Although the Church calendar has returned to Ordinary Time, there are a number of solemnities in the next few weeks.  Today we celebrate the Most Blessed Trinity, the central mystery of our faith. The Godhead: the One God is revealed in Three Persons equal in majesty, holiness, and love.  While we have stereotypic representations of God the Father as an Old Man with a white beard, God the Son with long brown hair and a white tunic, and the God the Holy Spirit as a dove, they are traditional art forms attempting to capture a sense of this ultimate Holy Mystery: God.  The next week is Corpus Christi, the Body and Blood of Christ, and finally the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.  To God be glory in the Church, now and forever. Amen!

Moving on to a few temporal things, the Wine Tasting proceeds permit us to address some needed repairs on the property: the rectory front stair landing is eroding from beneath, caulking around the Church and the ramp needs replacing to prevent water infiltration, and creating a new space for the Religious Education Office in the Church. Each is either underway or soon to start.  The list of other concerns is slowly being met.  Your monthly Maintenance Collection certainly helps keep the parish property so beautiful, maintained, and safe.  A summer project will see some pruning of some major tree limbs to get them away from the rectory and Church buildings.  The Diocesan Insurance Commission has recommended the pruning for a few years now.  This will be addressed in the near future.

June is around the corner.  Plans for sabbatical continue. Priest coverage is secured for the three months.  I am fortunate that retired priests and those in specialized ministries are so open to assist at St. Sebastian’s during this period.  My brother priests are the ones who make this possible.  To them, my thanks and gratitude!

Have a blessed week.

 ~Monsignor Darcy

What’s new?  Let’s see.  Couples are preparing for marriage, parents are calling for baptism.  Parishioners are coming to talk about life, faith, family concerns, and wanting to be part of our parish.  Parish life is easy to assess.  You know when a parish is sleeping/dead, or like us, awakening!  People have heard about us, and now they want to “come and see” (John 1:46).

My plans for an exciting sabbatical in Jerusalem (where Pentecost happened) are progressing.  Even as a deacon in 1979, my very earliest ministerial hopes were to have extended time at two New Testament sites.  They are now in place.  To have an extended time to walk to the villages by the Sea of Galilee, and to retreat atop Mount Tabor (site of the Transfiguration) now await.  Courses on Jerusalem archeology and St. Paul are being selected at the famous École Biblique et Archeologique Française (see the web site www.EBAF.edu), and a sabbatical BlogSpot is in the works.  So, as we can see, many things are new and being re-energized at the invitation of the Spirit.

While the parish does quiet down in the summer months, life continues.  We’ll plan another summer cookout, consider an Oktoberfest (we’ll need committees!), and you’ll adjust to a few new faces for Masses during my three months away from mid-August to Thanksgiving.  Serving the Lord continues, and always will under the guidance of the Spirit.

As I mentioned last week, we thank Caroline Calcagni and LJ Gasbarro for their hosting the Wine Tasting last Saturday.  Their efforts netted over $10K for parish use. Appreciation to those who supported or attended the event…numbers were much lower than in the past.  Admittedly, it is a busy time of year.  We’ll see.

Finally, you’d notice some new city repairs on the sidewalks.  It’s great news especially after two parishioners broke arms/wrists since Ash Wednesday.  So, again, what’s new?  I can go on, but I’ve run out of space!  A blessed Pentecost to all!

Peace be with you!

~Monsignor Darcy

Edmund Capozzi         Sofia Gertrudes

Sofia Gorriaran           Rosemary Mulvey

Arden Pryor                 Sofie Schmults

William Wert

As we are coming to the end of another year of Religious Education, the parish extends its sincere thanks to Ms. Marie Brito, Coordinator of Religious Education, and the fine teachers who taught our students throughout the year.   I thank today Mrs. Patty January, the teacher of our First Communion Class, and Mr. Bill Cooper, parish organist, who rehearsed them for the Mass.  Our children are the future of the Church, and the future of our parish.

