From the Pastor’s Desk:
On Friday, March 25th, in Catholic Churches across the world in union with Pope Francis we prayed “a solemn Act of Consecration of humanity, especially of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary”. The Pope prayed, “May she, the Queen of Peace, help us obtain peace.” When Mary appeared to three shepherd children at Fatima in 1917 with a message encouraging prayer and repentance, she also asked for the consecration of Russia. I invite you this week to reflect upon Mary at the foot of the cross.
On Friday, March 25th, in Catholic Churches across the world in union with Pope Francis we prayed “a solemn Act of Consecration of humanity, especially of Russia and Ukraine to the Immaculate Heart of Mary”. The Pope prayed, “May she, the Queen of Peace, help us obtain peace.” When Mary appeared to three shepherd children at Fatima in 1917 with a message encouraging prayer and repentance, she also asked for the consecration of Russia. I invite you this week to reflect upon Mary at the foot of the cross. As Jesus was dying, the Gospels say that Mary, his mother, stood under the cross. From all outward appearances, she wasn’t doing anything at all. She is not recorded as saying anything, wasn’t trying to stop the crucifixion, nor was she trying to protest its unfairness or to plead Jesus’ innocence. She was silent. At a deeper spiritual level, Mary was doing all that she could do in that type of situation, she was standing inside of it, in strength, refusing to give back anger, bitterness or violence. Since common sense tells us that Mary couldn’t have stopped the crucifixion, she by being passive was stopping some of the hatred, bitterness, jealousy, heartlessness, and anger that caused it and which surrounded it. She did this by helping stop those who put Jesus on the cross by refusing to give back in kind, by transforming rather than transmitting them. Mary in her silence was radiating all the gentleness, understanding, forgiveness, peace, light and love that had flowed from her Son. All of this is a bitter pill to swallow. What mother, what father, would only stand by and silently watch as their son was nailed to a cross to suffer and die. But sometimes it is our only choice. As the Book of Lamentations says, there are times when the best we can do is “put our mouths to the dust and wait!” We cannot be afraid to suffer, because this world is imperfect. This is not passivity, resignation, or weakness, but genuine, rare strength. It is standing under the cross with Mary, so that the Lord of all love may help to take away some of the world’s hatred, chaos, bitterness and violence. Walk with Mary this these last weeks of Lent as she follows her loving son carrying His cross to Calvary, a cross covered in the blood of the men, women and children of the Ukraine.
AREA PENANCE SERVICES
Sunday March 27 @ 3pm Our Lady of the Cove Monday April 4 @ 7pm St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Tuesday April 5 @ 7pm Immaculate Conception Thursday April 7 @ 7pm Sacred Heart
Sunday March 27 @ 3pm Our Lady of the Cove Monday April 4 @ 7pm St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Tuesday April 5 @ 7pm Immaculate Conception Thursday April 7 @ 7pm Sacred Heart
THE MIRROR SUBSCRIPTION
It’s that time of the year again! The Diocese will send us a bill in the coming weeks for each St. Agnes parishioner to receive the weekly newspaper. Each subscription is $14.00. Last year’s bill was almost $8,000 and St. Agnes paid nearly $3,700 that wasn’t covered by the envelope contributions. We have collected $2,043.00 so far for this year’s bill.
It’s that time of the year again! The Diocese will send us a bill in the coming weeks for each St. Agnes parishioner to receive the weekly newspaper. Each subscription is $14.00. Last year’s bill was almost $8,000 and St. Agnes paid nearly $3,700 that wasn’t covered by the envelope contributions. We have collected $2,043.00 so far for this year’s bill. Please be sure to use your Mirror envelope and if possible include gift subscriptions for parishioners who may not be able to afford theirs.
Youth Activities
PARISH EASTER EGG HUNT The parish Easter Egg Hunt will be held Easter Sunday April 17th at 11:00 AM on the soccer field. All are invited & as usual there will thousands of eggs. The Easter Bunny will also make an appearance & will be available for pictures. To make the Easter Egg Hunt happen, we need donations of plastic eggs & wrapped candy.
PARISH EASTER EGG HUNT The parish Easter Egg Hunt will be held Easter Sunday April 17th at 11:00 AM on the soccer field. All are invited & as usual there will thousands of eggs. The Easter Bunny will also make an appearance & will be available for pictures. To make the Easter Egg Hunt happen, we need donations of plastic eggs & wrapped candy. Feel free to share those plastic eggs you may have around the house. Bring all donations to the parish office. We will also need volunteers to help the Easter Bunny on Easter Morning. This is also a good service project for youth. Please contact Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org EASTER EGG STUFFING PARTY There will be a youth Easter Egg stuffing party Sunday, April 10th at 6:15. Pizza will be provided. Great opportunity for youth to get service hours!
