From the Pastor’s Desk:
This coming Wednesday begins the month of October. Each year in both our Catholic Grade Schools as well as PSR
Classes we have special programs built around the Saints. All Hallows Eve (Halloween) and All Saints Day give us a
wonderful reminder to break open the stories of the saints and remember why they are still worth retelling. Unfortunately
our culture has changed Halloween into a scary night of witches and goblins. Last year 2023 the American people spent
12.2 billion dollars on Halloween decorations, That is 5.2 billion more than on Christmas decorations. Perhaps it would
be much better if we went back to its’ original, dress up as saints.
When Tom was in school, he was shy and overweight. All the boys made fun of him, calling him names. When Clare was
a teenager, her parents did not understand her and she ran away in the middle of the night joining some of her friends.
They made vows to always stick together. Elizabeth’s best friend from the age of four was a boy whom she later
married. Therese fought with her sisters as they were growing up and wrote in her diary about all the times she gave in
and let them win. Patrick was kidnapped as a teenager and enslaved. He finally escaped after six years. When
Anthony was a young boy he dreamed of traveling to a foreign country. He never really traveled but became a
teacher. Agnes was a beautiful girl, but the man she was to marry tried to force her into prostitution and she died in her
teenage years.
These are the stories of famous saints. Did you recognize them? Thomas Aquinas was called “dumb ox” in school and
later wrote the Suma Theological which influenced Western Civilization for 800 years. Clare secretly met up with Francis
on Palm Sunday in 121 and started the Poor Clare Sisters. Elizabeth of Hungary married Prince Ludwig, becoming queen
who spent much of her time bringing food to the poor. Therese of Lisieux, the “Little Flower”, led a simple life, but her
writings have been translated throughout the world after her death. Patrick, returned to Ireland as a missionary and
changed the Irish people forever. Anthony wanted to be a missionary in Morocco, but ended up in his native Italy as a
preacher. Agnes was martyred during the persecutions when young Christian girls who refused to marry non-Christian
husbands were often forced into brothels.
This October take the time to look at the saints. They were not always saints, they were ordinary people who through
faith and prayer became close friends to Jesus. Perhaps the teenager in the pew in front of you will one day become a
saint of the Church. Our teenagers are still being teased for being stupid or overweight. Girls and boys still feel
misunderstood, still want to run away from home. They still want to grow up and marry their best friends. The world is
still evil, with people being kidnapped, raped and killed. In spite of all of this, there are still people who find a way to
do the right thing. There are still people who make great role models, teachers, coaches, priests; whether in their
communities or in a far off land. This October celebrate our saints.
CROSSLINES IS IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS!!
A few of your fellow parishioners volunteer at Crosslines on the
4th Tuesday of each month. Due to various reasons our volunteer
numbers have decreased, but the need has increased. The hours
are 9:00 - 2:00, but most choose either morning hours or
afternoon; not all day. Volunteers pair with shoppers to help fill
their grocery bags through the food aisles. Some volunteers also
help in the back room putting groceries into the shoppers' cars
and doing other things.
If you are able to help for just a part of one day a month
please come to Crosslines, 3055 E. Division on the 4th Tuesday of
the month. If you have any questions please call Janet at 417-
880-9359
THE ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKET NEEDSCRAFTERS!
We are in the midst of planning for our Holiday
Market which will be held Nov. 2 and 3 this year.
It's time to register for a booth to sell your
wares. If you are a crafter, artist, business
owner please consider spending your weekend
with us. We supply a table, chairs, electricity
and other amenities. If you are
interested please contact Judy
at judyhauschildt@gmail.com or (641) 751-
6632. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!
WOMEN OF FAITH
All women of the parish are invited to a Morning of Reflection
to be held on Saturday, October 19 beginning at 9:00 am in
the dining room of the school. We will pray the rosary
together and then Sr. Janine Tran, CMR will speak about the
National Eucharistic Congress that was held in Indianapolis
this past summer.
After Sister’s talks, we will enjoy lunch together and getting to
know each other better. Please call the office at 417-831-
3565 to sign up so we will have enough food.
FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK:
Migration and immigration has always been the way of life for the human species. From the time of the hunter/gatherers people have always been on the move looking for something different, better or safer. When the first Europeans came to our shores they were looking for food, gold or a better way of life. What they found was a land that had an estimated 50 million people. Of those, 10 million lived in what became known as the United States of America. The European peoples took everything they wanted from the natives and within 50 years the native populations shrank by 50% and continued to fall due to diseases for which they had no immunity, warfare and enslavement. The first Europeans were seeking either a way to get rich quick, a life free from poverty and war. Does that sound familiar? It should because that is what is happening today.
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 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. 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.
As we celebrate Labor Day this weekend, I want to thank each of you who are retired 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.
Coffee & Donuts Return!
Beginning Sunday, Sept 8th after the 8:00 AM Mass, coffee and donuts will return. Come join other parishioners to socialize and enjoy some sweets. This will be held in the dining room of the cafeteria. All are welcome! We thank the volunteers who help make this happen.
FRIENDS OF THE POOR WALK
WHAT: Friends of the Poor Walk - Benefitting Springfield Area Societies of St. Vincent de Paul
DATE: Saturday, September 21, 2024
TIME: Registration and refreshments at 8:30 AM; walk at 9:00 AM
WHERE: Saint Agnes Cathedral in Springfield
1-mile walk for the Relaxed and Fun-Loving Walker
3-mile walk for the Serious and Experienced Walker
Start and finish in parking lot, rear of building
"Why we walk: The Friends of the Poor Walk is a unique fundraising effort organized nationally and locally by the Counsels and Conferences of St. Vincent de Paul. It allows community members from all walks of life across the country to participate in a simultaneous, nationwide event to raise national awareness of the challenges faced by the nation's people in need and to raise funds for use in direct service to people in poverty. Funds raised locally will be used locally."
Please join us for this fun event! Your support is greatly needed at this time.
Confirmation Family Session!
Young people and family are invited to a Confirmation informational session on Sunday, Sept 15th at 12:30 PM in the St. Agnes Library. If students are planning to be confirmed in 2025, they should plan on attending this session. We will go over the process for Confirmation and discuss the schedule, the retreat, sponsors and much more. Please call the parish office or email Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org with any questions.
From the Pastor’s Desk:
Many changes came with the Second Vatican Council. One of those was the instruction of how people would be instructed in order to come into the Catholic Church. Before the Council pastors simply gave “some” instructions in the faith to those wanting to enter the Church and then brought them into the Church either by Baptism or a Profession of Faith. For many people, depending upon the pastor of the parish, little or very little instruction.
Vatican Council II recommended that the Church renew its way of receiving adult candidates. In fact the council looked at the early Church for examples as it did in many of the reforms. A revised rite called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) was approved by Pope Paul VI in 1972. The RCIA stresses formation in doctrine, liturgy, Church life, and service. It involves the larger church community in welcoming, instructing, helping and praying for the candidates.
This whole change came about for many reasons: 1) sometimes adult converts would stop going to church when the priest that instructed them was transferred, their faith had been built around one person rather than the church itself, 2) large numbers of adult converts were/are knocking on our doors and one on one instruction is no longer feasible, 3) it is important that people experience “church” not only from priests/religious, but also from lay people themselves, 4) the faith journey that a person walks is important and many times needs someone to walk with them.
The RCIA can also serve as a focus for ongoing conversion for all members of the Catholic Church. As Catholics see new candidates learning doctrine, they are encouraged to study their faith. The whole parish community is invited to participate in the liturgical ceremonies welcoming new members. Those rites include RCIA Dismissal from the Liturgy of the Eucharist, the Rite of Acceptance, and The Rite of Sending & Election, The Holy Saturday service, and Mystagogia. As “old” parishioners see the newly baptized begin ministries of service, they are encouraged to serve more generously. Those who act as sponsors, teachers, and “prayer-partners” for the candidates have abundant opportunities for personal growth. I want to thank all those who in the past years have said yes to becoming sponsors for our candidates. I also want to invite “you” to consider becoming a sponsor this year as we begin RCIA next month. If you would like more information, or to become a sponsor please call or email the parish office.
Register for Parish School of Religion
PSR REGISTRATION QR CODE
Our Parish School of Religion classes are beginning and we invite students in grades K-8th grade to join our classes on Sunday mornings from 10-11:00 AM in St. Agnes School. These classes are extremely important for all students, but especially those who attend public school or those who are homeschooled. Our classes are small and help to prepare students to receive the sacraments. All students are welcome and we especially invite families who may not have attended classes in the past. You can use the QR code to easily register for classes. We also have a class for students who may have special needs. Call the parish office if you have any questions.
