SENIORS OF ST AGNES

are invited to our usual baked potato luncheon on Ash Wednesday, Feb 26, after the 12:15 Mass in the Cathedral. Please call the office, 831- 3565, to sign up so there will be enough food for everyone.

S. Elizabeth Ann

Youth Activities

The next Confirmation session will be held Sunday, Feb 9th, from 3-4:30 pm in the St. Agnes Cafeteria.
Candidates should bring their service forms & letter to Bishop Rice & Father Lewis. Youth in grades 8-12 are invited to join us for a “Meet & Greet” with some residents of the Garden located at Fort & Sunset. Join us Sunday, Feb 9th, at 6:00 pm. Please meet us at the Gardens. We will return to St Agnes at 7:00pm for good food & prayer.

IGNITE
Youth in grades 7-8 are invited to attend a Diocesan Youth Conference specifically for 7th & 8th graders. This is a one day conference titled "Ignite" and will be held in West Plains. The date is March 28th from 10:00 AM-5:00
PM at the West Plains Theater of the Civic Center. Parents are encouraged to attend with their child. Bishop Edward Rice along with other nationally known speakers will speak at the event. The cost is $25 and will include lunch and a tshirt. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish will be taking a bus and have a few open seats they will open to other parishes. Register online by March 6th by going to dioscg.formstack.com/forms/youth_conf_registration. If you have further questions, contact Iris at ibounds@stacathedral.
org.

Camp Re-NEW-All, the summer camp program for the Diocese of Springfield- Cape Girardeau, is now taking applications for this summer. Camp is open to campers going into the 5th-9th grade in the fall, high school staff going into10th-12th grade, and adult staff. Parents and grandparents are invited to volunteer too! Campers are placed on a first-come, first-served basis and weeks fill quickly, so apply early. Brochures are available on the bulletin board in back of church, parish office and parish school. Apply online at https:// dioscg.formstack.com/forms.camp_re_new_all_2020, or call Katie at the Catholic Center, 417-866-0841, with
questions.

WE ARE CALLED

Are you ready to sign up for Your Best Lent Ever Journal? You can call the parish office at 831-3565 and you’ll be on the list. If some are still available on Ash Wednesday, we’ll offer them after Mass.
Ginny Smithberg, 894-2954

From The Pastor’s Desk

The Parish Council of Catholic Women, or PCCW as we call it, is a service organization of St. Agnes Cathedral Parish that all women registered as members of the parish belong to. It is also an affiliation of the Region 3 & 4 Council of Catholic Women, or RCCW; the Diocese of Springfield - Cape Girardeau Council of Catholic Women, or DCCW; and the National Council of Catholic Women, or NCCW. Meeting dates and times vary depending on the program; general meetings are at 6:30 p.m. We often have speakers and food AND we always have fun and fellowship.
What isn’t the PCCW? It is not the older ladies club. It is a mingling of young and old, single and married,
mothers and grandmothers, all working together for the church and the community.
Besides the usual officers, we also have what are called Commission Chairs. The ladies in these positions
receive information that comes from the national, diocesan, and regional levels to the parish. After sorting
through it, they then pass it along to us at our meetings.
PCCW is also about service to its members. From national to parish level, we act to support, empower, and
educate all Catholic women in spirituality, leadership and service. Our programs respond with Gospel values
to the needs of the church and society in our modern world. We strive to help each other to achieve our goals
and not lose sight of our values. One of the real joys of attending meetings is to share stories and gather
inspiration from one another. If you have a problem you are worried about, someone else at that meeting has
probably been through it and can offer some advice.
Some of the different programs and fundraisers of the past year involved:
- Cookie decorating – 50 people attended and brought cookies from home to donate to Sister Elizabeth for home bound & assisted with delivering cookies and poinsettias
- Day of Recollection – mass, speaker, and lunch
- Assisted Father Lewis with Christmas Open House at the rectory – donated cookies
- Donated 100 gift bags for priests when they attended Diocesan Priests’ Institute
- PCCW members attended Regional CCW & Diocesan CCW meeting
- 1st Saturday of the month – attend mass for deceased members of PCCW, rosary, followed by breakfast
- Annual bazaar & Annual garage sale
- Serve monthly meals at Harmony House & serve monthly meals at Rare Breed
- Attend mass monthly at Life House, followed by lunch & hosted Mardi Gras party
- Assist with gifts for Jesse Tree at Christmastime, donated items to Grace Methodist & Sammy’s Window
- Host Diocesan Anniversary Celebration
PCCW needs all the women of the parish. Even if you cannot attend all the meetings, we encourage you to try
to come when you can. Be a worker for some of the fundraisers and come and have some fun once in a while
too.

