Aug 23, 2024

Greetings,
Early Monday morning, a large truck pulled up behind the rectory and began to unload the top part of the greenhouse. The label on the side of the large crate which is from
England read, “Hartly Botanic to St. Sebastian New York,” New York being the port to which it was being delivered.

A crew of about five began work straight away. Hartly Botanic hires workers from the United States to erect their greenhouses, and these men were from as far away as Michigan and Florida. They are staying at a local hotel for the next three days while the top half of the greenhouse is being assembled.

Meanwhile, our other crew is busy connecting the water and sewer, electricity and gas lines. Finally, the last piece will come, will be putting a facing on the cinderblock. Everything should be finishing up just about the time we will need it! If you get the chance, stop by and see our cutting garden while it is still in bloom. It is just edging on turning from vibrant to more of a fall feel. Thank you to everybody who makes these projects happen. They add not only to the life of the parish but to the whole neighborhood.

IN OTHER NEWS:

FR. VALENCHECK AWAY: For the first time in my priesthood, I will not be in the parish for the first day of school, a big letdown for me. This week, at the request of Bishop Malesic, I will be away for training so that St. Sebastian Parish can be a designated place to send transitional deacons being formed for ordination to the priesthood to be sent for further training. I’ve been trying to get Fr. Marcelli to learn the button box in order to play for the arriving students, but there isn’t enough time. He did offer to play his harmonica though.

Since I won’t be able to be there for the first day of school, let me welcome our students now, especially our new students and families. May God bless you with much growth in the Lord and in wisdom, knowledge and understanding in this academic year at this Catholic, National Blue-Ribbon school.

ALPHA: This is a series of dinners, videos and discussions that are designed to explore the Catholic faith. Whether you are a cradle Catholic or you are just exploring the possibility of joining the Catholic Church, you are invited to participate. This program is sweeping the nation and can be found in many places in our own diocese, though this is the first one in the southern part of our diocese. It is free, but registration is needed to ensure that there is enough food and plenty of chairs for everyone in attendance. For questions or registration, call Keith Johnson at 330-836-2233 ext 134 or go to stsebastian.org/church/alpha.

BY THE NUMBERS & NAMES: Every year, because of your generosity, we are able to house, feed and occasionally employ seminarians so that they might continue their studies and be formed in parish life. Over the past 16 years, you have made it possible to welcome twenty-four men here at St. Sebastian. Some are assigned here, and others request to stay with us. Some have come for a few weeks, while some stay for a couple of years. Some went on to become priests, while some eventually discerned out, but they all gained something important by being with you. Here is a list of names, not in exact order:

Brian Delatte, Michael Crookston, Fr. Jeremy Merzweiler*, James Miller*, Fr. Michael Petkosik, Dc. John Hawkins†, Eric Eiermann, Fr. David Stavarz, Brian Petro, Cameron Ferrell†, Fr. Michael Garvin, Fr. Joseph Robinson, Joseph Mannerino, Brother Vincent†, Fr. Ian Kelly, Brother Charlie Bulger†, John Green†, Joseph Ho†, Conner Skully†, Conner Trout†, Dc. Ryan Arto†, John Scantling†*, Christopher Villarreal†*, Simon Park†.
† Still in formation here or elsewhere
*A member of St. Sebastian.

Please keep all of those in formation or considering a Church vocation in your prayers.

God bless,
Fr. Valencheck