From the Pastor's Desk

This year Advent came rushing, but quietly upon us.  We are now celebrating the third Sunday of Advent.  Advent is a time of waiting, longing, a time to pray and prepare.  Once Thanksgiving comes, it seems that Christmas is just around the corner.

With all the preparations that many families or individuals do to get ready for the celebration of Christmas, it becomes tempting to become “too busy” to go to Mass.  Going to Mass is a major part of preparing for Jesus’ arrival at Christmas.  As we attend those parities, run those Christmas errands, perhaps plan for extra holiday travel, bake those cookies, decorate the house, send the Christmas cards, take the time to pray.  The greatest prayer we can pray is the celebration of the Eucharist.  It is this special time when God come to us to give us His strength, courage and grace to meet the world and all our problems head on.

Human life is a promise by our creator God, that one day He will send a Messiah.  We were/are created in His image and likeness and the Messiah would come and show us the way to God the Father.  That event occurred in human history when Jesus was born thirteen centuries after Moses led the chosen people of Israel out of Egypt, one thousand years from the anointing of David as King over Israel, in the seven hundred and fifty-second year from the foundation of the city of Rome.

As the Christmas Proclamation states (which I sing at the blessing of the Creche during the 11:00 pm Christmas Eve Mass) in the forty-second year of the reign of Octavian Augustus; the whole world being at peace, Jesus Christ, eternal God and Son of the eternal Father, desiring to sanctify the world by his most merciful coming, being conceived by the Holy Spirit, and nine months having passed since his conception, was born in Bethlehem of Judea of the Virgin Mary.

All of this comes into the realm of prophecy.  That is part of the “spiritual” need of Advent, to take a look into one thousand years of what the prophets said would occur concerning the coming of the Messiah.  We need Advent with all of its’ hectic activity to also be one of preparing for the time when according to prophecy, the Son of God will return once again.

DONATIONS FOR ADVENT

The Faith Formation program will again be accepting donations for Sammy's Window during the Advent Season.  Items needed include body wash, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, combs, brushes, socks and underwear.  Sammy's Window services foster and adoptive families in 27 counties across Southwest Missouri.  You can bring these items to PSR classes on Sundays or to the parish office.  We ask that all items be brought by Dec. 20th

ADVENT LUNCHEON

There will be a catered luncheon for any St Agnes parishioner  60 years of age or over (even if you don’t consider yourself a member of the Seniors Unlimited) on December 16th at 1p.m.   Who knows you may meet a long time parishioner you don’t know.  Since at a meal we face each other for a period of time, I encourage you to be vaccinated if you plan to come. 

Please call your intention to come  to the church office -831-3565-BY DEC 14th  so enough food is ordered. Please give your phone number so you can be notified if it has to be cancelled for inclement weather or any other reason.     ~S Elizabeth Ann Weiler

Youth Activities

Congratulations to Jacob Michael Sessions, the son of Bridget and Andrew Sessions who was baptized Sunday, Dec. 5th by Rev. Lewis Hejna.  We welcome you into our parish family and pray for you as you grow in Christ's love and faith.

We also send congratulations to James Conlon who was baptized by Rev. Allen Kirchner on Friday, Dec. 3rd here at St. Agnes.  James is the son of Denise Conlon.  Keep James in your prayers as he continues to grow in faith.

A very special congratulations to the following young people as they participated in the Sacrament of Reconciliation for the first time:  Calliope Brennan, Samuel Cardone, Makenzi Chandler,James Conlon, Benjamin Cronkhite, James Donelan, Shay Hauschildt, William Herman, Herry LIsle, Bridget Morgan, Carlton Morris, Skylar Nowak, Grant Rehwoldt, Oakley Reppert, Hayden Schmidt, Demi Smithson,Grace Tinlin, Louis Wellever,William Warren, Kade Wise. Congratulations also goes out to Amelia Koeser who also received her First Reconciliation.  Please pray for them and their families as they continue to prepare for the reception of the Holy Eucharist.

