From the Pastor’s Desk:

As I have told you over and over, I am a history person. I continue to study history, watch the history channels and love to travel to historical places. What I continue to observe is that the human race never seems to learn from the past, but continually repeats the same mistakes. Jesus came into human history at a time when much of the civilized world was ruled by the Roman Empire. Roman rule was maintained through brutal force, economic exploitation and society was dominated by military force.

There were very few freedoms. Information was controlled by a select, powerful, colonizing group, which used local secular and religious leaders to push the Roman Imperial agenda. Dissent was not tolerated and those who protested and who dared to resist the dominant government system faced harsh punishment, torture and even death, as did Jesus. Roman rule would like other colonial dominations throughout human history, slowly collapse and disintegrate. Even before Jesus, there had been civil wars, but 300 years after Jesus, the Empire would become frayed and weaken because of its arrogance, political corruption, and overall loss of what was good for the community. We can throughout history see those same problems and characteristics occur over and over.

Jesus began his mission in the period of what was called the Pax Romana (Roman Peace). It was basically a time when the western world was without major wars. However, that promised wave of Roman prosperity did not reach the bottom of society, especially in the conquered provinces. Jesus challenged the political, financial and religious elite that created burdens for the people, rather than meeting the needs of the people. Global prosperity did not work for the Roman Empire, neither did it work for the British Empire and now we have found that there are problems today throughout the world.

People during the time of Christ were searching for answers, good news, and hope. Is that not the same today? The modern poor are confused, disappointed, uncertain, and angry. The middle class is wanting answers and less taxation, while the rich upper class is looking for a way to move their wealth so it would not be taxed. Jesus talked about taxes, the plight of women, disability, social and economic exclusion, and the arrogance of power. The mission of Jesus is not about offering the poor mirages, miracles, or quick fixes. The mission of Jesus is about accompanying vulnerable people in a struggle to make the structures of life resonant with the values and dignity of the individual in the light of the Gospel’s good news. We are in a time of change, and we must be certain that God is at the heart of the changes in our country and that the state does not become God and religion. We must look to the past and learn.

Youth Activities

In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, we will sponsor a pet blessing on the soccer field, Sunday, Oct 3rd at 9:30. Please bring your dogs, cats, guinea pigs and lizards. You will have to check with Father Allen to see how he feels about snakes and bunnies. Hope to see you there.

Youth, mark your calendar! Our next youth event will be held Sunday, Oct 10 from 6:15-8:00 PM. Youth will begin the evening with community service by making sack lunches for Rare Breed. We do ask those assisting to wear masks while preparing the lunches. We will also sponsor a bonfire with s’mores and hotdogs provided.

Youth in grades 6-12 are invited to join us.

Youth will be meeting the 2nd Sunday evening of each month. Youth events always involve food, so we are asking for donations of bottled water, packaged snacks such as chips and cookies. You can bring all donations to the parish office or contact Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org. We appreciate any help that you can give us.

Fall In Love With CCM

CATHOLIC CAMPUS MINISTRY

INVITES YOU TO

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847 S Holland Springfield MO

October 30, 2021

5pm Sunday Vigil Mass

6pm Cocktails 7 pm Dinner

$150 per person—8 per table

Sponsorship Table (10 Guests) - $3,000

For Information and to purchase tickets

Visit https://CCM847.org/75th-GALA

ST. ANN’S GROUP MEETING

St. Ann's (Open to all young women in the parish) will be meeting on Sunday, Oct 10th at 10:15 AM under the tent by the parking lot. Please come and join us and share your ideas on ways to revitalize this group.

From the Pastor’s Desk:

Labor day has passed into the dust and we begin many of our fall programs. This past Sunday we began our preparation for Confirmation, Parish School of Religion for those students who are not in our Catholic Schools is in its 3rd week. I urge parents to enroll their children and bring them not only to class, but also to Mass on Sundays. It is so important that our young people are educated in the Faith, not just “pew” Catholics that do not understand what they are professing. I want to thank all those who have accepted the great responsibility to work with our youth in sharing our Catholic Faith.

