Last day….only a few more hours…

Fish on Friday Question: Why do Catholics eat fish on Friday? Answer: For centuries, meatless Fridays were the norm for Catholics throughout the world. Friday was chosen because that was the day on which Jesus died, and Christians wanted to find a way to honor that day with special prayers and acts of penance and self-denial. The practice of abstaining from meat on Fridays — under pain of sin — grew out of that desire, and it became an official part of Church teaching until the time of the Second Vatican Council. In the 1960s, there was a shift in the Church’s thinking, in large part because there was a recognition that differences in cultures and economic realities meant that eating or not eating meat had different meanings for different peoples. For example, in cultures that were largely dependent on seafood or a vegetarian diet, abstaining from meat was no sacrifice at all. While in other places, eating fish and other kinds of seafood was actually something rare and special and not a sacrifice. This was all part of a basic reflection on “why we do what we do” among the Church’s pastors. Today, Catholics throughout the world are still instructed to abstain from meat on the Fridays of Lent. The bishops of some countries, such as in England and Wales, ask Catholics to abstain from meat every Friday, continuing the older tradition. The Bishops of the United States have taken a slightly different approach, encouraging Catholics to honor Friday as a special day by abstaining from meat every Friday or by taking on some other work of penance or charity for the sake of others. Regardless of what we choose to do, the real value in all of this is to see a reflection of Good Friday in each Friday, to remember the self-giving love of Jesus, and to honor that love through some sort of sacrifice or act of mercy. ©LPi

St. Sebastian's Annual Rummage Sale

This weekend, we celebrate the First Sunday of Lent. Lenten Challenge: Practice one moment of honest, peaceful speech this week. Maybe it’s a sincere “yes” to something important, or a humble “no” to something you cannot do. Let it be a quiet step into the freedom Jesus offers. See you at Mass!

Virtues, EXPLAINED! Gentleness disposes us to receive the inspirations of the Spirit, who “reveals to men who Jesus is” (CCC 152). In cultivating a spirit of gentleness, we more closely resemble Christ, who was unfailingly gentle, even in the face of violence and death.

Today, we mark the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday. Join us at Mass to receive your ashes and start the Lenten season off strong! As we receive ashes, we’re reminded to turn our hearts to God and walk with Jesus toward Easter. Masses and Services for Ash Wednesday 7:00 am Service of distribution of Ashes 8:30 am Mass with distribution of Ashes 10:30 am Mass with distribution of Ashes 12:00pm Service of distribution of Ashes 4:00 pm Service of distribution of Ashes 7:00 pm Mass with distribution of Ashes

Ash Wednesday Schedule of Masses and services at St. Sebastian Catholic Church.

Did you know that Fat Tuesday has many different names in the USA? Mardi Gras, Paczki Day, and Shrove Tuesday, to name a few. As we enjoy the last day before Lent, let’s take a moment to reflect on the season ahead. Tomorrow begins our Lenten journey of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving as we prepare our hearts for Easter.

This week, we mark the beginning of Lent with Ash Wednesday! Fun Fact: During Mass on Ash Wednesday, the priest will place ashes on our foreheads. This symbol reminds us of our mortality.

St. Sebastian Lenten Commitment Tree is up…. Let us have a Lent that help us to “Grow Up as Children of God”.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE February 15, 2026 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 5:17-37 A few years into my priesthood, I hit a wall. I had taken on too many commitments: Masses, meetings, ministries, projects. I couldn’t keep up. I was double-booking, forgetting things, running late, and letting people down. My boss at the time, a wise priest, and our shared secretary, noticed. For my birthday, the two gave me a stack of 100 flashcards, each with one word printed in a different language: “NO.” It was funny, but also painfully true. If I couldn’t say no, my yes was in danger. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus says, “Let your ‘Yes’ mean ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No’ mean ‘No.’ Anything more is from the Evil One” (Matthew 5:37). He’s not just giving advice about polite speech. He’s showing us something about the freedom of Christian discipleship. The follower of Christ is called to speak clearly, simply, and honestly. There is joy in that kind of freedom. The Church Fathers often linked this kind of straightforward truthfulness with spiritual maturity. The devil is the father of lies, but Jesus is the Word made flesh. When we hedge, flatter, exaggerate, or avoid, we open space for the shadows to creep in. That little stack of flashcards reminded me that God does not want us enslaved to the expectations of others or to the fear of disappointing them. He wants us to enjoy the peace of saying yes and meaning it, and saying no, and meaning it, too. Lenten Challenge: Practice one moment of honest, peaceful speech this week. Maybe it’s a sincere “yes” to something important, or a humble “no” to something you cannot do. Let it be a quiet step into the freedom Jesus offers. — Father John Muir ©LPi

