Bulletin 263

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching

July 5th, 2015

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: Rom. 6: 3-11
Gospel: Mk. 8: 1-9

Mon 6--No Latin Mass

Tue 7--Requiem Mass + M.V. Xavier

Wed 8—Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, Queen & Widow

Thu 9--Feria

Fri 10—Seven Holy Brothers, Martyrs and SS. Rufina & Secunda, Virgins & Martyrs.


Effective Tuesday, June 30th 2015 the daily Mass in the Extraordinary Form will be at 6:30am. There will no longer be Mass in the Extraordinary Form at 12:15pm beginning on June 30th, 2015.

Father Fasching's schedule for the Sacrament of Penance effective Tuesday, June 30 2015 will be as follows:


Tuesday-11:30am-12:15pm
Thursday-11:30am-12:15pm
or by appointment


God alone can give us the proper nourishment that our souls require! He takes pity on us and nourishes our souls to sustain our supernatural life. Saint Paul reminds us that “we are baptized in Christ Jesus...in His death...so we also may walk in newness of life.” Only in Jesus Christ can we find everything we need for the nourishment and life of our souls. It is only in Him that we can find grace, love, faith and the inspiration to practice virtue! We must die a spiritual death to our faults and passions if we are to remain united to Him. This death must be constantly renewed: “I die daily” (1 Cor. 15:31).


In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,


Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 254

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching

May 3, 2015

Fourth Sunday After Easter

Epistle: Jas. 1:17-21
Gospel: Jn. 16: 5-14

Mon 4 -- No Latin Mass

Tue 5 – No Latin Mass

Wed 6– Feria of Paschaltide

Thu 7 – Saint Stanislaus, Bishop @ Martyr

Fri 8 – Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Graces


Saint Agnes Cathedral celebrates First Holy Communion Mass on Sunday, May 3rd at 2:00pm.

The Latin Mass on Sunday, May 3rd will be at 7:00pm.


Christ has confided to His Apostles the sacred deposit of the truths which are to form the object of our faith. During these forty days of Easter we must follow Him in His work of instituting the sacraments. We must not only believe, but we must also incorporate within us the great fruit of our redemption which is called grace. We are living members of our Divine Head and thus joint heirs with Him in the Kingdom of Heaven! It is by means of the sacraments that Christ produces in us this wondrous work of our justification. He applies to us His Incarnation and Sacrifice by a means which He Himself in His power and wisdom has instituted.

When instituting the sacraments, our Lord assigned to each an essential rite: and this rite is outward and sensible. He made the Flesh, which He united to His Divine Person, become the instrument of our salvation by His Passion and Death on the Cross. He redeemed us by shedding His Blood for us! The same is true with respect to the sacraments. He follows the same mysterious plan, taking physical things as His auxiliaries in effecting the work of our justification. He raises them to a supernatural state, and makes them the faithful and all-powerful conductors of His grace.


In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,


Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 253

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching

April 26, 2015

Third Sunday After Easter

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

Mon 27 -- No Latin Mass

Tue 28 – Saint Paul of the Cross, Confessor

Wed 29 – Saint Peter of Verona, Martyr

Thu 30 – Saint Catherine of Sienna, Virgin

Fri 1 – Saint Joseph the Workman—No Latin Mass


Saint Agnes Cathedral celebrates First Holy Communion Mass on Sunday, May 3rd at 2:00pm.

The Latin Mass on Sunday, May 3rd will be at 7:00pm.


We must stay true to the faith even when pagans criticize us! Enemies of the Church want to insult us and cause us to suffer! We must lead exemplary lives so as to be a good example to all. “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Mt 5:16). When we give good example we draw souls closer to God. “There would be no need for preaching if our lives were beacons of virtue-no call for words if we had deeds to show.” (St. John Chrysostom).


The saint says that there would be no pagans if we were truly Christians—if we kept Christ's commandments, if we put up with unjust treatment and deception, if we blessed those who cursed us, if we returned good for evil. “No one would be such a monster not to embrace the true religion immediately if we really lived like that” (Hom. On 1Tim, 10).

Our evil inclinations wage war against our souls says St. Peter. It takes constant effort and prayer to conquer our passions and overcome temptation! We cannot be humble without being despised. We cannot be chaste without mortifying our bodies. We cannot be patient unless we are willing to allow people to offend us. We cannot acquire virtues without the effort it involves to live them! Holiness is a battle!


