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

August 16, 2020

Weekly Bulletin

Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

May God have pity on us and bless us; may he let his face shine upon us. So may your way be known upon earth; among all nations, your salvation.

Psalm 67:2-3

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 Megan Morrow Cantor Kathy Harrington Parish Accountant finance@stsebastianri@org 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 Karin Schrott Gerry Codola Catherine Denning Toni Dumville| Robert Lough

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

me through my first year alone in the classroom. Was there anywhere near my school that had a weekday Mass early enough for me to get to work on time? The next morning I parallel parked on Cole Avenue.

I found so much to fall in love with at these Masses. I will start with the people. For all sorts of different reasons they got themselves out of bed early in the morning and came to hear the Word of God and receive the Bread of Life. Some were here only on certain days of the week. Some were here day in and day out. A couple have moved away. A few have gone home to their eternal reward. I met Marie, Pat, and the Samits; Joe, Sarah, and Rocco; Jim, Dan, and Katherine. I could go on. I have met some of the kindest and warmest people I will ever know in that chapel. In the past five years these people have prayed for me, given me rides to school when my car was unreliable, taken me to plays at the Gamm, and most importantly given me a thousand smiles and how-are-you’s that helped me live my life in as Christian a way as I can!

Maybe you have never been to a weekday Mass before. The Mass is celebrated every single day here, not just on Sundays. Monday through Friday we have a Mass at 7am (8am during the summer). On Saturday, we have the daily Mass at 9am, which is an entirely separate thing than the 5pm Vigil Mass on Saturday evening.

Weekday Mass has a whole different feel than on Sunday. You will first notice what is missing: there is no organ or cantor. Most days only have one reading and a psalm before the Gospel, rather than two readings and a psalm. There is usually no Gloria or creed. Things are more hushed, humble, unadorned, simple, and intimate. The beauty of the prayers shine out. We can almost hear each other breathing.

These weekday masses at Saint Sebastian became as much a part of the rhythm of my life as my own breath. What should I describe to you? How when the days get shortest, the liturgy has unspeakable beauty as we approach Christmas. The sun rises during Mass, such that we who walked into the church in pre-dawn darkness are dismissed from the liturgy into bright daylight. Or I could talk about the wonderful selections from the Bible that we hear read aloud—like during the first few days of Holy Week when Isaiah’s prophecies of the Suffering Servant interpret for us the Gospel stories of the trap which is about to be sprung upon Jesus, who freely gives his own life up for us so that we might be freed from sin and death.

As Father Jordan would write, “may the Grace of Our Lord remain with us always!”

Our pastor is taking a well-deserved vacation, and I will be writing a few columns in his absence. You probably will not learn as much, but I try to make sure they are entertaining to read!

One of my friends is a great lover of Medieval history. Like many of us, he has put on a few pounds during the quarantine, but unlike many of us he has come up with a rather Medieval solution: he has begun to train for a pilgrimage on the Camino in Spain. In the summer of 2021, he hopes to walk the traditional route from the Pyrenees to the tomb of St. James the Apostle in northwest Spain. The route is over 400 miles—not something you do without serious preparation. As part of this training, he invited me to take a pilgrimage walk with him and a mutual friend. Our trip would start in Lincoln, go through Manville, North Smithfield, and Woonsocket, ending at the Saint Theresa Shrine in Burrillville. All in all, it was 12 miles. Our friend, also a young Catholic in his 30s, has already walked the Camino and was filled with tips and wisdom from his trek. I do not want to get bogged down in details, but I did find it very interesting that many long-distance walkers will put anti-perspirant on their feet to stave off wet socks and blisters.

I am always on the look-out for new catechist talent, so I directed the conversation towards which parish he called home. Perhaps he might be willing to join a certain beautiful stone Church on a picturesque street in one of Providence’s most venerable neighborhoods…

Like many Catholics my age, he is a bit of a parish shopper—a roamin’ Catholic, he described himself. As he spoke about bouncing from parish to parish in his native Woonsocket, I wondered what it was that caused me to end my roaming days and call Saint Sebastian home. Next week I will go into my observations about what attracts young Catholics to a parish, but this week I’d like to go into something at Saint Sebastian that was a special draw for me: our daily Masses.

I found out this parish existed in late August 2015. I had just taken over the Upper Elementary Classroom at Ocean State Montessori School and felt like I needed more than a little divine help to get

From MR. BOB

Father Jordan has referred to these weekday Masses as an endless retreat. That is an image that reverberates with me. Each day he opens up for us doorways we into deeper understanding of familiar Gospels. He applies them to our lives. He reminds us of God’s love and mercy, and the path of life laid out for us.

