From the Pastor's Desk:

This week the United States celebrates Thanksgiving. This secular holiday has nothing to do with our Catholic faith, but at the same time it has everything to do with our faith. Each time we gather around the Eucharistic table we are giving thanks to our God who sent His Son to suffer and die for us, that we might have eternal life. The Catechism reminds us that “Believing in God, the only One, and loving him with all our being has enormous consequences for our whole life,” and then it adds that this involves, “living in thanksgiving: if God is the only One, everything we are and have comes from Him: “What have you that you did not receive?” “What shall I render to the Lord for all his bounty to me?” Although Thanksgiving is not a day of obligation on the Catholic calendar, the liturgical calendar of the church in the United States celebrates it with the solemnity of two readings: one from the Old and another from the New Testament, with the Magnificat from the Gospel of Luke, in which the Blessed Virgin Mary recites one of the most beautiful and profound thanksgivings to the infinite love of God: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness. Behold, from now on will all call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name.” We should celebrate Thanksgiving with a deep sense of prayer, gratitude, and joy. Even with all the trouble and problems stemming from the pandemic we have much to be thankful for. In the celebration of this day we should also remember that our lives as Catholics are a constant act of thanksgiving through our daily activities, all of which should give glory to God, especially through the celebration of the Eucharist. The Eucharist is a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Father. According to the Catechism, Eucharist means “thanksgiving.” What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year then to gather, first of all, around the altar of the Lord, and then, with family and friends.

#iGiveCatholic

St. Agnes Cathedral is participating in #iGiveCatholic on Giving Tuesday on November 30, 2021. We are promoting the building of our new Parish Hall. Please visit our Diocesan site springfieldcg.igivecatholic.org to view our parish giving site. Advanced giving runs from November 15th through November 29th. You can donate securely online using this site or you can donate an offline gift to your parish. There is a small fee with all online donations, but you are welcome to give your donation directly to the parish for #iGiveCatholic. We have already received $11,000 in advanced giving! Thank you to the donors who have already begun to make our fundraiser a success!

youth activities

Congratulations to Oakley Reppert who was baptized Sunday, November 14th after the 11:30 Mass by Rev Lewis Hejna. Oakley is the daughter of Shaun Reppert and Aurora Martinez, Oakely is the granddaughter of Gissell Reppert. Many blessings to Oakely as she continues to grow in the faith. The next youth event will be on Sunday, Dec. 5th beginning at 5:00 PM. This event will be a service event. Our youth will serve dinner to families at the Rancho Motel located at 1720 E. Kearney here in Springfield. Our youth will need to wear gloves and masks while serving. Come join us as we serve families in need. For more information or to sign up, call the parish office at 831-3565 or contact Iris at ibounds@stacathedral.org. DeSales Catholic Bookstore invites you to an In-Store Concert and Book Signing Sat, Nov. 27th at 2:00 PM. John Michael Talbot will be signing copies of his book "Hermitage of the Heart". John Michael Talbot is a Grammy/Dove Award Winning Catholic Recording Artist and best selling author. Call DeSales Catholic Bookstore a t 417-831-4630. There will be no PSR, CLOW or Confirmation class on Sunday, November 28th due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

PCCW CHRISTMAS DINNER

Ladies of the parish, mark your calendars for a Christmas Dinner with gifts, old fashioned caroling & good will. A catered dinner will be provided so please call the parish office by Dec 3rd. Dinner will take place Tuesday, Dec 7th at 6:30 pm. We ask you to bring a small $5-10 gift for exchange. All are welcome!!!--

FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK

November has become “Vocation” awareness month. Vocations to priesthood, religious life and holy marriage. In my letter this weekend I want to focus on priesthood. Priesthood means many different things to many different people. Vatican Council II described the role of the priest as preaching the gospel, shepherding the faithful and celebrating the divine liturgies. The Council gave priority to the ministry of the Word, thus the liturgy is the primary importance of priesthood. As I spoke last week to students at mass, everything I do in my ministry circles back to the altar. The celebration of the Mass is my major purpose for being ordained, leading the people in the celebration of the Eucharist. The ordained priest is the public representative of the Church and has specific functions within the community in which he is assigned. Coming from Vatican II, the priestly roles can in a sense be seen also as roles for the laity. Each Catholic Christian is called to preach the Gospel, to care for others and come together about the altar of the Lord to participate in the liturgy of the Eucharist. The difference is that the laity works primarily in the secular world where all Christians are called to be disciples who follow and share in the ministry of Jesus. The priest works within the sacramental life of the Church. Since I was ordained in 1981 there has been a decline in the vocations to the priesthood. There are many reasons I believe that are causing that decline. There is a major loss in religiousness in the Western cultures, whether here in the United States or Europe, we are becoming secular societies. Our cultures are becoming more and more focused around wealth; houses, jobs, bank accounts. Throughout the world there is a lack of desire for long-term commitment. Divorce rates continue to rise, couples marry later and it’s harder for young people to make lifelong commitments. There is a decline in the respect given to celibacy, which today is seen more as a negative than as a positive. Many see sex as love, no commitment needed. My life as a parish priest is one of responsibility for baptisms, weddings, funerals, as well as Masses; administrative functions; confessions; having to drop everything and counsel someone in crisis, or to visit people in the hospital whenever someone falls ill (emergencies never come on a schedule). The responsibility of being on call constantly is something that some people may not know or appreciate about parish priests. Phones can ring every hour of the day or night. Last weekend I celebrated the wedding of one of my former theater students, also a former server. I have been a part of his life for at least 15 years. To see him grow in size, in knowledge, in spirituality and now to enter the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. This is one of the special parts of my priesthood. To walk the path of life with people, not just at the moment but throughout their daily lives. Please pray for our young people who are searching for their pathway in life, whether it be priesthood, religious life, married life or single life. May they open their heart to God’s grace and guidance. Tickets for our fall musical, “Into the Woods” November19, 20 (7pm) & 21 (2pm) are on sale now! Call the parish office or catch me after Mass.

WOW! AND THANK YOU!!!

Our parish Fall Bazaar was the best we’ve had! There are so many to thank that made it so successful…including all of you that came and spent time with us. Thanks to everyone who donated their time to help make this year wonderful. That is a necessary part, or our vendors would never return. Speaking of vendors…a big thanks to all of them and especially those who return each year. Thank you to: Fr. Lewis Hejna for the wonderful ceramics Trish Tipton for the delicious cinnamon rolls All those who baked, manned and donated to the Senior’s Bake Table Parishioners who donated to our wonderful raffle and other parish tables: John & Peggy Kubicek Becky Elbert Karen Carroll Jo Bolton Mike & Ellen Finch Mitch Hauschildt Sue Hiett Fran Overboe Home & School Women of Faith group ST. Martha’s group St. Ann’s group Businesses that donated HyVee Grocery St. Michael’s Restaurant Zayka Civil Kitchen Restaurant Pappo’s Restaurant Formed-Artist Collection Chameleon Maria’s Restaurant We truly hope we haven’t forgotten anyone, but if we have please forgive us and know that you are very appreciated.

BUZZ BOOK 2021

Your 2021 copy of the "Buzz" book should have arrived in your mailbox recently. If you did not receive your copy, we have extras in the office that you can pick up Monday-Friday (8:30 am - 4:00 pm). The advertisers helped provide this service at no cost to our congregation. We encourage you to think of them in the future as your needs arise. Please familiarize yourself with the ministries and organizations at our church located in the front of the book. Also, please check your family's information in the directory section. If it is not correct, please notify the parish office at 417-831-3565 or send an e-mail to eschatz@sta-cathedral.org.