In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,


Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 252

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching

April 19, 2015

Second Sunday After Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday)

Epistle: 1 Pet. 2: 21-25
Gospel: Jn. 10: 11-16

Mon 20 -- No Latin Mass

Tue 21 – Saint Anselm—Bishop, Confessor & Doctor

Wed 22 – Ss. Soter & Caius—Popes & Martyrs

Thu 23 – Saint George, Martyr

Fri 24 – Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Martyr


Christ is the Good Shepherd. On the Cross His sufferings fulfill the prophecies written about the suffering servant Yahweh in the Book of Isaiah (52:13-53:12). His sufferings have a redemptive value. Christ takes our sins upon Himself and offers them on the Cross to God the Father as an atoning Sacrifice. We are now dead to sin and have the ability to live in righteousness and holiness with the help of God's grace!

No matter what suffering may come our way, it cannot compare to the suffering of Our Lord. When we unite our sufferings to the Passion of Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to merit reward in heaven!

Christ is the Good Shepherd...”I will seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered” (Ezek. 34:12).




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 249

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching

March 29, 2015

Palm Sunday

Epistle: Phil. 2: 5-11
Gospel: Mt. 26: 36-75; 27: 1-60

Mon 30 -- No Latin Mass

Tue 31--Tuesday of Holy Week-Latin Mass-12:15pm-Chrism Mass @ 7:00pm

Wed 1--Wednesday of Holy Week—No Latin Mass

Thu 2 Holy Thursday—No Latin Mass

Fri 3 Good Friday—No Good Friday Liturgy

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


The second Sunday in Passionide, or Palm Sunday, commemorates the last triumph of our Lord Jesus Christ on earth. It marks the beginning of Holy Week. “Let the faithful be invited to take part in the Procession of Palms in greater numbers, thus rendering Christ the King public witness of their love and gratitude.”

On Palm Sunday the Church celebrates the triumphant entry of Our Lord into Jerusalem. The crowds went before and after Jesus Christ with branches cut from trees thrown before Him. They shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.”

We commemorate this triumph by blessing palms and carrying them in solemn procession. Although this triumph ultimately led to the death of Jesus, we know for certain that His Passion and Death is how he conquered the world, sin, and Satan! “If I be lifted up...I will draw all things to Myself.” Jn. 12:32.

The following are announcements from the Office of Vocations regarding discernment opportunities for young men.


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 248

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

March 22nd, 2015

Passion Sunday

Epistle: Heb. 9: 11-15
Gospel: Jn. 8: 46-59

Mon 23-- No Latin Mass
Tue 24 Feria of Passiontide
Wed 25 Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Thu 26 Feria of Passiontide
Fri 27 Feria of Passiontide


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


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


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


St. John teaches that sin is the death of the soul and sanctifying grace is life. To attain eternal life we must do penance for our sins. John the Baptist preached penance in the wilderness. Even if by God's grace we have recognized our sins and made a good confession, there still remains an obligation to make satisfaction to God for the offenses we committed against Him by sinning.

Always carry out the penance imposed upon you by your confessor. Try to do much more than he assigns. We must pray, fast, give alms and make use of our indulgences. We must do our penance as soon as possible.

It is a sin to neglect carrying out our penance! If we feel indifferent to doing penance, pray! Consider the Passion of Jesus Christ and all He has merited for us!


The following are announcements from the Office of Vocations regarding discernment opportunities for young men.


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 198

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

April 6, 2014

Passion Sunday

Epistle: Heb. 9: 11-15
Gospel: Jn. 8: 46-59

Mon 7 No Latin Mass
Tue 8 Tuesday of Passion Week
Wed 9 Wednesday of Passion Week
Thu 10 Thursday of Passion Week
Fri 11 Friday of Passion Week
Sun 13 Palm Sunday

Mass on Friday, April 11 will be followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Stations of the Cross and benediction.

Father Fasching will be gone during Holy Week. There will be no liturgies in the Extraordinary Form during this time. After Palm Sunday, Mass will resume on Easter Sunday.

In Christ,
Fr. Jeffery Fasching

Bulletin 197

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

March 30, 2014

Fourth Sunday of Lent (Leatare Sunday)

Epistle: Gal. 4: 22-31
Gospel: Jn. 6: 1-15

Mon 31 No Latin Mass
Tue 1 Feria of Lent
Wed 2 Feria of Lent
Thu 3 Feria of Lent
Fri 4 Feria of Lent

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

Jesus Christ is the good pastor and the good shepherd. He always has tender compassion for sinners. Christ says: “I am come that they may life and may have it more abundantly.” Christ came to us upon this earth not just to restore the life of grace that we lost through sin, but to give us an even better life than what we had before the fall! Remember the words of Saint Paul: “where sin abounded, grace did more abound.”

