From The Pastor's Desk

Lent should be different than the rest of the Church year. It should be set aside not only by the Church, but also by the people as a spiritual time to prepare for the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. This is the whole reason Christ came to earth. It is through His dying that our Redemption is found, and it is in His rising that we rise to be with Him in His Father’s Kingdom. It is not too late to make this Lent different, but we need to start now if we haven’t already done so. It would not hurt anyone to give up something we like. It would not hurt anyone to read a little each day in the Bible, or to spend a little extra time in prayer, or to do something for an elderly neighbor. The list of opportunities to do something spiritually or to help others could go on forever. The important thing is that we DO SOMETHING. Lent is the season to walk with Christ on the road to Jerusalem and ultimately to Calvary. That is why we pray the Stations of the Cross. If we find them boring, perhaps we need to meditate upon the cross. To walk the Stations of the Cross is to remind us just how much Jesus went through those last hours on earth. Jesus the Son of God who created everything allowed humans to beat Him, kick Him, spit upon Him, force Him to carry a cross and then to die upon that cross. The Stations of the Cross are a visible reminder of Jesus’ love for us. However, if we do not sing, pray out loud, or take any kind of active role in the Stations, or any other liturgical prayer form, it’s like going to a ball game of your favorite team and never yelling, clapping, or cheering, and when the game is over, getting up and walking out. The game would be boring. Whether we lose sight of prayer and the purpose behind it or get lost in a class we may be taking, it will become boring. If we find liturgical prayer boring, then we need to reflect upon how we responded while we were at that particular liturgy. During the Lenten Season we find the parishes scheduling Reconciliation Services where more than the priest of the parish is present to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Many people find the Sacrament hard to celebrate, because it is hard to admit to another person our faults and failings. But most people including myself feel refreshed and uplifted after celebrating the Sacrament. I invite everyone to our St. Agnes Penance Service this coming Tuesday March 7th at 7 pm.

AREA LENTEN PENANCE SERVICES

Tuesday, March 7 @7 pm St. Agnes Cathedral Sunday March 12 @3 pm Our Lady of the Cove Kimberling City Tuesday March 14th @11-11:45 am, 1-2:15 pm, 6-7 pm, 8-9 pm Holy Trinity Wednesday March 15 @7 pm St Joseph Monday March 19 @3:00 pm Our Lady of the Lake, Branson Monday March 20 @7 pm Immaculate Conception Thursday March 23 @7 pm St Francis of Assisi, Nixa Monday March 27 @7 pm St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Wednesday March 29 @7 pm Sacred Heart

Confirmation: Sat, March 11, 5:00 PM

We are blessed this year to have 25 young people who will be confirmed on Sat, March 11th at the 5:00 PM Mass. If you normally attend that Mass, you might consider attending at a different time. The cathedral will probably be super crowded with family of those who will be confirmed!!!!

Easter Eggs & Wrapped Candy Needed!

Easter Eggs & Wrapped Candy Needed! Hard to believe, but it is time to plan for our annual Easter Egg Hunt. We are asking you to bring in wrapped candy and plastic eggs to the parish office. We will also take those eggs that may be left over from previous years. Of course, we would love it if you want to fill the eggs and then bring them. Please bring all the eggs and candy into the parish office. More details on the Easter Egg Hunt to come.

LENTEN FAIR

will be held on Sunday, Feb 19th from 9:15-11:00 AM in the cafeteria, Come join the Knights for breakfast first and then spend some time at our Lenten Fair. There will be games, crafts and resources available for families of all ages. We will have a Paschal candle making table, make a St. Patrick's Rosary, go on a Holy Week walk, Make an Easter card for a shut in of our parish, create your own Mardi Gras mask, stop by our Vocations table and pick up a variety of resources that will help you make the Lenten season more spiritual whether you are 8 or 80. Sponsored by our St. Anne's group and the St. Agnes Faith Formation Program.

