ST. VINCENT DE PAUL WALK FOR THE POOR
The St. Agnes St. Vincent De Paul will sponsor the annual walk for the Poor on Sat, Sept 26th on the St. Agnes parking lot. Registration will begin at 8:30 and the walk will begin at 9:15 AM. Participants can choose a 1 mile walk or a 3 mile walk. SVDP will follow all safety guidelines established by the city and the diocese.
The St. Agnes St. Vincent De Paul will sponsor the annual walk for the Poor on Sat, Sept 26th on the St. Agnes parking lot. Registration will begin at 8:30 and the walk will begin at 9:15 AM. Participants can choose a 1 mile walk or a 3 mile walk. SVDP will follow all safety guidelines established by the city and the diocese. If you would rather do a virtual walk that is available too. The annual walk is the major fundraiser for SVDP and helps in the ministry of helping people in the Springfield area with utility assistance, bus passes & gas vouchers. There will be donuts, coffee, water and free t-shirts for all participants. Bring your family and support the walk with your pledge. You can also go online to register by using the following link: http://www.fopwalk.org/
From the Pastor’s Desk:
When everything shut down in March due to Covid 19, our Bishop challenged the priests of our diocese to spend more time in prayer. Prayer is our communication with God. How do we make more time for prayer and find space for prayer? Perhaps the better question would be, do we make time for prayer in the midst of all the stuff we are doing? Is prayer in a priority place in our daily lives or at the bottom of the “to do list” and it never gets done. Priests and religious are through our vows, to pray the Liturgy of the Hours (the prayer of the church) each day. So why pray more?
When everything shut down in March due to Covid 19, our Bishop challenged the priests of our diocese to spend more time in prayer. Prayer is our communication with God. How do we make more time for prayer and find space for prayer? Perhaps the better question would be, do we make time for prayer in the midst of all the stuff we are doing? Is prayer in a priority place in our daily lives or at the bottom of the “to do list” and it never gets done. Priests and religious are through our vows, to pray the Liturgy of the Hours (the prayer of the church) each day. So why pray more? Our relationship with God should be at the heart of who we are and all that we do. Prayer cannot be taken for granted nor left to last place. We need that personal time to give God praise, worship, thanksgiving and petition. We need the Lord beside us every day, and throughout the entire day. We need to be in touch with our God and allow Him to touch our minds and hearts through Sacred Scripture and in the silence of our hearts. This is not a luxury, it is a necessity if we want a strong relationship with God. All of us have rituals, whether we are single, or married with children. Look over your daily schedule, and plan a few minutes at the beginning of your day with that first cup of coffee, thanking God for the day and offering Him all that you will do that day. Invite Him along on your daily journey. Ask for His guidance as you think of the events you know you will encounter. If you drive to work, put on a spiritual CD, or simply talk to God along the way. Find the brief moments that are apart of all of our days in which we can talk with God about what we are experiencing. What is important is making the effort to be with the Lord, even if it is only for a few minutes, and establishing a consistent pattern as part of your schedule. If you are like me, when I get away from my schedule things do not always get completed. Our whole purpose for being is to one day be with the Lord in His kingdom, in the place He has created for us. But there is a hard question to be answered, “If we don’t want the relationship with God now, why would He want us after death?” Prayer is so important in our relationship with God, since it is how we communicate with our God, that we cannot push it to the bottom of our “to do list” that never gets done. SECOND COLLECTION Aug. 29-30 benefits the Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer- Carthage, MO Each year, a variety of religious communities involved in the missionary work of the Church around the world, are invited to send a priest to parishes of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau to preach about the ministry of evangelization that brings the Gospel to many struggling people in other nations. This year we are invited to help support the ministry of our Vietnamese missionaries in Carthage that do so much both locally and around the world. Without the missionary work of the Church, we would not be able to bring to life the command of Christ before he ascended into heaven: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations" (MT 28:19). Thank you for contributing to the missionary labor of the Church by supporting the Mission Cooperative Plan. Simply write your check to your parish and note that it is for the Mission Cooperative Collection. All funds will be processed by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and then sent to the order for their work.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to Makenzi Lynn Chandler who was baptized by Father Lewis on Sunday, Aug, 23rd here at St. Agnes Cathedral. Makenzi is the daughter of Cheryl Fletcher and Jason Chandler. Sheila and Bruce Bodine were the godparents for Makenzi. We welcome Makenzi into our St. Agnes family. Please keep her in your prayers.
