SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
October 4th, 2015
External Solemnity of Our Lady of the Rosary
Epistle: Prov. 8:22-24,32-35
Gospel: Luke 1:26-38
Mon 5 No Latin Mass
Tues 6 St. Bruno, Confessor
Wed 7 Our Lady of the Rosary
Thu 8 St. Bridget of Sweden, Widow
Fri 9 St. John Leonardi, Confessor
Su 11 20th Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, October 11th will be the final Sunday Mass in the Extraordinary Form will be offered at St. Agnes Cathedral. The Traditional Latin Mass will be moving to St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Ozark, MO beginning October 18, 2015. Fr. Scott Sunnenberg will be the new celebrant for the Latin Mass here in Springfield.
I have accepted a new assignment at SS. Peter and Paul Parish in Tulsa, OK. I will be offering Mass in both forms there. I will also assist with ministry to the school children and religious education students, youth groups, as well as hearing confessions and visiting hospitals. My duties will also include prison ministry and praying for deliverance for people who are suffering attacks by the devil. I ask that you keep me in your prayers as I begin this new assignment.
Sunday, October 25 is the feast of the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ. One may gain a plenary indulgence by the public recitation of the Act of Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, October 3, 2015
Saturday, September 26, 2015
Bulletin 275
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
September 27th, 2015
18th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: 1 Cor. 1: 4-8
Gospel: Mt. 9: 1-8
Mon 28 No Latin Mass
Tues 29 No Latin Mass
Wed 30 St. Jerome-Priest, Confessor & Doctor
Thu 1 St. Remigius-Bishop & Confessor
Fri 2 Holy Guardian Angels
Sunday, October 25 is the feast of the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ. One may gain a plenary indulgence by the public recitation of the Act of Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Jesus Christ has passed on to the Apostles and their successors in the priestly ministry the power to forgive sins: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, the are retained.” Jn. 20: 22-23. “Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven,” Mt. 18:18. Priests exercise the power in the sacrament of Penance. They act not in their own name but in Christ's—In persona Christi, as instruments of the Lord!
We should always approach Confession with respect, veneration and gratitude because we see Christ Himself in the person of the priest. The words of absolution are uttered by Christ Himself through the priest. This is why the priest says “I absolve you”, and not “Christ absolves you” from your sins! He speaks in the first person to fully identify himself with Jesus Christ Himself...St. Pius V.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
September 27th, 2015
18th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: 1 Cor. 1: 4-8
Gospel: Mt. 9: 1-8
Mon 28 No Latin Mass
Tues 29 No Latin Mass
Wed 30 St. Jerome-Priest, Confessor & Doctor
Thu 1 St. Remigius-Bishop & Confessor
Fri 2 Holy Guardian Angels
Sunday, October 25 is the feast of the Kingship of Our Lord Jesus Christ. One may gain a plenary indulgence by the public recitation of the Act of Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Jesus Christ has passed on to the Apostles and their successors in the priestly ministry the power to forgive sins: “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, the are retained.” Jn. 20: 22-23. “Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven,” Mt. 18:18. Priests exercise the power in the sacrament of Penance. They act not in their own name but in Christ's—In persona Christi, as instruments of the Lord!
We should always approach Confession with respect, veneration and gratitude because we see Christ Himself in the person of the priest. The words of absolution are uttered by Christ Himself through the priest. This is why the priest says “I absolve you”, and not “Christ absolves you” from your sins! He speaks in the first person to fully identify himself with Jesus Christ Himself...St. Pius V.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, September 19, 2015
Bulletin 274
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
September 20th, 2015
17th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Eph. 4: 1-6
Gospel: Mt. 22: 34-46
Mon 21 No Latin Mass
Tues 22 St. Thomas of Villanova, Bishop & Confessor
Wed 23 Ember Wednesday
Thu 24 Our Lady of Ransom
Fri 25 Ember Friday
Our goal is this life should be to serve God perfectly. Faith is necessary in order to be saved. Hope is also necessary in order to have pure and right motives so as to please God in all our actions. But charity urges us to love God because He is infinitely good and He deserves to be loved.
Charity is a theological virtue that God infuses into our heart by which we learn to love Him with our whole heart and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God. We must pray each day that we learn to love God above all things, even ourselves! To love God means being willing to lose fortune, good name, parents, friends, children, husband, wife, even our own life, rather than to lose God by committing a mortal sin.
Man was created to love God, therefore we can only find happiness in God alone. God alone is capable of satisfying us and making us truly happy. Turn to Him!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
September 20th, 2015
17th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Eph. 4: 1-6
Gospel: Mt. 22: 34-46
Mon 21 No Latin Mass
Tues 22 St. Thomas of Villanova, Bishop & Confessor
Wed 23 Ember Wednesday
Thu 24 Our Lady of Ransom
Fri 25 Ember Friday
Our goal is this life should be to serve God perfectly. Faith is necessary in order to be saved. Hope is also necessary in order to have pure and right motives so as to please God in all our actions. But charity urges us to love God because He is infinitely good and He deserves to be loved.
Charity is a theological virtue that God infuses into our heart by which we learn to love Him with our whole heart and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God. We must pray each day that we learn to love God above all things, even ourselves! To love God means being willing to lose fortune, good name, parents, friends, children, husband, wife, even our own life, rather than to lose God by committing a mortal sin.
Man was created to love God, therefore we can only find happiness in God alone. God alone is capable of satisfying us and making us truly happy. Turn to Him!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, September 12, 2015
Bulletin 273
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
September 13th, 2015
16th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Eph. 3:13-21
Gospel: Lk. 14: 1-11
Mon 14 No Latin Mass
Tues 15 Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Wed 16 SS. Cornelius * Pope & Cyprian * Martyrs
Thu 17 Stigmata of St. Francis
Fri 18 St. Joseph of Cupertino, Confessor
Did you know that Catholic Prayer in Latin is more powerful than in any other language?
This appears to be the opinion reached by certain members of the clergy, in particular exorcists. In the book " Hostage to the Devil " by Fr. Malachi Martin, an interesting comment is made by the author which sheds light on this particular point. On page 460 of the book, while explaining the Ritual of Exorcism, Fr. Martin goes on to say...." Nowadays part of the text - especially well known prayers- are sometimes prayed in the vernacular (German, English, French, etc.), but among exorcists as a class of Church Ministers, there seems to be a persuasion born from experience that the Latin Text has some special unction and disruptive value for Evil Spirit.” What this observation tells us is that the Rite of Exorcism when prayed in Latin has a more powerful effect in expelling demons. Why would this be so?
First, let's look at why the Catholic Church chose Latin as its Official Language. In the early days of the Church, communication between Rome and the rest of the Church was slow. Documents had to be translated into the different dialects for the various regions where Catholicism had spread to. Once translated they had to be written by hand because the printing press had yet to be invented. It was a time consuming process. In order to expedite communication something had to be done. Latin was the international language at the time and so it was the logical choice.
The Church then decreed that Latin would be its Official Language and anyone who was part of the Church would have to speak it. The Church chose Latin for practical reasons. Perhaps what the Church did not realize at the time was the effect that this decision would have on Catholic prayer. But why?
The answer can be found in the Gospel of Matthew (16:18-19) where we read ....." you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church...and whatsoever you shall bind on earth, shall be bound also in Heaven.” Therefore when His Church decreed that Latin would be the Mother Tongue of Catholicism it bound Latin in Heaven.
If this were not true then exorcists would not have noticed such a dramatic difference whenever they prayed the Ritual of Exorcism in Latin. Does this mean that as Catholics we must become fluent in Latin? No. But you will find that learning the basic Catholic prayers in Latin (as well as attending the Latin Mass) will have a profound effect & be spiritually profitable.
Start off by learning the shortest prayers (Sign of the Cross, Glory Be, Hail Mary, etc) , then move on to the rest (Our Father, Apostle's Creed, Latin Rosary, etc). We must emphasize that all Catholics should always pray with fervor & faith no matter which language they speak. But if you decide to take your prayer to another level then do so in Latin.
--- Regina Magazine
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
September 13th, 2015
16th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Eph. 3:13-21
Gospel: Lk. 14: 1-11
Mon 14 No Latin Mass
Tues 15 Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Wed 16 SS. Cornelius * Pope & Cyprian * Martyrs
Thu 17 Stigmata of St. Francis
Fri 18 St. Joseph of Cupertino, Confessor
Did you know that Catholic Prayer in Latin is more powerful than in any other language?
This appears to be the opinion reached by certain members of the clergy, in particular exorcists. In the book " Hostage to the Devil " by Fr. Malachi Martin, an interesting comment is made by the author which sheds light on this particular point. On page 460 of the book, while explaining the Ritual of Exorcism, Fr. Martin goes on to say...." Nowadays part of the text - especially well known prayers- are sometimes prayed in the vernacular (German, English, French, etc.), but among exorcists as a class of Church Ministers, there seems to be a persuasion born from experience that the Latin Text has some special unction and disruptive value for Evil Spirit.” What this observation tells us is that the Rite of Exorcism when prayed in Latin has a more powerful effect in expelling demons. Why would this be so?
First, let's look at why the Catholic Church chose Latin as its Official Language. In the early days of the Church, communication between Rome and the rest of the Church was slow. Documents had to be translated into the different dialects for the various regions where Catholicism had spread to. Once translated they had to be written by hand because the printing press had yet to be invented. It was a time consuming process. In order to expedite communication something had to be done. Latin was the international language at the time and so it was the logical choice.
The Church then decreed that Latin would be its Official Language and anyone who was part of the Church would have to speak it. The Church chose Latin for practical reasons. Perhaps what the Church did not realize at the time was the effect that this decision would have on Catholic prayer. But why?
The answer can be found in the Gospel of Matthew (16:18-19) where we read ....." you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church...and whatsoever you shall bind on earth, shall be bound also in Heaven.” Therefore when His Church decreed that Latin would be the Mother Tongue of Catholicism it bound Latin in Heaven.
If this were not true then exorcists would not have noticed such a dramatic difference whenever they prayed the Ritual of Exorcism in Latin. Does this mean that as Catholics we must become fluent in Latin? No. But you will find that learning the basic Catholic prayers in Latin (as well as attending the Latin Mass) will have a profound effect & be spiritually profitable.
Start off by learning the shortest prayers (Sign of the Cross, Glory Be, Hail Mary, etc) , then move on to the rest (Our Father, Apostle's Creed, Latin Rosary, etc). We must emphasize that all Catholics should always pray with fervor & faith no matter which language they speak. But if you decide to take your prayer to another level then do so in Latin.
--- Regina Magazine
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Sunday, September 6, 2015
Bulletin 272
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
September 6, 2015
15th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Gal. 5:25,26; 6:1-10
Gospel: Luke 7:11-16
Mon 7 No Latin Mass
Tues 8 Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Wed 9 St. Gorgonius, Martyr
Thu 10 St. Nicholas of Tolentino, Confessor
Fri 11 SS. Protus & Hyacinth, Martyrs
We must love others in order to fulfill the law of Christ. This is the “New Commandment.” Jesus says: “By this you will be known, by the love you have for one another!” Part of loving others involves fraternal correction. We cannot stand idly by while others are sinning all around us. But we must do it will all gentleness and humility. We must always be conscious of our own weakness and personal shortcomings. St. Augustine says that we must never take issue with another's sin without first examining our own conscience. Self-knowledge leads us to humility. We must always act out of love. St. Paul says we must examine our own conscience in order to discover what really motivates our actions. We must strive to always act out of love for God.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
September 6, 2015
15th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Gal. 5:25,26; 6:1-10
Gospel: Luke 7:11-16
Mon 7 No Latin Mass
Tues 8 Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Wed 9 St. Gorgonius, Martyr
Thu 10 St. Nicholas of Tolentino, Confessor
Fri 11 SS. Protus & Hyacinth, Martyrs
We must love others in order to fulfill the law of Christ. This is the “New Commandment.” Jesus says: “By this you will be known, by the love you have for one another!” Part of loving others involves fraternal correction. We cannot stand idly by while others are sinning all around us. But we must do it will all gentleness and humility. We must always be conscious of our own weakness and personal shortcomings. St. Augustine says that we must never take issue with another's sin without first examining our own conscience. Self-knowledge leads us to humility. We must always act out of love. St. Paul says we must examine our own conscience in order to discover what really motivates our actions. We must strive to always act out of love for God.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Sunday, August 30, 2015
Bulletin 271
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
August 30th, 2015
14th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Gal. 5:16-24
Gospel: Mt. 6:24-33
Mon 31 No Latin Mass
Tues 1 Twelve Holy Brothers, Martyrs
Wed 2 Saint Stephen of Hungary, King & Confessor
Thu 3 Saint Pius X, Pope & Confessor
Fri 4 Sacred Heart of Jesus
“It is said that someone lives according to the flesh when he lives for himself. Therefore, in this case, by “flesh” is meant the whole person. For everything which stems from a disordered love of oneself is called work of the flesh.” (St. Augustine).