With the collapse of Nazi Germany in 1945, Russia took control of much of Eastern Europe and the Baltic States. Freedoms disappeared for millions of people as they lived in the new country, the Soviet Union. From 1945 to the beginning of the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1988, Moscow dominated every aspect of life. The Ukraine had already felt the dominance of the Communist during the years 1932-33 when they starved nearly 4 million Ukrainians.
With the collapse of Nazi Germany in 1945, Russia took control of much of Eastern Europe and the Baltic States. Freedoms disappeared for millions of people as they lived in the new country, the Soviet Union. From 1945 to the beginning of the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1988, Moscow dominated every aspect of life. The Ukraine had already felt the dominance of the Communist during the years 1932-33 when they starved nearly 4 million Ukrainians. It was a genocide by Stalin as an attempt to bring the rebellious Soviet republic to obedience. The first Soviet Republics began to withdraw from the Soviet Union and by 1991, the countries of Eastern Europe were free. There were many years of struggle for the peoples of those countries to learn how to live and function without Moscow dictating every aspect of their lives.
On February 24, Vladimir Putin using a page out of Adolf Hitler’s play book when he accused Poland of killing Germans along the border, invaded the Ukraine. The Ukraine is the largest European country, second in size only to Russia. It is the bread basket of Europe. It is rich in minerals, coal, natural gas and many other resources.
The major religion of the Ukraine is Ukrainian Orthodox Church, initially founded from Constantinople around the year 1000 AD. It was about that same time that the capital, Kiev was established by the Vikings as a trading center. Today there are a small number of Roman Catholics living in the country along with a number of other religious groups.
War can be divided into two classes; defensive and offensive. When a peaceful society is attacked, that society or country has the right to take up arms in self-defense. Theologians have traditionally held that no special moral justification is needed when taking up arms to defend oneself from an armed attack. As the news reports show, the Russians are using tanks, missiles, planes and attack helicopters killing whomever is in their path.
War is terrible, let us spend the Lenten Season in added prayer for the Ukrainian people. That a lasting peace will come to Eastern Europe.
YOUTH EVENT
The youth will meet Sunday, March 13th from 6:15- 8:00 PM in the cafeteria. Father Lewis will again be challenging our youth to a game of Risk; we will have a Monopoly tournament and our service project will be baking cookies for the residents of Harmony House. All are welcome! Of course, there will be food and snacks!!!
The youth will meet Sunday, March 13th from 6:15- 8:00 PM in the cafeteria. Father Lewis will again be challenging our youth to a game of Risk; we will have a Monopoly tournament and our service project will be baking cookies for the residents of Harmony House. All are welcome! Of course, there will be food and snacks!!!
LENTEN FAIR -Thank You!
A huge thank you goes out to St. Anne's group for all the work that you did to make the Lenten Fair such a success. We also had many volunteers to help with all the activities held during the Fair. We thank all of you!!! There were many opportunities for families to participate in activities to prepare them for Lent. If you still need Lenten materials for your family, contact the parish office! Just a reminder, St. Anne's group is open to all young women of the parish. Call the parish office for more information.
A huge thank you goes out to St. Anne's group for all the work that you did to make the Lenten Fair such a success. We also had many volunteers to help with all the activities held during the Fair. We thank all of you!!! There were many opportunities for families to participate in activities to prepare them for Lent. If you still need Lenten materials for your family, contact the parish office! Just a reminder, St. Anne's group is open to all young women of the parish. Call the parish office for more information.
PCCW Officer Volunteers Needed
Our St. Agnes Parish Council of Catholic Women is looking for new officers for a two year commitment. We invite any woman of the parish to consider this opportunity to take a leadership role in this wonderful organization that does so much for our parish. Women of any age are encouraged to sign up. Even if you are new to the parish or never attended a PCCW event, you are encouraged to consider this role. Our current officers have served well and long to keep this organization flourishing. The current officers will also be on hand to answer questions and to guide you in your role.