MardiGras/Valentine’s Day celebrations

Kissing the Altar at Mass Question: Why do priests kiss the altar at the start of Mass? Answer: Our churches and chapels are filled with symbols. We might think of the more common symbols (like the crucifix, statues, stained-glass windows, vestment color and altar cloths) as well as major symbols (such as the paschal candle and the baptismal font). But there are some things that we can take for granted in our sacred spaces, because unfortunately, they seem to just be part of the building, including three of the main symbols of our liturgy: the ambo (lectern), the chair for the priest celebrant, and the altar. These three objects are placed in a specially designated area called the sanctuary. They are the places where the Word of God is proclaimed, where the priest prays and presides at the celebration, and where the bread and wine are offered by the priest during the Eucharistic Prayer. Although each of these objects is sacred because of the role they play in our worship, the altar holds a special place. In a document containing the rules and instructions for the Mass — the “General Instruction of the Roman Missal” — we read: “The altar on which the Sacrifice of the Cross is made present under sacramental signs is also the table of the Lord to which the People of God is called together to participate in the Mass, as well as the center of the thanksgiving that is accomplished throughout the Eucharist” (no. 296). One of the ways that we recognize the importance of the altar is when the priest and deacon kiss the altar at the beginning of Mass. Kissing is an ancient act of devotion. Remember, we also kiss the cross on Good Friday, and the deacon or priest kisses the “Book of the Gospels” after the Gospel is proclaimed. This act of devotion reminds us that the altar is a symbol of Jesus, the “living stone” (see 1 Peter 2:4), the foundation stone of our faith. It is a symbol gesture, but it is a powerful reminder of the One on whom our faith is built and in whose name we gather as the “household of faith” (see Galatians 6:10). To learn more, see the “Catechism of the Catholic Church” (no. 1382-1383). ©LPi

Tomorrow we celebrate the Feast of St. Valentine! On Valentine's Day, we stand witness to Christ’s love and enduring mercy, and remember that love is selfless, patient, and rooted in faith. This weekend, may we share God’s love with all those we encounter. See you at Mass!

Virtues, EXPLAINED! In baptism, the Holy Spirit gives us the sanctifying grace of justification — the ability to grow in goodness through an increase in moral virtue (CCC 1266). Baptism, therefore, disposes us toward goodness.

Today, we honor Our Lady of Lourdes, who in 1858 appeared to St. Bernadette in France with a message of penance and healing. Millions have since traveled to Lourdes seeking both physical and spiritual help and restoration. Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us!

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — Salt without flavor is no longer salt. Light that illuminates nothing is no longer light. As Christians, we must be what we have been made to be. So think about it, carefully: what stands between you and being who you were made to be?

Mardi Gras / Vlaentine's day Fest on February 14th from 5:00 pm Tickets are still avaiblle at the church office.

February is the month of the liturgical year dedicated to the Holy Family. This month falls between the Christmas and Lenten seasons, making it the perfect time to reflect on Jesus' childhood and his time with his earthly family, Mary and Joseph. Holy Family, pray for us!

