The Church of Saint Sebastian 67 Cole Ave., Providence, RI 02906

(401)751-0196 stsebastianri.org

Mass Schedule

Sunday Masses Saturday: 5:00 pm Vigil Sunday: 9:00 am, 11:00 am Daily Mass M - F: 7 am Saturday: 9am

Confession Times

Saturday 4:00 pm - 4:45 pm or by appointment

Devotions Adoration of Blessed Sacrament Mon-Thurs. 6:30 am - 6:55 am

Rosary Mon– Fri. 6:40am

Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Tuesdays following the 7:00 AM Mass

Parish Office Hours M-F: 10:00 am—2:30 PM

Parish Contact Information (410) 751-0196

February 23, 2020

Weekly Bulletin Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time

The Lord is kind and merciful: He pardons all your iniquities, heals all your ills.

He redeems your life from destruction, crowns you with kindness and compassion.

Psalm 103:3-4

PARISH Directory and INFORMATION Directory Parish Information: P: (401)751-0196 F: (401)273-2753 Web: https://stsebastianri.org/ Reverend Father Jordan Kelly, O.P. Pastor 401-500-2462 pastor@stsebastianri.org Elaine Ginn Receptionist/Secretary office@stsebastianri.org Carole Graves Director of Music/Organist music@stsebastianri.org Megan Morrow Cantor Robert Short Director of Faith Formation and Evangelization 401-272-6062 ssricgs@gmail.com Kristen Gold Assistant Religious Education Coordinator 401-272-6062 ssriprimaryre@gmail.com Paul Castaldi Maintenance Kathy Harrington Parish Accountant finance@stsebastianri@org Parish Trustees Charles Rogers Catherine Taylor Parish Finance Council James Daly Ann Carnevale Grace Dugan Douglas Nani Parish Council Sarah Garcia-Mata Mary Hill Jamie Hill Janice Opalenski Patricia Recupero Ellen Reinhardt Fred Reinhardt

WELCOME to the CHURCH of SAINT SEBASTIAN In my own name and on behalf of the People of Saint Sebastian’s, welcome to our Parish! If you are visiting, coming back to the Church and Mass after some time away, or looking for a Parish, you are most welcome here at Saint Sebastian’s.

Parish Registration Registration is the official way we join a parish community, please stop in the Parish Office or register online to become a registered parishioner. To be considered an active registered member of the parish, members are asked to give of their time, talent and treasure. The parish is in need of and welcomes all three parts of your stewardship.

Sacrament of Baptism Congratulations of the birth of your child! We require all parents and godparents to attend Sacramental Preparation Classes. Once you have called the rectory to plan for the baptism of your child, we will have someone contact you to set up a special appointment for Preparation classes. These classes are usually done one on one with each family and are conducted by a couple who are well prepared to teach and assist in Baptismal Preparation.

Sacrament of Matrimony Congratulations on your engagement and decision to enter into a Catholic marriage! Saint Sebastian Parish will help you in your preparation to ensure that you make this serious and sacred step in your life a holy and happy one. The day and time of your wedding must be arranged in person by the prospective bride and groom themselves as soon as they feel called to marry. No arrangement can be made by phone or parents. All arrangements should be made nine months prior to the wedding date and done prior to scheduling the reception. The first meeting with the Pastor may be scheduled by calling the Parish Office at (401) 751-0196. Spiritual preparation is a key part of this special time. Frequent participation in the sacraments during this time is important, particularly weekly Mass attendance. It is also strongly recommended that you bring yourselves to the Sacrament of Reconciliation during this time of preparation.

Religious Education By their word and their example, parents are the first and principal teachers of their children concerning our Catholic Faith. The Religious Education of Saint Sebastian’s stands ready to assist parents in their sacred and most important responsibility. Should you have any questions about the program please contact Ms. Kristen Gold at ssriprimaryre@gmail.com or Mr. Bob Short at ssricgs@gmail.com

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Saint Sebastian’s also offers Level One, ages 3 - 6, of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, commonly referred to as CGS. CGS is a Montessori-based program of faith formation. Please contact Mr. Bob Short, Catechist, at ssricgs@gmail.com

Robert Whelan Amy Thomas Karin Schrott Gerry Codola Catherine Denning Toni Dumville Robert Lough

Parish Auditors Ellen Boyle

Jennifer Pizzuti

From FATHER JORDAN, O.P. , Pastor MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS,

May the Grace of Our Lord remain always with us!