From the Pastor's Desk:

The Eucharist is the source and summit of our Catholic Christian life. The term “Eucharist” originates from the Greek word eucharistia, meaning thanksgiving. In the celebration of the Eucharist, bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the instrumentality of the priest. The whole Christ is truly present -- body, blood, soul, and divinity -- under the appearances of bread and wine, the glorified Christ who rose from the dead. This is what the Church means when she speaks of the "Real Presence" of Christ in the Eucharist.

Jesus is present in the Mass in three ways: first, in the assembled “Body of Christ,” gathered to pray in his name; second, in the Word of Scripture; and third, in the bread and wine that, by the power of the Holy Spirit and the words of Christ, truly become His Body and Blood.  According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the sacrament’s purpose is our “intimate union” with Christ.  After receiving communion, we spend a few quiet moments giving thanks to Jesus for the gift of himself.

We give thanks for all creation, symbolized by the gifts of bread and wine.  We give thanks for Jesus’ Paschal sacrifice which redeemed us.  We give thanks for the continuing sanctification of the Church, nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ.  Most of all, we give thanks for the REAL PRESENCE of Christ.

When our churches were closed during Covid, we began live streaming our masses and have continued to do so that our elderly and shut-ins could watch mass from their own parishes.  However with the churches closed and people watching mass, it became easy for people to simply go through the motions without true worship.  The result has been that some have chosen not to come back to church.

Jesus left the Eucharist as a spiritual way of uniting with us that is unlike any other.  Communion means “union with”.  And union means there is a transformation of two into one.  That is what the reception of Holy Communion does.  It enables us to let Jesus unite Himself with us in our human nature.  In this unity, we share in His death, and His resurrection from death.  This is what the Christian life is all about.

This weekend our young people will be presented to the parish as they begin their public commitment of preparation for the celebration of First Holy Communion

PCCW Day of Recollection

PCCW Day of Recollection

The St. Martha’s Group of the St. Agnes Cathedral PCCW announces it’s 2023  Day of Recollection scheduled for Saturday, Feb 25, 2023. Our speaker will be Sister Charlotte Flarlong who has been active in Branson and the Marshfield areas with her wise spiritual direction and inspiring retreats. Her topic will be “Sisters in Christ” and all our diocesan parish women and friends are invited. The morning will start with Mass in the cathedral at 8:30 am followed by two talks and then ending with lunch at 11:30. Please RSVP to St. Agnes 417-831-3565 by Tuesday Feb 21, 2023 if you plan to attend the lunch.

Youth Activities

Steubenville Information: Our parish will need to send their numbers for initial registration by Feb 14th. Steubenville, a youth conference held each July on the campus of MSU is open to youth who will be entering high school in the Fall of 2023 and to those who may have just graduated from high school in May of 2023.  This weekend event features fantastic speakers, lots of music, Adoration, Eucharistic celebrations, Reconciliation, lots of fellowship and so much more.  St. Agnes parish helps its youth with financial assistance and there are also grants available from the diocese.  If you would like to sign up or need more information about Steubenville, please call Iris at the parish office or ibounds at sta-cathedral.org

From the Pastor’s Desk::

Within the Catholic Faith and Sunday Mass is found a liturgy that traces its beginning back to the Last Supper. It is not built upon music, technology or the latest trends. It is the participating in a “living memorial”, which puts us at the table of the Last Supper with Christ Himself. In the fast paced, technological age in which we live, so many people want an instant spirituality or an entertainment religion. The Lord moves slowly in our lives, and it takes a lifetime to build that solid spiritual relationship. The latest trends are actually that, trends, and they will be gone tomorrow. The Liturgy of the Mass may be boring at times to people, but so is going to work every day for 40 years, or school every morning for students. Do we simply allow our young people to stay at home and not go to school because they find it boring, or do adults simply quit their jobs and lay around the house? Our Catholic Faith is built upon Sacred Scripture and Tradition that can be traced back to the founding Apostles. If we get bored with the Mass, perhaps we need to look at ourselves in the mirror and ask, “What am I putting into the celebration of the mass?” Are we reading the scripture readings before mass? Do we come racing into the liturgy at the last moment or even after mass has begun, or go racing out to something else before the mass is concluded? Do we look to be entertained rather than pray and worship God??? The Catholic Mass embraces the mystery of our loving God who sent His Son to die for us. It celebrates that love in an ancient ritual with music, scripture, incense, vestments, liturgical movement that is counter cultural in our society today. As I wrote in last week’s bulletin letter, on Tues we began the first week of Ordinary Time and will continue for seven weeks until we begin Lent. Each Liturgical Season of the year emphasizes a different aspect of Jesus’ life. Within Ordinary Time we are walking with him on the roads of Israel as He proclaims the Kingdom of God through His teachings, many times using parables and miracles. Beginning the New year 2023 is a perfect time to make Sunday Mass a priority in your life and the life of your family.