Our St. Agnes Parish Council of Catholic Women is looking for new officers for a two year commitment. We invite any woman of the parish to consider this opportunity to take a leadership role in this wonderful organization that does so much for our parish. Women of any age are encouraged to sign up. Even if you are new to the parish or never attended a PCCW event, you are encouraged to consider this role. Our current officers have served well and long to keep this organization flourishing. The current officers will also be on hand to answer questions and to guide you in your role. Maybe you know someone who you feel would be a great officer and is a bit shy? Please call the parish office and ask for Sister Elizabeth for more details. Thank you for your consideration in serving our parish. God Bless!
From the Pastor’s Desk::
Change and believe the good news. The New Testament Greek word for conversion is Metanoia, which means “a change of heart”, or “an act of repentance”. You might be surprised at how infrequently conversion is used in the Gospels. John’s Gospel never mentions it. Mark uses the word only three times, and Matthew seven times. Only Luke uses the word with frequency, some fourteen times. Yet the concept of conversion certainly lies at the heart of Jesus’ message in all the Gospels.
Change and believe the good news. The New Testament Greek word for conversion is Metanoia, which means “a change of heart”, or “an act of repentance”. You might be surprised at how infrequently conversion is used in the Gospels. John’s Gospel never mentions it. Mark uses the word only three times, and Matthew seven times. Only Luke uses the word with frequency, some fourteen times. Yet the concept of conversion certainly lies at the heart of Jesus’ message in all the Gospels. “This is the time of fulfillment. The reign of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the good news! This is the theme of the Lenten season. At the root of any act of conversion is change. Heeding the message of Jesus involves a change of mind, a change of heart and a change of behavior. Christian conversion always moves a person beyond their present state and into a new and vital relationship with God. Conversion cannot be limited to a dramatic, once-in-a-lifetime, “born again” experience. Christian conversion is more often the gradual process of God’s grace transforming our lives. It entails being born again and again and again… Here are some of the basic features of Christian conversion. Lent is a perfect time for each of us to move closer to God. It is a time for us to move away from sin, toward God. The best way to begin our conversion is to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to live a better life based upon Jesus’ teachings found in the Gospels Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving are the building stones of the Lenten Season and they actually all fit together. We know what prayer and fasting are, but I find that many people do not understand almsgiving. Almsgiving is not the donation in the Sunday collection or Catholic School tuition. Almsgiving is the extra. There will be boxes at the doors of the Church this Lent for our alms and at the next Parish Council meeting they will decide where the collected alms will be given When I met with our Confirmation Candidates I tried to impress upon them the importance to become a person/people of prayer. That does not mean that we need to spend hours in prayer each day, although that would not be bad. Being a person of prayer means taking the Lord along with you throughout your day. Begin the day with a whispered thought/ prayer as you get dressed for the day, on the way to work/school thank the Lord for the day/the gasoline in your gas tank, that you are not walking to work as so many people in the world. How about thanking the Lord for your job/your freedom to go to school. If it is going to be a hard day at work/school let the Lord be by your side, to guide and give you strength. Whispered thoughts/prayers do not take time, they take effort, a conscious effort to include the Lord in whatever you are doing.
ST AGNES SENIORS UNLIMITED
On March 2nd after the 12:15 Mass we will resume having the Ash Wednesday luncheon in the dining room. Please sign up at the parish office so we have enough food for all. There are no restrictions, but please do not come if you have any symptoms. Also, on February 28th at 1 pm we will resume having Senior Games.
On March 2nd after the 12:15 Mass we will resume having the Ash Wednesday luncheon in the dining room. Please sign up at the parish office so we have enough food for all. There are no restrictions, but please do not come if you have any symptoms. Also, on February 28th at 1 pm we will resume having Senior Games. The purpose is to get to know other parishioners a little better. And we usually have good snacks. If you have never come but would like to know more, please call me at 417-831-3565, ext 103. ~Sr. Elizabeth Ann
Knights of Columbus Fish Dinner
Fish Dinner: The Knights annual Lenten fish dinner will be on Friday, March 4th. We will be serving between 5:00 and 7:00 PM. The menu will include both fried and baked fish, hushpuppies, slaw, etc. Come join us on this first Friday of Lent.
Fish Dinner: The Knights annual Lenten fish dinner will be on Friday, March 4th. We will be serving between 5:00 and 7:00 PM. The menu will include both fried and baked fish, hushpuppies, slaw, etc. Come join us on this first Friday of Lent.
