Epiphany

The Epiphany of Our Lord Jesus Christ...

Epiphany means the Manifestation of God. Jesus Christ is God and Lord of the entire world! The star appears in the East, the water is changed into wine at the wedding feast of Cana, and tomorrow Jesus is Baptized in the Jordan by John..."This is my beloved Son," says the voice from heaven. All these miracles help us to recognize the Child Jesus as our God and King. They help us to adore Him with greater faith!

"We are the people of Your pasture and the sheep of your hand." (Psalm 94). Jesus reveals Himself to the world. We must beg Him to reveal Himself more and more to our own souls!

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 275

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching

September 27th, 2015

18th Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: 1 Cor. 1: 4-8
Gospel: Mt. 9: 1-8

Mon 28 No Latin Mass
Tues 29 No Latin Mass
Wed 30 St. Jerome-Priest, Confessor & Doctor
Thu 1 St. Remigius-Bishop & Confessor
Fri 2 Holy Guardian Angels


Sunday, October 25 is the feast of the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ. One may gain a plenary indulgence by the public recitation of the Act of Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Jesus Christ has passed on to the Apostles and their successors in the priestly ministry the power to forgive sins: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, the are retained.” Jn. 20: 22-23. “Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven,” Mt. 18:18. Priests exercise the power in the sacrament of Penance. They act not in their own name but in Christ's—In persona Christi, as instruments of the Lord!

We should always approach Confession with respect, veneration and gratitude because we see Christ Himself in the person of the priest. The words of absolution are uttered by Christ Himself through the priest. This is why the priest says “I absolve you”, and not “Christ absolves you” from your sins! He speaks in the first person to fully identify himself with Jesus Christ Himself...St. Pius V.


In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,

Father 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 255

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching

May 10, 2015

Fifth Sunday After Easter

Epistle: Jas. 1:22-27
Gospel: Jn. 16:23-30

Mon 11 -- No Latin Mass

Tue 12 – Ss. Nereus, Achilleus, Domitilla, Virgin, & Pancras, Martyrs

Wed 13 – Vigil of the Ascension

Thu 14 – Ascension of the Lord

Fri 15 – Saint John Baptist de la Salle, Confessor


At the last Supper, Christ warned His apostles that He would soon be leaving them. He would soon return to the glory He always had with His Father in heaven. At this point, the apostles were far from knowing and loving Jesus perfectly. They knew that He came forth from God, but their faith was still very weak, and they would soon lose it altogether. The apostles were now enjoying Christ's company after His Resurrection. Christ teaches them everything they are required to know in order to become the teachers of the whole world.

Jesus says to His apostles: “The Father loveth you, because ye have loved Me.” We ourselves should be consoled by these words. Christ tells us to ask God the Father for everything we need. We should ask first and foremost to persevere in the spirit of Eastertide. We should pray to Saint James, the apostle of Paschal Time and the apostle of good works that we may obtain the grace to persevere in this new life of grace with our risen Lord! It is not enough to simply believe, says Saint James, but we must also demonstrate our faith with good works!


In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,


Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 250

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching

April 5, 2015

Easter Sunday

Epistle: I Cor. 5:7-8
Gospel: Mk. 16: 1-7

Mon 6 Easter Monday -- No Latin Mass

Tue 7 Easter Tuesday

Wed 8 Easter Wednesday

Thu 9 Easter Thursday

Fri 10 Easter Friday

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

HE IS RISEN!

The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass today is filled with allusions to the Resurrection of our Lord and to Baptism. Jesus was immolated, but He triumphs on the Cross! He comes forth triumphant from the sepulcher...

Alleluia!

“This is the day which the Lord has made; let us celebrate it with transports of joy.” (From the Office of the Church).

Christ has triumphed over all His enemies. He has clothed in glory and splendor His Body which had been Victim. Christ has triumphed over death! He is God Divine!

“If Christ be not risen again your faith is vain.” 1Cor. 15

St. Paul reminds us that God has given us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ...! Our destiny is heaven!


