Pentecost

Come Holy Ghost! The Holy Ghost is the life-blood of the Church. He is all-powerful. After Christ had ascended into heaven, He sent the Holy Ghost upon his apostles and they were filled with strength, confidence, boldness and an unwavering faith--even in the face of persecution and death!

We have received the very same Holy Ghost through baptism and confirmation. We should know without a doubt that we too have the power to trample upon the world! We have all power over sin and satan. When we possess the Holy Ghost we can accomplish all we set our minds to! The Almighty God dwells in our very being. He is within us!

Come Holy Ghost!

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 273

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching

September 13th, 2015

16th Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: Eph. 3:13-21
Gospel: Lk. 14: 1-11

Mon 14 No Latin Mass
Tues 15 Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Wed 16 SS. Cornelius * Pope & Cyprian * Martyrs
Thu 17 Stigmata of St. Francis
Fri 18 St. Joseph of Cupertino, Confessor


Did you know that Catholic Prayer in Latin is more powerful than in any other language?
This appears to be the opinion reached by certain members of the clergy, in particular exorcists. In the book " Hostage to the Devil" by Fr. Malachi Martin, an interesting comment is made by the author which sheds light on this particular point. On page 460 of the book, while explaining the Ritual of Exorcism, Fr. Martin goes on to say...." Nowadays part of the text - especially well known prayers- are sometimes prayed in the vernacular (German, English, French, etc.), but among exorcists as a class of Church Ministers, there seems to be a persuasion born from experience that the Latin Text has some special unction and disruptive value for Evil Spirit.” What this observation tells us is that the Rite of Exorcism when prayed in Latin has a more powerful effect in expelling demons. Why would this be so?

First, let's look at why the Catholic Church chose Latin as its Official Language. In the early days of the Church, communication between Rome and the rest of the Church was slow. Documents had to be translated into the different dialects for the various regions where Catholicism had spread to. Once translated they had to be written by hand because the printing press had yet to be invented. It was a time consuming process. In order to expedite communication something had to be done. Latin was the international language at the time and so it was the logical choice.

The Church then decreed that Latin would be its Official Language and anyone who was part of the Church would have to speak it. The Church chose Latin for practical reasons. Perhaps what the Church did not realize at the time was the effect that this decision would have on Catholic prayer. But why?

The answer can be found in the Gospel of Matthew (16:18-19) where we read ....." you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church...and whatsoever you shall bind on earth, shall be bound also in Heaven.” Therefore when His Church decreed that Latin would be the Mother Tongue of Catholicism it bound Latin in Heaven.

If this were not true then exorcists would not have noticed such a dramatic difference whenever they prayed the Ritual of Exorcism in Latin. Does this mean that as Catholics we must become fluent in Latin? No. But you will find that learning the basic Catholic prayers in Latin (as well as attending the Latin Mass) will have a profound effect & be spiritually profitable.

Start off by learning the shortest prayers (Sign of the Cross, Glory Be, Hail Mary, etc) , then move on to the rest (Our Father, Apostle's Creed, Latin Rosary, etc). We must emphasize that all Catholics should always pray with fervor & faith no matter which language they speak. But if you decide to take your prayer to another level then do so in Latin.

--- Regina Magazine


In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,

Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 251

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching

April 12, 2015

Low Sunday (Divine Mercy Sunday)

Epistle: 1 Jn. 5: 4-10
Gospel: Jn. 20: 19-31

Mon 13 -- No Latin Mass

Tue 14 – Saint Justin, Martyr

Wed 15 – Feria in Paschaltide

Thu 16 – Feria in Paschaltide

Fri 17 – Saint Anicetus, Pope & Martyr

The next potluck will be on Divine Mercy Sunday-April 12th.

A plenary indulgence is granted to those who take part in the prayers and devotions held in honor of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the Merciful Lord Jesus (e.g., “Merciful Jesus, I trust in You!”).

If unable to get to church for the above, one may gain the same indulgence by reciting the Our Father and the Creed before a devout image of Our Merciful Lord Jesus Christ and, in addition, praying a devout invocation to the Merciful Lord Jesus (e.g., “Merciful Jesus, I trust in You!”).