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE February 8, 2026 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 5:13-16 I recently learned why zebras have stripes. Scientists used to think it was for camouflage, but new research suggests something more interesting: the stripes help zebras blend in with one another. When a predator looks at a herd, the overlapping stripes make it hard to single out one animal. But if a researcher spray-paints a dot on just one zebra, predators lock on it and eventually attack. The lesson? In the wild, blending in is protection. Standing out can be dangerous. Human beings are not so different. Most of us would rather blend in than stand out, especially when it comes to our faith. We know that giving bold witness to Jesus — through our words, values, or public choices — can make us targets for criticism, isolation, or judgment. That’s why Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel are so challenging: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14). A city on a hill draws attention. It also draws fire. But that’s part of the cost of discipleship. Jesus doesn’t call us to be tribal or boastful. He calls us to stand in the open with humble confidence, so that people might see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. Today, let’s ask for the courage not just to believe in Christ, but to be seen believing in him. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Communion & Mortal Sin Question: I have a friend who receives communion, but who I know for a fact is in a state of mortal sin. Should I tell our priest? Is it my responsibility to say something? Answer: While we may always want to do what is best for our friends and family members, we have a responsibility to respect their privacy and their conscience. In its reflections on the Eighth Commandment (“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor”), the Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Respect for the reputation of persons forbids every attitude and word likely to cause them unjust injury. [One] becomes guilt: -of rash judgment who, even tacitly, assumes as true, without sufficient foundation, the moral fault of a neighbor; -of detraction who, without objectively valid reason, discloses another’s faults and failings to persons who do not know them; of calumny who, by remarks contrary to the truth, harms the reputation of others and gives occasion for false judgments concerning them” (no. 2477). We will never truly know what is in a person’s mind, heart, and soul; only God knows those things. We should, of course, take our concerns to God and entrust the person about whom we are concerned to God’s grace and mercy. If we have concerns about the spiritual wellbeing of someone with whom we are close, we should go to the person themselves and talk about our fears and concerns. Unless it is a case of abuse or endangerment (which we have a moral and even legal responsibility to report to the appropriate authorities), we ultimately do not have the freedom to share another’s persons faults or sins, however good we think our intentions might be. ©LPi

This upcoming World Marriage Sunday, we will hear at Mass how Jesus challenges his disciples to have a positive influence in the world. Who do you know makes the world a better place?

PRAYER – Bless Us, Lord Jesus, You are good and gracious, every moment of every day. You invite us to be meek, merciful, clean of heart, peacemakers. Give us the grace to seek these virtues, and to seek you. May your blessing accompany us on our way. Amen.

Virtues, EXPLAINED! Also known as benevolence or beneficence and derived from the theological virtue of charity, kindness is a way of seeing others through the eyes of God, who has adopted us as His own.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK — This past weekend, we heard about how Jesus began his “Sermon on the Mount” with the many ways that people are blessed. What do you consider your biggest blessing?

On Tuesday, February 3, the Feast day of St. Blaise, blessing of the throats will be done after the 8:30 AM Mass. All are welcome.

Today is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas. We are reminded by the blessing of the candles that Jesus is the light to the nations, and we are called to share his light! There will be a blessing of candels at 8:30 am Mass

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE February 1, 2026 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 5:1-12a A priest I know was once falsely accused of a terrible crime. The claim was wild and easily disproved, but for a while, it didn’t matter. In the atmosphere shaped by the abuse crisis of the early 2000s, the public assumption was guilty until proven innocent. His name was dragged through the mud, and his ministry placed on hold. I had the privilege — and the burden — of walking closely with him during that time. He was angry. He was confused. He felt abandoned and deeply disoriented. The last thing on his mind was the words of Jesus in today’s Gospel: “Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me … Rejoice and be glad” (Matthew 5:11-12). Rejoice? He felt anything but. And yet… something holy slowly grew in him. Not overnight, and not without pain. But as the truth came to light and his name was cleared, I watched him become more Christlike — more patient, more compassionate, more detached from human approval. Maybe you haven’t faced something so dramatic. But where do you feel judged? Misrepresented? Overlooked? Maybe someone else got the credit or the promotion. Maybe someone you love isn’t getting their due. In those moments, the Cross of Jesus is near. When we feel accused, that’s when we ask him for the grace not just to endure, but somehow, mysteriously, to rejoice and be glad. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Why Marry in a Church? Question: Why are Catholics required to get married in a church, and not outside or at a different venue? Answer: Because the sacrament of marriage is a sacred covenant between the husband and wife, the celebration of the sacrament of matrimony is much more than simply a social or family event. So, the rule that the sacrament be celebrated in a church is a way to help reinforce the deeper meaning of Christian marriage. To help make this clearer, the Church’s tradition also normally includes the celebration of the Mass when the marriage is being celebrated between two Catholics, and so a church or chapel is the ideal setting. For special reasons — which vary from diocese to diocese — the local bishop can give permission for the marriage to be celebrated in another suitable place. ©LPi

This weekend at Mass, we'll hear Jesus' sermon on the mount. He teaches, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Mt 5:3) This sermon challenges us in many ways and teaches us a deeper love. Come learn more at Mass! See you there!

Blessing of Light — Where you have known darkness, may the light stretch and shine. Where you have dwelt in shadows, may the sun reach its gentle rays. Where you have hidden in shame, may you know light-filled redemption, healing, belonging, and rest in Jesus. Amen.

