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

(401)751-0196 stsebastianri.org

Mass Schedule

Monday - Friday: 8am

Saturday: 9 am

Sunday:

Saturday, 5pm - cantor

Sunday, 10am: organ and

cantor

The Sunday 10am Mass is

celebrated with people in

attendance, as well as on

Facebook and Zoom.

Confessions:

Saturday at 4pm or by

appointment

Adoration of the Blessed

Sacrament

Monday - Friday, 7:15 - 8am

Parish Office Hours Closed until further notice

Parish Contact Information (410) 751-0196

September 6, 2020

Weekly Bulletin

Twenty Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Oh, that today you would hear his voice: “Harden not your hearts as at Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the desert, Where your fathers tempted me;

they tested me though they had seen my works.” Psalm 95:8-9

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

Robert Short Pastoral Associate for Formation and Evangelization (401)751-0196 ext. 14 ssricgs@gmail.com Michael Sullivan Maintenance Nicholas Rocha Minister of Music Megan Morrow Cantor Kathy Harrington Parish Accountant finance@stsebastianri@org Susana Carlino Financial Administrator Michael White Worship Editor Sarah M. Heaton Bulletin and Graphic Design Editor Parish Trustees Charles Rogers Catherine Taylor Parish Finance Council James Daly Ann Carnevale Elisa Vele-Tabaddor Douglas Nani Parish Council Sarah Garcia-Mata Mary Hill Jamie Hill Janice Opalenski Patricia Recupero Fred Reinhardt Robert Whelan Amy Thomas

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 on 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

Parish Auditors Ellen Boyle Jennifer Pizzuti Karin Schrott Gerry Codola Catherine Denning Toni Dumville| Robert Lough

• Your generosity last spring will allow us to purchase more Grocery – Gift – Cards for the students and families where Kristen Gold is the school counsellor.

• Our food collection for Mary’s House can resume. Please bring your donations with you to Mass. Please do not leave the food in the vestibule of the Church: too much food is stolen. Please bring your donations to the “work sacristy”. Where is the work sacristy you may ask? Simply walk down the side isle by the Chapel and turn right at the door that would lead you downstairs. The work sacristy is on your immediate left. Please place the food there and it will be kept in the locked sacristy until it is taken to Mary’s House.

• We need some safe community time. Our grounds, while they have suffered greatly because of monies and the summer heat, are still large and spacious. Coffee and doughnuts on some Sundays; a Founders’ Day Celebration that could be outside on Founders’ Day Weekend, etc. You see where my thoughts are leading; let’s work together to think of some fun and safe things to do.

NEW MASS SCHEDULE AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Beginning this weekend a new weekend Mass Schedule goes into effect. The Schedule is:

Saturday: Confession at 4 pm

Mass at 5pm – Low Mass

There is music, but not as developed as at other Masses.

Sunday:

9am: Religious Education for:

Grades 1, 2, and 3; Confirmation II

10am: Family Mass –

Cantor and keyboard, more varied styles of music.

11am: Religious Education for:

Grades 4, 5, and 6; Confirmation I

Noon: Sung Mass

All the parts of the Mass are sung

(Gloria, etc.) incense is used appropriately.

Bob and I have greatly consulted the parents of our Religious Education to arrive at this schedule. From all the information we have received, this seems to be the best solution. As I said in my email, this will be an adjustment for all us. We will see how things go. Let us pray for one another!

Until we meet at the altar…

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

In the Lord,

MY DEAR FRIENDS,

May the Grace of Our Lord remain always with us!

GETTING BACK IN THE GROOVE

I know that I have mentioned to you that it has been a long while since I had three continuous weeks of vacation, and now I know one of the reasons it has been so long: it is too hard to get back into the swing of things! Even though it can be difficult re-entering reality, I’m glad to be doing so. Once again, I am gratefully to Bob Short, Megan Morrow, Mike Sullivan, Sarah Heaton, and Patrick Aiken who handled everything so perfectly! This was the first vacation since I was ordained a priest that I was not worried in the slightest: thank you, Bob et al!

THE FALL AT SAINT SEBASTIAN

After consulting the Parish Council, I have allowed Montessori Children’s Home (MCH) to put up a tent over the playground area on Lorraine Avenue. Initially the thought was to tent the south lawn, but the tent would have too expensive. All additional costs, insurance coverage, and liabilities are at the expense of MCH.

The Administration of MCH wants to have as many classes and activities as possible outside during the Fall Term. Establishing the tent will allow this to happen. The tent will also be equipped with flaps that when it rains the students will still be able to be outside. The tent is expected to be in place until around Thanksgiving.