Saint Paul, when speaking of “the works of the flesh” mentions not only fornication and impurity, but also idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, and envy. These are all sins stemming from a “life according to the flesh” which is the opposite of the “life according to the spirit.” (St. John Paul II).
Man's ultimate goal is God. If we wish to attain this goal we must commit ourselves to Him completely! Many people do not have God as their ultimate goal. They often choose wealth of some kind or something else. This becomes their god. Man cannot have two absolute and contrary goals!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
August 30th, 2015
14th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Gal. 5:16-24
Gospel: Mt. 6:24-33
Mon 31 No Latin Mass
Tues 1 Twelve Holy Brothers, Martyrs
Wed 2 Saint Stephen of Hungary, King & Confessor
Thu 3 Saint Pius X, Pope & Confessor
Fri 4 Sacred Heart of Jesus
“It is said that someone lives according to the flesh when he lives for himself. Therefore, in this case, by “flesh” is meant the whole person. For everything which stems from a disordered love of oneself is called work of the flesh.” (St. Augustine).
Saint Paul, when speaking of “the works of the flesh” mentions not only fornication and impurity, but also idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, and envy. These are all sins stemming from a “life according to the flesh” which is the opposite of the “life according to the spirit.” (St. John Paul II).
Man's ultimate goal is God. If we wish to attain this goal we must commit ourselves to Him completely! Many people do not have God as their ultimate goal. They often choose wealth of some kind or something else. This becomes their god. Man cannot have two absolute and contrary goals!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Bulletin 270
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
August 23rd, 2015
13th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Gal. 3:16-22
Gospel: Lk. 17:11-19
Mon 24 No Latin Mass
Tues 25 St. Louis IX, King & Confessor
Wed 26 St. Zephyrinus, Pope & Martyr
Thu 27 St. Joseph Calasance, Confessor
Fri 26 St. Augustine, Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Make it a practice to lift up your heart to God. Give thanks to Him each day because He gives us so many good things! We are in this world to love Him! We were created to love Him! God is worthy of our love because of His infinite goodness, His infinite beauty and His infinite perfections! Give God your heart and beg Him to destroy in it whatever is opposed to His sacred love!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
August 23rd, 2015
13th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Gal. 3:16-22
Gospel: Lk. 17:11-19
Mon 24 No Latin Mass
Tues 25 St. Louis IX, King & Confessor
Wed 26 St. Zephyrinus, Pope & Martyr
Thu 27 St. Joseph Calasance, Confessor
Fri 26 St. Augustine, Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Make it a practice to lift up your heart to God. Give thanks to Him each day because He gives us so many good things! We are in this world to love Him! We were created to love Him! God is worthy of our love because of His infinite goodness, His infinite beauty and His infinite perfections! Give God your heart and beg Him to destroy in it whatever is opposed to His sacred love!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Sunday, August 16, 2015
Bulletin 269
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
August 16th, 2015
12th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: II Cor. 3:4-9
Gospel: Lk. 10:23-27
NO LATIN MASS THIS WEEK. Fr. Fasching will be on retreat. The Latin Mass will resume on Sunday, August 23rd.
Join the Latin Mass community for a pot-luck dinner immediately following Sunday Mass on August 16th in the school cafeteria.
“Charity is patient, is kind...is not provoked to anger.” 1Cor. 13:4.5. Charity is never wearied and is never impatient with the ungrateful. It is not irritated when repulsed, but perseveres in loving and doing good. Charity should not look for gratitude. Even when coldness and hostility are encountered it should continue to give itself...all for love of God!
The characteristic of charity, according to Saint Paul, is that it does not permit itself to be “overcome by evil” but it “overcomes evil by good.” Rom. 12:21.
Charity is completely forgetful of self. The soul who truly loves God spends itself for its neighbor because love of God and love of neighbor are one and the same! Love of neighbor has its source in God!
“Teach me, O Lord, to love my neighbor even when not loved by him, to love him with no concern for my own benefit, but solely because You love me, solely to repay Your gratuitous love.” St. Catherine of Sienna.
Remember that our neighbor is every man, known or unknown, friend or enemy!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
August 16th, 2015
12th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: II Cor. 3:4-9
Gospel: Lk. 10:23-27
NO LATIN MASS THIS WEEK. Fr. Fasching will be on retreat. The Latin Mass will resume on Sunday, August 23rd.
Join the Latin Mass community for a pot-luck dinner immediately following Sunday Mass on August 16th in the school cafeteria.
“Charity is patient, is kind...is not provoked to anger.” 1Cor. 13:4.5. Charity is never wearied and is never impatient with the ungrateful. It is not irritated when repulsed, but perseveres in loving and doing good. Charity should not look for gratitude. Even when coldness and hostility are encountered it should continue to give itself...all for love of God!
The characteristic of charity, according to Saint Paul, is that it does not permit itself to be “overcome by evil” but it “overcomes evil by good.” Rom. 12:21.
Charity is completely forgetful of self. The soul who truly loves God spends itself for its neighbor because love of God and love of neighbor are one and the same! Love of neighbor has its source in God!
“Teach me, O Lord, to love my neighbor even when not loved by him, to love him with no concern for my own benefit, but solely because You love me, solely to repay Your gratuitous love.” St. Catherine of Sienna.
Remember that our neighbor is every man, known or unknown, friend or enemy!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, August 8, 2015
Bulletin 268
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
August 9th, 2015
11th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: 1 Cor. 15:1-10
Gospel: Mk. 7:31-37
Mon 10 No Latin Mass
Tue 11 SS. Tiburtius & Susanna, Virgin, Martyrs
Wed 12 St. Clare, Virgin
Thu 13 SS. Hippolytus & Cassian, Martyrs
Fri 14 Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Join the Latin Mass community for a pot-luck dinner immediately following Sunday Mass on August 16th in the school cafeteria.
“Charity is patient, is kind...is not provoked to anger.” 1Cor. 13:4.5. Charity is never wearied and is never impatient with the ungrateful. It is not irritated when repulsed, but perseveres in loving and doing good. Charity should not look for gratitude. Even when coldness and hostility are encountered it should continue to give itself...all for love of God!
The characteristic of charity, according to Saint Paul, is that it does not permit itself to be “overcome by evil” but it “overcomes evil by good.” Rom. 12:21.
Charity is completely forgetful of self. The soul who truly loves God spends itself for its neighbor because love of God and love of neighbor are one and the same! Love of neighbor has its source in God!
“Teach me, O Lord, to love my neighbor even when not loved by him, to love him with no concern for my own benefit, but solely because You love me, solely to repay Your gratuitous love.” St. Catherine of Sienna.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
August 9th, 2015
11th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: 1 Cor. 15:1-10
Gospel: Mk. 7:31-37
Mon 10 No Latin Mass
Tue 11 SS. Tiburtius & Susanna, Virgin, Martyrs
Wed 12 St. Clare, Virgin
Thu 13 SS. Hippolytus & Cassian, Martyrs
Fri 14 Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Join the Latin Mass community for a pot-luck dinner immediately following Sunday Mass on August 16th in the school cafeteria.
“Charity is patient, is kind...is not provoked to anger.” 1Cor. 13:4.5. Charity is never wearied and is never impatient with the ungrateful. It is not irritated when repulsed, but perseveres in loving and doing good. Charity should not look for gratitude. Even when coldness and hostility are encountered it should continue to give itself...all for love of God!
The characteristic of charity, according to Saint Paul, is that it does not permit itself to be “overcome by evil” but it “overcomes evil by good.” Rom. 12:21.
Charity is completely forgetful of self. The soul who truly loves God spends itself for its neighbor because love of God and love of neighbor are one and the same! Love of neighbor has its source in God!
“Teach me, O Lord, to love my neighbor even when not loved by him, to love him with no concern for my own benefit, but solely because You love me, solely to repay Your gratuitous love.” St. Catherine of Sienna.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, August 1, 2015
Bulletin 267
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
August 2nd, 2015
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: 1 Cor. 12:2-11
Gospel: Lk. 18:9-14
Mon 3 No Latin Mass
Tue 4 Saint Dominic, Confessor
Wed 5 Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major
Thu 6 Transfiguration of Our Lord
Fri 7 Sacred Heart of Jesus
Join the Latin Mass community for a pot-luck dinner immediately following Sunday Mass on August 16th in the school cafeteria.
A plenary indulgence may be gained by visiting a church on the second day of August and reciting there an Our Father and the Creed.
Sanctifying grace and charity alone give supernatural life to the soul. St. Thomas says that while grace and charity sanctify the soul and unite it to God, these gifts are ordered for the good of others. St. Paul himself says: ...”all this without charity, is nothing.” Charity is always the most fundamental characteristic of the Christian soul. It is also the greatest gift the Holy Ghost can give us! “No man can say the Lord Jesus but by the Holy Ghost,” says St. Paul. A soul not vivified by the Holy Ghost cannot perform acts of supernatural value.
Humility is the virtue which allows us to practice charity. In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, the Pharisee praises himself and is puffed up with pride. He cannot pray because he has no charity. Remember the words of St. James: “God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” Jas. 4:6. The pride of the the Pharisee is his condemnation, whereas the attitude of the publican is completely different. He is a poor man who knows he has sinned. In humility he trusts in God's mercy: “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” God loves to pardon the humble! St. Augustine says: “God prefers humility in things that are done badly, rather than pride in those which are done well.” We are not justified by our virtues and good works, but by grace and charity!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
August 2nd, 2015
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: 1 Cor. 12:2-11
Gospel: Lk. 18:9-14
Mon 3 No Latin Mass
Tue 4 Saint Dominic, Confessor
Wed 5 Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major
Thu 6 Transfiguration of Our Lord
Fri 7 Sacred Heart of Jesus
Join the Latin Mass community for a pot-luck dinner immediately following Sunday Mass on August 16th in the school cafeteria.
A plenary indulgence may be gained by visiting a church on the second day of August and reciting there an Our Father and the Creed.
Sanctifying grace and charity alone give supernatural life to the soul. St. Thomas says that while grace and charity sanctify the soul and unite it to God, these gifts are ordered for the good of others. St. Paul himself says: ...”all this without charity, is nothing.” Charity is always the most fundamental characteristic of the Christian soul. It is also the greatest gift the Holy Ghost can give us! “No man can say the Lord Jesus but by the Holy Ghost,” says St. Paul. A soul not vivified by the Holy Ghost cannot perform acts of supernatural value.
