This weekend is the Second Sunday of Advent. At Mass, we'll hear about how John the Baptist held up a mirror to the chosen people. He urged them to look at what they saw there. This Advent, will we look in the mirror? Will we choose repentance?

Fun Fact: "Advent" is the four weeks before Christmas, a time to prepare for Jesus' birth. An Advent wreath's candles mark each week's arrival.

Devotions, EXPLAINED! St. Nicholas is sometimes merged with the modern figure of Santa Claus in the collective imagination. But St. Nicholas was a real-life bishop, a follower of Jesus whose example of Christian self-giving endures hundreds of years after his death.

GIVING TUESDAY GivingTuesday is a Movement that Unleashes the Power of Radical Generosity Around the World.Whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts, and everyone has something to give. on this Giving Tuesday 2025 if you want to donate to St. Sebastian Catholic Church please click the link below. Thank you for your generoity. https://www.wesharegiving.org/app/giving/WeShare-1626?tab=home

Jesus taught his disciples that no one knows when the Son of Man will return, so you must always be prepared. How do you plan to use the season of Advent this year to welcome Jesus into your life?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE November 30, 2025 First Sunday of Advent Matthew 24:37-44 A few years ago, my house was broken into on Super Bowl Sunday. Turns out, it’s a great day for burglars. If the TV isn’t on, people are probably watching the game somewhere else, so … easy pickins’. I’ll never forget walking into my bedroom and realizing someone had been there. My stuff was thrown all over the floor. The closet was torn apart. It was disorienting and disturbing — someone had invaded the space I thought was secure. After that, I bought an alarm system. And every Super Bowl Sunday since, I’m extra careful to lock the doors and keep the lights on. That experience made me more alert. Not scared. Just attentive. That’s much like the spiritual place Jesus wants us to be on this first Sunday of Advent. He doesn’t start the season with soft candlelight and cozy manger scenes. He starts with two brutal images: a flood and a thief. In other words, chaos and violation. Why? Because life will flood us. Chaos will come. And in the midst of it, Christ will come like a thief — not to steal from us, but to steal us back. He is the intruder we should want. The one who breaks in, not to ransack, but to rescue. Christ presents himself as the thief but also the new Noah. He builds the ark of the Church to carry us through the flood. And he invites us to join him. How? By participating fully in our parishes. By making our homes places of prayer. By guarding our hearts with truth. By refusing to let spiritual complacency leave us exposed. By repentance. This Advent, don’t just stay vaguely “awake.” Prepare. Build. Watch. The flood will come. But so will he. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Can Catholics Gamble? Question: The Bible says that Jesus condemned gambling, but I notice that so many parishes have them at festivals and other events. What’s correct? Answer: Although Jesus speaks of our relationship with material wealth and the very human struggle with greed, the gospels do not include any specific instructions related to gambling. At the same time, the Church is very sensitive to the needs of those who might struggle with an addiction to gambling, and pastoral care should always be offered to those who struggle with this reality in their life. While it is true that many parish or school communities include gambling or games of chance in festivals and fundraisers (e.g. bingo, roulette, ring tossing, dunking booths, etc.), there is nothing inherently wrong these sorts of events, given they are played fairly and within the limits of reason are not morally objectionable. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us: “Games of chance (card games, etc.) or wagers are not in themselves contrary to justice. They become morally unacceptable when they deprive someone of what is necessary to provide for his needs and those of others” (no. 2413). As in all things, moderation and a sense of healthy limits should be applied to gambling and games of chance. For those who find themselves living with addiction to gambling, help is available in various 12-step and addiction recovery programs. ©LPi

This weekend, we celebrate the beginning of Advent. At Mass, we'll hear about how Jesus taught his disciples that no one knows when the Son of Man will return, so you must always be prepared. How do you plan to use the season of Advent this year to welcome Jesus into your life? See you at Mass!

St. Sebastian meal ministry will be delivering 350 Thanksgiving meals today. Let us thank them for their ministry. Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! Before your feast, come feed your soul with gratitude at the table of the Lord. Join us for Mass at 8:30 am. All are welcome!

A beautiful morning in Sebastian!!! Have a good morning everyone!

Devotions, EXPLAINED! The Jesse Tree is an Advent practice which recounts the history of salvation by tracing the lineage of Christ — the foretold “shoot from the stump of Jesse” who will bring peace and unity to the people of God (Isaiah 11:1).

QUESTION OF THE WEEK — Jesus assured the repentant criminal crucified next to him that he would be with him in paradise. Who might you offer words of comfort to this week?

