From the Pastor’s Desk::

Change and believe the good news. The New Testament Greek word for conversion is Metanoia, which means “a change of heart”, or “an act of repentance”. You might be surprised at how infrequently conversion is used in the Gospels. John’s Gospel never mentions it. Mark uses the word only three times, and Matthew seven times. Only Luke uses the word with frequency, some fourteen times. Yet the concept of conversion certainly lies at the heart of Jesus’ message in all the Gospels. “This is the time of fulfillment. The reign of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the good news! This is the theme of the Lenten season. At the root of any act of conversion is change. Heeding the message of Jesus involves a change of mind, a change of heart and a change of behavior. Christian conversion always moves a person beyond their present state and into a new and vital relationship with God. Conversion cannot be limited to a dramatic, once-in-a-lifetime, “born again” experience. Christian conversion is more often the gradual process of God’s grace transforming our lives. It entails being born again and again and again… Here are some of the basic features of Christian conversion. Lent is a perfect time for each of us to move closer to God. It is a time for us to move away from sin, toward God. The best way to begin our conversion is to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and to live a better life based upon Jesus’ teachings found in the Gospels Prayer, Fasting and Almsgiving are the building stones of the Lenten Season and they actually all fit together. We know what prayer and fasting are, but I find that many people do not understand almsgiving. Almsgiving is not the donation in the Sunday collection or Catholic School tuition. Almsgiving is the extra. There will be boxes at the doors of the Church this Lent for our alms and at the next Parish Council meeting they will decide where the collected alms will be given When I met with our Confirmation Candidates I tried to impress upon them the importance to become a person/people of prayer. That does not mean that we need to spend hours in prayer each day, although that would not be bad. Being a person of prayer means taking the Lord along with you throughout your day. Begin the day with a whispered thought/ prayer as you get dressed for the day, on the way to work/school thank the Lord for the day/the gasoline in your gas tank, that you are not walking to work as so many people in the world. How about thanking the Lord for your job/your freedom to go to school. If it is going to be a hard day at work/school let the Lord be by your side, to guide and give you strength. Whispered thoughts/prayers do not take time, they take effort, a conscious effort to include the Lord in whatever you are doing.

ST AGNES SENIORS UNLIMITED

On March 2nd after the 12:15 Mass we will resume having the Ash Wednesday luncheon in the dining room. Please sign up at the parish office so we have enough food for all. There are no restrictions, but please do not come if you have any symptoms. Also, on February 28th at 1 pm we will resume having Senior Games. The purpose is to get to know other parishioners a little better. And we usually have good snacks. If you have never come but would like to know more, please call me at 417-831-3565, ext 103. ~Sr. Elizabeth Ann

Knights of Columbus Fish Dinner

Fish Dinner: The Knights annual Lenten fish dinner will be on Friday, March 4th. We will be serving between 5:00 and 7:00 PM. The menu will include both fried and baked fish, hushpuppies, slaw, etc. Come join us on this first Friday of Lent.

CONFIRMATION

Bishop Edward Rice will preside at a special Mass for 23 youth who will be confirmed at St. Agnes Cathedral on Sat, March 5th at 2:30 PM. Please pray for the candidates, their sponsors, and family as they receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

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.

               We will be holding our synod here at St. Agnes during the Lenten Season.  I want to invite everyone to be a part of our listening time.  It will be held on Sunday between Masses so that more people will be able tto attend.  There are 10 major parts of Synodality.  Each parish is inviting everyone to come and be a part of dialogue.  Dialogue is both speaking and listening to what other have to say.  A Synod is not a gripe session, but rather it is intended to inspire people to dream about the Church we are called to be, to make people’s hopes flourish, to stimulate trust, to bind up wounds to build new and deeper relationship, to learn from one another.

Dialogue is the foundation of all synodal consultations.  Dialogue does not happen when there is arguing.  However there may be conflicting ideas.  We may not all agree upon what is discussed in the synodal consultation, but we should acknowledge that what we discern has the potential to be the will of God for the parish and for the greater Church in the future.

The three areas of discussion:  Growing in holiness, Forming Intentional Disciples and being sent to Witness.  These are not scary nor are they boring.  They are intended to give direction to our parish, diocese and the Church at large here in the United States.  I hope that many of you take the time to be a part of this journey during this coming Lent.

A PROJECT ANDREW DINNER

Are you a young man searching for God’s call in your life? Please come share a meal and voice any questions you may have. Wednesday. March 23rd at 6:30 pm at St. Michaels’s Restaurant & Italian Catering 301 South Ave. Please RSVP by Friday March 18 to Fr. Allen Kirchner at frkirchner@scspk12.org

Lenten Fair!!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, Feb 27th.  St. Anne's Group and the Youth Faith Formation Program of St. Agnes will sponsor a Lenten Fair in the St. Agnes Gym from 9:15 AM-11:00 AM.  We welcome all families to this special event which will offer activities and resources to help prepare for the Lenten season.  Activities will include making Mardi Gras masks, learning about the saints of Lent, Holy Week activities. playing some Lenten Bingo and picking up spiritual resources.  There is no charge for this event.  We welcome anyone who may wish to help set up or clean up after this event.  