Youth Activities

Steubenville Information: Hard to believe that it is time for Steubenville sign up for this summer. Our parish will need to send their numbers for initial registration by Feb 14th. Steubenville, a youth conference held each July on the campus of MSU is open to youth who will be entering high school in the Fall of 2023 and to those who may have just graduated from high school in May of 2023. This weekend event features fantastic speakers, lots of music, Adoration, Eucharistic celebrations, Reconciliation, lots of fellowship and so much more. St. Agnes parish helps its youth with financial assistance and there are also grants available from the diocese. If you would like to sign up or need more information about Steubenville, please call Iris at the parish office or ibounds at sta-cathedral.org

CONFIRMATION UPDATES There will be a Confirmation meeting with sponsors to be held in the Upper Conference Room on Sunday, Feb 5th beginning at 10:00 AM. All Confirmation candidates will need to be at this meeting. Their sponsor should plan to attend. If the sponsor cannot attend, a parent or guardian should plan to attend in their place. Candidates should make certain that all information about Confirmation is turned into the parish office. This information includes the place of Baptism, sponsor name and Confirmation name that they have chosen. If you have any questions about the Confirmation process, please contact Iris at the parish office. Confirmation will take place Sat, March 11th at the 5:00 pm Mass. First Eucharist Upcoming Dates: Sunday, Feb 12th at 10:15: Families of Children receiving their First Eucharist will meet to discuss plans, answer questions and to receive resources. Sunday, Feb 12th at 11:30 Mass: Children who are preparing for their First Eucharist will be recognized at this Mass of Commitment.

Diocesan Youth Conference or DYC will be held Friday, March 31st-April 1st in Carthage, MO. The conference is open to youth in grades 7-12. DYC will feature music, dynamic speakers, break out sessions, the sacraments and lots of fellowship. The cost is $60, but grants are available. We would love to take a group to this event, but we need those who are interested to sign up. Please call the parish office for details

AN INVITATION TO ALL WOMEN OF THE PARISH

AN INVITATION TO ALL WOMEN OF THE PARISH All women, all ages are invited to attend the PCCW St. Valentine’s Evening with John Carpenter. His presentation, on the “Qualities of Love” will be given on Tuesday* February 7 from 6:30 – 8:00 PM at St. Agnes Dining Hall. John is a renowned local author and family counselor who will be discussing the “Qualities of LOVE” in Scripture, Messages from Mother Mary, Spiritual Research, Quotes from the Saints, and much, much more. You will enjoy this enlightening and sometimes humorous presentation! Dessert and hot coffee/tea will be served by “Women of Faith’ Group. Be a Friend, Bring a Friend! She will love John’s talk, too! Call the parish office at 417-831-3565 if you plan to attend.

COPING WITH LIFE ALONE

For Divorced Separated Widowed Beginning Experience of Springfield is offering an eight (8) week COPING WITH LIFE ALONE class designed to help individuals work through the trauma of losing a spouse through death, divorce or separation. Participants are introduced to the 5 Stages of Grief, a normal reaction to any significant loss. All sessions are led by a trained group of men and women facilitators who have been there; who themselves are divorced, separated or widowed; thus, a peer ministry of people caring for people and who are willing to share their own experiences to help others. The program follows a specific topic each week, and consists of a presentation and a personal talk given by a facilitator on that week’s topic. Participants and facilitators then discuss the topic in small discussion group. COPING is Christian based and open to all faiths. Join us for this supportive, informative and uplifting eight (8) week Series, or recommend COPING to others. WHEN: Eight (8) THURSDAYS, beginning February 16, 2023 at 6:30 pm WHERE: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church 2200 W. Republic Rd., Springfield, MO COST: $30.00. Scholarships are available. (No one is excluded because an inability to donate.) To Pre-Register: Call Diane at 417-859-0175 or 870- 688-8829, Barb at (417) 827-3641 or Donna at 417- 529-1085.

