From the Pastor's Desk

We find ourselves in the glow of the Easter Candle for the 50 days after Easter. Lent has ended, perhaps before some even knew it had begun. Our secular society is rushing after whatever will sell next in the stores, but the Catholic Church continues to celebrate the Resurrection of our savior. Christ walked the earth following His resurrection, appearing and strengthening the apostles and disciples for their mission ahead. Within the liturgy of the Catholic Church we relive those events of Jesus’ life. As we celebrated the liturgies of the Triduum, each of those liturgies were a reliving of those most special events of Jesus’ life. Those liturgies use all of our senses to help us experience those events. From the washing of feet, to processions, to incense, music, candles, extra readings, darkness, fire; all the senses were engaged. Some may ask what is the importance of redoing these liturgies each year? Easter is Easter, lets’ go to Church, out to eat and get on with the next thing. We as adults are no different than children. Repetition is an important role in imprinting both our brains and our spirits. The liturgical year is built around the preparation for the birth of Christ, His birth, His life and ministry, including His teachings and miracles, His Passion, Death and Resurrection. All of this is followed by a period of strengthening the early church in the days following the Resurrection, until we return to Ordinary Time when we continue walking with Christ in His ministry period. When we experience a stimulus over and over, the memories become a subconscious part of who we are. Our Catholic Liturgical year is to help us to become fully immersed in Christ’s life and the life of the early church. Symbols and signs connect us to the universal church, through generations and across the world. Our Easter Candle is an essential part of our worship, as it proclaims Christ alive, shining in a world of darkness and sin. The Easter Candle is lite during the Easter Season, during each baptism, and the celebration of a funeral liturgy. During the Easter Season I try to keep fresh flowers in the sanctuary as another symbol of life. I want to thank everyone who helped in the purchasing of our Easter flowers and also for all your Easter Cards.

HELP WANTED

The St Vincent de Paul organization of this parish needs more members with fresh ideas and a willingness to help the needy with guidance and practical assistance. It can be more important to change a light bulb in the ceiling than giving them food. Actually visiting the homebound and others who need help is an objective that was dropped because of Covid; with new volunteers –who would visit in pairs—we could restart this. But right now 50 percent of our active members are over 80 years old, and the money you give for this purpose is spent mostly for food assistance, utilities, gas vouchers and bus passes. If you are interested in joining this group as active members, contact Ron Enos at 417-619-9827 or Sister Elizabeth Ann at the parish office 417-831-3565.

K of C Parish Breakfast

The monthly breakfast, sponsored by your Knights of Columbus, will be held the Sunday after Easter (April 16th). We serve a hot breakfast after the 8:00 AM Mass. This month will include French toast, eggs, and sausage. Come join us!

WOMEN OF FAITH

Women of the parish are invited to join the Women of Faith group for Mass at Campus Ministry, 847 S. Holland at 12:15 pm on Wednesday, April 12. After Mass we will go to lunch at Hong Kong Inn at 1632 E. Sunshine

From the Pastor’s Desk:

This weekend, 25 Candidates received the Sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Rice here at St. Agnes Cathedral. They began their preparation in August and it was one of choice, commitment, witness, and ministry. The candidates were asked over the months to take a good hard look at their practice of their faith life, to participate in the sacramental classes, perform apostolic works and make their own decision to ask for the sacrament. After meeting with each candidate for 15-20 minutes I happily recommended these candidates to our bishop. I celebrate and congratulate all those young people who took the time of preparation prayerfully and seriously. The size of the parish depends how often the bishop may come to celebrate the sacrament of Confirmation. It may be every three years, thus Confirmation in the past was given at all different ages. I personally received the sacrament when I was in the eighth grade. Our Bishop along with our Presbyteral Council recommend that the age of celebrating the Sacrament of Confirmation be lower from Sophomore to Senior to no younger than 7th grade and before their Sophomore year. The exact years would depend upon how offer the bishop comes to the parish for Confirmation. The Diocese had begun this discussion years about 12 years ago when I was a member of the Presbyteral Council. Our candidates came from the eighth grade classes The Sacrament of Confirmation is a special event in the life of an individual Catholic and the entire parish family. Its’ call and grace confirm discipleship. The fullness of the gifts of the Holy Spirit help to form the Christian more fully in the image of Jesus Christ. We may use the term, an adult Catholic, within the Church with all the responsibilities that parents had accepted when they asked to have their son or daughter baptized. Thus Vatican II decreed that the rite of the sacrament be revised, that those receiving the sacrament be fully educated so that its’ connection with the whole church and the rite of Christian Initiation be understood. As early as the 7th Century, the post baptismal anointing with Sacred Chrism by the bishop became the regular practice in the Western Roman Catholic Church. Medieval theologians saw Confirmation as a gift of the Holy Spirit for the strengthening of the candidate’s inner life and social witness. By the 16th century, the general practice after the Tridentine reforms was to confirm, as an affirmation or public profession, the baptismal commitment that had been made by parents and god parents at the time of Baptism. Following Vatican II, two major understandings and approaches to the sacrament of Confirmation became accepted. The importance of Confirmation as a part of the RCIA with the Easter Vigil, and the maturity model as a person becomes more active within the Church, using their gifts and talents for the building up of Gods’ Kingdom by asking for the fullness of the Holy Spirit in ones’ life.

Parish Breakfast

Your Knights of Columbus will be hosting their monthly breakfast for the parish next Sunday, March 19th after the 8:00 AM Mass. Please join your fellow parishioners for a filling meal of biscuits & gravy, eggs, and sausage. Coffee, juice, milk, and fruit cups are also on the menu. See you there!

AREA LENTEN PENANCE SERVICES

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

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

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.