Mercy is of the very essence of the redemptive incarnation of the priesthood of Jesus Christ. By its very nature, His priesthood is a work of mercy based on the covenant of mercy that God made with man. Christ brought God's gift of mercy to man, bringing forgiveness of sin by the Sacrifice of His own Body and Blood---a new and eternal covenant of God's merciful love.

We should be able to see the relationship between the Gospel and Divine Mercy. Listen to the words of Pope Benedict XVI from his Regina Caeli message on Divine Mercy Sunday in 2008: “Indeed mercy is the central nucleus of the Gospel message; it is the very name of God, the Face with which he revealed Himself in the Old Covenant and fully in Jesus Christ, the incarnation of creative and redemptive Love. May this merciful love also shine on the face of the Church and show itself through the sacraments, in particular that of Penance, and in works of charity, both communitarian and individual. May all that the Church says and does manifest the mercy God feels for man, and therefore for us…From Divine Mercy, which brings peace to hearts, genuine peace flows into the world, peace between different peoples, cultures and religions.”



Exploring Priesthood Weekend—April 17-19, 2015


Is a retreat designed to help men discern God's call to the diocesan priesthood. To be called by God to serve Him as a priest means to have one's soul stirred deep within. Throughout a weekend of prayer, discussion and group interaction, men begin to better understand God's movement in their life. Exploring priesthood weekends are held at Mundelein Seminary.


Discernment Retreat for College age men—April 24-26, 2015 at Meinrad Seminary in Indiana.


Encounter with God's call—April 18-20, 2015 at Conception Seminary College--for young men 16 and under who are considering a vocation to the priesthood.


For more information, please contact Fr. Patrick Nwokoye, Director of Vocation Promotion at 573-200-1814—email: pnwokoye@dioscg.org or Fr. J. Friedel, Director of Vocations/Seminarians, at jfriedel@dioscg.org.



In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,


Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 239

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

January 18, 2015

2nd Sunday after Epiphany

Epistle: Rom. 12: 6-16
Gospel: Jn. 2: 1-11

Mon 19 No Latin Mass
Tue 20 Saint Fabian, Pope & Sebastian, Martyrs
Wed 21 Saint Agnes * Virgin & Martyr
Thu 22 Ss. Vincent & Anastasius, Martyrs
Fri 23 Requiem Mass + Paul Shideler


The potluck dinner for January will be held on Sunday the 18th immediately following the 2:30pm Latin Mass.


Why Latin?

The Traditional Latin Mass is celebrated in the ancient and venerable language of the Catholic Church. Yes, Latin is the official language of the Church! The Latin Language gives a sense of mystery and a sense of the sacred. If we hear the language of Latin referred to as a “dead” language it is because it is no longer spoken as the vernacular language in any country today. But the Mass is offered in Latin precisely because Latin words do not change in meaning. Pope Pius XII explains: “The use of the Latin language is a manifest and beautiful sign of unity, as well as an effective anecdote for any corruption of doctrinal truth.”

The Blessed Virgin Mary possesses great power to obtain from God the graces we stand in need of. She is always ready to assist us in all our wants. The Blessed Virgin Mary's merit is so great that her prayers cannot fail to be heard. Since Mary is the Mother of God, her petitions take on the nature of a command. It is impossible that they cannot be heard. The intercession of Mary is all-powerful.

Mary's place in Heaven is such that she enjoys the vision of God. She knows our wants very clearly and always desires to assist us. Let us turn to her in a time when she in needed more than ever. Let us turn to Mary to combat the evil that runs rampant in our world! Let us turn to Mary to save a culture than has grown indifferent to the immense favors of her Son Jesus Christ!