ADVENT PROJECT

Once again this year you will see Advent symbols in baskets near the door of church. On the back of each symbol is a suggested item that you can purchase. These UNWRAPPED items are given to the homeless men and women or poor and/or foster children through Sammy”s Window, and Grace United Methodist church. If you go shopping before Advent or just plain forget to pick up a symbol, just purchase any of the following and bring it to the parish office between 9a.m. and 4p.m.for me to distribute: books and toys/stuffed animals for children, or clothes of any size for children or adults including: stocking caps, gloves, scarves, flannel shirts, underwear and socks of ANY SIZE, hoodies, etc. . St Agnes has always been able to help a lot of people this way, even if we aren’t giving a needed gift to people whose names we know. Thank you for your generosity in the past. Sr. Elizabeth Ann

From the Pastor’s Desk:

Down through the centuries, the Roman Catholic Church has called together bishops and patriarchs to discuss doctrine and Church teachings, many times in what is called a synod. The word synod comes from an ancient Greek term that means “coming together”. In the early years of the church leaders came together to pray and make decisions about matters affecting all the Christian communities in a region. They gathered together in faith, in prayer and in discussion that would reveal God’s will and the way to achieve it. These regional gatherings were called synods. These are not to be confused with an Ecumenical Council, such as Vatican Council II. An Ecumenical council is for all bishops around the world to discuss issues that are important for the whole church. Over the centuries as the power of the pope increased and everything began to come from Rome, synods began to disappear, whereas ecumenical councils continued to be called. After the Council of Trent even ecumenical councils became less, only two within 400 years. The Second Vatican Council called in 1962 was to bring back among other things, the importance of bishops as heads of their local churches and emphasize their cooperation with one another. Pope Paul VI continued the changes begun by Pope John XXIII and Vatican II by creating a permanent structure for a Synod of bishops with a secretariat in Rome and a General Assembly gathered regularly by the pope. Since 1967 the popes have brought this assembly together 18 times: 15 of those assemblies were ordinary and 3 assemblies were extraordinary. There have also been several special assemblies for particular regions of the world. Pope Francis has formally on October 10 opened a two year process for a synod. Bishops from around the world will consult with parishioners, monks, nuns and Catholic universities before coming together for a discussion in 2023. Their discussions will center upon, “How the church can learn to rely more fully on this kind of consultation and discussion process, how it can become more synodal in its governance. Its focus is to make church governance more open and inclusive of all its members. “A synodal Church is a Church which listens”, states Pope Francis, that mutual listening has been the goal of much of the church’s renewal since Vatican II. Unlike previous synods, this one officially begins in dioceses all over the world, with opportunities for mutual discussion at every level and among many different church organizations. Tickets for our fall musical, “Into the Woods” November19, 20 (7pm) & 21 (2pm) are on sale now! Call the parish office or catch me after Mass. I hope you come and enjoy the show.

Knights of Columbus:

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The Knights are bringing back their monthly breakfasts and we are starting in November - specifically November 21st after the 8:00 AM Mass. Please join us to continue this tradition at St. Agnes!

PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

Lord Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father and Mary Immaculate, grant to our young people the generosity necessary to follow Your call and the courage required to overcome all obstacles to their vocation. Give the parents faith, love and spirit of sacrifice which will inspire them to offer their children to God’s service and rejoice whenever one of their children is called to the priesthood and religious life. Let your example and that of your Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph encourage both young people and parents and let Your grace sustain them. Amen. -From the diocese of Sioux Falls and Rapid City

[reclaim!] Virtual Watch Party

Please join us as Dynamic Catholic speaker Matthew Kelly hosts his New Virtual Event [reclaim!] Tuesday November 9th at 6:45pm in the St. Agnes School Cafeteria. [reclaim!] starts at 7pm. Refreshments will be provided. To RSVP or for more information please contact St. Agnes's main office at 417-831-3565.

From the Pastor's Desk:

In 835 Pope Gregory IV moved the commemoration of martyrs from May 13 to November the first. The night before became known as All Hallow’s Eve, or “holy evening,” and eventually it became Halloween.

