PARISH HEALTH MINISTRY

Is There a Beast Stalking You?

This may seem like a rude and ugly question to have someone ask you.  However, it is important to realize that high blood pressure is like a beast or predator stalking you. You never see the beast until it strikes and devours its prey. High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” for the same reason. Many people do not know they have it or because they “feel good” with no big symptoms, they ignore it or do not take their medicine. Just because you do not see or feel the small changes in your body does not mean they are not happening. When enough small changes happen, the BIGGIE happens. This includes heart attack, stroke, kidneys not working or blindness.  Remember to check your blood pressure, take your medicine, DO NOT SMOKE, and see your doctor.  Other things that you can do to help keep your blood pressure good are exercise like walking, keeping a healthy weight and if you have diabetes keeping a normal blood sugar.

 Parish Healthcare Ministry will be providing free blood pressure screening on the third Sunday of each month from Sept. 2022 – May, 2023 in the dining room of the school from 9:30 am – 10:00 am.

From the Pastor’s Desk:

As we celebrate Labor Day weekend, we are celebrating all people who work, making this country the greatest nation on earth. It matters not if they are factory workers, professionals, farmers, housewives; county, state, or federal workers. All people who work to earn their way in life have made this a stronger nation. This is why we celebrate Labor Day.

We have a high quality of life by the standards of most of the world’s population. We can open our refrigerators and find foods in season and out of season. Foods grown here in the Midwest, on the east coast, the west coast, or from South America find their way to our grocery store shelves. The products we purchase in our stores come from all over the world. We drive to work in our air-conditioned cars, and we press a button to raise the heat in our homes during winter months. We turn a lever or press a button and fresh drinking water comes out of a faucet.  Americans spend more money on entertainment throughout the year than most people make in a year. We celebrate all people who work—both in the past and today—who have contributed to making our country the great nation it is.

Every day in every corner of our world, there are men, women, and children walking across national borders to find work, to find shelter, to find safety, to find food, and to find the freedom to find a better life for themselves and their children.  We might understand those who are fleeing from violence and war, but do we understand that many countries don’t have jobs, or any way for people to make a living to buy food and medicine for their families?  As we celebrate this weekend, please remember to thank God for all He has given you and me. Regardless of how hard our lives may be, I do not believe that we have people going through the city dumps collecting bottles or aluminum cans to sell so they can buy food that day. As I have traveled through some of the developing nations of the world, I have seen adults as well as children digging in the city dumps so they could eat that day.

Pope Francis has stated: “Work is fundamental to the dignity of a person. It gives one the ability to maintain oneself, one’s family, to contribute to the growth of one’s own nation.”  Unfortunately, millions of workers today are denied this honor and respect as a result of unemployment, underemployment, unjust wages, wage theft, abuse, and exploitation.

To all those who are retired, I thank each of you for your many years of hard work. For all who are working today, I thank you also.  In one way or another you are making my world/our world, a better place in which to live. We also want to thank all the members of our armed forces who are stationed all over the world fighting, or on some type of border patrol to keep our nation free and safe.

Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day Weekend.

ST ANNE’S GROUP

Young Women of the Parish, please join St. Anne's group as we resume monthly get togethers. 

St. Anne's group will meet on Sunday, Sept 11th at 10:15 in the school library.  All are welcome as activities of the year are discussed and planned.  Come join us.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS—YOUTH EVENT:

Youth are invited to attend "Adoration Under the Stars Sunday, Sept 11th from 6-8 PM.  The evening will include a cookout, games, root beer floats and end with Adoration.  All are welcome!  Families are welcome too.  More details to follow!

WALK FOR THE POOR

Mark your calendar for September 24! The annual Walk for the Poor begins at St. Agnes parking lot. This supports the St. Vincent de Paul outreach for the poor in our area.