Congratulations to Makenzi Lynn Chandler who was baptized by Father Lewis on Sunday, Aug, 23rd here at St. Agnes Cathedral. Makenzi is the daughter of Cheryl Fletcher and Jason Chandler. Sheila and Bruce Bodine were the godparents for Makenzi. We welcome Makenzi into our St. Agnes family. Please keep her in your prayers.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION NEWS
PSR classes will begin Sunday, Aug 30th between 10-11 AM in our parish school. Parents who have not yet registered their children for the program can still sign the children up. This year we are offering onsite classes and we are also offering parents the option of working at home with their children. We do ask that all families register so we can make certain that parents receive all of the resources they need to keep their children on track to receive all sacraments on a timely basis. We are also offering resources for parents who may need to catch up their children on any of the sacraments.
PSR classes will begin Sunday, Aug 30th between 10-11 AM in our parish school. Parents who have not yet registered their children for the program can still sign the children up. This year we are offering onsite classes and we are also offering parents the option of working at home with their children. We do ask that all families register so we can make certain that parents receive all of the resources they need to keep their children on track to receive all sacraments on a timely basis. We are also offering resources for parents who may need to catch up their children on any of the sacraments. Registration forms are available on our parish website or our facebook page or by emailing Iris at Ibounds@stacathedral. org. We also have a special needs class in our Parish School of Religion class which will also help to prepare our children for reception of the sacraments. Confirmation sessions for students in grades 8 and above will begin on Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM in the grade school. The first session will be one for candidates and a parent and will be held on Sunday, Sept 13th in the school library. Parents will need to complete paperwork and bring a copy of the students' Baptismal certificate if they were baptized in a church other than St. Agnes Cathedral. Our parent meeting for students who plan to receive Reconciliation and Eucharist in the coming year will be held Tues, Sept, 15th at 7:00 PM in the school cafeteria. Children should either be enrolled in our parish PSR program or in the Catholic School. Parents who may be home-schooling or an online program will also need to attend this meeting. If a child was not baptized at St. Agnes Cathedral, please bring a copy of their baptismal certificate. Iris B.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL WALK FOR THE POOR
The St. Agnes St. Vincent De Paul will sponsor the annual walk for the Poor on Sat, Sept 26th on the St. Agnes parking lot. Registration will begin at 8:30 and the walk will begin at 9:15 AM. Participants can choose a 1 mile walk or a 3 mile walk. SVDP will follow all safety guidelines established by the city and the diocese
The St. Agnes St. Vincent De Paul will sponsor the annual walk for the Poor on Sat, Sept 26th on the St. Agnes parking lot. Registration will begin at 8:30 and the walk will begin at 9:15 AM. Participants can choose a 1 mile walk or a 3 mile walk. SVDP will follow all safety guidelines established by the city and the diocese. If you would rather do a virtual walk that is available too. The annual walk is the major fundraiser for SVDP and helps in the ministry of helping people in the Springfield area with utility assistance, bus passes & gas vouchers. There will be donuts, coffee, water and free tshirts for all participants. Bring your family and support the walk with your pledge. You can also go online to register by using the following link: http://www.fopwalk.org/
From the Pastor’s Desk:
With all that is happening in country, our community and in our schools, I urge parents not to forget the most important part of educating our young people–their spiritual life. All outside activities need to be balanced. Perhaps the best way to keep our families together and our young people strong is to keep God in the picture always. Don’t wait until a crisis comes into your family’s life to come to church on a regular Sunday basis. Pray together as a family.
