INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — The disciples didn’t understand, at first, what happened at the tomb. Often, we can’t fathom the purpose of God’s plan. We only see a stone in the wrong place. When we pause and look deeper, we see it: God has moved the stone. So, we must ask ourselves: why?

Easter Egg Hunt 2026

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE April 5, 2026 Easter Sunday John 20:1-9 Zander Price was the fastest kid at my grade school. He won every race on Field Day. To me, his swiftness meant he was the greatest. Zander was the best. It’s the same with the speediest Apostle on Easter morning. John tells us he “ran faster than Peter and arrived at the tomb first.” (John 20:4) But only after Peter entered did John go in, see the burial cloths, and believe. Here is a symbol of two dimensions of the Church. John, the beloved disciple, represents the contemplative, mystical life: affection, prayer, intimacy. Peter, the rock, represents the Church’s institutional life: steady, authoritative, structured…but slower. Of course, John runs faster! Love is the heartbeat of Christian faith, so love will always arrive first. Peter’s role is, in a sense, secondary. He arrives later, but is still very much needed. John waits for him. The Church must be built, balanced, protected, and led. Love without structure can vanish; structure without love becomes lifeless. This dynamic is not just historical — it is personal. In you, there is a John who longs to run to the tomb in love. Let him run! Pray, sing, love Jesus. There is also a Peter, who eventually gets to the tomb and takes charge. The Risen Christ wants both. Remember: if you want to get to the mystery of Jesus’ resurrection fast…love him, for love is best. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Easter Vigil 2026

Easter Vigil 2026

Happy Easter

HOLY SATURDAY (NO CONFESSIONS AND VIGIL MASS) 10:00 am Blessing of Food (CRY ROOM) 7:30 pm Paschal Vigil

Today, on Good Friday, we commemorate the crucifixion and death of Jesus. It's a day of fasting, praying the Stations of the Cross, and participating in the solemn liturgy of the Lord's Passion. It is the only day in the entire liturgical year when Mass isn't celebrated. GOOD FRIDAY 3:00 PM -PASSION FOLOWED BY COMMUNAL MEAL AT LESAGE HALL 7:00 PM -PASSION PLAY AT THE CHURCH

Eucharistic Procession on Maundy Thursday ….Rain stopped right on time for our procession

This Holy Thursday, we remember the Last Supper and honor Jesus' divine example of servant leadership. On this holy day, we mark the institution of the Eucharist and the priesthood, beginning the sacred Easter Triduum. HOLY THURSDAY 6:00 -PM LORD’S SUPPER ADORATION WILL COONINTUE IN THE LESAGE HALL UNTIL 10:00 PM

Today starts the Paschal Triduum, the most solemn three-day period in the Roman Catholic liturgical year. It begins with the Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday and concludes with the Easter celebration on Sunday. We invite you to join us for these most sacred feast days! HOLY THURSDAY 9:00 -AM HOLY MASS 6:00 -PM LORD’S SUPPER ADORATION WILL COONINTUE IN THE LESAGE HALL UNTIL 10:00 PM GOOD FRIDAY 3:00 PM -PASSION FOLOWED BY COMMUNAL MEAL AT LESAGE HALL 7:00 PM -PASSION PLAY AT THE CHURCH HOLY SATURDAY (NO CONFESSIONS AND VIGIL MASSES ON HOLY SATURDAY) 10:00 am Blessing of Food (CRY ROOM) 7:30 pm Paschal Vigil EASTER SUNDAY 7:30 am Easter Mass 9:30 am Easter Mass 9:45 am Easter Mass (Lesage Hall) 11:30 am Easter Mass

TENEBRAE SERVICE A Tenebrae service (Latin for "darkness" or "shadows") is a profoundly contemplative Holy Week service that commemorates the final hours of Jesus's life, from his betrayal to his burial. Tonight from 7:00 pm at St. Sebastian Catholic Church. All are welcome.