It will always be up to debate, if Pope Gregory was simply trying to simulate the pagan peoples of Ireland and England into the church. The pagan people of these lands already had a celebration on that particular date. However it was the Irish farmers living in Ireland hundreds of years ago which prepared for the All Saints Day and the following All Souls Day the night before by going door-to-door collecting food and goods for a village feast and bonfire. Those who contributed were promised prosperity; those who didn’t received threats of bad luck. And yes you are right, the Irish Catholics who immigrated in the 1800’s brought this practice of “trick-or-treating” with them. The rest is the great United States use of advertising and commercialism. Next to Christmas Halloween is the largest money “maker holiday” for businesses. Unfortunately our society has turned a night of prayer and celebration into one of haunted houses, witches and ghosts.

Today November 2, celebrate All Souls Day. It could be said that All Souls Day is the Catholic Church’s Memorial Day/Month. The Month of November begins with the feast of All Saints’ Day, followed by All Souls’ Day. We distinguish between our beloved dead who are in heaven, “all saints,” who pray for us and our loved ones who have died and for whom we are moved to pray. These are the poor souls who still may be undergoing the purging process of death-to-self that follows repentance. In the month of harvest and dying, the Catholic Church memorializes the dead and recognizes Jesus as Lord of the living and the dead.

Tickets for our fall musical, “Into The Woods” will go on sale this weekend here at St. Agnes beginning at the vigil mass on Saturday evening. For those who do not know the musical, it a mixture of fairy tales. I hope you come and enjoy the show.

CALLING ALL BAKERS!!

Again this year we will have a table for the Senior’s Bake Sale. We need your help to support the cause. If you enjoy baking please consider contributing to their sale. Baked goods can be delivered to the parish office on Friday, Nov. 6 or bring to the gym after 4:00 on Friday. You may also bring it to the gym on Saturday morning.

PLEASE label what you bake and make a note if you used any kind of nut. Thank you so much for your efforts and support.

[reclaim!] Virtual Watch Party

Please join us as Dynamic Catholic speaker Matthew Kelly hosts his New Virtual Event [reclaim!] Tuesday November 9th at 6:45pm in the St. Agnes School Cafeteria. [reclaim!] starts at 7pm. Refreshments will be provided and you are strongly encouraged to bring a notebook/pen/pencil to take notes. To RSVP or for more information please contact St. Agnes's main office at 417-831-3565.

Youth Activities

Advent Fair Update:

St. Agnes Faith Formation program and St. Anne's Group invite you to our Advent Fair to be held Sunday, Nov. 21st from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM in the St. Agnes Gym. The Advent Fair will have something for all ages from 3-93. Families can make an Advent wreath to use during the season. You will be able to pick up seasonal devotions from children's Advent calendars to daily reflections to help you to prepare for the birth of Jesus. There will be games such as Advent Bingo to a Jesse Tree Scavenger Hunt. Come to understand how other countries around the world celebrate and prepare for Christmas. You will also be able to come and pick up items if you cannot stay for the event. If you plan to make an Advent wreath, we do ask that you call the parish office to let us know so that we have enough supplies for the Advent wreaths. The Knights of Columbus will be sponsoring a breakfast that day so eat breakfast with the Knights and then come join us for the Advent Fair in the gym. Please call the parish office if you cannot come & want to pick up an Advent Wreath Kit at the parish office. There is no charge.

From the Pastor’s Desk::

So many times, I hear, “Why is the Church involved in this topic or that topic? Why doesn’t the Church just stay with the religious stuff?” To be a true follower of Jesus Christ means that we are to live our faith, to live our belief in Jesus Christ out in the daily world, not just in church, or on Sundays, but every day. Since the Second Vatican Council, the “Church” has been pushing, teaching us to try to live a better life in all that we do. One of those areas is in the taking care of our world.

