail.com.

ST. SEBASTIAN FEAST DAY COMING UP:  St. Sebastian’s Feast Day is on January 20, but we have permission to move our celebration of this day to the nearest weekend and so this year we will be celebrating our feast day on January 17 and 18.

As we inch forward toward our 100th anniversary, the Festival Committee, which has been slowly ramping up our celebrations each year so that it will be in full swing come 2028, has begun expanding our celebration beyond the three-day summer founding festival to also include our feast day in January.  

CASINO NIGHTS:  Added this year is a Casino Night on Friday, January 16.  Tickets are $75 per person or $125 per couple.  Don’t miss out on the first one! Tickets are on sale now! See pg. 10 in this Bulletin to register.

PASTA DINNER:  On January 17 will be our annual Pasta Dinner.  This year we are able to add wine to the list of offerings.  Tickets are only $5 per person or a $20 maximum for a family.  Tickets for this dinner are on sale now! Scan the QR code on pg. 9 in the bulletin, stop by the rectory office or at the back of the church on January 3/4 and January 10/11.  

CHANGE UP AT THE SCHOOL:  Mr. Anthony Rohr, principal of St. Sebastian Parish School announced that he will be retiring from teaching and moving out of state after completing this academic year.  These will be difficult shoes to fill indeed!  Under his leadership we have developed into one of the finest schools in the nation.  Please keep him and our school in your prayers and throw in an extra one that we might find a new, great principal.  

God bless,

Fr. Valencheck