Virtues, EXPLAINED! In practicing patience, we bear any kind of suffering for a greater good, safeguard our reason against sorrow, and “look at (other people) with God’s gaze knowing how to distinguish their faces from their faults.”

LIVE THE LITURGY - Peter and Andrew, James and John — they were not expecting God that day. But there he was, right in front of them, beckoning. God stands before us today, and like the Apostles, we often don’t see Him coming. But still, He beckons. Will we follow?

This week, we joyfully celebrate Catholic Schools Week! We pray in thanksgiving for our students, families, teachers, and staff who help form disciples of Christ every school day. Catholic education is a ministry of the Church and a gift to the world. Happy Catholic Schools Week!

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE January 25, 2026 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 4:12-23 I was 22 years old, lying in bed one night while on a pilgrimage, when I suddenly sensed an idea in my mind: “Go to the seminary.” There was no voice, no vision, but a gentle and unmistakable clarity. I simply prayed, “Lord, if that’s from you, let me find great joy in it.” Three days later, my heart was bursting with joy. I dropped everything and entered the seminary. The older I get, the stranger my rather careless and hasty departure seems to me. I followed not because it made sense, or because I was especially brave. I went because the Lord called me. Something like this happens in today’s Gospel. Jesus walks by Simon, Andrew, James, and John and says, “Come after me” (Matthew 4:19). And immediately they leave their nets and follow. There’s no explanation, no hesitation … just movement. Why? As St. John says, “In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that he loved us” (1 John 4:10). They do not leave their nets because his call made perfect, calculable sense. They left them because they were called. And Jesus’ call is powerful. Take a moment this week to remember when Christ first called you. However small or quiet it was, recall it, and give thanks. The more we marvel that Christ has called us personally, the more passionately and freely we will follow him. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Psychics and Mediums Question: Are Catholics allowed to visit psychics? Why or why not? Answer: It’s part of human nature to experience some sense of unease and fear about the future. This can lead some people to seek out the services of psychics or consult horoscopes or turn to other occult practices or resources (e.g. Ouija boards or tarot cards). The Catechism of the Catholic Church is very clear that Catholics should avoid such practices: “Consulting horoscopes, astrology, palm reading, interpretation of omens and lots, the phenomena of clairvoyance, and recourse to mediums all conceal a desire for power over time, history, and, in the last analysis, other human beings, as well as a wish to conciliate hidden powers. They contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone” (no. 2116). Despite the uncertainties we might feel, we are called to have faith and trust in God, confident of God’s desire for what is best for us. This means that we are called to surrender, to pray and to reflect on how we can best move into the future in hope, knowing that God is with us. ©LPi

This Sunday at Mass, we'll hear how Jesus began his public ministry by calling disciples, healing the sick, and preaching the Good News of the Kingdom of Heaven. Have you ever felt a “call to action” to live out your faith? See you at Mass!

Today is the Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children. Dear God, You gave us all the gift of life. Help us to protect this sacred gift for the most vulnerable — the unborn children You have created in love. Be our strength as we spread a message of hope and life, give us Your eyes to view every circumstance with charity. Amen.

Virtues, EXPLAINED! Our modern Catholic understanding of peace is derived from the Hebrew concept of shalom, or wholeness, and refers not just to an absence of violence but to a personal reconciliation with one’s Creator.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — Do we recognize Christ when we see him? Do we have the courage to point him out, to show others who he is? John cried out so the whole world could hear: “He is the Son of God.” Always and everywhere, let us do the same.

Dr. King’s dream calls us to love boldly, serve humbly, and seek justice for all. On this Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, let us reflect on how we, as people of faith, are living that call. May our parish be a light and a witness of Christ’s love and reconciliation.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE January 18, 2026 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time John 1:29-34 It’s common to hear belief in Jesus and the Church mocked as blind faith and credulity. But in reality, it is deeply human and rational. Think about it: we rely on the testimony of others constantly. I trust chemists who certify the safety of toothpaste and cleaning products. I trust engineers when I use a microwave or drive over a bridge. Why? Because they have studied and seen what I have not, and their testimony proves itself in daily life. That kind of trust is not irrational; it is how human knowledge works. In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist declares: “Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God” (John 1:34). That is the language of an eyewitness. It invites us into a very human act: trusting someone who has directly encountered something — or Someone — we have not yet fully seen ourselves. The Church’s faith is built on this kind of reliable sight-based testimony. The Apostles did not make abstract claims. They saw, followed, suffered for, and proclaimed Jesus Christ. Over centuries, their witness — carried in Scripture, in the lives of the saints, and in the sacramental life of the Church — has proven dependable. We come to know its truth by assenting to it, by living and studying it, praying with it, trusting it. Faith in Christ is not a childish leap into the dark. It is a step into the light of testimony that proves itself over time. — Father John Muir ©LPi