From the Pastor’s Desk::

Pope Francis began the Year of St. Joseph on December 8th, 2020. In his teaching on the year he wrote that throughout his life, “St. Joseph had to make many small, hidden sacrifices to protect and guide the Holy Family. Similarly, many ordinary people have made sacrifices in the face of great hardship in the last year. And just as St. Joseph demonstrated, these small sacrifices and demonstrations of resourcefulness become small moments of heroism.” Pope Francis chose St. Joseph as the foster father of Jesus, who presents him as a man whose humility, faith and relatability are greatly needed after a year of global suffering. Even in the Church Joseph is easy to forget about. He simply fades into the background. In the Gospels he never speaks a word. However, Matthew’s Gospel makes it clear that Joseph has a major role to play in Jesus’ birth. Joseph is at the heart of the Christmas celebration. To begin with it is through Joseph that the prophecies concerning Jesus are fulfilled. Within Jesus’ genealogy must be found the royal line of King David, for Jesus to sit upon his throne. Joseph is of the House of David. So on a human level, Jesus is the Messiah because of his genealogy, as Matthew’s Gospel presents Jesus as the heir to David’s throne. It is Joseph’s line that makes Jesus the “Son of David”. For ancient peoples, being of biological descent was not necessary for royal succession. Within the Roman Empire, adopted sons were many times the next emperor. Joseph and Mary in being betrothed were legally husband and wife, they were married by the law. Mary’s pregnancy must have devasted Joseph in that he knew the child she was carrying was not his, however in his dream Joseph accepted the will of God and accepted Jesus as his son. The holiness of Joseph is seen in his acceptance and willingness to accept the angelic messages Joseph will continue to receive. None of the pieces of Joseph’s life fit together, (royal lineage without any power, a poor humble carpenter, and a wife pregnant with a child which was not his) until the angel speaks to him in his dream. Joseph is a model of love and faithfulness. As the year of St. Joseph draws to a close this week, let us continue to look to St. Joseph as our model of gentleness, love and faithfulness. Immaculate Conception Holy Day of obligation Masses schedule 12-7 7:00 pm (Vigil), 12–8 8:30 am, 12:15 pm, 5:30 pm, 8:00 pm (Vietnamese)

Steubenville 2022

Plans are already being made for the Steubenville Conference July 15th-17th, 2022. Steubenville is open to students who will have just completed 8th grade to those who have just graduated from high school. The conference will feature nationally known speakers, dynamic music and opportunities for young people to participate in the Eucharist, Reconciliation and Adoration. The theme for this year will be "Fearless" and will be held on the campus of MSU. St. Agnes Cathedral offers financial assistance to our parish families. There are also scholarships available through the Diocese. Come join us. Please contact Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org if you have further questions or wish to sign up. You can also check out the Steubenville Conference website for more information.

ADVENT PROJECT

Once again this year you will see Advent symbols in baskets near the door of church. On the back of each symbol is a suggested item that you can purchase. These UNWRAPPED items are given to the homeless men and women or poor and/or foster children through Sammy’s Window, and Grace United Methodist church. If you go shopping before Advent or just plain forget to pick up a symbol, just purchase any of the following and bring it to the parish office between 9a.m. and 4p.m.for me to distribute: books and toys/stuffed animals for children, or clothes of any size for children or adults including: stocking caps, gloves, scarves, flannel shirts, underwear and socks of ANY SIZE, hoodies, etc. . St Agnes has always been able to help a lot of people this way, even if we aren’t giving a needed gift to people whose names we know. Thank you for your generosity in the past.