Humility is the virtue which allows us to practice charity. In the parable of the Pharisee and the publican, the Pharisee praises himself and is puffed up with pride. He cannot pray because he has no charity. Remember the words of St. James: “God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.” Jas. 4:6. The pride of the the Pharisee is his condemnation, whereas the attitude of the publican is completely different. He is a poor man who knows he has sinned. In humility he trusts in God's mercy: “O God, be merciful to me, a sinner.” God loves to pardon the humble! St. Augustine says: “God prefers humility in things that are done badly, rather than pride in those which are done well.” We are not justified by our virtues and good works, but by grace and charity!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Friday, July 24, 2015
Bulletin 266
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
July 26th, 2015
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: 1 Cor. 10:6-13
Gospel: Lk. 19:41-47
Mon 27--No Latin Mass
Tue 28—SS. Nazarius & Celsus, Martyrs
Saint Victor I, Pope & Martyr, &
Saint Innocent I, Pope & Confessor
Wed 29—Saint Martha, Virgin
Thu 30—SS. Abdon & Sennen, Martyrs
Fri 31—Saint Ignatius Loyola, Confessor
“Now all these things happened to them in figure, and they are written for our correction...Wherefore, he that thinketh himself to stand, let him take heed lest he fall. (Saint Paul). Saint Paul urges us to embrace vigilance and humility. When God grants favors to us in any form, it should always deepen our humility of heart. We must be always on guard against presuming upon His graces. We must always humbly mistrust ourselves and trust in God alone. We must never consider ourselves free from weakness or, even worse, condemn others for theirs!
Saint Paul also urges us to have confidence: “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able: but will make also with temptation issue, that you may be able to bear it.” The knowledge of our weakness should never discourage us because God is always ready to help us with His grace! “God is faithful. God has always helped me...I count on His aid. My sufferings may reach even greater heights, but I am sure He will not abandon me.” St. Therese of the Child Jesus.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
July 26th, 2015
Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: 1 Cor. 10:6-13
Gospel: Lk. 19:41-47
Mon 27--No Latin Mass
Tue 28—SS. Nazarius & Celsus, Martyrs
Saint Victor I, Pope & Martyr, &
Saint Innocent I, Pope & Confessor
Wed 29—Saint Martha, Virgin
Thu 30—SS. Abdon & Sennen, Martyrs
Fri 31—Saint Ignatius Loyola, Confessor
“Now all these things happened to them in figure, and they are written for our correction...Wherefore, he that thinketh himself to stand, let him take heed lest he fall. (Saint Paul). Saint Paul urges us to embrace vigilance and humility. When God grants favors to us in any form, it should always deepen our humility of heart. We must be always on guard against presuming upon His graces. We must always humbly mistrust ourselves and trust in God alone. We must never consider ourselves free from weakness or, even worse, condemn others for theirs!
Saint Paul also urges us to have confidence: “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able: but will make also with temptation issue, that you may be able to bear it.” The knowledge of our weakness should never discourage us because God is always ready to help us with His grace! “God is faithful. God has always helped me...I count on His aid. My sufferings may reach even greater heights, but I am sure He will not abandon me.” St. Therese of the Child Jesus.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Bulletin 265
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
July 19th, 2015
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Rom. 8: 12-17
Gospel: Lk. 16: 1-19
Mon 20--No Latin Mass
Tue 21—Saint Laurence of Brindisi, Confessor & Doctor
Wed 22—Saint Mary Magdalene, Penitent
Thu 23—Saint Apollinaris, Bishop & Martyr
Fri 24—Saint Christina, Virgin & Martyr
Effective Tuesday, June 30th 2015 the daily Mass in the Extraordinary Form will be at 6:30am. There will no longer be Mass in the Extraordinary Form at 12:15pm beginning on June 30th, 2015.
Father Fasching's schedule for the Sacrament of Penance effective Tuesday, June 30 2015 will be as follows:
Tuesday-11:30am-12:15pm
Thursday-11:30am-12:15pm
or by appointment
St. Thomas Aquinas teaches us that “man can never love God as much as He should be loved; neither can he believe and hope in Him as much as he ought.” Our hope and our confidence in God can never be excessive or exaggerated. If we really try to do everything we can to please God, we should not fear that our hope in Him can be too great. God wills good for us! God wills our sanctification! The more we hope in Him, the more He grants us favors! St. Thomas says: “The more the soul hopes, the more it attains.” St. Therese of the Child Jesus says: “We can never have too much confidence in the good God who is so powerful and so merciful. We obtain from Him as much as we hope for!”
The more weak and powerless we find ourselves, the more we should hope in God. Remember God loves “to exalt the humble and to fill the hungry with good things.” Lk. 1: 52.53. God's mercy is waiting to come to us. He wants to purify us and sanctify us. Open your heart to Him!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
July 19th, 2015
Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Rom. 8: 12-17
Gospel: Lk. 16: 1-19
Mon 20--No Latin Mass
Tue 21—Saint Laurence of Brindisi, Confessor & Doctor
Wed 22—Saint Mary Magdalene, Penitent
Thu 23—Saint Apollinaris, Bishop & Martyr
Fri 24—Saint Christina, Virgin & Martyr
Effective Tuesday, June 30th 2015 the daily Mass in the Extraordinary Form will be at 6:30am. There will no longer be Mass in the Extraordinary Form at 12:15pm beginning on June 30th, 2015.
Father Fasching's schedule for the Sacrament of Penance effective Tuesday, June 30 2015 will be as follows:
Tuesday-11:30am-12:15pm
Thursday-11:30am-12:15pm
or by appointment
St. Thomas Aquinas teaches us that “man can never love God as much as He should be loved; neither can he believe and hope in Him as much as he ought.” Our hope and our confidence in God can never be excessive or exaggerated. If we really try to do everything we can to please God, we should not fear that our hope in Him can be too great. God wills good for us! God wills our sanctification! The more we hope in Him, the more He grants us favors! St. Thomas says: “The more the soul hopes, the more it attains.” St. Therese of the Child Jesus says: “We can never have too much confidence in the good God who is so powerful and so merciful. We obtain from Him as much as we hope for!”
The more weak and powerless we find ourselves, the more we should hope in God. Remember God loves “to exalt the humble and to fill the hungry with good things.” Lk. 1: 52.53. God's mercy is waiting to come to us. He wants to purify us and sanctify us. Open your heart to Him!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Bulletin 264
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
July 12th, 2015
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Rom. 6: 19-23
Gospel: Mt. 7: 15-21
Mon 13--No Latin Mass
Tue 14—Saint Bonaventure-Bishop, Confessor, & Doctor
Wed 15—Saint Henry the Emperor, Confessor
Thu 16—Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Fri 17—Saint Alexis, Confessor
Effective Tuesday, June 30th 2015 the daily Mass in the Extraordinary Form will be at 6:30am. There will no longer be Mass in the Extraordinary Form at 12:15pm beginning on June 30th, 2015.
Father Fasching's schedule for the Sacrament of Penance effective Tuesday, June 30 2015 will be as follows:
Tuesday-11:30am-12:15pm
Thursday-11:30am-12:15pm
or by appointment
God is all powerful because He can do all that He wills; and He can do as He wills, when He wills, without any limitations! Nothing can impede His action, nor oppose His will; nothing is difficult for Him! God's works, even the greatest, are performed in one instant by as simple act of His will. God is so omnipotent that with a single word He has brought all things into existence out of nothing. God's word is omnipotent, creative, operative, and effective, so that it infallibly produces whatever it expresses. God is so omnipotent that He can change men, the children of sin, into His adopted sons, called to share in His own divine life! He can even draw good from evil! God is infinite goodness! Let us worship Him!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
July 12th, 2015
Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Rom. 6: 19-23
Gospel: Mt. 7: 15-21
Mon 13--No Latin Mass
Tue 14—Saint Bonaventure-Bishop, Confessor, & Doctor
Wed 15—Saint Henry the Emperor, Confessor
Thu 16—Our Lady of Mount Carmel
Fri 17—Saint Alexis, Confessor
Effective Tuesday, June 30th 2015 the daily Mass in the Extraordinary Form will be at 6:30am. There will no longer be Mass in the Extraordinary Form at 12:15pm beginning on June 30th, 2015.
Father Fasching's schedule for the Sacrament of Penance effective Tuesday, June 30 2015 will be as follows:
Tuesday-11:30am-12:15pm
Thursday-11:30am-12:15pm
or by appointment
God is all powerful because He can do all that He wills; and He can do as He wills, when He wills, without any limitations! Nothing can impede His action, nor oppose His will; nothing is difficult for Him! God's works, even the greatest, are performed in one instant by as simple act of His will. God is so omnipotent that with a single word He has brought all things into existence out of nothing. God's word is omnipotent, creative, operative, and effective, so that it infallibly produces whatever it expresses. God is so omnipotent that He can change men, the children of sin, into His adopted sons, called to share in His own divine life! He can even draw good from evil! God is infinite goodness! Let us worship Him!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Bulletin 263
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
July 5th, 2015
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Rom. 6: 3-11
Gospel: Mk. 8: 1-9
Mon 6--No Latin Mass
Tue 7--Requiem Mass + M.V. Xavier
Wed 8—Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, Queen & Widow
Thu 9--Feria
Fri 10—Seven Holy Brothers, Martyrs and SS. Rufina & Secunda, Virgins & Martyrs.
Effective Tuesday, June 30th 2015 the daily Mass in the Extraordinary Form will be at 6:30am. There will no longer be Mass in the Extraordinary Form at 12:15pm beginning on June 30th, 2015.
Father Fasching's schedule for the Sacrament of Penance effective Tuesday, June 30 2015 will be as follows:
Tuesday-11:30am-12:15pm
Thursday-11:30am-12:15pm
or by appointment
God alone can give us the proper nourishment that our souls require! He takes pity on us and nourishes our souls to sustain our supernatural life. Saint Paul reminds us that “we are baptized in Christ Jesus...in His death...so we also may walk in newness of life.” Only in Jesus Christ can we find everything we need for the nourishment and life of our souls. It is only in Him that we can find grace, love, faith and the inspiration to practice virtue! We must die a spiritual death to our faults and passions if we are to remain united to Him. This death must be constantly renewed: “I die daily” (1 Cor. 15:31).
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
July 5th, 2015
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Rom. 6: 3-11
Gospel: Mk. 8: 1-9
Mon 6--No Latin Mass
Tue 7--Requiem Mass + M.V. Xavier
Wed 8—Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, Queen & Widow
Thu 9--Feria
Fri 10—Seven Holy Brothers, Martyrs and SS. Rufina & Secunda, Virgins & Martyrs.
Effective Tuesday, June 30th 2015 the daily Mass in the Extraordinary Form will be at 6:30am. There will no longer be Mass in the Extraordinary Form at 12:15pm beginning on June 30th, 2015.
Father Fasching's schedule for the Sacrament of Penance effective Tuesday, June 30 2015 will be as follows:
Tuesday-11:30am-12:15pm
Thursday-11:30am-12:15pm
or by appointment
God alone can give us the proper nourishment that our souls require! He takes pity on us and nourishes our souls to sustain our supernatural life. Saint Paul reminds us that “we are baptized in Christ Jesus...in His death...so we also may walk in newness of life.” Only in Jesus Christ can we find everything we need for the nourishment and life of our souls. It is only in Him that we can find grace, love, faith and the inspiration to practice virtue! We must die a spiritual death to our faults and passions if we are to remain united to Him. This death must be constantly renewed: “I die daily” (1 Cor. 15:31).
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Bulletin 262
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
June 28, 2015
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: 1 Pet. 3: 8-15
Gospel: Mt. 5: 20-24
Mon 29--No Latin Mass
Tue 30--Requiem Mass + Thomas George
Wed 1---The Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ
The 2—Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Fri 3—Sacred Heart of Jesus
Effective Tuesday, June 30th 2015 the daily Mass in the Extraordinary Form will be at 6:30am. There will no longer be Mass in the Extraordinary Form at 12:15pm beginning on June 30th, 2015.
Father Fasching's schedule for the Sacrament of Penance effective Tuesday, June 30 2015 will be as follows:
Tuesday-11:30am-12:15pm
Thursday-11:30am-12:15pm
or by appointment
Congratulations to Father Joseph Kelly and his family! Father Kelly was ordained to the priesthood by His Excellency Bishop James V. Johnston on June 12th 2015. For priests who are young-impel them for Your glory, Lord...Continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood.