Thankfully, we are able to take advantage of this space, as well. Can we consider having coffee and doughnuts or a Saturday morning Mass sotto la tenda (under the tent) in the weeks to come? Time will tell.

The thoughts of the Fall also raise questions about the life and ministry of our Parish. We have all made difficult choices not to travel as freely as we are accustomed; not to visit family members for a multiplicity of reasons; to embrace a form of solitude that is simultaneously good, as well as anxiety producing: this is life with COVID. While we must be attentive to all of the necessary protocols to stay safe and healthy, we need to try to begin to move towards some experience of a new normal or we will all go mad! Like our students who have shown signs of regression, I am concerned that we, as a parish community, will show similar signs. I asked one of our younger parishioners (a 3rd grade student) if he was ready to go back to school. He pulled down his mask, looked up at me and said, “Father, I have been ready to go back to school since Easter!! This is aw - - - fu - - - ul!” From the mouths of babes! How can we be ready? Please consider these possibilities:

From FR. JORDAN, OP.

JOIN us IN PRAYER MASS Intentions

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5—9AM IN CHURCH

Mother Teresa of Calcutta

For the healing of our Church and Country

4pm – Confession

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

5pm: Pro Populo

PLEASE NOTE THE NEW TIMES FOR SUNDAY

MORNING MASS:

10am and Noon

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

10am: + Adolf Schrott

Noon: +Edward F. and Eileen F. Kelly on their wedding

anniversary

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7 – 9AM IN CHURCH

LABOR DAY

For the Dignity and availability of human labor

In thanksgiving for gainful employment and for all the unemployed

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8—DAILY MASS RETURNS TO 7AM The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

That by Our Lady’s Intercession a vaccine for may be developed and

end the Pandemic

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9 – 7AM IN CHURCH

Saint Peter Claver

For the end of systemic racism

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 – 7AM IN CHURCH

Weekday

+Eugene and Etta Gallent - Bequest

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 – 7AM IN CHURCH

Weekday – Votive Mass of the Lord’s Passion

+ Angelo J. Maraldo

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 – 9AM IN CHURCH Votive Mass of Saint Martin de Porres for Racial Healing and Peace 4pm – Confession 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time 5pm: Pro Populo and for Mary Ann Maraldo on her birthday

PARISH PRAYER Requests

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

LET US PRAY FOR ALL WHO ARE ILL:

Jacob Blake and all victims of gun violence and

rioting; Chantal Esnault, Samantha Polon, Kathy

McGinty – Radocaj, Belle Calenda, those affected

by the isolation of the Pandemic; those who live

with anxiety, depression, or addiction; those with

COVID - 19: let us pray to the Lord.

LET US PRAY FOR OUR BELOVED DEAD:

All who die by violence of any kind; Adolf Schrott,

Eugene and Etta Gallent; Angelo J. Maraldo; and all

the deceased members of Saint Sebastian.

Congratulations to Michael and Katherine Brito on the baptism of their first born,

Thomas Joseph Brito who was baptized on August 8,

the Solemnity of Our Holy Father, Saint Dominic. May God's grace flourish in Thomas Joseph and

his parents and Godparents.

AROUND the PARISH

MORE QUIET, UNSEEN HEROES! Their leader is persistent and always reminds me of their next meeting. I have thought of attending, but I’m not to excited to learn new things after 6:30 in the evening, especially if my mild case of dyslexia might be challenged. In the summertime, I can see them and hear them; and in the winter I know they are in Church because the lights are on. This group is a particular gift to our Parish, I don’t know of this anywhere else. Who are these friends of ours? They are the ‘Prayer Shawl Ministry’ of Saint Sebastian! ☺ Capably led by Pat Capece, there are a number of members in this group. If I am correct Joan Fleming, Mary Clare, Cathy Connors, Arlene Corrigan, and Catherine Nagle are regular members (although we have been missing Catherine since COVID). I really admire what the Prayer Shawl Ministry does! I count on their prayers for our parishioners and for whatever intentions they bring with them for a particular meeting. I am in awe of their skill!! Their beautiful work gives comfort and support to the sick and those who are lonely; and brings joy and wonder to the faces of parents and Godparents during baptisms! Prayer Shawl Ministry: another reason Saint Sebastian is such a great Parish!

WELCOME, NICHOLAS ROCHA!