ADVENT LUNCHEON

There will be a catered luncheon for any St Agnes parishioner 60 years of age or over (even if you don’t consider yourself a member of the Seniors Unlimited) on December 16th at 1p.m. Who knows you may meet a long time parishioner you don’t know. Since at a meal we face each other for a period of time, I encourage you to be vaccinated if you plan to come. Please call your intention to come to the church office - 831-3565-BY DEC 14th so enough food is ordered. Please give your phone number so you can be notified if it has to be cancelled for inclement weather or any other reason. ~Sr Elizabeth Ann Weiler

From the Pastor's Desk:

This week the United States celebrates Thanksgiving. This secular holiday has nothing to do with our Catholic faith, but at the same time it has everything to do with our faith. Each time we gather around the Eucharistic table we are giving thanks to our God who sent His Son to suffer and die for us, that we might have eternal life. The Catechism reminds us that “Believing in God, the only One, and loving him with all our being has enormous consequences for our whole life,” and then it adds that this involves, “living in thanksgiving: if God is the only One, everything we are and have comes from Him: “What have you that you did not receive?” “What shall I render to the Lord for all his bounty to me?” Although Thanksgiving is not a day of obligation on the Catholic calendar, the liturgical calendar of the church in the United States celebrates it with the solemnity of two readings: one from the Old and another from the New Testament, with the Magnificat from the Gospel of Luke, in which the Blessed Virgin Mary recites one of the most beautiful and profound thanksgivings to the infinite love of God: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness. Behold, from now on will all call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name.” We should celebrate Thanksgiving with a deep sense of prayer, gratitude, and joy. Even with all the trouble and problems stemming from the pandemic we have much to be thankful for. In the celebration of this day we should also remember that our lives as Catholics are a constant act of thanksgiving through our daily activities, all of which should give glory to God, especially through the celebration of the Eucharist. The Eucharist is a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Father. According to the Catechism, Eucharist means “thanksgiving.” What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving this year then to gather, first of all, around the altar of the Lord, and then, with family and friends.

#iGiveCatholic

St. Agnes Cathedral is participating in #iGiveCatholic on Giving Tuesday on November 30, 2021. We are promoting the building of our new Parish Hall. Please visit our Diocesan site springfieldcg.igivecatholic.org to view our parish giving site. Advanced giving runs from November 15th through November 29th. You can donate securely online using this site or you can donate an offline gift to your parish. There is a small fee with all online donations, but you are welcome to give your donation directly to the parish for #iGiveCatholic. We have already received $11,000 in advanced giving! Thank you to the donors who have already begun to make our fundraiser a success!

youth activities

Congratulations to Oakley Reppert who was baptized Sunday, November 14th after the 11:30 Mass by Rev Lewis Hejna. Oakley is the daughter of Shaun Reppert and Aurora Martinez, Oakely is the granddaughter of Gissell Reppert. Many blessings to Oakely as she continues to grow in the faith. The next youth event will be on Sunday, Dec. 5th beginning at 5:00 PM. This event will be a service event. Our youth will serve dinner to families at the Rancho Motel located at 1720 E. Kearney here in Springfield. Our youth will need to wear gloves and masks while serving. Come join us as we serve families in need. For more information or to sign up, call the parish office at 831-3565 or contact Iris at ibounds@stacathedral.org. DeSales Catholic Bookstore invites you to an In-Store Concert and Book Signing Sat, Nov. 27th at 2:00 PM. John Michael Talbot will be signing copies of his book "Hermitage of the Heart". John Michael Talbot is a Grammy/Dove Award Winning Catholic Recording Artist and best selling author. Call DeSales Catholic Bookstore a t 417-831-4630. There will be no PSR, CLOW or Confirmation class on Sunday, November 28th due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

PCCW CHRISTMAS DINNER

Ladies of the parish, mark your calendars for a Christmas Dinner with gifts, old fashioned caroling & good will. A catered dinner will be provided so please call the parish office by Dec 3rd. Dinner will take place Tuesday, Dec 7th at 6:30 pm. We ask you to bring a small $5-10 gift for exchange. All are welcome!!!--

FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK

November has become “Vocation” awareness month. Vocations to priesthood, religious life and holy marriage. In my letter this weekend I want to focus on priesthood. Priesthood means many different things to many different people. Vatican Council II described the role of the priest as preaching the gospel, shepherding the faithful and celebrating the divine liturgies. The Council gave priority to the ministry of the Word, thus the liturgy is the primary importance of priesthood. As I spoke last week to students at mass, everything I do in my ministry circles back to the altar. The celebration of the Mass is my major purpose for being ordained, leading the people in the celebration of the Eucharist. The ordained priest is the public representative of the Church and has specific functions within the community in which he is assigned. Coming from Vatican II, the priestly roles can in a sense be seen also as roles for the laity. Each Catholic Christian is called to preach the Gospel, to care for others and come together about the altar of the Lord to participate in the liturgy of the Eucharist. The difference is that the laity works primarily in the secular world where all Christians are called to be disciples who follow and share in the ministry of Jesus. The priest works within the sacramental life of the Church. Since I was ordained in 1981 there has been a decline in the vocations to the priesthood. There are many reasons I believe that are causing that decline. There is a major loss in religiousness in the Western cultures, whether here in the United States or Europe, we are becoming secular societies. Our cultures are becoming more and more focused around wealth; houses, jobs, bank accounts. Throughout the world there is a lack of desire for long-term commitment. Divorce rates continue to rise, couples marry later and it’s harder for young people to make lifelong commitments. There is a decline in the respect given to celibacy, which today is seen more as a negative than as a positive. Many see sex as love, no commitment needed. My life as a parish priest is one of responsibility for baptisms, weddings, funerals, as well as Masses; administrative functions; confessions; having to drop everything and counsel someone in crisis, or to visit people in the hospital whenever someone falls ill (emergencies never come on a schedule). The responsibility of being on call constantly is something that some people may not know or appreciate about parish priests. Phones can ring every hour of the day or night. Last weekend I celebrated the wedding of one of my former theater students, also a former server. I have been a part of his life for at least 15 years. To see him grow in size, in knowledge, in spirituality and now to enter the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. This is one of the special parts of my priesthood. To walk the path of life with people, not just at the moment but throughout their daily lives. Please pray for our young people who are searching for their pathway in life, whether it be priesthood, religious life, married life or single life. May they open their heart to God’s grace and guidance. Tickets for our fall musical, “Into the Woods” November19, 20 (7pm) & 21 (2pm) are on sale now! Call the parish office or catch me after Mass.

WOW! AND THANK YOU!!!

Our parish Fall Bazaar was the best we’ve had! There are so many to thank that made it so successful…including all of you that came and spent time with us. Thanks to everyone who donated their time to help make this year wonderful. That is a necessary part, or our vendors would never return. Speaking of vendors…a big thanks to all of them and especially those who return each year. Thank you to: Fr. Lewis Hejna for the wonderful ceramics Trish Tipton for the delicious cinnamon rolls All those who baked, manned and donated to the Senior’s Bake Table Parishioners who donated to our wonderful raffle and other parish tables: John & Peggy Kubicek Becky Elbert Karen Carroll Jo Bolton Mike & Ellen Finch Mitch Hauschildt Sue Hiett Fran Overboe Home & School Women of Faith group ST. Martha’s group St. Ann’s group Businesses that donated HyVee Grocery St. Michael’s Restaurant Zayka Civil Kitchen Restaurant Pappo’s Restaurant Formed-Artist Collection Chameleon Maria’s Restaurant We truly hope we haven’t forgotten anyone, but if we have please forgive us and know that you are very appreciated.

BUZZ BOOK 2021

Your 2021 copy of the "Buzz" book should have arrived in your mailbox recently. If you did not receive your copy, we have extras in the office that you can pick up Monday-Friday (8:30 am - 4:00 pm). The advertisers helped provide this service at no cost to our congregation. We encourage you to think of them in the future as your needs arise. Please familiarize yourself with the ministries and organizations at our church located in the front of the book. Also, please check your family's information in the directory section. If it is not correct, please notify the parish office at 417-831-3565 or send an e-mail to eschatz@sta-cathedral.org.