From the Pastor’s Desk:

It always surprises people when they say, “What do you mean, I am not a member of the parish? I have gone to church here for 3 years, etc.” My response, “You are not listed. Did you ever register?” “Well…no, but you know me.” That may be true, that I know a person; but if they have not registered, they could just be attending mass here because it is convenient. Belonging to a parish at the very least, means being registered and attending mass on a regular basis, (Christmas and Easter liturgies is not a regular basis). Our children learn from example. Many adults believe that children do not understand many things; but as a former teacher and being around young people constantly, believe me they understand. They are always watching the adults that surround them, especially parents, teachers, coaches and priests. Whether we believe it or not, our actions teach young people, perhaps even more than textbooks. Textbooks teach knowledge, actions teach how to use that knowledge. When parents skip Mass on Sundays they are teaching their sons and daughters that Mass and God are not that important. I have heard directly from young people that their parents say, “It is the only day we get to sleep in, so we are not going to Mass.” When we push God aside on Sunday, what about not lying, stealing, being disrespectful, cheating? All these can be pushed aside as well. These are God’s laws and when we make God second or third place in our lives, morality begins to crumble. It is no wonder drugs, gangs, killing, and robberies are on the rise across this country and even in our city. I ask every adult to become more involved in their parish. Don’t just come to Mass to get an obligation out of the way, come to praise, worship, and give thanks to our God. Coming to Mass, is not coming to be entertained by the priest or the choir. The celebrant and the choir are only leading in worship. Celebrating the Eucharist means being involved in the prayers and in the music. Being involved in your parish also means being involved in more than just Sunday liturgy. As we move forward from Covid become active once again in our parish. Ministry comes in many different forms. The different women's groups and their activities, our monthly youth activities, adults teaching their faith to students who attend public schools, the parish council, the Knights of Columbus, adults who work on helping keep the grounds, the bell choir, traditional choir, cantors, being an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister, being a Lector, being a greeter at Mass, working at our only parish fund raiser, bingo. There are so many ways for a person to be involved with our faith community. In short I challenge everyone to get involved and make our parish a stronger, more faith filled parish.

Dinner for Life: Light the Night

Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri Invites You to Dinner for Life: Light the Night September 16, 2022, at White River Conference Center in Springfield, 6:00 PM This event supports LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home, our program for homeless pregnant women and their young children. For tickets and information, please see our website www.ccsomo.org

VITAE FOUNDATION

Vitae Foundation is hosting its Annual Springfield Pro-life Event on Friday, August 26, 2022, at the White River Conference Center at 600W. Sunshine Street in Springfield. The keynote speaker is Abby Johnson, former Planned Parenthood Director turned Pro-Life advocate. This dinner event begins at 7:00PM with doors at 6:30PM for $75/person. Reservations may be made online at vitaefoundation.org or by calling 573-634- 4316.

BUZZ BOOK

The church is working to complete the yearly St. Agnes cathedral Parish Buzz Book that will be mailed to the parishioners. It will provide information about the parish along with the ministries offered. In addition, it will be given to all new parishioners who join the church throughout the year. Guide Book Publishing will develop, publish and mail at NO COST to the church or members. Local businesses are being solicited to advertise in the book to cover the costs. Leah Atkins will be the account manager that will be contacting businesses to see if they want to participate. If you own a business and would like to take part, you can reach her at (636) 345-1381.

From the Pastor’s Desk::

Vatican Council II in the 1960’s brought back two important ministries from the ancient past, Permanent Deacons and Extra Ordinary Eucharistic Ministers.  These were not just invented in the 1960’s but were a part of the ancient church.  The Churches of the East maintained the Permanent Diaconate throughout history, which can be conferred on married men.  They are ordained to assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries, especially in the Eucharist, in the distribution of Holy Communion, in assisting at and blessing marriages, in the proclamation of the Gospel and preaching, in presiding over funerals, and in dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity.  Deacons may be placed in parishes without a resident pastor to oversee the parish and minister to the needs of the people, allowing for a priest to come to the parish once or twice a month.  (ministry outside the box)

Up until the 4th century it was a rule, not merely an ideal that the faithful communicate at every Mass.  Believers understood clearly that the action of all receiving the Lord’s Body and Blood formed an integral and natural part of every Eucharistic celebration.  It is also evident from history that laypersons ordinarily received the Lord directly into their hands for the first 9 centuries.  History of Sacraments comes from the writings of Justin Martyr, St. Ambrose and St. Augustine.  It was during the 1100-1500 that the laity were gradually eliminated from the liturgy, even from the “sacred places” like the sanctuary, which became reserved territories for the Ordained alone.  The priest alone stood at the altar, laity brought offerings before mass, singing done by a special choir, general intercessions disappeared, the celebrant said the Eucharistic prayer in Latin quietly, facing away from the people.  Much of the liturgy took place in silence or in a language less understood by the people.