The Knights of Columbus will offer their monthly breakfast on this same day so come enjoy breakfast in the cafeteria and then spend some time at the Lenten Fair.  Contact Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org to volunteer.

ST AGNES SENIORS UNLIMITED

On March 2nd after the 12:15 Mass we will resume having the Ash Wednesday luncheon in the dining room. Please sign up at the parish office so we have enough food for all. There are no restrictions, but please do not come if you have any symptoms.

Also, on February 28th at 1 pm we will resume having Senior Games. The purpose is to get to know other parishioners a little better. And we usually have good snacks. If you have never come but would like to know more, please call me at 417-831-3565, ext 103.

~Sr. Elizabeth Ann

From the Pastor’s Desk:

Not everything goes as planned. This past week January 31 thru February 4 we celebrated, or tried to celebrate across our country, National Catholic Schools Week, a week set aside by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to celebrate and recognize all that our Catholic Schools provide. The theme this year was Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Excellence and Service. Our schools are an added value for our nation. The purpose of a Catholic School is to integrate Catholic, Christian teachings and values into every aspect of the educational process. Thus, our young people’s education is a journey of faith; it’s not just a standard education, but one of life-long Catholic teachings and values. Service is another important aspect. The many people in our parishes that give of their time to minister to the needs of others, they are participating in service. During the school day and after hours, our Catholic Schools are teaching different types of service. The Catholic School also provides an excellent academic education to help young people reach their God-given potential and to be responsible citizens. Our Catholic Schools exist to provide an education that goes beyond preparation for a secular life. It is an education that prepares students for a Christian life. Catholic Schools ASSIST parents in the education and religious formation of their sons and daughters. Within the Catholic School, whether a student is Catholic or non-Catholic, each student is required to participate in the religious education program. The religious education program presents to the student an authentic statement of the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church. Students are also required to attend prayer services and Mass. Having been a teacher for many years at Notre Dame High School, I would tell parents, “I do not test the faith of your sons/daughters; I test their knowledge of the Catholic Faith!” Within a Catholic School, education of our faith is important. I want students to know why we celebrate, how we celebrate and not just give an answer, “we always do it that way!” Although each school is different, the curriculum seeks to develop the student’s highest potential through a teaching/learning process that promotes Language Arts, English, Mathematics, Technology, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, Foreign Language, and Physical Education. In recent years, the curriculum has also grown to include the development of the thinking skills: research, critical thinking and problem solving, and also analyzing and evaluating–all working together, many times using the latest in technology. Students are also urged to help others by “giving back to the community,” whether it is within parishes or the community in which they live. I want to thank every parishioner for their prayers and financial support, which makes it possible for the Springfield Catholic School System to provide a quality, Catholic Education to any Catholic student.

MORNING OF REFLECTION

St. Martha's Group is hosting a Morning of Reflection for women, Saturday, Feb. 19th. It will begin with the 8:30am Mass after which we will proceed to the school dining room where Fr. Allen Kirchner will speak. If you cannot make it to Mass you are welcome to come for the session (9:15am). A soup & salad lunch will be served afterward. Please call the office, 831-3565, if you plan to attend so that we will know how many to expect for lunch.

Lenten Fair!!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, Feb 27th. St. Anne's Group and the Youth Faith Formation Program of St. Agnes will sponsor a Lenten Fair in the St. Agnes Gym from 9:15 AM11:00 AM. We welcome all families to this special event which will offer activities and resources to help prepare for the Lenten season. Activities will include making Mardi Gras masks, learning about the saints of Lent, Holy Week activities. playing some Lenten Bingo and picking up spiritual resources. There is no charge for this event. We welcome anyone who may wish to help set up or clean up after this event. The Knights of Columbus will offer their monthly breakfast on this same day so come enjoy breakfast in the cafeteria and then spend some time at the Lenten Fair. Contact Iris at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org to volunteer.