Jesus Christ could have redeemed the world simply by willing it, but He suffered such a painful death in order to show us His immense love for mankind. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd giveth his life for his sheep…I lay down my life for my sheep.” God could give us no greater proof of His love! No one, says Jesus Christ, can show greater love to his friends, than to give his life for them. Remember Christ did not only die for His friends, but also for us who were His enemies by sin. Christ’s death satisfies God’s justice for the sins we have committed!

In Christ,

Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 175

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

October 27th, 2013

Christ the King

Epistle: Col. 1: 12-20
Gospel: Jn. 18: 33-37

Mass Schedule October 28th through November 1st:

Mon 28 SS. Simon * & Jude * Apostles—No Latin Mass
Tue 29 Feria
Wed 30 Feria
Thu 31 Feria
Fri All Saints—Mass @ 10:30am


Our next pot-luck dinner will be on Sunday, November 3rd following the 2:30pm Latin Mass in the school cafeteria. This will be combined with an all-saints day party.

All Saints Day is a holy day of obligation in the Universal Church and in the U.S.

The month of November is dedicated to the Holy Souls. On all the days of November from November 1 through November 8 inclusive, a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Poor Souls, is granted to those who visit a cemetery and pray, even if only mentally, for the departed. Partial indulgences are granted to those who recite Lauds or Vespers of the Office of the Dead, and to those who recite the prayer “Requiem aeternam dona eis. Domini, et lux perpetua luceat eis. Requiescant in pace” (“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace”).

Sunday, October 27 is the feast of the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Christ is our King by right. He is the Son of God. In His divine nature as God He is the sovereign Lord and Master. He has conquered sin and Satan through His sufferings, passion and death. We too conquer sin and hell in and through Jesus Christ our King!

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. The following is the text of prayer:

Most sweet Jesus,
Redeemer of the human race,
look down upon us,
humbly prostrate before Thine altar.

We are Thine and Thine we wish to be;
but to be more surely united with Thee,
behold each one of us freely consecrates himself today
to Thy Most Sacred Heart.

Many, indeed, have never known Thee;
many, too, despising Thy precepts,
have rejected Thee.

Have mercy on them all,
most merciful Jesus,
and draw them to Thy Sacred Heart.

Be Thou King, O Lord,
not only of the faithful who have never forsaken Thee,
but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned Thee,
grant that they may quickly return to their Father's house,
lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.
Be Thou King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions,
or whom discord keeps aloof
and call them back to the harbour of truth and unity of faith,
so that soon there may be but one flock and one shepherd.

Be Thou King of all those who even now sit in the shadow of idolatry or Islam,
and refuse not Thou to bring them into the light of Thy kingdom.
Look, finally, with eyes of pity upon the children of that race,
which was for so long a time Thy chosen people;
and let Thy Blood, which was once invoked upon them in vengeance,
now descend upon them also in a cleansing flood of redemption and eternal life.

Grant, O Lord,
to Thy Church,
assurance of freedom and immunity from harm;
give peace and order to all nations,
and make the earth resound
from pole to pole with one cry:
Praise to the Divine Heart
that wrought our salvation:
to it be glory
and honour forever.

Amen

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 144

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT Father Jeff Fasching

March 17th, 2013 Passion Sunday

Epistle: Heb. 9: 11-15; Gospel: Jn. 8: 46-59

Mass schedule March 18th through March 22nd

Monday of Passion Week--NO LATIN MASS

Tuesday—Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Wednesday of Passion Week

Thursday of Passion Week

Friday of Passion Week

During the Fridays of Lent following the 12:15pm Mass, there will be Stations of the Cross with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and Benediction.