Father Fasching's Mass Travel Schedule – Christmas & Easter

Jan. 24 – 25 - 3rd Sunday of the Year
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching

Feb. 7- 8 - 5th - Sunday of the Year
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching

Feb. 18 - Ash Wednesday -
Gainesville and Ava – Fr. Fasching

Feb. 21 – 22 - 1st Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching

Mar. 7 – 8 - 3rd Sunday of Lent
Gainesville and Ava - Fr. Fasching

Mar. 21 – 22 - 5th Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching

Apr. 18 - 19 - 3rd Sunday of Easter
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching

May 2 – 3 - 5th Sunday of Easter
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching

May 16 – 17 - 7th Sunday of Easter - Confirmation - Ava
Cabool - Sat.4:00 PM - Fr. Fasching
Mt. Grove, Sun. 10:30 AM – Fr. Fasching

May30 – 31 - Trinity Sunday
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching


In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,

Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 238

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

January 11, 2015

The Holy Family

Epistle: Col. 3: 12-17
Gospel: Luke 2: 42-52

Mon 12 No Latin Mass
Tue 13 Commemoration of the Baptism of the Lord
Wed 14 Saint Hilary-Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Thu 15 Saint Paul, the First Hermit-Confessor
Fri 16 Saint Marcellus I-Pope & Martyr


The potluck dinner for January will be held on Sunday the 18th immediately following the 2:30pm Latin Mass.


Why Latin?

The Traditional Latin Mass is celebrated in the ancient and venerable language of the Catholic Church. Yes, Latin is the official language of the Church! The Latin Language gives a sense of mystery and a sense of the sacred. If we hear the language of Latin referred to as a “dead” language it is because it is no longer spoken as the vernacular language in any country today. But the Mass is offered in Latin precisely because Latin words do not change in meaning. Pope Pius XII explains: “The use of the Latin language is a manifest and beautiful sign of unity, as well as an effective anecdote for any corruption of doctrinal truth.”





Father Fasching's Mass Travel Schedule – Christmas & Easter


Jan. 10 – 11 – Baptism of the Lord
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching

Jan. 24 – 25 - 3rd Sunday of the Year
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching

Feb. 7- 8 - 5th - Sunday of the Year
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching

Feb. 18 - Ash Wednesday -
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching


Feb. 21 – 22 - 1st Sunday of Lent
Gainesville, Ava – Fr. Fasching

Mar. 7 – 8 - 3rd Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove - Fr. Fasching

Mar. 21 – 22 - 5th Sunday of Lent
Gainesville, Ava – Fr. Fasching

Apr. 18 - 19 - 3rd Sunday of Easter
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching

May 2 – 3 - 5th Sunday of Easter
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching

May 16 – 17 - 7th Sunday of Easter - Confirmation - Ava
Cabool - Sat.4:00 PM - Fr. Fasching
Mt. Grove, Sun. 10:30 AM – Fr. Fasching

May30 – 31 - Trinity Sunday
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching


In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,

Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 210

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

June 29, 2014

SS. Peter & Paul * Apostles

Epistle: Acts 12: 1-11
Gospel: Mt. 16: 13-19

Mon 30 Commemoration of Saint Paul * Apostle, No Latin Mass
Tue 1 Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Wed 2 Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Thu 3 Saint Irenaeus, Bishop & Martyr
Fri Sacred Heart of Jesus

Mass on Friday, July 4 will be followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and benediction.

The Magisterium of the Church, in the First Vatican Council, defined the doctrine of the primacy of Peter and his successors in these terms:

“We teach and declare, therefore, according to the testimony of the Gospel that the primacy of jurisdiction over the whole Church was immediately and directly promised to and conferred upon the blessed Apostle Peter by Christ the Lord. For Simon, Christ had said, 'You shall be called Cephas' (Jn 1:42). Then, after Simon had acknowledged Christ with the confession, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God' (Mt 16:16), it was to Simon alone that the solemn words were spoken by the Lord: 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and what you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven' (Mt 16: 17-19).”

We are bound to believe that Christ Himself gave to Peter the authority of Prince of the Apostles as the visible head over the whole Church militant. Whoever succeeds Peter in this Chair holds Peter's primacy over the whole Church according to the plan of Christ Himself!


