Showing posts with label humility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label humility. Show all posts

Sunday, September 6, 2015

Bulletin 272

AINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching

September 6, 2015

15th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Mon 7 No Latin Mass
Tues 8 Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Wed 9 St. Gorgonius, Martyr
Thu 10 St. Nicholas of Tolentino, Confessor
Fri 11 SS. Protus & Hyacinth, Martyrs

We must love others in order to fulfill the law of Christ. This is the “New Commandment.” Jesus says: “By this you will be known, by the love you have for one another!” Part of loving others involves fraternal correction. We cannot stand idly by while others are sinning all around us. But we must do it will all gentleness and humility. We must always be conscious of our own weakness and personal shortcomings. St. Augustine says that we must never take issue with another's sin without first examining our own conscience. Self-knowledge leads us to humility. We must always act out of love. St. Paul says we must examine our own conscience in order to discover what really motivates our actions. We must strive to always act out of love for God.


In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,

Father Jeff Fasching

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Bulletin 267

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching

August 2nd, 2015

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: 1 Cor. 12:2-11
Gospel: Lk. 18:9-14

Mon 3 No Latin Mass

Tue 4 Saint Dominic, Confessor

Wed 5 Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major

Thu 6 Transfiguration of Our Lord

Fri 7 Sacred Heart of Jesus


Join the Latin Mass community for a pot-luck dinner immediately following Sunday Mass on August 16th in the school cafeteria.

A plenary indulgence may be gained by visiting a church on the second day of August and reciting there an Our Father and the Creed.


Sanctifying grace and charity alone give supernatural life to the soul. St. Thomas says that while grace and charity sanctify the soul and unite it to God, these gifts are ordered for the good of others. St. Paul himself says: ...”all this without charity, is nothing.” Charity is always the most fundamental characteristic of the Christian soul. It is also the greatest gift the Holy Ghost can give us! “No man can say the Lord Jesus but by the Holy Ghost,” says St. Paul. A soul not vivified by the Holy Ghost cannot perform acts of supernatural value.

Humility is the virtue which allows us to practice charity. In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, the Pharisee praises himself and is puffed up with pride. He cannot pray because he has no charity. Remember the words of St. James: “God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” Jas. 4:6. The pride of the the Pharisee is his condemnation, whereas the attitude of the publican is completely different. He is a poor man who knows he has sinned. In humility he trusts in God's mercy: “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” God loves to pardon the humble! St. Augustine says: “God prefers humility in things that are done badly, rather than pride in those which are done well.” We are not justified by our virtues and good works, but by grace and charity!


In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,


Father Jeff Fasching

Friday, July 24, 2015

Bulletin 266

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching

July 26th, 2015

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

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

Mon 27--No Latin Mass

Tue 28—SS. Nazarius & Celsus, Martyrs
Saint Victor I, Pope & Martyr, &
Saint Innocent I, Pope & Confessor

Wed 29—Saint Martha, Virgin

Thu 30—SS. Abdon & Sennen, Martyrs

Fr 31—Saint Ignatius Loyola, Confessor


“Now all these things happened to them in figure, and they are written for our correction...Wherefore, he that thinketh himself to stand, let him take heed lest he fall. (Saint Paul). Saint Paul urges us to embrace vigilance and humility. When God grants favors to us in any form, it should always deepen our humility of heart. We must be always on guard against presuming upon His graces. We must always humbly mistrust ourselves and trust in God alone. We must never consider ourselves free from weakness or, even worse, condemn others for theirs!

Saint Paul also urges us to have confidence: “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able: but will make also with temptation issue, that you may be able to bear it.” The knowledge of our weakness should never discourage us because God is always ready to help us with His grace! “God is faithful. God has always helped me...I count on His aid. My sufferings may reach even greater heights, but I am sure He will not abandon me.” St. Therese of the Child Jesus.