This past weekend, we celebrated Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, also known as the Feast of Christ the King. Our king wears a crown of thorns, not a crown of gold. His glory is not in riches but in suffering. His law is written in his own blood, shed for the love of us. Do we understand the gift that it is, to be subject to such a king?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE November 23, 2025 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Luke 23:35-43 Not long ago, I was called to a hospital to anoint a woman in her early 80s. She was dying, and visibly in pain. But what struck me most wasn’t her suffering — it was the atmosphere in the room. She had eight children and 30 foster kids, and many of them were gathered around her. You’d expect sorrow, fear, maybe even despair. But the room was filled with something else entirely — a quiet strength, a kind of sweetness. It was as if she was suffering not just with them, but for them. And they, in love, were suffering for her. The pain was real. But so was the peace. I didn’t want to run. I felt as if I was in a little paradise, beeping machines and all. I think of that moment when I hear today’s Gospel. Jesus, hanging on the cross, doesn’t look like a king. But one of the crucified, dying men beside him sees through the suffering and says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). That word — remember — literally means to make someone a member again. He’s asking to be joined to Christ, to become part of his Body. And Jesus says, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” He doesn’t say, “I’ll take your suffering away.” He says, “You will be with me.” That’s the strange power of Christ the King. He doesn’t rule by avoiding suffering. He reigns by entering into it, and transforming it with love. What are you suffering right now in your life? Likely you want it to stop. But if we are willing to suffer with him — paradise begins even today. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Today after 4:00 pm Mass we blessed the newly installed statue of St. Francis of Assisi on the north side of our church. This statue is installed in our church campus in memory of Claire Marie Ranahan who was a sacristan for many years. It was donated by her family. May her soul rest in peace!

Can We Chew Gum at Mass?😀😀😀 Question: Does chewing gum break the fast before Communion? Answer: If you look in Canon Law or in the Catechism, there is no mention of chewing gum. I guess it does not rate the attention of the universal church! The Church requires us to fast for one hour before we receive the Eucharist. Basically, we are to refrain from food and drink, not including water or medicine. There are also exceptions for people who are ill. Overall, the fast is intended for us to prepare ourselves to receive the Eucharist and in some small way to literally as well as spiritually hunger for what we are about to receive. Chewing gum, while not really food, does at least break the spirit of the fast. Besides that, it is a distraction and rude. What do you do with the gum when it is time to receive Communion? People have actually come to the altar chewing away, oblivious to what they were doing or Who they were receiving. At best, it is distracting and irreverent. At worst, it adds a barrier to giving our best to receiving God's best. ©LPi

Today is the Feast of the Presentation of Mary. The faithfulness of Mary's parents reminds us to offer our lives wholly to God, just as she did. Mary, pray for us, that we may always respond generously to God’s call.

St. Sebastian Women's Guild Holiday Bazaar LeSage Hall, 13075 US Hwy 1 Friday & Saturday, November 21 & 22 9 AM to 2 PM both days Raffles, 50/50, Bake Sale Christmas Decorations & Gifts Jewelry, Christmas Cards, Resin Items Religious Items, Quilted Items, Florals, Jewelry, Pottery, Diamond Art Crafts, Light Lunch.

Fun Fact: This Sunday, we celebrate the Feast of Christ the King! It was instituted in 1925 as a reminder that Jesus is our Lord and Savior.

Devotions, EXPLAINED! An Advent Wreath consists of a circle of evergreen and four candles, one for each week of Advent. Three of the candles are purple; one is rose, representing Gaudete Sunday, a time of rejoicing at the closeness of Christmas.

Prayer in Seasons of Trust — O Lord, Be with me now, I feel so alone. Bring Your blessings to me, like the light of a candle in darkness. Wrap me in Your mercy, give me strength to face every hardship. Amen.

LIVE THE LITURGY —Jesus’ words this past Sunday were filled with fire and brimstone, vivid with images of pain, suffering, confusion — and, ultimately, peace. Do we believe what he promises? Do we have the endurance to stay with him until the end?

We had twi very successful "Christ Renews us" (CRU) retreats here at St. Sebastian, in consecutive weekends. Response from our Faith Family was overwhelming and all those in attendance had wonderful time of renewal and fellowship. Let us thank the giving teams, both Blue shirts (women) and Black shirts (men). They worked hard for the last six months to make these retreats special. Let us pray that those who attended these retreats pick up the torch and move forward being in the path of renewal and greater commitment in their Christian way of living and become more active in the life of our Faith Family.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE November 16, 2025 Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 21:5-19 When I was a kid growing up in New England, I’d occasionally go on a whale watch. Once we went out with calm waters and clear skies. But on the way back in, the sea got rough. I was just a kid, and I remember thinking we should turn left or right toward the shoreline I could see. But the pilot of the boat kept going straight — right into the waves — focused on a small, discouragingly distant lighthouse. Even when it flickered in and out of sight, he stayed the course. He knew where he was going. That image comes to mind when I hear Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel regarding false messiahs: “Do not follow them” (Luke 21:8). In times of chaos or uncertainty, there are always voices offering easier routes, promising false safety, claiming to speak for God. But Jesus isn’t found in the loudest voice or the nearest shoreline. He is steady, like a lighthouse in the storm. The tribulation of which Jesus speaks — it’s real. It happened to the Temple, it happened to him, it happens in the Church, and it will come to each of us. But the command is not to panic. It’s to endure. To keep steering toward him. Faith isn’t about having all the answers or dodging every wave. It’s about knowing where the lighthouse is — and trusting it enough to keep going, especially when false safety beckons us to stop. — Father John Muir ©LPi

