Bulletin 83

January 1st, 2012 Octave Day of Christmas

Epistle: Tit. 2:11-15
Gospel: Lk. 2:21

Mass Schedule January 2nd through January 6th
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806 EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS: Celebrant Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Monday-Most Holy Name of Jesus-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Feria of Christmastide-NO LATIN MASS
Wednesday-Feria of Christmastide-NO LATIN MASS
Thursday-Feria in Christmastide-NO LATIN MASS
Friday-Epiphany of the Lord-NO LATIN MASS

There will be no daily Mass in the Extraordinary Form this week. The Latin Mass will resume with the Feast of the Holy Family on January 8th at 2:30pm. There will be a pot-luck dinner in the school cafeteria immediately following the 2:30pm Mass on January 8th.

The words of the dogmatic constitution on the Church of the Second Vatican Council (lumen gentium, nn. 61-62) remind us that:

This motherhood of Mary in the order of grace—from the consent which she gave in faith at the incarnation, and which she continued to give unhesitatingly at the foot of the cross—lasts without interruption until all the elect enter into eternal fulfillment. When she was taken up into heaven, she did not lay aside this saving role but she continues by her intercession for all to gain for us the gifts of eternal salvation. In her maternal love she cares for the brothers of her Son as they journey on earth in the midst of dangers and hardships, until they are brought safely home to the happiness of heaven. The Blessed Virgin is thus invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Auxiliatrix, Adjutrix and Mediatrix. These titles must not, however, be understood as in any way detracting from, or adding to, the dignity and effectiveness of Christ, the one Mediator.

No creature can ever be classed as an equal with the incarnate Word, the Redeemer. But just as the priesthood of Christ is shared in various ways by His ministers and His faithful people, and as the goodness of God, one though it is, is in different ways, really shared with creatures, so also the unique mediation of Christ does not exclude but brings about a variety of shared cooperation, deriving from the one unique source.

The Church does not hesitate to acknowledge this kind of subordinate role in the person of Mary. The Church has continuous experience of its effects, and commends it to the hearts of the faithful, so that as they lean on her motherly protection they may be brought into closer union with the Mediator, our Savior.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 82

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

December 25, 2011 The Nativity of Our Lord

Epistle: Heb. 1: 1-12
Gospel: Jn. 1: 1-14

Mass Schedule December 26th through December 30th

Monday-Saint Stephen, Deacon & Protomartyr-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Saint John, Apostle & Evangelist-NO LATIN MASS
Wednesday-Holy Innocents
Thursday-5th Day in the Octave of Christmas
Friday-6th Day in the Octave of Christmas

Midnight Mass in the Extraordinary Form will be offered at Saint Anne Monastery in Springfield. The address is 424 E. Monastery Street. Mass on Christmas day in the Extraordinary Form will be at 2:30pm at Saint Agnes Cathedral.


Saint John describes two basic truths about the Word of God in his prologue—that He is Life and that He is Light. Jesus Christ is the Divine Life, the primary source of all life, natural and supernatural. Jesus says: “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (Jn 8:12; cf. 12:46).

Saint John also says that the darkness has not overcome this light. There is a struggle between the two. There is an evil power at work in the world (satan) which envelops man’s mind and thus prevents him from knowing God. However, Saint Augustine writes:

But it may be, the dull hearts of some cannot yet receive this light. Their sins weigh them down, and they cannot discern it. Let them not think, however, that, because they cannot discern it, therefore it is not present with them. For they themselves, because of their sins, are darkness. Just as if you place a blind person in the sunshine, although the sun is present to him, yet he is absent from the sun; in the same way, every foolish man, every unrighteous man, every ungodly man, is blind in heart. What course then ought such a one to take? Let him cleanse the eyes of his heart, that he may be able to see God. He will see Wisdom, for God is Wisdom itself, and it is written: “Blessed are the clean of heart, for they shall see God.” There is no doubt that sin obscures man’s spiritual vision, rendering him unable to see and enjoy the things of God.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 81

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

December 18, 2011 Fourth Sunday of Advent (Rorate Sunday)

Epistle: I Cor. 4: 1-5
Gospel: Lk. 3: 1-6

Mass Schedule December 19th through December 23rd

Monday-Greater Feria of Advent-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Requiem Mass + Salvador Jensuan
Wednesday-Saint Thomas, Apostle
Thursday-Greater Feria of Advent
Friday-Greater Feria of Advent

“…The Word of the Lord was made unto John, the son of Zachary, in the desert. And he came into the hill country about the Jordan, preaching the baptism of penance for the remission of sins, as it was written in the book of the sayings of Isaias the Prophet: A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare ye the way of the Lord…”

Advent is a time of preparation and penance. We anticipate Christ’s birth, but we also prepare for His coming as Judge. John the Baptist was an outstanding example of austerity. He perfectly prepared the way of Christ and recognized his role in doing so. When Christ comes in judgment the world as we know it will change.

Saint Paul says “the form of this world is passing away,” but he does not say that this world will be annihilated at the end of time. Rather he implies that all creation will be renewed, for he writes that “the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God…because creation itself will be set free from its bondage to death and obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God” (Rom 8.19,21).

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 therefore also a time of joy! Let us live this joy during this holy season.

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

Bulletin 79

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

December 4th, 2011 Second Sunday of Advent

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

Mass Schedule December 5th through December 9th

Monday-Feria of Advent-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Requiem Mass + Kennedy Creado
Wednesday-Saint Ambrose; Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Thursday-Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary—Latin Mass @ 2:00pm
Friday-Feria of Advent

There will be a pot-luck dinner on Sunday, December 4th immediately following the 2:30pm Latin Mass in the school cafeteria. All are invited to attend. Bring water, candles, or any religious articles you wish to have blessed.

December 8th (Immaculate Conception) is a holy day of obligation. Mass in the Extraordinary Form will be at 2:00pm at Saint Agnes Cathedral.

John was in prison when he heard the works of Christ. He sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus if He is the one to come. Jesus said to them: “Go and relate to John what you have heard and seen. The blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead rise again, the poor have the gospel preached to them…” Jesus goes on to say: “What went you out into the desert to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Behold they that are clothed in soft garments are in the houses of kings. But what went you out to see? A Prophet? Yea I tell you and more than a Prophet…”

In the synoptic gospels, the account of Jesus’ public ministry begins with a description of John the Baptist calling the people to repent in preparation for the coming of God’s Kingdom. The austerity of John’s life bore striking witness to his message. Saint Matthew tells us: “In those days John the Baptizer appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, Repent! For the kingdom of God is at hand. It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said a voice of one crying out in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him. They were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins” (Mt 3. 1-12).

People flocked to John the Baptist because they sensed he was a true man of God. He wasn’t concerned with people’s opinions, but only with fulfilling his God-given mission to prepare the way for Christ. Jesus Christ invites us to do the same.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 78

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

November 27th, 2011 First Sunday of Advent

Epistle: Rom. 13: 11-14
Gospel: Lk. 21: 25-33

Mass Schedule November 28th through December 2nd.

Monday-Feria of Advent-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Feria of Advent
Wednesday-Saint Andrew, Apostle
Thursday-Feria of Advent
Friday-Sacred Heart of Jesus

There will be a pot-luck dinner on Sunday, December 4th immediately following the 2:30pm Latin Mass in the school cafeteria. All are invited to attend. Bring water, candles, or any religious articles you wish to have blessed.

As we begin the season of Advent, Christ speaks in the Gospel of His coming in glory at the end of time. Mankind will see Christ’s power and glory when He comes to judge the living and the dead. God’s justice and mercy to men throughout history will shine for all to see.

The second coming of Christ is a day of terror for evildoers and of joy for those who have remained faithful to Christ. Christ’s victory on the cross over sin, satan, and death will be seen clearly. Saint Paul therefore encourages us to be “awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”

As we await the coming of Jesus Christ we must remember that the Advent season is a time of preparation and repentance. We prepare ourselves by reforming our lives. We must beg God for true contrition for our sins and for a sincere transformation. This transformation involves putting our old life of sin behind us once and for all.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 77

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

November 20th, 2011 23rd Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: Phil. 3: 17-21; 4: 1-3
Gospel: Mt. 19: 18-26

Mass Schedule November 21st through November 25th

Monday-Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Requiem Mass + Catherine Diaz
Wednesday-Requiem Mass + Charlie Diaz
Thursday-Saint John of the Cross, Confessor & Doctor-MASS AT 11:00AM
Friday-Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin & Martyr-NO LATIN MASS

MASS ON THANKSGIVING DAY WILL BE AT 11:00AM AT SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL. THERE WILL BE NO LATIN MASS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25TH.