Please join with Megan, Bob, and me in welcoming our new Director of Music and Organist Nicholas Rocha to Saint Sebastian Parish. A graduate of both Vassar College (BA, Music) and the Boston Conservatory (M.M. in Choral Conducting) Nick joins us this weekend to begin his ministry among us. Nick has been the Director of Music Ministry and Organist at Holy Angels Church in Barrington for 8 years. Chosen from a number of excellent candidates, Bob, Megan, and I agreed that Nick presented himself as a great fit for our Parish; and possesses and shows a high level of musicianship that will enrich our liturgical life.

Welcome, Nick!

Mr. Bob is looking for five parishioners to help teach our elementary aged Religious Education students. No experience necessary, only a heart open to God, a willingness to learn, and a deep respect for children. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, single person, or young person, we are all called to pass on the Good News. Perhaps you don’t feel called to become a priest, Sister, or Religious Brother. You might not be given the mission to learn new languages and preach to people in a far away place or foreign land. However, you certainly might be called to teach a small class of St. Sebastian Church's children to say their prayers; trust God; and, learn what Jesus has done for us! Classes are on Sunday mornings and will be digital until that point we may gather safely in our classrooms again. Please contact Bob Short at ssricgs@gmail.com and share this invitation to the person or persons in your life that you think has what it takes to do this rewarding and important job well!

Catholic Charities and Good Friday Collection Updates from the Diocese of Providence If you have given to the Catholic Charities appeal in former years, and you have not done so to date, you either have or will receive a letter from Bishop Tobin seeking your participation in this annual appeal. Because COVID and the closing of Churches prohibited the regular weekend collection for Catholic Charities, the In-Pew Collection will be on the weekend of September 12 and 13. If, to date, you have not contributed to this worthy endeavor, you will be able to do so on this weekend or before. If you are going to contribute that weekend, please place your contribution in the basket in the vestibule and please write Catholic Charities in the memo line of your check. Our reduced Parish Goal is $72,000.00. To date you have generously contributed $71,465.00; $535 will bring us to goal. In my own name, please accept my personal thanks for your generosity towards God’s most beloved people: His Poor! Fr. Jordan, O.P. In addition to the Catholic Charities collection, Pope Francis has asked that we again ask for donations for 2020 Pontifical Good Friday Contribution. If you have not already contributed to this annual collection, please consider doing so. Please make out your check to Saint Sebastian Church and indicate “Pope Francis Holy Land Collection” in the memo line.

FATIMA: A REVIEW The much anticipated new movie about Fatima which

has had a long road to viewers among the COVID-19 Pandemic is finally available! You can read an excellent review from Brad Miner in The Catholic Thing before viewing the movie on one of these digital platforms where the movie is available to watch at home.

AROUND the CHURCH

Download the Pledge Form

DIOCESE OF PROVIDENC E

Dear Friends in the Diocese of Providence,

In a compelling reflection on about the COVID Pandemic, Pope Francis spoke of how we are all affected by, and

united in, responding to the crisis. Our Holy Father wrote: “We realize that we are all in the same boat, all of us

fragile and disoriented…[But] we are invited to step out of ourselves for love of God and neighbor as an

opportunity for sharing, service and intercessory prayer.”

Indeed, the crisis has occasioned many opportunities for “sharing and service,” and in the Diocese of Providence,

one of the ways in which we have responded to that invitation is through the outstanding work of Catholic

Charities. During this time, along with other initiatives, Catholic Charities has; provided food cards to thousands

of households through the Diocese; enabled Emanuel House shelter for the homeless to remain open; provided

personal assistance to senior citizens at the St. Martin de Porres Center; and supplied diapers, formula, clothing

and cribs to expectant and new moms.

This good work wouldn’t be possible, though, without the funding provided by the annual Catholic Charity

Appeal. We are deeply grateful for the $4.3 million already received from more than 14,000 donors, and if you

have already given to this year’s appeal, thank you very much! But this ministry, too, has been severely affected by

the pandemic restrictions, and we are far short of this years goal of $7.3 million. For that reason, we are turning to

you to please for your assistance. We need you, your financial support of the Church is to maintains its charitable

mission at this unprecedented time of crisis.

Our annual in-pew weekend appeal for the Catholic Charity Appeal is scheduled for September 12th—13th. If you

haven't yet donated, the in-pew appeal will give you a very convenient way to do so. There are other ways as well:

you can return the enclosed pledge card, or make a secure gift online at www.givecentral.org/2020CCA.

Pope Francis has reminded us that whenever we navigate stormy seas, it’s important that we all “row together,

each of us in need, comforting one another.” The Catholic Charity Appeal gives us a very tangible and effective

way to “tow together.” Thank you very much for your assistance, and God bless you!

Sincerely, yours,

Thomas J. Tobin

Bishop of Providence