FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
My letter this week continues with the changes in seminary formation. There are now four stages of formation for priesthood. The first stage is new and it is titled PROPAEDEUTIC. This new stage which may last 1-3 years recognizes that most young men need time to understand a process of how we think as we grow. It is a time of receiving basic instruction in spirituality and Christian living. This time (phase is easy on academic work) as they study the Catechism and scripture. The ultimate goal is to lay a foundation for a new way of life through prayer, study fraternity and the ability to accept formation in ones’ character.
The second stage is DISCIPLESHIP may follow for 2-4 YEARS. This stage has a special focus on human formation and the necessary philosophical knowledge to study theology. It is in this stage that a young man forms an intimate relationship with Christ through meditation, contemplation and building character in Christian Virtues.
The third stage is CONFIGURATION. This stage is 3 and ½ years in length. It is in this stage that the seminarian prepares for Holy Orders. He begins to take on a priestly identity as he studies theology, actively serves the poor in apostolic planned work. During this stage the reception of Candidacy and the conferral of the ministries of lector and acolyte occurs.
The fourth and final stage is VOCATIONAL SYNTHESIS. This period of time lasts between 6 months to a year. It is the period of formation between diaconal and priestly ordinations. It is intended primarily as a time of transition into the seminarian’s diocese. Living in a rectory with a pastor as he comes to a gradual realization of the priests’ full time responsibility for the spiritual care of the people.
Beginning the journey of a seminarian, does not mean a young man is absolutely going to be a priest. The college seminary is a place of joy, camaraderie and deep spiritual growth. Even if the young man eventually discerns he is not called to priesthood, it was not wasted time. The education, the discipline and structure will serve him in whatever walk of life he may find himself.
ATTENTION LECTORS
Please pick up the Lector Workbooks for the next liturgical year in the vestibule of the church outside the bathroom on the south side of the church
MANY HOLIDAY MARKET THANK YOU'S
It was so much fun visiting with all those who came to the Market! We have never had so many parishioners on Sunday after the Masses! The success of the Market is all due to the many volunteers that helped set up, "man" the parish tables, and those that cleaned up afterward. AND, of course, it wouldn't have been a financial success without those that provided our raffle baskets and items, all our vendors, and all those who came to shop. The final total was $3,054 which all went into the Parish Hall Fund.
Raffle baskets and items were provided by:
Women of Faith parish group
St. Anne's parish group Judy Hauschildt
St. Martha's parish group Cathy Moore
Fr. Lewis Mike and Ellen Finch
Julie Viorel Beth Sammon
Mary Seibert Cathy Kutzner
Hyvee Thomas and Karen Billings John and Peggy Kubicek
Downtown & Pickwick businesses:
(please consider showing our thanks by patronizing these businesses)
Gailey's Formed Pappo's
Cabos Bonitos Moxie Cinema Civil Kitchen
Druff's St. Michael's Zayka
History Museum J.L. Long Otts Pasta
Skully's Pickwick Underground Framing
The Local Bevy Imo's Pizza Tea Bar & Bites
The Royal Culture Flock
First Reconciliation Reception:
Our First Reconciliation will take place on Sat, Dec. 7th at 9:30 in the Cathedral. Immediately following First Reconciliation, a simple reception for the young people and their families will be held in the cafeteria. We will need 3-4 volunteers to help serve and set up for this reception. This would be a great opportunity for a family to help out with this reception. All supplies will be provided. Please call the parish office or contact Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org if you would like to assist. Please keep our young people in prayer as they continue to prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
ADVENT FAIR
ADVENT FAIR DONATIONS NEEDED! St. Ann's Group & the Faith Formation program of St. Agnes is asking for donations for our upcoming Advent Fair on Sunday, Nov. 24th. Specifically needed are Little Debbie Christmas cakes, Hot chocolate packets, Fruit snacks and Capri Sun Drinks. Please bring these items to the parish office before Nov. 24th.
ADVENT FAIR PLANNING; The Advent Fair will be held Sunday, Nov 24th from 9:00-11:00 AM in the St. Agnes Cafeteria. The Advent Fair will offer everyone the opportunity to make their own Advent Wreath. We also have extra candles if you already have an Advent wreath. We also have Advent Resources for all ages. There will be a variety of activities for all ages. You will be able to make your own rosary for yourself or to give as a gift. Crafts projects will be available too. Of course, we will have games for the younger set. Please stop by and prepare yourself for the birth of our savior. We also need volunteers to help run the events during the Advent Fair. This is a great opportunity for young people to gain service hours. Call Iris at the parish office 831-3565 ext 107 if you would like to volunteer.
From Fr. Rabinson Kulandai Samy
My name is Fr. Rabinson Kulandai Samy, and I am a member of the Heralds of Good News Congregation (Mary Queen of Apostles Province). I was ordained to the Roman Catholic Priesthood on May 12, 2016, and have since been serving as an ordained minister within the Roman Catholic Church.