With all that is happening in country, our community and in our schools, I urge parents not to forget the most important part of educating our young people–their spiritual life. All outside activities need to be balanced. Perhaps the best way to keep our families together and our young people strong is to keep God in the picture always. Don’t wait until a crisis comes into your family’s life to come to church on a regular Sunday basis. Pray together as a family. Work your spiritual life and language into everyday conversation. Jesus lived by example His whole life. It was His great love that moved Him to work the great healing miracles. One of the most important things that we can teach our young people is to be patient, gentle, kind, and compassionate–totally loving as was Jesus. School also brings new opportunities for parents to teach their young people respect, service, and to take responsibility for their actions. Parents who always come running to straighten situations out for their children are missing good teachable moments. Don’t pass up an opportunity to give your students practice figuring things out for themselves while they are still young. It is many times tempting in our fast-paced world to do things that kids can do for themselves. It’s quicker, and we are pressed for time. No parent wants to see their kids in trouble, but they need to learn that poor choices bring consequences that sometimes are not pleasant. As I taught school my response to students was, “I will honor your choice of behavior,” but “that choice comes with consequences.” All of the choices we make effects the community in one way or another. There are many ordinary opportunities to explain to young people that just because their friends are allowed to do something does not mean that they should also. The sooner parents become parents, rather than their children’s best friends, the more respect their children will have for them. They have best friends; they need parents who will teach, guide, set limits, and provide discipline. All of this will help them deal with peer pressure today, bosses and co-workers in the future, and following and respecting laws and rules in all areas of life. As I write this letter I pray for all our teachers, administrators, and students as they begin in person learning in the classrooms. These first days are going to be a learning experience of how well we have thought out our safety protocol, how safely we can be in school. I ask everyone to please be patient as we learn together.
Second Collection Aug. 29-20
benefits the Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer- Carthage, MO Each year, a variety of religious communities involved in the missionary work of the Church around the world, are invited to send a priest to parishes of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau to preach about the ministry of evangelization that brings the Gospel to many struggling people in other nations.
benefits the Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer- Carthage, MO Each year, a variety of religious communities involved in the missionary work of the Church around the world, are invited to send a priest to parishes of the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau to preach about the ministry of evangelization that brings the Gospel to many struggling people in other nations. This year we are invited to help support the ministry of our Vietnamese missionaries in Carthage that do so much both locally and around the world. Without the missionary work of the Church, we would not be able to bring to life the command of Christ before he ascended into heaven: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations" (MT 28:19). Thank you for contributing to the missionary labor of the Church by supporting the Mission Cooperative Plan. Simply write your check to your parish and note that it is for the Mission Cooperative Collection. All funds will be processed by the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and then sent to the order for their work.
PSR INFORMATION
PSR Registration will take place Sunday, Aug 23rd from 10;00-11:00 AM outside the school entrance or by the outdoor picnic tables. We will discuss options for curriculum, calendar and the safety precautions we will be enacting due to COVID 19. Teachers will be available to parents and students to meet.
PSR Registration will take place Sunday, Aug 23rd from 10;00-11:00 AM outside the school entrance or by the outdoor picnic tables. We will discuss options for curriculum, calendar and the safety precautions we will be enacting due to COVID 19. Teachers will be available to parents and students to meet. Classes are available for students K-8. We also have a special needs class taught by a certified special needs instructor. We will also work with special needs students if they need to prepare for the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist or Confirmation. Our PSR classes are open to all students whether they attend public, Catholic or are home schooled. We will also work with families who may have a student who may be behind in the reception of the sacraments. Confirmation sessions for students in grades 8 and above will begin on Sunday mornings at 10:00 AM in the grade school. The first session will be one for candidates and a parent and will be held on Sunday, Sept 13th in the school library. Parents will need to complete paperwork and bring a copy of the students' Baptismal certificate if they were baptized in a church other than St. Agnes Cathedral. Our parent meeting for students who plan to receive Reconciliation and Eucharist in the coming year will be held Tues, Sept, 15th at 7:00 PM in the school cafeteria. Children should either be enrolled in our parish PSR program or in the Catholic School. Parents who may be home-schooling or an online program will also need to attend this meeting. If a child was not baptized at St. Agnes Cathedral, please bring a copy of their baptismal certificate.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL WALK FOR THE POOR
The St. Agnes St. Vincent De Paul will sponsor the annual walk for the Poor on Sat, Sept 26th on the St. Agnes parking lot. Registration will begin at 8:30 and the walk will begin at 9:15 AM. Participants can choose a 1 mile walk or a 3 mile walk. SVDP will follow all safety guidelines established by the city and the diocese.