And at the end of Mass, we are fed the Eucharist. Words fail me on this subject. Maybe you have a hard time believing this truly is the Lord. Or perhaps you know it in your head, but you don’t feel a thing when you take Communion. No matter where you are on in your journey, come to a daily Mass. Act like you believe, and you will find your mind and heart following close behind. Those of us who exercise know that what builds up our endurance and our heart is high repetitions at low weight. This is the spiritual version of that. We are building up perseverance. But more than that, we are dismissed to glorify God in our lives as we head off to work or school or babysitting grandchildren. We separate and go off, carrying the Risen Lord in us.

These Masses for me are a place of rest—a fitting end rejuvenating end to a pilgrimage of any length. And like many pilgrimages, you will find that destinations become new starting points. We would love to see you there. Sit with me if you like. I’m usually sitting in the front on the left side. Sometimes I am somewhere else though. I’m the one with the black glasses.

In the Lord,

Bob Short

From MR. BOB, (CONT) JOIN us IN PRAYER

MASS Intentions

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15 – 9AM IN CHURCH

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 9am: + Emmett James Kelly on the 47th Anniversary

of his death

4pm: Confessions

5pm: The Living and Deceased Members of our

Parish

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time 10am: + Angela Margiotta

MONDAY, AUGUST 17 – 8AM IN CHURCH

Weekday

For the Intentions of Alma L. Radocaj on her

birthday

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18– 8AM IN CHURCH

Weekday

+ Mary Jane Evans

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19 – 8AM IN CHURCH

Saint John Eudes, Priest

+Fr. Harry Dukehart

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20– 8AM IN CHURCH

Saint Bernard, Abbot and Doctor of the Church Robert Beyer, Bequest

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21 – 8AM IN CHURCH

Pope Saint Pius X For the Intentions of Alexis Radocaj Fisher on her

birthday

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22

The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary 9am: For the healing of our Church and Country

4pm: Confessions

5 pm: Anticipated Mass

The Living and Deceased Members of our Parish

AROUND the PARISH

Prayer Shawl Ministry will reconvene on August 4th

and 18th at 7pm on Belle’s Patio, AKA the Handicap

Ramp.

STRONGER THAN ANY VIRUS!

While it seems that the Corona Virus is trampling our country yet again, there are two things that are stronger than any virus: The Power of Prayer, and our Life of Faith! The Virus, summer schedules and vacations, may keep us from gathering to share prayer or to gather to grow in Faith, the Parish Council has been busily making plans to reach you at home. Join Father Jordan as we consider the following:

Nine Days to Welcome Peace Morning Prayer with Father Jordan

Slippers and Coffee: A Bible Study for Women led by Women

Nine Ways to Rediscover the Joy of Prayer Liturgy 101: The Mass and What it Means Lectio Divina: Praying with the Scriptures,

led by Pat Recupero

Keep checking the online bulletin and watching your “in – box” to find email invitations and announcements. THE PEOPLE OF BEIRUT

We promise our prayers for the many injured and deceased people of Beirut. Let us pray too, for our former parishioners Al and Barbara Badre who have so many family members and friends in Beirut. Mary, Our Mother, Come to their Aid!

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:

William Dolan, Chantal Esnault, Samantha Polon, Kathy McGinty – Radocaj, Douglas DiBiassio Rossi, the people of Beirut, Stephen Paesani, Deirdre McQuade, those injured by the hurricane, Belle Calenda, Annemarie Patriarca, Joseph Kennedy, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, 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: Those who die because of violence and rioting; those who die from COVID-19; those who were killed in Hurricane Isaias; Donna Guevremont, the Godmother of Bob Short; Dorothy Buccina; Caleb and Kyler Kiessling.

AROUND the PARISH

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REMINDERS! Is your child in 1st grade? Are you planning for First Holy Communion in 2nd grade?

Sacramental Preparation is a two-year process. If you child is in 1st grade, please register them to begin Religious Education in the Fall of 2020.

If you have Catholic friends who have children who are in 1st grade and want them to make their First Holy Communion in 2nd Grade, please let them know about our awesome Religious Education

Program!

If your student is in 7th Grade? Students desiring to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation in 2022 should register for Confirmation Prep Class. Students in Grade 7 and higher are eligible for Confirmation.

Religious Education Registration for the School Year 2020 - 21 Mr. Bob is working away getting ready for a new year of Religious Education! Whether you are a returning student, or a family new to the Parish, and you have a child between 1 and 10th Grades, there is a place for you in Saint Sebastian’s Religious Education Program. Please go to our website: www.stsebastianri.org to learn more about Religious Education and to register for classes this Fall.