Because of the physical and mental suffering that it brings, and the threat that it poses to human existence, sickness is one of the greatest trials that human beings must experience. We often ask the question in times of great suffering why human life is subject to such a painful ordeal. Why does God place this burden upon us?

Although Scripture gives us no clear answer to these questions, Christian tradition has generally regarded sickness not as belonging to humanity’s original condition but as resulting from humanity’s rebellion against God. Before that event, described in the book of Genesis, Adam and Eve had access to the Tree of Life, the fruit of which would ward off death, and presumably sickness that leads to death. After the fall, the Lord God pronounced a sentence upon the couple. Woman would suffer pain in giving birth and Man would have to toil by the sweat of his brow to make a living from the earth that has been cursed by God. Both Man and Woman were denied access to the Tree of Life and now must return to the earth from which they came. In interpreting the Genesis story, Christian tradition has generally seen sickness, suffering and death as consequences of Adam’s sin. These painful realities belong to humanity’s present fallen condition, but will have no place in the world to come, where “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away” (Rev 21.4).

Sickness is part of that distressful condition from which Christ has come to deliver mankind. He certainly did so in the Gospel today when the woman with the flow of blood touched His clothing. In fact, it is Christ’s own sufferings that have not only freed us from sin, but have given strength and courage to those afflicted with sickness. Christ gives them hope that by patiently accepting their ordeal in union with Him they may share in His redemptive work. This is the mystery of the Cross! In order to share in Christ’s resurrection, we must be willing to share in His Cross.

In Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 76

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

November 13th, 2011 22nd Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: Phil. 1:6-11
Gospel: Mt. 22:15-21

Mass Schedule November 14th through November 18th:

Monday-Saint Josaphat, Bishop & Martyr-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Saint Albert the Great, Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Wednesday-Requiem Mass + Annie Machado
Thursday-Requiem Mass + Deceased Relatives of James Family
Friday-Dedication of the Basilicas of SS Peter & Paul

MASS ON THANKSGIVING DAY WILL BE AT 11:00AM AT SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL. THERE WILL BE NO LATIN MASS ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25TH.

In the Book of Exodus, God revealed Himself to Moses and spoke the words: “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” God’s faithfulness means we should always completely surrender to God without fear because He always keeps His promises and is true to His word.

We must constantly foster a personal relationship with Jesus Christ though prayer. We must strive to receive the sacraments frequently. We owe God our very lives through service and self-sacrifice. We must obey His commandments. To do so, we must foster personal love and commitment toward Jesus Christ.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 75

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

November 6th, 2011 21st Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: Eph. 6: 10-17
Gospel: Mt. 18: 23-35

Mass Schedule November 7th through November 11th:

Monday-Feria-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Requiem Mass + Mary Dsouza
Wednesday-Dedication of the Archbasilica of Our Holy Savior
Thursday-Saint Andrew Avellino, Confessor
Friday-Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop & Confessor

The month of November is dedicated to the Holy Souls. On all days 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”).

“An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints.” Paul VI, apostolic constitution, Indulgentiarum doctrina, Norm 1.

An indulgence is partial or plenary according as it removes either part or all of the temporal punishment due to sin. The faithful can gain indulgences for themselves, or apply them to the dead.

Saint Paul reminds us we must all be prepared to struggle “against the principalities” of this world, namely those angels who rebelled against God whom Christ has won victory over. We must fight with spiritual weapons; truth, righteousness, peace and faith. These weapons guarantee our victory! Our fight should therefore be fought with joy and confidence!

Satan is constantly seeking to bring about man’s eternal damnation. However, since Christ has defeated satan through the power of the cross, satan no longer has power over us. We must, however, still contend with the enemy. Prayer is the single most important weapon for fighting the enemy. Prayer helps us to conquer evil passions and temptations brought about by the devil. It is not enough simply to go through the motions. We must constantly pray from the heart.

In Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 74

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

October 30th, 2011 Feast of the Kingship of our Lord Jesus Christ

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

THERE WILL BE A POT-LUCK DINNER ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3OTH AFTER THE 2:30PM LATIN MASS IN THE SAINT AGNES SCHOOL CAFETERIA. THIS WILL BE AN ALL SAINTS DAY PARTY.

MASS ON ALL SAINTS DAY WILL BE AT 12:15pm

Mass schedule October 31st through November 4th:

Monday-Feria-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-All Saints
Wednesday-Commemoration of All Souls
Thursday-Requiem Mass, Carmelina Machado
Friday-Requiem Mass, Carol Stanton

On 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.

All Saints Day is a holy day of obligation in the Universal Church and in the United States.

The month of November is dedicated to the Holy Souls. On all days 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”).

On All Souls Day a plenary indulgence, applicable only to the Poor Souls, is granted to those who visit any parish church or public oratory and there recite an Our Father and one Credo.

“An indulgence is a remission before God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose guilt has already been forgiven, which the faithful Christian who is duly disposed gains under certain prescribed conditions through the action of the Church which, as the minister of redemption, dispenses and applies with authority the treasury of the satisfactions of Christ and the saints.” Paul VI, apostolic constitution, Indulgentiarum doctrina, Norm 1.

An indulgence is partial or plenary according as it removes either part or all of the temporal punishment due to sin. The faithful can gain indulgences for themselves, or apply them to the dead.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 73

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

October 23rd, 2011 19th Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: Eph. 4: 23-28
Gospel: Mt. 22: 1-14

THERE WILL BE NO LATIN MASS OCTOBER 24TH THROUGH OCTOBER 28TH

THE DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD-CAPE GIRARDEAU WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL PRIEST INSTITUTE FROM OCTOBER 24TH THROUGH OCTOBER 28TH IN BRANSON, MO. THERE WILL BE NO LATIN MASS DURING THIS WEEK.

The Latin Mass Community Confirmation date is October 23rd, 2011 at 7:00pm in Saint Agnes Cathedral. His Excellency Bishop James V. Johnston will officiate.

THERE WILL BE A POT-LUCK DINNER ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3OTH AFTER THE 2:30PM LATIN MASS IN THE SAINT AGNES SCHOOL CAFETERIA. THIS WILL BE AN ALL SAINTS DAY PARTY.

Mass Schedule October 24th through October 28th:

Monday through Friday NO LATIN MASS


Conversion is a life-long process. God desires that we put our old life of sin behind and be renewed in heart and spirit. We must make use of confession and penance. This involves an inner renewal that takes a lifetime. It is a response to God’s grace. In His infinite love for men, Christ patiently seeks the conversion of every soul He has created. However, He also respects our freedom. Man is absolutely free to reject God’s grace.

The proclamation of God’s mercy and forgiveness also formed a prominent part of Saint Paul’s teaching: “God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as if God were appealing through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” (2 Cor 18-20)

Among the many things we petition God for in our prayers, at the top of the list must be a willingness to amend our lives and “put on the new man.”

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 72

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

October 16th, 2011 18th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Mass schedule October 17th through October 21st

Monday-Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Saint Luke, Evangelist
Wednesday-Saint Peter of Alcantara, Confessor
Thursday-Saint John Cantius, Confessor
Friday-Feria

THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF SPRINGFIELD-CAPE GIRARDEAU WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL PRIEST INSTITUTE FROM OCTOBER 24TH THROUGH OCTOBER 28TH IN BRANSON, MO. THERE WILL BE NO LATIN MASS DURING THIS WEEK.

The Latin Mass Community Confirmation date is October 23rd, 2011 at 7:00pm in Saint Agnes Cathedral. His Excellency Bishop James V. Johnston will officiate.

There will be no pot-luck lunch this month. We will have a social event following Mass on October 23rd prior to the Confirmation ceremony.

Congratulations to Joshua Faust & his family. Josh received his first Holy Communion this past Sunday.

People believed that Jesus had supernatural powers because of the many miracles He performed on their behalf. However, Jesus was always concerned with the reality of forgiving one’s sins more than any physical cure He might perform.

