HELP NEEDED FOR FUNERAL DINNERS

The parish has 2 groups that take turns providing luncheons for funeral dinners.  It is a wonderful service that we offer the families, and they truly appreciate it. We have dedicated people that help with this and they are very appreciated, but due to differing circumstances our number of helpers has dwindled.  If you would like to become a part of these teams, please call the office (417-831-3565) and let us know. It would entail fixing food to bring the morning of the funeral.  If you would like to physically help the day of the funeral, let us know that also. 

Thank you so much for considering this opportunity.

From the Pastor's Desk:

On Wednesday, September 14th we celebrate both in the Roman as well as in the Orthodox Catholic Church the Feast of the Exultation of the Holy Cross of Christ.

After the death and resurrection of Christ, both the Jewish and Roman authorities in Jerusalem took extreme efforts to obscure Christ's tomb in the garden near the site of His crucifixion, (Holy Sepulchre). They used tons of earth to cover over the site, and then built a pagan temple on top of it. The Cross on which Christ had died had been hidden (tradition said) by the Jewish authorities somewhere in the area.

According to tradition, first mentioned by Saint Cyril of Jerusalem in 348, Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, nearing the end of her life, decided under divine inspiration to travel to Jerusalem in 326 to search for the Holy Sepulchre and attempt to locate the True Cross. A Jew by the name of Judas, aware of the tradition concerning the hiding of the Holy Sepulchre and the Cross, led those excavating the Holy Sepulchre and to the area where the cross might be hidden.

Three crosses were found on the spot. According to common tradition, the inscription was missing from the cross.  Saint Helena and Saint Macarius, the bishop of Jerusalem, assuming that one was the True Cross and the other two belonged to the thieves crucified alongside Christ, devised an experiment to determine which of the three crosses was the True Cross.

The three crosses were taken to a woman who was near death; when she touched the True Cross, she was healed. In another, the body of a dead man was brought to the place where the three crosses were found, and laid upon each cross. The True Cross restored the dead man to life.

In celebration of the discovery of the Holy Cross, Constantine ordered the construction of churches at the site of the Holy Sepulchre and on Mount Calvary. Those churches were dedicated on September 13 and 14, 335, and shortly thereafter the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross began to be celebrated on the latter date. The feast slowly spread from Jerusalem to other churches, until, by the year 720, the celebration was universal.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BREAKFAST

The Knights of Columbus invite you to join them for breakfast on September 18th from

 8-10am in the cafeteria.

Parent Meeting

First Reconciliation/First Eucharist

Children usually receive both of these sacraments while in second grade.  Guidelines require that the child be enrolled in a Catholic School or PSR program the year prior to receiving the sacrament.  Children in Catholic schools, the PSR program & those who are homeschooled will use a special curriculum and have special activities throughout the year to assist in the preparation process.  We do ask that families complete a registration for the sacraments.  If a child is older than in second grade, we have a special program available to get the children caught up and prepared for the reception of the sacraments. A special parent meeting will be held. Sunday, Sept 18th, to share more details.  You may also contact the parish office for more details. Proof of Baptism is required.

PARISH HEALTH MINISTRY

Is There a Beast Stalking You?

This may seem like a rude and ugly question to have someone ask you.  However, it is important to realize that high blood pressure is like a beast or predator stalking you. You never see the beast until it strikes and devours its prey. High blood pressure is often called the “silent killer” for the same reason. Many people do not know they have it or because they “feel good” with no big symptoms, they ignore it or do not take their medicine. Just because you do not see or feel the small changes in your body does not mean they are not happening. When enough small changes happen, the BIGGIE happens. This includes heart attack, stroke, kidneys not working or blindness.  Remember to check your blood pressure, take your medicine, DO NOT SMOKE, and see your doctor.  Other things that you can do to help keep your blood pressure good are exercise like walking, keeping a healthy weight and if you have diabetes keeping a normal blood sugar.

 Parish Healthcare Ministry will be providing free blood pressure screening on the third Sunday of each month from Sept. 2022 – May, 2023 in the dining room of the school from 9:30 am – 10:00 am.

From the Pastor’s Desk:

As we celebrate Labor Day weekend, we are celebrating all people who work, making this country the greatest nation on earth. It matters not if they are factory workers, professionals, farmers, housewives; county, state, or federal workers. All people who work to earn their way in life have made this a stronger nation. This is why we celebrate Labor Day.