What Are “Special” Masses? Question: Why do Parishes Offer Special Masses like Thanksgiving and Memorial Day, even though they’re not Holy Days of Obligation? Am I obligated to attend? Answer: Out of respect for the various civil celebrations that take place during the year, many dioceses and parishes will host special Masses. However, while it always worthwhile to come together to worship as a community, Catholics are not obligated to attend these celebrations. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church notes, the only times that we are obligated to participate in celebrations of the Eucharist are on Sundays and holy days of obligation: The first precept ("You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor") requires the faithful to sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord as well as the principal liturgical feasts honoring the mysteries of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints; in the first place, by participating in the Eucharistic celebration, in which the Christian community is gathered, and by resting from those works and activities which could impede such a sanctification of these days. ©LPi

This weekend at Mass, we'll hear about how Jesus forewarned his followers that they will be persecuted for their faith in him, even by relatives and friends. How do you support friends and co-workers who are fellow believers? See you at Mass!

Prayer of Missionary Zeal – Dear Lord, Give us eyes to see the depth of grace You provide to Your Church. May that goodness ignite in us fire to share the truth of Your mercy with every soul we encounter. Amen.

Devotions, EXPLAINED! Simbang Gabi is a Filipino tradition of nine early-morning votive Masses offered in anticipation of Christmas. Celebrations follow Mass, where delicacies like baked rice cakes and breakfast rolls are enjoyed.

Today, we pause to honor all those who have served in the United States. As a faith community, we give thanks for their service and pray for peace in our world. To all veterans: Thank you, and may God bless you!

QUESTION OF THE WEEK – The disciples understood the full meaning of Jesus’ cleansing of the temple only after his resurrection from the dead. What has hindsight taught you about your life?

With the Holy Mass we concluded our CRU “Christ Renews Us” retreat for women at St. Sebastian. It was a day full of grace, peace and joy!!!

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE November 9, 2025 The Dedication of the Lateran Basilica John 2:13-22 When I was 22, I entered St. Peter’s Basilica for the first time. It floored me. I could hardly take it in, its grandeur, majestic arches, vibrant colors, and the light that danced through its high windows. Somehow, amidst such splendor, I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging, as if I had finally come home. Jesus reorients how we Catholics see sacred buildings. In today’s Gospel he says, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up” (John 2:13-22). His riddle implies, shockingly, that his own body is now the fundamental dwelling place of God and humanity. The temple in Jerusalem has been superseded. In our churches today — whether they mirror the basilica’s grandeur or embrace humble simplicity — we experience architectural symbols of Christ’s risen body. It is no accident we call them “churches”: they make visible in brick-and-mortar Christ’s body which is made up of the living stones we call Christians. Each church building, like St. John Lateran in Rome, or St. Peter’s, or any other, is meant to be a vibrant sign of Christ’s resurrected body. We should cherish and protect our churches as places where heaven touches earth, where we, as a community, are raised to the fullness of life in Christ. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Why Are There Liturgical Cycles? Question: Why Does the Church Have Different Liturgical Cycles? Answer: While most Catholics know that the Church Year is divided into various seasons (e.g. Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time, etc.), many are unaware that the one Church Year is not like the one that follows. While the main seasons and feasts are the same from year to year, the 3-year cycle for Sundays and the 2-year cycle for weekdays means that, as a general rule, the readings in the Lectionary that we hear at Mass will change from year to year, helping us to have a richer encounter with Sacred Scripture. Each new cycle begins with the beginning of the liturgical year, the First Sunday of Advent. The reasoning behind this innovation is outlined in Sacrosanctum Concilium, the “Dogmatic Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy” of the Second Vatican Council: “The treasures of the bible are to be opened up more lavishly, so that richer fare may be provided for the faithful at the table of God's word. In this way a more representative portion of the holy scriptures will be read to the people in the course of a prescribed number of years” (no. 51). This was fully achieved in 1969 when the new cycles of readings were approved by Pope Saint Paul VI. To learn more about the Liturgy of the Word within the Mass, visit: www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/the-mass/order-of-mass/liturgy-of-the-word/index.cfm ©LP

“You are the temple of God,” Paul tells us. But in this weekend's Gospel reading, we see how easily even temple areas become corrupted. Jesus, purge the greed and selfishness from our hearts. Make them fit dwellings for your Holy Spirit. See you at Mass!