THE LIVING LAST SUPPER. Today 6:00 PM, LeSage Hall- All ages are welcome. By The Christ United Methodist Church Players, Palm Bay.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE March 29, 2026 Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord Matthew 26:14-27:66 Just prior to this week’s Passion narrative in St. Matthew’s Gospel, there is a small, striking story describing a woman’s scandalous action toward Jesus: “A woman came up to him with an alabaster jar of costly perfumed oil, and poured it on his head” (Matthew 26:7). The ointment was pure nard, worth more than 300 denarii. A year’s wages. Maybe a dowry, maybe a family inheritance. In any case, she breaks it. She does not measure or ration. She pours it all out, irreversibly, over Jesus. Why does this image begin Holy Week? Because what she does with the jar, Jesus will soon do with his life. The jar must be broken so the fragrance can be released. Jesus’ body will be broken so his priceless divine and human love can be poured out. She gives everything, just as he is about to give everything. And He sees it: “She has done a good thing for me” (Matthew 26:10). Her act is lavish, impractical, scandalous in its apparent wastefulness. And he loves it. It is what Holy Week is all about. What jar are you still holding onto? Your time? Your comfort? Your plan for how life should go? Don’t just wave palms today. Let yourself be broken open so your love, too, can be poured out. Lenten Challenge: Offer something costly to Jesus this Holy Week — not out of guilt, but love. Your attention. Your forgiveness. Your time. Break the jar. Trust that nothing poured out for him is ever wasted. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Meditation on the last seven words of Jesus from the cross. It was done by our CCD children and teachers.

Why Kneel? Question: Why do we kneel at Mass? Answer: Since the beginnings of the Church, kneeling has been a key posture of prayer. We see Sts. Peter and Paul in the Acts of the Apostles kneeling in prayer. Early in the 4th century, the Council of Nicea prohibited kneeling on Sundays and special feasts. Kneeling began more as a posture of penance for our sins, but in the history of the Church, it has become more a posture or reverence and solemn prayer. You will notice that the times we kneel at Mass are tied to the consecration of the holy Eucharist. We kneel in both anticipation of what will occur and then in awe of what has taken place: Jesus Christ becomes truly present to us under the guise of bread and wine. The profoundness of this event has over time led the Church to mandate in the current General Instruction of the Roman Missal that kneeling is the only posture allowed during this time. The sheer awesomeness of the holy Eucharist leads us to fall to our knees in wonder and thanksgiving. ©LPi

This weekend is Palm Sunday — the start of Holy Week! Lenten Challenge: Offer something costly to Jesus this Holy Week — not out of guilt, but love. Your attention. Your forgiveness. Your time. Break the jar. Trust that nothing poured out for Him is ever wasted.

Blessing for New Life — God, in Your goodness, restore our hope. Where we feel imprisoned, break our chains. Where we feel discouraged, bring us light. Where the ground feels dry, break through with life anew. Amen.

Today, as we celebrate the Annunciation of the Lord, we thank Mary for her “yes.” When the archangel Gabriel visited Mary and told her she would conceive and give birth to Jesus, her brave acceptance made her the very first Christian and sealed her pivotal role in salvation history. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us!

Virtues, EXPLAINED! The virtue of faith is “man’s response to God, who reveals himself and gives himself to man.” (CCC 26). Faith is encouraged by the complementary virtues of hope and love, and through the gift of understanding our faith grows and strengthens.

Congratulations to the newly confirmed!!!

His Excellency Bishop Emeritus Barbarito will officiate the Holy Mass at 11:30 am today and will confer the Sacrament of Confirmation to our 24 youth. Let us pray for each of them.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE March 22, 2026 5th Sunday of Lent John 11:1-45 A friend of mine wrote an imaginative reflection on the raising of Lazarus that caught me off guard. She proposed that when Jesus called Lazarus from the tomb, the man was not joyful but angry and annoyed. After so much suffering, maybe death felt like a release. He had finally escaped the pain. And then, suddenly, Jesus’ voice cuts through the silence: “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43) The light stings his eyes. The pain returns. And now he is dragged back into a world that had broken him. It startled me at first, but the more I sat with it, the more it made sense. Sometimes, people do not want to be raised. Not at first. Think of those in the grip of addiction, despair, or numbness. The tomb can feel safer than the risk of living again. Yet Jesus, moved by the grief and faith of others (Martha, Mary, the community) calls the dead man out. Lazarus obeys. But he is still bound, head to foot. Jesus says to the bystanders, “Untie him and let him go” (John 11:44). That is often how healing happens: slowly, reluctantly. Not just by a personal decision, but through the love and persistence of others. Resurrection is not always euphoric. It may begin in protest and confusion and only later turn to gratitude and freedom. But Christ’s voice breaks through, anyway. Lenten challenge: Who in your life needs to be called back to life? Pray for them. If that person is you, listen for the voice. It is calling even now. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Daily Prayer Versus Mass? Question: I have a friend who says she doesn’t need to attend Mass because she prays to God every day. What are your thoughts on this justification? Answer: If the only reason for going to church were to talk to God, your friend might be right. Prayer is not something limited to a physical place or even a holy place. If the sole purpose of the Church were prayer, it would be a narrow purpose indeed. The Church is a community of believers, formed by “one Lord, one faith, one Baptism.” It is an outward sign of our faith in God instituted by Christ, and the purpose of the Church is to give us grace, that is, a share in God’s life. Coming to Mass is not really for God’s sake, but for ours. If we believe that Jesus is truly present in the holy Eucharist, then we will want to be in his presence. We will want to be fed by him. Our daily prayer and good works are strengthened by our authentic encounter with our Lord. For Catholics, it is at Mass that we celebrate the source and summit of our faith. If this is true, why would we ever stay away? ©LPi