Vatican Council II recommended that the Church renew its way of receiving adult candidates. In fact it looked at the early Church for examples. A revised rite called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) was approved by Pope Paul VI in 1972. The RCIA stresses formation in doctrine, liturgy, Church life, and service. It involves the larger church community in welcoming, instructing, helping and praying for the candidates. Our RCIA began last Monday evening at 6:30 pm in the Dining Room.

RCIA has been around for about 35-40 years, depending upon how the pastor followed the guidelines of Vatican Council II. Before the Council pastors simply gave “some” instructions in the faith to those wanting to enter the Church and then brought them into the Church either by Baptism or a Profession of Faith.

This whole change came about for many reasons: 1) sometimes adult converts would stop going to church when the priest that instructed them was transferred, their faith had been built around one person rather than the church itself, 2) large numbers of adult converts were/are knocking on our doors and one on one instruction is no longer feasible, 3) it is important that people experience “church” not only from priests/religious, but also from lay people themselves, 4) the faith journey that a person walks is important and many times they need someone to walk with them.

The RCIA can also serve as a focus for ongoing conversion for all members of the Catholic Church. As Catholics see new candidates learning doctrine, they are encouraged to study their faith. The whole parish community is invited to participate in the liturgical ceremonies welcoming new members. Those rites include RCIA Dismissal from the Liturgy of the Eucharist, The Rite of Acceptance, The Rite of Sending & Election, The Holy Saturday service, and Mystagogia. As “old” parishioners see the newly baptized begin ministries of service, they are encouraged to serve more generously. I want to thank all those who act as sponsors and teachers for those who the Lord has led to our doors on their faith journey. A special thanks to Fr. Allen as he leads our RCIA.

Work Day at Catholic Charities/LifeHouse

Please join other volunteers from area parishes as we continue to maintain the grounds at Catholic Charities and tend to and harvest vegetables in their 21 raised beds for the moms and babies living at LifeHouse. Our 7th group workday will be Tuesday, September 28, from 9:00 - 11:00. Work gloves and your favorite gardening tools are needed. To volunteer or for more information, please contact Jana Hukriede @ 417-840-4109 or janahukriede@gmail.com. Our last group workday for this season will be on Tuesday, October 26, from 9:00 - 11:00.

Youth Activities

Sunday, Sept 19th is designated as Catechetical Sunday. This is a day to recognize all teachers, assistants & volunteers who share their Catholic faith with the young people of our parish. Catechetical Sunday is a wonderful day to reflect upon the roles that we all play in sharing the gifts of the Catholic faith. We do especially thank those who serve as teachers in our Catholic schools or volunteers in any capacity in our parish faith formation program. Catechists will receive a blessing at Masses the weekend of Sept 18th & 19th.

Families, if you have a child in 2nd grade or who has not received their First Reconciliation or Eucharist and missed the informational session that was in the Cafeteria at 10 am this Sunday, please call the parish office or email ibounds@sta-cathedral.org to make certain you receive this important information.

WELL OF LIFE

The Well of Life currently has no need for plastic bags or egg cartons. We will let people know when they ask for them again.

CONGRATULATIONS

St. Agnes Cathedral celebrated two Baptisms on Sunday, Sept 12! Harrison Rebel Evans, son of Warren & Kristen Evans was baptized after the 8:00 Mass by Fr. Allen Kirchner. Isamarie Rose Orozco, daughter of Rafael Orozco Morena and Loni Blackburn was baptized by Fr. Lewis Hejna after the 11:30 Mass. We joyfully welcome these children into our St. Agnes family. Keep these families in your prayers.

Confirmation classes will begin this Sunday, Sept 19th at 10:00 AM in the school library. If you were unable to attend the informational session last Sunday, you are still welcome to attend these Confirmation sessions. Please contact Iris at the parish office or at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org for more information on registration.

From the Pastor’s Desk:

Centuries ago, the Forty Hours Devotion began in Europe. St. John Neumann came to this country as a

missionary and was consecrated as Bishop of Philadelphia and was known for his hard work and devotion to

the people of his diocese. He had a tremendous devotion to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist. St. John had an

intense desire to help lead others to prayer before Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament exposed in a

monstrance.

