Council of Catholic Women

GENERAL MEETINGS - LeSage Hall
First Thursday of the Month
~September through May~
6:30 Hospitality, 7:00pm Meeting

Mission Statement

The National Council of Catholic Women
acts through its affiliated organizations
to support, empower and educate all
Catholic women in spirituality, leadership
and service. NCCW programs respond with
Gospel values to the needs of the Church
and society in the modern world.

NCCW - FCCW - PBDCCW - SSCC

Read Our full brochue HERE for more information and membership application

2023-2025 Executive Board

Spiritual Advisor- Deacon John Henderson

President- Barb Andreas

Vice President- Suzy Wilger

Recording Secretary- Michelle Morin

Treasurer- Paula Rosin

Past President- Ann Nolan

-Standing Committee Chairs-

Spirituality- Paula Witt

Leadership- Kathy Bray & Christine Wonsock

Service- Kathy Terrebonne

Legislative Advocate- JulieAnn Farrell

-Appointed Chairs-

Parliamentarian- Carol Therien

Historian- Lauren Famiano

Corresponding Secretary- Jeanne Curtis

Membership- Madonna Barashke

Hospitality- Marge Rapasz & Jeanne Santora

Fun Fact– St. Kateri Tekawitha was a Native American woman whose holiness led to her canonization. Her father was a Mohawk Chief, belonging to the Turtle Clan, so she is sometimes depicted with a turtle in art. Today is her feast day! St. Kateri, pray for us!

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE July 13, 2025 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 10:25-37 I used to be a bad neighbor. I’d get wrapped up in my life and ignore those around me. Then I found sage advice from Benjamin Franklin to this effect: to be a better neighbor, ask someone to do a favor for you. It’s counterintuitive, isn’t it? Tell strangers that I need their help? Yuck. I’ll risk looking needy. Worse, I’ll be indebted to them. But I tried it, and it works like a charm. Recently I asked my neighbor Alan for a hacksaw, and Inga for an egg. They kindly obliged, and our friendship is growing. This week we hear a scribe of the law cynically ask Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29). Like him, we prefer to keep the list of our “neighbors” as short as possible. It requires less interruption and inconvenience. But when Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, he exposes the lonely, cold-heartedness tendency of the scribe’s (and our) heart. My “neighbor” is anyone I encounter who manifests a concrete need. There isn’t time to require any other credential because human need opens us to the happy reciprocity which is love. Jesus’ words challenge us this week to ask a neighbor for help in some small way. How marvelous that God himself shows us how. He moves into our world and asks us to love Him with small deeds of love. Maybe that’s where Ben Franklin got the idea. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Changes to Mass Question: Why do we make changes in the Mass? Some seem so small and unimportant. Are they really necessary? Answer: The celebration of the Eucharist is at the heart of our identity as Catholics. Our purpose as a Church community revolves around the Eucharist. Everything we are and everything we do is measured not only by how well we celebrate, but also by how well we live the sacrament. If that is so, then we as a community will always strive to celebrate the Mass as best we can. The reasons for some changes might seem more obvious than others, but there is a reason behind each one. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal is the introduction to the Missal that contains all the prayers for the celebration of the Mass. The Order of Mass we use now was issued in 1975 and, as often happens over the course of years, some questions have come up about the proper way of doing some things and whether or not other practices are acceptable. These changes clarify some things and make the celebration of the Mass more meaningful for everyone. The opportunity is presented to us to better learn and understand each part of the Mass, which in turn should help us deepen our appreciation for its beauty and meaning. We will be a better Church if we have a clearer understanding and knowledge of Who and what we celebrate. ©LPi

At Mass this weekend we hear the parable of the good Samaritan. As Christians we know that everyone is our neighbor. It’s drilled into us from the first time we hear this reading. But do we approach the victims that we see? Or do we draw away from the suffering of others in fear and confusion, thinking: “That’s not my problem”?

Fun Fact – Of course Sunday is a special day set aside for rest and worship of God. Since we celebrate every Sunday as a "little Easter," some festivity is a good idea... like, maybe a little ice cream!

Devotions, EXPLAINED! The prayer to St. Michael, composed by Pope Leo XIII, invokes the protection of the archangel Michael in the ongoing spiritual battle for the souls of all mankind. It is commonly said at the end of the rosary and by some parishes after the conclusion of Mass.

July is the Month of the Precious Blood of Jesus! While the Feast of the Precious Blood wasn’t officially established until 1849, devotion to the Precious Blood of Jesus is as ancient as Christianity itself. Thank you, Jesus, for the profound sacrifice you made for humanity through the shedding of your Precious Blood!

Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims of the Texas floods. We pray that those who are missing are found and we pray for the heartbroken families across Texas.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — As he sends his disciples into the world to proclaim his name, Jesus tells them to be bold. He tells them to be flexible. To be forgiving. To be faithful. As we enter this week, let’s remember these instructions. It’s good advice, in any century.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE July 6, 2025 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 10:1-12, 17-20 In the days after the awful 2020 killing of George Floyd, a Catholic friend remarked, “Racism is today’s great evil. We should put all our energy into fighting it.” I admired her intuition that the church must stand firmly against evil. Amen, I thought. At the same time, something felt wrong. As months went by, I saw her steadily slide into bitterness and anger. Soon, despondency. She spoke of giving up the fight. Don’t we too wonder how to fight evil without losing our joy or energy? Jesus’ words this week help. He says, “Rejoice not that you have power over demons, but that your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). Notice the asymmetry in where he wants our focus: on the latter, not the former. Should we confidently embrace our God-given power to overcome evil? Absolutely. But even more so, we should emphasize the positive element of our relationship to God. It is tempting but dangerous to define ourselves by what we oppose. It is better to define ourselves by––to rejoice in––what we celebrate: in Jesus, God has written our names in heaven. This sustains our battles. This week, our marching orders are: fight evil. But more deeply, rejoice that God knows and loves us personally, individually. We allow this joyful knowledge to undergird our fight against the darkness of our day. Then we enjoy long-term stability to be cheerful warriors, who never forget the reason for the contests we are called to fight and win: love. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Sin on the Soul Question: Why do some sacraments leave a character or mark on the soul? Don’t all sacraments affect the soul? Answer: All sacraments mediate grace and connect us to Christ and to the Church. Some sustain us in our faith journey, while others help us heal from the effects of sin. Each one offers a share in God’s life, giving us what we need to be faithful followers of Jesus. But some sacraments change us in ways that are irreversible. The three sacraments that leave a character are Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders. We are literally different people because of the effect of the grace of those sacraments. We are changed at the core of our being in such a fundamental way that we can not go back to what we once were. In Baptism, we are freed from original sin, initiated into the Body of Christ as adopted sons and daughters. In Confirmation, we are given the fullness of God’s Spirit, sealed in his grace and gifted with what we need to live a Christian life. In Holy Orders, a priest is marked as an ‘alter Christus,’ another Christ, and is once and forever a priest who offers sacrifice, forgives sin, and acts in the person of Christ. In these three sacraments, we are conformed more closely to Christ, reflecting his love and truth. ©LPi

Happy 4th of July! May the Lord bless our nation and every person in it. Amen. Our Independence Day Mass will be at 8:30 am. It will be followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

Fun Fact – Jokes aside, we mustn't leave unwanted graffiti! Instead of spray paint, we can evangelize and share the love and redemption of Jesus through our words, our actions, and by our example. God has called each of us to share the Gospel!

Devotions, EXPLAINED! A pilgrimage is a journey to a place of spiritual significance undertaken by one who is seeking closeness to Heaven while still on Earth.

This weekend, we heard how Jesus commissioned Peter to be the foundation (“rock”) of his Church. Are there any roles or responsibilities you feel called to do in your parish?

This past Saturday, we celebrated the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. On this special day, we honor Mary’s unique role in God’s plan of salvation and her unwavering faithfulness to her divine calling. Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!

Wedding Feast & Epiphany Question: How are the feasts of the baptism of Jesus and the account of the wedding feast of Cana related to the Epiphany celebration? Answer: The Epiphany season focuses on revealing Jesus to the world. Following the Christmas celebration, the liturgical year lays out a series of manifestation points in which Jesus is made publicly known. From its very beginning, the Christian community highlighted three events in the life of Jesus. These are the Epiphany, the Baptism of the Lord and the wedding feast at Cana. The Epiphany discloses Jesus to the world of the Gentiles, represented by the magi from the East. The accounts of Jesus' baptism reveal his identity and mission, along with exposing him to those to whom he was sent to minister. The miracle of turning water to wine at the wedding feast of Cana, unique to John's Gospel, is the first public sign that Jesus performs, thus manifesting his public identity and his powers. Today in the Roman Church, these are usually celebrated on three successive Sundays: Epiphany, the Baptism of the Lord which is usually the next Sunday, and the wedding feast of Cana, which is proclaimed on the 2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time in lectionary year C. These feasts connect around the concept of epiphany, public manifestation of Jesus to the world. They help us get to know more intimately who Jesus is and what he is about. Spend some time delving more deeply into your understanding of who Jesus is. Continue to cultivate these "epiphany" moments in your life. ©LPi

Today, June 27th, we celebrate the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Thank you, Jesus, for your Sacred Heart and your merciful love for all of humanity. Teach us to love as you love!

Prayer for the True Presence — Jesus, What a gift we have in your True Presence: the assurance of your friendship, your company, your grace, your love. Increase our thirst for you as you, also, desire to draw closer to us. Amen.

Devotions, EXPLAINED! Marian consecration is the act of consecrating oneself to Jesus through the intercession of his Blessed Mother and is rooted in the words of Jesus himself when he beseeched the Apostle John to look upon Mary as his mother (John 19:27).

Each year on June 24th, we observe the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. On this special day, we celebrate his birth and honor his sacred mission to prepare the way for Jesus. St. John the Baptist, pray for us!

This weekend we celebrated the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ. In the Gospel we heard about how Jesus spoke to the crowds about the kingdom of God, and he healed those who needed to be cured. (Lk 9:11b) Thank you, Lord, for the Eucharist!