Tonight we had the “Sending Forth” Mass for the giving team of Christ Renews Us (CRU) retreat this weekend at St. Sebastian. Let us pray for the giving team and all those who are attending the retreat.

LIVE THE LITURGY - To live with Christ, we must die with him. But what does this mean? What does this look like in the ordinary life of a Christian? We must ask God for the wisdom to see our own crosses, so that we may carry them into the newness of life.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK — This past weekend, we heard how Jesus taught the crowds that anyone who believes in him will have eternal life and be raised from the dead on the last day. How do others know you believe in Jesus?

This past Sunday was The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls’ Day). To honor this sacred feast, we pray for all of the souls in Purgatory who are being purified before entering into Heaven. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them!

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE November 2, 2025 The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed John 6:37-40 I lost my wallet this year. It was such an annoyance to replace everything in it. A friend, moved by sympathy, gave me a beautiful new one. One month later I lost that one, too, with all my newly replaced cards. No matter what I did, I couldn’t find what I had lost. I resigned myself to never seeing either of my wallets again. Fortunately, the Lord Jesus is not like me in this regard. In today’s Gospel (John 6:37–40), he says, “This is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me.” Jesus, unlike me, is ever vigilant with what the Father has given him. He searches for every lost soul — as the shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to pursue the one lost sheep, or the woman rejoices upon recovering a lost coin — and even descends to the depths of loss on the cross and into the realm of the dead to recover that which seems forever lost. On All Souls’ Day, as we remember our faithful departed, these words kindle a hope beyond hope in our hearts. Even the dead are not lost to Jesus, though they may seem so to us. Nothing entrusted to him by the Father is ever truly lost. So, we may hope that every soul, no matter how wandering or forgotten in life, is secure in his loving care and destined to be raised on the last day. Of what the Father gives him, he loses nothing. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Obligation: Mass or Communion? Question: Are Catholics obligated to attend Mass each Sunday, or receive Communion each Sunday? Answer: The questions about Mass attendance and the reception of Holy Communion are clearly outlined in what are traditionally called the “Precepts” of the Church. These specific teachings are intended to stand alongside the Ten Commandments as fundamental practices for Catholics and are outlined in the Code of Canon Law. The obligations related to Mass attendance and receiving Communion are outlined in the first and third precepts, which we find quoted in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (no. 2042): The first precept ("You shall attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation and rest from servile labor") requires the faithful to sanctify the day commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord as well as the principal liturgical feasts honoring the mysteries of the Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the saints; in the first place, by participating in the Eucharistic celebration, in which the Christian community is gathered, and by resting from those works and activities which could impede such a sanctification of these days. The third precept ("You shall receive the sacrament of the Eucharist at least during the Easter season") guarantees as a minimum the reception of the Lord's Body and Blood in connection with the Paschal feasts, the origin and center of the Christian liturgy. Rather than seeing these as obligations that are simply to be fulfilled out of a sense of duty, Pope Saint John Paul II reminds us of the grace that is made available to us when we gather for Sunday celebrations of the Eucharist: “Sunday is the day which is at the very heart of the Christian life… Time given to Christ is never time lost, but is rather time gained, so that our relationships and indeed our whole life may become more profoundly human” (Dies Domini, no. 7). ©LPi

All Saints Day Saturday, November 1 is All Saints Day. This year it is not a Holy Day of Obligation. Our Mass schedule is as follows: Vigil Mass on October 31 at 5:30 pm. Feast day Mass on November 1 at 8:30 am.

It's All Hallows' Eve! This day reminds us that some pretty amazing feasts are coming up! Tomorrow we celebrate All Saints Day — honoring the saints in heaven and asking for their intercession. Then comes All Souls Day — when we pray for all the faithful departed. These holy days invite us to remember those who have gone before us and to celebrate the Kingdom of God together. Following is the schedule for the Feast of All the Saints Vigil Mass today at 5:30 pm Feast day Mass tommorrow at 8:30 am

Fun Fact: St. Francis of Assisi is often depicted with birds, a nod to his witness of preaching God's goodness to all creation. St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us!

Devotions, EXPLAINED! Often one of the first prayers taught to children, the Guardian Angel Prayer consists of two rhyming couplets invoking the protection of one’s guardian angel. Its exact authorship is unknown, but it originated in the medieval period.

Prayer of Praise – Dear God, As we look to the week ahead, help us to remember that You will accompany us at every moment — You who greet us with mercy anew every morning, and grace in abundance each night. Amen.

LIVE THE LITURGY -The Pharisee took such pride in his good deeds that he forgot to ask God for forgiveness; the tax collector acknowledged his many sins and went home justified. Remember that we are saved not by our own merit, but by the mercy of God.