One night, after nearly abandoning his dream of spreading the “Forty Hours Devotion”, St. John fell asleep

from total exhaustion while writing at his desk. A little while later he awoke to the smell of smoke, a lit

candle had overturned and started a fire. Of the charred remains of his papers, only one letter remained

unburned, the letter he had written about the “Forty Hours Devotion.” St. John knelt to thank God for sparing

him from harm and he did not hesitate any longer to carry out his teaching of the spiritual importance of

Eucharistic Prayer Devotion. In 1853 Bishop John Neumann began the Forty Hours Devotion on the feast of

Corpus Christi, in the Church of St. Philip Neri, the saint who had started the Devotion in Rome. In the

United States we are blessed to have over 1100 chapels of Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration.

If we believe what takes place at the altar, Jesus is truly present in the Holy Eucharist, When we come before

Jesus exposed in the Blessed Sacrament, we come to Him as we are, creatures made in His image. He already

knows us. He has called us to Himself; He loves us and longs to be with us. “Come to Me all of you who are

weary and find life burdensome and I will refresh you.” (Mt. 11:28)

Please consider spending some time with our Eucharistic Lord on Mondays in the Chapel between the hours

of 9:00 am and 5:30 pm. This is a quiet time to reflect and thank God for all the many blessings He has given

us. “Can you spend even 30 minutes with Me?” asks the Lord.

Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration is at Holy Trinity Church here in Springfield. The parish is inviting people

who can make a commitment for one hour, daily or weekly to call or sign up. For more information there are

forms in the back of the Cathedral or contact Holy Trinity, or go on their

website.

Youth Activities

Families, if you have a child in 2nd grade or who has not

received their First Reconciliation or Eucharist, we invite

you to attend an informational session Sunday, Sept 19th

at 10:15 in the St. Agnes cafeteria. We will inform you of

dates for this important year and share information about

curriculum 7 resources that will help prepare your child for

this important sacrament. If you cannot be at this

session, please call the parish office to make certain you

receive this important information.

Youth in grades 6-12 are invited to attend our first Fall

event for the year. Come join us on Sunday; Sept 12th

beginning at 6:00 PM. We invite you to attend the 5:00

PM Mass and then join us for sub sandwiches, home -

made ice cream sundaes, outdoor games such as Corn

Hole, tug of war, croquet and more. Families are

welcome! Open to all in Catholic school, public school

and those who are home-schooled. Come join us! Call

the parish office or email Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org

FRIENDS OF THE POOR WALK

WHAT: Friends of the Poor Walk - Benefitting Springfield Area Societies of St. Vincent de Paul

DATE: Saturday, October 2, 2020

TIME: Registration and refreshments at 8:30 AM; walk at 9:30 AM

WHERE: Saint Agnes Cathedral; start and finish in parking lot, rear of building

1-mile walk for the Relaxed and Fun-Loving Walker

3-mile walk for the Serious and Experienced Walker

For more information and to register, visit: www.fopwalk.org

RCIA

Are you curious about the Catholic Faith? Do you

have questions you would like to have answered as

you consider joining our RCIA classes and becoming

Catholic? Join us for Introductory Sessions to help

you make your decision about beginning classes for

the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults. Classes

begin Sept. 13. Any questions email akirchner@stacathedral,

org

From the Pastor’s Desk:

As we celebrate Labor Day weekend, we are celebrating all those people who have helped in the past make this country the greatest nation on earth. Those people are the workers. It matters not if they are factory workers, professionals, farmers, housewives, county, state, or federal workers. All people who have worked to earn their way in life have made this a stronger nation. This is what we are truly celebrating this Labor Day weekend.

Over the last 250 years those workers have come from many different nations of the world seeking a better life. My grandparents were among those immigrating from one of the old eastern European countries. Those immigrants worked hard and found their dream, a better life for themselves and their children. One part of that dream was food. The United States had/has the ability to grow enough food to feed its population and more. It may not be able to grow everything we have come to enjoy, but we would not starve if all food coming into our country was halted. That cannot be said of most countries of the world.

With this said, we look at the evening news and find people all over the country that are angry. What are people are so unhappy about??? Is it that we have electricity and clean drinking water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time and see more food in moments than Kabul stores have seen in the last three months. This does not even translate into the amount of food we throw into the trash each day. Having all the thousands of restaurants with all types of cuisine from around the world, perhaps is not good enough. Could it be that when we wreck our cars, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all and if need be, send a helicopter to take us to the hospital.