In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,


Father Jeff Fasching

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Bulletin 265

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching

July 19th, 2015

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: Rom. 8: 12-17
Gospel: Lk. 16: 1-19

Mon 20--No Latin Mass

Tue 21—Saint Laurence of Brindisi, Confessor & Doctor

Wed 22—Saint Mary Magdalene, Penitent

Thu 23—Saint Apollinaris, Bishop & Martyr

Fri 24—Saint Christina, Virgin & Martyr


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



St. Thomas Aquinas teaches us that “man can never love God as much as He should be loved; neither can he believe and hope in Him as much as he ought.” Our hope and our confidence in God can never be excessive or exaggerated. If we really try to do everything we can to please God, we should not fear that our hope in Him can be too great. God wills good for us! God wills our sanctification! The more we hope in Him, the more He grants us favors! St. Thomas says: “The more the soul hopes, the more it attains.” St. Therese of the Child Jesus says: “We can never have too much confidence in the good God who is so powerful and so merciful. We obtain from Him as much as we hope for!”

The more weak and powerless we find ourselves, the more we should hope in God. Remember God loves “to exalt the humble and to fill the hungry with good things.” Lk. 1: 52.53. God's mercy is waiting to come to us. He wants to purify us and sanctify us. Open your heart to Him!

In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,


Father Jeff Fasching

Saturday, April 25, 2015

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

Saturday, March 28, 2015

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

Friday, September 26, 2014

Bulletin 223

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

September 28, 2014

16th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Mon 29 No Latin Mass
Tue 30 Saint Jerome; Priest, Confessor & Doctor
Wed 1 Feria
Thu 2 Holy Guardian Angels
Fri 3 Sacred Heart of Jesus

Mass on October 3 will be followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and benediction.

The saints found all their happiness in keeping the commandments. Every one of them would have rather suffered martyrdom than to break a commandment. The martyrs suffered the cruelest tortures and deaths simply because they would not transgress the commandments of God!

True happiness is found only in strictly observing God's law! God in His mercy always helps us with His Grace to observe His law. We have nothing to fear! During the time of the Holy Sacrifice let us beg God for strength to obey Him faithfully. We must not let any consideration of earthly gain or loss sway us to transgress them.

ANNOUNCEMENT:

You are cordially invited to experience the sacred liturgy according to Divine Worship (the Anglican Use of the Roman Rite) at Immaculate Conception Church in Springfield on Saturday, October 4th, at 7:30pm. Confessions will he heard at 7pm prior to mass. The sacred liturgy according to Divine Worship is a Vatican approved English version of a liturgy modelled after the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite (Traditional Latin Mass). It includes prayers at the foot of the altar, ad orientem (priest facing the Lord), reading of the last gospel, communion on the tongue while kneeling, all in Tudor English. This particular celebration will be modelled after the low mass according to the Extraordinary Form, and will include all of the customary solemnity and reverence. (Modest dress and head coverings are requested.) The mass will be celebrated by Father Kenneth Bolin, priest for the Personal Ordinariate of the Chair of Saint Peter, who is currently assigned as a Catholic chaplain at Fort Leonard Wood. He comes at the invitation of His Excellency, Bishop James V. Johnston Jr. to celebrate mass quarterly (4 times a year) for the time being.

This will be a special occasion that is sure to bring greater appreciation for tradition to Catholics in the Springfield area. All Catholics are invited to attend and this mass will meet the Sunday obligation for those in attendance. We encourage you to join us, and please pass this information on to Catholics who regularly attend the Novus Ordo mass.