CONFIRMATION
Bishop Edward Rice will preside at a special Mass for 23 youth who will be confirmed at St. Agnes Cathedral on Sat, March 5th at 2:30 PM. Please pray for the candidates, their sponsors, and family as they receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Bishop Edward Rice will preside at a special Mass for 23 youth who will be confirmed at St. Agnes Cathedral on Sat, March 5th at 2:30 PM. Please pray for the candidates, their sponsors, and family as they receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
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
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.
We will be holding our synod here at St. Agnes during the Lenten Season. I want to invite everyone to be a part of our listening time. It will be held on Sunday between Masses so that more people will be able tto attend. There are 10 major parts of Synodality. Each parish is inviting everyone to come and be a part of dialogue. Dialogue is both speaking and listening to what other have to say. A Synod is not a gripe session, but rather it is intended to inspire people to dream about the Church we are called to be, to make people’s hopes flourish, to stimulate trust, to bind up wounds to build new and deeper relationship, to learn from one another.
Dialogue is the foundation of all synodal consultations. Dialogue does not happen when there is arguing. However there may be conflicting ideas. We may not all agree upon what is discussed in the synodal consultation, but we should acknowledge that what we discern has the potential to be the will of God for the parish and for the greater Church in the future.
The three areas of discussion: Growing in holiness, Forming Intentional Disciples and being sent to Witness. These are not scary nor are they boring. They are intended to give direction to our parish, diocese and the Church at large here in the United States. I hope that many of you take the time to be a part of this journey during this coming Lent.
A PROJECT ANDREW DINNER
Are you a young man searching for God’s call in your life? Please come share a meal and voice any questions you may have. Wednesday. March 23rd at 6:30 pm at St. Michaels’s Restaurant & Italian Catering 301 South Ave. Please RSVP by Friday March 18 to Fr. Allen Kirchner at frkirchner@scspk12.org
Are you a young man searching for God’s call in your life? Please come share a meal and voice any questions you may have. Wednesday. March 23rd at 6:30 pm at St. Michaels’s Restaurant & Italian Catering 301 South Ave. Please RSVP by Friday March 18 to Fr. Allen Kirchner at frkirchner@scspk12.org
Lenten Fair!!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, Feb 27th. St. Anne's Group and the Youth Faith Formation Program of St. Agnes will sponsor a Lenten Fair in the St. Agnes Gym from 9:15 AM-11:00 AM. We welcome all families to this special event which will offer activities and resources to help prepare for the Lenten season. Activities will include making Mardi Gras masks, learning about the saints of Lent, Holy Week activities. playing some Lenten Bingo and picking up spiritual resources. There is no charge for this event. We welcome anyone who may wish to help set up or clean up after this event.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, Feb 27th. St. Anne's Group and the Youth Faith Formation Program of St. Agnes will sponsor a Lenten Fair in the St. Agnes Gym from 9:15 AM-11:00 AM. We welcome all families to this special event which will offer activities and resources to help prepare for the Lenten season. Activities will include making Mardi Gras masks, learning about the saints of Lent, Holy Week activities. playing some Lenten Bingo and picking up spiritual resources. There is no charge for this event. We welcome anyone who may wish to help set up or clean up after this event.
The Knights of Columbus will offer their monthly breakfast on this same day so come enjoy breakfast in the cafeteria and then spend some time at the Lenten Fair. Contact Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org to volunteer.
ST AGNES SENIORS UNLIMITED
On March 2nd after the 12:15 Mass we will resume having the Ash Wednesday luncheon in the dining room. Please sign up at the parish office so we have enough food for all. There are no restrictions, but please do not come if you have any symptoms.
On March 2nd after the 12:15 Mass we will resume having the Ash Wednesday luncheon in the dining room. Please sign up at the parish office so we have enough food for all. There are no restrictions, but please do not come if you have any symptoms.
Also, on February 28th at 1 pm we will resume having Senior Games. The purpose is to get to know other parishioners a little better. And we usually have good snacks. If you have never come but would like to know more, please call me at 417-831-3565, ext 103.
~Sr. Elizabeth Ann
From the Pastor’s Desk:
Not everything goes as planned. This past week January 31 thru February 4 we celebrated, or tried to celebrate across our country, 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 was Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Excellence and Service. Our schools are an added value for our nation. The purpose of a Catholic School is to integrate Catholic, Christian teachings and values into every aspect of the educational process.