I extend my support and encouragement to our parents who are the first teachers of their children in the ways of faith.  The teachers and I know that our children want to practice their faith and that they want to attend Mass, but, at times, they are not able to do so.  This First Communion weekend is an opportunity to recommit to family faith participation, to enroll the children each year in religious education (registration form is on our parish web site), and to attend Mass with them throughout the year. Unfortunately, some students will just…disappear. Many will not be even seen at Mass or in class until ninth grade.  Without a doubt, my deepest sadness as a pastor is the lack of faith example to children in any parish.  Consider a recommitment today when you see the happiness of these children on their First Communion Day.  Receiving the Eucharist should not be just a photo opportunity, but a lifetime with Christ.

To all our families, give thanks, celebrate, and see you next week!

Mary, full of grace; pray for us!

  ~Msgr. Darcy

]]> http://stsebastianri.org/2013/05/let-the-children-come-to-me/feed/ 0 http://stsebastianri.org/2013/04/1959/ http://stsebastianri.org/2013/04/1959/#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:46:45 +0000 rectory http://stsebastianri.org/?p=1959       We congratulate our 2013 Confirmation class as they receive the Sacrament this weekend from Bishop Mulvee on his first visit to the parish since my
appointment as pastor.  Our candidates are:

 Luke Ardente                Olivia Hewitt

Nicholas Corrente         Robert Penney

Jonathan Dwyer           Jane Schiavone

Owen Foulkes               Alden Taylor

Lily Foulkes                   Ian Stellar

     The parish extends its sincere thanks to their instructor, Ms. Roberta Opara, for her dedication and genuine concern for the spiritual growth of these students; and to Ms. Marie Brito, Parish Coordinator of Religious Education.  Both women have given their all to assist these students by their own faith-filled lives.  Well done, Marie and Roberta!  The parish prays that these newly confirmed will use the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit as they grow in grace, age, and life experience.

      Today’s readings for the 6^th Sunday of Easter are so appropriate for the parish this weekend.  We “do not let our hearts be troubled” as we share our daily faith with our children.  They now begin to bring our Catholic faith into their own young lives.  Similar to the Apostles and first disciples, the parish is releasing into the world ten young men and women strengthened in their Catholic faith.  Will they use the seven gifts that Bishop Mulvee offers them?  Only God and each of them will know.  Next week, our younger students receive their First Holy Communion.  The celebration of both these Sacraments of Initiation is so special in every parish.  It reflects the ongoing fulfillment of the family promise that the home would be a place where our Catholic identity and values are lived and shared.  Home and parish work together to deepen the faith of our children.  May these special events in your family life bind you even more closely to the Risen Lord and to each other.

Peace be with you!

Monsignor Darcy

The parish hosted about 70 people last Sunday evening for a great presentation by Nicholas DiIorio.  About 70 attended the lecture and reception.  His talk highlighted the components of living the virtuous life.  Dr. George Weigel, the noted biographer of Pope John-Paul II, has invited Nicholas to an academic forum in Krakow, Poland this July. We wish him every blessing in his journey and continuing educational endeavors.  It’s obvious that God is not finished with him yet!  Well done, Nicholas!

The readings this weekend provide much strength and comfort to the Community.  The first reading is very counter-cultural.  Paul and Barnabas strengthened the new followers of Jesus by telling them straight out: “You will undergo many hardships”… All of usstruggle spiritually from time to time, there are raw moments in our relationships, and the depth of our true vocation is being tested, humbled, and even purified.  Yet, the Beloved Disciple maintains his unwavering hope.  John constantly assures us that “God is always with us”… through the pain, the sorrow, the loss, and beyond.  Always, even when others may choose to leave us…God remains ever faithful.  We experience times in our lives when our only solace is the Lord alone.  The old order will pass…all things will be new; or renewed in the Risen One!

Finally, the parish is growing with babies!  We’ll acknowledge them next week, too!  Until then…

Peace be with you!

Monsignor Darcy

Today is Vocation Sunday.  We continue to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.  He knows and calls each of us by name to serve His Body, the Church.  Today we pray most earnestly for an increase in vocations to the priesthood.  As I mentioned last weekend, the Diocese of Providence needs more good, holy, and enthusiastic priests.  Staffing of parishes is becoming more and more challenging. Aging pastors now are being asked to serve two parishes: physically, spiritually, administratively, and emotionally.  It requires reducing Mass schedules, combining and eliminating staff as a result of this “parish twinning.”  A few years ago I spoke prophetically at a priest meeting and said: “Who closes parishes? People do. This includes priests/laity without a prophetic vision; the decrease in financial support of parishes, and a visible decline in the practice of the faith.  So, who closes parishes?….people do.”   Well…. of course, the room was silent!  Pray for me and all priests, for our seminarians, and for all our priestly vocation efforts.