Youth Activities

Steubenville Information: Hard to believe that it is time for Steubenville sign up for this summer.  Our parish will need to send their numbers for initial registration by Feb 14th. Steubenville, a youth conference held each July on the campus of MSU is open to youth who will be entering high school in the Fall of 2023 and to those who may have just graduated from high school in May of 2023.  This weekend event features fantastic speakers, lots of music, Adoration, Eucharistic celebrations, Reconciliation, lots of fellowship and so much more.  St. Agnes parish helps its youth with financial assistance and there are also grants available from the diocese.  If you would like to sign up or need more information about Steubenville, please call Iris at the parish office or ibounds at sta-cathedral.org

Congratulations to over 21 young people who received their First Reconciliation during the month of December.  Please keep these young people in your prayers as they prepare for their First Eucharist.

First Eucharist Upcoming Dates:

     Sunday, Feb 5th at 10:15:  Families of Children receiving their First Eucharist will meet to discuss plans, answer questions and to receive resources.  

     Sunday, Feb 5th at 11:30 Mass:  Children who are preparing for their First Eucharist will be recognized at this Mass of Commitment.

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS

Deceased members of Rapp and Rippee Family

Vernon & Ida Hanson                         

Lee & Angie Viorel

Lee Viorel, Jr

Mac & Mary  Hammock

Susan Jurgensmeyer

Barb McMillian

Joan Bean

Dorsey Roe, Jr                                    

Ramon Enrique Tiong, SR

Joe Lloyd Roe

Suzette Catimbang Taclindo

Nicole Paena

Fe Samson

Lourdes Nibres

  Paul, Betty & Richard Hund               

  Francis Finch

  Randy Friga                                        

  Friga-Foot Families

  Matthew Zimmerman                          

  Dorothy Gilcrease                               

  Max Sorey                                            

  Ryan Family      

  Procop & Mary Francka

  Jake & Rosie Francka

  Bill Horton

  And In Honor of:

  Fr Lewis Hejna

  Fr Timothy Tran

  Sr Elizabeth Ann Weiler

  Staff                                 

From the Pastor’s Desk:

As Catholic Feasts are celebrated, the Feast of the Holy Family is a relatively new feast. It began to be celebrated in the universal Church in 1920. Devotion to the Holy Family became popular during the 17th century. The theme of family and this feast dedicated to it, is of special importance today in the face of challenges to the contemporary family. Mary and Joseph along with the Christ Child gives us a perfect example of working together as a family. Love, compassion, sharing, caring for one another, are all examples that the three members of the Holy Family provide for us. As couples today have problems and concerns with one another, I invite them to take a good look at Mary and Joseph. Mary, a young girl finds herself expecting a child, and the child was not that of her betrothed. Joseph finds his betrothed carrying a child which he knows is not his. That had to put a strain on the relationship! It took a lot of faith on the part of Joseph to accept the story of the Angel Gabriel and the Holy Spirit. Joseph had the legal right to divorce Mary, as they in the eyes of the Jewish Faith were married, but were in the year before they lived as husband and wife. Finally, it took the Angel Gabriel face to face with Joseph before the situation becomes calm. If all of that was not enough to break Mary and Joseph apart. What followed was that trip to Bethlehem with Mary ready to give birth, especially riding on a donkey, a birth in a stable, and the sudden flight to Egypt, leaving behind home and job. All of this was with the fear of King Herod seeking to kill the new born child. Couples today who are having problems need to sit down together and really look to what the Holy Family teaches through their own lives as family. In fact all of us can learn many virtues from Joseph, Mary and Jesus if we would study their lives. Joseph and Mary work together to provide for the Christ Child and in turn the Scriptures tell us that as Christ grows, He is obedient to Mary and His foster father, Joseph. All three members of the Holy Family have much to teach each of us, single, married, male or female, young or old. As we celebrate this feast, let the members of the Holy Family be our examples of how to treat those whom we should love the most; our spouse, our parents, our children. **Thank you to all who have helped in decorating the church for the Christmas Season. **Thank you to all the members of the choirs, the servers, the liturgical ministers who have given of their time to help lead us in our liturgical celebrations this Christmas. **Thank you to all of you for your gifts and cards