Confirmation Family Session!
Young people and family are invited to a Confirmation informational session on Sunday, Sept 15th at 12:30 PM in the St. Agnes Library. If students are planning to be confirmed in 2025, they should plan on attending this session. We will go over the process for Confirmation and discuss the schedule, the retreat, sponsors and much more. Please call the parish office or email Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org with any questions.
Thank you, Thank you!
A huge thank you to everyone who brought in supplies for the Faith Formation Program! Everyone at St. Agnes Cathedral is so very generous! These supplies will be used all year long in Confirmation, Parish School of Religion, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist and at all of our different activities throughout the year. Again, we thank everyone who brought in supplies. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
From the Pastor’s Desk:
Our Catholic Schools began the school year 2024-2025 this past week. In enrolling your children in the Catholic schools you are taking advantage of one of the greatest gifts the Catholic Church offers to the people here in the United States. In 1884 the Plenary Council of Baltimore was called. A Plenary Council includes all bishops and representatives of each diocese in the country.
It was at this Council that the largest independent school system in American history was created; American Catholic Schools. At this point in our country’s history, Catholics were the majority of immigrants fleeing from Europe due to wars, starvation and persecution. Most only spoke the language of their birth country. The great majority were poor. There was a large anti-Catholic sentiment in the US. Through local governments there was an attempt to integrate Catholic children into the public schools which promoted Protestant values.
Before the Council was called, there was a recognition that Catholic children in public schools were being flooded with “inaccurate knowledge on Catholicism,” such as usage of the term popery, Protestant-run common schools were causing Catholic children to fall from their faith.
The Baltimore Council declared “bishops are exhorted to have a Catholic school in every parish and the teachers should be paid from the parochial funds.” Bishops were further recommended to “begin these schools whenever possible in their dioceses, since Catholic boys and girls are in grave danger in educational institutions which are not directed by Catholic religious motives.
Our Catholic Schools today still have the same basic reason for existence, to teach our Catholic Faith. When our Catholic School System of Springfield was created over 30 years ago it was agreed that each of the parishes was to give 52 % of their Sunday collection to support the schools of the system. This money would help to offset the tuition that parents would be assessed. When a family is registered in one of the 4 parishes that pay that assessment their tuition is lower.
To have their Active Catholic Form to be accepted, a family needs to be attending Sunday Mass on a regular basis, need to be in some form of ministry or contribute to the finances of the parish. This year St. Agnes Cathedral contributes approximately $20,000 each month. This figure is based upon the previous years’ Sunday income. All parishioners are invited, encouraged to send their children to our Catholic Schools, even if they cannot afford the tuition. That was made clear at the Baltimore Council in 1884.
Fr. Lewis is looking for a part-time maintenance person. Please call 417-831-3565 ext 102
Children's Liturgy of the Word Returns!
Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) will return on Sunday, August 25th at the 11:30 AM Mass. Children ages preschool through 2nd grade are invited to join other children as they study the Sunday liturgy together. All are welcome and there is no need to register. We thank our VIRTUS trained teachers for their willingness to share their faith with our young children.
PSR BEGINS!
Sunday, Aug 18th beginning at 12:30 with a pizza party, games and a celebration of the announcement that Carlo Acutis will be canonized as our first millennial saint. Carlo loved soccer and the Eucharist and was an avid proponent of how we can use the internet for the honor of the Eucharist. We welcome all of our students back and invite any new families who may not have been enrolled in the past. We meet on Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM in St. Agnes school. Classes are open to students in pre K-8th grade. We are also blessed to have a special needs program for students. This special needs program is overseen by a certified special needs instructor. We help to prepare students for the reception of the sacraments as well. We hope to see all of you on Sunday the 18th. All are welcome and if you have any questions, please contact Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org or call the parish office at 831-3565 ext 107.
PSR Registration Form
K of C Meeting
Knights Meeting: Please join us at our next Knight's meeting. We will have installation of officers for the year and you can meet our new District Deputy. We will also be discussing our breakfast schedule for the upcoming school year. The meeting will be in the band room, 7:00 PM, Tuesday, August 20th.
From the Pastor’s Desk:
The Eucharistic Conference has been in the news, on social media, on Facebook and in our Diocesan Newspaper. The
Eucharistic Conference has a history that began in 1881 in Lille France. It was titled, Eucharist saves the World. It
became a movement of Eucharistic Conferences worldwide to unite Catholics around the Eucharistic Table.
