St. Vincent de Paul

"Helping the Needy to Help Themselves"

St. Vincent De Paul Society on SR510 serves more needy families than any charitable agency in the county. We help families improve themselves both economically & socially through direct outreach.

All services are funded by our thrift store sales of used clothing, furniture, appliances and donor dollars.
THRIFT SHOP HOURS Tues-Fri, 9am-3:30pm & Sat 9am-1:30pm
Food Pantry: Tue & Thu 9am-12pm

Financial Client Aid: Wednesday 9am-12pm

There are many ways you can help with this important ministry. You can donate money or items that can be sold in the Thrift Store, you can volunteer your time in the Thrift Store or in Client Aid, you can volunteer to help us in your area of expertise (construction management, finance, data entry and office management). Thank you.

Please reach out to us: Treasurer@svdp-sebastian.org

St Vincent De Paul

5480 85th Street

Vero Beach, FL 32967

Thrift Shop: (772) 589-3338

Client Aid: (772) 589-3312

Sebastian Conference Website

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE May 3, 2026 5th Sunday of Easter John 14:1-12 We generally approach life with the question, “What can this do for me?” We try a new workout, a low-carb diet, intermittent fasting, or a new career path, hoping it will make us healthier, stronger, happier. The assumption is that if I invest in this, I’ll eventually reap some benefit, or I won’t do it. It is easy to think of faith the same way: if I really practice my faith, what will it do for me? Will it make me calmer, more moral, more successful? But in today’s Gospel, Jesus says something astonishing. He doesn’t present himself as a teacher who shows us the way to life. He says, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” (John 14:6) He is not merely a guide toward some higher benefit. He is the benefit itself. To know him is to know Life. Thomas Aquinas explains that every desire in the human heart — love, joy, meaning, all of our restless cravings — is really an indirect cry for life. Even despair testifies to this longing: people despair precisely because they feel they are not, and might never be, fully alive. The good news is that Jesus is not simply the means to a better life; He is Life itself. To believe in him is to share in God’s own eternal vitality. Not simply later but even now. Faith is not a transaction that produces results — it is a union that fills us with joy. To be in communion with Christ is to be truly, fully alive. — Father John Muir ©LPi

Confessing Sins Question: If I go to the Sacrament of Penance and end up repeating the same sins, does that mean I do not have a strong enough intention to amend my life? Answer: There is a popular expression that says, “Be patient. God isn’t finished with me yet!” Growing in faith and holiness is an ongoing, life-long project, and our struggle with sin is at the heart of it. As St. Paul says, the good he intends to do, he does not do. The evil he does not intend, he does! It is not always a lack of intention, but more often the allure of evil that makes it difficult to change. When we confess our sins, we are to come with a fully contrite heart. You need to reflect on your true feelings toward your actions before approaching the sacrament. After confession, there are strategies you can make to avoid falling into the same traps of sin. First, pray for and seek out strength and perseverance through multiple sacraments, charitable work, and personal sacrifice. Second, avoid occasions of sin when you might fail or be sorely tempted. In doing these things, remind yourself daily that it is a spiritual war we wage, and with God’s grace, we will succeed. ©LPi

This weekend is the 5th Sunday of Easter and in this Sunday's Gospel reading we'll hear Jesus say, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Jn 14:6) See you at Mass!

Blessing of the Good Shepherd — Dear Jesus, Be the Good Shepherd in my life. Help me to know your voice and to respond. Help me to find your fold and the paths on which you lead. Bless me with verdant pastures and restful waters. Refresh my soul. Amen.

Virtues, EXPLAINED! True humility does not require us to ignore, underestimate, or hide our gifts — it merely demands that we use these gifts rightly, with the knowledge that they are from our Creator and meant for His glory, not our own.

Fun Fact — In art, St. Mark is depicted with a winged lion, a reference to the beginning of his Gospel, with St. John the Baptist "calling out" in the wilderness.