MINISTRY SCHEDULE

I will be working on the March, April, May schedule soon. Please let me know by Feb. 3 if there are any weekends you will not be available to serve. You can call the office at 831-3565, or call Elizabeth at 838-3639 or e-mail me at eschatz@sta-cathedral.org. Thank you for all you do to make our liturgies spirit-filled.

Bingo Volunteers Needed!

Please consider becoming a St. Agnes Bingo Volunteer! You will meet dedicated fellow parishioners and become part of a rewarding experience that provides continuing and significant financial support to our parish community. 100% of the earnings are used for St. Agnes Cathedral and School related needs. St. Agnes Bingo has been an ongoing fundraiser for more than 11 years and operates solely through volunteers. St. Agnes Bingo operates at the Knights of Columbus Bingo Emporium every Wednesday evening.

Bingo Volunteers are St. Agnes parishioners who agree to work at least one Wednesday evening each month
throughout the year. New volunteers are quickly and easily trained to fill needs for various roles

For more information or to express your interest, please contact the St. Agnes Cathedral office at 417-831-3565 or Jim Nixon at 417-988-9550.

Youth Activities

Youth in grades 8-12 are invited to join us for a “Meet & Greet” with some residents of the Garden located at Fort & Sunset. Join us Sunday, Feb 9th, at 6:00 pm. Please meet us at the Gardens. We will return to St Agnes at 7:00pm for good food & prayer.

The next Confirmation session will be held Sunday, Feb 9th, from 3-4:30 pm in the St. Agnes Cafeteria. Candidates should bring their service forms & letter to Bishop Rice & Father Lewis.

From The Pastor’s Desk

This is National Catholic Schools Week, a week set aside by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to celebrate and recognize all that our Catholic Schools provide. The theme this year is “Catholic Schools: Learn, Serve, Lead, Succeed.” Our schools are an added value for the nation. The purpose of a Catholic School is to integrate Catholic, Christian teachings and values into every aspect of the educational process. Thus, our young people’s education is a journey of faith; it’s not just a standard education, but one of life-long Catholic teachings and values. Service is another important aspect. The many people here at Saint Agnes Cathedral that give of their time to minister to the needs of others are participating in service. During the school day and after hours, our Catholic Schools are teaching different types of service. The Catholic School also provides an excellent academic education to help young people reach their God-given potential and to be responsible citizens. Our Catholic Schools exist to provide an education that goes beyond preparation for a secular life. It is an education that prepares students for a Christian life. Catholic Schools ASSIST parents in the education and religious formation of their sons and daughters.

Our theme this year, encompasses the core products and values that can be found in Catholic schools across our country. We are teaching our students to become future servant leaders, faith-filled disciples and productive citizens in our communities. In Catholic schools we are all learners, servants and leaders. These shared qualities are what make Catholic schools work. They are what make Catholic schools succeed.

Although each school is different, the curriculum seeks to develop the student’s highest potential through a
teaching/learning process that promotes Language Arts, English, Mathematics, Technology, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, Foreign Language, and Physical Education. In recent years, the curriculum has also grown to include the development of the thinking skills: research, critical thinking and problem solving, and also analyzing and evaluating–all working together, many times using the latest in technology. Students are also urged to help others by “giving back to the community,” whether it is within parishes or the community in which they live.

