Feb 06, 2026

Greetings,

It’s time for our International Festival!  Among the oldest standing and most popular events in the parish, the International Festival is a night of ethnic foods, games and entertainment put on through the hard work of our Sanctuary Society for the benefit of keeping our sanctuary well stocked and in good condition. 

Without the dedicated work of these wonderful women, it would be much more difficult to keep up with all the demands that our beautiful sanctuary needs for the worthy celebration of the sacraments.  Are we not blessed to have such a beautiful church and the means to keep it in good order? 

To support this festival, all you need to do is come and enjoy some food and fun.  (Of course, if you want to help clean up afterward, that would also be appreciated.) 

The International Festival follows the Vigil Mass this Saturday, February 7 in Zwisler Hall. 

IN OTHER NEWS:

CONCERT:  For a different pace of things, there will be a concert in the church this Sunday, February 8 at 4pm. Back by popular demand, The Keller Consort will be performing 16th and 17th century English music.  It is free and open to the public.  As I like to do, I encourage families to come and give your child the opportunity to learn how to attend a concert.  Please consider attending and if your child can only take in so much, there is the freedom to leave early, if necessary, without the loss of an expensive ticket!

FATHER VALENCHECK AWAY:  I will be gone all this week with my ongoing studies to help St. Sebastian continue to be a place where seminarians and newly ordained are trained.  This is the second to last training session.  I will be back Saturday, but will be gone most of that day performing interviews of men seeking to enter the seminary. 

PRE-CANA:  February 14 is not only Sts. Cyril and Methodius Day (and some obscure saint known as               St. Valentine) it is also our Pre-Cana retreat for couples wishing to be married in the Catholic Church.  Thank you to all our volunteers!  Please keep all involved with the day in your prayers.

SUMMER INTERNSHIP AVAILABLE FOR YOUNG ADULTS:  Thanks to a grant from the Lilly Foundation, there are two summer long internship available at St. Sebastian Parish.  There is an opportunity to be involved with various ministries and duties at the parish.  The program includes a $6,000 stipend for a 24-hour work week, weekly formation programs at the seminary and two overnight retreats and social and cultural actives (ball games/museums and such) with all costs covered.

You may apply for this program if you were born after January 1, 2001, and are a practicing Catholic.  It runs from May 27 through August 12.  Send your application in by Friday, March 13 by going to dioceseofcleveland.orgmary-mother-of-the-good-shepherd-institute/summer-internships.  If you know of someone who might be interested, please encourage him or her to apply!  The purpose of the program is to introduce young adults to various careers available in the Church.

God bless,

Fr. Valencheck