Blessing of the statue of Christ the Redeemer Today after 9:30 am Mass we gathered around the newly installed statue of “Christ the Redeemer” and the fountain in our church campus for its blessing. It was made possible by Sarasek Family in Loving Memory of Peggy Lynch and Megan Sarasek. May this statue help us to grow closer to Christ our Redeemer, every time we pass it by. We thank Mr. Peter Sarasek and Family for this gift to our Faith Family.

Trunk o Treat…

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE October 26, 2025 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 18:9-14 Every now and then readers of these reflections write letters in which they object to something. Years ago, this Gospel of Luke 18 prompted such an email. A man wrote to me: “I find it deeply offensive that you suggest we are still sinners once we are God’s sons and daughters.” His objection stirred in me a profound awareness of the paradox at the heart of our faith. Are we sinners or beloved children of God? In this Gospel (Luke 18:9-14), a tax collector appears as one who has missed the mark. His sins have isolated him. His breast-beating is not an act of self-flagellation for pride’s sake but a heartfelt admission of his failure and unworthiness. Remarkably, Jesus honors the candid humility of the parable’s penitent. Why? Because we are always in need of mercy, always. But even more, perhaps because on the cross, Jesus will fully embrace a similar place of humiliation and rejection. He will enter into the most shameful, offensive place of the sinner so that we might “go home justified.” There is a sacred tension in admitting that we are sinners and yet have profound hope. We are beloved sons and daughters of God, growing precisely through our honest acceptance of failure. When we cry, “Have mercy on us,” during Mass or when we repeat the “Jesus Prayer” in quiet moments, or in the confessional, we embrace our imperfections as fertile ground for divine grace. In doing so, we follow Christ’s example — finding true exaltation in the humble acknowledgment of our human frailty. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Strike our Chest: Penitential Act Question: When we say the Penitential Act at Mass, why do we strike our chest three times? Answer: Our rituals and liturgical celebrations are filled with a variety of symbols, some of which also relate to our gestures and physical postures (e.g. kneeling, sitting, processing, making the Sign of the Cross). The custom of striking our breast three times during the “I Confess” of the Penitential Act of the Mass is one of those gestures that is loaded with symbolism. The tradition of Christian’s striking the breast (above the heart) is rooted in the image of Sacred Scripture, especially texts like Psalm 51 which speak of a “humbled contrite heart” or how God heals broken hearts, binding up our wounds (see Psalm 147:3). Early Christian writers like Saint Augustine of Hippo and Saint Jerome also refer to this custom in their writings. Ultimately, this practice is an expression of our sorrow for those times when we have been guilty of faults and a sign that we are willing to take responsibility for our sins and failings. That we all perform this gesture together is also an act of solidarity, recognizing that none of us, regardless of where we are on our journey of faith, is without fault and the need for grace and forgiveness. ©LPi

Pumpkin patch and parish picnic

At Mass this weekend we'll read, “For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Lk 18:14) Are you living a life of humility? Do the leaders you encounter — whether your boss, teachers, or political leaders — lead with humility? Something to reflect on as we prepare for Mass. See you Sunday!

Prayer for Life of Mission – Dear God, You are the one who finds a way in the darkness, and clears the path for those You love. Help us to trust in Your call, and to answer generously to the unknowns we face, knowing You will never leave us alone. Amen.

Devotions, EXPLAINED! The Our Father, also known as The Lord’s Prayer, is found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Universally beloved in most traditions of Christianity, its words are those of Jesus Christ himself as he answers his disciples’ queries on how best to pray.

Fun Fact – Catholic missionaries spread the love of God across the world, a message that everyone needs to hear! This past weekend, we celebrated and prayed for our world's Catholic missionaries. Do you know any missionaries? How do you support their mission?