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



Laws of Days of Abstinence: The Discipline of 1962

• Applies on one’s 7th birthday.
• Complete Abstinence: all Fridays of the year, Ash Wednesday, Holy Saturday, and the Vigil of Christmas.
• Partial Abstinence (meat and soup or gravy made from meat permitted once a day at the principle meal): all the days of Lent, the Ember Days of Wednesday and Saturday, and the Vigils of Pentecost and the Assumption.
• Abstinence from meat is dispensed on Holy Days of Obligation
Laws of Fast: The Discipline of 1962
• Applies for those aged 21 to 59, inclusive.
• Days of Lent from Ash Wednesday inclusive, Ember Days, and Vigils of Christmas, Pentecost, and the Assumption.
• One full meal permitted and two other meals may be taken which, when combined, are less than a full meal.
The Law of the Eucharistic Fast: The Discipline of 1962
• The complete fast from all food and drink (except for water or medicine) for three hours before the reception of Holy Communion. In the document reducing the fast to three hours, the Pope still encouraged those who were able to maintain the midnight fast which was the previous discipline.

As baptized Christians we are all vessels of election. God has given over to us an immense treasure of grace that we may be holy and spotless in His presence and that we may worthily carry His name before the nations. We have been purchased, and at a price, so we are to glorify God in our bodies. The grace we received at baptism must not remain sterile. We cannot be perfect and thus worthy of God unless we fight manfully at all times against our tendencies to evil.

Saint Alphonsus says that what saddens Jesus Christ is the sight of a baptized soul habitually negligent, without concern for such disorder, without seeking to escape that state of torpor, without fearing that his shameful sleep is the forerunner of spiritual death. You are neither cold by mortal sin, nor hot with an ardent love. You are lukewarm and provoke the disgust of the Almighty. God must restrain Himself not to vomit such a soul out of His mouth! A lukewarm soul is like the paralytic lying helpless before the fountain of grace without strength to approach it. We must wish for Christ’s coming. He alone can cure us. We cannot allow our disease to invade all our members so that we no longer even recoil at the touch of sin! We cannot allow our will to sleep so that it no longer thrills at the remembrance of God’s favors. We cannot allow our faculties to become dulled so that they no longer have any spirit either for prayer or for action or for combat!

Speaking of venial sins, the saint reminds us that the danger is even greater for those who commit many venial sins through attachment to any passion, such as pride, ambition, aversion to a neighbor, or an inordinate affection for any person. Satan slowly draws us in first by a slender thread, then by a cord, then by a rope, and finally by a chain of Hell—that is by mortal sin! Then we are his slaves. We must fight to be slaves of Jesus Christ, rather than Satan.

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 109

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

July 1st, 2012; The Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ

Epistle: Heb. 9: 11-15; Gospel: Jn. 19: 30-35

Mass Schedule July 2nd through July 6th

Monday –Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary-NO LATIN MASS

Tuesday-Saint Irenaeus, Bishop & Martyr

Wednesday-Feria-MASS TIME IS 10:30 AM

Thursday-Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Confessor-NO LATIN MASS

Friday-Sacred Heart of Jesus-NO LATIN MASS


MASS ON WEDNESDAY THE 4TH OF JULY WILL BE AT 10:30 AM

THERE WILL BE NO LATIN MASS ON THURSDAY THE 5TH AND FRIDAY THE 6TH

Jesus Christ has given us His Sacred Body as our food, and His Precious Blood as our drink. His immense love for us allows Him to come down upon our altars under the appearance of bread and wine. Christ instituted the Blessed Eucharist so He could always be united to us. “Come to me all you that labor and are burdened, and I will refresh you.” (Matt. 11:28). “Except you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you shall not have life in you.” (Jn. 6:54).

Let us pray:

Soul of Christ, be my sanctification.
Body of Christ, be my salvation.
Blood of Christ, fill all my veins.
Water of Christ’s side, wash out my stains.
Passion of Christ, my comfort be.
O good Jesus, listen to me.
In Thy Wounds I fain would hide,
Ne’er to be parted from Thy side.
Guard me should the foe assail me.
Call me when my life should fail me.
Bid me to come to Thee above,
With Thy Saints to sing Thy love
World without end Amen.

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 100

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

April 29th, 2012 Third Sunday after Easter

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

Mass Schedule April 30th through May 4th

Monday-Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin-NO LATIN MASS

Tuesday-Saint Joseph the Worker

Wednesday-Saint Athanasius; Bishop, Confessor & Doctor

Thursday-SS. Alexander & Companions, Martyrs

Friday-Sacred Heart of Jesus

The New Testament places strong emphases on the unity of the Church. The Church is:

• one People of God (1 Pet 2.9f)

• one Body of Christ (1 Cor 12.2; Eph 4.4)

• one Temple of the Holy Ghost (Eph 2.21)

• one household of God (Eph 2.19)

• one flock of Christ (Jn 10.16)

• one bride of Christ (Eph 5.25-32).