In the United States there are 6,352 Catholic elementary and secondary schools, with a student enrollment of 1.8 million. Our Springfield Catholic School System has 1,339 students enrolled; St. Agnes has 225 students, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton has 227 students, Immaculate Conception has 504 students and Springfield Catholic High School has 383 students.

As we celebrate National Catholic Schools Week, I want to thank every parishioner for their prayers and
financial support, which makes it possible for the Springfield Catholic School System to provide a quality, Catholic Education for any Catholic student.

This semester’s focus for the Adult Faith Formation classes will be the history of the
Catholic Church in the U.S.

Camp Re-NEW-All registration opens Monday!

On Monday morning, January 27, Camp Re-NEW-All, the summer camp program for the Diocese of Springfield- Cape Girardeau, will begin taking applications for this summer. Camp is open to campers going into the 5th-9th grade in the fall, high school staff going into10th-12th grade, and adult staff. Parents and grandparents are invited to volunteer too! Campers are placed on a first come, first-served basis and weeks fill quickly, so apply early. Brochures are available on the bulletin board in back of church, parish office and parish school. Apply online at https://dioscg.formstack.com/forms.camp_re_new_all_2020, or call Katie at the
Catholic Center, 417-866-0841, with questions

WE ARE CALLED

Mathew Kelly asks us what we can accomplish in forty days. Then he mentions several things including traveling to every state, learning to play a new instrument, broadening our horizon, or committing to a new habit. OR, he says
“WE CAN TRANSFORM OUR LIFE.”
He has a great opportunity for us this year. Just sign up at BEST LENT EVER 2020. They will need your first and last name, and your email address. This year he has offered a Lenten Journal that is great. I received 40 free journals to share with you. If we run out you may order one for $14.95 from Dynamic Catholic. Perhaps we can find a little pot of money to help so be sure to call me at 894- 2956 if you want one after they’re gone. It would be our pleasure. I think our 40 days will be incredible.
Ginny Smithberg, 894-2954

PCCW NEWS

Mark your calendar for Sat., Feb. 1. The PCCW Mass (for ALL women of the parish) at 8:30am will be followed by breakfast.

From The Pastor’s Desk

This past weekend we celebrated the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we concluded the Christmas season. Before we begin Lent we have some time to dwell upon the great mystery of a God who is made visible through human flesh and promises to return. As Christ celebrated His baptism by going into the desert to prepare for His ministry, each of us need to take a good look at our own vocation. “What has God asked us to do, and are we living what He has asked us?”

So often we pack up our Christmas “stuff” and put it on the shelves or in the attic until next year. But we need to be aware of and be careful not to pack away our vocations which began with our baptism. When we were baptized we were brought into God’s family with responsibilities. We are God’s children and a member of His family called to bring forth justice, and to imitate Christ by helping others.

As a member of God’s family we all have gifts from God and that we have been truly blessed by God. The Gospels invite us to follow different paths and as a people of faith and members of a parish faith community we are even called to live differently. Each of us must continually examine how we live our lives, determining if our lives truly reflect our best response to call of Jesus. Each of us have been given gifts, talents and wealth which can be seen as symbolic of the three gifts presented by the Magi at Jesus’ birth which we celebrated at Epiphany. We need to give back to the Lord of creation as He has given to us. That is one of the reasons that I do all the different activities in the parish and the school. God has given me much and I strive to give much in many ways back to God.

As we have begun a new year, I challenge everyone to become more involved in our Parish. Find the activities
that match your talents and interests. Decide how you will become, or remain active in the parish and diocese. In so doing you will begin to experience the joy that being of service to others can give. God will give each of us the ability to balance what we do for others while also caring for the family and friends He has placed in our lives. God will not be outdone in generosity, you will be rewarded many times over. As a people of faith, we are called to share, serve others and be part of a worshipping community called a parish.