The Scriptures teach us that we are children of God. By virtue of our Baptism we have died to our old life of sin and risen to a new life in Jesus Christ! God has allowed us to participate in His own Divine nature! As children of God we are bound to live in union with one another. We must love God in our neighbor. St. Paul teaches us that we must have compassion for one another, living with all humility and mercy. If we are zealous in doing good we sanctify the Lord Jesus Christ in our hearts.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
June 28, 2015
Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: 1 Pet. 3: 8-15
Gospel: Mt. 5: 20-24
Mon 29--No Latin Mass
Tue 30--Requiem Mass + Thomas George
Wed 1---The Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ
The 2—Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Fri 3—Sacred Heart of Jesus
Effective Tuesday, June 30th 2015 the daily Mass in the Extraordinary Form will be at 6:30am. There will no longer be Mass in the Extraordinary Form at 12:15pm beginning on June 30th, 2015.
Father Fasching's schedule for the Sacrament of Penance effective Tuesday, June 30 2015 will be as follows:
Tuesday-11:30am-12:15pm
Thursday-11:30am-12:15pm
or by appointment
Congratulations to Father Joseph Kelly and his family! Father Kelly was ordained to the priesthood by His Excellency Bishop James V. Johnston on June 12th 2015. For priests who are young-impel them for Your glory, Lord...Continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood.
The Scriptures teach us that we are children of God. By virtue of our Baptism we have died to our old life of sin and risen to a new life in Jesus Christ! God has allowed us to participate in His own Divine nature! As children of God we are bound to live in union with one another. We must love God in our neighbor. St. Paul teaches us that we must have compassion for one another, living with all humility and mercy. If we are zealous in doing good we sanctify the Lord Jesus Christ in our hearts.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Bulletin 261
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
June 21, 2015
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Rom. 8:18-23
Gospel: Lk. 5: 1-11
Mon 22 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 23 – Vigil of the Nativity of John the Baptist
Wed 24 – Nativity of Saint John the Baptist *
Thu 25 – No Latin Mass
Fri 26 --No Latin Mass
...And Jesus saith to Simon: Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men...We must be completely convinced of our own weakness and inability before Our Lord will permit us to have any success. God will only come to our aid when we are aware of our willingness to openly admit our poverty. God wants us to have a great faith in Him. We must never trust in our own strength, but rather we must always have complete confidence in Almighty God!
“O Lord, you are my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” If a battle should rise up against me, in this will I be confident...You protect me in the secret place of Your tabernacle...As soon as God sees us totally convinced of our nothingness, He comes to our aid! All we have to do is humble ourselves and admit all our imperfections...This is the key to holiness!
“Abide in Me and I in you,” says Jesus (Jn 15:4). Then Jesus instituted the Eucharist for the purpose of nourishing our life of union with Him! Each time we approach the Holy Eucharist, Jesus rekindles in us the fire of His love! When we are united to Him we can accomplish anything! Without Him, we can do nothing!
Effective Tuesday, June 30th 2015 the daily Mass in the Extraordinary Form will be at 6:30am. There will no longer be Mass in the Extraordinary Form at 12:15pm beginning on June 30th, 2015.
Father Fasching's schedule for the Sacrament of Penance effective Tuesday, June 30 2015 will be as follows:
Sunday-1:30pm-2:15pm
Tuesday-11:30am-12:15pm
Thursday-11:30am-12:15pm
or by appt.
Congratulations to Father Joseph Kelly and his family! Father Kelly was ordained to the priesthood by His Excellency Bishop James V. Johnston on June 12th 2015. For priests who are young-impel them for Your glory, Lord...Continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
June 21, 2015
Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Rom. 8:18-23
Gospel: Lk. 5: 1-11
Mon 22 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 23 – Vigil of the Nativity of John the Baptist
Wed 24 – Nativity of Saint John the Baptist *
Thu 25 – No Latin Mass
Fri 26 --No Latin Mass
...And Jesus saith to Simon: Fear not, from henceforth thou shalt catch men...We must be completely convinced of our own weakness and inability before Our Lord will permit us to have any success. God will only come to our aid when we are aware of our willingness to openly admit our poverty. God wants us to have a great faith in Him. We must never trust in our own strength, but rather we must always have complete confidence in Almighty God!
“O Lord, you are my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” If a battle should rise up against me, in this will I be confident...You protect me in the secret place of Your tabernacle...As soon as God sees us totally convinced of our nothingness, He comes to our aid! All we have to do is humble ourselves and admit all our imperfections...This is the key to holiness!
“Abide in Me and I in you,” says Jesus (Jn 15:4). Then Jesus instituted the Eucharist for the purpose of nourishing our life of union with Him! Each time we approach the Holy Eucharist, Jesus rekindles in us the fire of His love! When we are united to Him we can accomplish anything! Without Him, we can do nothing!
Effective Tuesday, June 30th 2015 the daily Mass in the Extraordinary Form will be at 6:30am. There will no longer be Mass in the Extraordinary Form at 12:15pm beginning on June 30th, 2015.
Father Fasching's schedule for the Sacrament of Penance effective Tuesday, June 30 2015 will be as follows:
Sunday-1:30pm-2:15pm
Tuesday-11:30am-12:15pm
Thursday-11:30am-12:15pm
or by appt.
Congratulations to Father Joseph Kelly and his family! Father Kelly was ordained to the priesthood by His Excellency Bishop James V. Johnston on June 12th 2015. For priests who are young-impel them for Your glory, Lord...Continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Friday, June 12, 2015
Bulletin 260
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
June 14, 2015
Third Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: 1Pet. 5: 6-11
Gospel: Lk. 15: 1-10
Mon 15 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 16 – Feria
Wed 17 – Saint Gregory Barbarigo, Bishop & Confessor
Thu 18 – Saint Ephrem of Syria-Deacon, Confessor & Doctor
Fri 19 – Saint Juliana of Falconieri, Virgin
Deacon Joseph Kelly will be ordained to the priesthood by His Excellency Bishop James V. Johnston on Friday, June 12 @ 6:00pm here at St. Agnes Cathedral...Kindly keep Deacon Kelly in your prayers. Fr. Kelly will offer his first Mass on Saturday, June 13 @ 9:00am here at St. Agnes. As Father Joseph Kelly he will also offer a Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form on Sunday, June 14, 2015 at 2:30pm here at St. Agnes Cathedral...JOIN US!
There will be a pot-luck dinner following Fr. Kelly's Solemn High Mass in the school cafeteria.
O Lord, reveal to us the infinite treasures of mercy contained in your Heart...
We must have confidence in the merciful love of Jesus Christ. “Rejoice with Me for I have found the sheep that was lost.” This is the story of the love Jesus Christ has for all mankind and especially for every individual soul. The good shepherd and the Sacred Heart of Jesus are both concrete expressions of the merciful love of Jesus and they urge us to go to Him with complete confidence!
The Heart of Jesus is thrilled with joy when we humbly acknowledge our faults to Him and implore forgiveness! We must ask Jesus Christ to help us penetrate the secrets of His infinite, merciful love!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
June 14, 2015
Third Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: 1Pet. 5: 6-11
Gospel: Lk. 15: 1-10
Mon 15 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 16 – Feria
Wed 17 – Saint Gregory Barbarigo, Bishop & Confessor
Thu 18 – Saint Ephrem of Syria-Deacon, Confessor & Doctor
Fri 19 – Saint Juliana of Falconieri, Virgin
Deacon Joseph Kelly will be ordained to the priesthood by His Excellency Bishop James V. Johnston on Friday, June 12 @ 6:00pm here at St. Agnes Cathedral...Kindly keep Deacon Kelly in your prayers. Fr. Kelly will offer his first Mass on Saturday, June 13 @ 9:00am here at St. Agnes. As Father Joseph Kelly he will also offer a Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form on Sunday, June 14, 2015 at 2:30pm here at St. Agnes Cathedral...JOIN US!
There will be a pot-luck dinner following Fr. Kelly's Solemn High Mass in the school cafeteria.
O Lord, reveal to us the infinite treasures of mercy contained in your Heart...
We must have confidence in the merciful love of Jesus Christ. “Rejoice with Me for I have found the sheep that was lost.” This is the story of the love Jesus Christ has for all mankind and especially for every individual soul. The good shepherd and the Sacred Heart of Jesus are both concrete expressions of the merciful love of Jesus and they urge us to go to Him with complete confidence!
The Heart of Jesus is thrilled with joy when we humbly acknowledge our faults to Him and implore forgiveness! We must ask Jesus Christ to help us penetrate the secrets of His infinite, merciful love!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, June 6, 2015
Bulletin 259
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
June 7, 2015
External Solemnity of Corpus Christi
Epistle: 1Cor. 11: 23-29
Gospel: Jn. 6: 56-59
Mon 8 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 9 – Feria
Wed 10 – Requiem Mass + Fr. Peter Gaudient
Thu 11 – Saint Barnabus * Apostle
Fri 12 – Sacred Heart of Jesus—Mass @ 6:30am.
Would you like to learn more about spiritual warfare and the Catholic Church's role in it? Join me and Fr. Chad Ripperger, PhD, from the Diocese of Tulsa, OK on June 5th 6th and 7th 2015. Fr. Ripperger is a Theologian, Thomistic Psychologist, Philosopher, Seminary Professor and Author. Fr. Ripperger will be speaking here at St. Agnes Cathedral (Pallotti Center) the first weekend in June. Topics will include:
--Spiritual Warfare
--Magisterial Authority and the Binding Force of Tradition
Lectures to be presented on:
--Friday @ 6:00pm--Traditions of the Liturgy
--Saturday @ 10:00am—Binding Force of Tradition
--Saturday @ 1:30pm ---Magisterial Authority and Related Virtues
--Saturday @ 6:00pm ---Spiritual Warfare Part I
--Sunday @ 10:00am ---Spiritual Warfare Part II
Deacon Joseph Kelly will be ordained to the priesthood by His Excellency Bishop James V. Johnston on Friday, June 12 @ 6:00pm here at St. Agnes Cathedral...Kindly keep Deacon Kelly in your prayers. Fr. Kelly will offer his first Mass on Saturday, June 13 @ 9:00am here at St. Agnes. As Father Joseph Kelly he will also offer a Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form on Sunday, June 14, 2015 at 2:30pm here at St. Agnes Cathedral...JOIN US!
There will be a pot-luck dinner following Fr. Kelly's Solemn High Mass in the school cafeteria.
There will be a procession with the Blessed Sacrament following Corpus Christi Mass on June 7 @ 2:30pm concluding with benediction.
May Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, be praised, adored and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time!
O Sacrament most holy! O Sacrament divine! All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine!
“Hidden God, devoutly I adore Thee, truly present beneath these veils: all my heart subdues itself before Thee, since all before Thee faints and fails.” (Adoro Te Devote).
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
June 7, 2015
External Solemnity of Corpus Christi
Epistle: 1Cor. 11: 23-29
Gospel: Jn. 6: 56-59
Mon 8 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 9 – Feria
Wed 10 – Requiem Mass + Fr. Peter Gaudient
Thu 11 – Saint Barnabus * Apostle
Fri 12 – Sacred Heart of Jesus—Mass @ 6:30am.
Would you like to learn more about spiritual warfare and the Catholic Church's role in it? Join me and Fr. Chad Ripperger, PhD, from the Diocese of Tulsa, OK on June 5th 6th and 7th 2015. Fr. Ripperger is a Theologian, Thomistic Psychologist, Philosopher, Seminary Professor and Author. Fr. Ripperger will be speaking here at St. Agnes Cathedral (Pallotti Center) the first weekend in June. Topics will include:
--Spiritual Warfare
--Magisterial Authority and the Binding Force of Tradition
Lectures to be presented on:
--Friday @ 6:00pm--Traditions of the Liturgy
--Saturday @ 10:00am—Binding Force of Tradition
--Saturday @ 1:30pm ---Magisterial Authority and Related Virtues
--Saturday @ 6:00pm ---Spiritual Warfare Part I
--Sunday @ 10:00am ---Spiritual Warfare Part II
Deacon Joseph Kelly will be ordained to the priesthood by His Excellency Bishop James V. Johnston on Friday, June 12 @ 6:00pm here at St. Agnes Cathedral...Kindly keep Deacon Kelly in your prayers. Fr. Kelly will offer his first Mass on Saturday, June 13 @ 9:00am here at St. Agnes. As Father Joseph Kelly he will also offer a Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form on Sunday, June 14, 2015 at 2:30pm here at St. Agnes Cathedral...JOIN US!
