From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
When Russia invaded the Ukraine in 2022, Patriarch Kirill, the Patriarch of Moscow who was/is an ally of President Putin, saw
the war as a defense against the West, which he considers decadent, especially in the areas of sexuality and capitalism. There are
about 260 million Orthodox Christians in the world, of which about 100 million live in Russia. The rest live outside of Russia,
including the Ukraine. The Ukraine is of great importance to the Russian Orthodox Church because in the tenth century, Byzantine
Orthodox missionaries converted the pagan Prince Volodymyr, and Christianity entered into the Russian lands through Kiev, the
capital of the Ukraine.
Patriarch Kirill’s positive stance on the war in the Ukraine has created a chasm between the Russian Orthodox Church and other
Orthodox churches as well as Christian churches. When I wrote about the Orthodox leaders in the Church at the beginning of the
war, Patriarch Kirill had already broken ties with Istanbul’s Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who acts as a first among equals in
the whole Orthodox world, because he lacks the independence of Ukraine’s Orthodox Church.
On February 24, 2022, Patriarch Bartholomew called for prayer for peace, otherwise the war might “trigger global warfare.”
Different Patriarchs, each representing their separate churches, have called for an end to the war and that “Such war has no
justification neither with God, nor with people,” others calling for an immediate end to the fratricidal war—the list of condemnations
continues to this day.
On March 9, the head of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine, which had cut ties with the Russian Orthodox Church in 2019, stated
that “the Russian occupiers” would have “to answer before God for the conflict” and promised, by God, no mercy and eternal
suffering for their crimes and unmerciful actions. The bishop went so far as to liken Putin to the Antichrist and Adolf Hitler.
The Orthodox Church, which was held together through the difficulties of the past, is splintering apart because Patriarch Kirill
sided with Putin so that when Russia would take control of Ukraine, the Orthodox Christians in the Ukraine would be forced to
rejoin the Russian Orthodox Church under its leadership. Who knows what would happen to the Roman Catholic Ukrainian Church,
which is in union with Rome?
What I have tried to explain is that the war is more than politics and land. It is for the very heart and soul of the Ukrai nian people.
St. Agnes K-12 Parish School of Religion
• Open to all families
• Held Sunday mornings 10 -11 a.m.
• Taught by Virtus Trained Teachers
• Prepares students for sacraments
• Uses diocesan approved curriculum
• Offers a special needs class for students
(taught by certified instructor)
• OCIA for students is also available
Join us for a Back-to-School Party!
Sunday, August 23
after 11:30 a.m. Mass
For questions, please contact Iris,
ibounds@sta-cathedral.org, or use the OR code to register.
Catholic Campus Ministry
Please consider donating and
dropping off items for our college
students at CCM:
55 gal drum trash bags Paper Towels
4 gal and 13 gallon trash bags Bathroom Tissue
8-16 oz Solo Cups
Individual snacks (crackers, cookies, chips, breakfast bars, etc.), gift cards/monetary donations to use to purchase needed items.
We thank you in advance for your continued
love and dedication to our ministry!
Confirmation
Plans are being made for Confirmation 2027. Families registered at St. Agnes Parish who have a young person interested in Confirmation for 2027 will soon receive a letter from our parish with Confirmation details.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is open to young people who will be in 8th grade or above during the 2026-27 school year. Candidates must have been enrolled in a Catholic school or in a Parish School of Religion in the year prior to the start of Confirmation classes. Preparation for Confirmation will include classes, a retreat, and a service project. We will also have a class for students who may have special needs.
Please contact Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedra.org or 417-831-3565.
From the Pastor’s Desk…
Dear Parishioners,
Our culture loves to spread rumors and conspiracies. I grew up in the small town of Bolivar, and everyone pretty well knew everyone. If you got in trouble in school, sometimes our parents knew before we even got home. How often have we heard of conspiracies from the government, not only our own but in other countries. If we hear things enough, we begin to believe. Sixty-five years ago in small town Bolivar, you were guilty before you got home because enough people said so.