In Christ,

Father Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletion 206

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

June 1, 2014

External Solemnity of the Ascension

Epistle: Acts 1: 1-11
Gospel: Mk. 16: 14-20

Mon 2 No Latin Mass
Tue 3 Feria after Ascension
Wed 4 Saint Francis Caracciolo, Confessor
Thu 5 Saint Boniface, Bishop & Martyr
Fri 6 Sacred Heart of Jesus

Mass on June 22nd (the External Solemnity of Corpus Christi) will begin at 1:30pm followed by a procession with the Blessed Sacrament. You are invited to Join His Excellency, Bishop James Johnston for Mass and the procession.

Pot-luck following Mass on Sunday, June 1.

Mass on June 6 will be followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and benediction.

The Gospel reminds us of the “universal apostolic mandate.” Christ commanded His Apostles to preach the Gospel to the whole world. This command applies also to the successors of the Apostles, the bishops who are in communion with Peter’s successor, the Pope.

In fact, the whole Church has a responsibility to spread the kingdom of Christ throughout the whole world! Our vocation as Christians must embrace making Christ known to all. Christ wills that men be an instrument of salvation for others. The second Vatican Council teaches us that all Christians should work to bring all men to the knowledge of Christ’s message of salvation!

Christ is the one mediator and way of salvation. He is present to us in His body which is the Church. We must help others to know and embrace this truth!

In Christ,

Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 200

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

April 27, 2014

Low Sunday (Octave Day of Easter)

Epistle: 1 Jn. 5: 4-10
Gospel: Jn. 20: 19-31

Mon 21 Easter Monday No Latin Mass
Tue 22 Easter Tuesday No Latin Mass
Wed 23 Easter Wednesday
Thu 24 Easter Thursday
Fri 25 Easter Friday

Pot-luck dinner Sunday, April 27 following the 2:30pm Mass. This is Divine Mercy Sunday. A plenary indulgence is granted to those who take part in the prayers and devotions held in honor of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the Merciful Lord Jesus (e.g., "Merciful Jesus, I trust in You!"). If unable to get to church for the above, one may gain the same indulgence be reciting the Our Father and the Creed before a devout image of Our Merciful Lord Jesus Christ and, in addition, praying a devout invocation to the Merciful Lord Jesus Christ.

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be sung immediately following Mass today.


In Christo Jesu et Maria Immaculata,

Father Jeffery Fasching

Bulletin 199

Holy Week 2014 at Saint Agnes Cathedral:


Tuesday---Chrism Mass 7:00pm at Saint Agnes Cathedral with his Excellency Bishop James V. Johnston

Holy Thursday---Mass of the Lord's Supper 7:00pm with his Excellency Bishop James V. Johnston

Good Friday---Liturgy at 7:00pm with his Excellency Bishop James V. Johnston


Mass on Easter Sunday at 2:30pm


Pot-luck dinner Sunday, April 27 immediately following the 2:30pm Mass. This is Divine Mercy Sunday. A plenary indulgence is granted to those who take part in the prayers and devotions held in honor of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the Merciful Lord Jesus (e.g., "Merciful Jesus, I trust in You!"). If unable to get to church for the above, one may gain the same indulgence be reciting the Our Father and the Creed before a devout image of Our Merciful Lord Jesus Christ and, in addition, praying a devout invocation to the Merciful Lord Jesus Christ.


In Christo Jesu et Maria Immaculata,

Father Jeffery Fasching

Bulletin 188

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching

January 26, 2014
3rd Sunday After Epiphany
Epistle: Rom. 12: 16-21
Gospel: Mt. 8: 1-13

Mass Schedule January 27-31

Mon 27 No Latin Mass
Tue 28 No Latin Mass
Wed 29 Saint Francis de Sales; Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Thu 30 Saint Martina; Virgin & Martyr
Fri 31 Saint John Bosco, Confessor

“I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.” Upon seeing the centurion’s great faith, Jesus Christ instantly restored to health his servant. Christ then said to His disciples: “Many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of Heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into the exterior darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Jesus Christ reminds us that many people born in infidelity will be saved, and many who are born into the bosom of the Church shall be cast into Hell!

On the Day of Judgment many shall see people whom they knew among the elect of God, but because they chose not to stop their life of sin, they themselves have gone into Hell. If we lose Heaven it is our own fault. We must stop now our life of sin while we still have time. If you choose not to change your life now, you may very well be abandoned by God. In times of temptation remember the reality of Hell. Turn to Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary who will deliver you from sin!