Maybe people are upset with knowing that if our homes are on fire, a group of trained firefighters will come in moments and use the latest firefighting equipment to fight the flames, thus saving our families, and our belongings. Or maybe while we are home watching one of our many TVs and a burglar breaks in, a police officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend us. Maybe they are upset with our neighborhoods being free from bombs and militias raping and black mailing the residents. These neighborhoods are filled with 90 % of teenagers who own cell phones and computers. How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world. Are any of these why people are so unhappy????

As we celebrate Labor Day this weekend, perhaps we need to reflect on how hard the previous generations have worked and fought so we as US citizens and Catholic Christians have the best of both worlds, FREEDOMS and OUR FAITH. However, “the fact is, we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don’t have and what we hate about the country, instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.” (David Letterman-2015)

MASS AND ROSARY WITH BISHOP RICE

I am asking that the rosary be offered on September 14, Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross in all parishes of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau for an end to the pandemic, for those who are suffering from Covid-19, those who have died, and for our medical personnel car-ing for them. I will offer the 5:30 pm Mass on that day in St. Agnes Cathedral followed by the rosary.

CONFIRMATION

Students in grades 8 and above who have not been confirmed, there will be a Confirmation informational session for parents or guardians. We also ask that young people attend this session. Come meet our instructors, check out the schedule and discover the faith process for Confirmation. The meeting will be held on Sunday, Sept. 12th at 10:00 A.M We will meet in the school library. Please bring Baptismal records if the candidate has not been baptized at St. Agnes. If you are not registered as a St. Agnes parishioner, please know you are welcome, but you will need to inform your current pastor that you plan to go through the Confirmation process at St. Agnes Cathedral. Please contact Iris at the parish office at 831-3565 or ibounds@sta-cathedral.org

CLOW RETURNS!

Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) will begin on Sunday, Sept 12th during the 11:30 AM Mass. Children in preschool through 2nd grade are invited to come together to learn about the word of God together at a level that is easy to understand and comprehend. Children will be called out by our priests, discuss the Sunday readings in the chapel and return after the homily. All children are welcome and there is no registration requirement.

From the Pastor’s Desk:

Since November of 2020 I have been reading, studying and trying to understand what has been the driving force of anger in our country. At first I thought it must be the pandemic. We had given up so much with our shut down of our economy. It did not change when we began to open up, it seemed to intensify. I began to look at the loss of practicing our faith in community, not only within the Catholic Church, but mainstream non Catholic churches as well. I also wondered about all the demonstrations in many cities against police etc. We seem to be on a powder keg ready to blow.

Much of the anger seems to be coming from misinformation on the internet, fueled by white power groups. Most but not all, the anger or the fighting in the streets, on the planes, in our Capital is driven by “white people” and many times against “black people” or people of color.

I decided to look into our US census. In the last 13 years Asian immigrants are second only to Latinos, China is first followed by India. In the latest census, 66% of Asians were born in another country compared to only 37% of Latinos being born outside the 50 states. Asian peoples have become a larger share of the US population and they are playing an important role in helping the US economy to grow. Across the country they own 1.5 million small businesses. Due to the birth rate of Asians and Hispanics who are having families of more than one or two children the races of color in the US continues to grow, whereas the white population has a falling birth rate and is now only 57.8% of the population.

The population of the US is rapidly changing and in a number of states the white population is moving to a minority. Is this the cause of anger? Is this helping to fuel the white power movements? All of this I pose only as thought for further study. Across the world populations are on the move, more than at any other time since WWII.

Here in the US, with the white majority shrinking in number, these young minorities are important for our future growth economically. They are the country’s future labor force. Within the Catholic Church may be find the hope of the Church as many Asians; Indian, Vietnamese and Pilipino are Catholic. They can become an important part of the Church here in the US, but in order for this to happen, our Church must be a melting pot around the Eucharistic Table.

PCCW

UPCOMING PCCW events:

Mark Your Calendar! All women of the parish are invited!!