Christ demanded that people have a lively faith in order to be cured. The people who bring Christ the paralytic in the Gospel are leading a sinner to God. This is what Christ desires. If we want to be close to Christ we must do the same.

The Jews believed that any illness was the result of personal sin. They accused Christ of blasphemy when He said to the paralytic “Your sins are forgiven.” If only God can forgive sins, they reasoned, this man is claiming to have power that belongs to God alone. Jesus cures the paralytic simply by uttering a word. He has the power to cure the effects of sin which is what the Jews believed disease to be. He thus also has the power to cure the cause of illness, or sin. Jesus therefore demonstrates that He has divine power.

Jesus Christ passed on to the Apostles and their successors in the priestly ministry the power to forgive sins. Priests exercise this power in the sacrament of Penance. Priests act in the person of Christ Himself as instruments of the Lord.

We should therefore always approach the sacrament of Penance with respect and gratitude. Christ forgives sins through His priests. The words of absolution are spoken by Christ through the priest. When the priest pronounces these words he speaks in the first person because he is so fully identified with Christ himself. The priest does not say “Christ absolves you…”, but rather “I absolve you from your sins…”

Let us take advantage of this great gift of God's mercy. Let us beg Him for true contrition for our sins.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 71

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

October 9th, 2011 17th Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: Ephes. 4, 1-6
Gospel: Matth. 22, 34-46

Mass schedule October 10th through October 14th

Monday-Saint Francis Borgia, Confessor-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Wednesday-Feria
Thursday-Saint Edward the Confessor, King
Friday-Saint Callistus I, Pope & Martyr

You are invited to join the 2011 Public Square Rosary Crusade. Join us in praying for our nation on October 15th at 12:00pm in front of Saint Agnes Cathedral. Contact Anna James at 417-889-5831 for more information.

Your prayers are asked for Josh Faust and his family. Josh will receive his first Holy Communion this Sunday, October 9th at the 2:30pm Latin Mass.

The Latin Mass Community Confirmation date is October 23rd, 2011 at 7:00pm in Saint Agnes Cathedral. His Excellency Bishop James V. Johnston will officiate.

There will be no pot-luck lunch this month. We will have a social event following Mass on October 23rd prior to the Confirmation ceremony.

Theologians generally enumerate four principle ends for which we offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass: adoration, thanksgiving, propitiation (satisfaction, expiation, atonement, reparation), and petition. In the Mass we offer profound adoration to God, acknowledging Him as our creator, submitting to Him as our supreme Lord, and directing our lives to Him as our final end.

We offer praise and thanksgiving (eucharistia) to God for all of His gifts, especially for the love He has shown us in Christ and for the blessings that come to us through Christ’s paschal mystery. We also offer the propitiatory (expiatory, atoning) value of Christ’s sacrifice for the remission of sin and punishment due for sin, on behalf of the living and the dead. To propitiate is to atone for or make up for an offense one has committed. According to the Council of Trent, Christ instituted the Eucharist in order that “the bloody sacrifice which He was once for all to accomplish on the cross would be represented…and its salutary power applied for the forgiveness of the sins which we daily commit.”

Finally, through Christ we implore God’s graces and blessings for our every need. Because the Mass is the sacramental renewal of the sacrifice of the cross, it has the same value as the cross and makes available to us the infinite treasures of that perfect sacrifice. However, individuals will receive from this boundless treasure only what God freely chooses to give and what each is disposed to receive.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 70

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

October 2nd, 2011 External Solemnity of Our Lady of the Rosary

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

Mass schedule October 3rd through October 7th

Monday-Saint Theresa of the Infant Jesus, Virgin-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Saint Francis of Assisi, Confessor
Wednesday-Saint Placid & Companions, Martyrs
Thursday-Saint Bruno, Confessor
Friday-Our Lady of the Rosary

The Latin Mass Community Confirmation date is October 23rd, 2011 at 7:00pm in Saint Agnes Cathedral. His Excellency Bishop James V. Johnston will officiate.

The following is an excerpt from the “Life of Union with Mary” by Emil Neubert, S.M., S.T.D.

Consecrate Yourself to Mary

An explicit consecration to Mary is not indispensable for a life of union with her. With the realization that one is a child of Mary comes the natural impulse to live in union with her, just as any child desires to be close to his mother. Saint Teresa of the Child Jesus, who passed her life in such intimacy with the Blessed Virgin, seems never to have made any special act of consecration to her.

Experience teaches, however, that a soul particularly devoted to Mary generally feels that his consecration will impel him with greater generosity to an even deeper life of union with her who is so dear to him.

Consecration to Mary is somewhat akin to the baptismal vows. Even without renewing these vows the baptized person belongs to God for life. But in order to live this belonging to God in every circumstance of life, it is helpful at a solemn moment of his life to renew his baptismal vows and even, according to a recommendation of the Council of Trent, to make this renewal often. Especially in certain critical moments will this renewal aid him in emphasizing the conviction that he has already renounced Satan and chosen Jesus Christ for his sole Master. Similarly, a solemn consecration to the Blessed Virgin recalls for the son of Mary his obligations to his Mother in heaven, and, if the act is frequently renewed, it is a powerful help to living that consecration with ever increasing perfection.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 69

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

September 25th, 2011 15th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Mass schedule September 26th through September 30th

Monday-Feria-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-SS. Cosmas & Damian, Martyrs
Wednesday-Saint Wenceslaus, Duke & Martyr
Thursday-Dedication of Saint Michael the Archangel
Friday-Saint Jerome, Confessor & Doctor


The Latin Mass Community Confirmation date is October 23rd, 2011 at 7:00pm in Saint Agnes Cathedral. His Excellency Bishop James V. Johnston will officiate.


“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” “Bear one another’s burdens; and so fulfill the law of Christ.” We have many brothers in Christ we must assist in time of need, by doing so we show our love for Christ Himself. We must also be willing to offer fraternal correction when necessary. This must be done with all humility and with an awareness of our own weaknesses and personal shortcomings. We can never take issue with another person’s sin without first acknowledging our own.

If we are not in the habit of asking God for Charity we must begin today. If we are not asking God for Charity we shouldn’t be surprised that we are so worldly. We must love our neighbor as ourselves if we want to show our love for God. Who is our neighbor? Absolutely everybody! Those who have wronged us, those who have injured our good name and even those who wish to do harm to us. We must love all of them as ourselves. We must rejoice when our enemies are successful. We must be sad when they suffer loss. If we do not do this and we do not believe it we are bad Christians!

So how do we know if we have Charity? Well, if we are not proud; if we are not controlling; if we refuse to judge other people’s behavior; if we don’t gossip. We have charity if we don’t question the motives of other people’s actions. We must never think that we are better than others. In fact, we must truly believe everyone else is better than us. We must not become disappointed when others have a poor opinion of us. A person who is charitable avoids hurting the feelings of others. He accepts the will of God in everything that happens to him, be it sickness or adversity. These things remind us we are sinners and that our lives here on earth are temporary.

We cannot work out our salvation without charity! When we have charity all the other virtues come with it. Charity purifies and sanctifies our actions. Charity perfects the soul. Saint Paul says in his epistle: “Brethren, If I speak with the tongues of men and of Angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. And if I should have prophecy, and should know all mysteries and all knowledge: and if I should have all faith so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And if I should distribute all my goods to feed the poor, and if I should deliver my body to be burned and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”

Without Charity all other virtues are of no avail! Look at Jesus Christ Himself as our model. Look at what He did for all men, and even for those who killed Him. He prayed for mercy and forgiveness for them. He loved them. He offered up the merits and the sufferings of His death for them. He promised them pardon. If we do not have this kind of Charity we are only mock Christians!

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 68

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

September 18th, 2011 14th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Mass schedule September 19th through September 23rd

Monday-Saint Januarius & Companions, Martyrs-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Feria
Wednesday-Saint Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist
Thursday-Saint Thomas of Villanova, Bishop & Confessor
Friday-Ember Friday

Make careful use of the gift of God. Behold now is the acceptable time. Now is the day of salvation! God will soon come upon us and then we shall have to render an account of the use of every moment of our lives! Blessed shall you be if in the fulfillment of your daily duties you have been faithful in little things. But what disaster it will be if God finds you wasting the goods of His house!