Not everything goes as planned. This past week January 31 thru February 4 we celebrated, or tried to celebrate across our country, 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 was Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Excellence and Service. Our schools are an added value for our 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 in our parishes that give of their time to minister to the needs of others, they 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. Within the Catholic School, whether a student is Catholic or non-Catholic, each student is required to participate in the religious education program. The religious education program presents to the student an authentic statement of the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church. Students are also required to attend prayer services and Mass. Having been a teacher for many years at Notre Dame High School, I would tell parents, “I do not test the faith of your sons/daughters; I test their knowledge of the Catholic Faith!” Within a Catholic School, education of our faith is important. I want students to know why we celebrate, how we celebrate and not just give an answer, “we always do it that way!” 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. 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 to any Catholic student.
MORNING OF REFLECTION
St. Martha's Group is hosting a Morning of Reflection for women, Saturday, Feb. 19th. It will begin with the 8:30am Mass after which we will proceed to the school dining room where Fr. Allen Kirchner will speak. If you cannot make it to Mass you are welcome to come for the session (9:15am). A soup & salad lunch will be served afterward. Please call the office, 831-3565, if you plan to attend so that we will know how many to expect for lunch.
St. Martha's Group is hosting a Morning of Reflection for women, Saturday, Feb. 19th. It will begin with the 8:30am Mass after which we will proceed to the school dining room where Fr. Allen Kirchner will speak. If you cannot make it to Mass you are welcome to come for the session (9:15am). A soup & salad lunch will be served afterward. Please call the office, 831-3565, if you plan to attend so that we will know how many to expect for lunch.
Lenten Fair!!
Mark your calendars for Sunday, Feb 27th. St. Anne's Group and the Youth Faith Formation Program of St. Agnes will sponsor a Lenten Fair in the St. Agnes Gym from 9:15 AM11:00 AM. We welcome all families to this special event which will offer activities and resources to help prepare for the Lenten season. Activities will include making Mardi Gras masks, learning about the saints of Lent, Holy Week activities. playing some Lenten Bingo and picking up spiritual resources.
Mark your calendars for Sunday, Feb 27th. St. Anne's Group and the Youth Faith Formation Program of St. Agnes will sponsor a Lenten Fair in the St. Agnes Gym from 9:15 AM11:00 AM. We welcome all families to this special event which will offer activities and resources to help prepare for the Lenten season. Activities will include making Mardi Gras masks, learning about the saints of Lent, Holy Week activities. playing some Lenten Bingo and picking up spiritual resources. There is no charge for this event. We welcome anyone who may wish to help set up or clean up after this event. The Knights of Columbus will offer their monthly breakfast on this same day so come enjoy breakfast in the cafeteria and then spend some time at the Lenten Fair. Contact Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org to volunteer.
PCCW
In your parish envelopes during Feb, you will find a special envelope: Parish Council of Catholic Women. St. Agnes Cathedral PCCW does much work in our parish to help women meet their spiritual, social and community needs. PCCW does much to assist with community outreach as well such as assisting with meals at Rare Breed and Harmony House. We sponsor many events throughout the year for women and families. A new event that PCCW and St. Anne's group support is the Advent Fair and support will also be given to the upcoming Lenten Fair.
In your parish envelopes during Feb, you will find a special envelope: Parish Council of Catholic Women. St. Agnes Cathedral PCCW does much work in our parish to help women meet their spiritual, social and community needs. PCCW does much to assist with community outreach as well such as assisting with meals at Rare Breed and Harmony House. We sponsor many events throughout the year for women and families. A new event that PCCW and St. Anne's group support is the Advent Fair and support will also be given to the upcoming Lenten Fair. All women of the parish are automatically members of PCCW & all are welcome at events. We try to make sure that we do not charge for any event. Any amount that you can place in the envelope will be greatly appreciated. If you do not receive envelopes, just place your donation in the collection basket on Sundays and mark the envelope PCCW. You can also call the parish office to make a donation or drop it by the parish office. Your support is greatly appreciated and allows PCCW to continue our work in the parish and in our community. PCCW Officer Volunteers needed: Our St. Agnes Parish Council of Catholic Women is looking for new officers for the upcoming year which ends in July. We invite any woman of the parish to consider this opportunity to take a leadership role in this wonderful organization that does so much for our parish. Women of any age are encouraged to sign up. Even if you are new to the parish or never attended a PCCW event, you are encouraged to consider this role. Our current officers have served well and long to keep this organization flourishing. The current officers will also be on hand to answer questions and to guide you in your role. Please call the parish office and ask for Sister Elizabeth for more details.