What a beautiful way to open our 125th year last Sunday, by welcoming Bishop Sanchez who celebrated a Mass to begin our years of praise to almighty God for the blessing that our parish is to so many! I want to thank in a special way the 125th Anniversary committee for all the work that they are doing as we plan many events during this year.

Please know that at the beginning of February we are going to start to put information in the bulletin about our journal and info about purchasing tickets for our big dinner dance, Saturday October 19 at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston. Also, on Sunday, November 17 at 1:30pm we will celebrate the closing Mass for our 125th year.

Every month we will be inviting back a priest who served in our parish to celebrate Mass, followed by a small reception for him in the school auditorium. I am happy to let you know that Fr. Jim Cunningham, the favorite son of Woodside, will be here to celebrate the 10:30am Mass on Sunday, February 17th. There will be a reception for him and an opportunity to share memories over the years with him immediately after Mass in the school auditorium. Please come to this special Mass!

The theme for our 125th anniversary is come to me all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest. This scripture passage is the beginning of our parish’s mission statement. Certainly, St. Sebastian parish is a place where all who come are refreshed in the Lord!

A blessed year to come!