In Christo Jesu et Maria Immaculata,

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 179

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

November 24th, 2013

24th and Last Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: Col. 1: 9-14
Gospel: Mt. 24: 13-25

Mass Schedule November 25th through November 29th

Mon 25 No Latin Mass
Tue 26 Saint Sylvester, Abbot
Wed 27 Requiem Mass
Thu 28 No Latin Mass
Fri 29 No Latin Mass

Our next pot-luck dinner will be on Sunday, December 22nd following the 2:30pm Latin Mass in the school cafeteria. His Excellency, Bishop James Johnston will join us for Mass and dinner.

Saint Paul always encouraged his brothers to advance in holiness through prayer and intense effort! Sanctity is something that is not simply handed to us. We must work hard for it every day. We need the Holy Ghost to enlighten us with wisdom, understanding and strength. Saint Thomas Aquinas says: “it is not enough to have knowledge, for he who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it commits sin, therefore one must need to perform virtuous actions.” We have to rely on God for strength in order to do good.

We also have “the inheritance of the saints” in order to draw on the treasury of spiritual goods which the Church is constantly applying to its members. These include prayers, merits and sacrifices which benefit all of us! God has brought us out of darkness into His own wonderful light says Saint Paul. This has been through no merits of ours or any past service we have rendered to God, but only the merits of the only mediator, Jesus Christ!

In Christ,

Fr. Jeffery Fasching

Bulletin 167

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

September 1st, 15th Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: Gal. 5: 25, 26; 6: 1-10-- Gospel: Lk. 7: 11-16

There will be NO LATIN MASS September 2nd through September 6th. Fr. Fasching will be on vacation.

Although young infants will often sleep or rest quietly during the time of Mass, there are times when they must be taken out of the church so as to not be disruptive to the priest and the rest of the congregation. The Holy Sacrifice is a time of prayer. Some parents seem to find difficult to remove their children from the church when they find it hard to control them. We must remember that the saints assure us that distracted efforts to pray are always richly rewarded. Parents may always ask other adults without children to pray for them during the time of Mass. Pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary for patience and ask the Holy Family for help.

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 166

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

August 25th, 14th Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: Gal. 5: 16-24; Gospel: Mt. 6: 24-33

Mass Schedule August 26th through August 30th

Mon 26 Feria--No Latin Mass

Tue 27 Saint Joseph Calasance, Confessor

Wed 28 Saint Augustine; Bishop, Confessor & Doctor

Thu 29 Beheading of Saint John Baptist

Fri 30 Requiem Mass M.S. John

Our next pot-luck dinner will be held on Sunday, September 8th immediately following the 2:30pm Mass in the school cafeteria. All are invited to attend.

There will be NO LATIN MASS September 2nd through September 6th. Fr. Fasching will be on vacation.

Children are so precious to Our Lord Jesus Christ! “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not” says Our Lord. Jesus Christ desires that young children attend Mass and make visits to the Blessed Sacrament. However, when making visits to church or attending Mass a parent must teach their young children discipline and set clear expectations as to how they are to conduct themselves.

For example, if a child misbehaves and is sent to the back of the church this should not be a reward for misbehavior. You must let him know that being removed from the church means further discipline, not the chance to play and run free. A child must know your expectations to remain quiet while in church and must be shown consistency in your discipline. A child will need reminding about the necessity of being quiet in church. Eventually he will need to understand that it is also important to be able to sit still in church. This training should take place before the child is able to walk.

Children respond to the expectations of adults when they are presented clearly and consistently. Scripture warns parents: “and a child left to himself will become headstrong.” A child’s behavior reflects his parent’s own parental skills.

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 164

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

August 11th, 12th Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: 2 Cor. 3: 4-9; Gospel: Luke 10: 23-37

Mass Schedule August 12th through August 16th

Mon 12 Saint Clare, Virgin—No Latin Mass

Tue 13 Feria

Wed 14 Vigil of the Assumption

Thu 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary—Mass @ 10:30am

Fri 16 Saint Joachim, Father of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Mass for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary will be as 10:30am on Thursday, August 15th.