We have a high quality of life by the standards of most of the world’s population. We can open our refrigerators and find foods in season and out of season. Foods grown here in the Midwest, on the east coast, the west coast, or from South America find their way to our grocery store shelves. The products we purchase in our stores come from all over the world. We drive to work in our air-conditioned cars, and we press a button to raise the heat in our homes during winter months. We turn a lever or press a button and fresh drinking water comes out of a faucet.  Americans spend more money on entertainment throughout the year than most people make in a year. We celebrate all people who work—both in the past and today—who have contributed to making our country the great nation it is.

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 for people 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. Regardless of how hard our lives may be, I do not believe that we have people going through the city dumps collecting bottles or aluminum cans to sell so they can buy food that day. 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.

To all those who are retired, I thank each of you 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.

Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day Weekend.

ST ANNE’S GROUP

Young Women of the Parish, please join St. Anne's group as we resume monthly get togethers. 

St. Anne's group will meet on Sunday, Sept 11th at 10:15 in the school library.  All are welcome as activities of the year are discussed and planned.  Come join us.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS—YOUTH EVENT:

Youth are invited to attend "Adoration Under the Stars Sunday, Sept 11th from 6-8 PM.  The evening will include a cookout, games, root beer floats and end with Adoration.  All are welcome!  Families are welcome too.  More details to follow!

WALK FOR THE POOR

Mark your calendar for September 24! The annual Walk for the Poor begins at St. Agnes parking lot. This supports the St. Vincent de Paul outreach for the poor in our area.

From the Pastor’s Desk:

It always surprises people when they say, “What do you mean, I am not a member of the parish? I have gone to church here for 3 years, etc.” My response, “You are not listed. Did you ever register?” “Well…no, but you know me.” That may be true, that I know a person; but if they have not registered, they could just be attending mass here because it is convenient. Belonging to a parish at the very least, means being registered and attending mass on a regular basis, (Christmas and Easter liturgies is not a regular basis). Our children learn from example. Many adults believe that children do not understand many things; but as a former teacher and being around young people constantly, believe me they understand. They are always watching the adults that surround them, especially parents, teachers, coaches and priests. Whether we believe it or not, our actions teach young people, perhaps even more than textbooks. Textbooks teach knowledge, actions teach how to use that knowledge. When parents skip Mass on Sundays they are teaching their sons and daughters that Mass and God are not that important. I have heard directly from young people that their parents say, “It is the only day we get to sleep in, so we are not going to Mass.” When we push God aside on Sunday, what about not lying, stealing, being disrespectful, cheating? All these can be pushed aside as well. These are God’s laws and when we make God second or third place in our lives, morality begins to crumble. It is no wonder drugs, gangs, killing, and robberies are on the rise across this country and even in our city. I ask every adult to become more involved in their parish. Don’t just come to Mass to get an obligation out of the way, come to praise, worship, and give thanks to our God. Coming to Mass, is not coming to be entertained by the priest or the choir. The celebrant and the choir are only leading in worship. Celebrating the Eucharist means being involved in the prayers and in the music. Being involved in your parish also means being involved in more than just Sunday liturgy. As we move forward from Covid become active once again in our parish. Ministry comes in many different forms. The different women's groups and their activities, our monthly youth activities, adults teaching their faith to students who attend public schools, the parish council, the Knights of Columbus, adults who work on helping keep the grounds, the bell choir, traditional choir, cantors, being an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister, being a Lector, being a greeter at Mass, working at our only parish fund raiser, bingo. There are so many ways for a person to be involved with our faith community. In short I challenge everyone to get involved and make our parish a stronger, more faith filled parish.

Dinner for Life: Light the Night

Catholic Charities of Southern Missouri Invites You to Dinner for Life: Light the Night September 16, 2022, at White River Conference Center in Springfield, 6:00 PM This event supports LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home, our program for homeless pregnant women and their young children. For tickets and information, please see our website www.ccsomo.org

VITAE FOUNDATION

Vitae Foundation is hosting its Annual Springfield Pro-life Event on Friday, August 26, 2022, at the White River Conference Center at 600W. Sunshine Street in Springfield. The keynote speaker is Abby Johnson, former Planned Parenthood Director turned Pro-Life advocate. This dinner event begins at 7:00PM with doors at 6:30PM for $75/person. Reservations may be made online at vitaefoundation.org or by calling 573-634- 4316.

BUZZ BOOK

The church is working to complete the yearly St. Agnes cathedral Parish Buzz Book that will be mailed to the parishioners. It will provide information about the parish along with the ministries offered. In addition, it will be given to all new parishioners who join the church throughout the year. Guide Book Publishing will develop, publish and mail at NO COST to the church or members. Local businesses are being solicited to advertise in the book to cover the costs. Leah Atkins will be the account manager that will be contacting businesses to see if they want to participate. If you own a business and would like to take part, you can reach her at (636) 345-1381.