What is a Pilgrimage? Question: What is a pilgrimage? Why do people go on them? Answer: A pilgrimage is a spiritual journey to visit a holy site, such as the shrine of a saint, a place where the Blessed Virgin Mary has appeared, or an historic church or chapel. What makes a pilgrimage different from a vacation and a pilgrim distinct from a tourist is the spirit in which the journey is made. Pilgrimages are really a symbol of our spiritual journey in life, reminding us that this world is not our true home and that we spend our lives journeying to our homeland, which is the Kingdom of God. Pilgrimages — which can be as involved as a trip to Rome or the Holy Land or as simple as visiting the Blessed Sacrament in a local parish church — are also an opportunity for us to step out of the rhythms and limits of our daily lives to seek out connection with God in a special way, by visiting a holy place. At times, such as on a special feast, a jubilee, or the anniversary of the dedication of the church, special graces (called “indulgences”) can also be offered to pilgrims, helping to enrich our experience of the celebration. In the end, pilgrimages are an ancient act of devotion and something that each of us can put into practice, helping us to discover how God is present in the world around us, in places both near and far. ©LPi

At Mass this weekend, we'll hear how Jesus' cousin, John the Baptist, saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (Jn 1:29) St. John the Baptist, pray for us! See you at Mass!

BE PART OF THE PASSION 2026. All are welcome-big roles, small roles, and everyone in between! No experience necessary. Rehearsals have begun and take place Sundays after the 11:30 AM Mass. Come be part of this powerful ministry and help bring the Passion of Christ to life. Contact: Lauren Famiano 772-333-7784

Fun Fact: Novenas are a focused way of praying, often for nine days in a row. Give one a try!

VETERANS SUICIDE PREVENTATION AND AWARENESS INSTALATION. Beginning on January 11th, 2026, Knights of Columbus volunteers will be placing 22 crosses per day for 30 days, in front of St. Sebastian Catholic Church, to illustrate that, on average, 22 veterans die by suicide each day. Let us be reminded about the need for caring for those who gave us their lives, what can be done to prevent it and each time we pass by this installation of crosses let us pray for them . We thank our Knights for bringing this program to St. Sebastian.

St. Sebastian’s Annual Rummage Sale Earlybird Sale- Admission: $3.00 Thursday, February 19th 6pm-8pm Regular sale-no admission charge Friday, February 20th and Saturday, February 21st 9AM to 2PM both days Donation are accepted! Thank you!

Virtues, EXPLAINED! Joy is the experience of achieving what we most desire — and what we most desire is love. God made us in love and for love, and so, in the same way that a flower seeks the sunlight, our souls seek the warmth of true, selfless love.

Blessing for Baptismal Graces — Dear God, Through Baptism, You called and claimed us as Your own, chosen and loved. Pour Your blessing upon us as we remember our Baptism. Plant Your identity in our hearts. Help us to live as Your beloved. Amen

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — John could not believe that Jesus would seek baptism from him, a lowly mortal man. But our God is a humble God. He does not fear our weakness. He extends his hand, saying, “It is fitting.” So take his hand. Begin the work he has set out for you.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE January 11, 2026 The Baptism of the Lord Matthew 3:13-17 Apple ran a commercial not long ago called “Behind the Mac – Greatness.” It shows artists and creators, such as Kendrick Lamar, Billie Eilish, and Lady Gaga, working behind their MacBooks. The narration says, “There’s a certain kind of person who doesn’t wait for greatness. They make it.” It’s a compelling message. There’s beauty in using our gifts with passion and purpose. But there lies a hidden weight in that idea: If you are what you make, what happens when you can’t anymore? When the project fails, the passion fades, or the spotlight moves on, where is greatness then? Today’s Gospel offers a differing vision of greatness. Jesus steps into the Jordan River. He hasn’t preached, healed, or performed a single miracle. Then the heavens open, and the Father speaks: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.” It’s not a reward for success. It’s not earned. Before he does anything “great,” Jesus receives the greatness of his identity from the Father. And so do you. At your baptism, God said the same thing over you: “You are my beloved.” That is your true identity, not constructed or earned but received. When we see ourselves and others this way, everything changes for the better. We discover a greatness that can never be taken away. This week, reflect on your baptism: look up the date, thank God for it, pray for those baptized with you, or visit the church where it happened. Let your identity be rooted there. — 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

This weekend, as we celebrate the Baptism of the Lord, we'll hear: "And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Mt 3:17) Join us to learn more about why this feast day is so important to the story of salvation. See you at Mass!