Whether it is solar panels, better gas mileage, recycling plastics or paper, you name it, it is in the news. That is good since we only have one earth and when we have used it up, or polluted it enough, the human race will cease to exist. As early as 1971, Pope Paul VI in his teaching, Octogesima Adveniens, he speaks about the threats to our environment. In 1979, Redemptor Hominis contains references to the environment. In 1990 Pope John Paul II wrote The Ecological Crisis: A common responsibility which discusses the emergence of a new ecological awareness and views the ecological crisis as a moral crisis. Another teaching coming from Pope John Paul II in 1990 was Peace with God the Creator, Peace with all Creation. It is devoted exclusively to environmental concerns. In 2002, Pope John II and Patriarch Bartholomew issued a call to First World people to turn away from unjust and destructive consumer culture. Pope Francis has been pushing for the human race to take care of our planet or the earth will not be able to recover. The Catholic Church has issued in a relatively short time a large group of encyclicals as well as other documents concerning environmental problems.

In 1960 according to a governmental statistic the average American created 2.7 pounds of garbage per day. In 2001 that figure had grown to 4.4 pounds. Today according to a study by Columbia University each person in the US sends 7 lbs of waste to the landfill. We are filling our landfills and pullulating our earth. The question each of us need to ask ourselves, what am I doing to help the growing mound of garbage? The three major items going into the landfills or is being incinerated is paper and cardboard which makes up 23 %, food is at 21.5% and plastic comes in third at 12.2 %. Americans over all are the worse offenders in the western world. Did you know that recycling aluminum cans saves 95% of the energy needed to produce new cans and aluminum is a non-renewable resource that will one day run out? All of those water bottles, milk jugs and soft drink bottles accounts for much of municipal solid waste. Do you know what plastic is made from? Think about it the next time you fill your gas tank.

All of us can and need to do more to help our earth. We have been entrusted with so much and we have become careless and wasteful. Look around and see the difference you as a family can make. Change your light bulbs, recycle tin, paper, plastic and aluminum. If all 700 households of our parish would do those things, we would be making a difference. There is no reason other than we do not care or we do not want to be bothered. Help make our world a better place today and for our children and grandchildren.

SENIORS UNLIMITED

SENIORS On Oct 25th at 1 p.m., the Seniors who are playing games will sponsor an ice cream social for other Seniors of St Agnes. We would like you to come and socialize with all of us. You do not have to play a game. But I do need you to sign up if you are interested-- so we have enough ice cream and toppings. Priorities, you know!!! Please come only if vaccinated. Call me if you have questions. 831-3565, ext 103 -S. Elizabeth Ann Weiler, ASC

PARISH CRAFT BAZAAR

We had to include the word “craft” in the heading because there will be more tables with crafts than ever before! PLUS an abundance of the best raffle items than ever before…2 yard games: corn hole and lawn Yahtzee, 2 hand made quilts that are beautiful!!!, a handmade cutting board, soooo many baskets: one with Made in MO items, another that is Night Out At the Movies (1 for adults, 1 for children). I could go on but don’t have room. You just have to come on Nov. 6 or 7 and check it all out. PLUS, the proceeds will go toward our new Parish Hall Fund.

REMEMBER: It’s in the gym this year. Saturday, 9:00 – 3:00, Sunday, 8:30-1:00

BRING YOUR FAMILY…BRING YOUR FRIENDS!

LADIES OF THE PARISH

Ladies of the Parish: All are invited to a "Morning of Reflection" Saturday, Oct 23rd. Morning will begin by attending Mass at 8:30 AM which will be followed by the Rosary & then we will have a guest speaker, Sister Charlotte Flarlong, who will discuss the history of the Rosary. Please call the parish office to sign up. Please feel free to invite others who may not be a member of our parish. We are inviting you to bring your favorite brunch treat such as muffins, breads, rolls etc. This is not mandatory, but we do welcome you to share. Please let us know if you will be bringing something when you call to sign up. Hope to see you there!!!