END OF THE YEAR GIVING

Almost half of all charitable giving is made during the last two months of the year. It is a time to give thanks for the blessings we’ve received. It is also a time to review finances and do tax planning. Consider a gift to St. Agnes Cathedral Parish Hall Building Fund as part of your year end planning. To make a gift please visit our website by using the QR code above or by calling 417-831-3565 Ext 110. Thank you and may God Bless you with a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

CATHOLIC CEMETERIES OF SPRINGFIELD ANNOUNCEMENT:

A new columbarium was placed at Resurrection Cemetery (on West Division) on December 9. For information, please contact the cemetery director, Russ Koeneman, at catholiccemeteriesofspringfield@outlook.com

SACRED HEART OVERNIGHT COLD WEATHER SHELTER

Did you know there are at least 600 unsheltered people living on the streets of Springfield? Sacred Heart Parish has opened their cold weather shelter, and we are in need of volunteers to stay overnight while our guests sleep. Volunteers are also needed to prepare dinner and breakfast. Please contact the Parish Office at 417-869-3646 if you are able to help with this ministry.

From the Pastor's Desk

With Christmas on Sunday we are celebrating a very short Christmas Season. Next Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God, the following Sunday the celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord and the next day Monday, January 9, the Baptism of the Lord ending the Christmas Season. The Holy Family falls on Friday December 30th. Devotion to the Holy Family became popular during the 17th century. The theme of family and this feast dedicated to it is of special importance today in the face of challenges to the contemporary family. Students were complaining about the shortness of Christmas vacation. It truly is a short Christmas Season. As I spoke about being on a holy road to the stable in my homily for the third Sunday of Advent be careful so you do not miss it. God choosing to being born in our human form is itself a true wonder. The creator of all, the universe, galaxy and beyond. The creator of all life, human, animal and plant, chose to become a creature in all things but sin. That truly is a wonder. Mary and Joseph along with the Christ Child gives us a perfection example of working together as a family. Love, compassion, sharing, caring for one another, are all examples that the three members of the Holy Family provide for us. As couples today have problems and concerns with one another, I invite them to take a good look at Mary and Joseph. Mary, a young girl finds herself expecting a child, and the child was not that of her betrothed. Joseph finds his betrothed carrying a child which he knows is not his. That had to put a strain on the relationship! It took a lot of faith on the part of Joseph to accept the story of the Angel Gabriel and the Holy Spirit. Finally it took the Angel Gabriel face to face with Joseph before the situation becomes calm. If all of that was not enough to break Mary and Joseph apart, then there was that trip to Bethlehem; a birth in a stable, and the sudden flight to Egypt, leaving behind home and job. All of this was with the fear of King Herod seeking to kill the new born child. Couples today who are having problems need to sit down together and really look to what the Holy Family teaches through their own life of family. In fact all of us can learn many virtues from Joseph, Mary and Jesus if we would study their lives. Joseph and Mary work together to provide for the Christ Child and in turn the Scriptures tell us that as Christ grows, He is obedient to Mary and His foster father, Joseph. All three members of the Holy Family have much to teach each of us, single, married, young or old. As we celebrate Christmas and celebrations of the Mother of God, and Epiphany. If we think we are rushed, with our activities, at least we do not have to flee to a foreign country with soldiers seeking to take our lives.

CHRISTMAS FLOWERS

If you wish to donate to the Christmas Flowers for the Cathedral in memory of Loved ones, send a list to the parish office of those you wish to remember along with your donation in an envelope marked Christmas Flowers.