Fun Fact: The Magi offered Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold was a gift recognizing Jesus' Kingship, even as a humble baby.

Virtues, EXPLAINED! The virtue of love seeks the good of the other, a reflection of the love of God who created us for this very purpose. In practicing this virtue, we express the fullness of our identities as sons and daughters of God. In true Christian love, we find freedom.

QUESTION OF THE Week — In the story of the birth of Jesus, Matthew contrasts the fear and concern of King Herod with the joy and praise of the Magi. What feelings does the season of Christmas evoke for you?

January is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus. In addition to celebrating the Feast of the Holy Name on January 3, how might you honor His Holy Name throughout the month? You could pray the Litany of the Holy Name of Jesus each day, or create a worship playlist filled with songs that lovingly praise and call upon His name.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE January 4, 2026 The Epiphany of the Lord Matthew 2:1-12 When I was 22, I went on a pilgrimage to Rome for the Jubilee Year of 2000. I was traveling light with just a backpack, one blue shirt and black pants, little money, and no Italian. I had a few close friends and one goal: to reach the Eternal City. Despite the challenges and deprivations, I felt alive in a way I had never known before. When do you feel most alive? I’d wager it’s not when you’re most comfortable or surrounded by stuff. Rather, it’s when your life is aimed at something great; when you’re on a meaningful and challenging journey with good friends. That’s the image the Magi give us in today’s Gospel. They set out from the East not with certainty, but with hope. They study the signs, discipline their attention, and journey together, offering the best they have when they find the newborn King. The Church gives us their story at the start of the year to reawaken something in us. We are not meant to drift. We’re meant to journey as pilgrims. The Jubilee Year of 2025 may have ended, but our pilgrimage has not. Like the magi, the closer we get to Christ, the more alive we become. — 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

This upcoming Sunday is the Feast of the Epiphany! Dear God, It was You who inspired the Magi to follow the star to find You. Inspire us to seek You, as well. Bless our homes and families this season, make them places where we can encounter You through prayer and community. Amen. See you at Mass!

Happy New Year! Today, in addition to the Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God (a holy day of obligation), we also celebrate World Day of Peace. What fitting celebrations for the first day of a new year! May your journey into 2026 be filled with the peace and love of Christ.

Happy New Year’s Eve! Begin the year with gratitude and grace with Mass as we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God, a holy day of obligation, on Jan. 1. Mass Schedule at St. Sebastian On wednesday, Dicember 31, 2025, vigil Mass at 5:30 pm. On Thursday, January 1, 2026, Masses at 8:30 am & 10:30 am. Happy and Healthy New year 2026.

Devotions, EXPLAINED! St. Gertrude’s Prayer is a petition said on behalf of the Holy Souls of Purgatory, offering the Blood of Christ in reparation for the sins of the departed.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK— God created the Holy Family with a great sense of purpose because He knew that Jesus would be defined by the woman and man who raised him. Who is our “Holy Family” — the people who will define us? Who has God placed within our lives for a specific purpose?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE December 28, 2025 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23 When I was ten, my dad gathered our family around the table in small-town Vermont and told us we were moving to the big desert city of Phoenix, Arizona. We were leaving behind family, friends, and everything familiar. None of us knew what to expect. But something beautiful happened. As we made the move together, our family grew closer. In retrospect, I’m amazed at my parents’ courage to go on that adventure. Even as a kid I realized our family found, in that challenge, a deeper unity and mutual love. In today’s Gospel, Joseph is told: “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee…” (Matthew 2:13, 20). First to Egypt, then later to Israel. The Holy Family is frequently challenged to move and change, to adapt to God’s will for them, in order to find safety in the midst of threat. It’s not just an idiosyncratic story about survival. It’s a spiritual pattern for all of us. Every Christian family is called to be a kind of sanctuary, especially in a world full of noise, busyness, and fear. May I make a practical application for us? The Lord’s Day, Sunday, is perhaps the most practical way we imitate this dynamic we see in Joseph and his family. Sunday is not meant to be just like every other day, filled with errands and stress. It’s meant to be a day set apart; a holy “escape” into rest, worship, joy, and peace. A day to rise, take your family, and flee, into God’s presence. — Father John Muir ©LP