The following is from the office of vocations:


Quo Vadis-Kenrick-Glennon Seminary April 10-11, 2015


An opportunity for young men discerning a call to the priesthood or just
want to learn more about the priesthood to visit a local seminary, listen and interact with seminarians.


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 245

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

March 1st, 2015

Second Sunday of Lent

Epistle: 1 Thess. 4: 1-7
Gospel: Mt. 17: 1-9

Mon 2-- No Latin Mass
Tue 3 Feria of Lent-- No Latin Mass
Wed 4 Feria of Lent
Thu 5 Feria of Lent
Fri 6 Sacred Heart of Jesus

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament followed by benediction after Mass on March 6th.

Stations of the Cross will be prayed after Mass on Fridays during Lent.

The next pot luck is scheduled for Sunday, March 1st immediately following the 2:30pm Latin Mass.

On each of the Fridays of Lent, a plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, after Communion, recite the “Prayer Before a Crucifix.”


After entering into Paradise, the Blessed will have no more sorrows. “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” “And death shall be no more, nor mourning, nor crying, nor sorrow, shall be any more, for the former things are passed away.” And He that sat on the throne, said: “Behold, I make all things new.” Rev. 21:5.

In Paradise, death and the fear of death are no more. There are no more sorrows, no infirmities, no poverty and no inconveniences. There are no persecutions and no envy. Each rejoices at the happiness of others as if it were his own. There is no more fear of eternal perdition. The soul is confirmed in grace. It cannot sin and cannot lose God!

All these are nothing, however, compared with seeing and loving God face to face. God Himself, whom the saints are allowed to behold, is the principal reward of the just in heaven. We must therefore bear with courage our current sufferings. They are nothing in order to gain heaven. “Your sorrow will be turned into joy.” John 16:20.

We must now love God and work for heaven. The saints wait for us. Mary expects us. Jesus Christ expects us. He holds a crown for each of us!


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 222

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

September 21, 2014

15th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Mon 22 No Latin Mass
Tue 23 Saint Linus * Pope & Martyr
Wed 24 Ember Wednesday
Thu 25 Feria
Fri 26 Ember Friday

If we look to the New Testament, Christ is constantly exhorting us to observe His commandments. He promises great reward for those who do so. Jesus Christ promises us heaven. Nothing on this earth is capable of gratifying our hearts. We were created for God only. We can find happiness in God alone! Jesus Christ exhorts us to care little for the things of this world, but instead to look for our reward in heaven-a reward that can never come to an end. In the Gospel when Christ is surrounded by people who appeared to think only of their worldly necessities, He said to them: “Be not solicitous as to what you shall eat, and wherewith you shall be clothed. And desiring to make them understand that everything concerning the body was of little consequence, He said to them: “Consider the lilies of the field, they toil not, neither do they spin; and behold your heavenly Father clotheth them; for I say unto you that not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. Observe the birds of the air, they neither sow nor reap, nor do they gather into barns, yet behold how your heavenly Father cares for them. O, ye of little faith, are you not of more account than they? Seek first the kingdom of heaven; that is to say, keep My commandments faithfully, and all things else shall be added unto you over and above.”

If we seek first and foremost to please God above all else and to save our souls, we will never be in want of worldly necessities. Everything we have comes from the goodness of God. When we observe exactly what God commands, we are amazed to find just how God cares for those who strive to please Him. There are many more examples in the Old Testament of how God rewards those who remain true to Him. But the New Testament has many as well. God fed the multitudes with five small loaves and two fishes because the people followed Jesus Christ and sought the sanctification of their souls. All the saints were cared for because they faithfully followed the commandments of God.