For more information, please contact Shane Schaetzel at: shane.schaetzel@gmail.com


In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,

Father Jeff Fasching

Friday, August 15, 2014

Bulletin 217

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

August 17, 2014

10th Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: 1 Cor. 12: 2-11
Gospel: Lk. 18: 9-14

Mon 18 No Latin Mass
Tue 19 No Latin Mass
Wed 20 Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, Abbot & Doctor
Thu 21 Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, Widow
Fri 22 Immaculate Heart of Mary

Humility is the number one virtue we must strive every day to practice. There is no saint in heaven who did not learn how to be humble. In fact, we cannot hope to be saved without the virtue of humility. Christ exhorts us to learn from Him and to be humble of heart. Of all the things worthy of imitating our Lord Jesus Christ, He only asks that we be humble. It is through humility that we learn to practice all the other virtues. Without humility we have nothing. God exalts the humble and strikes down those who act with pride!

There is no greater act of humility than when Jesus Christ became flesh to save us from our sins. Let us beg God humbly for mercy as the publican in the gospel. Let us ask God to make us truly humble of heart!

In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,

Father Jeff Fasching

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Bulletin 205

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

May 25, 2014

Fifth Sunday after Easter

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

Mon 26 No Latin Mass
Tue 27 Saint Bede the Venerable; Confessor & Doctor
Wed 28 Vigil of the Ascension
Thu 29 Ascension of the Lord
Fri 30 Feria after the Ascension

Mass on June 22nd (the External Solemnity of Corpus Christi) will begin at 1:30pm.

Pot-luck following Mass on Sunday, June 1.

When we pray to God we must always pray with humility, confidence and perseverance. God resists the proud but He gives grace to the humble of heart. If we trust in our own strength our prayers will be rejected by the Lord. We may be among the worst of sinners, but if we humble ourselves before the Lord and repent of our sins God will hear us. The psalmist says that a humble, contrite heart will not be rejected by God!

If we pray with confidence we will obtain whatever we ask of God. No one has ever placed his trust in God and been abandoned. Jesus Christ says in the Gospel: “All things whatsoever you ask when you pray, believe that you shall receive, and they shall come unto you.”

Finally, we must persevere in prayer until the day we die. We must never stop praying! The scriptures tell us this. Nothing should get in our way of constantly praying to God. We must remove anything that stands in the way of our prayers to God. Perseverance is a gift we must constantly ask God for. We must ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to obtain this grace for us.

In Christ,

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Friday, May 16, 2014

Bulletin 204

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

May 18, 2014

Fourth Sunday after Easter

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

Mon 19 No Latin Mass
Tue 20 Saint Bernardine of Siena, Confessor
Wed 21 Feria of Paschaltide
Thu 22 Feria of Paschaltide
Fri 23 Feria of Paschaltide

Mass on June 22nd (the External Solemnity of Corpus Christi) will begin at 1:30pm.

If we wish to be saved we must follow the will of God in all things. What must we do to save our souls and become saints? Sanctity consists in the perfect fulfillment of the will of God. We must conquer our self-will and follow the will of God. How do we know what God’s will is for us? Jesus Christ says: “He that heareth you, heareth me.” Saint Frances de Sales firmly believed that the most effective way of finding the will of God is by humble obedience to one’s confessor. When we act according to the advice of our confessor we always please God. This is the most secure way of doing the will of God. We should never fear anything we do out of obedience to our confessor because it is they who must render an account to God and not you! We must all obey our prelates and be subject to them.

In Christ,

Father Jeff Fasching

Monday, January 27, 2014

Bulletin 189

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching

February 2, 2014
Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Epistle: Mal. 3: 1-4
Gospel: Lk. 2: 22-32

Mass Schedule February 3-7

Mon 3 No Latin Mass
Tue 4 Saint Andrew Corsini, Bishop & Confessor
Wed 5 Saint Agatha * Virgin & Martyr
Thu 6 Saint Titus, Bishop & Confessor
Fri 7 Sacred Heart of Jesus

Mass on February 7 will be followed by exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and benediction.

February 3 is the feast of Saint Blasé, Bishop and Martyr. In honor of Saint Blasé the traditional blessing of throats will take place immediately following the 2:30pm Mass on February 2.

Sunday, February 2 the Church celebrates the feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Presentation of the Lord in the Temple. These events occurred forty days after the birth of Jesus. In the Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite February 2 closes out the Christmas season.

