Saint Agnes 1/12/22 Saint Agnes 1/12/22

FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK

Jesus was the greatest story teller that has ever lived. He used simple word-pictures to help people understand who God is and what His kingdom or reign is like. Jesus’ teachings used images and characters taken from the everyday life and world around Him to create a drama to illustrate his message. Even after almost 2000 years His parables hold meaning for us. Over a third of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke contain parables told by Jesus. His parables challenge us to discover what God is like and move us to make a response to God’s love and truth. Remember a picture can take the place of a thousand words. In His parables Jesus painted vivid pictures with short, simple and ordinary everyday events of His time. Parables of the mustard seed, a determined woman looking for her lost coin, a barren fig tree, the pearl of great price, the uninvited wedding guests, the good Samaritan, the ten bridesmaids, the list goes on and on. Jesus’ parables may have been for a specific time and place, they are to speak of timeless realities to people of every time and place. Jesus used parables to help the listener to search and discover the deeper meaning and underlying truth of the reality being portrayed. Most, but not all parables bring out a lesson or a moral. Jesus also used parables to teach important truths about God and his kingdom and lessons pertaining to the way of life and happiness which God has for us. Jesus’ audience would have been very familiar with stories containing fig trees, wineskins, oil lamps, money, stewards, judges, wedding parties; these were illustrations of everyday life. Today we may have to do some “homework” to understand the social customs described. Jesus’ parables have a double meaning. First, there is the literal meaning, apparent to anyone who has experience with the subject matter. There also is a deeper meaning about God’s truth and His kingdom. The parables often involve an element of surprise or an unexpected twist. We may be taken off guard and have to take a second look. That is truly the gift of the parables, when the story challenges us and invites us to further reflection. It is interesting that Jesus tells his disciples that not everyone would understand his parables. Jesus was aware that some people would refuse to understand them and that they would close their hearts to what He was saying. God can only reveal the secrets of His kingdom to the humble and trusting person who acknowledges the need for God and for His truth. It is important not to get bogged down in the details of the parable, it is the main point that counts. Jesus meant for His parables to provoke a response. As we have begun Ordinary time, listen carefully to the gospel reading and search for the deeper meaning before the homily begins.

Saint Agnes 1/12/22 Saint Agnes 1/12/22

Youth Activities:

1st Eucharist Session: Families of young people who are planning to receive their First Eucharist in May of 2022 are asked to attend an informational session to be held on Sun, Jan. 23rd at 10:15 AM. The session will be held in the Upper Conference Room of the school. We will discuss the schedule for the rest of the year, resources available for our families and ways we can make the reception of the Eucharist more meaningful for all. Please call the parish office if you have questions or email Iris at ibounds@stacathedral.org

CONGRATULATIONS St. Agnes Cathedral welcomes Jasyah Mitchell who was Baptized Sat, Jan 8th by Father Lewis Hejna. Jasyah is the son of Eric and Miroslaba Mitchell. Please continue to pray for Jasyah and his family as he grows in faith. 1st Eucharist Session: Families of young people who are planning to receive their First Eucharist in May of 2022 are asked to attend an informational session to be held on Sun, Jan. 23rd at 10:15 AM. The session will be held in the Upper Conference Room of the school. We will discuss the schedule for the rest of the year, resources available for our families and ways we can make the reception of the Eucharist more meaningful for all. Please call the parish office if you have questions or email Iris at ibounds@stacathedral.org. The next youth event will be Sunday, Feb 13th. Please mark your calendars & check the bulletin and website for more details.

Saint Agnes 1/12/22 Saint Agnes 1/12/22

49th ANNIVERSARY OF THE U.S. SUPREME COURT ROE VS WADE

Bishop Edward Rice will celebrate the 5:00 p.m. Mass, in St. Agnes Cathedral, on Saturday, January 22, 2022, which marks the 49th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court Roe vs Wade decision that legalized abortion in the United Sates. He will lead the Rosary after Mass to pray for an end to abortion. All are invited to attend this event.

Saint Agnes 1/12/22 Saint Agnes 1/12/22

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS:

Knights Breakfast: The next breakfast sponsored by your Knights of Columbus is on Sunday, January 16th after the 8:00 AM Mass. Come and warm yourselves with a hot breakfast. Knights Meeting: The January meeting of the Knights of Columbus is on Tuesday, the 18th, 7:00 PM in the Dining Room. We need to start planning for our Lenten Fish Dinner event and for other activities. Please come join us. We welcome all help and suggestions.