In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,

Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 221

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

September 14th 2014

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Epistle: Phil. 2: 5-11
Gospel: Jn. 12: 31-36

Mon 15 No Latin Mass
Tue 16 SS. Cornelius * Pope, & Cyprian * Martyrs
Wed 17 Feria
Thu 18 Saint Joseph of Cupertino, Confessor
Fri 19 Saint Januarius & Companions, Martyrs

Our next pot-luck dinner will take place in the school cafeteria on Sunday, September 14th immediately following the 2:30pm Mass. All are invited. In conjunction with the potluck dinner J.B. Kelley's family business will have their “traveling gift shop” set up in the Saint Agnes cafeteria to offer Catholic books, bibles, 1962 missals, DVD's, devotional items, Mystic Monk coffee and tea, and many other gifts.

If you have a special request for a book or other item, please contact J.B. Kelly prior to September 14th. This is provided as a service to the Latin Mass community with thanks to J.B. Kelley.

In addition to serving as celebrant for Mass in the Extraordinary Form (Latin) here at Saint Agnes Cathedral in Springfield, Fr. Fasching continues to serve as chaplain to the non-Catholic hospitals in the Springfield area. These include Cox South, Cox North, Cox Walnut Lawn, Ozarks Community Hospital, and Select Specialty Hospital.

Fr. Fasching also assists Father Paul Wightman, O.M.I., with his parishes including Immaculate Heart of Mary, Mansfield; Sacred Heart, Mountain Grove; Saint Leo the Great, Ava; Saint William, Gainesville; and Saint Michael, Cabool.

As you know, there is no scheduled Latin Mass during the week on Mondays. This is Father Fasching's day off. You are asked not to attempt to contact him on this day.

You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, soul and strength. God promises an eternal reward to those who faithfully keep His commandments. On the other hand, God threatens eternal punishment to those who do not. If we find ourselves constantly troubled in this life, it is because we fail to keep the commandments of God faithfully! God has said: “If you keep my commandments faithfully I will bless you in many ways; if, however, you transgress them, you will be cursed in everything you do.” If we wish to be truly happy in this word insofar as we can, there is no other means but that of keeping God's commandments faithfully. The minute we turn aside from God's path, both body and soul will be unhappy not only in this life, but possibly in the next life as well! Eternal happiness truly depends upon our ability to faithfully observe the commandments which God has given us. God rewards in this life those that are faithful to Him.

The Scriptures themselves show us that all those who chose to observe God's commandments were always happy. God never abandons those who do what God commands them to do. In the Book of Genesis Adam is a great example! As long as Adam observed God's law faithfully, he enjoyed a blissful state in absolutely every respect. His body, soul, mind and all his senses were directed to God alone. He even kept company with the angels of heaven! The bliss of our first parents would have remained forever had they continued faithful to their duties. But unfortunately we know that this happy state did not last long. The evil one, so jealous of such bliss, robbed them of all their possessions which they should have enjoyed for all eternity. The very second they chose to transgress God's commandments, everything went wrong with them. Troubles, cares, sickness and fear of death and punishment in the next life took the place of their former bliss. Their lives became nothing but tears and sufferings!


In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,

Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 211

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

July 6, 2014

4th Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: Rom. 8: 18-23
Gospel: Lk. 5: 1-11

Mon 7 SS. Cyril & Methodius, Bishops & Confessors-No Latin Mass
Tue 8 Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, Queen & Widow
Wed 9 Feria
Thu 10 Seven Holy Brothers, Martyrs and SS. Rufina & Secunda, Virgins & Martyrs
Fri 11 Feria

The scriptures remind us that we are pilgrims on a journey. We do not belong to this world. Heaven is our true homeland and we must acquire it by God's grace and our own good works. We shouldn't seek after too much happiness in this world because before we know it the time will come for us to leave it. We must prepare for eternal life now.

When we keep death before our eyes we learn to despise the goods of this world. We live well when keep in mind our last day. God has prepared for us a home with Him in heaven. We must use this life to make ourselves ready!