Devotions EXPLAINED! The St. Andrew Christmas novena is a prayer said from Nov. 30 through Christmas Eve. St. Andrew was the first disciple of Christ, and in saying this prayer, Christians follow his example of prescient faithfulness throughout the days of Advent.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — Sometimes we want God’s instructions to be clear and precise — like the angel in Joseph’s dream. But Joseph’s understanding was only as strong as his devotion to God’s will. If we give our lives to God as Joseph did, we will know what he asks of us! What does "giving of your life to God" mean to you?

We thank everyone who worked hard with Debbie, Antonio and Matthew to make this weekend beautiful and special for our Faith Family of St. Sebastian

Bethlehem village experience at St. Sebastian

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE December 21, 2025 Fourth Sunday of Advent Matthew 1:18-24 A priest friend recently told me a remarkable story. One of his cousins reported having a vivid dream in which an angel told him the family needed to exhume their grandmother’s body from a cemetery in New York and return it to her birthplace in Romania. She had been dead nearly 10 years. As you might expect, the family thought it was, well, crazy. But astonishingly they exhumed her body. It was incorrupt, showing no signs of decomposition. That experience sparked healing, faith, and reconciliation throughout the family. In this Sunday’s Gospel, Joseph also receives a dream. He’s confused, afraid. But in the quiet of sleep, God speaks: “Do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home” (Matthew 1:20). When he wakes, Joseph acts. He doesn’t overanalyze or dismiss the message. He trusts, and acts. God still speaks — not necessarily through literal dreams but through those deeper intuitions of the heart. St. Ignatius of Loyola taught that God’s voice draws us into peace, courage, and love. But we have to listen to it. Advent is a time for stillness. As we prepare for Christ’s coming, we’re invited to enter that quiet space where God’s voice can be heard. When and how do you become most receptive to God? Is it in silence? In prayer? In nature? At Mass? This week, go there. Be still. Listen. And like Joseph, have the courage to act on what God shows you. — 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 weekend is the fourth Sunday of Advent! At Mass, we will hear how, 700 years before the birth of Jesus, Isaiah prophesied to King Ahaz that a virgin would bear a son and name him Emmanuel (“God is with us”). When have you felt close to God this Advent season?

Fun Fact: All of creation joins in praise for the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. May the joy of the season fill your home! Do you have a favorite Christmas carol? If so, share it in the comments!

Devotions, EXPLAINED! Las Posadas is a Mexican tradition which recreates the Holy Family’s search for lodging in Bethlehem. This nine-day devotion anticipates the birth of Jesus Christ, who seeks refuge in the heart of every man and woman.

Funeral arrangements for Fr. John Morrissey. Wake on Friday, December 19, from 5:00 pm. Solemn vespers for the dead at 7:00 pm. Funeral Mass on Saturday, December 20, at 11:00 am. Location-St. Sebastian Catholic Church. May his soul Rest In Peace.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK — The prophet Isaiah taught his community to “be strong, fear not!” because God has planned a remarkable future where both the people and the land will be restored. Is there a friend or co-worker who needs your encouragement this week?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE December 14, 2025 Third Sunday of Advent Matthew 11:2-11 When I was 11, I was riding my bike on a Friday night in Scottsdale, Arizona. I saw giant spotlights swirling in the sky. Something amazing had to be happening. I pedaled after them with excitement. Sweaty and tired, I arrived, only to find a used car lot. Bright lights, flapping banners, inflatable balloon men swaying wildly in the wind. I stood there, heart sinking. All that spectacle, and all my effort … for this? As life proceeds, we learn what it is like to pursue promising but fruitless searches. This week we hear Jesus ask the crowds regarding John the Baptist: “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind?” (Matthew 11:7). He’s not just describing the crowd’s mis-aimed pursuit. He’s naming our tendency to chase after what’s flashy but flimsy. What are our swaying reeds? For me, it is endless video reels on my phone, worldly pleasures, entertainment in sports, and the good opinion of others. Inflated distractions that bend whichever way the wind blows. But they can’t satisfy my soul. What are your flimsy reeds? John the Baptist wasn’t a swaying reed. He was rooted, grounded, unafraid to speak the solid truth. The people went to see him because, deep down, they were starving for something real. This Advent, the Church asks us to reassess: What are we really looking for? Are we chasing the dazzling but hollow? Or are we seeking what is solid and lasting — that which points to Christ? — Father John Muir ©LPi