ADVENT PROJECT

Once again this year you will see Advent symbols in baskets near the door of church. On the back of each symbol is a suggested item that you can purchase. These UNWRAPPED items are given to the homeless men and women or poor and/or foster children through Sammy”s Window, and Grace United Methodist church. If you go shopping before Advent or just plain forget to pick up a symbol, just purchase any of the following and bring it to the parish office between 9a.m. and 4p.m.for me to distribute: books and toys/stuffed animals for children, or clothes of any size for children or adults including: stocking caps, gloves, scarves, flannel shirts, underwear and socks of ANY SIZE, hoodies, etc. . St Agnes has always been able to help a lot of people this way, even if we aren’t giving a needed gift to people whose names we know. Thank you for your generosity in the past. Sr. Elizabeth Ann

From the Pastor’s Desk:

Down through the centuries, the Roman Catholic Church has called together bishops and patriarchs to discuss doctrine and Church teachings, many times in what is called a synod. The word synod comes from an ancient Greek term that means “coming together”. In the early years of the church leaders came together to pray and make decisions about matters affecting all the Christian communities in a region. They gathered together in faith, in prayer and in discussion that would reveal God’s will and the way to achieve it. These regional gatherings were called synods. These are not to be confused with an Ecumenical Council, such as Vatican Council II. An Ecumenical council is for all bishops around the world to discuss issues that are important for the whole church. Over the centuries as the power of the pope increased and everything began to come from Rome, synods began to disappear, whereas ecumenical councils continued to be called. After the Council of Trent even ecumenical councils became less, only two within 400 years. The Second Vatican Council called in 1962 was to bring back among other things, the importance of bishops as heads of their local churches and emphasize their cooperation with one another. Pope Paul VI continued the changes begun by Pope John XXIII and Vatican II by creating a permanent structure for a Synod of bishops with a secretariat in Rome and a General Assembly gathered regularly by the pope. Since 1967 the popes have brought this assembly together 18 times: 15 of those assemblies were ordinary and 3 assemblies were extraordinary. There have also been several special assemblies for particular regions of the world. Pope Francis has formally on October 10 opened a two year process for a synod. Bishops from around the world will consult with parishioners, monks, nuns and Catholic universities before coming together for a discussion in 2023. Their discussions will center upon, “How the church can learn to rely more fully on this kind of consultation and discussion process, how it can become more synodal in its governance. Its focus is to make church governance more open and inclusive of all its members. “A synodal Church is a Church which listens”, states Pope Francis, that mutual listening has been the goal of much of the church’s renewal since Vatican II. Unlike previous synods, this one officially begins in dioceses all over the world, with opportunities for mutual discussion at every level and among many different church organizations. Tickets for our fall musical, “Into the Woods” November19, 20 (7pm) & 21 (2pm) are on sale now! Call the parish office or catch me after Mass. I hope you come and enjoy the show.

Knights of Columbus:

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! The Knights are bringing back their monthly breakfasts and we are starting in November - specifically November 21st after the 8:00 AM Mass. Please join us to continue this tradition at St. Agnes!

PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

Lord Jesus, Son of the Eternal Father and Mary Immaculate, grant to our young people the generosity necessary to follow Your call and the courage required to overcome all obstacles to their vocation. Give the parents faith, love and spirit of sacrifice which will inspire them to offer their children to God’s service and rejoice whenever one of their children is called to the priesthood and religious life. Let your example and that of your Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph encourage both young people and parents and let Your grace sustain them. Amen. -From the diocese of Sioux Falls and Rapid City

[reclaim!] Virtual Watch Party

Please join us as Dynamic Catholic speaker Matthew Kelly hosts his New Virtual Event [reclaim!] Tuesday November 9th at 6:45pm in the St. Agnes School Cafeteria. [reclaim!] starts at 7pm. Refreshments will be provided. To RSVP or for more information please contact St. Agnes's main office at 417-831-3565.