Jun 23, 2022

Greetings,

It is entirely possible that in the time between the writing of this letter to you and when you read it, there may be a decision from the Supreme Court concerning Dobbs vs Jackson. When the leak came out earlier, it appeared as though the court was leaning toward overturning Roe, there were no difficulties of any sort around the parish though we were prepared for just such an eventuality. As we await the final ruling, your parish is still prepared. Although we do not expect any unpleasantness, it is nonetheless sensible to have a plan in place.

Consider preparing for such an eventuality in your own life. As one commentator put it. “Over dinner tables, in classrooms, around water coolers, in supermarkets, gyms and community centers, on social media, podcasts, websites and blogs, newspapers, television and radio talk shows, . . . opinions will be shared, formed, perhaps changed, with greater intensity and potential impact on minds, hearts, elections, public policy and, eventually, wombs.”

“There will, of course, still be intractable shouting matches on cable news programs involving trained spokesmen sloganeering past each other — a heat-generating rather than light-producing caricature of what should be taking place for a subject of such sensitivity and importance for women, men and children. But abortion arguments will now increasingly take place among friends and family members, not professional debaters. Some will have strong principles and ideas; others will have mixed and even confused thoughts and feelings, as they seek to get out from under catchphrases and propaganda to understand, evaluate, weigh and prioritize the truths and values involved.”

With that in mind, prepare yourself. Arm yourself with facts. Make clear in your own mind your thoughts. Do not underestimate the power of prayer and fasting. Be joyful and hopeful no matter what and be not afraid.

In the Angelus Letter this week there will be a couple of links to websites to assist you in your understanding of what is taking place as well as resources to help you articulate Life Issues and how you might help. Thank you for all that you do and know of my prayers for you.

IN OTHER NEWS:

STAFF:  There have been a few adjustments in your parish staff about which you might want to be aware. John Joyce will be focusing primarily on Young Adult Ministry. We welcome Chase Bills who just began working this week who will take over Youth Ministry. This will allow Keith Johnson to focus his efforts on catechesis. Welcome aboard, Chase!

ETC.:  As I quickly run out of space, here are a few other notes:  The church roof project is slated (haha) to begin at the end of summer. Masonry work was taking place this week on the front of the rectory to repair the ornamental stonework. The church was locked early last Sunday for a visiting choir to record for which St. Sebastian Parish will be credited on the cover. Thank you to everybody who helped kick off our three-year Eucharistic Revival last week with our Corpus Christi Mass and Procession! What a great turn out! Thank you especially to our awesome servers who turned out in droves!

God bless,

Fr. Valencheck