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE June 22, 2025 The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Luke 9:11-17 A Catholic friend of mine occasionally says, “The Eucharist is not a noun. It’s a verb.” In so saying, he is making the point that the Eucharist isn’t simply Jesus’ bodily presence given to us in holy Communion. It also manifests the dynamic pattern by which Christ actively loves and saves us. He teaches us to cooperate with that pattern. This Eucharist actually embodies four verbs: Jesus takes, blesses, breaks, and gives. Let’s consider each one. He takes: Do we acknowledge that we are totally in God’s hands? Do we receive everything in our lives as a gift, and act responsibly with it? He blesses: Do we actively reflect that Jesus makes us holy in our baptism? Do we embrace our bodies and souls as temples of God, worthy of love, peace, and joy? He breaks: Do we run from failure and disappointment, from getting old or being ignored? Are we too worried about getting hurt or sick? Do we embrace our sufferings with confidence? He gives: Are we willing to make our lives a gift for others? Are we confident that we will always have enough love to give to others, that God will always provide enough for us? Do we rejoice in giving away what we have to others, expecting nothing in return? This is the dynamic life the Eucharist empowers us to live. — Father John Muir ©LP

Coming Back to Church Question: I have been away from the Church for a few years and really want to get active again, not so much for me, but for my children. Is this a bad reason to come back to Church? Answer: If you are on your way to the supermarket, and you are forced to detour from your usual route because of road work, does the food you buy taste different? Is the meal less filling? Are the vegetables less tasty? Of course not. In our faith journey, there are many detours called sin. Some are greater than others, some are even a bit longer. But God's grace comes to us in ways we understand and recognize and need. Your children leading you back to the Church is not as important as the fact that you are back. This is an opportunity for you to renew, strengthen, and deepen your faith. Regardless of how we get to Church, or what draws us closer to God, the fact is we are there. Do what you need to do to get right with God and the Church. Go to confession, begin good family religious practices, and be involved in the ministries your parish offers. Be more than a lukewarm parishioner. Be the kind of Catholic you want your children to be. ©LPi

Today, Friday June 20th, is World Refugee Day. In the Gospel reading this past weekend, Jesus taught his disciples that the Spirit gives to believers everything the Father has given to the Son. When have you been generous to others?

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." (2 Corinthians 3:17) A very happy Juneteenth Freedom Day to our parishioners! St. Josephine Bakhita, patron saint of freedom, pray for us!

Devotions, EXPLAINED! Popularized in the 17th century by a French priest named Fr. Claude Bernard, the Memorare is a prayer to the Blessed Mother in which the supplicant calls upon the maternal love and protection of Mary’s intercession in an hour of dire need.

Prayer to the Holy Trinity — Glory be to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, who calls us into communion with Him, a life of grace and mystery, reconciliation and unity. Amen.

Today, June 27th, we celebrate the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. Thank you, Jesus, for your Sacred Heart and your merciful love for all of humanity. Teach us to love as you love!

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE June 8, 2025 The Most Holy Trinity John 16:12-15 I am amazed at how my four siblings teach their many kids in age-appropriate ways. For example, now that my nephew Brandon is 24 years of age, they give him insights and freedoms that would have been positively confounding or even dangerous when he was a toddler. Imagine if they had taught him at age four how to drive a car, use a credit card online, or handle power tools. But eventually, they did, and he is a high functioning young man, I’m proud to say. They are good teachers. This week we learn that Jesus teaches us in a similar way. He says to his Apostles, “I have much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now” (John 16:12). How disappointing for them. But imagine at that moment, before his resurrection and ascension, if the Lord had started telling them about synods and sacraments, popes and parishes, martyrs and monasteries, rosaries and relics, catechisms and crucifixes? They would have been absolutely overwhelmed, confused, and discouraged. He tells them what they need to know, when it is time for them to know it. So he does for us. Jesus has unceasingly taught the Church as she matures through the centuries, just as he teaches you and me through our lives in ways we can understand. Our task should be to learn what he is teaching us now, knowing that (although revelation per se is complete in him and his Apostles), he never ceases to teach us as we spiritually mature. Be confident: he knows what you are ready to learn now. — Fat

Dropped Host Question: What happens to a consecrated host if it accidentally falls to the ground? Answer: This a very practical question because, as we all know, accidents happen, even during the most careful celebration of the liturgy. The short answer to this question is that nothing happens to the consecrated host. The Real Presence of Jesus remains in the consecrated host or any consecrated wine that might accidentally be spilled. Another question we might ask is: How should the minsters respond if the Eucharist is dropped or spilled? If this happens, the priest, deacon, or extraordinary minister of holy Communion should immediately pick up the dropped host and consume it. If it is a case of the Precious Blood being spilled, the minister would use the purificator (and additional purificators if needed) to clean the spill and then the area should be reverently washed as soon as the Mass is over and the water poured into the sacrarium (a special sink that is located in church sacristies for reverently disposing of holy water, the water used to clean sacred vessels, etc.). ©LPi

This upcoming Sunday is Father's day! We will hear in the Gospel this weekend that, "Everything that the Father has is mine; for this reason I told you that he will take from what is mine and declare it to you.” (Jn 16:15) St. Sebastian will be offering a Father's Day Novena Masses begining on Father's day.