There will be a pot-luck dinner following Fr. Kelly's Solemn High Mass in the school cafeteria.
There will be a procession with the Blessed Sacrament following Corpus Christi Mass on June 7 @ 2:30pm concluding with benediction.
May Our Lord Jesus Christ in the Most Blessed Sacrament of the Altar, be praised, adored and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time!
O Sacrament most holy! O Sacrament divine! All praise and all thanksgiving be every moment Thine!
“Hidden God, devoutly I adore Thee, truly present beneath these veils: all my heart subdues itself before Thee, since all before Thee faints and fails.” (Adoro Te Devote).
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Bulletin 258
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
May 31, 2015
Trinity Sunday
Epistle: Rom. 11:33-36
Gospel: Mt. 28:18-20
Mon 1 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 2 – Feria
Wed 3 – Requiem Mass + Frank Misso
Thu 4 – Corpus Christi
Fri 5 – Sacred Heart of Jesus
Would you like to learn more about spiritual warfare and the Catholic Church's role in it? Join me and Fr. Chad Ripperger, PhD, from the Diocese of Tulsa, OK on June 5th 6th and 7th 2015. Fr. Ripperger is a Theologian, Thomistic Psychologist, Philosopher, Seminary Professor and Author. Fr. Ripperger will be speaking here at St. Agnes Cathedral (Pallotti Center) the first weekend in June. Topics will include:
--Spiritual Warfare
--Magisterial Authority and the Binding Force of Tradition
Lectures to be presented on:
--Friday @ 6:00pm--Traditions of the Liturgy
--Saturday @ 10:00am—Binding Force of Tradition
--Saturday @ 1:30pm ---Magisterial Authority and Related Virtues
--Saturday @ 6:00pm ---Spiritual Warfare Part I
--Sunday @ 10:00am ---Spiritual Warfare Part II
Now is the season after Pentecost! It begins with the Feast of the Blessed Trinity and is the longest of the Liturgical year. In this last part of the ecclesiastical year, the Church, guided by the Holy Ghost, continues the work of Redemption...”The Holy Ghost, Whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring all things to your mind whatsoever I shall have said to you.”
This last season of the Liturgical Year is filled with feasts of major importance: those of the Blessed Trinity, Corpus Christi, the Sacred Heart, the Assumption and Nativity of Our Lady, All Saints and All Souls!
“Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen!”
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
May 31, 2015
Trinity Sunday
Epistle: Rom. 11:33-36
Gospel: Mt. 28:18-20
Mon 1 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 2 – Feria
Wed 3 – Requiem Mass + Frank Misso
Thu 4 – Corpus Christi
Fri 5 – Sacred Heart of Jesus
Would you like to learn more about spiritual warfare and the Catholic Church's role in it? Join me and Fr. Chad Ripperger, PhD, from the Diocese of Tulsa, OK on June 5th 6th and 7th 2015. Fr. Ripperger is a Theologian, Thomistic Psychologist, Philosopher, Seminary Professor and Author. Fr. Ripperger will be speaking here at St. Agnes Cathedral (Pallotti Center) the first weekend in June. Topics will include:
--Spiritual Warfare
--Magisterial Authority and the Binding Force of Tradition
Lectures to be presented on:
--Friday @ 6:00pm--Traditions of the Liturgy
--Saturday @ 10:00am—Binding Force of Tradition
--Saturday @ 1:30pm ---Magisterial Authority and Related Virtues
--Saturday @ 6:00pm ---Spiritual Warfare Part I
--Sunday @ 10:00am ---Spiritual Warfare Part II
Now is the season after Pentecost! It begins with the Feast of the Blessed Trinity and is the longest of the Liturgical year. In this last part of the ecclesiastical year, the Church, guided by the Holy Ghost, continues the work of Redemption...”The Holy Ghost, Whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring all things to your mind whatsoever I shall have said to you.”
This last season of the Liturgical Year is filled with feasts of major importance: those of the Blessed Trinity, Corpus Christi, the Sacred Heart, the Assumption and Nativity of Our Lady, All Saints and All Souls!
“Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen!”
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Bulletin 257
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
May 24, 2015
Pentecost Sunday
Epistle: Acts 2:1-11
Gospel: Jn. 14:23-31
Mon 25 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 26 – Pentecost Tuesday
Wed 27 – Ember Wednesday in the Octave of Pentecost
Thu 28 – Pentecost Thursday
Fri 29 – Ember Friday in the Octave of Pentecost
Would you like to learn more about spiritual warfare and the Catholic Church's role in it? Join me and Fr. Chad Ripperger, PhD, from the Diocese of Tulsa, OK on June 5th 6th and 7th 2015. Fr. Ripperger is a Theologian, Thomistic Psychologist, Philosopher, Seminary Professor and Author. Fr. Ripperger will be speaking here at St. Agnes Cathedral (Pallotti Center) the first weekend in June. Topics will include:
--Spiritual Warfare
--Magisterial Authority and the Binding Force of Tradition
Lectures to be presented on:
--Friday @ 6:00pm.
--Saturday @ 10:00am, 1:30pm and 4:00pm.
--Sunday @ 10:00am.
“I will send you another Comforter,” another deliverer, “The Holy Ghost,” says Jesus Christ. This Holy Ghost rules over the Holy Church and enters into every soul to enlighten and guide them in the way of salvation!
The problem is that not every man who has received the Holy Ghost chooses to cooperate with the promptings of His grace. Not all of us are children of the Holy Ghost. Many of us are children of the world.
We know we are a child of the Holy Ghost if we avoid grievous sin. The Holy Ghost can only dwell in a soul who has no part of serious sin. Every sin is an abomination to the Holy Ghost. Saint Paul writes: “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God.” In other words, do not sin! Sin turns the dwelling place of the Holy Ghost into the dwelling place of Satan! Saint Gregory says: “The sinner's heart is the devil's workshop, but not the dwelling of the Holy Ghost.” It is most notably the sins of impurity-unchaste thoughts, words, and actions which drive the Holy Ghost out of our hearts. The sensual man cannot receive the grace of the Holy Ghost. The book of Genesis tells us: “My spirit shall not remain in man forever, because he is flesh.” In other words, because he is addicted to the lust of the flesh.
If you have lost the Holy Ghost through leading a sinful life now is the time to repent! You must do penance to purify your soul and receive the Holy Ghost once again into your heart. Saint Peter says: “Do penance, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost!"
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
May 24, 2015
Pentecost Sunday
Epistle: Acts 2:1-11
Gospel: Jn. 14:23-31
Mon 25 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 26 – Pentecost Tuesday
Wed 27 – Ember Wednesday in the Octave of Pentecost
Thu 28 – Pentecost Thursday
Fri 29 – Ember Friday in the Octave of Pentecost
Would you like to learn more about spiritual warfare and the Catholic Church's role in it? Join me and Fr. Chad Ripperger, PhD, from the Diocese of Tulsa, OK on June 5th 6th and 7th 2015. Fr. Ripperger is a Theologian, Thomistic Psychologist, Philosopher, Seminary Professor and Author. Fr. Ripperger will be speaking here at St. Agnes Cathedral (Pallotti Center) the first weekend in June. Topics will include:
--Spiritual Warfare
--Magisterial Authority and the Binding Force of Tradition
Lectures to be presented on:
--Friday @ 6:00pm.
--Saturday @ 10:00am, 1:30pm and 4:00pm.
--Sunday @ 10:00am.
“I will send you another Comforter,” another deliverer, “The Holy Ghost,” says Jesus Christ. This Holy Ghost rules over the Holy Church and enters into every soul to enlighten and guide them in the way of salvation!
The problem is that not every man who has received the Holy Ghost chooses to cooperate with the promptings of His grace. Not all of us are children of the Holy Ghost. Many of us are children of the world.
We know we are a child of the Holy Ghost if we avoid grievous sin. The Holy Ghost can only dwell in a soul who has no part of serious sin. Every sin is an abomination to the Holy Ghost. Saint Paul writes: “Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God.” In other words, do not sin! Sin turns the dwelling place of the Holy Ghost into the dwelling place of Satan! Saint Gregory says: “The sinner's heart is the devil's workshop, but not the dwelling of the Holy Ghost.” It is most notably the sins of impurity-unchaste thoughts, words, and actions which drive the Holy Ghost out of our hearts. The sensual man cannot receive the grace of the Holy Ghost. The book of Genesis tells us: “My spirit shall not remain in man forever, because he is flesh.” In other words, because he is addicted to the lust of the flesh.
If you have lost the Holy Ghost through leading a sinful life now is the time to repent! You must do penance to purify your soul and receive the Holy Ghost once again into your heart. Saint Peter says: “Do penance, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost!"
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Thursday, May 21, 2015
ANNOUNCEMENT
We have a new and exciting conference coming to Springfield. Click on the image below to view, download and share the flyer...
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Bulletin 256
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
May 17, 2015
Sunday after the Ascension
Epistle: 1Pet. 4:7-11
Gospel: Jn. 15:26,27; 16:1-4
Mon 18 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 19 – Saint Peter Celestine, Pope & Confessor
Wed 20 – Saint Bernardine of Sienna, Confessor
Thu 21 – Feria after Ascension
Fri 22 – Feria after Ascension
Would you like to learn more about spiritual warfare and the Catholic Church's role in it? Join me and Fr. Chad Ripperger, PhD, from the Diocese of Tulsa, OK on June 5th 6th and 7th 2015. Fr. Ripperger is a Theologian, Thomistic Psychologist, Philosopher, Seminary Professor and Author. Fr. Ripperger will be speaking here at St. Agnes Cathedral (Pallotti Center) the first weekend in June. Topics will include:
--Spiritual Warfare
--Magisterial Authority and the Binding Force of Tradition
Lectures to be presented on:
--Friday @ 6:00pm.
--Saturday @ 10:00am, 1:30pm and 4:00pm.
--Sunday @ 10:00am.
“Yea; the hour cometh, that whosoever killeth you, will think that he doth a service to God.” Jesus Christ made the above statement to His disciples while exhorting them to remain faithful to Him under the persecutions which they were to endure. Many Christians today continue to act this way! They kill their own souls by losing the grace of God through human respect and to please worldly friends!
Human respect is a great enemy of our salvation! Many souls are in Hell due to human respect! We cannot allow ourselves to be influenced by human respect!
We must avoid familiarity with scandalous sinners. St. Paul says: “But now I have written to you not to keep company...with such an one, not as much as to eat.” 1Cor. 5:11. We must always be on guard against intimacy with such sinners, lest through human respect and fear of contradicting them, we will imitate their example and lose the friendship of God.
Be vigilant. To save one's soul we must overcome human respect. It is impossible to follow God Almighty and not be persecuted. “The wicked loathe them that are in the right way.” Prov. 29:27. Sinners hate the sight of a man who lives according to the Gospel because his life is a continual contradiction to their sinful conduct. Do not be influenced by them and do not associate with them! Worldlings speak no language than that of the world.
God is ready to assist you!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
May 17, 2015
Sunday after the Ascension
Epistle: 1Pet. 4:7-11
Gospel: Jn. 15:26,27; 16:1-4
Mon 18 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 19 – Saint Peter Celestine, Pope & Confessor
Wed 20 – Saint Bernardine of Sienna, Confessor
Thu 21 – Feria after Ascension
Fri 22 – Feria after Ascension
Would you like to learn more about spiritual warfare and the Catholic Church's role in it? Join me and Fr. Chad Ripperger, PhD, from the Diocese of Tulsa, OK on June 5th 6th and 7th 2015. Fr. Ripperger is a Theologian, Thomistic Psychologist, Philosopher, Seminary Professor and Author. Fr. Ripperger will be speaking here at St. Agnes Cathedral (Pallotti Center) the first weekend in June. Topics will include:
--Spiritual Warfare
--Magisterial Authority and the Binding Force of Tradition
Lectures to be presented on:
--Friday @ 6:00pm.
--Saturday @ 10:00am, 1:30pm and 4:00pm.
--Sunday @ 10:00am.
“Yea; the hour cometh, that whosoever killeth you, will think that he doth a service to God.” Jesus Christ made the above statement to His disciples while exhorting them to remain faithful to Him under the persecutions which they were to endure. Many Christians today continue to act this way! They kill their own souls by losing the grace of God through human respect and to please worldly friends!
Human respect is a great enemy of our salvation! Many souls are in Hell due to human respect! We cannot allow ourselves to be influenced by human respect!
We must avoid familiarity with scandalous sinners. St. Paul says: “But now I have written to you not to keep company...with such an one, not as much as to eat.” 1Cor. 5:11. We must always be on guard against intimacy with such sinners, lest through human respect and fear of contradicting them, we will imitate their example and lose the friendship of God.
Be vigilant. To save one's soul we must overcome human respect. It is impossible to follow God Almighty and not be persecuted. “The wicked loathe them that are in the right way.” Prov. 29:27. Sinners hate the sight of a man who lives according to the Gospel because his life is a continual contradiction to their sinful conduct. Do not be influenced by them and do not associate with them! Worldlings speak no language than that of the world.
God is ready to assist you!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Friday, May 8, 2015
Bulletin 255
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
May 10, 2015
Fifth Sunday After Easter
Epistle: Jas. 1:22-27
Gospel: Jn. 16:23-30
Mon 11 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 12 – Ss. Nereus, Achilleus, Domitilla, Virgin, & Pancras, Martyrs
Wed 13 – Vigil of the Ascension
Thu 14 – Ascension of the Lord
Fri 15 – Saint John Baptist de la Salle, Confessor
At the last Supper, Christ warned His apostles that He would soon be leaving them. He would soon return to the glory He always had with His Father in heaven. At this point, the apostles were far from knowing and loving Jesus perfectly. They knew that He came forth from God, but their faith was still very weak, and they would soon lose it altogether. The apostles were now enjoying Christ's company after His Resurrection. Christ teaches them everything they are required to know in order to become the teachers of the whole world.
Jesus says to His apostles: “The Father loveth you, because ye have loved Me.” We ourselves should be consoled by these words. Christ tells us to ask God the Father for everything we need. We should ask first and foremost to persevere in the spirit of Eastertide. We should pray to Saint James, the apostle of Paschal Time and the apostle of good works that we may obtain the grace to persevere in this new life of grace with our risen Lord! It is not enough to simply believe, says Saint James, but we must also demonstrate our faith with good works!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
May 10, 2015
Fifth Sunday After Easter
Epistle: Jas. 1:22-27
Gospel: Jn. 16:23-30
Mon 11 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 12 – Ss. Nereus, Achilleus, Domitilla, Virgin, & Pancras, Martyrs
Wed 13 – Vigil of the Ascension
Thu 14 – Ascension of the Lord
Fri 15 – Saint John Baptist de la Salle, Confessor
At the last Supper, Christ warned His apostles that He would soon be leaving them. He would soon return to the glory He always had with His Father in heaven. At this point, the apostles were far from knowing and loving Jesus perfectly. They knew that He came forth from God, but their faith was still very weak, and they would soon lose it altogether. The apostles were now enjoying Christ's company after His Resurrection. Christ teaches them everything they are required to know in order to become the teachers of the whole world.
Jesus says to His apostles: “The Father loveth you, because ye have loved Me.” We ourselves should be consoled by these words. Christ tells us to ask God the Father for everything we need. We should ask first and foremost to persevere in the spirit of Eastertide. We should pray to Saint James, the apostle of Paschal Time and the apostle of good works that we may obtain the grace to persevere in this new life of grace with our risen Lord! It is not enough to simply believe, says Saint James, but we must also demonstrate our faith with good works!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Bulletin 254
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
May 3, 2015
Fourth Sunday After Easter
Epistle: Jas. 1:17-21
Gospel: Jn. 16: 5-14
Mon 4 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 5 – No Latin Mass
Wed 6 – Feria of Paschaltide
Thu 7 – Saint Stanislaus, Bishop @ Martyr
Fri 8 – Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Graces
Saint Agnes Cathedral celebrates First Holy Communion Mass on Sunday, May 3rd at 2:00pm.
The Latin Mass on Sunday, May 3rd will be at 7:00pm.
Christ has confided to His Apostles the sacred deposit of the truths which are to form the object of our faith. During these forty days of Easter we must follow Him in His work of instituting the sacraments. We must not only believe, but we must also incorporate within us the great fruit of our redemption which is called grace. We are living members of our Divine Head and thus joint heirs with Him in the Kingdom of Heaven! It is by means of the sacraments that Christ produces in us this wondrous work of our justification. He applies to us His Incarnation and Sacrifice by a means which He Himself in His power and wisdom has instituted.
When instituting the sacraments, our Lord assigned to each an essential rite: and this rite is outward and sensible. He made the Flesh, which He united to His Divine Person, become the instrument of our salvation by His Passion and Death on the Cross. He redeemed us by shedding His Blood for us! The same is true with respect to the sacraments. He follows the same mysterious plan, taking physical things as His auxiliaries in effecting the work of our justification. He raises them to a supernatural state, and makes them the faithful and all-powerful conductors of His grace.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
May 3, 2015
Fourth Sunday After Easter
Epistle: Jas. 1:17-21
Gospel: Jn. 16: 5-14
Mon 4 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 5 – No Latin Mass
Wed 6 – Feria of Paschaltide
Thu 7 – Saint Stanislaus, Bishop @ Martyr
Fri 8 – Our Lady, Mediatrix of All Graces
Saint Agnes Cathedral celebrates First Holy Communion Mass on Sunday, May 3rd at 2:00pm.
The Latin Mass on Sunday, May 3rd will be at 7:00pm.
Christ has confided to His Apostles the sacred deposit of the truths which are to form the object of our faith. During these forty days of Easter we must follow Him in His work of instituting the sacraments. We must not only believe, but we must also incorporate within us the great fruit of our redemption which is called grace. We are living members of our Divine Head and thus joint heirs with Him in the Kingdom of Heaven! It is by means of the sacraments that Christ produces in us this wondrous work of our justification. He applies to us His Incarnation and Sacrifice by a means which He Himself in His power and wisdom has instituted.
When instituting the sacraments, our Lord assigned to each an essential rite: and this rite is outward and sensible. He made the Flesh, which He united to His Divine Person, become the instrument of our salvation by His Passion and Death on the Cross. He redeemed us by shedding His Blood for us! The same is true with respect to the sacraments. He follows the same mysterious plan, taking physical things as His auxiliaries in effecting the work of our justification. He raises them to a supernatural state, and makes them the faithful and all-powerful conductors of His grace.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Bulletin 253
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
April 26, 2015
Third Sunday After Easter
Epistle: 1 Pet. 2: 11-19
Gospel: Jn. 16: 16-22
Mon 27 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 28 – Saint Paul of the Cross, Confessor
Wed 29 – Saint Peter of Verona, Martyr
Thu 30 – Saint Catherine of Sienna, Virgin
Fri 1 – Saint Joseph the Workman—No Latin Mass
Saint Agnes Cathedral celebrates First Holy Communion Mass on Sunday, May 3rd at 2:00pm.
The Latin Mass on Sunday, May 3rd will be at 7:00pm.
We must stay true to the faith even when pagans criticize us! Enemies of the Church want to insult us and cause us to suffer! We must lead exemplary lives so as to be a good example to all. “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Mt 5:16). When we give good example we draw souls closer to God. “There would be no need for preaching if our lives were beacons of virtue-no call for words if we had deeds to show.” (St. John Chrysostom).
The saint says that there would be no pagans if we were truly Christians—if we kept Christ's commandments, if we put up with unjust treatment and deception, if we blessed those who cursed us, if we returned good for evil. “No one would be such a monster not to embrace the true religion immediately if we really lived like that” (Hom. On 1Tim, 10).
Our evil inclinations wage war against our souls says St. Peter. It takes constant effort and prayer to conquer our passions and overcome temptation! We cannot be humble without being despised. We cannot be chaste without mortifying our bodies. We cannot be patient unless we are willing to allow people to offend us. We cannot acquire virtues without the effort it involves to live them! Holiness is a battle!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
April 26, 2015
Third Sunday After Easter
Epistle: 1 Pet. 2: 11-19
Gospel: Jn. 16: 16-22
Mon 27 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 28 – Saint Paul of the Cross, Confessor
Wed 29 – Saint Peter of Verona, Martyr
Thu 30 – Saint Catherine of Sienna, Virgin
Fri 1 – Saint Joseph the Workman—No Latin Mass
Saint Agnes Cathedral celebrates First Holy Communion Mass on Sunday, May 3rd at 2:00pm.
The Latin Mass on Sunday, May 3rd will be at 7:00pm.
We must stay true to the faith even when pagans criticize us! Enemies of the Church want to insult us and cause us to suffer! We must lead exemplary lives so as to be a good example to all. “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven” (Mt 5:16). When we give good example we draw souls closer to God. “There would be no need for preaching if our lives were beacons of virtue-no call for words if we had deeds to show.” (St. John Chrysostom).
The saint says that there would be no pagans if we were truly Christians—if we kept Christ's commandments, if we put up with unjust treatment and deception, if we blessed those who cursed us, if we returned good for evil. “No one would be such a monster not to embrace the true religion immediately if we really lived like that” (Hom. On 1Tim, 10).
Our evil inclinations wage war against our souls says St. Peter. It takes constant effort and prayer to conquer our passions and overcome temptation! We cannot be humble without being despised. We cannot be chaste without mortifying our bodies. We cannot be patient unless we are willing to allow people to offend us. We cannot acquire virtues without the effort it involves to live them! Holiness is a battle!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Bulletin 252
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
April 19, 2015
Second Sunday After Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday)
Epistle: 1 Pet. 2: 21-25
Gospel: Jn. 10: 11-16
Mon 20 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 21 – Saint Anselm—Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Wed 22 – Ss. Soter & Caius—Popes & Martyrs
Thu 23 – Saint George, Martyr
Fri 24 – Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Martyr
Christ is the Good Shepherd. On the Cross His sufferings fulfill the prophecies written about the suffering servant Yahweh in the Book of Isaiah (52:13-53:12). His sufferings have a redemptive value. Christ takes our sins upon Himself and offers them on the Cross to God the Father as an atoning Sacrifice. We are now dead to sin and have the ability to live in righteousness and holiness with the help of God's grace!
No matter what suffering may come our way, it cannot compare to the suffering of Our Lord. When we unite our sufferings to the Passion of Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to merit reward in heaven!
Christ is the Good Shepherd...”I will seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered” (Ezek. 34:12).
Discernment Retreat for College age men—April 24-26, 2015 at Meinrad Seminary in Indiana.
Encounter with God's call—April 18-20, 2015 at Conception Seminary College--for young men 16 and under who are considering a vocation to the priesthood.