I want to thank all of our Bingo workers for their volunteering to work once every 5 weeks at our St. Agnes
Wednesday evening Bingo. This past year we have used money generated over the past several years to: demo the Loretto House; build our storage building (for school, parish, Boy Scouts, Knights of Columbus, Health Care, PCCW, and Vietnamese needs); School HVAC repairs; Cathedral Sound System; facia repair to rectory; school freezer replacement; sidewalk tread plate cover; and replace a door at Well of Life. The total of these projects paid for by Bingo was $224,367.00. We can always use more volunteers, give me a call.

Youth Activities

Youth are invited to join us for pizza on Sunday, Jan 26th at 1:00pm in the dining room. We will make Valentines for our homebound parishioners & diocesan seminarians. We will also discuss Steubenville. This is a perfect opportunity for Confirmation service & can be used for school service as well.
The next Confirmation session will be held Sunday, Jan 26th at 3:00pm in the upstairs conference room.

Steubenville Signup: youth in grades 8-12, join us for The Steubenville Summer Conference! The theme for this year’s conference is “Restored” from Psalm 80:3. This dynamic conference held on the MSU campus brings together Catholic Youth from across the nation. Youth will hear nationally known speakers, hear tremendous music & partake in the celebration of the sacraments. St Agnes parish helps to sponsor this event to
lower the cost for our youth. Check out STEUBYSTL.com for more information. Our parish must turn in our registration numbers by Feb 1. To sign up or to get more information, contact Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org or by calling the parish office 831-3565.

WE ARE CALLED

I am so excited! We’ve been promoting Mathew Kelly’s BEST LENT EVER for the last several years, but this one should be renamed THE VERY BEST LENT EVER. I can’t wait to tell you about it but I’d like for our committee to have an opportunity to comment before we start promoting. They are a great group and we like to work together. The daily TV messages from Mathew will remain the same, but the rest will be a great addition. Perhaps I should say prayerful and wonderful, but I am excited anyway. And I need to stop typing or I may spill the beans. Ash Wednesday is February 26….. please mark your calendar and watch for updates.
Ginny Smithberg, 894-2954

PCCW NEWS

Mark your calendar for Saturday, Feb. 1. PCCW Mass (for ALL women of the parish) at 8:30am will be followed by breakfast in the Dining Room.

From The Pastor’s Desk

This weekend we celebrate the feast of the Baptism of the Lord and conclude the Christmas Season. We
continue to dwell upon the great mystery of a God who is made visible through human flesh and who promises to return.
As Christ celebrates His baptism by going into the desert to prepare for His ministry, each of us need to take a good look at our own vocation. “What has God asked me to do, and am I living what He has asked of me?”
The Baptism of Jesus is a ritual enactment of His passion, death, and resurrection. The Church sees Baptism as dying to the evil of sin, and rising with Jesus and being anointed with His Spirit. St. Paul (Romans 6:3) summarizes the experience of Baptism “Are you…new life.”
1. Baptism is a change of allegiance. We are no longer slaves to sin, but children of a loving God.
2. Baptism is a putting off of the old and putting on the new. (baptismal garments)
3. Baptism is a new birth. (baptismal fonts)
4. Baptism enlightens. (the candle lit from the Easter Candle and given to the person)
5. Baptism makes a person a share in Christ; therefore, like Christ, we are anointed priest, prophet, and king. (the anointing following the water rite at baptism)
As the new year 2020 begins we have a breathing space until the season of Lent begins. Ordinary Time this year gives us time to walk with Christ in His ministry before we prepare for His Passion, Death and Resurrection.
Next weekend will be the Second Sunday of Ordinary Time the gospel continues to center on the manifestation of the Lord, which Epiphany celebrates through the traditional passage about the wedding feast at Cana and two other
passages from John.
Beginning with the Third Sunday, our Gospel readings come from the Synoptic Gospels. These readings are
arranged in such a way that as the Lord’s life and preaching unfold the teaching proper to each of these Gospels is presented.
Have a Blessed New Year, 2020.