Fun Fact — Nine days after Jesus ascended into heaven, the Holy Spirit descended upon Mary and the Apostles in the form of fiery tongues. From this grace, the Apostles were able to speak in a way that anyone could understand them!

Devotions, EXPLAINED! The practice of praying before meals is Biblical, and in the Gospels, Jesus is shown praying before the Last Supper and other meals. In Laudato SI’, Pope Francis urged the faithful “to return to this beautiful and meaningful custom."

Prayer for Pentecost — Holy Spirit of God — Disturb this room with your presence today, filling us, empowering us, emboldening us. Descend upon us with your gifts, your inspiration, and your promptings. Lead us to where we should go, stirring within us the movement of God. Amen.

Today, June 9th, is the Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church. This memorial was established by Pope Francis in 2018 and is observed annually on the Monday after Pentecost, the day the church was born. Blessed Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us!

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE June 8, 2025 Pentecost Sunday John 20:19-23 When I was a seminarian almost 20 years ago, a bank vice president taught us etiquette classes. She said, “Gentlemen, please make sure your breath isn’t bad. Take some breath mints before you hear confessions, okay?” We nervously laughed because the proximity that makes breath noticeable (whether pleasant or not) can be a bit awkward. When Jesus breathes on his Apostles (John 20:22), he must have been within inches of at least some of them. This closeness of his breath has a purpose: the purpose of forgiveness of sins. “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them” (John 20:23). Why in the world would the almost uncomfortable closeness of his breath forgive sins? In the Bible, breath is spirit or wind. It comes from above and makes that which is below to have identity. To not have a single identity is to be multiple, divided. The word “sin” comes from an ancient word that means “to split” or “render asunder.” Sin divides us sinners and the world around us; our spiritual “breath” leaves us and our identity splinters. Only breath from above restores. For example, a shattered vase is rendered whole because the craftsman breathes the spirit of the vase back into it when he repairs it. A human being shattered by sin is made whole by the breath of God, breathed by Jesus through his priests. His breath alone forgives sins. It's always done with his gentle, loving closeness. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Is it Right to Sue? Question: Is it right to sue someone? Isn't it a way of getting revenge? Answer: Revenge is inflicting harm for harm's sake, the idea of an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, and then some. There is often a fine line between justice and mercy, between compensation and forgiveness. Unfortunately, things can happen to us that cause harm, suffering, and damage, regardless of people's intentions. When someone is hurt, especially in such a way that special care or treatment is required, the cost of that care needs to be paid. In a perfect world, those with special needs, handicaps, or disabilities would find the help and care they need, including those who are injured or hurt. But justice is not always forthcoming, and people are not always fair. So, using the legal system to right a wrong is sometimes the only option. In some cases, it is the only way that people can get the help they need and deserve. However, frivolous lawsuits, or 'fishing for money' is not only unfair, but immoral as well. The law is there to protect people and making use of it when necessary is a good thing. ©LPi

This weekend we celebrate Pentecost! In the first reading, we'll hear about how the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and able to speak in multiple tongues so that all the people could understand them. When do you feel the Holy Spirit present in your life?

Fun Fact — St. Boniface is known as the apostle of the Germans. By the grace of God, he converted many of the pagans in Germany to Christianity. Today, June 6th, is his feast day. St. Boniface, pray for us!

Devotions, EXPLAINED! Though it is a less common practice in the modern world, early Church fathers like Tertullian and St. Jerome extolled the importance of praying after a meal, an action meant to inspire an attitude of thanksgiving and an acknowledgment of our dependence on God.

The month of June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. This month we focus on and reflect on Jesus' love and mercy, symbolized by His Sacred Heart.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — “Father, they are your gift to me.” This is what Christ says of his disciples. It is what he says of us. “I wish that where I am, they also may be with me.” Do we have the courage to be where Christ is? Can we be the gift?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE June 1, 2025 The Ascension of the Lord Luke 24:46-53 It was a Delta flight from Salt Lake City to Phoenix, and it looked like an on-time departure. As the large plane rolled away from the gate, the pilot announced over the intercom: “Ladies and Gentlemen, the crew outside didn’t fill up the tanks with fuel. We are going back to the gate to wait for them.” The passengers groaned with impatience. But over the next hour, we knew the waiting had a purpose: it meant fuel to get us to our destination. The disciples at the Lord’s Ascension are in a similar predicament but on a massively higher plane. They want the Kingdom of God to begin on earth as it is in heaven. But Jesus says, “I am sending the promise of my Father upon you; but stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). They stay together in prayer in Jerusalem and wait nine long days until the Holy Spirit descends. Empowered by supernatural gifts, they go forth to the ends of the earth and to their deaths proclaiming the Good News of Jesus. The wait was worth it. Before you begin a task or endeavor, do you take time to patiently pray for the Holy Spirit to come? The bigger the task, the more ardent the prayer should be. Try it this week, and you’ll be clothed with power to get where God wants you to go. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Should a Catholic Pursue an Annulment? Question: After a civil divorce, is a Catholic obligated to pursue an annulment? Answer: Many Catholics are not exactly sure what an annulment does. An annulment does not deny that a marriage took place, nor does it deny that there once was love. It does not mean that people say anything untrue, such as they never loved each other or that everything in their marriage was wrong. An annulment does not negate children, nor make them illegitimate. An annulment addresses the spiritual aspect of marriage. In effect, an annulment says that at the time of the wedding, there was either something present or something absent that prevented the sacrament from taking place. It is a spiritual determination that, if granted in the affirmative, allows a person to marry in the Church. Annulments have no legal standing and are unable to be used in a civil court. Therefore, a Catholic has no moral obligation to pursue an annulment. However, when the tragedy of divorce occurs, and there is no hope for reconciliation, annulments may help bring some spiritual closure to a person’s life. Some people have found the process to be healing and others have found it to be difficult. Speak to your priest or a member of the Diocesan Tribunal staff to decide what is best for you. ©LPi