Saint Agnes 12/29/21 Saint Agnes 12/29/21

From the Pastor’s Desk::

As the Advent Season rushed us from Thanksgiving to Christmas, so has the Christmas Season rushed us to Epiphany and then next weekend with the Baptism of the Lord and the end of the Christmas Season. The Solemnity of Epiphany that we celebrate this weekend is celebrated differently in other countries. Here in the United States it is simply another Sunday Liturgy following the Holy Family Sunday within the Octave of Christmas with no real fanfare, accept we place the three Magi statues at the nativity scene. In some of the Western European countries it is on this day that gifts are exchanged, not on Christmas itself.

Epiphany commemorates the revelation of Jesus to the world. The three Magi, after searching for years are able to find the Christ child. Since Christmas, our manger scene in Church has shown over the past days that the Magi were not present at Bethlehem, but after talking to King Herod and then going to Bethlehem and with the help of the star were guided to Nazareth. Here they according to the Gospels presented their precious gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The Magi represent the peoples of the world other than the Jewish people. Christ was to be the savior of all peoples, not just the Jews. Traditional nativity scenes portray the skin color of the Magi as white, black and red. It was the theologian Tertullian writing in the third century who first called them “almost “ kings. The names of Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthasar were first mentioned in the sixth century. By the Middles Ages devotion to the Magi was popular all over Europe. They were venerated as saints and their images appeared in different forms of art.

As we begin this New Year, may each of us make every effort to live the Christmas message of love, peace and joy every day of 2022. Let these be our New Year’s resolutions. If we lose a few pounds or give up some of our bad habits, so much the better. But if we truly lived the Christmas message, we could affect not only our lives, but the lives of many of those around us. Smiles and forgiveness are contagious and as the Christ Child holds out His arms in the manger, He invites each of us to follow His example.

I want to thank our choirs, cantors, servers, lectors, all who helped to decorate for the seasons, all who gave donations for our flowers to make our liturgies here at the St. Agnes Cathedral so beautiful and prayerful.

Saint Agnes 12/29/21 Saint Agnes 12/29/21

THANK YOU!!

St. Agnes Faith Formation program would like to thank those that donated to Sammy's Window. Donations of hygiene products, hats, gloves, underwear, clothing, toys & gift cards are helping make the lives of foster and adoptive children brighter. The generosity of St. Agnes parishioners is amazing as a FULL car load of items was brought to Sammy's Window. Thank you! Thank you and many blessings to each of you!

Saint Agnes 12/29/21 Saint Agnes 12/29/21

THANKS! MERCI! GRAZIE!

I have been overwhelmed with all the items that have been brought in for homeless adults and poor/foster children. If I hadn’t moved some of it out as it came in, my office could have been filled to overflowing!!!! As it was, I generally had to move bags out of my way every time I entered the office so I could get to the computer! And that is a good thing. Just know that some people’s lives will be a bit better because of your generosity. Thanks for making the Advent project successful.

-Sister Elizabeth Ann

Saint Agnes 12/29/21 Saint Agnes 12/29/21

CHRISTMAS FLOWER DONATIONS

In Memory of:

Deceased members of Preuger and Bounds Families

‘Don and Judy Rippee

Darline Rapp

Phyllis Rippee

Stephen Refuerzo

Darla

Vernon & Ida Hanson

Lee & Angie Viorel

Lee Viorel, Jr.

Mac & Mary Hammock

Susan Jurgensmeyer

Barb McMillian

Joan Bean

Margarita Gagliardi

Keller-Maksin Families

Max Sorey

Rose Pentecost

Matthew Zimmerman

Randy Friga

Dorsey Roe, Jr.

Joe Lloyd Roe

Fe Samson

Lourdes Nibres

Nicole Pacana

Procop & Mary Francka

Rosie & Jake Francka

Bill Horton

Saint Agnes 12/20/21 Saint Agnes 12/20/21

From the Pastor's Desk:

As Catholic Feasts are celebrated, the Feast of the Holy Family which we celebrate this weekend is a relatively new feast. It began to be celebrated in the universal Church in 1920. Devotion to the Holy Family became popular during the 17th century. The theme of family and this feast dedicated to it, is of special importance today in the face of challenges to the contemporary family.

Mary and Joseph along with the Christ Child gives us a perfect example of working together as a family. Love, compassion, sharing, caring for one another

Mary and Joseph along with the Christ Child gives us a perfect example of working together as a family. Love, compassion, sharing, caring for one another, are all examples that the three members of the Holy Family provide for us. As couples today have problems and concerns with one another, I invite them to take a good look at Mary and Joseph. Mary, a young girl finds herself expecting a child, and the child was not that of her betrothed. Joseph finds his betrothed carrying a child which he knows is not his. That had to put a strain on the relationship! It took a lot of faith on the part of Joseph to accept the story of the Angel Gabriel and the Holy Spirit. Joseph had the legal right to divorce Mary, as they in the eyes of the Jewish Faith were married, but were in the year before they lived as husband and wife. Finally, it took the Angel Gabriel face to face with Joseph before the situation becomes calm.