The St. Agnes St. Vincent De Paul will sponsor the annual walk for the Poor on Sat, Sept 26th on the St. Agnes parking lot. Registration will begin at 8:30 and the walk will begin at 9:15 AM. Participants can choose a 1 mile walk or a 3 mile walk. SVDP will follow all safety guidelines established by the city and the diocese. If you would rather do a virtual walk that is available too. The annual walk is the major fundraiser for SVDP and helps in the ministry of helping people in the Springfield area with utility assistance, bus passes & gas vouchers. There will be donuts, coffee, water and free t-shirts for all participants. Bring your family and support the walk with your pledge. You can also go online to register by using the following link: http://www.fopwalk.org/
From the Pastor’s Desk:
As school begins in our Catholic Schools this week and the following week across the city of Springfield there are several issues I would like to address. First and foremost is the safety of our young people, whether it’s during carline or with people coming into the school. The administration of the school, as well as the parish, is always concerned with the safety of our students.
As school begins in our Catholic Schools this week and the following week across the city of Springfield there are several issues I would like to address. First and foremost is the safety of our young people, whether it’s during carline or with people coming into the school. The administration of the school, as well as the parish, is always concerned with the safety of our students. This semester is going to be different in many ways and I assume so will the second semester. We talk about the new normal and whether you believe that the virus is real or not. We are working to keep everyone safe. The guidelines that have been put into place are for the good of all and I ask that everyone follow them. Many of the guidelines only pertain to inside the school itself, so they will not affect people coming to daily or weekend masses. Our meetings will take on safety measures and perhaps will not be inside the school. Face masks are required everywhere. When I had surgery I wanted my surgeon to wear one during surgery. When I have my teeth cleaned, I want the person doing so to wear a mask. Face masks make a difference in keeping the others around you healthy. While summer is meant to be carefree and fun, our nation has been rocked by Covid 19. I have listened to the evening news stating 165,000 deaths with about 1,000 Americans dying per day. Then to hear a lawyer on the evening news say that not enough people have died in Springfield to warrant face masks, and another person ask why he should have to wear a mask to keep other people safe. Has human life become so cheap, or has the “Me, Myself and I” become so dominant that we no longer care for our community and the good of others? I believe that St. Mother Teresa gave us the answer years ago when she said in one of her speeches, “The greatest destroyer of peace is abortion, because if a mother can kill her own child, what is left but for me to kill you and you to kill me? There is nothing between.” I hope this is not too much of a downer, but I bring this before you because a lot of people are struggling with the issues. Some are just scared, others are angry and others simply do not care. It is true that we are living through many things right now: yes, we are in the middle of a pandemic; yes, unemployment is at 10%; yes, there have been strange storms on the east coast, but all you have to do is read history and these things are also a part of the past history of the United States. It is up to us to be Christ to our neighbors, to help each other. That is what Christ asks of us, to make a difference in our world, by following His examples: feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give shelter to the homeless. This is what Christ asks of each of us, “Love one another as I have loved you.” People need to think about the good of others instead of their own wants and desires. I want to thank Joseph Nguyen and Ethan Barber for helping move the landscaping rock outside the Parish Office and side walk.