You live, no, not you, it is Christ Who lives in you by His grace. That grace is a participation in the Divine Nature. It has sanctified His humanity and He shares it with all those who love Him. Christ’s grace penetrates to the very essence of your soul, ennobling it and making it divine. Christ is thus with you as a new being, the Christian, together you have one and same principle activity, namely to love.

Your heart should always rest with Christ. Do not permit your heart to open freely and attach itself to everything that attracts it. Without that safeguard, your life will be absorbed in other things.

Seek God's kingdom first, and everything else will be given to you.

In Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 67

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

September 11th, 2011 13th Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: Gal. 3: 16-22
Gospel: Lk. 17: 11-19

Mass schedule September 12th through September 16th

Monday-Most Holy Name of Mary-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Feria
Wednesday-Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Thursday-Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Friday-SS. Cornelius, Pope, & Cyprian, Bishop & Martyrs

Our goal in this life is to serve God perfectly. We must not only believe in God, but we must also believe in everything that the Catholic Church teaches us. Faith is absolutely necessary in order to be saved. Hope is also necessary in order to have pure and upright motives so that we please God in all our actions. But Charity urges us to love God because He is infinitely good and He deserves to be loved.

What is Charity? It is a theological virtue that God infuses into our heart by which we learn to love God with our whole heart and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God. We should pray everyday that we learn to love God above all things, even ourselves. To love God above all things means to be willing to lose fortune, good name, parents, friends children, husband, wife, and even our own life, than to lose God by committing a mortal sin.

Saint Augustine says that to love God perfectly means to love Him without measure, even if there were no heaven to hope for or no hell to fear. Saint Paul knew all too well that to really love God means that neither sufferings, persecutions, contempt, life, or death are capable of taking this love away from us. We owe this kind of love to God.

We were created only for God. God alone is capable of satisfying us and making us truly happy. We are often so blind. We cling to life, to the world and its goods and pleasures. We cling to the very things which make us unhappy. The Saints despised all these things and clung to God alone!

Those who possess Charity do not strive to accumulate the goods of this world. The things of this world are nothing to them. They realize that those who cling to this world’s good’s are unhappy people. They strive constantly to atone for their sins through good works. They are kind to everybody. This is the example that Jesus Christ gives us in the Gospel. In return, He expects that we show our gratitude by treating others the very same way.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 66

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

September 4th, 2011 12th Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: II Cor. 3: 4-9
Gospel: Lk. 10: 23-27

Mass schedule September 5th through September 9th

Monday-Saint Lawrence Justinian; Bishop & Confessor-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Feria
Wednesday-Feria
Thursday-Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Friday-Saint Gorgonius, Martyr

There has never been, nor will there ever be, a nobler or more magnanimous love than that which God has shown us in the Sacrament of His love. There is absolutely nothing in heaven or on earth that can be compared to it. We are so very fortunate to have Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, yet He is still so little appreciated! It was so that we could come to Him whenever we want that induced Jesus Christ to condescend to be present in our churches day and night!

What then do we do to repay this love?! We must appear before Him with the greatest reverence. We often appreciate our God so very little, we regard Him with indifference, and time spent in His presence passes ever so slowly for us! The first Christians would have considered it the most blissful time of their lives if they could have spent days and nights in the church, to praise God and weep for their sins! Nowadays it is so very different! It is so hard for us to spend just a few minutes in God’s presence and we see so much indifference and frivolity in our Catholic churches.

Think of the last time a friend did something nice for you. Whatever it may have been, that friend can never do what Jesus Christ has done for you. We must therefore make reparation to Him for all the indifference with which He is so often treated in the Blessed Sacrament of the Altar.

We know that our God and Redeemer is truly present in the Most Blessed Sacrament and that He speaks to our hearts, and awakens good thoughts and good resolutions within us. He asks: “Why not give up this abominable sin which raises a barrier between us?” “Will you force me to condemn you to eternal punishment?” “I will forgive your transgressions if you would but repent of them!”

Brethren, we should consider those moments spent before the Blessed Sacrament as the happiest of our lives! Let us pray with tears and sorrow for the forgiveness of our sins and we will certainly obtain it. When we are forgiven let us ask for the gift of perseverance. Let us truly be able to say we would rather die than offend God again! As long as you do not love God best and above all you will never be content. Everything will trouble and weary you. But if you learn to love God you will lead a happy life and be well prepared for death!

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 65

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

August 28th, 2011 11th Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: I Cor. 15:1-10
Gospel: Mk. 7:31-37

Mass schedule August 29th through September 2nd

Monday-Beheading of Saint John the Baptist-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Saint Rose of Lima, Virgin
Wednesday-Saint Raymond Nonnatus, Confessor-NO LATIN MASS
Thursday-Saint Giles, Confessor
Friday-Sacred Heart of Jesus

The website for the Latin Mass Community has been upgraded to include a mobile version for iPhones, BlackBerrys and other smart phones. Information, bulletins and updates for the Latin Mass Community will now be easily accessible and easily readable on these devices. The website remains the same.

ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31ST THE BISHOP IS REQUIRING ALL PRIESTS TO ATTEND A ROMAN MISSAL WORKSHOP FROM 11:00 AM UNTIL 4:30 PM. THIS WORKSHOP WILL INVOLVE REVIEWING THE NEW ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF THE ROMAN MISSAL.

Christ has done all things well. He made the deaf hear and the dumb to speak. He worked countless miracles during His public ministry. Despite all His great works we should marvel even more at His infinite humility, and not His humility as man, but rather as God. For God to be good, holy and merciful is not a virtue, but rather His very nature. Humility is only a virtue. God cannot exalt Himself above what He is as the most high Being, but He can humble Himself:

“Though He was in the form of God, Jesus did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, He emptied Himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness, and found human in appearance” (Phil. 2:6-7). No greater example of humility can be given than that of the Only Son of God when “the Word was made Flesh.” “In the beginning was the Word.” “And the Word was made Flesh.”

In order for us to live this necessary humility we must learn to fear the justice of God. This holy fear is the beginning of wisdom and the beginning of true humility. “Where humility is, there is also wisdom” (Prov. 11:2).

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 64

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

August 21st, 2011 10th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Mass schedule August 22nd through August 26th

Monday-Immaculate Heart of Mary-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Saint Philip Benizi, Confessor
Wednesday-Saint Bartholomew, Apostle
Thursday-Saint Louis IX, King
Friday-Saint Zephyrinus, Pope & Martyr

The website for the Latin Mass Community has been upgraded to include a mobile version for iPhones, BlackBerrys and other smart phones. Information, bulletins and updates for the Latin Mass Community will now be easily accessible and easily readable on these devices. The website remains the same.

Examine yourself well and figure out whether or not you have true humility. If you do not, you should do everything in your power to attain it because without it you cannot enter into heaven. Jesus says: “Learn of Me, because I am meek and humble of heart.” Christ gives us the power to imitate His humility. A whole multitude of things are worthy of imitation when it comes to our Lord, but He only asks us to imitate His humility.

Christ abased Himself before the Majesty of His Father in heaven. He has taken on the form of a servant. He has willed to be thought of as the lowest of men, a man of sorrow. Christ has taken upon Himself the sins of all men. If Christ has thus been justly treated for having taken on Himself the sins of others, what has he not deserved who committed the sin?

Is it not fitting that we should always strive to embrace the virtue of humility? We must keep our hearts contrite and humble before God. We cannot attribute to ourselves any talent, success, or any good work. Above all, we must not pride ourselves on being elevated to the great dignity of baptized and confirmed Catholic Christians. We have received this great gift without payment of price.

“Learn from Me, because I am meek and humble of heart and you shall find rest for your soul.”

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 63

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

August 14th, 2011 9th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Mass schedule August 15th through August 19th

Monday-Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Saint Joachim, Father of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Wednesday-Saint Hyacinth, Confessor
Thursday-Saint Agapitus, Martyr
Friday-Saint John Eudes, Confessor

If you wish to have a Mass offered for a particular intention or person you must see me first.

The website for the Latin Mass Community has been upgraded to include a mobile version for iPhones, BlackBerrys and other smart phones. Information, bulletins and updates for the Latin Mass Community will now be easily accessible and easily readable on these devices. The website remains the same.

While the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a holy day of obligation, in the United States the obligation to attend Mass is abrogated this year because the Feast falls on a Monday. I encourage all who are able to attend Mass, however, THERE WILL BE NO LATIN MASS ON THE FEAST OF THE ASSUMPTION.