Quotes are being collected for some preventive work around the Church building. Water is a silent enemy on any building. Sealing the exterior ramp, replacing masonry pointing at foundation joints, and replacing our severely cracked landing leading to the front steps of the rectory are being reviewed.  Our monthly Maintenance Collection provides some the funding for these unglamorous but very important repairs.  We’ve come a long way in almost three years; there is still much to do especially in our faith development. If our faith is truly strong and vibrant, all temporal things will follow.  In short, it is all based on prayer and word (Ora et labora!- St. Benedict).

He is Risen, Alleluia!

Monsignor Darcy

]]> http://stsebastianri.org/2013/04/ora-et-labora-2/feed/ 0 http://stsebastianri.org/2013/04/1928/ http://stsebastianri.org/2013/04/1928/#comments Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:42:55 +0000 rectory http://stsebastianri.org/?p=1928          The words I used during Lent were never my own; they are those of St. Peter…”I am going fishing!”  I’m already casting nets for next Easter!  Are you?   But after we “catch them”… then what do we do?  Answer: the Community of believers (the Church) teaches them more deeply about the One “in whom there is no darkness” (1 John 1:5).

   The redemption of Peter is most emotional.  Having three times sworn that he didn’t even know the man, Peter now states his unwavering love and commitment to Jesus.  “Peter, do you love me?” Three times he’s asked.  If someone who deeply loves you asked that question of you three times, I know I’d be annoyed too!    Somehow, I don’t think Peter could ever forget his three denials…ever!  “Follow me!”  This invitation is a great segue to yet another biblically related topic.

   We never know where the Spirit of Jesus will lead us.

  Today’s second reading from Revelation brings me back to graduate studies in 1991-92 in Jerusalem. I studied the Book of Revelation under a Mennonite biblical scholar in residence at the world famous École biblique et archéologique française de Jérusalem. My heart and Spirit have been calling me back to the Holy City for some time now.  While Bishop Tobin graciously has approved my sabbatical request, the impending clergy shortage that will hit the Diocese this June, as well as world events, can bring all things to a screeching halt.  Although plans are being made for my three month absence from the parish, things can change…and very quickly.  I will keep you informed about any developments, and please, continue to pray for peace in the entire Middle East.

    This Easter Season will bring our young adults to Confirmation on May 4^th with Bishop Mulvee, and our second graders to First Communion on May 12^th, Mother’s Day.  The parish congratulates our young people for these sacramental high points in their lives.

  To all, a blessed Easter Season!

      Monsignor Darcy

Today we hear of St. Thomas as one who questioned the reality of the Bodily Resurrection.  The St. Thomas window is the first one of the left side of the Church. A roundel depicts today’s Gospel passage.  Unfairly called “The Doubter,” St. Thomas made the most profound personal profession of faith in the New Testament.  After seeing the Risen One, Thomas proclaimed, “My Lord and My God!”  Tradition has Thomas meeting a martyr’s death in southern India.  The spread of the Gospel through the Acts of the Apostles is very fertile food for thought during this Easter
Season.

Parish life is always very lively during tis time of year.  The RI Civic Chorale “Chamber Choir” will perform here on Sunday April 14 at 3:00 pm.  Tickets at the door are $12, Seniors, $10, and Students $7.  There will be a Year of Faith presentation especially promoted for all parishioners and young professionals on Sunday, April 21^st.  The sacramental life of the parish is deepened with Confirmation celebrated by Bishop Mulvee on May 4^th, our parish Wine Tasting on May 11^th, and First Communion on May 12^th.  It’s a busy season…Alleluia!

With the break in the weather, be sure to enjoy the beauty of creation.  It’s a wonderful free gift of new life to be enjoyed throughout this Easter Season.

Peace be with you!