Heralds of Good News is Clerical Missionary Society of Apostolic Life founded on October 14, 1984, in Eluru, India. Our Apostolic Life is based on the very mandate of the Lord who commanded His disciples “to go and make disciples of all nations baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Mt 28:19).
It was recognized as an Institute of Pontifical Right on May 5, 1999, by Rev. Dr. Jose Kaimlett in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Eluru in Andhra Pradesh, India. His Zeal and passion for the Gospel have contributed to the Universal Church till today with many zealous and dedicated missionary priests especially where there is a compelling need for priests. “To live our calls as Heralds with Apostolic availability and openness, relying on Divine Providence and the intercession of our patron Mary Queen of Apostles and in imitations of our Founder’s love for the poor and the needy.
At present, the Religious Society of Heralds of Good News has five provinces and Mary Queen of Apostles Province is one of them. Our Religious Society is blessed with 476 Priests and 284 Seminarians in formation. Our missionaries serve in different parts of the world. Such as USA, Canada, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Singapore, England, Ireland, Netherlands, Papua New Guinea, Australia and the Eastern part of Africa and Tanzania. Our Apostolic work includes pastoral ministry, education, healthcare, mercy homes (support for the elderly and abandoned), evangelization and other charitable activities.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in arts at Andhra University. I completed my German course in Bangalore. Over the 4 years, I served as a Parochial Vicar in various dioceses across India. Additionally, I served as a Procurator in the Congregation’s Seminary and Institution for two years, as well as a Spiritual Director at the National Basilica of Our Lady of Good Health at Vailankanni. After that, at the request of my Provincial Superior, I came to the Diocese of Springfield two weeks ago.
Advent Fair Planning:
The Advent Fair is set for Sunday, Nov 24th. St. Ann's Group and the Faith Formation Program are asking for youth and adult volunteers to help in set up and on the day of the event. This is a great opportunity for youth to gain service hours. If you would like to volunteer, please contact the parish office or email Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org.
The Shepherd’s Fund
October is Springfield Catholic Schools'
"Celebrating our Shepherds" month. The
Shepherds' Fund was established so
Springfield Catholic Schools can financially
attract and retain the best teachers and
staff available. Please consider donating as
we work toward our $250,000 October goal. Pray that
SCS teachers and staff know how valued they are as they
continue to answer God's call to serve SCS students and
families. To give or learn more,
visit www.TheShepherdsFund.com.
HOLIDAY MARKET NEEDS YOU!
We are so excited about this year's Holiday Market. To make it the success it has always been we need a bit of help from you. As in the past we need bakers. The Bake Sale table is always a big money maker, but wouldn't be without your talents. If you are able, please bring your baked items to the Catholic Center gym either Friday, Nov. 1 after 5:30pm or sometime Saturday morning. YOUR EFFORTS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!
We also would like individuals or groups to donate raffle baskets. It's always so much fun to see what is available to win.
THANK YOU so much for what you are able to help with.
From the Pastor’s Desk:
I have been blessed to have traveled in many countries of the world. Some of those countries I will never return to
because they are no longer safe or because they are at war. There is one main conclusion that I can make, we as
American that so much for granted, we are truly blessed. However step aside from being Americans, we as Roman
Catholics are also truly blessed. We also as Catholics take so much for granted.
Here within the city of Springfield there are 6 Roman Catholic Churches. On the weekend there are 7 priests in the 6
churches providing 24 Sunday liturgies. Of those liturgies, 1 is in Spanish, 1 is in Vietnamese and 1 is in Filipino. There is
also a Latin Mass and 2 more Sunday liturgies at Catholic Campus Ministry on the University campus at the O Reilly
Center. That is a total of 27 Sunday liturgies here in the city of Springfield. With all of these Sunday liturgies, the
question that needs to be asked, “Are that many liturgies needed, or are they just a convenience”?
The Eucharist is the greatest gift Jesus left us. Do we really believe this, or do we just take it for granted? We take time
for all types of sporting events. Will any of them get us to heaven? We take time for all types of entertainment. Will
any of them get us to heaven? We spend more time at work than any other people in the Fourth Industrial Revolution
(Technological Age), but will any of our computers, cell phones, internet get us to heaven? I raise all these questions,
because as American Catholics are we simply taking for Faith for granted as we do so many things we have in our lives
here in the United States.
In the Eucharist, Jesus offers Himself to us. That is our faith. It is the faith of the Roman Catholic Church from the time of
the Apostles. As the Apostles and Jesus sat at the Last Supper He took bread and wine and said, “take and eat, take
and drink, this is my Body, this is my Blood”. On our altars, in our tabernacles is found the Lord Jesus as he proclaimed
almost 2,000 years ago. Nothing can compare, regardless how great the technology becomes, how many hours we
spend at work, or how strong or fast an athlete is. No one, or nothing can compare to the gift of Jesus Christ in the
Eucharist.
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.
PET BLESSING
Pet Blessing! We celebrate the feast day
of St. Francis of Assisi as Father Lewis
Hejna will bless pets at 9:30 AM, Oct 6th
on the soccer field. Come join us as &
bring your pets we celebrate the feast day of St. Francis
of Assisi!
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.