Biblical characters were not immune to such problems. Even Jesus acknowledged that friends and family may threaten us. God does something for us today that interrupts the rumor mill and gives us strength even when we’re the subject of malicious talk. The first is that He helps us understand the origins of whisper campaigns. As the Apostle Paul noted, this sin entered the world like every other sin: in the Garden through Adam’s choices. Thus our world inherits this condition.
When someone spreads false information, the individual/people are depersonalized. They are not seen as a child of God. In history, we can see the effects as humans have treated other humans terribly,
even to the action of genocide.
God provides a solution through us. Jesus promises us that our character will demonstrate that the secrets and rumors were false. Truth isn’t always revealed as quickly as a social media post. But eventually, people begin to understand. God knows who we really are and loves us even better than an earthly father. Our heavenly Father knows us so well that he even numbers the hair on our head.
Our value is not measured by what other people say about us. God has already extended the gracious gift of love through Jesus Christ. The great gift of grace triumphs over all the damage anyone would personally seek to do to us.
The way to counter false information is to share the goodness of a person/people who is under attack. Humans do gossip, slander, and lie, but even though they hurt, they’re not death sentences. God offers a way for us to bear witness faithfully through malicious behavior.
BUZZ BOOK & DIRECTORY
ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY!
St. Agnes is in the process of updating our annual Buzz Book and Directory. This book contains everything pertinent to our parish: ministries, organizations, committees, activities, functions, and events, plus a complete directory of members.
The book is being provided and direct-mailed to each family at no cost to St. Agnes, and it is again being subsidized by local businesses that advertise.
If you own or manage a business and would like to find out about advertising in our St. Agnes Cathedral Buzz Book and Directory, please call the parish office, 417-831-3565.
Pro-life Amendment 3
Statement of the
Missouri Bishops on
Pro-life Amendment 3
Jefferson City, MO
We, the Catholic Bishops of Missouri, are committed
to protecting the sanctity and dignity of all human life, including
the poor and needy, refugees and immigrants, prisoners on death row, and mothers and children.
In Missouri, this dignity is being threatened by the pro-abortion amendment passed in 2024. That amendment enshrined a sweeping right to abortion in the State Constitution and eliminated the legislature’s ability to set common-sense safeguards for the abortion industry, including the requirement that only doctors perform abortions, the requirement that parents be notified and give consent before their minor child has an abortion, and the requirement that abortion clinics be licensed and inspected.
This year, Missourians will have the opportunity to restore those safeguards by Voting for Amendment 3 at the general election on the Nov. 3. The proposed constitutional amendment will protect women’s health and safety and restore protections for the unborn.
We ask the faithful and all people of good will to join us in prayer and fasting for the success of Amendment 3 and to support each human person from conception to natural death.
PLEASE REMEMBER SUNDAY MASS
During Your
Summer Travels
Summer is a great time to get away as a family and just relax and enjoy being together. But please don’t forget about your Sunday Mass obligation.
Finding a Catholic Church with Mass times as you travel this summer is as easy as using the website MassTimes.org.
Just logon to the link and key in a city, state, or zip, and you’ll be given names, addresses, and phone numbers of area churches, Mass times, and distances to the churches It’s easy to access and has all the details you’ll need for attending Mass while you’re away from home.
God bless all of you, and safe travels for your summer vacation!
From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
Most of the time, Mother’s Day overshines Father’s Day. There is that special love between a mother and her children, but there should also be that special love between fathers and their children. But somewhere along the road, fathers get a tie and maybe a thanks. We can all do better.
This weekend we celebrate Father’s Day. Father’s Day is a day set aside to honor and show respect to our dads or to any man who has guided and cared for us as a father, whether they are here or no longer with us. Father’s Day was first proposed in 1909 by a Mrs. Dodd, who wanted a special day to honor her father, a Civil War veteran. He was a widower who raised his newborn and five other children on a rural farm in the state of Washington.