This weekend is the 5th Sunday of Lent. In the Gospel reading, we'll hear how Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Lenten challenge: Who in your life needs to be called back to life? Pray for them. If that person is you, listen for the voice. It is calling even now. See you at Mass!

Today, on the Feast of St. Joseph, Spouse of Mary, Mother of God, we honor the humble guardian of the Holy Family and faithful servant of God. May his strength inspire us to trust in the Lord’s plan and serve with love. St. Joseph, pray for us!

Virtues, EXPLAINED! Christian hope “is the theological virtue by which we desire the kingdom of heaven and eternal life as our happiness” (CCC 1817), even as we recognize that our own strength and merit can never achieve this. Hope, simply, is remembering that God keeps His promises.

Irish Dancers

We are excited to share the good news of opening “St. Sebastian Academy” a preschool at St. Sebastian. Please see the brochure for details. Registrations are open. St. Sebastian Academy now registering for fall 2026 1:00-4:00 daily in room 3 until spots are full. Address: 13075 US Highway 1 Sebastian, FL 32958 Limited space available so don’t miss out. For more info email: kelly@stsebastian.com

Happy St. Patrick's Day! Fun Fact: According to tradition, St. Patrick used a three-leaved shamrock to illustrate the Holy Trinity to the people of Ireland.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — The Pharisees refused to see what was in front of them. Their blindness was stronger than that of the man born without sight, because it was a blindness they chose for themselves. So what will it be for us? Do we choose blindness, or do we choose sight?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE March 15, 2026 4th Sunday of Lent John 9:1-41 If you are like me, it’s easy to fixate on our shadows: failures, guilt, shame. Especially when we suffer, it is easy to want to blame ourselves or others. In this week’s Gospel, Jesus’ disciples ask about the blind man, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents?” (John 9:2) They, like us, focus on blame. But Jesus sees the entire situation differently: “Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.” He does not deny sin, but he sees deeper — through the light of mercy, not the lens of judgment. The scene hinges on Jesus’ strange claim: “I am the light of the world” (John 9:5). He sees things differently than everyone. They see shadows and light. He is the light. Thought experiment: imagine you are the sun looking at everything on the earth. What do you see? Everything. What do you not see? Shadows. Everything is illuminated. If you see it, it is illuminated. For the light, nothing is dark. Because he is the light, Jesus sees us in the glow of his redemptive love. Even our sin becomes a place where his glory can shine. The man’s healing is not just about sight — it is about seeing as Christ sees. Lent is not a season of staring into darkness. It is a time to step into the light — to let Christ’s gaze reframe how we see ourselves and one another. Lenten challenge: Spend 10 quiet minutes this week asking Jesus to show you how he sees you. Not through shame or fear, but through the light of his mercy. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Saints or Sinners? Question: Our prayer group has been reading the lives of some saints, and we were struck by how some of them thought they were such sinners. Why would someone so holy think they had such serious sin? Answer: Professional athletes practice the fundamentals of their sport over and over again, reaching for better form, consistency, and performance. They focus on the basics, review past performances, and visualize greater success. Practice makes better, if not perfect! Spiritual masters such as the saints also looked for perfection. They practiced their faith in the search for holiness, grace, and virtue. Through sacraments, prayer, study, good works, and penance, they raised their level of awareness and their sensitivity to the presence of God, the demands of the Gospel, and the workings of the Holy Spirit. They examined their consciences daily, reviewing the day for moments of failure and times that they could have been more virtuous in one way or another. They resolved to do better, be more attentive, and alert! Therefore, anything that would distract them or interfere with their relationship with God would be like a small black spot on a bright white wall — you can't miss it! The great saints were aware of sin and the presence of evil because they were so tuned into the struggle between good and evil that was fought in their own lives, hearts, and souls. ©LPi

This weekend is the 4th Sunday of Lent. Because He is the light, Jesus sees us in the glow of His redemptive love. Lenten challenge: Spend 10 quiet minutes this week asking Jesus to show you how He sees you. Not through shame or fear, but through the light of His mercy. See you at Mass!

Fun Fact — Jesus is referred to as the Light of the World. This means that Jesus illuminates the path to salvation and truth.