Our Lord Jesus Christ was presented in the Temple by the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph in obedience to the Old Law. Christ is revealed as the Messiah and Simeon sings out his Canticle Nunc dimittis. Christ is the light of the nations; hence there will be a blessing of candles with a procession before Mass begins.

To commemorate these two great feasts the faithful are invited to bring Candles (made from bees wax) to be blessed before the 2:30pm Mass on February 2. The procession commemorates the Lord’s entry into the Temple in Jerusalem and Christ’s entering into God’s house for the first time. You are invited to reflect upon the dispositions of the Blessed Virgin Mary as she presents Christ in the Temple. She shows her obedience to the Law of Moses and, as always, is a shining example of humility and purity.

In Christo Jesu et Maria Immaculata,

Fr. Jeff Fasching


Sunday, April 7, 2013

Bulletin 147

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

April 7th, 2013 Low Sunday (Octave of Easter)

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

Mass schedule April 8th through April 12th

Monday: Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary—No Latin Mass
Tuesday: Feria of Paschaltide
Wednesday: Feria of Paschaltide
Thursday: Saint Leo the Great; Pope, Confessor & Doctor
Friday: Feria of Paschaltide

April 7th, 2013 is called 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!”).

Immediately following Mass today the Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be sung before the Blessed Sacrament Exposed followed by benediction. Christ institutes the Sacrament of Penance in today’s Gospel. Let us seek His Divine Mercy with trust and humility as we confess our sins.

The next pot-luck dinner will be held on Sunday, April 21st immediately following the 2:30pm Mass in the school cafeteria.

In Christ,

Father Jeffery Fasching


Saturday, January 5, 2013

Bulletin 134

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

January 6th, 2013 Epiphany of the Lord

Epistle: Is. 60: 1-6; Gospel: Mt. 2: 1-12

Mass schedule January 7th through January 11th

Monday through Friday—Feria of Epiphanytide—NO LATIN MASS

THERE WILL BE NO LATIN MASS THIS WEEK

The Magi come to adore the infant Jesus. Epiphany should remind us of our own responsibility to worship our Lord Jesus Christ, particularly in the Blessed Sacrament of the Eucharist. The Christmas season reminds us that the grace of God has appeared on earth in the person of Jesus Christ. Christ has wrought our redemption through His precious blood. We have been purchased at a great price! God wants us to return His love.


We see the infinite humility of Jesus Christ in the Nativity. In fact Christ’s entire life was a perfect example of humility. But He doesn’t stop there. Christ continues to make Himself present on our altars under the appearance of bread and wine. He gives us the opportunity to worship Him whenever we desire. As we begin a New Year let us resolve to visit our Lord more frequently in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar. Let us learn to receive His Body and Blood with greater fervor and devotion.

In Christ,

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Thursday, December 13, 2012

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



Thursday, December 6, 2012

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



Saturday, October 13, 2012

Bulletin 122

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

October 14th, 2012; 20th Sunday After Pentecost

Epistle: Eph. 5: 15-21; Gospel: Jn. 4: 46-53

Mass Schedule October 15th through October 19th

Monday –Saint Teresa of Avila, Virgin-- NO LATIN MASS

Tuesday-Saint Hedwig, Widow

Wednesday-Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin

Thursday-Saint Luke, Evangelist

Friday-Saint Peter of Alcantara, Confessor—NO LATIN MASS

There will be NO LATIN MASS on Friday, October 19th. There will be NO LATIN MASS October 22nd through October 26th due to the annual clergy conference in Branson, MO.

The purpose of the rosary is to help us meditate on the great mysteries of our salvation. Pius XII called it a compendium of the gospel. The main focus is on Jesus—His birth, life, death and resurrection. The Our Father’s remind us that Jesus' Father is the initiator of salvation. The Hail Mary’s remind us to join with Mary in contemplating these mysteries. They also make us aware that Mary was and is intimately joined with her Son in all the mysteries of His earthly and heavenly existence.