QUESTION OF THE WEEK – With the parable of the persistent widow, Jesus teaches the disciples about the importance of praying often to God. When do you find yourself praying?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE October 19, 2025 Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 18:1-8 A woman in my parish has an adult son who has rejected his faith. She prays for him every day. She lights candles, says rosaries, and asks God again and again to bring him back. But nothing changes. Is God listening? Is He delaying? She told me once that she feels like the widow in Jesus’ strange parable — crying out for justice, but hearing only silence. And yet, she said, she is at peace. I asked why. She responded, “God is already answering. I just can’t see it yet.” She embodies something of the mystery in Jesus’ parable this week in Luke 18. A powerless widow demands justice from a corrupt judge. This isn’t about wearing God down until He gives in. It’s about faith in the justice that is already coming. The widow isn’t just persistent; she believes that justice is inevitable. And when Jesus points to the judge’s words — his fear of being “struck” — He hints at something deeper: God’s justice does not creep in gradually. It strikes. It comes like lightning. Blessed Mary is, of course, the ultimate widow demanding justice. At the foot of the cross she stands before what looks like the ultimate injustice — the brutal execution of her son. But she did not despair. She did not beg for a last-minute rescue. She knew that justice was not delayed. In fact, it was happening. The power of the cross was already unleashing justice upon the world — suddenly, decisively, like a blow that would topple every corrupt power, making even the most corrupt fear her strike. This parable asks us: will the Son of Man find faith on earth? Or will we mistake God’s silence for absence? The cross proves that justice is not slow. It is only hidden. The lightning has already struck. In the cross, justice is speedily being done. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Rosaries as Decorations Question: I’ve seen people hang rosaries over the rear-view mirrors in their cars and a few of them wear them around their necks. Is it OK to do that? Answer: The practice of hanging a rosary or a religious medal off of the rearview mirror of one’s car is a fairly popular custom across many cultures. While there is no particular rule approving or condemning this practice, we should also be mindful of the respect and reverence due to religious objects and devotional items (i.e. sacramentals). An important point to consider would be the reason why one chooses to place a rosary or religious medal in our cars. Is it a reminder of the protection and intercession of Mary and the saints? Does it encourage us to be mindful of God’s presence, even in such a mundane task as driving? Is it an outward expression of our more private devotions? One advantage of having a rosary or religious medal in our cars is that it can also serve as a reminder to pray when we travel, asking for protection for ourselves and for other motorists or commuters. Certainly, invoking the protection and prayers of the saints is a wonderful practice for families, helping to reinforce our belief in the communion of saints and the care and concern we owe to one another. ©LPi

This weekend we celebrate World Mission Sunday! On this special day, Catholics around the world unite in prayer and support for the Church’s global missionary work. We turn to the patron saints of missionaries, St. Francis Xavier and St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and ask for their intercession.

Prayer of Gratitude – Dear Lord, Every day is full of blessings from Your generous hands. Thank You for waking us this morning, filling our lungs with breath. Thank you for the ways You are healing our past, working in the present, and opening possibilities for the future. Amen

Devotions, EXPLAINED! A creed (from the Latin “credo,” meaning “I believe) is a summary of the most important articles of faith agreed upon by a group of people who hold them as truth. Tradition has given us not just the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds, but many more.

October is the Month of the Rosary! Will you take on the challenge of praying the rosary every day for the rest of the month? There will be a special public square rosary on October 11, at noon infront of the chrurch. All are welcome

LIVE THE LITURGY - If we have faith, we call out to God and we beg him for healing. But when our faith is rewarded, what then? Do we take our miracle and run? No, we must return to the source of our healing to say, “You have changed me, Lord. Now help me change others.”

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE October 12, 2025 Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 17:11-19 Dorothy Day, the great Catholic activist, doubted God’s existence. At least in her early adult years. But something changed when after giving birth to her daughter, she experienced an overwhelming gratitude. She later described how, as she held her daughter, the only appropriate response was a kind of unlimited gratitude. She had done nothing to deserve such a gift — this tiny, miraculous life — but there she was, flooded with gratitude, completely undone by the love of such a Giver. Something similar occurs in Luke 17:19 when Jesus tells a healed leper, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” This man had already received physical healing through his faith. But the moment of an even deeper transformation came when he turned back, fell at Jesus’ feet, and gave thanks. Like Dorothy, this man’s gratitude led him to encounter the Giver. Isn’t that what we want, too? Gratitude to God has the power to break our chains of sadness, bitterness, and disenchantment. It empowers us to step out of the prison of self-pity and into the reality of God’s abundant love. It shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have received, from what wounds us to what heals us. Where do we learn this? The Mass. The priest prays: “It is truly right and just, our duty and our salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks.” Always. Everywhere. Not just when life is easy. Not just when prayers are answered as we expect. Gratitude is not a passive feeling; it is an act of faith. In the eucharist, we remember that Christ himself has given everything for us. And in this act of gratitude, we are healed. — Father John Muir ©LPi

There will be a Rosary Rally at 12 noon today, Saturday 10/11. It will take place in front of the church, near the statue of St. Sebastian. Please bring a seat for yourself.

Church Teaching About suicide Question: What does the Church say about suicide? Answer: Unfortunately, despite the Church’s clear teachings in resources like the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults, there are still many people who are confused about what the Church teaches regarding the tragic reality of suicide. While we hold that all life is sacred, we are also all-too aware that psychological, emotional and even physical illness — as well as extreme anxiety, fear, and abuse — can lead individuals to take their own lives. Speaking to this, the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults reflects, “Although suicide is always objectively sinful, one should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives” (pg. 294). The text also states the reality of illness or other extreme influences can “diminish the responsibility of one committing suicide” (pg. 293). Parishes and grief support groups should show special care and concern for those families that have lost a loved one to suicide. And, communities should always try to be mindful of those who might be at risk of suicide or self-harm. If someone is contemplating suicide, please know that help is available, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255). ©LPi

This weekend we hear in the Gospel how Jesus praises the cleansed leper who returned to thank him personally. Is there someone in your life that you should be thanking? See you at Mass!