Virtues, EXPLAINED! True virtuous mercy is a choice governed by reason, not merely a feeling. God’s mercy to us knows no bounds, but that mercy does not compel Him to grant us everything our appetitive passions desire. Rather, His perfect mercy is directed toward supplying our needs.

You are invited to pray the Stations of the Cross with us this Lent! Join us as we spiritually walk with Jesus on his path to crucifixion.

INSPIRATION FOR THE WEEK — Jesus did not convert the Samaritan woman with miracles. He converted her with presence. He was not afraid of her sins or her failures. He listened to her. He sat with her. Let us learn from this: when we are present to others, we can show them the face of God.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE March 8, 2026 3rd Sunday of Lent John 4:5-42 Recently I received a note from a teenager I met years ago. He wrote, “Dear Father Muir, you probably do not remember me, but I wanted to thank you for your inspiring and humorous homilies at the parish. They helped me appreciate the beauty of Catholicism, which I have now embraced in a personal way.” That small note moved me more than he probably imagined. I had no idea my words had taken root in him. I was simply sowing seeds — week by week, Mass by Mass. Someone else — his parents, a youth minister, or God Himself — was doing the deeper work. Now this young man is joyfully reaping a harvest of faith. In today’s Gospel, Jesus offers living water to a Samaritan woman whose life had been full of searching and disappointment. By the end of their encounter, she becomes a bold and joyful evangelist. Then Jesus turns to his disciples and says something easily overlooked: “One sows and another reaps” (John 4:37). He is helping them — and us — understand how evangelization works. Often, the one who sows the seeds of faith is not the one who sees the fruit. This Lent, ask yourself: Are you in a sowing phase or a reaping phase? If you are sowing — raising children, praying for someone, mentoring — be patient. Your work matters. If you are reaping — seeing someone come alive in faith — be grateful. You are standing on sacred ground, tilled and watered by others. Lenten challenge: Thank someone who once sowed faith into your life. And keep sowing, even when the harvest is unseen. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Sign of the Cross Question: Why do Catholics make the sign of the cross? Answer: The sign of the cross is a devotional practice that dates back to the first Apostles. When making the sign of the cross, we remember Jesus Christ who died for us and also bear witness to the fact that we belong to him and are called to share the Good News to all the world. At our Baptism, we were signed with a cross and marked for Christ. That mark remains on us throughout the entirety of our lives. We remind ourselves of that mark every time we make the same gesture over our bodies. We also remind ourselves that to be a Christian means we are to “put on Christ” and be Christ for a world that needs to know him. In a way, this devotional gesture covers us with Christ so that others may see him in us. Catholics are not the only ones who make the sign of the cross. Orthodox, Lutheran, and Anglicans are examples of other Christians who maintain this same ancient tradition. ©LPi

This weekend is the Third Sunday of Lent. Ask yourself: Are you in a sowing phase or a reaping phase? This week's Lenten challenge: Thank someone who once sowed faith into your life. And keep sowing, even when the harvest is unseen. See you at Mass!

Blessing of Hope — In Your goodness Lord, bless us. Help us to know Your abundance and Your gifts. Help us to hear Your voice and know Your assurance. Help us remember what You have done, and look forward to what You will do. Amen.

Virtues, EXPLAINED! Self-control flows from the cardinal virtue of temperance, and it’s really all about boundaries. Through self-control, a gift of the Holy Spirit, we avoid surrendering too much of ourselves to our passions.

March is the Month of St. Joseph. With St. Joseph's feast day on March 19, we take time to reflect on Jesus' adoptive father. St. Joseph, protector of the Holy Family and nurturing adoptive father to Jesus, pray for us!

QUESTION OF THE WEEK — In the transfiguration of Jesus, Peter, James, and John are fearful when they hear God’s voice speak from the cloud. As the season of Lent continues, what are some fears you are facing?