PSR INFORMATION
There will be a PSR Teacher's Meeting on Sunday, Aug 16th from 9:30-11:00 AM in the dining room of the cafeteria. We will discuss curriculum, the calendar and upcoming safety precautions needed for our upcoming PSR school year PSR Registration will take place Sunday, Aug. 23rd from 10:00 -11:00 AM under the canopy outside the school entrance. PSR on site classes will begin Sunday, Aug 30th
There will be a PSR Teacher's Meeting on Sunday, Aug 16th from 9:30-11:00 AM in the dining room of the cafeteria. We will discuss curriculum, the calendar and upcoming safety precautions needed for our upcoming PSR school year PSR Registration will take place Sunday, Aug. 23rd from 10:00 -11:00 AM under the canopy outside the school entrance. PSR on site classes will begin Sunday, Aug 30th from 10:00- 11:00 AM in the school. Classes are available for students in K -8th grade. We also have a special needs class for students. Our Parish School of Religion classes are open to all students whether or not they attend public schools, Catholic schools or are home schooled. We also have special classes for students as they prepare for the reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. Teachers will be present for parents to meet. We will be going over all the safety precautions we will be following as we maneuver through COVID 19. We will have information about how parents can use online curriculum for the religious education of their children. If you cannot make the registration, we will have the registration form posted on our parish website. If you have specific questions about reception of the sacraments, registering your children or any special circumstances in your family please call the parish office at 831-3565 or ibounds@stacathedral. org.
WONDERFUL NEWS!
CLOW (Children's Liturgy of the Word) will begin again at the 8:30 AM Mass on Sunday, August 30th. Children, preschool through 2nd grade are invited to begin to learn about God's love for them through understanding the readings from our Sunday liturgies. We thank Tara Friga
CLOW (Children's Liturgy of the Word) will begin again at the 8:30 AM Mass on Sunday, August 30th. Children, preschool through 2nd grade are invited to begin to learn about God's love for them through understanding the readings from our Sunday liturgies. We thank Tara Friga for her continued willingness to teach our young children. Children do not have to register and will be called out during Mass and go to the chapel for CLOW. Congratulations to Alivia Louise Wand who was baptized on Friday, Aug. 7th. Alivia is the daughter of Arthur Algiere and Kayle Wand. She is the granddaughter of Tim and Karen Wand who also served as her godparents. We welcome Alivia into the St. Agnes Parish Family. We pray for Alivia so that she will grow in her faith and love of God. A special First Eucharist Mass was held on Sunday, Aug 9th at 2:30 PM in the Cathedral. After waiting months, Father Lewis and Father Allen celebrated this special occasion with these young children and their families. We thank all those who helped to make this a special day for these children including their parents, godparents, grandparents, teachers & musicians. Please keep the following young children who received their First Eucharist in prayer: Parker Bailey, Juan David Berrios, Santiago Berrios, Forest Coletrain, Zion Hauschildt, Gabriella House, Jonathan Kuria, Avery Lassen, Alice Lock, Clare Luehr, Gibson Morris, Arianna Norris, Brian Nwodo, Maeve Peddicord, Marcus Renkoski, Georgia Verbarg & Vincent Wellever. We also pray for the following children who received their First Eucharist at the Vietnamese Mass on Sunday, July 26th: Noah Le, Thien Nguyen, Calvin Tran & Nicky Truong
HELP FOR GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
We didn’t have a garage sale this year, but you can bring any clean t-shirts and jeans for adults to my office to be given to Grace United for the homeless. Also, for the upcoming cooler months hoodies, jackets & sweat shirts will be needed. Our Well of Life food pantry is in need of plastic bags from Wal-Mart, etc for the food they give to the poor. All of this may be brought to my office. Thank you very much. Sr. Elizabeth Ann
We didn’t have a garage sale this year, but you can bring any clean t-shirts and jeans for adults to my office to be given to Grace United for the homeless. Also, for the upcoming cooler months hoodies, jackets & sweat shirts will be needed. Our Well of Life food pantry is in need of plastic bags from Wal-Mart, etc for the food they give to the poor. All of this may be brought to my office. Thank you very much. Sr. Elizabeth Ann
From The New Associate Pastor’s Desk,
Praised be Jesus Christ!
It is with great joy that I begin (began) my assignment here at St. Agnes on August 4th, the feast of St. John
Vianney, the patron of parish priests. I look forward to the many opportunities to meet all of the members of
the parish and to enter into the life of faith with all of you.
Praised be Jesus Christ!
It is with great joy that I begin (began) my assignment here at St. Agnes on August 4th, the feast of St. John
Vianney, the patron of parish priests. I look forward to the many opportunities to meet all of the members of
the parish and to enter into the life of faith with all of you.