Our next pot-luck dinner will be held on Sunday, September 8th immediately following the 2:30pm Mass in the school cafeteria. All are invited to attend.

Sloth is one of the seven deadly sins. Sloth is defined as laziness or carelessness to do right and to practice virtue because of the trouble attached to it. Christian modesty is a virtue, but it has been forgotten even among Catholics today. We need modesty in order to protect chastity. We cannot restore chastity to the individual, the family or the society as long as modesty is either ignored or violated on such a large scale as it is today!

There have been no fewer than five modern Popes who have time and again issued directives on Christian modesty in order to refute all the modern errors. Is this not why Jesus Christ established in His Church the Supreme Teaching Authority?! Christ did this to protect the Church from errors and to correct the clergy, the teachers and the parents who, intentionally or in good faith, would propagate errors.

Unfortunately, anyone who in today’s culture dares to advocate traditional Christian modesty is considered, even by a large number of Catholics, a scrupulous person, or a nut. However, remember that Christ said this would be the price one must pay who strives to be loyal to Him and His Church and not to the world.

Pope Pius XII has said: “Mainly through sins of impurity do the forces of darkness subjugate souls.” This same message was given by Our Lady of Fatima: “The sins that lead most souls to hell are the sins of the flesh.” Impurity has become the ruling passion of the world due to a general breakdown of modesty. It is like a spiritual cancer slowly eating away the spiritual life of souls. The question becomes: “is it a losing battle to go against the ways of our culture with respect to modesty and chastity?” The answer is this is exactly what Satan would like us to believe. Our silence would be leaving the entire field of morality in his blood thirsty hands. Pope Pius XII has pointed out the seriousness of our world situation as well as the remedy-confident recourse to The Blessed Virgin Mary.

Our Popes have taught the following: A dress cannot be called decent which is cut deeper than two fingers breadth under the pit of the throat, which does not cover the arms at least to the elbows, and scarcely reaches a bit beyond the knees. Furthermore dresses of transparent material are improper. Does my back, stomach or shoulders show? Does my back or stomach show when I bend or stretch? When bending over does my blouse hang down and open for everyone to see? Is my blouse or top tight? Is it more loose fitting or is it too tight and revealing? Can one see the outline of my underwear through my tight-fitting clothing? Blouses and tops that are too tight are very immodest and say a lot about the woman who wears such a blouse or top. Lastly, how much flesh is showing? Modesty is not just about how much of our skin is showing, but how much of our feminine shape is showing.

Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 152

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

Mass Schedule for Pentecost

Tue 21 Tuesday after Pentecost

Wed 22 Ember Wednesday of Pentecost

Thu 23 Thursday after Pentecost

Fri 24 Ember Friday of Pentecost

The Church recalls that the Holy Ghost descended upon the Apostles when “suddenly there came a sound from heaven,” and the Holy Ghost descended upon the Apostles. They received the visible presence of God in the form of fire. Since God is love, Jesus Christ says: If a man loves Me, he will keep My word.” Our love for God is therefore proved by our works. We love God when we keep His commandments and deny ourselves the gratification of our appetites. As baptized Christians, we must always call to mind our great dignity because we have God abiding as a guest in our souls. We must therefore cleanse our hearts and minds from all filth and works of iniquity. Jesus says: “We will come to him, and make our abode with him.”

Fr. Jeffery Fasching

Bulletin 131

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

December 16th, 2012; Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday)

Epistle: Phil. 4:4-7; Gospel: Jn. 1:19-28

Mass schedule December 17th through December 21st

Monday: Greater Feria of Advent--No Latin Mass

Tuesday: Greater Feria of Advent

Wednesday: Ember Wednesday of Advent

Thursday: Greater Feria of Advent

Friday: Saint Thomas * Apostle

The most powerful temptations we can possibly experience are those to ambition, pride and arrogance. Ambition is the worst of them because it caused Lucifer to be cast out of heaven into hell. Some theologians say it was because of a spiritual self-complacency combined with an awareness of their angelic nature’s grandeur and excellence, which caused such self-pride that he and the fallen angels arrogantly desired to be equal to God.

