May 22, 2026

Greetings,

This coming Monday, May 25, is Memorial Day, a day on which we remember all those who laid down their lives for us that we might have the freedom we enjoy as citizens of the United States of America. As a nation, we are asked to pause at 3pm on this day for one minute of silence to honor those who died during their tour of duty. As Christians, we are called to pray for them, for the redemption of their souls and in thanksgiving for their sacrifices. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE PARISH FOR MEMORIAL DAY:

MASS TIME CHANGE: Mass on Memorial Day will be at 9am.

POTLUCK BREAKFAST: Our annual Potluck Breakfast will follow immediately after Mass. How fitting it is to pray for our fallen and then engage in an act of community that they fought to protect. Please see elsewhere in the bulletin for more details on the breakfast.

PARISH OFFICES CLOSED: The parish offices will be closed all day on Monday. Office hours will resume on Tuesday, May 26.

IN OTHER NEWS:

ST. CHRISTINA: Just a reminder that next weekend, Bishop Michael Woost, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland will be the celebrant of the 9am Sunday Mass, at which we will celebrate the transfer of relics of St. Christina from our Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist to St. Sebastian Parish where she will reside for the next six months. It would be fantastic if you could join in this event!

STAFF NEWS: This past Monday, Mr. Johannes Benninghoff moved into the rectory. He is our Summer Intern, and you will see him at various events and Masses. Please make sure to stop and say hello and keep him and all our seminarians in your prayers.

Of course, you know that Mr. John Scantling has already been in residence with us for about a week, and there is one more seminarian on the way to whom I will introduce you in about a week.

I am also excited to inform you that we have a new Youth Director. She will be taking up the reigns in about two more weeks, so keep an eye out for more news on opportunities both for youth and for volunteering.

A number of fellow St. Sebastianites were able to make it to ordination this past weekend and out to St. Bernadette’s in Westlake to see Fr. Joseph Ho celebrate his First Mass of Thanksgiving. I was truly impressed by how well he did! We have a lot to look forward to as he begins the next four years of his life as a priest with us. Please keep him in your prayers.

God bless,
Fr. Valencheck