I first felt an attraction to the priesthood as a young child, and I was always interested in what the priest was
doing at Mass. I grew up in Immaculate Conception Parish in Jackson, MO. As I got older that attraction to
the Mass only grew stronger, and after high school I entered the seminary for the diocese. After a year and a
half I left the seminary and pursued a degree in Special Education at Southeast Missouri State University in
Cape Girardeau, MO where I was very involved in the Newman Center.
My love for the Church and my interest in the priesthood never fully waned. In my time at SEMO, I became
keenly aware of God’s mercy in a new way and felt called to share that mercy with others. I entered Kenrick
Seminary in St. Louis after graduating from SEMO and was ordained a priest on June 12th of this year, 2020.
I have enjoyed the last 6 weeks of priesthood; reconciling the faithful with God through the sacrament of
Reconciliation, celebrating Mass for the needs of the people, and witnessing the beautiful union of young
people in the sacrament of Matrimony. I look forward to continuing my ministry here at St. Agnes. If you
have any sacramental needs, I am here to be at your disposal, please contact me.
Email: akirchner@sta-cathedral.org or 831-3565 ext. 104
Please pray for me and know of my prayers for you! `Fr. Allen Kirchner
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge
of salvation to his people by the forgiveness of their sins.” (LK 1:76-77)
A special Thank you to Virginia Mayeux for agreeing to help us with altar linens!
CATHOLIC CAMPUS MINISTRY
Catholic Campus Ministry, Springfield, Mo needs your help. This year due to Covid-19 our return to class process has changed. Students will be moving in from August 10- 15. We will be hosting students throughout the week and also for the first week back to classes. We are in need of the following items:
Catholic Campus Ministry, Springfield, Mo needs your help. This year due to Covid-19 our return to class process has changed. Students will be moving in from August 10- 15. We will be hosting students throughout the week and also for the first week back to classes. We are in need of the following items:
1. Individual serving size chips and snack items (example, chips, cracker snacks, cookies, candies and etc.
2. Small cans, bottles and etc of juices, soda, small bottles of water and etc (NO large containers as previously requested)
3. Cash donations designated (for back to school week are always appreciated)
4. Copy paper
5. Coffee pods for a Keurig
We have plenty of paper plates and silverware so no need at this time. Thank you so very much for responding to our needs so very generously. We are trying to help our students feel comfortable and safe in the current situation of Covid-19. Drop off times for these items are M-Thursdays 8am-1pm or contact Bev at 417-865-0802. Thank you so very much in advance!
A BLESSED 90th BIRTHDAY BISHOP EMERITUS JOHN LEIBRECHT
Bishop Leibrecht will be 90-years-old on August 8. He will celebrate this milestone birthday during the 9 a.m. Mass on Aug. 9 in Immaculate Conception Church in Springfield. If you would like to tune in, the Mass will be Livestreamed. Go to www.ICparish.org
Bishop Leibrecht will be 90-years-old on August 8. He will celebrate this milestone birthday during the 9 a.m. Mass on Aug. 9 in Immaculate Conception Church in Springfield. If you would like to tune in, the Mass will be Livestreamed. Go to www.ICparish.org and follow the prompts. The Mass will also be posted afterward to the Immaculate Conception Facebook page and YouTube. Happy Birthday, Bishop John! God bless you !
From The Pastor’s Desk,
As we say goodbye to Fr. Joseph we welcome Fr. Allen Kirchner. He has been ordained at a most unique time not only in our Church, but in our country and in the world. With the pandemic running at full force, people are still calling it a hoax, with a 1,000 deaths a day here in US since last Sunday. For myself as an associate pastor those first years were fun, because I did not have to make major decisions, the pastor did that. After being a pastor for 38 years I sometimes look back and say to myself, it would be nice being that associate pastor again. Being the pastor, means you are the person in charge
As we say goodbye to Fr. Joseph we welcome Fr. Allen Kirchner. He has been ordained at a most unique time not only in our Church, but in our country and in the world. With the pandemic running at full force, people are still calling it a hoax, with a 1,000 deaths a day here in US since last Sunday. For myself as an associate pastor those first years were fun, because I did not have to make major decisions, the pastor did that. After being a pastor for 38 years I sometimes look back and say to myself, it would be nice being that associate pastor again. Being the pastor, means you are the person in charge, and that the buck stops at your desk. You are the instructional leader, the model for others to follow, but especially you are the faith leader of your parish, and
that is scary. Oh lest I forget, the pastor is the person who many times locks up, unlocks, makes sure there is toilet paper in the restrooms and anything else that needs to be done, that does not follow under someone else’s job description. Fr. Joseph will be an associate with Fr. Daniel Robles who was my first associate pastor, who many times upon becoming pastor, would call and ask, “Fr. Lewis can I come back to be your associate?”