Knights of Columbus

The Knights will be serving their January
breakfast next Sunday (Jan. 19th) after the
7:00 & 8:30 Masses. Come in from the cold and warm
up with biscuits and gravy, sausage, ham, and eggs.

The 25th Annual Knights of Columbus
“Knights Striking Out for The Kitchen” Bowl-a
-Thon Sunday, January 19, 2020 1:00-4:00
P.M. Check in time: 12:00 Noon Century Lane * Nixa, MO
The $10.00 entry fee covers the cost of bowling (3
games) plus shoes and bowling ball. Entry form available
at www.thekitcheninc.org Please register by January 15th.
This family friendly event makes a difference in the lives
of homeless children, youth, veterans, families and
individuals. Let’s “Strike Out for The Kitchen” and reach
our goal of $60,000! For further information contact: John
Clarke – 417.880.4292 or Dean Arens – 417.844.1293

WOMEN OF THE PARISH…JOIN US FOR THIS SPIRITUAL OPPORTUNITY:A MORNING OF RECOLLECTION

You are invited to a Morning of
Recollection on January 18, 2020. Fr.
Paul Mcloughlin will be our presenter. Come and
experience a New Year renewal.
Saturday, January 18, 2020, meet for Mass at
8:30am in the Chapel.
Presentation will begin at 9:15 (or a few minutes after
Mass ends).
Lunch will be served in the school Dining Room about
11:30.
We are excited to bring this opportunity to you. Please
feel free to invite friends and family. Also, please call the
office, 831-3565, to sign up (for lunch purposes). You are
most welcome, though, if you are unexpectedly able to
come at the last minute. Hope to see you that morning!
Also, mark your calendar for Feb. 1. PCCW Mass (for
ALL women of the parish) at 8:30

FIRST EUCHARIST

There will be a parent meeting for those that will have a
child receiving the Sacrament of the Eucharist on Tuesday,
Jan. 14th at 6:30 PM in the dining room. Any questions,
please contact Iris Bounds at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org

From The Pastor’s Desk

The pagan philosophers of Greece and Rome reflected quite deeply upon the role of family in human life. They saw that children owed more to their parents than to anyone except to the gods. Obviously, children’s physical existence and basic education depend upon mom and dad. But if you think about it, children owe much more to their parents. We learn our native tongue not from our schoolteachers, but from our parents. We pick up from them, as by observing; attitudes, mannerisms, gestures, and habits. Like it or not, we are profoundly influenced not only by our genes, but by our family experience.

All ancient cultures saw the extraordinary debt that children owe their parents, thus parents were due a unique degree of honor, respect, and affection.  No one has been given more responsibility for us than our parents, and so we must give them more honor and respect than anyone.  We see that reflected in the Ten Commandments of the Old Testament.

This weekend, the Sunday after Christmas we celebrate the Holy Family.  It is a celebration built upon the family of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. OK, so it was easier for Jesus to give his parents honor, affection, and respect given that Mary was immaculate and Joseph was a saint. And it was certainly easier for Mary and Joseph not to nag or provoke Jesus based on the fact that he was the sinless Son of God.

We very frankly state our families of parents and children happen to be sinners. So we hear in our second reading today from Col 3: 12-21 on the Feast of the Holy Family with its command to “forgive as the Lord has forgiven you.” A Christian family is holy not because it is sinless, but because it responds to sin with forgiveness rather than resentment. When we hurt each other, we cannot let it slide. The offender must find it within themselves to say “I’m sorry, please forgive me.” And the one offended must pronounce those liberating words: “I forgive you.” And then the matter must be forgotten.  That is what’s makes our families holy.

Celebrate your family this weekend.  Love each other and parents even if your children are teenagers give them a hug.  Young people respect and love your parents who have given you life, faith life, love and a home.  Each family look to the Holy Family and become a holy family.