Monsignor Darcy

]]> http://stsebastianri.org/2013/04/from-doubt-to-faith/feed/ 0 http://stsebastianri.org/2013/03/he-is-risen-so-celebrate/ http://stsebastianri.org/2013/03/he-is-risen-so-celebrate/#comments Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:37:11 +0000 rectory http://stsebastianri.org/?p=1911    This is certainly a new Easter with the installation and ministry of Pope Francis!  So many have commented about his humility and humanity, Pope Francis seems so comfortable with himself even with the many responsibilities and obligations of the Petrine ministry.  His installation homily was so pastoral.  I provide you with a link to the Vatican New Service (VIS) to read it yourself:

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/francesco/homilies/2013/documents/papa-francesco_20130319_omelia-inizio-pontificato_en.html

   How can this be the most glorious of days with no infrared cameras, no YouTube, no Twitter, no Facebook to record the most significant event in the human race! But, the Gospel tells us that John saw and believed. The post-Resurrection accounts all emphasize a bodily resurrection. St. Paul writes His body was now glorified. Mary Magdalene, Peter and the Apostles saw Him that Easter evening. Two other disciples would encounter this Risen One late in the afternoon on that Easter Day. In that tradition, I always attempt to walk at sunset on Easter with friends as we share the story anew.

   This is the most glorious of all days. The Church, that has been restrained since Ash Wednesday, once again sings the Alleluia…not once, not twice, but three times!! All is made new because of the Resurrection. The solemnity takes place in the spring…always the first Sunday after the first full moon, after the spring equinox!  There is new life all around us…in creation, in the newly baptized/ confirmed, and within our own renewed Spirits.

   At Easter twilight, those two disciples asked their walking companion, who they did not recognize, to stay with them. “Stay with us, Lord”… “Mane nobiscum Domine!” When they realized who He was, their lives were changed forever. And that dear parishioners and visitors, is my Easter prayer for you. May you come to recognize the Risen One as you walk along your way and especially in the Breaking of Bread. He is Risen….come see, and BELIEVE!

                                                                                              A Blessed Easter to All!

                                                                                              ~Msgr. Darcy

]]> http://stsebastianri.org/2013/03/he-is-risen-so-celebrate/feed/ 0 http://stsebastianri.org/2013/03/my-god-what-a-week/ http://stsebastianri.org/2013/03/my-god-what-a-week/#comments Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:40:56 +0000 rectory http://stsebastianri.org/?p=1875     This is a momentous week!  The Church has (or will) receive a new Pope, Saint Patrick and Saint Joseph are lovingly remembered by the faithful, and Spring begins this week.  The ranking is purposeful, after at all, first things first!  The interest and energy that the Papal Election has generated is remarkable.  Even with the major concerns yet to be faced by a Church that is being purified, people are so interested with the protocol and history of the election.  Whoever the Cardinals elect, may the Holy Spirit be his comfort, guide, and strength.

   The embarrassment presented in today’s Gospel is shocking even by today’s mores.  Caught in the very act of adultery (I’ve always been annoyed that the man somehow escaped such public humiliation) is still a serious violation of God’s Law.  Its commission is an assault on the marital bond.  The great
apologist, St. Augustine, opined that as Jesus bent down to write on the ground, he was naming the sins of the accusers.  His response to scribes and Pharisees was an unexpected challenge…  “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”  I need not belabor the obvious; I think we all get the point.  Thank God that His mercy can heal even the deepest personal sins.

  Next weekend is Palm Sunday.  It begins the holiest week of the Church year.   We, the Church, are invited to celebrate and ponder the events that won our salvation in Christ.  There is the majesty of Palm Sunday with the blessing of palms and the reading of the Passion; the institution of the Eucharist and  ministry of priestly service symbolized by the washing of feet on Holy Thursday; the Stations of the Cross and Sacred Passion of the Lord on Good Friday; and the glorious Easter Vigil that will include the reception of five people into the Church.  The liturgies during the Sacred Triduum (Three Days) will be at 7:00 pm.  More news about Holy Week next Sunday.

     If you wish to remember your family members with an offering for our Easter Flowers, special envelopes are on the tables in the vestibule.  The envelopes will be incorporated into the floral offerings during the Easter Season.  May they rest in the peace of the Risen Christ.

     And of course, as we celebrate this historic week:

     May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.

                 ~Msgr. Darcy

                   (From one of the founding clans of Galway!)

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