PCCW

In your parish envelopes during Feb, you will find a special envelope: Parish Council of Catholic Women. St. Agnes Cathedral PCCW does much work in our parish to help women meet their spiritual, social and community needs. PCCW does much to assist with community outreach as well such as assisting with meals at Rare Breed and Harmony House. We sponsor many events throughout the year for women and families. A new event that PCCW and St. Anne's group support is the Advent Fair and support will also be given to the upcoming Lenten Fair. All women of the parish are automatically members of PCCW & all are welcome at events. We try to make sure that we do not charge for any event. Any amount that you can place in the envelope will be greatly appreciated. If you do not receive envelopes, just place your donation in the collection basket on Sundays and mark the envelope PCCW. You can also call the parish office to make a donation or drop it by the parish office. Your support is greatly appreciated and allows PCCW to continue our work in the parish and in our community. PCCW Officer Volunteers needed: Our St. Agnes Parish Council of Catholic Women is looking for new officers for the upcoming year which ends in July. We invite any woman of the parish to consider this opportunity to take a leadership role in this wonderful organization that does so much for our parish. Women of any age are encouraged to sign up. Even if you are new to the parish or never attended a PCCW event, you are encouraged to consider this role. Our current officers have served well and long to keep this organization flourishing. The current officers will also be on hand to answer questions and to guide you in your role. Please call the parish office and ask for Sister Elizabeth for more details.

From the Pastor’s Desk::

This past week we celebrated not only here in Springfield but across our country, National Catholic Schools Week, a week set aside by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to celebrate and recognize all that our Catholic Schools provide.  The theme this year was Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Excellence and Service.  Our schools are an added value for our nation.  The purpose of a Catholic School is to integrate Catholic, Christian teachings and values into every aspect of the educational process.  Thus, our young people’s education is a journey of faith; it’s not just a standard education, but one of life-long Catholic teachings and values.  Service is another important aspect.  The many people in our parishes that give of their time to minister to the needs of others, they are participating in service.  During the school day and after hours, our Catholic Schools are teaching different types of service.  The Catholic School also provides an excellent academic education to help young people reach their God-given potential and to be responsible citizens.  Our Catholic Schools exist to provide an education that goes beyond preparation for a secular life.  It is an education that prepares students for a Christian life.  Catholic Schools ASSIST parents in the education and religious formation of their sons and daughters.

Within the Catholic School, whether a student is Catholic or non-Catholic, each student is required to participate in the religious education program.  The religious education program presents to the student an authentic statement of the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church.  Students are also required to attend prayer services and Mass. Having been a teacher for many years at Notre Dame High School, I would tell parents, “I do not test the faith of your sons/daughters; I test their knowledge of the Catholic Faith!”  Within a Catholic School, education of our faith is important.  I want students to know why we celebrate, how we celebrate and not just give an answer, “we always do it that way!”

Although each school is different, the curriculum seeks to develop the student’s highest potential through a teaching/learning process that promotes Language Arts, English, Mathematics, Technology, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, Foreign Language, and Physical Education.  In recent years, the curriculum has also grown to include the development of the thinking skills: research, critical thinking and problem solving, and also analyzing and evaluating–all working together, many times using the latest in technology.  Students are also urged to help others by “giving back to the community,” whether it is within parishes or the community in which they live.

As we have celebrated National Catholic Schools Week, I want to thank every parishioner for their prayers and financial support, which makes it possible for the Springfield Catholic School System to provide a quality, Catholic Education to any Catholic student.

COLD WEATHER SHELTER

Sacred Heart Church would like to invite you to join us helping the homeless this winter in Springfield.  We will offer a cold-weather shelter (open on any night that is 32 degrees or below) on Mondays and Wednesdays for 24 men.  Guests arrive at 7pm and will leave at 7am.  If you cannot volunteer for the full 12 hours, we will also take volunteers in 6 hour shifts (7p-1am and 1am-7am) We will offer training and support for anyone who is interested, please contact Fr Ray at Sacred heart at 417 869 3646 and we thank you for helping our brothers in need.

As further information, we will offer an evening snack and breakfast for our guests.  We will have a minimum of 2 volunteers each evening and after the men are asleep, volunteers will have a separate area to rest as well.     If someone or a group want to come in to assist with the breakfast or evening snack that is another option for folks.

MORNING OF REFLECTION

St. Martha's Group is hosting a Morning of Reflection for women, Saturday, Feb. 19th.  It will begin with the 8:30am Mass after which we will proceed to the school dining room where Fr. Allen Kirchner will speak.  If you cannot make it to Mass you are welcome to come for the session (9:15am).  A soup & salad lunch will be served afterward.  This would be a great way to prepare for Lent.

Please call the office, 831-3565, if you plan to attend so that we will know how many to expect for lunch.

PCCW

In your parish envelopes during Feb, you will find a special envelope: Parish Council of Catholic Women.  St. Agnes Cathedral PCCW  does much work in our parish to help women meet their spiritual, social and community needs.  PCCW does much to assist with community outreach as well such as assisting with meals at Rare Breed and Harmony House.  We sponsor many events throughout the year for women and families.  A new event that PCCW and St. Anne's group support is the Advent Fair and support will also be given to the upcoming Lenten Fair.  

