KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Parish Breakfast:  Your Knights of Columbus will be serving their monthly breakfast on Sunday, Nov. 20th after the 8:00 AM Mass.  All are invited for a hot breakfast with your fellow parishioners.

Knights Meeting:  Our next monthly meeting is this Tuesday, Nov. 15th.  We will meet in the dining room area of the cafeteria at 7:00 PM.  There are several upcoming events to discuss.  Please join us.

AN INVITATION ALL TO THE LADIES OF THE PARISH

All ladies of all ages are invited to the PCCW Christmas party which will be held on December 6 from 6:30 to 8:30.  Food and drinks will be provided.  We'll have dinner, then a gift exchange (around $5 for whatever you bring and be aware--someone might steal your gift pick right from under your nose!), and sing a few Christmas carols.  Sounds like fun!  

Hope to see many of you that evening.  We would like for you to call the parish office if you are planning to attend so we know how much food we'll need.  BUT if you forget or decide at the last minute, don't let the fact that you didn't call stop you from coming.  Everyone (meaning ladies) is welcome!

From the Pastor's Desk

I have been ordained for 41 years and that in itself is unnerving. During this period of time I have seen many changes take place within the Eucharistic Liturgy as well as in the style of architecture for worship spaces. My first pastor, Monsignor Gosche had me write about the different changes as they came forth within the Liturgy at that time. I have been writing letters from the “pastor’s desk”, my whole priesthood, except for the short time when I was the Associate Pastor at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in 1986-87. During my graduate studies at the University of Dallas and then later at St. Meinrad School of Theology the congregation was invited to receive Holy Communion either in the hand or on the tongue and to stand during its reception as in the early Church of the first 600 years. I remember writing my letter at St. Mary’s Cathedral when the chalice was first offered to the laity so they could communicate under both species. Next came the training and instructing of Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist to help with giving forth of the Body and Blood of Christ. In our Diocese later than in more populated dioceses, married deacons appeared who not only assisted the celebrant at Mass but could preach the homily, celebrate weddings, baptisms, bury the dead and celebrate communion services, again going back to the early church. The old “fiddleback” vestments were no longer being worn when I was ordained, but the chasuble style which traced its lineage back to Roman times of the 3rd through the 10th centuries. I myself have many of my own vestments made in the monastic style which I became very comfortable with since I was taught by Benedictine Monks for seven and half years. By the time I was ordained the altar rails were already removed from most churches since their purpose no longer existed, to kneel for communion and to keep the people at a distance from the altar and out of the sanctuary. In newly built churches the baptismal font was returned to its prominent place at the doors of the church and also became what it had been in the early churches of Rome, a baptismal pool. Baptisms once again became a part of the Sunday Masses, not a private event. This emphasizes that a child is being brought into the family of God, which is a community event, not a private family event. Today I continue to learn about sound and lighting as modern technology continues to grow and change. Choirs and cantors are to lead us in music, not to entertain us. Organs are supplemented with guitars, pianos and in some instances electronic instruments. The Sacred Scriptures tell us to make a joyous noise unto the Lord. In the Old as well as the New Testament, all types of musical instruments were used in celebrations at the temple and in the synagogues. Modern microphone systems are attuned to individual voices and even whispers can be heard at the back of churches. I will continue next week.

St. Agnes Youth Activity

Mark your calendar for our next St. Agnes Youth Activity. This event will happen Sunday, November 13th from 6-8:00 PM in the cafeteria. We will be working on a service project of preparing sack lunches for our food pantry, Well of Life" to distribute. All are welcome.

WOMEN OF FAITH

Any woman in in the parish is welcome to attend Mass with the Woman of Faith group on Wednesday, November 9 at 12:15 pm at Catholic Campus Ministry, 848 S Holland. We will be going to lunch together after Mass at Village Inn on Glenstone.

St. Agnes Annual Advent Fair

will be held Sunday, November 13 from 9:15 -11:00 AM in the St. Agnes Gym. Families of all ages are welcome to attend as we prepare ourselves and our families for this important season. Supplies will be available to make advent wreaths to take home . (If you have your advent wreath and just need candles, those will also be available. Other activities will include crafts for the "Saints of the Season, a Nativity Scavenger Hunt, Advent Bingo with prizes, Jesse Tree Activities & much more. We will also have activities and prayers that families can take home and use throughout the Advent season. This event is sponsored by our St. Anne’s group and the Faith Formation program. All are welcome. Call the parish office at 831- 3565 if you have questions.

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. Our Holy Day Masses for All Saints Day, October 31 at 7:00 pm and on November 1 with be at 8:30, 12.15 and 5:30. 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. This week on November 2, the Church celebrates 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, “Oklahoma” are on sale this weekend here at St. Agnes beginning at the vigil mass on Saturday evening. The musical was the first, the beginning of the true Broadway musicals. With Oklahoma, vaudeville began to disappear from the stage and classical musicals first under the direction of Rogers and Hammerstein ruled the stage.