From the Pastor’s Desk::

Vatican Council II in the 1960’s brought back two important ministries from the ancient past, Permanent Deacons and Extra Ordinary Eucharistic Ministers.  These were not just invented in the 1960’s but were a part of the ancient church.  The Churches of the East maintained the Permanent Diaconate throughout history, which can be conferred on married men.  They are ordained to assist the bishop and priests in the celebration of the divine mysteries, especially in the Eucharist, in the distribution of Holy Communion, in assisting at and blessing marriages, in the proclamation of the Gospel and preaching, in presiding over funerals, and in dedicating themselves to the various ministries of charity.  Deacons may be placed in parishes without a resident pastor to oversee the parish and minister to the needs of the people, allowing for a priest to come to the parish once or twice a month.  (ministry outside the box)

Up until the 4th century it was a rule, not merely an ideal that the faithful communicate at every Mass.  Believers understood clearly that the action of all receiving the Lord’s Body and Blood formed an integral and natural part of every Eucharistic celebration.  It is also evident from history that laypersons ordinarily received the Lord directly into their hands for the first 9 centuries.  History of Sacraments comes from the writings of Justin Martyr, St. Ambrose and St. Augustine.  It was during the 1100-1500 that the laity were gradually eliminated from the liturgy, even from the “sacred places” like the sanctuary, which became reserved territories for the Ordained alone.  The priest alone stood at the altar, laity brought offerings before mass, singing done by a special choir, general intercessions disappeared, the celebrant said the Eucharistic prayer in Latin quietly, facing away from the people.  Much of the liturgy took place in silence or in a language less understood by the people.

Vatican II allowed bishops to commission Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion to assist the pastor in the distribution of Holy Communion at Liturgies, to the homebound, in nursing homes and hospitals when the number of those receiving the Eucharist is great.  These ministers are an extension of the priest, who is an extension of the bishop.  All are spiritually tied to the bishop who is the spiritual father of the diocese.  The question I close with, would you be willing to become an Extra Ordinary Eucharistic Minister?

Faith Formation

Sacramental Preparation: St. Agnes Cathedral Faith Formation follows all guidelines established by the Diocese of Springfield Cape Girardeau to prepare our students to receive First Reconciliation, First Eucharist or Confirmation.

First Reconciliation/First Eucharist

Children usually receive both of these sacraments while in second grade.  Guidelines require that the child be enrolled in a Catholic School or PSR program the year prior to receiving the sacrament.  Children in  Catholic schools, the PSR program & those who are homeschooled  will use a special curriculum and have special activities throughout the year to assist in the preparation process.  We do ask that families complete a registration for the sacraments.  If a child is older than in second grade, we have a special program available to get the children caught up and prepared for the reception of the sacraments. A special parent meeting will be held. Sunday, Sept 18th to share more details.  You may also contact the parish office for more details. Proof of Baptism is required.

Confirmation

Confirmation is held each year at St. Agnes either in Feb or March.  Candidates will be those who are entering 8th grade or above.  Diocesan guidelines state that candidates should have attended either a year of Catholic School or PSR a year prior to the reception of the sacrament.  During the year of Confirmation, candidates will attend special Confirmation sessions, attend a retreat, complete service and choose a sponsor.  If you have special questions about the reception of the sacrament of Confirmation, please contact the parish office at 831-3565.  An informational session on the sacrament will be held Sunday, Sept 11th.

LEAD COUPLES WANTED

The Diocesan Family Life office is currently seeking Lead Couples to serve as mentors to engaged couples while they prepare to fulfill God's will for them in Christian marriage and family life. The success of this ministry relies on the generosity of our Lead Couples, who volunteer their time and share their experiences with newly engaged couples.

We invite Married Couples who are practicing Catholics, faithful to the Church's teaching, and notable for joyfully living out the Sacrament of Marriage to prayerfully consider becoming a mentor couple today. Lead couples will commit to hosting at least two marriage preparation sessions annually (five meetings per session).

For more information, don't hesitate to get in touch with Kim Brayman (417) 866-0841, kbrayman@dioscg.org.

SCS Fundraiser

Support Springfield Catholic Schools at the SCS Soiree! Our first ever in-person Soiree is on Saturday, August 27th at the Oasis. There are many ways to participate – raffles, point donations, sponsorships, and individual tickets. Go to bidpal.net/soireetwo for more information!