LIVE THE LITURGY — “The sheep follow him, because they recognize his voice,” Jesus says. Do we know the voice of Jesus when he speaks to us? Have we spent time in conversation with him? This week, listen for the voice of Jesus in your life, and follow where it leads.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE April 26, 2026 4th Sunday of Easter John 10:1-10 “I am the good shepherd. A good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11 My most boring job was working at an insurance company as a college student. My main task? Filing. Now imagine if I had told my supervisor, “I just want you to know, I’m willing to die for these files.” She would have called a psychiatrist — or at least security. There is something absurd in Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel: “I am the good shepherd… I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:11) It sounds noble, until you think about it. No one dies for sheep. Not a hired hand. Not even a good shepherd. Sheep are important, sure, but not worth a human life. And yet, Jesus insists: I will die for them. The crowd understandably responds: “He is out of his mind.” C.S. Lewis once said that Jesus does not leave us the option of calling him merely a good teacher. If someone speaks like him, he is either lying, crazy, or telling the truth. John’s Gospel won’t let us stay sentimental. Jesus means it. He reveals a love that surpasses logic — a love that measures worth not by strength or success, but by the willingness to suffer unto death. The Good Shepherd’s madness is mercy. His cross makes no earthly sense and yet it makes divine sense. He lays down his life not for kings or saints but for sheep — for the ordinary, the unworthy, for you and me. Think of someone who may feel unworthy of love. Do something simple and generous for them, not because they deserve it, but because Jesus did the same for you. — Father John Muir ©LPi

This weekend we had our “Christ Renews Us” CRU) retreat for women of St. Sebastian. It was a great success!!! Thanks to the giving team and all those worked behind the scenes to make it a huge success.

Discerning Vocations Question: What does it mean to discern a vocation? Answer: The word vocation comes from the Latin word vocare, meaning “to call.” A vocation is a calling or invitation from God to serve in a particular way. For Catholics, that calling might be as a priest, sister, or married person. Vocation is the way we respond to the invitation to share in God’s grace and witness to God’s love in the world. Discerning a vocation is the process in which we pray for God’s guidance. We listen for God’s message that is often quiet and unassuming in a world filled with noise and distractions. We look at our gifts and talents, seek the advice of others, examine our motives, and listen to see what God is asking of us. The goal of discernment is to follow what the Lord wills, not what we think is the best idea. Many men enter a seminary to discern if that is their vocation, only to discover that their calling is to marriage. Others have resisted the idea for long periods of time, until finally they could resist no more. Some great saints have described that dilemma. Vocation is a human process of divine origin, and each of us must strive constantly to hear the call of God in our lives. ©LPi

In this Sunday's Gospel, Jesus speaks of himself as the gate through which his followers pass and have abundant life. As we also spend this day celebrating the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, let's pray for an increase in vocations and for more people to follow Jesus' call. See you at Mass!

Virtues, EXPLAINED! This cardinal virtue of temperance is shown in the person who is master of his passions and his attachment to the world. “It ensures the will's mastery over instincts and keeps desires within the limits of what is honorable,” we read in the Catechism.

Today we celebrate Earth Day — a beautiful reminder of our call as Christians to be faithful stewards of God’s creation. On this special day, we reflect on what we, as a Church, can do to protect and care for the world God has entrusted to us. Consider reading Laudato Si, Pope Francis' encyclical, subtitled "On Care for Our Common Home."

Spring Fest 2026

Virtues, EXPLAINED! The virtue of fortitude actually requires, first and foremost, the feeling of fear. In order to grow in fortitude, one must face a thing which frightens him, doing so specifically in pursuit of the good.

April is the Month dedicated to the Holy Spirit! Together, may we foster a deeper connection with the Holy Spirit as Guide, Advocate, and Comforter. Come, Holy Spirit, come!

LIVE THE LITURGY — How does Christ prove himself to Thomas? Not by his face or his words, but by his wounds. So, when we look for God to show Himself in relief or in triumph, we must remember the wounds of Christ. This is where we find our salvation.