We will have a pot-luck dinner immediately following Mass in the Saint Agnes school cafeteria on Sunday, August 14th. All are invited to attend.

In the Gospel Jesus Christ says My house will be a house of prayer! You, who are faithful to Christ, welcome Him into your soul. Let Christ rest in you and find comfort for the many deceits that are practiced on His Heart. You are always with Christ and all that He has is yours. He takes delight in you; you are His home, His temple. Meditate often upon the mystery of love which envelops you and penetrates your every faculty.

Blessed is he who walks in truth. Blessed is he who understands that the kingdom of God is within himself, and who participates in everlasting life. Man does not understand the things of God. He is absorbed in the world of the senses, which is only a deceitful sham, a veil concealing the realities beyond. But you at least, a faithful son of Christ, should keep Him as your guest in your inmost soul. Be united with Him as the members are united together in the body, as the branches are united to the vine.

You live, no, not you, it is Christ Who lives in you by His grace. That grace is a participation in the Divine Nature. It has sanctified His humanity and He shares it with all those who love Him. Christ’s grace penetrates to the very essence of your soul, ennobling it and making it divine. Christ is thus with you as a new being, the Christian man, together you have one and same principle twofold activity, namely to pray and to love.

All that you do in union with Christ proceeds from you and from Him as from one and the same cause. Thus He continues to live on earth, and to work and to extend His kingdom to the end of time, through each of His faithful sons. All your trials borne with Christ’s help are yours together, for you two are but one. Thus Christ continues His Passion on earth. Every soul that suffers in patience helps Christ to fill up that which is still wanting in His life as victim.

Together you glorify the Father, you thank Him, you love Him; together in heaven you will sit at His right hand and you will enjoy the same happiness. Christ’s son, He has been with you a long time and yet you scarcely know Him. He invites you again today to rejoice lovingly at your union with Him by grace and through Him with the most Holy Trinity. Enter into yourself by a simple movement of your intelligence and of your will. You need not force your imagination or your feelings.

God is Spirit and He wishes to be adored in spirit and in truth. What happy hours you will spend together if you will but learn to do His will; what secrets He will whisper to you to make you holy and successful in all your endeavors! The three Divine Persons will dwell in you, for He has given you His grace. They have made heaven within you and They live in you Their infinitely happy life.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 62

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

August 7th, 2011 8th Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: Rom. 8: 12-17
Gospel: Lk 16: 1-9

Mass schedule August 8th through August 12th

Monday-Saint John Mary Vianney-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Vigil of Saint Lawrence, Martyr-NO LATIN MASS
Wednesday-Saint Lawrence, Martyr
Thursday-Saint Tiburtius, Martyr
Friday-Saint Clair, Virgin

THERE WILL BE NO LATIN MASS ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 9th

If you wish to have a Mass offered for a particular intention or person you must see me first.

The website for the Latin Mass Community has been upgraded to include a mobile version for iPhones, BlackBerrys and other smart phones. Information, bulletins and updates for the Latin Mass Community will now be easily accessible and easily readable on these devices. The website remains the same.


God has given us talents which we must go and make productive. These precious talents are the days of our lives. If we spend our short lives profitably, we will enjoy an eternity of glory and happiness. If we misuse this gift of our life, we will endure an eternity of shame. God has placed before us water and fire. We must choose. Before us are life and death, good and evil. Whichever we wish will be given to us. If we bury our talents in the earth, we will lose our souls.

Make careful use of the gift of God. Behold now is the acceptable time. Now is the day of salvation! God will soon come upon us and then we shall have to render an account of the use of every moment of our lives! Blessed shall you be if in the fulfillment of your daily duties you have been faithful in little things. But what disaster it will be if God finds you wasting the goods of His house!

Do not seek rest here below. When time shall be no more we shall take our rest together in the bosom of God. Satan knows no rest. He pursues with fury each one of us, knowing that there remains to him but little time. The wicked are mad in their desire to destroy souls, to dechristianize society, to uproot the family, to sow everywhere hatred of God’s holy name. How can we give ourselves over to sloth, or take our ease, to think of leisure for ourselves or to indulge in useless pastimes?

The parable of the unjust steward reminds us of our duty not to be outdone by the children of this world in zeal.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching







Sincerely in Christ,

Bulletin 61

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

July 31st, 2011 7th Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: Rom. 6:19-23
Gospel: Mt. 7:15-21

Mass schedule August 1st through August 5th

THERE WILL BE NO LATIN MASS FROM MONDAY, AUGUST 1ST THROUGH FRIDAY, AUGUST 5TH.

If you wish to have a Mass offered for a particular intention or person you must see me first.

The website for the Latin Mass Community has been upgraded to include a mobile version for iPhones, BlackBerrys and other smart phones. Information, bulletins and updates for the Latin Mass Community will now be easily accessible and easily readable on these devices. The website remains the same.

Christ warns His disciples to beware of false prophets. What is the difference between a genuine prophet and a false prophet? Christ says you will know them by the fruits they produce. A person who genuinely speaks the things of God sows faith, hope, charity, peace and understanding. A false prophet, on the other hand, sows division, hatred, resentment, pride and sensuality. A false prophet separates the people of God from the Magisterium of the Church.

We know that Christ’s teaching is declared to the world through the teaching body of the Church. When we pray we must have a spirit that desires to unite our will to the will of God. We can be sure of the will of God when we adhere to the Magisterium of the Church. Christ speaks to us through our Holy Father, the Vicar of Christ on earth. We owe our Pope our prayers. We must beg God that our minds and hearts will always be in conformity with his.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 60

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

July 24th, 2011 6th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Mass schedule July 25th through July 29th

Monday-Saint James the Greater; Apostle-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Saint Anne; Mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Wednesday-Feria
Thursday-SS. Nazarius & Celsus, Martyrs; Saint Victor I, Pope & Martyr; & Saint Innocent I, Pope & Confessor
Friday-Saint Martha; Virgin

If you wish to have a Mass offered for a particular intention or person you must see me first.

The website for the Latin Mass Community has been upgraded to include a mobile version for iPhones, BlackBerrys and other smart phones. Information, bulletins and updates for the Latin Mass Community will now be easily accessible and easily readable on these devices. The website remains the same.

THERE WILL BE NO LATIN MASS FROM MONDAY, AUGUST 1ST THROUGH FRIDAY, AUGUST 5TH.

Through Baptism we are freed from the control of sin. We die to sin and are born into a new life of grace in Jesus Christ. We are newly created. Through baptism God removes every trace of sin and He also remits the penalties that these sins incur. Baptism unites a person to Christ and the Church by way of grace, thus making us children of God.

Jesus Christ bore all the consequences of sin on the Cross even though He was sinless. His death on the Cross and His glorious resurrection freed us from the dominion of death. All who have been baptized have had their past sins wiped out by the action of grace. We must now remain dead to sin by our own personal effort in cooperation with God’s grace.


Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 59

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

July 17th, 2011 5th Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: I Petri 3, 8-15
Gospel: Matth. 5, 20-24

Mass schedule July 18th through July 22nd

Monday-Saint Camillus de Lellis; Confessor-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Saint Vincent de Paul; Confessor
Wednesday-Saint Jerome Emiliani; Confessor
Thursday-Saint Laurence of Brindisi; Confessor & Doctor
Friday-Saint Mary Magdalene; Penitent

If you wish to have a Mass offered for a particular intention or person you must see me first.

The website for the Latin Mass Community has been upgraded to include a mobile version for iPhones, BlackBerrys and other smart phones. Information, bulletins and updates for the Latin Mass Community will now be easily accessible and easily readable on these devices. The website remains the same.

Every baptized Christian is called to share in the paschal mystery of Christ. This includes both suffering and glory. Trials in our lives should therefore not come as a surprise. We should expect them. They are meant to fill us with joy when we unite them with the sufferings of Jesus Christ. The only way we can share in Christ’s glory is by first embracing suffering when it happens to come our way.

Suffering can be a tremendous opportunity for us to grow closer to Jesus Christ. Since Christ was a suffering servant He expects us, in turn, to learn patience through our trials in life. Many Christians claim allegiance to Christ, but only do so by lip service. They are not true friends of Christ because they are not willing to embrace suffering.