If all of that was not enough to break Mary and Joseph apart. What followed was that trip to Bethlehem with Mary ready to give birth, especially riding on a donkey, a birth in a stable, and the sudden flight to Egypt, leaving behind home and job. All of this was with the fear of King Herod seeking to kill the new born child. Couples today who are having problems need to sit down together and really look to what the Holy Family teaches through their own lives as family. In fact all of us can learn many virtues from Joseph, Mary and Jesus if we would study their lives.

Joseph and Mary work together to provide for the Christ Child and in turn the Scriptures tell us that as Christ grows, He is obedient to Mary and His foster father, Joseph. All three members of the Holy Family have much to teach each of us, single, married, male or female, young or old. As we celebrate this feast, let the members of the Holy Family be our examples of how to treat those whom we should love the most; our spouse, our parents, our children.

**Thank you to all who have helped in decorating the church for the Christmas Season.

**Thank you to all the members of the choirs, the servers, the liturgical ministers who have

given of their time to help lead us in our liturgical celebrations this Christmas.

**Thank you to all of you for your gifts and cards

Saint Agnes 12/20/21 Saint Agnes 12/20/21

OUR CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

The Christmas collection gives us the opportunity to assist the diocese in funding the formation of our future priests -our seminarians - and meeting the needs of our retired diocesan priests. We ask you to generously support those Clergy Who Have Served and those Clergy Who Will Serve.

Saint Agnes 12/20/21 Saint Agnes 12/20/21

STEUBENVILLE YOUTH CONFERENCE

STEUBENVILLE YOUTH CONFERENCE

Plans are already being made for the Steubenville Conference July 15th-17th, 2022. Steubenville is open to students who will have just completed 8th grade to those who have just graduated from high school. The conference will feature nationally known speakers, dynamic music and opportunities for young people to participate in the Eucharist, Reconciliation and Adoration. The theme for this year will be "Fearless" and will be held on the campus of MSU. St. Agnes Cathedral offers financial assistance to our parish families. There are also scholarships available through the Diocese. Please contact Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org if you have further questions or wish to sign up. You can also check out the Steubenville Conference website for more information.

http://steubystl.com

Saint Agnes 12/20/21 Saint Agnes 12/20/21

CHRISTMAS FLOWER DONATIONS

In Memory of:

Deceased members of Preuger and Bounds Families

‘Don and Judy Rippee

Darline Rapp

Phyllis Rippee

Vernon & Ida Hanson

Lee & Angie Viorel

Lee Viorel, Jr.

Mac & Mary Hammock

Susan Jurgensmeyer

Barb McMillion

Joan Bean

Margarita Gagliardi

Max Sorey

Rose Pentecost

Saint Agnes 12/13/21 Saint Agnes 12/13/21

From the Pastor's Desk:

The final full week of Advent begins this weekend. On Friday, December 17th we will begin the Christmas Novena. The Novena is built around the O Antiphons. Their main theme is messianic, stressing the hope of the Savior’s coming. Within them Jesus proclaimed by various titles, mainly taken from the prophet Isaiah. Each O Antiphon begins with an invocation of the expected Messiah, followed by praise of him under one of his particular titles. Each ends with a petition for God’s people, corresponding to the title by which he is addressed in the Antiphon.

On December 17th, Wisdom from the Most High: O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.

On December 18th, Ruler of House of Israel: the Lord will be there with us, majestic, our judge, the Lord our lawgiver, the Lord our King, he it is who will save us.

On December 19th, Root of Jesse: remember that Jesse was the father of King David, and the prophet Micah had prophesied that the Messiah would be of the house and lineage of David and be born in David’s city, Bethlehem.

On December 20th, Key of David: O royal Power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of Heaven, leading the captive people into freedom and He will rule forever.

On December 21st, Rising Dawn and Dayspring: for the people who have walked in darkness have seen a great light; upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shown.

On December 22nd, King of the Gentiles: a King of all the nations, and He shall judge between the nations and impose His justice and terms on all peoples.

On December23rd, Emmanuel: the King and lawgiver, the desire of the nations and Savior of all peoples. The title itself means, “God is with us.”

Many people have asked me, “Are not novenas supposed to be nine days, the Christmas Novena continues at the Christmas Eve Mass when I sing the Christmas Proclamation and concludes on Christmas Day with Mass and the Gospel of Jesus’ Birth from John’s account.

I invite everyone this year to share in this beautiful Advent tradition leading up to the celebration of our Lord’s birth on Christmas. Let the Christmas Novena help make this a truly spiritual time. The Novena with adoration and benediction is about 35 minutes. Come and spend that short time with the Lord away from all the stuff of the world.

Saint Agnes 12/13/21 Saint Agnes 12/13/21

THANK YOU!