Contrast this attitude with that of Saint John the Baptist in today’s Gospel. Saint John played a significant role in the mystery of the Visitation. His humility thus appears to be the most excellent and the most perfect that has ever been, after only Our Lord Himself and the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was sanctified in the womb of his mother, Saint Anne, when Mary paid her a visit while pregnant with Our Savior. He went on to perform an outstanding, single-minded, public ministry in pointing the way to Christ. Saint John was so effective and well-liked that his followers were ready to name him the Messiah. Saint John was tempted with one of the most violent temptations imaginable to pride and ambition. It was even presented by his own friends, sent to him from Jerusalem by the hypocritical doctors of the Law. They wanted to find out if John was actually the Christ. If so, they wanted to give John his due honor.

The religious leaders were waiting for the Messiah. They knew that all the prophecies had been fulfilled. Jesus Christ came performing miracles and teaching His doctrine. However, instead of acknowledging Him, the religious leaders go looking for someone else. When asked, Saint John said I am not the Christ. He could have easily accepted the praise that his followers wished to bestow upon him, but he did not. John was so humble and truthful that he refused even to accept credit that he actually deserved!

We can learn humility from Saint John the Baptist. We can learn humility from the Blessed Virgin Mary. We should acknowledge the teaching of Christ who said “Learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart.”

In Christ,

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 118

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

September 9th, 2012; 15th Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: Gal. 5:25,26; 6:1-10 Gospel: Lk. 7:11-16

Mass Schedule September 10th through September 14th

Monday –Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, Confessor-- NO LATIN MASS

Tuesday-Requiem Mass +Rose Xavier

Wednesday-Most Holy Name of Mary

Thursday-Feria

Friday-Exaltation of the Holy Cross

There will be a Potluck dinner Sunday, September 9th immediately following the 2:30pm Mass in the Saint Agnes school cafeteria. All are invited.

John the Baptist said the Lord will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire (Matt. 3:12; Luke 3:17). This unquenchable fire is the state of eternal separation from God, which the Church has called “hell” for 2,000 years.

Jesus says: “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matt. 25:41). “They will go away into eternal punishment” (Matt. 25:46). This is in reference to eternal fire.

Purgatory occupies an important place in our holy religion. It forms one of the principal parts of the work of Jesus Christ, and plays an essential role in the economy of the salvation of man. We must pray for the dead and foster a devotion to the souls in Purgatory.

The Book of Maccabees reminds us that: “It is a holy and wholesome thought, to pray for the dead, that they may loosed from sins.” Prayer for the dead, sacrifices, and suffrages all form a part of Christian worship and devotion towards the souls in Purgatory which the Holy Ghost Himself infuses with charity into the hearts of the faithful.

One of the best means of avoiding Purgatory is to foster a tender devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Charity and works of mercy of every kind are also a powerful means to avoid Purgatory. Blessed are the merciful; for they shall obtain mercy. Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you shall be forgiven. If you forgive men their offenses, your Heavenly Father will forgive you also your offenses. Give to everyone that asks of you, and it shall be given to you; for with the same measure that you shall give, it shall be measured to you again.

Sincerely in Christ,

Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 108

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

June 24th, 2012 Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Epistle: Is. 49: 1-3,5,6,7; Gospel: Lk. 1: 57-68

Mass Schedule June 25th through June 29th

Monday –Saint William, Abbot-NO LATIN MASS

Tuesday-SS. John & Paul, Martyrs

Wednesday-Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Thursday-Vigil of SS. Peter & Paul, Apostles

Friday-SS. Peter & Paul, Apostles

Thank you to Jim Gillett who planned and organized the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament through the streets of Springfield! Thanks to all of you who participated and were involved in making this event with the Bishop a great success!

Saint John the Baptist grew up to lead an austere life. The scriptures tell us that he lived in the desert in solitude to prepare for his ministry. When he began preaching repentance and the coming of the Christ, people flocked to him in order to listen to his words. John the Baptist was never concerned with the passing things of the world. His focus was on Christ alone and the coming of God’s kingdom. He knew his role as a pilgrim on earth. John the Baptist’s followers instinctively knew that he was a man of God.