The rosary’s appeal lies in the fact that it is simple. The constant repetition of words helps us to contemplate the mysteries of God. We sense that Jesus and Mary are with us in the joys and sorrows of life. We grow in hope that God will bring us to share in the glory of Jesus and Mary forever. In his apostolic letter “The Rosary of the Virgin Mary” Pope John Paul II states:

“The rosary, though clearly Marian in character, is at heart a Christ-centered prayer. It has all the depth of the gospel message in its entirety. It is an echo of the prayer of Mary, her perennial Magnificat for the work of the redemptive Incarnation which began in her virginal womb.... It can be said that the rosary is, in some sense, a prayer-commentary on the final chapter of the Vatican II Constitution Lumen Gentium, a chapter that discusses the wondrous presence of the Mother of God in the mystery of Christ and the Church.”

Although Jesus Christ is God, he willed while on earth to receive everything through His Mother. It is to her that He made known all His needs, and addressed all His requests. I likewise address to her all my prayers and receive everything from her mother’s hand. Jesus is infinitely good and powerful. He is ready to give us all! But He will not do so except on receiving a sign from His Immaculate Mother! She is the distributor, the Mediatrix of All Graces.

In Christ,

Fr. Jeff Fasching




Saturday, October 6, 2012

Bulletin 121

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

October 7th, 2012; External Solemnity of Our Lady of the Rosary

Epistle: Prov. 8:22-24, 32-35—Gospel: Lk. 1:26-38

Mass Schedule October 8th through October 12th

Monday –Saint Bridget of Sweden, Widow-- NO LATIN MASS

Tuesday-Requiem Mass + Joyce Spencer

Wednesday-Saint Francis Borgia, Confessor

Thursday-Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Friday-Feria

There will be a potluck dinner on Sunday, October 7 immediately following the 2:30pm Mass in the school cafeteria. All are invited.

Jesus Christ loves pure souls. His Mother Mary was immaculate. His foster-father was the just and chaste Joseph. His well-beloved disciple was the virgin apostle. Over the course of centuries Christ has surrounded Himself with a legion of chaste priests. Nothing soiled can approach his altar. Pure souls are the crown of Christ’s glory, the strength and beauty of the Church, the confusion and terror of demons!

Priestly chastity is a precious pearl, but we are all called to live chaste lives! God has left our human nature with a tendency toward evil, its passions, and its secret connivance at sin. But at the same time He has poured out prodigally upon us His divine strength through the indwelling of the Holy Ghost. We have been given mortal bodies with frailties, inconstancies and revolts, but Christ has prepared us for heavenly food, the bread of angels, His Body and Blood, to extinguish within us the fire of sin, to renew our strength and to sustain our courage!

God permits the angel of Satan to lay snares for us, to subject us to incessant combats, but Christ has confided us at the same time to His Mother. She has crushed the head of the serpent! She will always fight for you if you are faithful in appealing to her for aid. With her help you are sure to triumph. But know well that it is necessary to watch and to pray even to old age, even until death. Be courageous! No one is tried beyond his strength! No one will receive a crown unless he fights manfully!

Be chaste. How miserable your heart will be if you simulate virtue when your conscience accuses you of wickedness! In today’s culture we are in almost constant contact with the slime of sin. Vice speaks to us, looks at us, surrounds us and pursues us wherever we go! How can we avoid filth unless we are vigilant? We must keep a firm and constant hold on the divine hand of God!

Chastise your body and bring it into subjection. Flee from the occasion of sin. If to avoid sin it is necessary to sacrifice your eye or your right hand or your very life, do not hesitate. Otherwise you will fall, you will perish. Confess your faults humbly. Have recourse to the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Virgin Most Pure, that you may fight your battle with strength and confidence!

Sincerely in Christ,

Fr. Jeff Fasching