For more information, please contact Fr. Patrick Nwokoye, Director of Vocation Promotion at 573-200-1814—email: pnwokoye@dioscg.org or Fr. J. Friedel, Director of Vocations/Seminarians, at jfriedel@dioscg.org.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
April 19, 2015
Second Sunday After Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday)
Epistle: 1 Pet. 2: 21-25
Gospel: Jn. 10: 11-16
Mon 20 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 21 – Saint Anselm—Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Wed 22 – Ss. Soter & Caius—Popes & Martyrs
Thu 23 – Saint George, Martyr
Fri 24 – Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Martyr
Christ is the Good Shepherd. On the Cross His sufferings fulfill the prophecies written about the suffering servant Yahweh in the Book of Isaiah (52:13-53:12). His sufferings have a redemptive value. Christ takes our sins upon Himself and offers them on the Cross to God the Father as an atoning Sacrifice. We are now dead to sin and have the ability to live in righteousness and holiness with the help of God's grace!
No matter what suffering may come our way, it cannot compare to the suffering of Our Lord. When we unite our sufferings to the Passion of Jesus Christ, we have the opportunity to merit reward in heaven!
Christ is the Good Shepherd...”I will seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered” (Ezek. 34:12).
Discernment Retreat for College age men—April 24-26, 2015 at Meinrad Seminary in Indiana.
Encounter with God's call—April 18-20, 2015 at Conception Seminary College--for young men 16 and under who are considering a vocation to the priesthood.
For more information, please contact Fr. Patrick Nwokoye, Director of Vocation Promotion at 573-200-1814—email: pnwokoye@dioscg.org or Fr. J. Friedel, Director of Vocations/Seminarians, at jfriedel@dioscg.org.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Bulletin 251
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
April 12, 2015
Low Sunday (Divine Mercy Sunday)
Epistle: 1 Jn. 5: 4-10
Gospel: Jn. 20: 19-31
Mon 13 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 14 – Saint Justin, Martyr
Wed 15 – Feria in Paschaltide
Thu 16 – Feria in Paschaltide
Fri 17 – Saint Anicetus, Pope & Martyr
The next potluck will be on Divine Mercy Sunday-April 12th.
A plenary indulgence is granted to those who take part in the prayers and devotions held in honor of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the Merciful Lord Jesus (e.g., “Merciful Jesus, I trust in You!”).
If unable to get to church for the above, one may gain the same indulgence by reciting the Our Father and the Creed before a devout image of Our Merciful Lord Jesus Christ and, in addition, praying a devout invocation to the Merciful Lord Jesus (e.g., “Merciful Jesus, I trust in You!”).
Mercy is of the very essence of the redemptive incarnation of the priesthood of Jesus Christ. By its very nature, His priesthood is a work of mercy based on the covenant of mercy that God made with man. Christ brought God's gift of mercy to man, bringing forgiveness of sin by the Sacrifice of His own Body and Blood---a new and eternal covenant of God's merciful love.
We should be able to see the relationship between the Gospel and Divine Mercy. Listen to the words of Pope Benedict XVI from his Regina Caeli message on Divine Mercy Sunday in 2008: “Indeed mercy is the central nucleus of the Gospel message; it is the very name of God, the Face with which he revealed Himself in the Old Covenant and fully in Jesus Christ, the incarnation of creative and redemptive Love. May this merciful love also shine on the face of the Church and show itself through the sacraments, in particular that of Penance, and in works of charity, both communitarian and individual. May all that the Church says and does manifest the mercy God feels for man, and therefore for us…From Divine Mercy, which brings peace to hearts, genuine peace flows into the world, peace between different peoples, cultures and religions.”
Exploring Priesthood Weekend—April 17-19, 2015
Is a retreat designed to help men discern God's call to the diocesan priesthood. To be called by God to serve Him as a priest means to have one's soul stirred deep within. Throughout a weekend of prayer, discussion and group interaction, men begin to better understand God's movement in their life. Exploring priesthood weekends are held at Mundelein Seminary.
Discernment Retreat for College age men—April 24-26, 2015 at Meinrad Seminary in Indiana.
Encounter with God's call—April 18-20, 2015 at Conception Seminary College--for young men 16 and under who are considering a vocation to the priesthood.
For more information, please contact Fr. Patrick Nwokoye, Director of Vocation Promotion at 573-200-1814—email: pnwokoye@dioscg.org or Fr. J. Friedel, Director of Vocations/Seminarians, at jfriedel@dioscg.org.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
April 12, 2015
Low Sunday (Divine Mercy Sunday)
Epistle: 1 Jn. 5: 4-10
Gospel: Jn. 20: 19-31
Mon 13 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 14 – Saint Justin, Martyr
Wed 15 – Feria in Paschaltide
Thu 16 – Feria in Paschaltide
Fri 17 – Saint Anicetus, Pope & Martyr
The next potluck will be on Divine Mercy Sunday-April 12th.
A plenary indulgence is granted to those who take part in the prayers and devotions held in honor of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the Merciful Lord Jesus (e.g., “Merciful Jesus, I trust in You!”).
If unable to get to church for the above, one may gain the same indulgence by reciting the Our Father and the Creed before a devout image of Our Merciful Lord Jesus Christ and, in addition, praying a devout invocation to the Merciful Lord Jesus (e.g., “Merciful Jesus, I trust in You!”).
Mercy is of the very essence of the redemptive incarnation of the priesthood of Jesus Christ. By its very nature, His priesthood is a work of mercy based on the covenant of mercy that God made with man. Christ brought God's gift of mercy to man, bringing forgiveness of sin by the Sacrifice of His own Body and Blood---a new and eternal covenant of God's merciful love.
We should be able to see the relationship between the Gospel and Divine Mercy. Listen to the words of Pope Benedict XVI from his Regina Caeli message on Divine Mercy Sunday in 2008: “Indeed mercy is the central nucleus of the Gospel message; it is the very name of God, the Face with which he revealed Himself in the Old Covenant and fully in Jesus Christ, the incarnation of creative and redemptive Love. May this merciful love also shine on the face of the Church and show itself through the sacraments, in particular that of Penance, and in works of charity, both communitarian and individual. May all that the Church says and does manifest the mercy God feels for man, and therefore for us…From Divine Mercy, which brings peace to hearts, genuine peace flows into the world, peace between different peoples, cultures and religions.”
Exploring Priesthood Weekend—April 17-19, 2015
Is a retreat designed to help men discern God's call to the diocesan priesthood. To be called by God to serve Him as a priest means to have one's soul stirred deep within. Throughout a weekend of prayer, discussion and group interaction, men begin to better understand God's movement in their life. Exploring priesthood weekends are held at Mundelein Seminary.
Discernment Retreat for College age men—April 24-26, 2015 at Meinrad Seminary in Indiana.
Encounter with God's call—April 18-20, 2015 at Conception Seminary College--for young men 16 and under who are considering a vocation to the priesthood.
For more information, please contact Fr. Patrick Nwokoye, Director of Vocation Promotion at 573-200-1814—email: pnwokoye@dioscg.org or Fr. J. Friedel, Director of Vocations/Seminarians, at jfriedel@dioscg.org.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Bulletin 250
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
April 5, 2015
Easter Sunday
Epistle: I Cor. 5:7-8
Gospel: Mk. 16: 1-7
Mon 6 Easter Monday -- No Latin Mass
Tue 7 Easter Tuesday
Wed 8 Easter Wednesday
Thu 9 Easter Thursday
Fri 10 Easter Friday
The next potluck will be on Divine Mercy Sunday-April 12th.
HE IS RISEN!
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass today is filled with allusions to the Resurrection of our Lord and to Baptism. Jesus was immolated, but He triumphs on the Cross! He comes forth triumphant from the sepulcher...
Alleluia!
“This is the day which the Lord has made; let us celebrate it with transports of joy.” (From the Office of the Church).
Christ has triumphed over all His enemies. He has clothed in glory and splendor His Body which had been Victim. Christ has triumphed over death! He is God Divine!
“If Christ be not risen again your faith is vain.” 1Cor. 15
St. Paul reminds us that God has given us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ...! Our destiny is heaven!
The following is from the office of vocations:
Quo Vadis-Kenrick-Glennon Seminary April 10-11, 2015
An opportunity for young men discerning a call to the priesthood or just
want to learn more about the priesthood to visit a local seminary, listen and interact with seminarians.
Exploring Priesthood Weekend—April 17-19, 2015
Is a retreat designed to help men discern God's call to the diocesan priesthood. To be called by God to serve Him as a priest means to have one's soul stirred deep within. Throughout a weekend of prayer, discussion and group interaction, men begin to better understand God's movement in their life. Exploring priesthood weekends are held at Mundelein Seminary.
Discernment Retreat for College age men—April 24-26, 2015 at Meinrad Seminary in Indiana.
Encounter with God's call—April 18-20, 2015 at Conception Seminary College--for young men 16 and under who are considering a vocation to the priesthood.
For more information, please contact Fr. Patrick Nwokoye, Director of Vocation Promotion at 573-200-1814—email: pnwokoye@dioscg.org or Fr. J. Friedel, Director of Vocations/Seminarians, at jfriedel@dioscg.org.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
April 5, 2015
Easter Sunday
Epistle: I Cor. 5:7-8
Gospel: Mk. 16: 1-7
Mon 6 Easter Monday -- No Latin Mass
Tue 7 Easter Tuesday
Wed 8 Easter Wednesday
Thu 9 Easter Thursday
Fri 10 Easter Friday
The next potluck will be on Divine Mercy Sunday-April 12th.
HE IS RISEN!
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass today is filled with allusions to the Resurrection of our Lord and to Baptism. Jesus was immolated, but He triumphs on the Cross! He comes forth triumphant from the sepulcher...
Alleluia!
“This is the day which the Lord has made; let us celebrate it with transports of joy.” (From the Office of the Church).
Christ has triumphed over all His enemies. He has clothed in glory and splendor His Body which had been Victim. Christ has triumphed over death! He is God Divine!
“If Christ be not risen again your faith is vain.” 1Cor. 15
St. Paul reminds us that God has given us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ...! Our destiny is heaven!
The following is from the office of vocations:
Quo Vadis-Kenrick-Glennon Seminary April 10-11, 2015
An opportunity for young men discerning a call to the priesthood or just
want to learn more about the priesthood to visit a local seminary, listen and interact with seminarians.
Exploring Priesthood Weekend—April 17-19, 2015
Is a retreat designed to help men discern God's call to the diocesan priesthood. To be called by God to serve Him as a priest means to have one's soul stirred deep within. Throughout a weekend of prayer, discussion and group interaction, men begin to better understand God's movement in their life. Exploring priesthood weekends are held at Mundelein Seminary.
Discernment Retreat for College age men—April 24-26, 2015 at Meinrad Seminary in Indiana.
Encounter with God's call—April 18-20, 2015 at Conception Seminary College--for young men 16 and under who are considering a vocation to the priesthood.
For more information, please contact Fr. Patrick Nwokoye, Director of Vocation Promotion at 573-200-1814—email: pnwokoye@dioscg.org or Fr. J. Friedel, Director of Vocations/Seminarians, at jfriedel@dioscg.org.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Bulletin 249
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
March 29, 2015
Palm Sunday
Epistle: Phil. 2: 5-11
Gospel: Mt. 26: 36-75; 27: 1-60
Mon 30 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 31--Tuesday of Holy Week-Latin Mass-12:15pm-Chrism Mass @ 7:00pm
Wed 1--Wednesday of Holy Week—No Latin Mass
Thu 2 Holy Thursday—No Latin Mass
Fri 3 Good Friday—No Good Friday Liturgy
The next potluck will be on Divine Mercy Sunday-April 12th.
The second Sunday in Passionide, or Palm Sunday, commemorates the last triumph of our Lord Jesus Christ on earth. It marks the beginning of Holy Week. “Let the faithful be invited to take part in the Procession of Palms in greater numbers, thus rendering Christ the King public witness of their love and gratitude.”
On Palm Sunday the Church celebrates the triumphant entry of Our Lord into Jerusalem. The crowds went before and after Jesus Christ with branches cut from trees thrown before Him. They shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.”
We commemorate this triumph by blessing palms and carrying them in solemn procession. Although this triumph ultimately led to the death of Jesus, we know for certain that His Passion and Death is how he conquered the world, sin, and Satan! “If I be lifted up...I will draw all things to Myself.” Jn. 12:32.