There will be a Rosary Rally at 12 noon this Saturday 10/11. It will take place in front of the church, near the statue of St. Sebastian. Please bring a seat for yourself. This is a day where Rosary Rallies will be going on all over the country at noon time per the requests of OUR LADY OF FATIMA.

Prayer to Respect Life – Dear God, Help us to hear Your voice, especially when You speak on behalf of the voiceless, the overlooked, and the forgotten. Keep our ears attuned, and work through us in a way that loves, blesses, assures, supports, and strengthens LIFE. Amen.

Devotions, EXPLAINED! This popular phrase is an affirmation of God’s faithfulness amidst the trials of life, a theme that is presented again and again in Scripture: come what may, God will be with us.

Today we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary! This feast commemorates the Battle of Lepanto, when Pope St. Pius V credited the Christian victory over the Ottoman Empire to Mary’s intercession through the Rosary. Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us! At St. Sebastian we pray the Rosary everyday at 8:00 am on Sundays before every Mass.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE October 26, 2025 Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 18:9-14 Every now and then readers of these reflections write letters in which they object to something. Years ago, this Gospel of Luke 18 prompted such an email. A man wrote to me: “I find it deeply offensive that you suggest we are still sinners once we are God’s sons and daughters.” His objection stirred in me a profound awareness of the paradox at the heart of our faith. Are we sinners or beloved children of God? In this Gospel (Luke 18:9-14), a tax collector appears as one who has missed the mark. His sins have isolated him. His breast-beating is not an act of self-flagellation for pride’s sake but a heartfelt admission of his failure and unworthiness. Remarkably, Jesus honors the candid humility of the parable’s penitent. Why? Because we are always in need of mercy, always. But even more, perhaps because on the cross, Jesus will fully embrace a similar place of humiliation and rejection. He will enter into the most shameful, offensive place of the sinner so that we might “go home justified.” There is a sacred tension in admitting that we are sinners and yet have profound hope. We are beloved sons and daughters of God, growing precisely through our honest acceptance of failure. When we cry, “Have mercy on us,” during Mass or when we repeat the “Jesus Prayer” in quiet moments, or in the confessional, we embrace our imperfections as fertile ground for divine grace. In doing so, we follow Christ’s example — finding true exaltation in the humble acknowledgment of our human frailty. — Father John Muir ©LPi

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — The Apostles beg Jesus for increased faith, but they don’t really want faith. They want a magical feeling of certainty that requires no effort. Real faith must grow and sprout roots in fertile soil. Real faith requires attention and work. Are we willing to work?

Blessing of the furry and feathery friends at St. Sebastian on the feast day of St. Francis.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE October 5, 2025 Twenty-Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 17:5-10 A priest friend of mine received a call from a family whose elderly mother was dying. Within thirty minutes, he was at her bedside, offering the consolation of the sacraments, anointing her with the oil of the sick, and commending her soul to God. She passed not long after, and for months, her family spoke of their deep gratitude for his presence. When I phoned him to commend his faithful ministry, he simply said, “I was just doing my job.” His words brought to mind Jesus’ teaching this week in Luke 17:10: “So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done our duty.’” In a world that often seeks recognition and applause, the Lord invites us into a different mindset — one of humble service. The priest did not see his response as extraordinary; he saw it as a grace to fulfill his vocation. How tempting it is to seek affirmation for doing what I ought to do! Yet Jesus reminds us that true discipleship is not about grandstanding but about quiet faithfulness. It is enough to have served. It is enough to have loved. It is enough to be grateful that we were given the chance to do our duty in the first place. Whether in priesthood, parenthood, or any vocation, what peace-soaked freedom there is in simply doing what is asked of us. No more, no less. Jesus, that is how you quietly love us. — Father John Muir ©LPi