This weekend we celebrate the Ascension of Jesus, World Communications Day, and the 7th Sunday of Easter! The Book of Revelation (and the entire Bible) concludes with John’s prayer of petition: “Come, Lord Jesus!” Is there something you really need from the Lord?

This weekend), we celebrate the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ — when he returned to heaven, promising to be with us always. May we boldly share his Good News until he comes again!

Devotions, EXPLAINED! Our Lady of Perpetual Help is both a title of the Blessed Mother as well as a corresponding icon that dates to the late Middle Ages, both of which present Mary as a source of strength and comfort for Christ and his followers.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — God makes His dwelling with those who love Him and keep His word. We must all make our lives places where God feels welcome to dwell. Our actions, our words, our decisions must all say in one voice: “Come, Holy Spirit!”

This Memorial Day, we honor and pray for all those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. Parish office will be clsoed for Memorial day.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE May 25, 2025 6th Sunday of Easter John 14:23-29 Jonathan Haidt’s 2024 book entitled “The Anxious Generation” argues that today’s kids are marked by significant increases in anxiety, as the title suggests. Smartphones, social media, economic uncertainty, the chaos of a global pandemic, fear regarding climate change, and the so-called “meaning crisis” all contribute to strikingly high levels of anxiety in young people today. I’m a bit older than this generation, but I feel it, too. The world can be too much to handle. The Gospel this week offers a stunning solution for troubled souls. To his overwhelmed and anxious disciples, the risen Jesus says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27). His peace is that of the one who was overwhelmed on the cross and then conquered death by the power of his divinity, his bond of love with the Father. He offers us this unshakeable peace. Of course, mental illness does not magically disappear because of the risen Jesus. But he does walk with us and offer us his peace in the midst of our suffering. The peace the world gives is not like his because it is weak, uncertain, and self-generated. Jesus’ peace is strong, sure, and given as a gift from God. He gives it to us amid our anxiety. Will you receive it as a gift? I hope so. He wants to fill the hearts of this generation with his peace. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Priests & Marriage Counseling Question: How can a priest counsel people about marriage when he has never been married? Answer: If a marriage counselor is in a bad marriage does that mean that he or she will be a bad counselor? If one's counseling ability depended upon first-hand experience, would that require counselors to be perfect before they can help others? Obviously not. Some of the skills necessary to help others do come out of personal life experience. But you don't need personal, first-hand experience in order to understand something. We would not think that a doctor, who is an oncologist, would not be able to treat cancer because he himself has never been sick. We also would not expect every doctor to treat cancer. It is the same with priests. Essentially marriage is a relationship and we've all been involved in different kinds of relationships: in our family, with our friends, and with God. And so counseling people about marriage is really helping them to look at the issues that really are part of their relationship, finding ways to better understand themselves in relationship to one another and in relationship to God. In many ways a priest's training, background, and experience, as well as his personal knowledge of many different relationships in families and couples, gives him a broad background from which to draw upon. Most priests are quite capable of helping couples prepare for marriage and discussing the issues that are important as they begin their life together. And they do not do it alone. With the help of married couples and specially trained counselors, most parishes offer a very good preparation for the sacrament of marriage. ©LPi

This Sunday at Mass, we hear how Jesus taught his disciples that the Holy Spirit will be sent to believers to teach them and remind them of his words. Can you share a time when you have felt inspired by the Holy Spirit? We can't wait to see you at Mass!

It is a beautiful morning in Sebastian! Praise God for one more day!

Fun Fact: In sacred art, we often see light radiating from the heads of the angels and saints. This light is known as a halo, and it's meant to symbolize that person's holiness and closeness to God.

Devotions, EXPLAINED! The words of the Hail Mary — undoubtedly the most recognizable Catholic prayer after the Lord’s Prayer — are deeply rooted in scripture, but Catholics did not begin to utilize the Hail Mary prayer in its current form until around the 11th century.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — If you love like me, Jesus tells his disciples, they will know you are mine. We shouldn’t leave any room for doubt in the minds of each and every person we encounter. Let the whole world know: we love like Christ, and we belong to Christ.

Question of the Week — Jesus modeled for his disciples how to love one another. Do you have friends or co-workers who show you how to love others?