SAINT EXTRAVAGANZA!

SAINT EXTRAVAGANZA! The PSR classes invite families to attend this event on Sunday, Oct. 30th from 10:00-11:00 AM in the school cafeteria. Come dressed as your favorite saint; play some Saint Bingo, Saint Jeopardy and much more. There will be prizes and opportunities to learn more about the saints. All are welcome!

SCHS THEATRE PRESENTS: THE MUSICAL COMEDY OKLAHOMA!

Performance dates : Friday November 18th 7pm, Saturday November 19 7 pm and Sunday November 20th matinee 2 pm Tickets will be available after masses!

ST AGNES SENIORS

Because there is a funeral on Monday, October 31 at 10 o'clock I am changing the luncheon at George's for Seniors to 11:15 am instead of 11 o'clock. That will give me a chance to be there with you. Sister Elizabeth Ann. LOOKING FOR A RIDE An older woman is looking for a ride to a weekend Mass. She lives at Madison Towers, 750 S Market Ave, Springfield, MO, 65806. If you are willing to help, give me a call, please. FAITH SHARING I would like to begin a faith sharing (not discussion) group for anyone interested. A time and place to meet will be decided after I hear from a few people. Please call 417-831-3565, ext 103. S. Elizabeth Ann

From the Pastor’s Desk::

People have been asking, “What has happened to all the work from the Synod on Synodality?” I want to give a report from Region 9 which is made up of 14 Dioceses here in the Midwest. Then I will give the top 10 areas of concern within our Diocese. Our parish council has been looking at the areas of concern here at St. Agnes. The feedback on the structure, content and proceedings of each dialogue session was generally positive and participants found it to be a good learning experience in their individual parishes. The major outcome in the Regional report was 1) Church as Community, the need to bring people together in relationship. 2) The Eucharist as Community, united with “church” throughout the world. 3) Lifelong faith formation through small groups, Bible studies and a deeper knowledge of Catholic teaching. 4) The wounds within the church through politics, Bishops at odds with each other and lay people not interested in learning more about their faith. Clericalism with priest and bishop telling people not working with people. Also the sex abuse scandals throughout the world. The top ten in our Diocese began with the Mass and what people wanted in the Mass. 2) People wanting their priests to be pastorally present. 3) The parish needs to be inviting to all. 4) The need for more knowledge of how to reach out to divorced and gay members. 5) The need to build community in the parish. 6) The parents and families not coming to Sunday Mass. 7) The need to reach youth and young adults. 8) Church ministers not living the Church teachings. 9) The challenge to living “Catholic” in Southern Missouri. 10) Many people felt the dialogue from the Synodal process was a starting point. As you read through these you can see that many people felt the same from across the 14 Dioceses, along with some being the same in our diocese. I want to ask each of you as you read these five areas in the Region and the ten areas in our Diocese, “How many of them are a concern for you personally?” It is a challenge for our Parish Council to begin to plan for the future of our parish, moving from a Maintenance to Mission style. If anyone would like to be a part of study and planning please contact me at the office at 417-831-3565.

ST AGNES SENIORS

ST AGNES SENIORS On Oct 31st at 11 a.m. we will meet at George’s restaurant at 339 S Glenstone Ave for breakfast or lunch for which there is a buffet. Please notify the parish if you think you will be attending. A $5 donation for the building fund is requested that day, but I will pay for the group from the money earned from last year’s bake sale at the bazaar. LOOKING FOR A RIDE An older woman is looking for a ride to a weekend Mass. She lives at Madison Towers, 750 s market Ave, Springfield, MO, 65806. If you are willing to help, give me a call, please. FAITH SHARING I would like to begin a faith sharing (not discussion) group for anyone interested. A time and place to meet will be decided after I hear from a few people. Please call 417-831-3565, ext 103. S. Elizabeth Ann

Trunk or Treat

Trunk or Treat The Vietnamese Community invites all families to attend BOO FEST on Sunday, Oct. 30th beginning at 6:00 PM. The evening will include food, drinks, inflatables for kids, a trunk decoration contest , costume contest & a pumpkin carving contest. There is a need for trunks; candy will even be provided if needed. REMEMBER, the entire parish is invited! Hope to see you there.

Youth Activities

SAINT EXTRAVAGANZA! The PSR classes invite families to attend this event on Sunday, Oct. 30th from 10:00-11:00 AM in the school cafeteria. Come dressed as your favorite saint; play some saint bingo, Saint jeopardy and much more. There will be prizes and opportunities to leave more about the saints. All are welcome! Mark your calendars; Our annual "Advent Fair" will be held on Sunday, November 13th in the gym between the Sunday Masses. All will be welcome. We are asking for assistance with the activities. Please contact the parish office at 831-3565 to help with the event. You can also email Iris at ibounds@stacathedral.org.