If, as Saint Paul says, we must rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep, we must in our own lives always be prepared to take the good with the bad. Furthermore, we must learn to always remain on an even keel. We should never allow ourselves to be over joyful in times of prosperity or too dejected in times of adversity.


Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 58

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

July 10th, 2011 4th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Mass schedule July 11th through July 15th:

Monday-Feria-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Saint John Gualbert; Abbot
Wednesday-Feria
Thursday-Saint Bonaventure; Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Friday-Saint Henry; Emperor & Confessor

The Gospel passage for Mass has very much to do with the life of the Church. The bishop of Rome is the vicar of Christ on earth because he represents Christ on earth and acts for Christ in the government of the Church. Jesus Christ asks all of us to search for souls. The harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few. We must constantly ask the Lord to send out laborers!

It takes courage to respond the the call of discipleship from Christ. We cannot make excuses. We cannot say we are not qualified. We must stop saying the job belongs to someone else. We must all respond to Christ's apostolic mission. We must respond to His call to the priesthood.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 57

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

July 3rd, 2011 External Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

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

Mass schedule July 4th through July 8th

Monday-Feria-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Confessor
Wednesday-Requiem Mass + Rosamma Xavier
Thursday-SS. Cyril & Methodius, Bishops & Confessors
Friday-Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, Queen & Widow

If you wish to have a Mass offered for a particular intention or person you must see me first.

The website for the Latin Mass Community has been upgraded to include a mobile version for iPhones, BlackBerrys and other smart phones. Information, bulletins and updates for the Latin Mass Community will now be easily accessible and easily readable on these devices. The website remains the same.

Saint Paul was the epitome of humble abandonment to the action of God in his life. For this Saint Paul was able to label himself as the very lowest of all Christians. He only takes credit for the grace that God has given him! What a great example Saint Paul is for the Christian today. He was able to mirror his life precisely after Jesus his master. We should do the same!

“I bow my knees” says Saint Paul. In doing so Saint Paul expresses the intensity of prayer and the humility which inspires it. Bodily gestures such as genuflexions, bowing of the head and beating the breast should always be sincere expressions of devotion. They all allow the entire person, body and soul, to express his love for God. Ideally, our outward actions should always match our interior dispositions. We must be genuine and sincere, particularly when it comes to prayer.

Christ’s love for us is infinite. For all He has done and continues to do for us we owe Him our prayer and adoration. We owe Him our lives.



Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 56

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

June 26th, 2011 External Solemnity of Corpus Christi

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

Mass schedule June 27th through July 1st

Monday-Feria-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Vigil of SS. Peter & Paul-NO LATIN MASS
Wednesday-SS. Peter & Paul, Apostles
Thursday-Commemoration of Saint Paul, Apostle
Friday-Sacred Heart of Jesus

If you wish to have a Mass offered for a particular intention or person you must see me first.

The website for the Latin Mass Community has been upgraded to include a mobile version for iPhones, BlackBerrys and other smart phones. Information, bulletins and updates for the Latin Mass Community will now be easily accessible and easily readable on these devices. The website remains the same.

THIS SUNDAY ON THE FEAST OF CORPUS CHRISTI MASS WILL BE OFFERED BEFORE THE BLESSED SACRAMENT EXPOSED. THERE WILL BE A PROCESSION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING MASS.

NOTE THAT ON TUESDAY, JUNE 28th THERE WILL BE NO LATIN MASS AT 12:15pm.

Saint Augustine asks: “Could God have been able to give us anything more precious than what He has given us in the Blessed Sacrament? Do you know, dear brethren, what induced Jesus Christ to condescend to be present in our churches day and night? It was that we might be able to come to Him whenever we wanted to…What, dear brethren, is more consoling for a Christian than to feel he adores a God who is really and truly present body and soul? What is it that makes our churches so sacred and so venerable? Is it not the presence of Jesus Christ? What an immense privilege we Christians enjoy!”

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 55

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

June 19th, 2011 Trinity Sunday

Epistle: Rom. 11: 33-36
Gospel: Mt. 28: 18-20

Mass schedule June 20th through June 24th

Monday-Feria-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, Confessor
Wednesday-Saint Paulinus of Nola, Bishop and Confessor
Thursday-Corpus Christi
Friday-Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

If you wish to have a Mass offered for a particular intention or person you must see me first.

The website for the Latin Mass Community has been upgraded to include a mobile version for iPhones, BlackBerrys and other smart phones. Information, bulletins and updates for the Latin Mass Community will now be easily accessible and easily readable on these devices. The website remains the same.

Christ’s disciples adore and worship Him as God. In the Gospel passage for Trinity Sunday they finally see Christ as the Son of God. They are both joyful and amazed at what they are now witnessing. Jesus says to His disciples: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Jesus Christ is omnipotent. Christ tells His disciples that the authority He is giving them to proclaim the Gospel comes from Him.

This reminds us that the authority of the Church comes directly from Jesus Christ. This authority in the sphere of faith and morals is above any other authority on earth. The Apostles receive the task of teaching the world what Jesus taught them. The Church therefore has the duty to proclaim the same faith the Apostles themselves received. This mission belongs especially to the Bishops.

The teachings of the Pope and the Bishops therefore should always be accepted by everyone with assent and obedience. The mission of the Church is to continue the work of Christ. We must teach the truths of God and the duty we have to embrace these truths. We must rely on the grace of the sacraments. Christ has promised to never leave His Church.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 54

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

June 12th, 2011 Pentecost Sunday

Epistle: Acts 2: 1-11
Gospel: Jn. 14: 23-31

Mass schedule June 13th through June 17th

Monday-Pentecost Monday-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Pentecost Tuesday
Wednesday-Ember Wednesday in the Octave of Pentecost
Thursday-Thursday in the Octave of Pentecost
Friday-Ember Friday in the Octave of Pentecost

If you wish to have a Mass offered for a particular intention or person you must see me first.

The website for the Latin Mass Community has been upgraded to include a mobile version for iPhones, BlackBerrys and other smart phones. Information, bulletins and updates for the Latin Mass Community will now be easily accessible and easily readable on these devices. The website remains the same.

The mystery of Pentecost is so significant that Holy Mother Church places it on the same plane as the paschal solemnity itself. Easter is the redemption of man by the victory of Christ over sin and Satan. Pentecost is the Holy Ghost taking possession of man redeemed. The Ascension of Christ prepares the mission of the Holy Ghost to our earth. This mission could not take place until Jesus had been glorified.

The coming of the Holy Ghost is not just an event that affects mankind as a whole. Each individual is invited to receive this same visit. This visit renews the face of the earth. God wants to be close to all of us. Christ asks only that we love Him and keep His Word. If we do this, He promises us that His Father will love us and take up His abode in our soul!

We have a great opportunity once again to be filled with the Holy Ghost! Come Holy Ghost! Let us make our prayer to God that we will truly be transformed by the power of the Holy Ghost.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 53

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

June 5th, 2011 Sunday after the Ascension

Epistle: I Pet. 4: 7-11
Gospel: Jn. 15: 26, 27; 16: 1-4

Mass schedule June 6 through June 10

Monday-Saint Norbert, Bishop & Confessor-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Feria in Ascensiontide
Wednesday-Feria in Ascensiontide
Thursday-SS. Primus & Felicianus, Martyrs
Friday-Saint Margaret of Scotland, Queen & Widow

If you wish to have a Mass offered for a particular intention or person you must see me first.

Jesus Christ has ascended into heaven! We step into another phase of the mystery of Easter. Jesus is triumphant in His Resurrection. The Ascension of Christ into heaven to take His seat on His rightful throne prompts men and angels to pay Him due adoration and glory. At the name of Jesus, Son of Man and Son of God, Saint Paul says that: “Every knee shall bend, in heaven, on earth and in hell.”

This Man Jesus, child of Adam through the Immaculate Blessed Virgin Mary, is the masterpiece of God’s omnipotence. The angels love to fix their gaze upon Him; the blessed Trinity is well-pleased with Him; the gifts of grace bestowed upon Him surpass all that men and angels together have ever received. Saint Paul writes: “He humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross; for which cause God also hath exalted Him, and hath given Him a name, which is above all names.”

We must remember today that Jesus Christ in all His glory is still very much active in the world and in our lives. He is appointed Judge of the living and the dead. We must all render Him an account of our lives one day. Furthermore, the angels who appeared to His apostles after His Ascension told us that Christ is to come again. He will descend through the clouds for the last judgment for all mankind to witness.