International Food Festival as part of Fall Fest 2025

Chastisement vs. Punishment Question: What is the difference between a chastisement and a punishment? Answer: The distinction between chastisement and punishment is, in many ways, a subtle one, but which is still relevant in our Catholic tradition. First, chastisement is a concept that is grounded in Sacred Scripture. Here, we see chastisement as a response by God to people’s actions that is intended to teach a lesson. As St. John Paul II observed, “chastisement appears to be … a kind of divine pedagogy, in which the last word is reserved to mercy: He scourges and then shows mercy, casts down to the depths of the nether world, and he brings up from the great abyss” (Tobit 13:2). The idea here is that in order to capture our attention or to highlight how we have not lived out our covenant-relationship with God as we should, there are times when God uses events in life to draw us back to the quality of relationship or faith that we should have. The concept of punishment, however, has a different sense. The Catechism of the Church observes that punishment is the consequence of a damaging action that “has the primary aim of redressing the disorder” and to protect the community and the common good from further damage or harm (see no. 2266). Although we always hope that someone who is being punished for a crime or some other harmful action will learn from their actions, punishment isn’t necessarily intended to teach a lesson in the same way that a chastisement is. Ultimately, how we make the distinction between chastisement and punishment is a matter of discernment. As with almost everything in life, our experiences can be an opportunity for grace — or for something less — depending on how open we are to recognizing the movement of God’s Spirit within them. ©LPi

Fall fest is on… Today we have our family night out…

On this upcoming Respect Life Sunday, we affirm the sacredness of life at every stage — from conception to natural death. Let's hear from you! Finish this sentence in the comments: "Life is sacred because..." See you at Mass!

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels. Our Guardian Angels aren’t just for children — they’re for every heart that needs a reminder of God’s constant presence. Today is our reminder that God, in His love, assigns a heavenly companion to guide, protect, and walk with each of us throughout our lives.

This upcoming weekend is the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. To honor St. Francis, patron saint of animals and ecology, we’re hosting a Blessing of the Animals. Come celebrate creation and receive a special blessing for your beloved companions! Drop a photo of your pet in the comments so we can all smile a little more today! Blessing of pets will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, infront of the church at 10:00 AM.

Devotions, EXPLAINED! There are many variations of the Morning Offering, but all share the same purpose: to begin each day by offering oneself to God, along with all the experiences, struggles and blessings that the day will bring.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — The rich man had a chance, every day of his life, to choose righteousness. But righteousness wasn’t convenient for him. He discovered too late that the only time we have to follow God is now. Here. This moment. Will we take our chance?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE September 28, 2025 26th Sunday in Ordinary Time Luke 16:19-31 I am embarrassed to admit that I frequently find myself dining and socializing with people who have millions and sometimes billions of dollars. I’ve eaten more caviar, lobster and wagyu steak than most people on the planet. I justify it by saying it’s part of my job. But I have seven pairs of nice jeans and expensive shoes. So it is rather uncomfortable to hear Our Lord say: “My child, remember that you received what was good in your lifetime, while Lazarus likewise received what was bad; but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented” (Luke 16:25). Fellow rich people (and if you’re American, you’re rich), do we not vehemently though quietly object to this parable’s karma-esque reward system? Why bless the rich man just to curse him later? And curse Lazarus just to bless him later? So Americans go to hell, while Burundians and Afghans go to heaven? What is going on? One clue is that the condemned rich man doesn’t complain of injustice. Rather, he simply begs to help his brothers to repent. Of what? We don’t know exactly. Perhaps another clue is that the rich man now seems more like the downtrodden Lazarus. He knows what it is to be hungry and thirsty, to be wounded in the gutter; that he deserved that, not fancy meals and clothes. Maybe the rich man finally understands how to receive true blessings, but it is too late for him. But not for me. Not for us. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Our Fall Festival is next weekend. Make sure to get your tickets for international Food Festival and dance this weekend after all the Masses. Details are in this flyer.

Why Hold Hands? Question: Why do we hold hands during the Our Father? Answer: The practice of members of the assembly holding hands while praying the Lord’s Prayer during the Mass is a custom that developed organically in the 1970s and 1980s. While some commentators acknowledge that the practice varies from place to place, it is a fairly universal reality in parishes across the United States. For some, this action symbolizes the communion of Christians praying together as one family of believers honoring the Father of All. Critics of the practice sometimes express concern that holding hands can be a distraction from the more significant unity that is experienced when we process to the altar to receive sacramental communion. And so, we’re left to ask, what is the answer? The General Instruction of the Roman Missal (the document that offers specific instructions for the celebration of the Mass) is silent on the practice, saying only that “all the faithful say the prayer” with the priest. The website of the US Bishops simply observes that “No position is prescribed in the Roman Missal for an assembly gesture during the Lord’s Prayer.” And so, we’re left to discern within ourselves and within our parish and religious communities what is an authentic gesture of praise during this important point of the Mass. For some, this means continuing to hold hands, while for others, this may mean adopting another posture of prayer. ©LPi

This weekend, we honor the incredible men both past and present who said “yes” to God’s call to the priesthood. Being a priest isn’t just a job — it’s a lifelong gift of service, compassion, and love. Make sure you show your appriciation to the priests of your parish this weekend.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK — In the first reading this past weekend, Amos forewarns those who exploit the poor and disadvantaged that God will remember their greed and corruption. How might you lend a helping hand this week to others in need?