Official inauguration of the papacy of Pope Leo XIV

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE May 11, 2025 4th Sunday of Easter John 10:27-30 A few years back, I felt as if I couldn’t hear God’s voice the way I used to. The words in the Bible seemed like cold ink on a page. Prayer felt like sitting anxiously in a lonely room. I was worried — how could I, a priest, preach or help others if I couldn’t hear God’s voice? It went on for months. Then a friend encouraged me to go on a retreat and spend as much time as possible in silence. After a day or two of quiet prayer, I noticed gentle but clear thoughts of repentance in two specific areas of my life. I asked God for the grace to change, and I went to confession. Suddenly, the divine silence that haunted me was filled with a sense of God’s closeness and goodness. I realized, gratefully, that God had been speaking to me in the quiet voice of my conscience. This week we hear Jesus say, “My sheep hear my voice. I know them and they follow me” (John 10:27). Jesus links the hearing of his voice to following him. He speaks to us in our conscience in an intimate, personal way, when we most need to hear him. When you feel deaf to God’s voice, perhaps it is time to listen in silence for His voice in your conscience calling you to hear and follow the Good Shepherd of your soul. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Who Can Offer Anointing of the Sick? Question: Can anyone offer the Anointing of the Sick to a sick or dying person, or is that only something a priest can do? Answer: The Letter of James speaks to us of the ancient tradition of a special anointing and blessing of those who are sick: “Is there anyone sick among you? Let him send for the presbyters of the Church and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord … If he has committed any sins, they will be forgiven him” (5:14, 15b). This passage forms the foundation for the theology of the sacrament that we call “Anointing of the Sick.” In keeping with what we read in the Letter of James and the ancient tradition of the Church, the anointing of a person of who sick or dying many only be performed by a priest or bishop. Although deacons and other members of the Church are not able to celebrate the sacrament with a person who is sick, we can read Sacred Scripture and pray with and for those who are ill. Resources like the Book of Blessings also contain special blessings that can be celebrated by deacons or lay ministers. In the end, we want to be sure that we show a special care and concern for the sick, helping them to always experience God’s loving comfort through made tangible through our acts of charity and service. ©LPi

This upcoming Sunday is Mother's Day! Do you or your family do something special for Mother's day?

Let us thank the Lord for our new Pope! Pope Leo XlV Our First American Pope! God Bless our Holy Father!

Fun Fact: The term "heavenly host" refers to the multitude of angels who serve God. The term "host" signifies an army or great many, and in this context, it refers to the angels who worship and serve God in heaven.

Devotions, EXPLAINED! Christians have used beads to mark the recitation of prayers since ancient times, but in the 12th century, the Rosary emerged as a meditative devotion centering on significant moments in the lives of Jesus and Mary.

May is the Month of Mary! In the gentle warmth of spring, we pause to honor Mary, whose “yes” brought salvation into the world. Let us use Mary's example guide us closer to her son, Jesus. Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE May 4, 2025 3rd Sunday of Easter John 21:1-19 I eat breakfast. If I don’t have something substantial, I’m fading by midmorning. Breakfast is my key meal because it sets up my physical wellbeing for the rest of the day. Spiritually speaking, we need sustenance to get us going. This is true for the Apostles in this Sunday’s remarkable Gospel reading. The risen Jesus makes his third appearance to them in the early morning light and calls, “Come, have breakfast” (John 21:12). The exhausted and cold fishermen sit, and he feeds them bread and fish as the dawn breaks. They are overwhelmed by his presence to the point of awestruck silence. As they eat, their bodies and their hearts come alive. Once refreshed by their morning meal, they will be ready to feed others — indeed, the whole world — with the love of the risen Jesus. But first, they need breakfast from him. Do you realize how essential early morning prayer is? Jesus desires to refresh us every morning with his word of love, with his grace-filled presence. This week, hear Jesus calling to you: “Come, have breakfast!” Embrace some form of spiritual, meditative practice each morning for spiritual strength to get you going. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Mass Celebrated Around the World Question: Is the Catholic Mass really celebrated the same throughout the whole world? Answer: One of the truisms of the Catholic Faith is that “wherever you go in the world, the Mass is the same.” In fact, the answer to this question is both “yes” and “no.” On the one hand, the essential elements of the Roman Rite are the same. The structure of the Mass as it is presented in the Roman Missal is consistent and this is one of the beauties of belonging to a liturgical tradition. On the other hand, however, there are elements of celebrations that can vary depending on the country or even local region you might be in. For example, in certain parts of the world, certain feasts and solemnities are celebrated on different days (even here in the United States the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord can be celebrated on Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter or it may take the place of the Seventh Sunday of Easter, depending on what diocese you are in). Whether it is the use of certain liturgical colors, local celebrations of regional saints, special seasonal blessings of crops or produce, or the use of dance and processions all demonstrate a sort of organic variety that can exist even within our established liturgical tradition. While we always respect what is essential to the rite, such local variations and traditions are very much in keeping with the vision of liturgical renewal and adaption envisioned by the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy (nos. 37-40). ©LPi

This Sunday, we hear the story of when Jesus bid the disciples to bring their bounty of fish to the fire, to gather around it, to be warmed and fed. God’s invitation is for all of us: come to the fire of His love. Be warmed. Be fed. Then, go forth, and feed the sheep. See you at Mass!

Today is the National day of Prayer! What is one of your favorite Catholic prayers?