Last Sunday, when Christ described Himself as the Good Shepherd, He spoke of His desire to unite all His sheep so that there will be but one flock and one shepherd:

“I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep and my sheep know me…I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must lead them, too, and they shall hear my voice. There shall be one flock then, one shepherd.” (Jn 10. 14-16)

Jesus Christ also prayed at the Last Supper for unity when He said:

“I do not pray for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their word, that all may be one, as you, Father, are in me, and I in you; I pray that they may be one in us, that the world may believe that you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me, that they may be one, as we are one—I living in them, you living in me—that their unity may be complete.” (Jn 17.20-23)

Finally, the Epistle to the Ephesians speaks emphatically about the unity which Christians are to preserve and the many bonds that make them one:

“Make every effort to preserve the unity which has the Spirit as its origin and peace as its binding force. There is but one body and one Spirit, just as there is but one hope given all of you by your call. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all, and works through all, and is in all.” (Eph 4.1-5)

Note: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all! Pray for Christian unity!

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 95 Addendum

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806 EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN):

CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

March 25th, 2012 Passion Sunday

Epistle: Heb. 9: 11-15; Gospel: Jn. 8: 46-59

Mass Schedule March 26th through March 30th

Monday: Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary- NO LATIN MASS

Tuesday through Friday: Feria of Passiontide

Christ offered Himself upon the Cross because He willed it. No one took His life from Him. He laid it down freely. Christ offered His life for the sins of the world. By the will of His Father, weariness, fear and sadness broke His heart. Christ was a lonely stranger upon the earth. He was without true friends in the midst of a perverse, sensual and ungrateful people! Imagine how He must have longed for heaven and His Father’s house.

Christ watched in terror as the heartless executioners mocked Him, abused Him and spit in His face. He watched the hypocritical Pharisees ridicule Him on the road to Calvary. Saint Leo the Great tells us that:

“True reverence for the Lord’s passion means fixing the eyes of our heart on Jesus crucified and recognizing in Him our own humanity. The earth-our earthly nature-should tremble at the suffering of its Redeemer. The rocks-the hearts of unbelievers-should burst asunder. The dead, imprisoned in the tombs of their mortality, should come forth, the massive stones now ripped apart. Foreshadowing’s of the future resurrection should appear in the holy city, the Church of God: what is to happen to our bodies should now take place in our hearts.

No one, however weak, is denied a share in the victory of the Cross. No one is beyond the help of the prayer of Christ. His prayer brought benefit to the multitude that raged against Him. How much more does it bring to those who turn to Him in repentance.”

Have you ever experienced a desire to follow Christ in a special way? How can an individual recognize the way of life to which he is called by God? First of all one must have recourse to prayer, and while one prays, one must try to maintain an attitude of perfect detachment, not allowing oneself to be inclined to one alternative rather than to another before God manifests His will. One must maintain a spirit of generosity and readiness to embrace whatever God reveals to be His will. If one prays, reflects, and seeks in this manner, God will let the person know what He wills for the person.

In attempting to discern God’s will in the choice of a way of life, one should place before one’s mind the one end and purpose for which one has been created by God: that is to praise, reverence, and serve God, and in this way to save one’s soul, and be resolved not to allow any other considerations sway one’s choice. Which way of life offers the best means for promoting the greater glory of God? Which way of life provides the best means for attaining the heights of holiness? Which way of life provides the best opportunity for contributing to the well-being of the greater number of people and of helping them attain salvation?

Let me see myself on my death bed and ask myself which choice I would then wish that I had made. I should now make that decision. Let me also see myself standing before God in judgment after my death, and as God asks an account of my life, let me consider which choice I shall then wish that I had made in life. I should now make that decision!

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Springfield area Catholic pro-life supporters have organized the Springfield, MO Life Runners chapter, associated with the National Life Runners Team. Life Runners is an organization encouraging Catholics to support respect for all life from conception through natural death, through prayer, witness, and walking/running. We want to invite all area pro-life Catholics to join Life Runners, and to join in our upcoming events, including:

• Fun Run/Walk at Phelps Grove Park at 8am on April 21 with National Life Runners director Dr. Patrick Castle.

• Walk and Time of Prayers and Witness at Cowden Park across from Planned Parenthood on May 12 from 10am-Noon.

• The Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Medical Mile and 5K on June 2 at Meyer Center by Cox South Hospital.

• Saint Louis Rock and Roll Marathon/Half-Marathon/5K on October 21 in Saint Louis, MO.