Vatican II teaches us that Christians, on pilgrimage toward the heavenly city, should seek and savor the things which are above. This duty increases our obligation to work with all men in bringing others to Christ. A pilgrim, like John the Baptist, maintains a certain detachment with regard to the goods he meets along the way. While enjoying and making good use of whatever will help him in his journey, he does not loiter along the way to the eternal kingdom. John the Baptist always kept his focus. So it is with the Christian on the way to the eternal kingdom. As Christians, we have died with Christ in Baptism. We seek no longer the goods of this world but our hearts should be set on things that are above, where Christ reigns. Saint Paul writes to the Colossians:

If then you were raised with Christ, seek what is above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Think of what is above, not of what is on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God (Col 3.1f).

Sincerely in Christ,

Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 107

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

June 17th, 2012 External Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Epistle: Eph. 3:8-12, 14-19; Gospel: Jn. 19:31-37

Mass Schedule June 18th through June 22nd

Monday –Saint Ephrem of Syria; Deacon, Confessor and Doctor-NO LATIN MASS

Tuesday-Saint Juliana of Falconieri; Virgin

Wednesday-Saint Silverius; Pope and Martyr

Thursday-Saint Aloysius Gonzaga; Confessor

Friday-Saint Paulinus of Nola

Thank you to Jim Gillett who planned and organized the Procession of the Blessed Sacrament through the streets of Springfield! Thanks to all of you who participated and were involved in making this event with the Bishop a great success!

The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus should prompt us to remember the infinite love which Jesus Christ shows us in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar. When we consider the life of Christ-- His suffering, passion and death, we must realize He didn’t stop giving of Himself after He wrought our redemption. He instituted the Eucharist before He died so that He could be with us until the end of time.

Christ gave His life for us on the cross. He continues always to give of Himself in the Blessed Eucharist. In so doing He shares with us all of His blessings! “Come to me all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you.” (Matt. 11:28). Christ gives Himself to us to be our strength and nourishment! When we possess Jesus Christ we possess all things!

Sincerely in Christ,

Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 106

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

June 10th, 2012 External Solemnity of Corpus Christi

Epistle: 1 Cor. 11:23-29; Gospel: Jn. 6:56-59

Mass Schedule June 11th through June 15th

Monday –Saint Barnabas, Apostle-NO LATIN MASS

Tuesday-Saint John of San Facundo, Confessor

Wednesday-Saint Anthony of Padua, Confessor & Doctor

Thursday-Saint Basil the Great, Bishop, Confessor & Doctor

Friday-Sacred Heart of Jesus

JUNE 10, 2012 IS THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI. MASS WILL BEGIN AT 2:00 PM. A PROCESSION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT WILL IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW MASS BEGINNING AT 4:00PM. JOIN HIS EXCELLENCY, BISHOP JAMES V. JOHNSTON FOR THIS DIOCESAN EVENT.

THERE WILL BE NO CONFESSIONS ON SUNDAY, JUNE 10 BEFORE THE 2:00PM MASS.

Friday, June 15, 2012: A plenary indulgence may be gained by saying the Act of Reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus publicly in front of the Blessed Sacrament today. I will lead those who attend Mass on the Feast of the Sacred Heart in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament Exposed. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will continue for a period followed by Benediction.

Corpus Christi is a special day in the life of the Church. What an infinite treasure Christ has bestowed upon us in giving Himself in the Blessed Sacrament! Our Lord Jesus Christ is truly present—Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the consecrated host. The words of our Savior are clear: “Take ye and eat, this is my Body, which shall be delivered for you…This chalice is the new testament in My Blood; this do ye, as often as you shall drink, for the commemoration of Me.”

We must take great pains to consume the Body and Blood of Christ in a worthy manner, lest we be guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord. Saint Paul is very explicit when he says: “For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh judgment to himself, not discerning the Body of the Lord!”

Jesus says in the Gospel: “My Flesh is meat indeed, and My Blood is drink indeed. He that eateth My Flesh, and drinketh My Blood, abideth in Me, and I in him…He that eateth this bread shall live for ever!”

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Jeffery Fasching