All St. Agnes and Springfield Catholic High School alumni are invited to attend the All School Reunion on Saturday, September 17th, at SCHS. Cost is $35 per person. Register at SpringfieldCatholicSchools.org

From the Pastor's Desk:

Holy Scripture tells us nothing of the Assumption of Mary into Heaven. However, in 1950, Pope Pius XII, after having consulted all bishops, proclaimed the Assumption of Mary to be a dogma of the faith. This took place on November 1, 1950, the feast of All Saints. Faithful to the Pope and to his teaching, we thus firmly believe this truth to be a dogma of our faith: Mary was taken up into Heaven, both body and soul. But Mary was not the first; Elijah was taken up into the heavens in a fiery chariot. (2 Kings: 2:1-12) Catholic Christians from the earliest days of the Church have thought and believed that Mary was taken up into Heaven, not only her soul, but her body as well. So, wouldn't the unanimous belief of the Christian people be a testimony of Scripture itself, insofar as this testimony, like Scripture, goes all the way back to the Apostles themselves? Let us be sure of this: it is the Holy Spirit who guides both the Church and her Head, the Pope, who is truly the guarantor of this truth which, from now on, is proposed for our belief and teaches us that Mary was taken up into Heaven, both her body and her soul. The Catechism of the Catholic Church does not answer the question as an absolute, but says, “The Most Blessed Virgin Mary, when the course of her earthly life was completed, was taken up body and soul into the glory of heaven…” (#974; see also #966). This is not contradictory to Sacred Scripture since in the Second Book of Kings in the Old Testament the Prophet Elijah in Chapter 2:9-12 is taken into heaven in a chariot of fire and horses. Elijah was a great prophet in the Old Testament, Mary was the Mother of the Son of God in the New Testament; one is taken into the heavens in a chariot upon the completion of his work upon earth, Mary according to revelation to the Church was taken into the heavens upon the completion of her work as the Mother of Jesus the Christ. Through her body, Mary said "Yes!" to God; Mary showed faith in the Angel who spoke in the name of God: "Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord!" Through her body, Mary was elevated to a place so high that no creature would ever be able to displace her: she thus became the Mother of God and the Mother of Christ, the incarnate Word. Mary became united to God through the Holy Spirit, becoming one with him in Christ. Lastly, Mary became the favored daughter of the Father, who had seen her in himself, in his Son, and in his Spirit for all eternity. Long before time began, the Father had loved Mary and had given her the Glory which she now possesses forever, in her body and her soul. Mary is in Heaven. However, she is also still among us, singing the praises of God with us and praying with us and for us. Mary is the Mother of God, the Mother of Jesus, but she is also the Mother of us all! Let us remember that Jesus gave her to us: "When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold, your son!" (John 19:26) Mary is still with us, because we are the Body of Christ, a Mystical Body, and a Body of Glory. In this communion of the Saints, all of us, with Mary, make up the one Body of Christ. Let us look to Mary for the complete expression of total faith in God. As we celebrate her feast of the Assumption on Monday we look forward to that day when we to can be in the eternal Kingdom in our glorified bodies.

Faith Formation Calendar

PSR Parent Meeting/Registration: Sun, Aug. 21st 10:30 AM UPR PSR Classes begin: Sun, Aug, 28th 10:00-11:00 AM CL K-8 Children's Liturgy of the Word (CLOW) Sun, Aug 28th 11:30 AM Mass Confirmation Registration: Sunday, Sept 11th 10:00 AM: LIB Confirmation Sessions begin: Sunday, Sept 18th 10:00 AM LIB 1st Reconciliation Informational Session Sunday, Sept 18th: 10:15 AM UPR 1st Reconciliation Mass of Introduction Sunday, Sept 18th: 11:30 AM Mass Please contact Iris at ibounds@stacathedrel.org or call the parish office is you have any questions about any of the above faith formation activities

SCS Fundraiser Support Springfield Catholic Schools at the SCS Soiree!

SCS Fundraiser Support Springfield Catholic Schools at the SCS Soiree! Our first ever in-person Soiree is on Saturday, August 27th at the Oasis. There are many ways to participate – raffles, point donations, sponsorships, and individual tickets. Go to bidpal.net/soireetwo for more information! All St. Agnes and Springfield Catholic High School alumni are invited to attend the All School Reunion on Saturday, September 17th, at SCHS. Cost is $35 per person. Register at SpringfieldCatholicSchools.org