Patron Saints Question: Why are some saints honored as “patron saints”? Answer: Each person is unique and each of us has different gifts, interests, talents, and, yes, even struggles and areas where we need to grow. This is no less true of those holy women, men, and children who have been canonized or beatified. Because we believe that the saints and blesseds are both models of faith and intercessors, Christians have looked to certain holy people as role models and heavenly protectors for occupations, spiritual charisms, and even places. Although the Church sometimes names a person as a patron saint (e.g. Saint Philip Neri as the patron of Rome, Saint Clare of Assisi as the patroness of television, or Saint Aloysius Gonzaga as the patron of youth and young adults), more often it is popular devotion that inspires lay Christians to turn to a particular saint or blessed for heavenly help and support. This is how, for example, Saint Cecilia came to be honored as the patroness of musicians, Saint Toribio Romo as patron of migrants coming into the United States, and Saint Gertrude of Nivelles as patroness of cat lovers. Although there are official and unofficial lists of patron saints, we should always feel free to ask any and all the saints to give us their patronage and protection in whatever it is that we need. ©LPi

Did you know that December is the Month of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary? The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated Dec. 8, honors the conception of Mary herself, not Jesus. Today, we celebrate Mary as a symbol of purity and as the mother of God.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE Dec. 7, 2025 Second Sunday of Advent Matthew 3:1-12 This week we hear that John the Baptist is out in the wilderness eating “locusts and wild honey” (Mark 1:6). It’s not just a strange historical detail. It’s a symbolic expression of a healthy spiritual diet. The path to Christ includes both the hard and the beautiful, the gritty and the sweet. We have to learn to gulp the locusts and savor the honey. I remember working with a young couple preparing for marriage. They were sincere, but raw — barely beginning to discover faith. Part of me wanted to rush them ahead, to fill in all the gaps, to bombard them with scripture and church documents. I swallowed that instinct. It was like eating locusts. But I also recall them light up as they spoke about each other, about their first child, then their second. And they wanted to be close to God. Something innocent and beautiful was unfolding. That was the honey. I knew God was asking me to savor it. This Advent, maybe we’re each being invited to accept both locusts and honey. Maybe it’s time to stop avoiding the difficult parts of faith — prayer that feels dry, the call to repentance, the patience with the troublesome. It’s time to eat some locusts. But we also need to notice the small gifts God gives us: a peaceful moment, a good conversation, the joy of serving someone else, new life, good intentions of our friends. That’s the honey. Savor it! John didn’t avoid either. He took it all in. And so can we. What are your locusts? Your honey? If we let God feed us with both, we’ll be ready — really ready — for the coming of Christ. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Christmas Gala at St. Sebastian

What is Eucharistic Adoration? Question: What is Eucharistic Adoration? Answer: The practice of Eucharistic Adoration is a centuries old ritual and falls within a broader category of devotions and rituals that are associated with the Sacrament of the Eucharist. In a particular way, Eucharistic Adoration is an extension of the worship and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament that occurs in every Mass. In a long-standing practice, a period of Eucharistic Adoration often ends with “benediction,” the blessing of the faith with the Blessed Sacrament. Several parishes throughout the United States have introduced the practice of perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, while other communities have the custom of shorter periods of Eucharistic Adoration. Care should always be taken that these periods of adoration respect the instructions outlined in Holy Communion and Worship of the Eucharist Outside of Mass, the liturgical book that gives the instructions for the proper celebration of Eucharistic Adoration. Although adoration of the Blessed Sacrament can never take the place of Eucharistic Communion, many Catholics find great comfort and consolation in their prayers before the Eucharist enshrined in the tabernacle or when it is exposed in the monstrance (both are equally valid, as the Christ is not more present in one than in the other). But when we consider our eucharistic devotions, it is always important to remember the fundamental connection these acts of devotion have the celebration of the Eucharist in the Mass and reception of Christ in Communion. ©LPi

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!