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE March 1, 2026 2nd Sunday of Lent Matthew 17:1-9 When I sit down to answer emails or write a Gospel reflection or return a phone call, I sometimes wonder: Does any of this humdrum work matter? Maybe you ask the same thing about your daily labor. Today’s Gospel, the Transfiguration, offers a surprising answer. Jesus leads Peter, James, and John up a mountain. There, “his face shone like the sun face and his clothes become white as light” (Matthew 17:2). That detail regarding his clothes is worth considering. We know Jesus’ body is inseparably united to the divine nature. But his clothing? That’s something made by human hands. It’s an artifact. And yet it shines with the same uncreated light. What does this detail mean? The early Church noted that Adam and Eve’s first act after the Fall was to make clothing. This clothing symbolizes all human labor that supports our dignity. In Jesus’ glorified garments, we see not just the redemption of our body, but of human effort to protect and uplift human dignity. Parents, your family is your work. Baristas, plumbers, nurses, accountants — your labor, your emails, your phone calls, your spreadsheets — can all become radiant when offered to God in love. The question isn’t just do I believe in Jesus’ glory, but do I believe he can share it with the work of my hands? Lenten Challenge: Identify the “artifact” you are making to uplift the dignity of others: your job, your home, your relationships. Consciously bring it to the Lord this Sunday at Mass. Offer it to share in His glory. It will begin to shine. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Annual St. Sebastian Volunteer appreciation dinner. Thank you all for making St. Sebastian an amazing Faith Family.

Tithing vs. Stewardship Question: What is the difference between tithing and stewardship? Answer: Both tithing and stewardship are part of a spiritual way of life that calls us to use all of our resources for the service of the Gospel. Everything we are and everything we have comes from God. Offering back to God what He has given us is part of how we worship and give thanks to God. Tithing is the practice of giving back 10 percent of what we earn. It comes from the Old English word for “ten.” The first Scriptural example of tithing came from Abraham who gave a tenth of his possessions to the priest Melchizedek. He did so as an act of thanksgiving to God. Stewardship as a way of life calls us to use well all that we have and all that we are, placing all things in service of others and God. Stewardship helps us see the good we can accomplish by making God and our spiritual life the most important values in our life. Whatever we accumulate in this life stays here. We can’t take it with us! Both tithing and stewardship help us remember that nothing is mine or even ours … all belongs to God. ©LPi

St. Sebastian Knights of Columbus will be serving Fish Fry Dinners from 4:30 pm. $15 per meal. All are welcome.

This weekend is the Second Sunday of Lent. Lenten Challenge: This Lent and throughout life’s struggles, the Spirit leads you and me into the wilderness. Name one “desert” into which the Spirit has led you: perhaps grief, fear, silence, change, disappointment. Ask for the grace to go there willingly. See you at Mass!

Lenten Blessing: Bless us in Your mercy, Lord, as we journey these 40 Days of Lent. Use this time to call, anoint, bind, strengthen, and inspire us anew. Like a good shepherd, teach us Your voice, and give us the strength to follow. Amen.

Virtues, EXPLAINED! Understanding is the “food” of faith. “I believe, in order to understand,” said St. Augustine. We must constantly ask the Holy Spirit for greater and more profound understanding, for though understanding proceeds from faith, it in turn nourishes that faith.

LIVE THE LITURGY — Our Lord is so humble that he allows us to see him experience temptation. The vulnerability of this moment is awesome to behold. Let us learn from Jesus’ interaction with the devil, and be transformed by it. Let us say, with him: “Get away, Satan.”

QUESTION OF THE WEEK — The season of Lent begins each year with the story of the devil tempting Jesus in the desert. As we embark on the 40 days of Lent, what temptations are you willing to confront?

This weekend is the 5th Sunday of Lent. In the Gospel reading, we'll hear how Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Lenten challenge: Who in your life needs to be called back to life? Pray for them. If that person is you, listen for the voice. It is calling even now. See you at Mass!

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE February 22, 2026 1st Sunday of Lent Matthew 4:1-11 In my second-to-last year of seminary, I woke up one September morning to devastating news: two beloved classmates had died in a car crash. I was overwhelmed with grief and anger like I had never known. I entered therapy for the first time and had intense conversations with my spiritual director. For months I felt lost in a spiritual wilderness. But something unexpected happened: I encountered Christ there. The fear and sorrow didn’t destroy me. In fact, that spiritual desert was a time of intense growth in faith. Today’s Gospel begins: “Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil” (Matthew 4:1). The word “led” denotes a gentle, humble submission to the Spirit. Jesus does not send himself into this desolate place where wild beasts roam and Satan tempts. Who wants to be around roaming, wild beasts? The Church Fathers saw them as symbols of our inner chaos: fears, temptations, wounds. The Spirit leads us there, sometimes against our wishes. But those same Fathers also saw that this deserted place is also where angels ministered to Jesus, amidst his great trial and temptation. Lenten Challenge: This Lent and throughout life’s struggles, the Spirit leads you and me into the wilderness. Name one “desert” into which the Spirit has led you: perhaps grief, fear, silence, change, disappointment. Ask for the grace to go there willingly. The beasts may be real, but they will not harm you. There, the angels are waiting to minister to the Christ living in you, who always goes where the Spirit leads. — Father John Muir ©LPi

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!