In Christ,

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

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 182

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

December 15th, 2013
Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday)
Epistle: Phil. 4: 4-7
Gospel: Jn. 1: 19-28

Mass Schedule December 16th – December 20th

Mon 16 No Latin Mass
Tue 17 Greater Feria of Advent
Wed 18 Ember Wednesday
Thu 19 Greater Feria of Advent
Fri 20 Ember Friday

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 be the homilist at Mass and will be joining us for dinner.

Mass in the Extraordinary Form on Christmas day will be at 2:30pm at Saint Agnes Cathedral.

Midnight Mass will be offered in the Extraordinary Form at 12:00pm midnight on New Year’s Eve at Saint Agnes Cathedral. This is the Octave Day of Christmas and a Holy Day of Obligation in the United States.

In the Book of Revelations we read:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband, and I heard a great voice from the throne saying, “Behold the dwelling of God is with men. He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be with them. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain any more, for the former things have passed away.”

Advent is a time of hope and expectation. We look forward to a renewal. We look forward to a time when creation itself will be set free from its bondage to death. God has in store for His children things that we cannot imagine now, but one day we shall see God as He is. We are made in God’s image. Since we share in His divine nature we hope for the day that we will be able to see God as He sees Himself!

In Christ,

Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 180

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

December 1st, 2013
First Sunday of Advent
Epistle: Rom. 13: 11-14
Gospel: Lk. 21: 25-33

Mass Schedule December 2nd – December 6th

Mon 2 No Latin Mass
Tue 3 Saint Francis Xavier, Confessor
Wed 4 Saint Peter Chrysologus; Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Thu 5 Feria of Advent
Fri 6 Sacred Heart of Jesus—Mass will be followed by Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction.


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 be the homilist at Mass and will be joining us for dinner.


Sunday, December 8th is the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Your prayers are requested for those who will be making their Total Consecration to Jesus Christ through the Blessed Virgin Mary during Mass on this day.


Christ’s second coming will be a most solemn event. There will be a public and general judgment for each individual and God’s mercy and justice will be made manifest for the whole world to see! This will be a day of terror for those who have lived evil lives and joy for those who have remained faithful to Jesus Christ. A reward will soon come so never give up the fight against evil! Christ’s victory on the cross is a victory over sin and Satan. On the Day of Judgment this victory will be seen clearly. We must therefore be vigilant! “He ascended into heaven whence He will come again to judge the living and the dead, each according to his merits. Those who have responded to the love and compassion of God will go into eternal life. Those who have refused them to the end will be consigned to the fire that is never extinguished.”

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 178

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

November 17th, 2013
6th Resumed Sunday after Epiphany
Epistle: 1 Thess. 1: 2-10
Gospel: Mt. 13: 31-35

Mass Schedule November 18th through November 22nd

Mon 18 No Latin Mass
Tue 19 No Latin Mass
Wed 20 Saint Felix of Valois, Confessor
Thu 21 Requiem Mass
Fri 22 Saint Cecilia * Virgin & Martyr

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.

It is natural to fear death, but we really should not. In fact, it is not at all a morbid desire to long for death with one’s whole heart and soul! Actually we should rejoice at death because death means that we are finally delivered from this present “valley of tears” and all our earthly suffering! Death delivers us from our actual sins and through death we are given the chance to enter into the heavenly Paradise for which we were born!

What is death? Job says that our life is full of miseries, infirmities, crosses, persecutions and fears. This is not a life for rest and enjoyment, but for labor and suffering! The only way we can merit heaven is by toil, labor and pain. It is true that death is the punishment of sin, but the miseries this life offers are so great that death should seem to be a relief rather than a punishment.

If we are prepared to die, death is welcomed. In our earthly life the world, evil spirits, the flesh and the passions all draw the soul to sin and eternal death. But death brings us to the possession of Jesus Christ, our true life!

