Aug 04, 2024

Greetings!

Happy Anniversary of the founding of our parish! The first Mass of the newly formed St. Sebastian Parish took place in the gymnasium of Rankin Elementary School (now closed but which still stands just a few blocks southeast of the parish) on August 5, 1928. For ninety-six years this parish has been a cornerstone of faith and community in West Akron and beyond. It is difficult to believe that some of our buildings are approaching being a century old! They were built and maintained so diligently that they still look stunning, suit our needs and remain in top-notch condition. They stand on a firm foundation just as the faith of this community has Christ as its foundation and cornerstone.

This weekend we offer thanks for the founders of the parish under the leadership of Monsignor Zwisler whose personality still lingers about large to this day and for all of the fellow Sebastianites who have maintained and grown the parish over the years and above all, to God, Who has so abundantly blessed us under the patronage of St. Sebastian.

I hope that our celebrations this weekend helped you give thanks for the gift of our parish. I am particularly pleased in these festivities since they were inspired by and executed by fellow parishioners. The hope is to continue to build up this annual summer event up to and in anticipation of our centennial anniversary coming up in 2028 so that by then, it will be a truly great event. It is the family throwing a party for the family! For all of you, I am so very thankful. That makes it all the more spectacular.

Following the 4:30pm Mass this weekend, there will be a procession down Mull Avenue with a statue of St. Sebastian to the festival grounds. Even if you do not attend this Mass on that day, please come join the procession and then stay for food, entertainment and family games.

IN OTHER NEWS:

FR. VALENCHECK AWAY: I will be away from the parish this week visiting my sister in upstate New York. I will be returning on Monday, August 12. Joanie will be going with me, so Fr. Marcelli and Rover will take over all the duties until we return.

MISSIONARY: This weekend we also have our annual Missionary Appeal. Fr. Bervival Tayem of the Franciscan Missions will be here to ask for your support for their work.

SEMINARIAN NEWS: John, Chris, Simon and Conner will be returning to the seminary this week. I am so very grateful to them for all their hard work and the good company over the summer. The house is going to be very empty without them. Please keep them in your prayers and thank them before they leave. If you are so moved, you could offer a monetary token of appreciation (since they are forbidden to work during seven months of the school year).

NEW VESTMENT: Those who attended Mass on Monday morning were able to see a new vestment that was commissioned by the Foundation and designed and created by our own Karen Spangler in honor of my twenty-fifth anniversary to the priesthood. Thank you so very much! It is stunning. This is why Karen is getting so many requests to make vestments across the diocese.

God bless,
Fr. Valencheck