From the Pastor’s Desk::

St. John Neumann came to this country as a missionary and was consecrated as Bishop of Philadelphia and was known for his hard work and devotion to the people of his diocese.  He had a tremendous devotion to Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.  St. John had an intense desire to help lead others to prayer before Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament exposed in a monstrance.

Throughout our country the Roman Catholic Church has begun a three year Eucharistic Revival.  If we believe what takes place at the altar, Jesus is truly present in the Holy Eucharist. When we come before Jesus exposed in the Blessed Sacrament, we come to Him as we are, creatures made in His image.  He already knows us.  He has called us to Himself; He loves us and longs to be with us.  “Come to Me all of you who are weary and find life burdensome and I will refresh you.” (Mt. 11:28)

Following our 5 pm Sunday Mass this weekend beginning at 6pm we will have Eucharistic Adoration until 7 pm.  Come and spend an hour with the Lord in prayer, in meditation and praise.  The celebration of the mass is the heart of our Catholic Faith and adoration is a time to be in the presence of the Lord.

Please consider spending some time with our Eucharistic Lord on Mondays in the Chapel between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:30 pm.  This is a quiet time to reflect and thank God for all the many blessings He has given us.  “Can you spend even 30 minutes with Me?” asks the Lord.

Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration is at Holy Trinity Church here in Springfield.  The parish is inviting people who can make a commitment for one hour, daily or weekly to call or sign up.  For more information there are forms in the back of the Cathedral or contact Holy Trinity, or go on their website.

Walmart, Hobby Lobby just to name 2 stores have Christmas trees for sale.  I bring this up because in November and December many times people are thinking about their end of the year giving.  Even though we have not begun our Capital Campaign, we are collecting and accepting money to be put into our building account.  Those monies are only to be used for our new parish center.  Please consider your end of

ALL WOMEN OF THE PARISH…

belong to the Parish Council of Catholic Women.  Normally there are officers that preside over the meetings and events, but this year we have no one to take those positions.  SO…we are looking at a different way of doing things.  The parish has 3 women’s groups that meet on a monthly basis that comprise the basis of the PCCW.  A committee has been formed from those 3 groups to oversee the budget and other necessary things required for the council.  Each group will plan a social event that ALL women are invited to attend.  Watch for notices in the bulletin for events and ways to become involved.

We encourage the women of our parish to investigate these groups and become a part of one of them.  They are St. Martha’s, Women of Faith, and St. Ann’s.

Together with God we can do great things for our parish and the community.

HELP NEEDED FOR FUNERAL DINNERS

The parish has 2 groups that take turns providing luncheons for funeral dinners.  It is a wonderful service that we offer the families, and they truly appreciate it. We have dedicated people that help with this and they are very appreciated, but due to differing circumstances our number of helpers has dwindled.  If you would like to become a part of these teams, please call the office (417-831-3565) and let us know. It would entail fixing food to bring the morning of the funeral.  If you would like to physically help the day of the funeral, let us know that also. 

Thank you so much for considering this opportunity.

From the Pastor's Desk:

On Wednesday, September 14th we celebrate both in the Roman as well as in the Orthodox Catholic Church the Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross of Christ.

After the death and resurrection of Christ, both the Jewish and Roman authorities in Jerusalem took extreme efforts to obscure Christ's tomb in the garden near the site of His crucifixion, (Holy Sepulchre). They used tons of earth to cover over the site, and then built a pagan temple on top of it. The Cross on which Christ had died had been hidden (tradition said) by the Jewish authorities somewhere in the area.

According to tradition, first mentioned by Saint Cyril of Jerusalem in 348, Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, nearing the end of her life, decided under divine inspiration to travel to Jerusalem in 326 to search for the Holy Sepulchre and attempt to locate the True Cross. A Jew by the name of Judas, aware of the tradition concerning the hiding of the Holy Sepulchre and the Cross, led those excavating the Holy Sepulchre and to the area where the cross might be hidden.

Three crosses were found on the spot. According to common tradition, the inscription was missing from the cross.  Saint Helena and Saint Macarius, the bishop of Jerusalem, assuming that one was the True Cross and the other two belonged to the thieves crucified alongside Christ, devised an experiment to determine which of the three crosses was the True Cross.

The three crosses were taken to a woman who was near death; when she touched the True Cross, she was healed. In another, the body of a dead man was brought to the place where the three crosses were found, and laid upon each cross. The True Cross restored the dead man to life.

In celebration of the discovery of the Holy Cross, Constantine ordered the construction of churches at the site of the Holy Sepulchre and on Mount Calvary. Those churches were dedicated on September 13 and 14, 335, and shortly thereafter the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross began to be celebrated on the latter date. The feast slowly spread from Jerusalem to other churches, until, by the year 720, the celebration was universal.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BREAKFAST

The Knights of Columbus invite you to join them for breakfast on September 18th from

 8-10am in the cafeteria.

Parent Meeting

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.