Vatican II allowed bishops to commission Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion to assist the pastor in the distribution of Holy Communion at Liturgies, to the homebound, in nursing homes and hospitals when the number of those receiving the Eucharist is great.  These ministers are an extension of the priest, who is an extension of the bishop.  All are spiritually tied to the bishop who is the spiritual father of the diocese.  The question I close with, would you be willing to become an Extra Ordinary Eucharistic Minister?

Faith Formation

Sacramental Preparation: St. Agnes Cathedral Faith Formation follows all guidelines established by the Diocese of Springfield Cape Girardeau to prepare our students to receive First Reconciliation, First Eucharist or Confirmation.

First Reconciliation/First Eucharist

Children usually receive both of these sacraments while in second grade.  Guidelines require that the child be enrolled in a Catholic School or PSR program the year prior to receiving the sacrament.  Children in  Catholic schools, the PSR program & those who are homeschooled  will use a special curriculum and have special activities throughout the year to assist in the preparation process.  We do ask that families complete a registration for the sacraments.  If a child is older than in second grade, we have a special program available to get the children caught up and prepared for the reception of the sacraments. A special parent meeting will be held. Sunday, Sept 18th to share more details.  You may also contact the parish office for more details. Proof of Baptism is required.

Confirmation

Confirmation is held each year at St. Agnes either in Feb or March.  Candidates will be those who are entering 8th grade or above.  Diocesan guidelines state that candidates should have attended either a year of Catholic School or PSR a year prior to the reception of the sacrament.  During the year of Confirmation, candidates will attend special Confirmation sessions, attend a retreat, complete service and choose a sponsor.  If you have special questions about the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation, please contact the parish office at 831-3565.  An informational session on the sacrament will be held Sunday, Sept 11th.

LEAD COUPLES WANTED

The Diocesan Family Life office is currently seeking Lead Couples to serve as mentors to engaged couples while they prepare to fulfill God's will for them in Christian marriage and family life. The success of this ministry relies on the generosity of our Lead Couples, who volunteer their time and share their experiences with newly engaged couples.

We invite Married Couples who are practicing Catholics, faithful to the Church's teaching, and notable for joyfully living out the Sacrament of Marriage to prayerfully consider becoming a mentor couple today. Lead couples will commit to hosting at least two marriage preparation sessions annually (five meetings per session).

For more information, don't hesitate to get in touch with Kim Brayman (417) 866-0841, kbrayman@dioscg.org.

SCS Fundraiser

Support Springfield Catholic Schools at the SCS Soiree! Our first ever in-person Soiree is on Saturday, August 27th at the Oasis. There are many ways to participate – raffles, point donations, sponsorships, and individual tickets. Go to bidpal.net/soireetwo for more information!

All St. Agnes and Springfield Catholic High School alumni are invited to attend the All School Reunion on Saturday, September 17th, at SCHS. Cost is $35 per person. Register at SpringfieldCatholicSchools.org

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. The Catechism of the Catholic Church does not answer the question as an absolute, but says, “The Most Blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven…” (#974; see also #966). This is not contradictory to Sacred Scripture since in the Second Book of Kings in the Old Testament the Prophet Elijah in Chapter 2:9-12 is taken into heaven in a chariot of fire and horses. Elijah was a great prophet in the Old Testament, Mary was the Mother of the Son of God in the New Testament; one is taken into the heavens in a chariot upon the completion of his work upon earth, Mary according to revelation to the Church was taken into the heavens upon the completion of her work as the Mother of Jesus the Christ. 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 on Monday we look forward to that day when we to can be in the eternal Kingdom in our glorified bodies.

Faith Formation Calendar

PSR Parent Meeting/Registration: Sun, Aug. 21st 10:30 AM UPR PSR Classes begin: Sun, Aug, 28th 10:00-11:00 AM CL K-8 Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) Sun, Aug 28th 11:30 AM Mass Confirmation Registration: Sunday, Sept 11th 10:00 AM: LIB Confirmation Sessions begin: Sunday, Sept 18th 10:00 AM LIB 1st Reconciliation Informational Session Sunday, Sept 18th: 10:15 AM UPR 1st Reconciliation Mass of Introduction Sunday, Sept 18th: 11:30 AM Mass Please contact Iris at ibounds@stacathedrel.org or call the parish office is you have any questions about any of the above faith formation activities

SCS Fundraiser Support Springfield Catholic Schools at the SCS Soiree!