All women of the parish are automatically members of PCCW & all are welcome at events.  We try to make sure that we do not charge for any event.  Any amount that you can place in the envelope will be greatly appreciated and will help us to make certain that we do not have to charge for events.  If you do not receive envelopes, just place your donation in the collection basket on Sundays and mark the envelope PCCW.  You can also call the parish office to make a donation or drop it by the parish office.  Your support is greatly appreciated and allows PCCW to continue our work in the parish and in our community.

PCCW Officer Volunteers needed:

Our St. Agnes Parish Council of Catholic Women is looking for new officers for the upcoming year which ends in July.  We invite any woman of the parish to consider this opportunity to take a leadership role in this wonderful organization that does so much for our parish.  Women of any age are encouraged to sign up.  Even if you are new to the parish or never attended a PCCW event, you are encouraged to consider this role. Our current officers have served well and long to keep this

organization flourishing.  The current officers will also be on hand to answer questions and to guide you in your role.  Maybe you know someone who you feel would be a great officer and is a bit shy?  Please call the parish office and ask for Sister Elizabeth for more details.  Thank you for your consideration in serving our parish.  God Bless!

From the Pastor’s Desk:

Even in the midst of the pandemic, our Catholic churches continued to provide spiritual nourishment, granted on a very limited basis. We also began to find new ways provide the mass for the people, first only by live streaming, then with limited numbers and slowly adding more people into the congregation. Since October we have been keeping track of attendance and we are slowly gathering back around the Eucharistic Table in Sunday worship. In other areas our Catholic Schools have been able to remain open and in person with only limited closures. Each of our schools under the direction of pastor and principal have worked to maintain their individual school needed according to their parish community while still belonging to the Springfield Catholic School System. Organizations such as Knights of Columbus, Parish Council of Catholic Women, along with different spiritual activities such as RCIA, PSR, and scripture study groups have all begun their activities, in some way. We are learning how to live and work within a pandemic. We also know that some things may never be the same. We have also learned how to do some things better because we were forced to change how we were functioning. I want to thank everyone for their patience, their prayers, their support over the past year as Fr. Allen and the parish staff have worked to provide for the spiritual needs of our parish. I also take this time to thank everyone for their financial support over the past year. I would like to invite the men of St. Agnes Cathedral to the 3rd annual catholic men’s Conference to be held On February 26th . It will take place at Springfield Catholic High School in the large open gym. Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers will present two presentations, along with several local speakers. The day begins with Mass celebrated by Bishop Rice at 8 am. Lunch is provided and the day will end by 3:30 pm. There is no charge to attend, but registration is required to ensure there are enough meals provided. Register DioSCG.org/men. We are posting a short video clip on St. Agnes face book and web page. This is perfect time to spend in a safe open environment drawing closer to the Lord.

MORNING OF REFLECTION

St. Martha's Group is hosting a Morning of Reflection for women, Saturday, Feb. 19th. It will begin with the 8:30am Mass after which we will proceed to the school dining room where Fr. Allen Kirchner will speak. If you cannot make it to Mass you are welcome to come for the session (9:15am). A soup & salad lunch will be served afterward. This would be a great way to prepare for Lent. Please call the office, 831-3565, if you plan to attend so that we will know how many to expect for lunch.

A Valentine Celebration!

The Knights of Columbus St. Anne Council #698 presents an Enjoyable Evening of Fun, Delicious Food & Great Music! Saturday, February 12, 2022, The Diamond Room (Knights of Columbus Hall) 2340 W. Grand Street, Springfield, Missouri 65802 from 6:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. (Social Hour at 6 p.m./ Dinner at 7 p.m.) Featuring the Big Band/ Swing Dance sounds of CADUCEUS. $35 per person includes dinner buffet featuring bacon wrapped pork loin and bourbon glazed salmon. (*Cash Bar will be available) Please contact Tom Rouse, from 7-9 p.m. at (417) 299-0627, to secure your reservation.

YOUTH ACTIVITIES

Come join the youth of our parish as we make Valentines for homebound parishioners and those who are in skilled care facilities. We will also be playing Bingo. Of course there will be prizes & food! Fr. Lewis will also be there to challenge anyone to a game of Axis and Allies. (Fr. Lewis is pretty confident he can win this game.) Join us on Sunday, Feb 6th in the school cafeteria from 6:15 until 8:00 PM. Parent volunteers are needed to help supervise the games. Call Iris at the parish office if you have questions. Information is now available for the 2022 Diocesan Youth Conference. This is open to youth in grades 7-12. We have an opportunity to attend the day long event which will be held in Carthage on Saturday, March 26th. We also have the opportunity to share a bus with SEAS parish. If you are interested in attending this event or would like more information about getting a group from St. Agnes to attend this event, please contact Iris at 831-3565 or at ibounds@sta-cathedral.org. We are looking for parents to attend as well to help in chaperoning this event.