To everyone who donated to our building fund for the New Parish Hall on Giving Tuesday, we appreciate you so much!

Saint Agnes 12/13/21 Saint Agnes 12/13/21

DONATIONS FOR ADVENT

The Faith Formation program will again be accepting donations for Sammy's Window during the Advent Season. Items needed include body wash, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, brushes, socks and underwear. Sammy's Window services foster and adoptive families in 27 counties across Southwest Missouri. You can bring these items to PSR classes on Sundays or to the parish office. We ask that all items be brought by Dec. 20th

Saint Agnes 12/13/21 Saint Agnes 12/13/21

OUR CHRISTMAS COLLECTION

The Christmas collection will give us the opportunity to assist the diocese in funding the formation of our future priests -our seminarians - and meeting the needs of our retired diocesan priests. We ask you to generously support those Clergy Who Have Served and those Clergy Who Will Serve.

Saint Agnes 12/8/21 Saint Agnes 12/8/21

From the Pastor's Desk

This year Advent came rushing, but quietly upon us. We are now celebrating the third Sunday of Advent. Advent is a time of waiting, longing, a time to pray and prepare. Once Thanksgiving comes, it seems that Christmas is just around the corner.

With all the preparations that many families or individuals do to get ready for the celebration of Christmas, it becomes tempting to become “too busy” to go to Mass. Going to Mass is a major part of preparing for Jesus’ arrival at Christmas. As we attend those parities, run those Christmas errands, perhaps plan for extra holiday travel, bake those cookies, decorate the house, send the Christmas cards, take the time to pray. The greatest prayer we can pray is the celebration of the Eucharist. It is this special time when God come to us to give us His strength, courage and grace to meet the world and all our problems head on.

Human life is a promise by our creator God, that one day He will send a Messiah. We were/are created in His image and likeness and the Messiah would come and show us the way to God the Father. That event occurred in human history when Jesus was born thirteen centuries after Moses led the chosen people of Israel out of Egypt, one thousand years from the anointing of David as King over Israel, in the seven hundred and fifty-second year from the foundation of the city of Rome.

As the Christmas Proclamation states (which I sing at the blessing of the Creche during the 11:00 pm Christmas Eve Mass) in the forty-second year of the reign of Octavian Augustus; the whole world being at peace, Jesus Christ, eternal God and Son of the eternal Father, desiring to sanctify the world by his most merciful coming, being conceived by the Holy Spirit, and nine months having passed since his conception, was born in Bethlehem of Judea of the Virgin Mary.

All of this comes into the realm of prophecy. That is part of the “spiritual” need of Advent, to take a look into one thousand years of what the prophets said would occur concerning the coming of the Messiah. We need Advent with all of its’ hectic activity to also be one of preparing for the time when according to prophecy, the Son of God will return once again.

Saint Agnes 12/8/21 Saint Agnes 12/8/21

DONATIONS FOR ADVENT

Saint Agnes 12/8/21 Saint Agnes 12/8/21

ADVENT LUNCHEON

There will be a catered luncheon for any St Agnes parishioner 60 years of age or over (even if you don’t consider yourself a member of the Seniors Unlimited) on December 16th at 1p.m. Who knows you may meet a long time parishioner you don’t know. Since at a meal we face each other for a period of time, I encourage you to be vaccinated if you plan to come.

Please call your intention to come to the church office -831-3565-BY DEC 14th

Please call your intention to come to the church office -831-3565-BY DEC 14th so enough food is ordered. Please give your phone number so you can be notified if it has to be cancelled for inclement weather or any other reason. ~S Elizabeth Ann Weiler

Saint Agnes 12/8/21 Saint Agnes 12/8/21

Youth Activities

Congratulations to Jacob Michael Sessions, the son of Bridget and Andrew Sessions who was baptized Sunday, Dec. 5th by Rev. Lewis Hejna. We welcome you into our parish family and pray for you as you grow in Christ's love and faith.

We also send congratulations to James Conlon who was baptized by Rev. Allen Kirchner on Friday, Dec. 3rd here at St. Agnes. James is the son of Denise Conlon. Keep James in your prayers as he continues to grow in faith.

A very special congratulations to the following young people as they participated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time:

A very special congratulations to the following young people as they participated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time: Calliope Brennan, Samuel Cardone, Makenzi Chandler,James Conlon, Benjamin Cronkhite, James Donelan, Shay Hauschildt, William Herman, Herry LIsle, Bridget Morgan, Carlton Morris, Skylar Nowak, Grant Rehwoldt, Oakley Reppert, Hayden Schmidt, Demi Smithson,Grace Tinlin, Louis Wellever,William Warren, Kade Wise. Congratulations also goes out to Amelia Koeser who also received her First Reconciliation. Please pray for them and their families as they continue to prepare for the reception of the Holy Eucharist.