GOSPEL MEDITATION - ENCOURAGE DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF SCRIPTURE April 12, 2026 2nd Sunday of Easter (Sunday of Divine Mercy) John 20:19-31 “Then he said to Thomas, ‘Put your finger here and see my hands, and bring your hand and put it into my side, and do not be unbelieving, but believe.’” (John 20:27) In my early 20s, I volunteered at a parish youth group. I witnessed teens encountering Jesus with a fresh, romantic wonder that reminded me of my own teenage conversion. But something had changed in me. I was quietly jaded and cynical. When teens shared stories of encountering Christ, I’d want to sarcastically murmur, “Well, good for you.” I had grown suspicious of the zeal I once knew. Then we brought the group on a pilgrimage. I was standing in an old church in France, ignoring a long-winded tour guide. I found myself before a crucifix. In that moment, I heard something, not audibly, but unmistakably in my heart: “I came to be your friend… and you wish to be my enemy? Why do you stand far from me? I suffer gladly for you. I was pierced for you. Why do you run from me?” My heart opened. I saw how cold and cynical I had become. But Jesus had not given up on me. He had returned, and his mercy broke through. So I can relate to the scoffing — and transformation — of Thomas when the Risen Jesus presents his wounds for inspection. Thomas is not simply doubting; he is guarded, suspicious, even cynical. But Jesus comes to him. No lecture. Just understanding and mercy. He invites Thomas to touch his wounds. This burns away his cynicism like the morning mist. Divine Mercy Challenge: This week, rejoice with someone who is newly alive in faith. If your own heart has grown skeptical or tired, ask Jesus to help you. He will. — Father John Muir ©LPi

This weekend we had our Christ Renews Us retreat for the men of St. Sebastian. What an amazing weekend!!! We thank everyone in one way or the other made CRU Retreat a huge success!!!

Sign Before the Gospel Question: I have been going to Mass for years and have always wondered: why do we make the three signs of the cross before the Gospel? Answer: Certainly, many people go to Mass or other devotions, doing and saying things out of habit or reverence and not really understanding the reasons behind some of these things. But everything we do has a meaning or purpose that helps us to worship better, proclaim our beliefs, or focus the attention of the people on something that has a greater importance or significance. A review of the meaning of various gestures and practices can help us have a deeper appreciation for what we do. There is a little prayer that goes with the three crosses before the Gospel: “May the words of the Holy Gospel be on my mind, on my lips and in my heart.” In standing to hear the Gospel, we acknowledge that Jesus is present, and the words of the Gospel are addressed to us. All of the gestures and special postures we adopt before the Gospel are intended to help us prepare for hearing the Word as well as act on it. The incense, the Alleluia, the deacon or priest, and the special dialogue and announcement that introduces the Gospel help us focus our attention on the Good News we are about to hear. The three signs of the cross show our desire and good intention to hear and live the Gospel. ©LPi

This Sunday, we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday, inspired by St. Faustina’s revelations and marking the close of the Easter Octave. As we reflect on God’s endless mercy, consider going to confession this weekend to fully embrace the grace of this special day. Jesus, we trust in You! Exposition of the Blessed Eucharist and adoration with Divine Mercy Chaplet at 3:00 pm on Sunday.

Easter Blessing — Dear Lord, Where there has been death, bring new life! Renew and redeem the sorrow in our stories with Your goodness and grace. Bless our hearts and homes this Easter and always. Amen.

Virtues, EXPLAINED! The cardinal virtue of justice has to do with the fulfillment of our duty to one another and to God. It gives us a framework for existing in the world alongside one another, in reverence with our respective rights, property, and obligations.

QUESTION OF THE WEEK — Both the angel of the Lord and the risen Jesus greet Mary Magdalene and the other Mary with these words of comfort: “Do not be afraid.” Who in your circle of friends or family needs to be comforted this week?

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

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?

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!

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