In Christ,

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 161

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

July 21, 2013 9th Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: 1 Cor. 10:6-13; Gospel: Luke 19:41-47

Mass Schedule July 22 through July 26

Mon 22 Saint Mary Magdalene, Penitent—No Latin Mass

Tue 23 Saint Apollinaris, Bishop & Martyr

Wed 24 Feria

Thu 25 Saint James the Greater, Apostle

Fri 26 Saint Anne, Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary

God has called mankind in His gracious goodness to a destiny surpassing its natural powers. We were created for heaven and eternity. God has elevated our nature by endowing it with supernatural life! This is a sharing in His divine life! God gives us grace as a pure gift, but we must receive it and cooperate with it in order to grow in union with Him. In Catholic tradition, this free cooperation with grace that permits us to grow in divine life is called merit. Merit may be defined as a good work freely done that is worthy of a promised reward. It may be defined as the right to a promised reward because of a good work done.

When God, in His mercy, freely justifies the sinner and gives the life of grace, with this gift He bestows the capacity to cooperate with grace and thus grow in the life of grace. This capacity is what is meant by merit. For example, a man mows your yard and you pay him twenty dollars. When the person is done he deserves the amount you agreed to pay him. He has merited his work. An athlete wins a marathon. He runs faster than all the other runners. He has merited the coveted first place prize!

Although the noun “merit” is not a biblical term, it has been traditionally used to express a complex of ideas that are found in the Bible. It is similar in this respect to words like “Holy Trinity,” “Bible,” “Holy Eucharist,” “Holy Orders,” “ordination,” etc., which are also not found in the Bible but which express realities taught in the Bible. The reality of merit is expressed in the Bible under images such as reward, repayment, wages, prize, crown, which God as a just judge promises to give to men because of good works done during their life on earth.

Jesus Christ often speaks of the reward that will be given for good works. For example, to those who suffer persecution for His sake He says: “Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is great in heaven” (Mt 5.11f).
“When you give pray, do it in secret, “and your Father who sees in secret will repay you” (Mt 6.6). When you fast, do not appear to be fasting, “and your Father who sees what is hidden will repay you” (Mt 6.18).
He urges His disciples not to store up earthly treasure but instead to store up treasure in heaven (Mt 6.20). When Peter asked Jesus what the disciples can expect for having given up all things to follow Him, Jesus says: “Everyone who has given up home, brothers or sisters, father or mother, wife or children or property for my sake will receive many times as much and inherit everlasting life” (Mt 19.27-29).

In Christ,

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 156

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

June 16, 2013 4th Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: Rom. 8: 18-23; Gospel: Lk. 5: 1-11

Mass Schedule June 17 through June 21

Mon 17 Saint Gregory Barbarigo, Bishop & Confessor- No Latin Mass

Tue 18 Saint Ephrem of Syria; Deacon, Confessor & Doctor

Wed 19 Saint Juliana of Falconieri, Virgin

Thu 20 Saint Silverius, Pope & Martyr

Fri 21 Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Confessor-NO LATIN MASS

The next pot-luck dinner will be on Sunday, June 30 in the school cafeteria immediately following the 2:30pm Latin Mass. All are invited to attend.

There will be no Latin Mass on Friday, June 21st.

We are all going to die, but we cannot be certain when that day will come. We must never lose sight of the fact that death is certain for all of us. Here on earth we are pilgrims on a journey. The letter to the Hebrews reminds us: “For we have not here a lasting city, but we seek one that is to come.” Our true home is in heaven with God. We must therefore be careful to seek after too much happiness in this life and thus expose ourselves to the danger of misery in the next. Our true home is an eternal home. We are souls who have faith. We must use our lives here as a preparation for the day we meet Jesus Christ as our Judge.

When we frequently think of the reality of death we are able to detach ourselves from the goods of the earth. If we often consider how we must soon leave this world, we will learn to despise riches, pleasures and honor in this life. We know not the day or the hour. Now is the time to make ready.