The first Father’s Day was observed on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington. The special day grew across our country so much that, by 1924, President Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national day dedicated to dads. It was, however, President Lyndon Johnson who signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father’s Day. However, like so many other special days, it has become a day for retailers to entice you to purchase something to show your love and gratitude.
Being a father means facing many struggles and difficulties. It means going to work, even when you prefer to stay in bed, because you know that your family depends on you. It means disciplining your children so that they might grow up to be mature men and women. It means constantly looking out for your family, making every effort to ensure that they are protected. Take some time this weekend to remember your father, whether living or deceased.
Thank God we have a Heavenly Father who does all this and helps the fathers here on earth to do the same. Not a single sparrow falls to the earth without the Heavenly Father’s consent, says the Gospel; thus, our earthly fathers are under our Heavenly Father’s care and support. God our Father protects and nurtures His children and makes His family a house of love.
Catholic Charities
All 25 vegetable beds are planted, flower pots planted,
and some of the grounds groomed. Now we need
volunteers from ALL of our parishes to help harvest,
weed, and to help care for the grounds. Our efforts help
feed the women and their babies who reside there. We
would LOVE for you to join us!
Our next group work day is Thursday, June 25, from
8:30 - 10:30. July's work day will be Thursday, July 23,
from 8:30 - 10:30. We also have weekly volunteers who
harvest on Monday and Thursday mornings. We would be
grateful for you to join us on upcoming work days!
Thurs. June 25 - 8:30-10:30 Thurs. July 23 - 8:30-10:30
Contact Jana Hukriede, 417-840
Confirmation Plans
Plans are being made for Confirmation 2027. Families registered
at St. Agnes Parish who have a young person interested in
Confirmation for 2027 will soon receive a letter from our parish
with Confirmation details.
The Sacrament of Confirmation is open to young people who
will be in 8th grade or above during the 2026-27 school year.
Candidates must have been enrolled in a Catholic school or in a
Parish School of Religion in the year prior to the start of
Confirmation classes. Preparation for Confirmation will include classes, a retreat, and a
service project. We will also have a class for students who may have special needs.
For questions, please contact Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedra.org or 417-831-3565.
From the Pastor’s Desk:
April 5, 2026
Dear Parishioners,
We find ourselves in the glow of the Easter Candle for the 50 days after
Easter. Lent has ended very quickly, perhaps before some even knew it had
begun. Our secular society is rushing after whatever will sell next in the stores, but the Catholic Church continues to celebrate the Resurrection of our Savior. Christ walked the earth following His resurrection, appearing and strengthening the apostles and disciples for their mission ahead. Within the liturgy of the
Catholic Church, we relive those events of Jesus’ life.
As we celebrated the liturgies of the Triduum, each of those liturgies were
a reliving of those most special events of Jesus’ life. Those liturgies use all of
our senses to help us experience those events. From the washing of feet, to
processions, to incense, music, candles, extra readings, darkness, fire; all the senses were engaged. Some
may ask what is the importance of celebrating these liturgies each year. Easter is Easter, let’s go to Church,
out to eat, and get on with the next thing.
We as adults are no different than children, repetition is an important role in imprinting both our brains and our spirits. Symbols and signs connect us to the universal church, through generations and across the world. Our Easter Candle is an essential part of our worship, as it proclaims Christ alive, shining in a world
of darkness and sin. The Easter Candle is light during the Easter Season, during each baptism, and the
celebration of a funeral liturgy. Throughout the Easter Season, our churches are decorated in flowers, white and gold altar cloths, along with the Easter Candle—all in celebration of the risen Christ.
It was the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. that established that Easter should be observed on the first
Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. That made it a moveable feast that can fall
between March 22 and April 25. Next year, Easter will be celebrated on March 28. Easter blends religious
and cultural elements. Many traditions, such as Easter egg hunts, festive meals, and family gatherings
symbolize renewal, new life. Easter is also linked to Passover, which highlights its roots in Jewish tradition.