For more information, visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/315417748506189/

NOTE: I will be running with Dr. Patrick Castle in the go Saint Louis Marathon in Saint Louis, MO on April 15th, 2012 at 7:00am. This is Divine Mercy Sunday.

THERE WILL BE NO LATIN MASS ON APRIL 15TH AT 2:30PM.

THERE WILL BE NO POT LUCK DINNER THIS MONTH…OUR NEXT POT LUCK DINNER WILL BE APRIL 1 IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE 2:30PM MASS.

Bulletin 92

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806 EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS: Celebrant Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

March 4, 2012 Second Sunday of Lent (No Latin Mass)

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

Mass Schedule March 5th through March 9th

Monday-------FERIA OF LENT-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-------FERIA OF LENT
Wednesday---FERIA OF LENT
Thursday------FERIA OF LENT
Friday----------FERIA OF LENT

Sunday, March 4th at 3:00pm is the Rite of Election at Saint Agnes Cathedral. There will be no Latin Mass.

From a sermon by Saint Leo the Great, pope:

The Lord reveals His glory in the presence of chosen witnesses. His body is like that of the rest of mankind, but He makes it shine with such splendor that His face becomes like the sun in glory and His garments as white as snow.

The great reason for this transfiguration was to remove the scandal of the cross from the hearts of His disciples, and to prevent the humiliation of His voluntary suffering from disturbing the faith of those who had witnessed the surpassing glory that lay concealed.

With no less forethought He was also providing a firm foundation for the hope of holy Church. The whole body of Christ was to understand the kind of transformation that it would receive as His gift. The members of that body were to look forward to a share in that glory which first blazed out in Christ their head.

The Lord had Himself spoken of this when He foretold the splendor of His coming: “Then the just will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” Saint Paul the apostle bore witness to this same truth when he said: “I consider that the sufferings of the present time are not to be compared with the future glory that is to be revealed in us.” In another place he says: “You are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, your life is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

…In the preaching of the holy Gospel all should receive a strengthening of their faith. No one should be ashamed of the cross of Christ, through which the world has been redeemed.

No one should fear to suffer for the sake of justice; no one should lose confidence in the reward that has been promised. The way to rest is through toil, the way to life is through death. Christ has taken on Himself the whole weakness of our lowly human nature. If then we are steadfast in our faith in Him and in our love for Him, we win the victory that He has won, we receive what He has promised…
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Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 80

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806 EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS: Celebrant Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

December 11th, 2011 Third Sunday of Advent (Gaudete Sunday)

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

Mass Schedule December 12th through December 16th

Monday-Feria of Advent-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Saint Lucy, Virgin & Martyr
Wednesday-Ember Wednesday
Thursday-Requiem Mass + Deacon Bill McNamee
Friday-Ember Friday

Christians are a people of joy! When we sin we lose our joy because we offend God. However, if we repent and purify ourselves in the sacrament of penance God will always forgive us. True peace and joy is the result of nothing other than remaining faithful to God and embracing the Cross. We must remember that Advent is a season of repentance and penance. Those who know God realize that enduring afflictions with patience and faith will always strengthen our faith and ultimately lead to joy.

John the Baptist preached repentance and exemplified a life of penance. Concerning the value of penance, the Council of Trent teaches: “…penances greatly detach penitents from sin; they act like a bridle to keep them in check, and make them more cautious and vigilant in the future. They also heal the after-effects of sin and destroy evil habits acquired through a bad life…Besides, when we suffer in satisfaction for our sins we conform ourselves to Christ Jesus who made satisfaction for our sins (cf. Rom. 5.10; 1 Jn. 2.1f)…; this gives us the surest pledge that, while suffering with him, we shall also be glorified with him (Rom. 8.17).”

Penance atones for sin, satisfies the demands of God’s holiness and justice, pays the debt of temporal punishment due to sin, restores glory to God, and averts divine punishment. It focuses the penitent’s mind more clearly on God and increases sensitivity to spiritual values. Penance intensifies sorrow for sin and desire for holiness. It repairs and heals the harmful effects which sin has done to one’s self, to other persons, and to the social order. Furthermore, penance weakens the bonds of sinful attachments. It gives the penitent better control over unruly nature and deters the penitent from committing sin in the future. Penance strengthens the penitent’s resolve to overcome sin and advance in virtue. Finally, penance conforms the penitent to the likeness of Christ’s passion and therefore prepares the penitent to share the glory of His resurrection!

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching