May 26, 2022

Greetings,

This Monday our nation marks Memorial Day, a day of mourning, thanksgiving and prayer for those who lost their lives in the line of duty while serving in the armed forces.  No matter how you intend to spend this day, consider beginning it by attending Mass and praying for those who made this day possible.  Mass will be at 9am, followed by our annual Memorial Day Potluck Breakfast.  

IN OTHER NEWS:

OFFICES CLOSED:  Parish offices will be closed on Monday, May 30th in observance of Memorial Day.

NEWLY ORDAINED MASS OF THANKSGIVING:  The Rev. Joseph Menkhaus was ordained to the priesthood along with two of his classmates this past Saturday.  Father Menkhaus spent some time at St. Sebastian, though not as often on the altar as others have.  He assisted us tremendously during the time of lockdowns to get things up and running to livestream.  On Saturday, June 4th, he will be the celebrant at the 4:30pm Mass.  Come pray with one of our newly minted priests!

SEMINARIANS & RECTORY UPDATES:  Monsignor Chima Nwamadi got on a plane this past Monday and returned to his home in Nigeria.  He thanks you for your warm welcome and kindness.  Seminarian Joe Ho concluded his short stay with us and heads off for summer studies at the Institute for Priestly Formation.  He may return again at the end of summer for another brief stay.  A new face you should be seeing around for about a month is seminarian Jonathan Green.  He will be staying, working and ministering with us until he begins some summer travel.  And then there is Charlie Bulger whose company we get to enjoy all summer before he leaves us to join the Jesuits!  Please keep them in your prayers.

FLOWERS:  Our grounds & garden crews have been out in force this past week.  You will notice many flowers being planted, planters being set out, bushes being trimmed and weeds being pulled.  It is fellow parishioners volunteering that keep our grounds so beautiful!  Say a prayer for them and consider joining their ranks (even if it is just for one day!)  Keep an eye out for Mulch Day!  We can really use some extra backs that day!

LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL:  This week also marks the end of our academic year.  Dear students and faculty, you have been rated with high achievement and high growth for years, among the best of the best in the diocese.  This year was higher still, a remarkable achievement considering we are coming out of a couple years of national, educational turmoil.  Well done!  And you did it while focusing on our main mission of being a people of God, being of service to others and keeping heaven as our main objective.  For those graduating, continue on with this great work.   I look forward to hearing even greater things about you.  And for the rest of you, enjoy your summer well, recreate and keep up with your prayers so that you will be ready to achieve wonderful things in the new academic year.

CONCERT:  The Cleveland Chamber Choir will be performing at St. Sebastian Parish on Saturday, June 11th at 7:00pm.  Free and open to the public. 

JOAN OF ARC:  If you get the chance, say a prayer for my ordination class who will be celebrating 24 years of ministry on this feast of St. Joan of Arc (May 30th.)

God bless,

Fr. Valencheck