First Eucharist ReceptionVolunteers Needed
Our young people will be receiving First Eucharist on Sunday, May 3.
We are looking for volunteers who might help with the reception. We are especially asking for families who may have children in Kindergarten or first grade, as your children will be receiving the sacraments soon.
The reception will be simple and you can volunteer to help setup or serve and clean up on May 3. All supplies will be provided!
This is also a great opportunity for high school students to earn service hours.
Please contact Iris, ibounds@sta-cathedral.org, or call the parish office.
THANK YOU!
A HUGE thank you to all who contributed candy and eggs to our annual Easter Egg Hunt. St. Agnes Cathedral is such a generous parish and your generosity is greatly appreciated. The Easter Egg Hunt is such a fun activity for our children and for our families.
Thank you, again!
From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
As the Christmas Season ended and I began preparations for Lent, I did not see the weeks of Lent filled with surgery,
therapy, and ice. I am not complaining. I had been in pain since Thanksgiving. I must admit this has been one of my
most reflective Lents. It became a time to pray without rushing, to reflect upon ministry and understand a little better
people who struggle with their health. Within my priesthood, I have been blessed with good health, and this is the first
time I have had to stop, place myself totally in the hands of others, and trust completely in God.
I thank every one of you for your prayers, your cards, encouragement, and understanding.
As Lent is drawing to a close, I want to reflect upon what Jesus was doing during the last days of what we call Holy
Week, before His Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
On that first day of the week, Jesus came into Jerusalem from the countryside. The city was excited with thousands of
pilgrims coming to celebrate at the Temple. Many had heard about Jesus and wanted to see Him. The streets were lined
with people who were crying out, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He Who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest!” (Matthew 21:1-11)
Perhaps it was Monday that Mary of Bethany anointed Jesus’ feet with fragrant oil. In tradition, it has been called
“Extravagant Monday” in remembrance of her act of worship. (John 12:1-11)
In the Gospel for Tuesday, we read how Jesus predicted that Peter would deny Him three times. This sad event will
take place on Good Friday. (John 13:31-38)
Wednesday, the day before the Passover Meal, Judas met with the priest of the Temple and accepted thirty pieces of
silver in exchange for betraying Jesus. He then looked for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to the chief priests.
(Matthew 26:14-25)
Those were the ordinary days which led up to the Tridium of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil.
Jesus was busy preparing for what lay ahead.
Faith Formation Lenten Project
Please Donate to St. Agnes Cathedral
Faith Formation Lenten Project
We are asking families and parishioners to support the
Child Advocacy Center by bringing the following items to
PSR classes on Sunday or to the parish office. We ask that
all items please be brought by Sunday, March 29.
The Child Advocacy Center serves local child victims of
sexual and physical abuse. https://childadvocacycenter.org/
Current needs include:
Children’s underwear, socks, and clothing
Individually wrapped snacks (GoGo Squeez applesauce,
granola bars, Goldfish)
Fidgets and sensory items (such as Play-Doh)
Towels, Laundry detergent
Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, chap stick)
Thank you for your support!
YOUTH
Youth Group Activity Today!
March 22
Please join us today in the
cafeteria after the 11:30 a.m.
Mass, to help fill the eggs for the
Easter egg hunt. Becky Wieberg
will provide pizza, snacks, and
drinks for those who help. This is
a great way for our youth to earn
a couple of service hours. Thank
you so much for helping with this
fun project for our families and
little ones of the parish!
ANNUAL EASTER EGG
HUNT CONTINUES!
This annual event will be held
Easter Sunday morning at 11:00
a.m. on the school soccer field.
Come bring the entire family and
meet the Easter Bunny. Don’t be
late!
Bishop’s Mass
You are invited to a special Mass for
Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri,
lead by Bishop Rice at 9 AM March 28 at
Holy Trinity Church, Springfield.
This Lenten Season, please keep Catholic
Charities in your prayers and consider them
in your Lenten Almsgiving.