Everything was just a wee bit off this week: the neighborhood seemed really quiet; the phone barely rang; no Religious Education; no Mr. Bob or Ms. Kristin running in and out of the Rectory; there were no runners early in the morning, or again at dusk; everything seemed off. I went into the Butcher Shop on Elmgrove one day and there was no one there. I asked Dave, the owner, if the lunch rush was over, and he told me that it would be slow all week – public school vacation! If you got away for a break, I hope you had a great time: all of you were definitely missed!! The quiet afforded me the opportunity to catch up on different projects – the biggest goal is clearing my desk. I am ashamed to say that I am still writing Christmas thank you notes; and there is always paperwork for so many different projects. CATHOLIC CHARITIES

By now most of you should have a received a letter

from Bishop Tobin concerning this year’s Catholic

Charities Appeal. Although this is an annual request, I

know that it comes on the heels of so many requests,

most especially Sharing the Vision, Meeting the

Challenge: Grateful for God’s Providence. Thank

you for caring those who need our assistance, and for

stretching yourselves once again.

Initially, our Parish Goal for CCA 2020 was

$80,000.00. However, being aware of donor fatigue

and in recognition of all of our efforts to increase our

weekly offertory and participate in the Sharing the

Vision, Meeting the Challenge, with the advice of

both the Parish and Finance Councils, I requested a

reduction in goal. Although I had asked that the goal

be reduced to $65,000.00, the Diocese granted a

reduction of $8,000.00 making our goal $72,000.00.

More to come in the weeks ahead.

THIS WEDNESDAY IS ASH WEDNESDAY

Hard to believe that this Wednesday will be Ash

Wednesday, the beginning of our Lenten Pilgrimage.

Masses with the Distribution of Ashes will take

place on Wednesday at 7am and 5:30pm.

A FEW LENTEN HIGHLIGHTS:

1. Lenten Mission

Fr. Isaac Morales from Providence College will lead us

in our Lenten “Mission” next weekend, 29 February and

1 March. This year’s mission is entitled “Keep Sane

in a Crazy World” – I know I could use this grace!

The schedule is listed elsewhere in today’s bulleting.

The Mission includes Pasta with the Padres – join us!

2. Wednesday Soup, Bread, and Study

On March 4, March 25, and April 8, following the

5:30pm Mass, come together for a simple meal of

soup and bread at 6pm, followed by a brief teaching –

talk (there will be separate sessions for adults and

children); closing prayer, and on your way home by

7pm. Topics are listed elsewhere in today’s bulletin.

3. Daily Masses and Stations of the Cross

Masses will be celebrated each day at 7am and 5:30

pm. Stations of the Cross are held each Friday

evening, following the 5:30pm Mass.

In the words of the Liturgy, “this is the time of

fulfillment, the reign of God is at hand…” during

these days of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving may God

complete what He has begun in us, that we may know

a wonderful Easter on April 12, and a yet more

glorious one in the Kingdom of heaven!

Until we meet at the altar…..

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee!

In the Lord,

JOIN us IN PRAYER MASS Intentions

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday 9:00am: The victims of the Clergy Sexual Abuse and the healing and renewal of the Church Vigil of the Seventh Sunday of Ordinary Time 4:00pm: Confessions 5:00pm: For the Intentions of Pope Francis

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

9:00am: Missa pro populo

11:00am: +Reverend Angelo D’Agostino, S.J., M.D.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24 7:00am: For Brian Somich on his 54th Birthday

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 7:00am: For Jean Cox on her 64th Birthday

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26 ASH WEDNESDAY – DAY OF FAST AND ABSTINENCE

7:00am: For all parishioners living and deceased

5:30pm: For the graces of a fruitful Lent

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY 7:00am: For the health of Father John Hallowell 5:30pm: For those who struggle with addiction FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY

7:00am: +Reverend Angelico Zarlenga, O.P.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29

SATURDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY

9:00am: For the healing of the victims of clergy sexual abuse

and the renewal of the Church.

Vigil of the First Sunday of Lent

4:00pm: Confessions

5:00pm: For an increase of vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life

PARISH PRAYER Requests

If you would like someone included in the Prayers for the Sick, please call the office at 401.751.0196 .

We pray for: Patricia Maciel, Betty Young, Marie Brito, Peter Hurley, Laura, Margaret Pleasants, Dennis Roberts, Jim DeLucia, Raymond Capece, Fr. John Hallowell , and all the sick of our families and parish

PLEASE PRAY FOR THE REPOSE of the souls of all our recently deceased, especially the members of our military who have died in service to our country.

OUR DOORS are

OPEN for YOU!