SATURDAY BIBLE STUDY 8/22 at 9:30am (after the 9am Mass) Whether you are a scripture expert or don't know the difference between Genesis and Revelation, the Lord has new things he wants to tell you through the Holy Bible. On the second and fourth Saturday of each month we will be trying out a new Bible Study, based on that weekend's Sunday Readings. This is not a vid-eo series or a workbook. This is a chance to share your faith, make new friends, and find out what exactly the Apostle Paul is talking about. Bob Short will be leading it from the Randall Room, but we will move to a larger space for safety's sake if we need more room to spread out.

Queenship of Mary—August 22

This is the origin of today’s feast: Mary is Queen because she is uniquely conformed to her Son, both on the earthly journey and in heavenly glory. Ephrem the Syrian, Syria’s great saint, said of Mary’s queenship that it derives from her motherhood: she is Mother of the Lord, of the King of kings (cf. Is 9:1-6) and she points Jesus out to us as our life, our salvation and our hope. In his Apostolic Exhortation Marialis Cultus the Servant of God Paul VI recalled: “In the Virgin Mary everything is relative to Christ and dependent upon him. It was with a view to Christ that God the Father, from all eternity, chose her to be the all-holy Mother and adorned her with gifts of the Spirit granted to no one else” (n. 25).

Now however, let us ask ourselves: what does “Mary Queen” mean? Is it solely a title, together with others, a crown, an ornament like others? What does it mean? What is this queenship? As mentioned above, it is a consequence of her being united to the Son, of her being in heaven, that is, in communion with God; she shares in God’s responsibility for the world and in God’s love for the world. There is a worldly or common idea of a king or queen: a person with great power and wealth. But this is not the kind of royalty of Jesus and Mary. Let us think of the Lord; the royalty and kingship of Christ is interwoven with humility, service and love. It is above all serving, helping and loving. Let us remember that Jesus on the Cross was proclaimed king with this inscription written by Pilate: “The King of the Jews” (cf. Mk 15:26). On the Cross, at that moment, he is shown to be King; and how is he King?

By suffering with us and for us, by loving to the end, and in this way governing and creating truth, love and justice. Let us also think of another moment: at the Last Supper he bows down to wash the feet of his followers.

Consequently Jesus’ kingship has nothing to do with that of the powerful of this earth. He is a King who serves his servants; he demonstrated this throughout his life; and the same is true of Mary. She is Queen in her service to God for humanity, she is a Queen of love who lives the gift of herself to God so as

to enter into the plan of man’s salvation. She answered the Angel: “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord” (cf. Lk 1:38) and in the Magnificat she sings: God has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden (cf. Lk 1:48). She helps us. She is Queen precisely by loving us, by helping us in our every need; she is our sister, a humble handmaid.

And so we have already reached this point: how does Mary exercise this queenship of service and love? By watching over us, her children: the children who turn to her in prayer, to thank her or to ask her for her motherly protection and her heavenly help, perhaps after having lost our way, or when we are oppressed by suffering or anguish because of the sorrowful and harrowing vicissitudes of life. In serenity or in life’s darkness let us address Mary, entrusting ourselves to her continuous intercession so that she may obtain for us from the Son every grace and mercy we need for our pilgrimage on the highways of the world.

Through the Virgin Mary let us turn with trust to the One who rules the world and holds in his hand the future of the universe. For centuries she has been invoked as the celestial Queen of Heaven; in the Litany of Loreto after the prayer of the holy Rosary, she is implored eight times: as Queen of Angels, of Patriarchs, of Prophets, of Apostles, of Martyrs, of Confessors, of Virgins, of all the Saints and of Families. The rhythm of these ancient invocations and daily prayers, such as

the Salve Regina, help us to understand that the Blessed Virgin, as our Mother beside her Son Jesus in the glory of heaven, is always with us in the daily events of our life.

The title “Queen” is thus a title of trust, joy and love. And we know that the One who holds a part of the world’s destinies in her hand is good, that she loves us and helps us in our difficulties.

Dear friends, the devotion to Our Lady is an important element of spiritual life. In our prayers let us not fail to address her with trust. Mary will not fail to intercede for us with her Son. Looking at her, let us imitate her faith, her full availability to God’s plan of love, her generous acceptance of Jesus. Let us learn how to live from Mary. Mary is the Queen of Heaven who is close to God but she is also the Mother who is close to each one of us, who loves us and listens to our voice. Thank you for your attention.

- Pope emeritus Benedict XVI, August 22, 2012

http://www.vatican.va/content/benedict-xvi/en/audiences/2012/documents/hf_ben-xvi_aud_20120822.html

HAIL, HOLY QUEEN (Salve Regina)

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn, then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.

V. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Queenship of Mary—August 22