SCS Fundraiser Support Springfield Catholic Schools at the SCS Soiree! Our first ever in-person Soiree is on Saturday, August 27th at the Oasis. There are many ways to participate – raffles, point donations, sponsorships, and individual tickets. Go to bidpal.net/soireetwo for more information! All St. Agnes and Springfield Catholic High School alumni are invited to attend the All School Reunion on Saturday, September 17th, at SCHS. Cost is $35 per person. Register at SpringfieldCatholicSchools.org

Parish School of Religion Registration

Registration for Parish School of Religion will be held Sunday, Aug. 21st beginning at 10:30 AM in the dining room. Classes will be offered for children in grades K through 8th grade. Parents will register their children, receive a schedule of activities for the year and be able to meet the teachers for the program. Classes are open to children who attend public or Catholic schools or who may be homeschooled. There is also a special needs class available which is taught by a certified instructor. This special needs class will also help to prepare children for the reception of the sacraments. Classes will be held on Sunday mornings in the school from 10-11:00 AM. If your family has any special circumstances, we ask that you contact the parish office at 831-3565 or email Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org. Registration forms are also available on our parish website.

From the Pastor’s Desk:

During the first two weeks of August almost every day is a memorial to a saint. What does that mean and what role do saints play within the Catholic Church. In the Catholic and several other Christian faith traditions, a saint is seen as a holy person who was/is known for his or her sanctity and who is believed to be in heaven. Pope John XV in the 10th century formalized a process establishing the identification of saints. During the first 900 years of the Church from the time of the apostles, saints were largely declared because of martyrdom or by public acclaim. There are more than 10,000 saints recognized by the Roman Catholic Church, although the names and histories of many of these holy men and women and youth have been lost to history. The saints include martyrs, kings and queens, missionaries, theologians, men and women, parents, nuns and priests, young people, everyday people who dedicated their lives to the loving pursuit of God. Many people have found inspiration from their lives, especially saints who devoted themselves in service to the poor, sick and outcasts of society. Examples of these saints include St. Vincent de Paul and St. Mother Teresa. Within the ranks of those who died for their faith would begin with the first martyr, St. Stephen and St. Joan of Arc, both who showed forgiveness through their trials and tortures. St. Francis of Assisi and St. Therese of Lisieux are revered for their simplicity and humility. Among the great thinkers, theologians of the church are St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas who shaped the Church, but also Western civilization and thought for centuries. With all of that said, Catholics venerate the saints and look to them as examples of lives lived in the faith. They were men and women who have shared our same struggles, sins, doubts, hardship and through prayer and intercession persevered in their struggle to follow Christ. Some saints are upheld by the Church as patrons of certain occupations or causes and are many times invoked to aid people in those professions or situations. The saints listed on the Church calendar are many times observed by the Church on a special day in their lives, perhaps the day of martyrdom or the day they were born. The different types of liturgical celebrations within the Catholic Church are solemnities, feast days and memorial days. Solemnity is a celebration of the greatest importance and it begins on the evening before the actual day with evening prayer. A feast day is celebrated only on that day and the Gloria is prayed but not the Creed. Memorials are a lower -ranked feast day and are either obligatory or optional. Only the memorials of those saints who are of universal significance are observed by the whole Church. A priest may choose to celebrate the memorial mass in the honor of that saint or not.

Youth Event

Youth End of Summer Event: Youth in grades 7-12 are invited to join us in a youth event on Sunday, Aug 14th from 6:00-8:00 PM. The event will feature food, Build your own ice cream sundaes and lots of outdoor games! Come join us to celebrate the end of summer.  All are welcome

Parish School of Religion Registration

Registration for Parish School of Religion will be held Sunday, Aug. 21st beginning at 10:30 AM in the dining room. Classes will be offered for children in grades K through 8th grade. Parents will register their children, receive a schedule of activities for the year and be able to meet the teachers for the program. Classes are open to children who attend public or Catholic schools or who may be homeschooled. There is also a special needs class available which is taught by a certified instructor. This special needs class will also help to prepare children for the reception of the sacraments. Classes will be held on Sunday mornings in the school from 10-11:00 AM. If your family has any special circumstances, we ask that you contact the parish office at 831-3565 or email Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org. Registration forms are also available on our parish website.