In Christ,

Father Jeffery Fasching

Bulletin 149

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

April 21st, 2013 Third Sunday after Easter

Epistle: 1 Pet. 2: 11-19
Gospel: Jn. 16: 16-22

Mass schedule April 22nd through April 26th

Monday: SS. Soter & Caius, Popes & Martyrs —No Latin Mass
Tuesday: Feria of Paschaltide
Wednesday: St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Martyr
Thursday: St. Mark, Evangelist
Friday: SS. Cletus & Marcellinus, Popes & Martyrs

All are invited to the pot-luck dinner Sunday, April 21st immediately following the 2:30pm Mass in the school cafeteria.

Jesus Christ has commanded us to take up our Crosses and follow Him if we wish to gain eternal life. He clearly taught that His followers would undergo sufferings and persecutions in this life, but they would have their reward in heaven if they remained faithful. The rest of the world will make merry and rejoice, while the Christian will suffer persecutions. Catholic Doctrine has always taught that the only way to share in the glory of the Resurrection is through the Cross. All the saints were familiar with suffering. In fact, they became extremely anxious when they were not made to suffer because they felt like Christ had abandoned them! “Take up thy Cross and follow me,” says Jesus Christ. You must either suffer in this life or give up the hope of seeing God in heaven!

In Christ,

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 146

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

March 31st, 2013 Easter Sunday

Epistle: I Cor. 5: 7-8
Gospel: Mk. 16: 1-7

Mass schedule April 1st through April 5th

Easter Monday No Latin Mass
Easter Tuesday
Easter Wednesday
Easter Thursday
Easter Friday

On Easter Sunday the Mass highlights the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead! The Mass also alludes to the spiritual resurrection experienced by all those who have been baptized. We recall Christ’s death on the Cross through which He triumphed over sin and Satan, but today we joyfully emphasize how Christ rises from the grave to the dismay of His enemies!

In the office of the Church we proclaim: “This is the day which the Lord had made; let us celebrate it with transports of joy.”

The Body of Christ which previously had been scourged, beaten and nailed to the Cross comes forth from the tomb in resplendent fashion! The Victim once slain by the cruelty of man now shows in a glorious way His triumph over death. The Resurrection is the most concrete proof of Christ’s Divinity. Our belief in the Resurrection is the foundation of our faith. Saint Augustine once wrote that the Resurrection of Christ is God’s supreme and wholly marvelous work! Saint Paul writes: “If Christ be not risen again your faith is in vain.” (I Cor. 15) Furthermore, “God hath given us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. He hath raised us up together with Christ and hath made us sit together in the heavenly places.”


In Christ,

Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 130

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

December 9th, 2012; Second Sunday of Advent

Epistle: Rom. 15: 4-13; Gospel: Matt. 11: 2-10

Mass schedule December 10th through December 14th

Monday: Feria of Advent--No Latin Mass

Tuesday: Requiem Mass + Mary D’souza

Wednesday: Feria of Advent

Thursday: Requiem Mass + Kennedy Creado

Friday: Feria of Advent

NOTE: December 8 (Immaculate Conception) is a holy day of obligation. Mass will be at 2:30pm

“Blessed is he who will not be scandalized in Me.” How could anybody be scandalized after having seen Jesus Christ perform so many miracles, works of charity and mercy? But Jesus Christ says: “I will be the disgrace of men, the outcast of the people. I will be a scandal to the Jews and a stumbling block to the Gentiles. But blessed is he who will not be scandalized in me. For I, who am now working such great miracles in your midst, must be crucified and attached to a Cross. Because of that many will be scandalized.” Blessed are those who will not be scandalized at Our Lord’s humiliations when they see Him outcast and everybody’s laughingstock. Blessed are they who, during their lives, crucify themselves with Him, meditating on His Passion and mortifying themselves with Him.

This is our true path if we are true Christians. We must cling to the Cross, and constantly meditate upon it. There is no other path to Heaven. Jesus Christ has given us the example. If we do not meditate upon the Cross and practice self-mortification we will remain empty of good. We will be scandalized by Our Lord’s Passion just as were many of His contemporaries. There is no other gate to Heaven than that of humiliation and mortification.

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Jeff Fasching