Tues, Sept 14th: 6:30 PM Bunko Night 6:30 PM in the Cafeteria: Join us for a fun night of Bunko, prizes and snacks

Sat; Oct 23; 8:30-10:30 Morning of Reflection to include Mass, Rosary, Speaker and Brunch.

Sat, Nov 6th and Sunday, Nov. 7th: Parish Bazaar: Come shop and sign up to be a volunteer

More details to follow.

Youth Activities

Registration for Parish School of Religion will be held on Sun-day, Aug 22nd at 10:30 in the dining room of the cafete-ria. Parish School of Religion is open to students in K-8th grade. We will offer in person classes on Sunday mornings from 10:00 -11:00 AM in St. Agnes School. The classes are open to all students whether they attend Catholic, public or are home schooled. We also offer a special needs class for students taught by a certified special needs instructor. We take special precautions to offset the spread of Covid 19 and will work with families who choose to keep their children home during this unu-sual time. We have specialized curriculum for students who may be behind in the reception of the sacraments. If you have specific questions or circumstances, please call the parish office or email Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org. All are wel-come! Registration forms are also available on the parish web-site.

Children's Liturgy of the Word will return and will be held dur-ing the Sunday 11:30 AM liturgy. The first day of CLOW will be Sunday, Sept 12th. Children preschool age through 2nd grade are welcome to join us as children experience the Sunday readings in words they can understand. No need to preregis-ter. All children are welcome whether they are parishioners or visitors.

St. Agnes would like to expand our youth program to include 6th & 7th grade. We would like to know if families would be interested in expanding our program. We would like your in-put! We also need your help in securing snacks and serving as chaperones for events. Please contact the parish office at 831-3565 or email Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org

HELP WANTED

NEEDED:I am looking for three people to clean the church one weekend a month. It involves vacuuming the carpets, cleaning the restrooms and the vestibules of the Church and Chapel. This can be done at your convenience-as long as nothing else is occurring in church. Please call me for more information 831-3565, ext 103. Thank you for considering this as a way to serve the needs of the parish.

~Sr. Elizabeth Ann

From the Pastor’s Desk:

Holy Scripture tells us nothing of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. However, in 1950, Pope Pius XII, after having consulted all bishops, proclaimed the Assumption of Mary to be a dogma of the faith. This took place on November 1, 1950, the feast of All Saints. Faithful to the Pope and to his teaching, we thus firmly believe this truth to be a dogma of our faith: Mary was taken up into Heaven, both body and soul. But Mary was not the first; Elijah was taken up into the heavens in a fiery chariot. (2 Kings: 2:1-12)

Catholic Christians from the earliest days of the Church have thought and believed that Mary was taken up into Heaven, not only her soul, but her body as well. So, wouldn't the unanimous belief of the Christian people be a testimony of Scripture itself, insofar as this testimony, like Scripture, goes all the way back to the Apostles themselves? Let us be sure of this: it is the Holy Spirit who guides both the Church and her Head, the Pope, who is truly the guarantor of this truth which, from now on, is proposed for our belief and teaches us that Mary was taken up into Heaven, both her body and her soul.

Through her body, Mary said "Yes!" to God; Mary showed faith in the Angel who spoke in the name of God: "Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord!" Through her body, Mary was elevated to a place so high that no creature would ever be able to displace her: she thus became the Mother of God and the Mother of Christ, the incarnate Word. Mary became united to God through the Holy Spirit, becoming one with him in Christ. Lastly, Mary became the favored daughter of the Father, who had seen her in himself, in his Son, and in his Spirit for all eternity. Long before time began, the Father had loved Mary and had given her the Glory which she now possesses forever, in her body and her soul.

Mary is in Heaven. However, she is also still among us, singing the praises of God with us and praying with us and for us. Mary is the Mother of God, the Mother of Jesus, but she is also the Mother of us all! Let us remember that Jesus gave her to us: "When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!" (John 19:26) Mary is still with us, because we are the Body of Christ, a Mystical Body, and a Body of Glory. In this communion of the Saints, all of us, with Mary, make up the one Body of Christ. Let us look to Mary for the complete expression of total faith in God. As we celebrate her feast of the Assumption this weekend, we look forward to that day when we can be in the eternal Kingdom in our glorified bodies.