Devotions, EXPLAINED! The rite of sprinkling, also called the Asperges rite, recalls the new life we receive in the waters of our baptism. Though most common during the Easter season, this rite can take place on any Sunday and is used in place of the penitential act.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK — The resurrected Jesus’ first words to his disciples are “Peace be with you.” How could you be a peacemaker this week with a family member or neighbor?

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — Thomas needed proof to believe the amazing things that had happened. God, in His mercy, gave him that proof — but it was up to Thomas to accept it. Do we accept the proof we see of God’s love every day?

Funeral Mass for Hank (Henry Silva) Will be on Monday, April 28, at 11:00 am At St. Sebastian Church. May his soul Rest In Peace!

On Tuesday, April 22, St. Sebastian had our Jubilee Year pilgrimage to St. Edwards Minor Basilica, Palm Beach.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE April 27, 2025 2nd Sunday of Easter John 20:19-31 It’s common for Catholics to hear the question, “Why do I have to go to a priest to have my sins forgiven?” I’ve never liked that question because not only is it clunky (confession is the ordinary way for the pardoning of serious sins, not lesser ones). But it misses the larger context: the wonderful origins of the sacrament itself. And this context is deeply Jewish. Ancient Jews associated forgiveness of sins with priests offering sacrifices in the Jerusalem temple. It was a solemn, public, and tangible way to access God’s mercy. So when the risen Jesus breathes on the Apostles and says, “Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained” (John 20:23), the upshot is remarkable: he is the new temple and his Apostles are the new priests. Jerusalem is no longer the place to find forgiveness from sin. Jesus’ body, the Church, is. So why should we go to the Sacrament of Confession? For the same reason ancient Jews went to the temple in Jerusalem: to experience the intimacy, joy, and life-giving power of God’s eternal forgiveness. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Instruction on Receiving Communion Question: How many times a day can a person receive communion? Answer: To find an answer to this question, we need to turn to the Church’s Code of Canon Law. Here we read, “One who has received the blessed Eucharist may receive it again on the same day only within a Eucharistic celebration in which that person participates …” (no. 917). This tells us that the standard answer would be that we can receive communion twice in a day. Having said that, we also want to be sure that we pay attention to the entire instruction. The phrase “within a Eucharistic celebration in which that person participates” is important. It means a) that we always have to think of receiving communion as being within a celebration of the Mass and b) we have to be participants in that celebration – we can’t simply show up “in time” for communion. So, when would this rule apply? For example, if you attend Mass on a Saturday morning and then take part in the Sunday Vigil Mass on Saturday evening, you could licitly receive communion at both celebrations. Or, another example, if you receive communion at a wedding or funeral Mass, you could also receive communion at a daily Mass or Sunday Vigil celebrated on the same day. We always want to be sure that we observe the rules for fasting from food and drink before receiving the eucharist (see Code of Canon Law, no. 919). We should also remember that the Code of Canon Law instructs that anyone who is in danger of death or seriously ill may also receive communion a second time (no. 91, §2). ©LPi

This Sunday is Divine Mercy Sunday. Sunday at 3:00 pm we will have the expsoition of the Blessed Sacrament and Divine Mercy Chaplet. O Blood and Water that redeems and saves, have mercy on us! O Blood and Water that heals and restores, have mercy on us! O Blood and Water that strengthens and renews, have mercy on us! Amen.

Easter Sunday may be over, but our parish is just getting started! We celebrate Easter for 50 days leading up to Pentecost. Why? Because one day just isn't enough for the greatest victory of all!

We have planned for a Mass of Remembrance and Thanksgiving for Pope Francis. It will be on Thursday (April 24, 2025) at 6:00 pm, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, Sebastian, Florida. Please get the word out and let us come together in Remembrance of our Beloved Holy Father and in Thanksgiving for his ministry to the church and world at large.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — There is an invitation in the empty tomb and the abandoned burial cloths. What great things could we accomplish, if we only believe that Christ has conquered death? Go forth this Easter season, boldly embracing the hope of the resurrection.

Today we celebrate Earth Day! A Prayer for Earth Day — Lord, may You guide us in our care for creation. May Your love for Your people teach us to love the most vulnerable among us by protecting our planet —our shared environment and home that sustains us. Help us steward our living world and the resources you freely give us. Thank You for the Earth! In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Holy Father Pope Francis has gone to Our Father’s Home. Let us thank the Lord for his ministry to the church and world. May his soul Rest In Peace!

Prayer for Easter — Blessed be God who has triumphed over the grave! Our Lord is victorious! Alleluia, alleluia! May the joy of Easter fill every part of our lives! Amen.

Easter Vigil at St.Sebastian Christ is Risen! Alleluia! Indeed Christ is Risen! Alleluia!