COMING up at SAINT SEBASTIAN THIS WEEK AT Saint Sebastian TODAY, FEBRUARY 23

9:00 CLOW

10:00 Religious Education

Children’s Choir

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 24

7:00am: Mass

4:00pm: Religious Education

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25

7am: Mass

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 26

ASH WEDNESDAY

7am: Mass with distribution of Ashes

5:30pm: Mass with distribution of Ashes

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27

THURSDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY

7am: Mass

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament after Mass

until 8:30am 5:30: Mass

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28

FRIDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY

7am: Mass

5:30pm: Mass

6:30pm: Stations of the Cross

7:30: AA – Back to Basics, Parish Hall

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 29

SATURDAY AFTER ASH WEDNESDAY

9am: Victims of clergy sexual abuse and the

renewal of the Church

Vigil of the First Sunday of Lent

4:00: Confessions

5:00: For the Intentions of Pope Francis

THE STUFF OF DAILY LIFE

Looking at the calendar reminds us of the “stuff” of

daily life:

This Wednesday, February 26, is Ash Wednesday.

Masses will be held at 7am and 5:30pm. Ash

Wednesday is a day of fast and abstinence. All

persons who have completed their fourteenth year are

bound by the law and abstinence; all persons between their

19th and the beginning of their 60th year are

bound by the law of fast and abstinence.

Next Sunday, the First Sunday of Lent, is our Parish

Mission: Keep Sane in a Crazy World. Father Isaac

Morales, O.P. from Providence College will lead the

Mission. The schedule for the Mission is:

• Attend any weekend Mass and hear Father’s

inspiring preaching;

• Eucharistic Adoration will begin at the end of

the 11am Mass: come spend some quiet time

with the Lord present before us on the Altar;

• 3pm: Mission Conference – Adults in Church;

Children downstairs for their own

Conference, or to go to babysitting

(depending on their age)

• Confessions follow Conference

• 4:30 – Solemn Vespers

• 5:30 – Pasta with the Padres (Donations will

be accepted. Any monies over cost will

support Fr. David and Food for the Poor to

build a house in Haiti.)

• During Lent, daily Masses will be celebrated at

7am and 5:30pm.

• Stations of the Cross: Friday at 6pm, following

the 5:30 Mass.

LENTEN LITURGY The Liturgy is the exterior expression of our journey in faith, and our life in Christ. As we worship during Lent we

will experience this exterior expression in different ways. Here are a few:

1. The Gloria is not said on Sunday, but only a Solemnity like the Feast of Saint Joseph, and the Annunciation of

the Lord;

2. The Alleluia goes away and is replaced by the Gospel Acclamation;

3. Flowers are present only for funerals, weddings, solemnities, and Laetare Sunday;

4. The organ is less dominant and the music is simpler. That doesn’t men the music will be slow and funerial – Carole,

Megan and I are working together to make sure this is not the case.

5. This time of year and being together for Mass: Several parishioners have expressed some concerns about the

unwilling sharing of germs during the cold and flue season. Please remember the following practices:

a. Reception of the Lord’s Precious Blood is discontinued until at least Easter;

b. At the sharing of the Sign of Peace please acknowledge one another rather than shaking hands with all

around you; of course, this doesn’t include your family members;

c. In the vestibule of the Church there is a gray dispenser which contains hand sanitizer; parishioners are

invited and welcome to use this before entering Church. I have placed this container on one of the

tables in the vestibule several times - - but it seems to disappear. Please do not remove this dispenser,

but leave it in place for those who wish to use it.

LENTEN HALLMARKS AT SAINT SEBASTIAN PRAYER: MASS Monday - Friday, 7:00am and 5:30pm; Saturday 9am; STATIONS OF THE CROSS Friday 5:30 PM PARISH MISSION February 29 & March 1 HOLY WEEK:

HOLY THURSDAY 7:00pm: Washing of Feet and Eucharistic

Procession GOOD FRIDAY 9:00am: Morning Prayer 3:00pm : Stations of the Cross 7:00pm - Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion HOLY SATURDAY 9am: Morning Prayer 8pm: Easter Vigil EASTER SUNDAY 9:00am: Mass followed by Easter Egg

Hunt 11:00am: Mass

FASTING:

Wednesday Soup, Bread, and Study: - Separate catechetical tracks for children and adults; baby sitting available

March 4: The Liturgy, Lent, and Living

March 25: Talking to my kids about life

April 8: Passover and the Triduum

ALMSGIVING

Sign for Sunday Sandwich Program

Attend Pasta with the Padres (all

monies raised after the cost of the

event will go towards helping to

build a new home for the poor in

Haiti. Our goal: $7,800.00)

Participate in Operation Rice Bowl

Consider increasing Sunday

Stewardship