Nov 16, 2023

Greetings, 

As this Thursday is Thanksgiving Day, let me wish you all a very happy and grace filled observance of this holiday. I also look forward to Mass with those who kick off the day by offering thanks to God in a Eucharistic celebration. To that end, here are a couple of things to keep in mind for the Thanksgiving Day weekend:
Mass on Thanksgiving Day will be at 9am

The parish offices will be closed from Noon on Wednesday Nov. 22 through Friday. I am giving the staff a little extra time off around Thanksgiving since they put in so much extra time for the St. Jude event.

IN OTHER NEWS:

TRIP TO WASHINGTON: Mr. Anthony Rohr, our parish school principal, Mrs. Sue Vernon our second grade teacher and myself were in Washington D.C. on Thursday the 16 and Friday the 17 to officially receive our Nation Blue Ribbon Award! This award recognizes St. Sebastian Parish School as among the finest in the United States. I am so proud of Mr. Rohr, our faculty, and staff, our students and our families and all who support our school and am honored that I had the opportunity to join the team
going to our capital to receive this award on behalf of all of you.

CD AVAILABLE: Just in time for Christmas, Lynn Steward, our organist and director of music and our choir has produced a CD of some of their favorite and best pieces. They are flying off the shelves more quickly than we had anticipated so secure yours. You can buy an actual CD or you can download the music on your favorite listening device. For more information, see the bulletin or stop by the sales table in the narthex of the church.

ADVENT WREATH CANDLES: Advent is just around the corner. Have you decided how you are going to celebrate this season in your home? One way to do it is through the use of an advent wreath. There are a limited number of advent candles available in the narthex of the church by the parking lot entrance.

#WEGIVECATHOLIC: It’s almost time for #weGiveCatholic 2023, the annual online day of Catholic giving. The 24-hour event will take place on November 28, Giving Tuesday. This year, there is a new addition: the Early Giving Phase. For the convenience of donors, gifts can be made in advance beginning at midnight November 19. More than 230 Catholic organizations, including schools, parishes, Catholic Charities sites/programs, nonprofit organizations and ministries throughout the eight-county Diocese of Cleveland will benefit from the fundraising event. All participants are listed on the #weGiveCatholic website.

ADVENT CONCERTS: Because of the odd way that the calendar falls this year, there will only be three Tuesdays in advent and therefore there will only be three Adoration and Organ Recitals at noon. Every recital is free and open to the public and lasts approximately half an hour. Consider placing it on your calendar now. The parish Christmas Concert will be on December 17 at 7pm.

God bless,

Fr. Valencheck