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE April 20, 2025 Easter Sunday John 20: 1-9 When I was a young boy, my parents told me about their wedding. Then a few years later, they showed me my mother’s wedding dress and my dad’s suit. It was astonishing to see and touch garments that connected me to the event that led to my existence. Of course, I already believed they were married based on their word. But these holy garments made the event real and tangible for me. Something like this is at play when St. John reports encountering in Jesus’ tomb, “the cloth that had covered his head, not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place” (John 20:7). Those two separate cloths, for his head and for his body respectively, meant a great deal to St. John and to the early Christians. Some years after the resurrection, there surfaced reports of two cloths with unusual characteristics, one bearing the image of a crucified man’s body, another smaller one with the image of a wounded man’s face. Some call them the Shroud of Turin and the Veil of Manoppello; they both can be seen today. These two cloths have a long and complicated history, and scholars debate aspects of them. If you’re curious, I encourage you to read about them. To be clear, I believe in the resurrection of Jesus because of the testimony of eyewitnesses and the gift of faith in the Church. Nevertheless, seeing these two mysterious cloths have made the life-giving event of Jesus’ resurrection more real and tangible for me. Maybe they will for you, too. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Happy Easter from St. Sebastian Easter Vigil Saturday at 7:30 pm Easter Sunday Masses 7:30, 9:30, 9:45 (LeSage Hall) & 11:30 am. Easter Egg Hunt after 9:30 am Mass.

It is Holy Saturday. Blessing of Food will take place at 9:00 am Our Solemn Easter Vigil will begin at 7:30 pm.

Today is Good Friday. As we move through the sacred Triduum, we prepare our hearts for Jesus. At St. Sebastian our Celebration of the Passion will begin at 3:00 pm It will be followed by a communal meal of Soups and Bread We will have our Live Passion from 7:00 pm

Today, Holy Thursday, is the start of the Triduum. At St. Sebastian we have a Mass in the morning at 9:00 am for those who can not drive at night. Our solemn celebration will begin at 6:00 pm. it will be followed by eucharistic procession to LeSage Hall and adoration at the Altar of Repose until 10:00 pm.

Devotions, EXPLAINED! The Seven Churches Pilgrimage is the practice of visiting seven different churches on Holy Thursday, in imitation of the journey of Christ on the eve of his crucifixion. Normaly it is done during the time of adoration after the solemn celebration of Maundy thursday.

HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE AT ST. SEBASTIAN, SEBASTIAN, FLORIDA

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — The disciples followed Jesus’ careful instructions for his entry to Jerusalem, even though they did not understand his words. Today, we too, look ahead to his arrival. In obedience, let us prepare the way for the King.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE April 13, 2025 Palm Sunday Luke 19:28-40 “As he rode along, the people were spreading their cloaks on the road.” (Luke 19:36) Consider how useless it is to spread your clothes on the ground for a donkey to walk on. The clothes get smeared with hooves, and who knows the grimy places where they’ve been? The animal may leave some unsavory presents on them. They may get stolen by a thief looking to make a buck. The thorns, thistles, rocks and muck of the road will leave stains. The clothes may never be useful again, and you’ll probably walk home shivering without your normal covering. Yet this is precisely the gesture the people employ to welcome Jesus and his donkey. Why does this detail matter? Wastefulness is an essential part of celebration. Consider the unnecessary extravagance of Christmas decorations, confetti and ticker tape parades, baseball players spraying each other with bottles of champagne after a victory, birthday gifts for kids and so on. This wastefulness signals celebration and therefore participation in higher identities (as believers, winners, and parents, to mention the above examples). That’s what the wasted cloaks are all about. Those who donate their cloaks participate in Christ’s kingship in Jerusalem — and we savor it two thousand years later. The lesson? Learn how to “waste” money, time, clothes, and food on Christ. We do this at Mass, but in so many other ways, too, like serving the poor, going on retreats, and doing prayerful study. When we practice this holy wastefulness, Jesus will ride into our lives and we’ll be more deeply members of his kingdom. — Father John Muir ©LPi

On Friday evening “Seven Last Words of the Lord” was enacted by our Children, helping us to begin our journey through Holy Week. We thank them, their parents, teachers and Miss Debbie Bova.

Communion Question: Why can't everyone who wants to receive Communion, receive Communion at Mass? Answer: Outside of the Church, many organizations have all sorts of requirements for membership: dues, achievements, professional standings, etc. The requirements bring the group together in common purposes and goals. Within the Church, there are also basic “requirements” for receiving the sacraments. As Catholics, we believe that the Eucharist is the true “Bread of Life.” It is the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Jesus Christ. When we receive the Eucharist, we are receiving Jesus. Out of reverence for Christ, only those in union with this teaching and in a state of grace should receive communion. As Catholics, we should abstain from communion if we are in mortal sin. While we share many articles of faith with our Protestant brothers and sisters, their understanding of this teaching is fundamentally different. For most non-Catholic churches, they do not believe that Christ becomes truly present in the Eucharist. As such, they should not receive communion in a Catholic Church. These differences are greater for people of non-Christian faiths, and even more apparent for those who do not believe in God. Receiving communion is not a right, but a gift to be accepted in humble, trusting faith. ©LPi

This weekend, we celebrate Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week! Dear Lord, I open my heart to You, offering every day and night to You in sacred surrender. I pray for the grace to accompany You in a special way this Holy Week, joining and offering the trials I encounter on our shared journey to the cross …. and to a victorious hope. Amen.

Fun Fact — The story of Jonah being swallowed up in the belly of a whale for three days symbolizes Christ being in the tomb for three days before His resurrection from the dead.

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