Between, 1895-1911 there were 5 National Conferences here in the United States of gatherings of clergy. The
conferences consisted of prayer, presentations of papers on Eucharistic themes and discussions.
Between, 1930 and 1941 the first National invitations to the laity was issued here in the United States to both Catholic
men and women. There were faith seminars and programs for the clergy and for lay men and women.
In 1941 World War II disrupted plans for the Eucharistic Conferences throughout the world. They did not resume until
1952. Here in 1976 was a historical gathering in Philadelphia, but not a Conference as such.
This July after 83 years since the 9th Conference the Catholic Church here will present the 10th National Eucharistic
Conference. Catholics from across the United States will gather to experience profound, personal renewal through the
power of Christ’s love. Like a new Pentecost, this transformation will flow out from Indianapolis bringing spiritual renewal
to our parishes as the Church returns to her first love—the source and summit of our faith, the Eucharist.
Our Catholic faith is built around the Sacramental life of the Church. As we become the adopted children of God through
the waters of Baptism, we are fed spiritually from the Eucharistic Table of the Lord. Nothing can take the place of the
Body and Blood of Jesus as He freely gives himself to us.
The Sunday liturgy celebrates God’s great love for each of us. If we choose to miss, we are cheating not only ourselves,
but the parish community at large. Can you give back to the Lord 1-2 hours of the 168 hours He has given to you this
week?
ANYONE WANTING TO SERVE ON PARISH COUNCIL, PLEASE CONTACT
FR. LEWIS. lhejna@sta-cathedral.org or 417-831-3565 ext 102
AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP YOUR NEIGHBORTHROUGH ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
St. Vincent de Paul is a society that helps our neighbors who
continue to struggle to make ends meet. This year we have seen
an increase in requests for help. Our volunteers provide
emergency food, supply bus passes, prevent their utilities from
being shut off and other emergency needs. Through your
financial assistance our funds will be used in direct service to the
poor LOCALLY. We also try to make home visits and follow up
phone calls to help meet their social and emotional needs. God
lives through these works of charity.
All of us have non-profits that we choose to give our money to,
but if you could help SVdP with even a small donation each
month, it would help so many right here in the Springfield
community. All funds are used locally.
Thank you so much for your consideration of this request.
St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Agnes Parish
Garage Sale Volunteers: Please join Us!
As a way to thank all of the wonderful volunteers who
helped to make our garage sale such a great success,
we invite volunteers to join us for a luncheon on Wed,
Aug 14th at 12:00 PM. We will be meeting in the dining
room. Whether you worked for an hour or 10 hours, we
hope that you will join us. Please call the parish office to
sign up and to be certain that we have enough
food. When you call let us know if you have any dietary
restrictions. Our parish phone number is 417-831-
3565. Hoping to see our wonderful volunteers at the
luncheon.
Youth Activities
Mark your Calendars!
Plans are being made for our upcoming 2024-25 year of Parish
School of Religion! We will celebrate on Sunday, Aug 18th
beginning at 12:30 with a pizza party, games and a celebration
of the announcement that Carlo Acutis will be canonized as our
first millennial saint. Carlo loved soccer and the Eucharist and
was an avid proponent of how we can use the internet for the
honor of the Eucharist. We welcome all of our students back and
invite any new families who may not have been enrolled in the
past. Classes are open to students in pre K-8th grade. We are
also blessed to have a special needs program for students. This
special needs program is overseen by a certified special needs
instructor. We meet on Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM in St.
Agnes school. We help to prepare students for the reception of
the sacraments as well. We hope to see all of you on Sunday
the 18th. All are welcome and if you have any questions, please
contact Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org or call the parish office
at 831-3565 ext 107.
Our Faith Formation program is preparing for a new year of
Sacramental preparation, Children's Liturgy of the Word, Parish
School of Religion and Special Events such as the Advent and
Lenten Fairs. We could use several items to help us prepare for
these events so if you are out shopping and find some great
back to school deals on the following items, we would appreciate
your donations. Items particularly needed included crayons,
construction paper, 2 pocket paper folders, glue sticks for glue
guns, sharpie markers & pieces of felt. You can bring the items
to the parish office or contact Iris at the parish office for more
information. Thanks so much!