I strive to lead by example, and not by telling everyone what to do and how to do it. I want to know what is being done in the name of the parish, in my name, but I try not to micro manage. I do not stay in my office any more than I have to; I am in classrooms, cafeteria, different meetings, car line, games, and special events. I try to be present to as many people as possible. I even answer the parish office phone at times. All of these are ways in which I try to show that I am not too busy for our parishioners. The sales people, the person off the street, people from outside the parish may have to wait to another time.
It does not seem possible that I have been here at St. Agnes for six years. I must admit however, that this year beginning in March has been the most difficult of my priesthood. How do I fulfill my role as pastor when I cannot go to the hospitals, the nursing homes, schools were closed and for months no public masses? The first several weeks of the lockdown, Fr. Joseph and I sat across from one another and said, “What do we do now?” That was how we came up with Evening Vespers on line with Adoration and Benediction. Then I decided to present my study classes on line. We still are posting our daily and Sunday Masses on line, but I
am tired of looking into a camera.
This school year along with our liturgical year will be unlike anything we have had in the past. I pray daily that God will guide those working on a vaccine and our lives can get back to a little more normal. In the meantime please be patient with us as Fr. Allen and I work at different ways we can ministry to the parish of St. Agnes and provide the sacraments in a prayerful way
~Fr. Lewis E. Hejna
Dear parish family,
Dear parish family,
Today is my last Sunday at St Agnes. Thank you again for the
many happy memories I’ll take with me. May God continue to bless you and watch over this parish. Until we meet again, farewell!
Fr. Joseph Stoverink
Dear parish family,
Today is my last Sunday at St Agnes. Thank you again for the
many happy memories I’ll take with me. May God continue to
bless you and watch over this parish. Until we meet again,
farewell!
Fr. Joseph Stoverink
Religious Education News:
As we are getting closer to the start of the school year, we are all wondering how Religious Education will look. Here at St. Agnes, we are working hard to plan a program that will help our families and children plan for another year of PSR and preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation , First Eucharist and Confirmation.
As we are getting closer to the start of the school year, we are all wondering how Religious Education will look. Here at St. Agnes, we are working hard to plan a program that will help our families and children plan for another year of PSR and preparation for the sacraments of Reconciliation , First Eucharist and Confirmation. The diocese has given us guidance in our planning and we anticipate starting at the end of August. We plan to offer on site learning and meetings as usual. We also plan to offer families alternative options if they choose to work at home based on individual circumstances. We have adjusted our curriculum to make certain it is accessible for families at home. We will be sharing more specific information as we get closer to the start of the school year. We will be happy to hear any concerns that your families may have about how to best meet the religious education needs of our children here at St. Agnes. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Iris Bounds at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org or by calling the parish office at 831-3565.
Prayer Service on Racism:
Saint Agnes Cathedral along with other Springfield Catholic Parishes will hold a special prayer service on the theme of racism on Sunday, August 9, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Following the guidance of the U.S. Bishops’ joint statement “Open Wide Our Hearts” we invite all of our people to examine our consciences in order to identify patterns of sin in our lives. Bishop Edward Rice will preside.
Saint Agnes Cathedral along with other Springfield Catholic Parishes will hold a special prayer service on the theme of racism on Sunday, August 9, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Following the guidance of the U.S. Bishops’ joint statement “Open Wide Our Hearts” we invite all of our people to examine our consciences in order to identify patterns of sin in our lives. Bishop Edward Rice will preside.