Today let us pray for all those who have lost all idea of true authority. Let us pray for those who refuse to acknowledge Jesus Christ.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 52

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

May 29th, 2011 Fifth Sunday after Easter

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

Mass schedule May 30 through June 3

Monday-Feria in Paschaltide-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Queenship of Mary-NO LATIN MASS
Wednesday-Vigil of the Ascension-NO LATIN MASS
Thursday-Ascension of the Lord-NO LATIN MASS
Friday-Sacred Heart of Jesus-NO LATIN MASS

If you wish to have a Mass offered for a particular intention or person you must see me first.

I will be on retreat from Monday the 30th through Friday the 3rd of June. THERE WILL BE NO LATIN MASS THIS WEEK. MASS WILL RESUME ON SUNDAY, JUNE 5TH.

On Easter morning the holy women went to the tomb to find it empty. Immediately they ran to tell Peter and the other Apostles. During this wonderful season everything points toward new life and spiritual renewal. We lead this new life in union with our risen Lord. Saint James is considered to be the apostle of Paschal Time and the apostle of good works. He has taught us that faith without works is a dead faith. Faith alone will not save us.

Saint James also emphasizes the importance of guarding the truths we have been taught. We must cherish our God-given faith. We must always pray for it. We must never take it for granted. Many people each year who have received the grace of the wonderful Easter mystery fail to persevere. They allow the world to choke them. It consumes their time and energy. We must never forget where our focus must be. We must imitate our risen Lord at all times!

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 51

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

May 22, 2011 Fourth Sunday of Easter

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

Mass schedule May 23 through May 27

Monday-Feria in Paschaltide-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Feria in Paschaltide
Wednesday-Saint Gregory VII, Pope & Confessor
Thursday-Saint Philip Neri, Confessor
Friday-Saint Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop & Confessor

If you wish to have a Mass offered for a particular intention or person you must see me first.

I will be on retreat from Monday the 30th through Friday the 3rd of June. THERE WILL BE NO LATIN MASS THIS WEEK. MASS WILL RESUME ON SUNDAY, JUNE 5TH.

The Doctrine of the Blessed Trinity is something we can never fully comprehend. Our God is one God in three persons; Father, Son and Holy Ghost. The three Divine Persons of the Holy Trinity all possess the same nature. Jesus reminds us of this in the Gospel when He says that “everything that the Father has belongs to the Son, and everything the Son has belongs to the Father.” Furthermore, the Holy Ghost also possesses everything that God the Father and God the Son possess. The particular role of the Holy Ghost is to glorify the Son.

We are soon approaching the celebration of our Lord’s Ascension into heaven. We know that it was only after our Lord had ascended into heaven that He was able to send His Holy Ghost upon His disciples. The disciples then received the power to carry on Christ’s mission with boldness and confidence under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost. They were thus able to give glory to Christ. The same is true for us today as Christ’s followers. We have received the very same Holy Ghost by virtue or our baptism and confirmation. We have the same power that the Apostles had because we have received the same Holy Ghost of God.

We continue to rejoice this Easter season because of the great gift God gives us in receiving the Holy Ghost. We continue to glorify God by bearing witness to His Son Jesus Christ.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 50

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

May 15, 2011 Third Sunday after Easter

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

Mass schedule May 16 through May 20

Monday-Saint Ubald, Bishop and Confessor-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Saint Paschal Baylon, Confessor
Wednesday-Saint Venantius, Martyr
Thursday-Saint Peter Celestine, Pope & Confessor
Friday-Saint Bernardine of Siena, Confessor

THERE IS NO LATIN MASS THIS SUNDAY, MAY 15 AT 2:30pm. A FIRST COMMUNION MASS HAS BEEN SCHEDULED IN PLACE OF THE LATIN MASS.

In the Gospel Christ reminds His disciples that He is not leaving them for good. He reassures them that He will come back to stay with them. Christ reminds His disciples that even though they are sad that He is leaving, later they will rejoice.

We must remember even in the midst of the joy of the Easter season that Christ came to suffer for our redemption. In fact, there can be no true rejoicing and glory without suffering first. Our life in this valley of tears involves much suffering. However, we must hold fast to our faith in the Resurrection. We must truly believe there will be a speedy end to our suffering. We must embrace our suffering and focus on the Resurrected Christ.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 49

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

May 8, 2011 Second Sunday after Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday)

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

Mass schedule May 9 through May 13

Monday-Saint Gregory of Nazianzen; Bishop, Confessor & Doctor-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Saint Antoninus; Bishop & Confessor
Wednesday-SS. Philip & James; Apostles
Thursday-SS. Nereus, Achilleus, Domitilla (Virgin), & Pancras; Martyrs
Friday-Saint Robert Bellarmine; Bishop, Confessor & Doctor


If you wish to have a Mass offered for a particular intention or person you must see me first.

Pot-luck dinner immediately following Mass in the cafeteria on May 8.

Saint John reminds us that the good shepherd lays down His life for His sheep. In giving His life for us, Christ did exactly what He always said He would do. Christ continues to nourish us with His flesh and blood in the Holy Eucharist. We must remember the significance of the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Without God’s priests, there can be no Eucharist. We therefore have a responsibility to pray that God will provide His Church with good shepherds.

The mission of Jesus Christ extends to absolutely everyone. Christ sent His Apostles to preach the Gospel to all nations. The unity of the Church is of course to be found under one visible head. Vatican II states: “it was to the Apostolic College alone, of which Peter is the head, that we believe that our Lord entrusted all the blessings of the New Covenant, in order to establish on earth the one body of Christ into which all those should be fully incorporated who belong in any way to the people of God.” Our prayer is that everyone be united in faith in the true, Catholic Church of Jesus Christ. Today let us pray for Christian unity.

Sincerely in Christ,


Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 48

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

May 1st, 2011 LOW SUNDAY; The Octave Day of Easter

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

Mass schedule May 2 through May 6

Monday-Saint Joseph the Worker-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Feria in Paschaltide
Wednesday-Saint Monica, Widow
Thursday-Saint Pius V, Pope & Confessor
Friday-Sacred Heart of Jesus

If you wish to have a Mass offered for a particular intention or person you must see me first.

Pot luck dinner next Sunday May 8 immediately following Mass.

May 1, 2011, 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 one Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus. Those who for a just cause cannot get to church can gain the same indulgence by reciting one Our Father, the Creed, and a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus before an image of the Divine Mercy.

Immediately following Mass on May 1st the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed and we will join together in reciting the Divine Mercy Chaplet with benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

The Church has always understood and has defined that Jesus Christ in today's Gospel conferred on the Apostles authority to forgive sins. This power is exercised in the Sacrament of Penance. The Sacrament of Penance is the most sublime expression of God's love and mercy towards men. The Lord is always waiting for us to repent. He will always forgive us and restore to us our dignity.

The Popes have consistently recommended Christians to have regular recourse to the Sacrament of Penance. Penance helps us to grow in a true knowledge of ourselves and in Christian humility. We root out bad habits and keep from neglecting our spiritual life through penance. Our conscience is strengthened and purified through the Sacrament of Penance.


Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 47

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

April 24, 2011 Easter Sunday

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

Mass schedule April 25 through April 29

Monday-Easter Monday-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Easter Tuesday
Wednesday-Easter Wednesday
Thursday-Easter Thursday
Friday-Easter Friday

If you wish to have a Mass offered for a particular intention or person you must see me first.

May 1, 2011, 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 one Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus. Those who for a just cause cannot get to church can gain the same indulgence by reciting one Our Father, the Creed, and a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus before an image of the Divine Mercy.


Mary of Magdala and Mary of Cleophas and Salome all are urged by their sensitive love to go and anoint the dead body of our Lord Jesus Christ. They do so without giving thought to all the difficulties involved. As a result, they were the first to hear the news of Christ’s resurrection. The fact is that in the terrifying moments of Christ’s passion and death these women proved to be stronger than the men. We must learn to love as they did.

The glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ is of course the central mystery of our faith. “If you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Col 3: 1-2). Saint Pius X writes: “Rising with Christ through grace means that just as Jesus Christ through His resurrection began a new immortal and heavenly life, so we must begin a new life according to the Sprit, once and for all renouncing sin and everything that leads us to sin, loving only God and everything that leads to God."


Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 46

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

April 17, 2011 Palm Sunday

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

Mass schedule April 18 through April 22

Monday-Monday of Holy Week-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Tuesday of Holy Week
Wednesday-Wednesday of Holy Week
Thursday-Holy Thursday-NO LATIN MASS
Friday-Good Friday-NO LATIN LITURGY OF THE PASSION

If you wish to have a Mass offered for a particular intention or person you must see me first.

May 1, 2011, 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 one Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus. Those who for a just cause cannot get to church can gain the same indulgence by reciting one Our Father, the Creed, and a devout prayer to the merciful Lord Jesus before an image of the Divine Mercy.

In His agony in the garden Christ saw all the sins committed by mankind. We should express sorrow for our own sins and for those of all men because they are responsible for Jesus’ death. Christ’s life and death should be our motivation for our own life and self-sacrifice.

Christ “yielded up His Ghost.” This is a way of saying that Christ really died. His soul was then separated from His body. Christ surrendered His will to the will of His Father for the salvation of mankind. Christ’s fidelity to the point of dying should encourage us to realize that only when we are true until death will we receive the crown of life.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 45

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

April 10, 2011 Passion Sunday

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

Mass schedule April 11 through April 15

Monday-Feria of Passiontide-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Feria of Passiontide-NO LATIN MASS
Wednesday-Feria of Passiontide
Thursday-Feria of Passiontide
Friday-Feria of Passiontide

Pot Luck Dinner Sunday, April 10 immediately following Mass in the cafeteria.

If you wish to have a Mass offered for a particular intention or person you must see me first.

NOTE THAT THERE WILL BE NO LATIN MASS ON TUESDAY, APRIL 12th.

Pope John Paul II has emphasized the presence of the Holy Spirit in the sacrifice that Christ offered on Calvary: “In the sacrifice of the Son of Man the Holy Spirit is present and active just as He acted in Jesus’ conception, in His coming into the world, in His hidden life and in His public ministry. According to the Letter to the Hebrews, on the way to His departure through Gethsemani and Golgotha, the same Jesus Christ in His own humanity opened Himself totally to this action of the Spirit-Paraclete, who from suffering enables eternal salvific love to spring forth” (Dominum et Vivificantem, 40).

In other words, Christ desired that the Holy Spirit should turn His death into a perfect sacrifice. Christ’s sacrifice purifies us completely. This is the only way we are made fit to worship the living God. As we approach the celebration of the Passion and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, we must call upon the Holy Spirit to strengthen our own will to suffer for Christ. Suffering is the only way we can expect to share in Christ’s glorious resurrection.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 44

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

April 3, 2011 Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday)

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

Mass schedule April 4 through April 8

Monday-Feria of Lent-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Feria of Lent
Wednesday-Feria of Lent
Thursday-Feria of Lent
Friday-Feria of Lent

Pot Luck Dinner Sunday, April 10 immediately following Mass in the cafeteria.

The Church teaches that the Blessed Virgin Mary is the Mother of all Christians. She is an example we should all follow. If we become identified with Mary and imitate her virtues, we will be able to bring Christ to life, through grace, in the souls of others. From the dogmatic constitution on the Church of the Second Vatican Council:

Mary, because she has entered intimately into the history of salvation, in a certain sense gathers up in her own person the great truths of the faith and awakens their resonance when she is the object of preaching and veneration; she summons the faithful to her Son, to His sacrifice and to the Father’s love. In seeking to further the glory of Christ, the Church becomes more and more like Mary, its exalted type, as it continues its progress in faith, hope and charity, seeking and fulfilling the divine will in all things.

So also in its apostolic task the Church rightly looks to the one who bore Christ, Christ who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin in order that He might also be born and grow in the hearts of the faithful. In her whole life this virgin mother showed herself as an example of that motherly love that must animate all who share in the apostolic mission of the Church for the regeneration of mankind. (Lumen gentium, nn. 63-65)

Saint Cyril of Alexandria writes: “Mary, Mother of God, we salute you. Precious vessel, worthy of the whole world’s reverence, you are an ever shining light, the crown of virginity, the symbol of orthodoxy, and indestructible temple, the place that held Him whom no place can contain, mother and virgin. Because of you the holy gospels could say: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 43

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

March 27, 2011 Third Sunday of Lent

Epistle: Ephes. 5, 1-9
Gospel: Luc. 11, 14-28

Mass schedule March 28 through April 1

Monday-Feria of Lent-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Feria of Lent
Wednesday-Feria of Lent
Thursday-Feria of Lent
Friday-Feria of Lent

Saint Paul reminds us that we are temples of the Holy Spirit and members of Christ’s body. We therefore have a grave responsibility to resist immoral practices in all forms.

Saint Paul in fact warns us that “immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you.” We must practice chastity out of love for God and respect for one’s own body.

Along with chastity comes both modesty and refinement. We must keep guard over our senses and our heart. We must avoid the occasions to sin. We must strive to frequent the sacraments, particularly the sacrament of Confession. We must foster devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. All these help us to live a holy life.

Saint Paul also reminds us of the importance of fighting against greed. We cannot become attached to things of this world. We must first seek the Kingdom of God. When we do this we soon realize our obligation to be lights for Christ. We realize our obligation to help those around us. The salvation of souls is at stake. If we want to be faithful Christians we do all we can to bring others to Christ, especially by the witness of our lives.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 42

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

March 20, 2011 Second Sunday of Lent

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

Mass schedule March 21 through March 25

Monday-Feria of Lent-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Feria of Lent
Wednesday-Feria of Lent
Thursday-Feria of Lent
Friday-Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

NO LATIN MASS ON SUNDAY, MARCH 20. THE RITE OF ELECTION TAKES PLACE AT 3 AND 7:00pm AT SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL

On each of the Fridays of Lent, a plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, after Communion, recite the “Prayer before a Crucifix” before an image of Christ crucified:

Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus while before Thy face I humbly kneel and, with burning soul, pray and beseech Thee to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity; true contrition for my sins; and a firm purpose of amendment; while I contemplate with great love and tender pity Thy five most precious wounds, pondering over them within me while I call to mind the words which David Thy prophet said of Thee, my Jesus; “They have pierced My hands and My feet, they have numbered all My bones.” Amen.

Bulletin 41

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

March 13, 2011 First Sunday of Lent

Epistle: II Cor. 6: 1-10
Gospel: Mt. 4:1-11

Mass schedule March 14 through March 18

Monday-Feria of Lent-NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday-Feria of Lent
Wednesday-Ember Wednesday
Thursday-Feria of Lent
Friday-Ember Friday

NO LATIN MASS ON SUNDAY, MARCH 20. THE RITE OF ELECTION TAKES PLACE AT SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL AT 3:00 AND 7:00PM.

On each of the Fridays of Lent, a plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, after Communion, recite the “Prayer before a Crucifix” before an image of Christ crucified:

Look down upon me, good and gentle Jesus while before Thy face I humbly kneel and, with burning soul, pray and beseech Thee to fix deep in my heart lively sentiments of faith, hope, and charity; true contrition for my sins; and a firm purpose of amendment; while I contemplate with great love and tender pity Thy five most precious wounds, pondering over them within me while I call to mind the words which David Thy prophet said of Thee, my Jesus; “They have pierced My hands and My feet, they have numbered all My bones.” Amen.

Saint Matthew reminds us that Jesus allowed Himself to be tempted by the devil on several occasions. We should be happy and grateful to our Lord for allowing Himself to be subjected to these temptations because they show us how we too can gain victory over our own temptations. Saint Matthew’s Gospel shows us that temptation in necessary for us because it teaches us a greater knowledge of ourselves.

Temptation is necessary to convince ourselves of our unworthiness. Temptation prevents us from being mastered by pride. Consider the life of Saint Augustine. While he chose to live his life in sin, he did not know what temptation was. He believed he was at peace. But from the time Augustine chose to reject Satan, the devil attacked him for the better part of five years. God eventually gave him the grace to win the victory over his struggle with sin.

Saint Augustine teaches us that everything we do without overcoming temptation in this life is of little value. We should never allow temptation to discourage us. On the contrary, we should thank God and continue to fight the good fight. Victory is ours is we choose it.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching