Pastor: Rev. Thomas A. Sebastian C.S.T.
Diácono Permanente: Diácono Lawrence V. Hammel
Secretaria: Sra. Teresa McGee

Nosotros, los miembros de la Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de la Gracia, somos una comunidad católica cristiana ecuménica bajo los auspicios de la Diócesis de Wheeling-Charleston.

Nos dedicamos a proporcionar un ambiente para nosotros y para los demás en el que podamos crecer en un espíritu de Acción de Gracias, adoración y amor. Deseamos profundizar nuestra fe individual y colectiva en Dios, el Padre, el Hijo y el Espíritu Santo, en los Sacramentos de la Iglesia, particularmente la Eucaristía, y en María, Madre de la Gracia.

Nos reunimos como una comunidad de Fe, basada en el amor, la aceptación, la interdependencia, la compasión y el servicio.

Nuestro propósito como familia parroquial es promover el Evangelio de Jesucristo con palabras y ejemplos. Usamos los talentos que Dios nos ha dado para acercarnos a Dios a nosotros mismos y a los demás. Aceptamos nuestro llamado bautismal de dar a conocer la fe de la Iglesia a todas las personas tomando nuestra parte personal en la evangelización.

Sunday Message:  September 6, 2026

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

How do we repair a relationship that has been damaged by hurt, misunderstanding or wrongdoing? In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives us a courageous and compassionate path to reconciliation. When someone has wronged us, Jesus first asks us to speak with that person privately and honestly. It is tempting to complain to others, spread the story, or allow resentment to grow. But the Gospel calls us to something more difficult and more Christ-like: go directly to the person and seek understanding. The purpose is not to win an argument or prove who is right, but to restore a relationship. If a private conversation does not resolve the matter, Jesus recommends involving another person who is wise, compassionate, and trustworthy. If necessary, the Christian community may also become involved. At every stage, the goal remains the same—not condemnation, but conversion, forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation.

Jesus concludes by saying that, if every effort fails, we may treat the person as a “Gentile or a tax collector.” Yet this does not mean that we should hate or permanently reject anyone. Jesus Himself welcomed tax collectors and sinners, ate with them, called them to conversion, and offered them a new beginning. For Jesus, no one is beyond the reach of mercy. The Gospel challenges us to combine truth with charity, courage with humility, justice with mercy, and correction with forgiveness. We may not always be able to repair every broken relationship, but we can always choose not to become prisoners of bitterness and resentment. Sometimes reconciliation begins with a difficult conversation. Sometimes it begins with a sincere apology. Sometimes it begins with forgiveness. And sometimes, when all else fails, it begins simply with prayer.