The following are announcements from the Office of Vocations regarding discernment opportunities for young men.
Quo Vadis-Kenrick-Glennon Seminary April 10-11, 2015
An opportunity for young men discerning a call to the priesthood or just
want to learn more about the priesthood to visit a local seminary, listen and interact with seminarians.
Exploring Priesthood Weekend—April 17-19, 2015
Is a retreat designed to help men discern God's call to the diocesan priesthood. To be called by God to serve Him as a priest means to have one's soul stirred deep within. Throughout a weekend of prayer, discussion and group interaction, men begin to better understand God's movement in their life. Exploring priesthood weekends are held at Mundelein Seminary.
Discernment Retreat for College age men—April 24-26, 2015 at Meinrad Seminary in Indiana.
Encounter with God's call—April 18-20, 2015 at Conception Seminary College--for young men 16 and under who are considering a vocation to the priesthood.
For more information, please contact Fr. Patrick Nwokoye, Director of Vocation Promotion at 573-200-1814—email: pnwokoye@dioscg.org or Fr. J. Friedel, Director of Vocations/Seminarians, at jfriedel@dioscg.org.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching
March 29, 2015
Palm Sunday
Epistle: Phil. 2: 5-11
Gospel: Mt. 26: 36-75; 27: 1-60
Mon 30 -- No Latin Mass
Tue 31--Tuesday of Holy Week-Latin Mass-12:15pm-Chrism Mass @ 7:00pm
Wed 1--Wednesday of Holy Week—No Latin Mass
Thu 2 Holy Thursday—No Latin Mass
Fri 3 Good Friday—No Good Friday Liturgy
The next potluck will be on Divine Mercy Sunday-April 12th.
The second Sunday in Passionide, or Palm Sunday, commemorates the last triumph of our Lord Jesus Christ on earth. It marks the beginning of Holy Week. “Let the faithful be invited to take part in the Procession of Palms in greater numbers, thus rendering Christ the King public witness of their love and gratitude.”
On Palm Sunday the Church celebrates the triumphant entry of Our Lord into Jerusalem. The crowds went before and after Jesus Christ with branches cut from trees thrown before Him. They shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord.”
We commemorate this triumph by blessing palms and carrying them in solemn procession. Although this triumph ultimately led to the death of Jesus, we know for certain that His Passion and Death is how he conquered the world, sin, and Satan! “If I be lifted up...I will draw all things to Myself.” Jn. 12:32.
The following are announcements from the Office of Vocations regarding discernment opportunities for young men.
Quo Vadis-Kenrick-Glennon Seminary April 10-11, 2015
An opportunity for young men discerning a call to the priesthood or just
want to learn more about the priesthood to visit a local seminary, listen and interact with seminarians.
Exploring Priesthood Weekend—April 17-19, 2015
Is a retreat designed to help men discern God's call to the diocesan priesthood. To be called by God to serve Him as a priest means to have one's soul stirred deep within. Throughout a weekend of prayer, discussion and group interaction, men begin to better understand God's movement in their life. Exploring priesthood weekends are held at Mundelein Seminary.
Discernment Retreat for College age men—April 24-26, 2015 at Meinrad Seminary in Indiana.
Encounter with God's call—April 18-20, 2015 at Conception Seminary College--for young men 16 and under who are considering a vocation to the priesthood.
For more information, please contact Fr. Patrick Nwokoye, Director of Vocation Promotion at 573-200-1814—email: pnwokoye@dioscg.org or Fr. J. Friedel, Director of Vocations/Seminarians, at jfriedel@dioscg.org.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Friday, March 27, 2015
Pope Francis and the Blood of St. Januarius
Saint Januarius was a Catholic bishop of Naples (in Italy) who was martyred for being a Christian under the reign of Caesar Diocletian in about AD 305. He was beheaded at the Solfatara crater near Pozzuoli. His martyrdom is honoured in both the Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox churches. There is a cathedral in Naples which stands as a shrine in his memory, housing the relic of a small vile filled with some of his blood. According to legend, the blood was saved by a woman named Eusebia just after the saint's death. The blood, being some 1,700 years old now, has long since hardened. However, three times a year, a phenomenon occurs, in which the clotted and decayed blood returns to its liquid state. This happens on September 19 (Saint Januarius day, to commemorate his martyrdom), on December 16 (to celebrate his patronage of both Naples and of the archdiocese), and on the Saturday before the first Sunday of May (to commemorate the reunification of his relics). Religious pilgrims often visit the shrine on these dates to witness the phenomenon.
I call it a phenomenon, as opposed to a miracle, because the Vatican has never officially ruled it a miracle, though it does pay respect to the phenomenon and the devotion that has developed because of it.
In addition to these annual dates, the blood has also turned to liquid in the presence of three popes. The last time this occurred was in 1848 with Pius IX. It hasn't happened since, when other popes visited the shrine, until now. Pope Francis visited the cathedral on March 21, 2015. The following video tells of the encounter and the phenomenon...
Now, before we go on, let's be perfectly clear about some things. First, Pope Francis did not perform any miracle. He had no intention of turning the clotted blood back into liquid. He simply venerated the relic by kissing it, a sign of deep devotion and respect. Second, if indeed the phenomenon is miraculous, then it was God who performed the miracle, by the intercession of Saint Januarius. Again, Pope Francis did not do it. Third, whether it is a miracle or a phenomenon, God can use either to send us a message.
To try to find meaning in this, we should look back to when this happened with the last pope. Remember, popes have visited this shrine since then, and the blood has not liquefied for any of them. It did however liquefy for Pope Francis. This hasn't happened in 167 years. The last time this happened with a pope was in 1848 with Pope Pius IX, who was the longest reigning pope in Church history. Pius IX however, is also one of the most interesting popes in modern times. Following his visit to Naples in 1848, after the clotted blood of Saint Januarius had liquefied, that very same year Pope Pius IX was forced into exile from the Vatican. The exile was the result of political disputes and social unrest in Italy at the time. He returned to the Vatican two years later and from thence forth practically became a prisoner therein. Relations between the papacy and the Italian government where at an all time low, and the era was marked by riots in the streets and marauding gangs in the countryside. It was an especially dark time for the papacy, but Pius IX found himself purified in this crucible of fire. He proclaimed the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception infallibly, which is something Catholics had always believed, but hadn't been settled as an indisputable matter of faith until his proclamation. He approved a petition to name Mary, as the Immaculate Conception, the official patroness of the United States of America. He penned 38 papal encyclicals, and convened the First Vatican Council. He wrote the now famous 'Syllabus of Errors', which condemned the errors of Modernism, errors that have since led humanity into two world wars, and a global confrontation with communism, as well as the rapid deterioration of Western civilisation. During this time, Pope Pius IX was well known for a personal lifestyle of simplicity and poverty, which has since led the papacy to increasingly become a more spiritual office, and less of a temporal one. Pius IX's papacy is regarded by historians as the birth of the modern papacy, restoring the office to something closer to what it once was at the time of the apostles and the early centuries of the Church. Politically, Pius IX started out as a liberal, but later became much more conservative, after his initial exile from the Vatican. He became a reformer of the papacy and the Vatican. The spiritual aspects of Catholicism flourished under his reign, but the political relations between the papacy and the state suffered terribly. Pius IX was not well liked by the political rulers of his day; Italy, France, Germany, Russia and the United States of America. (Yes, even President Abraham Lincoln did not care for him, nor did his successor President Andrew Johnson.) Yet he was loved by Catholic clergy and laymen around the world.
Does this in any way sound like Pope Francis? I can see some similarities between Francis and the early years of Pius IX, during the liberal years of his papacy. Like Pius IX, Francis considers himself a reformer of the Vatican and seeks to reignite zeal among the Catholic faithful. The liquefaction of the blood of Saint Januarius for Pope Pius IX was immediately followed by unprecedented political trials for the Holy Father. This was accompanied by changes in his papacy, and the result was an incredibly holy man who changed the papacy for the better, and reignited the faith of millions of Catholics around the world. Does God have something similar planned for Pope Francis? Is the liquefaction of the blood of Saint Januarius at the kiss of Pope Francis a sign of this? There is no way we can know at this time. What we do know is that the liquefaction of the blood for the last pope turned out to be both a harbinger of evil and a herald of greatness at the same time. Does God use phenomenon like this to tell us something? Sure he does. We see the Bible littered with such things. The only problem is, we don't know exactly what it means until after it happens. For now, we can view the phenomenon of the liquefaction of Saint Janaurius' blood for Pope Francis as a possible sign from heaven, and that's all we can do. As for what it means, if anything, we'll just have to wait and see.
Written by Shane Schaetzel. Posted with permission of author.
------------------------------------------------
Shane Schaetzel is a published author and columnist for Christian print magazines and online publications. He is a freelance writer and the creator of 'FullyChristian.Com -- The random musings of a Catholic in the Ozarks.'
BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR...
Catholicism for Protestants
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Bulletin 248
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
March 22nd, 2015
Passion Sunday
Epistle: Heb. 9: 11-15
Gospel: Jn. 8: 46-59
Mon 23-- No Latin Mass
Tue 24 Feria of Passiontide
Wed 25 Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Thu 26 Feria of Passiontide
Fri 27 Feria of Passiontide
Stations of the Cross will be prayed after Mass on Fridays during Lent.
On each of the Fridays of Lent, a plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, after Communion, recite the “Prayer Before a Crucifix.”
The next potluck will be on Divine Mercy Sunday-April 12th.
St. John teaches that sin is the death of the soul and sanctifying grace is life. To attain eternal life we must do penance for our sins. John the Baptist preached penance in the wilderness. Even if by God's grace we have recognized our sins and made a good confession, there still remains an obligation to make satisfaction to God for the offenses we committed against Him by sinning.
Always carry out the penance imposed upon you by your confessor. Try to do much more than he assigns. We must pray, fast, give alms and make use of our indulgences. We must do our penance as soon as possible.
It is a sin to neglect carrying out our penance! If we feel indifferent to doing penance, pray! Consider the Passion of Jesus Christ and all He has merited for us!
The following are announcements from the Office of Vocations regarding discernment opportunities for young men.
Quo Vadis-Kenrick-Glennon Seminary April 10-11, 2015
An opportunity for young men discerning a call to the priesthood or just
want to learn more about the priesthood to visit a local seminary, listen and interact with seminarians.
Exploring Priesthood Weekend—April 17-19, 2015
Is a retreat designed to help men discern God's call to the diocesan priesthood. To be called by God to serve Him as a priest means to have one's soul stirred deep within. Throughout a weekend of prayer, discussion and group interaction, men begin to better understand God's movement in their life. Exploring priesthood weekends are held at Mundelein Seminary.
Discernment Retreat for College age men—April 24-26, 2015 at Meinrad Seminary in Indiana.
Encounter with God's call—April 18-20, 2015 at Conception Seminary College--for young men 16 and under who are considering a vocation to the priesthood.
For more information, please contact Fr. Patrick Nwokoye, Director of Vocation Promotion at 573-200-1814—email: pnwokoye@dioscg.org or Fr. J. Friedel, Director of Vocations/Seminarians, at jfriedel@dioscg.org.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
March 22nd, 2015
Passion Sunday
Epistle: Heb. 9: 11-15
Gospel: Jn. 8: 46-59
Mon 23-- No Latin Mass
Tue 24 Feria of Passiontide
Wed 25 Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Thu 26 Feria of Passiontide
Fri 27 Feria of Passiontide
Stations of the Cross will be prayed after Mass on Fridays during Lent.
On each of the Fridays of Lent, a plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, after Communion, recite the “Prayer Before a Crucifix.”
The next potluck will be on Divine Mercy Sunday-April 12th.
St. John teaches that sin is the death of the soul and sanctifying grace is life. To attain eternal life we must do penance for our sins. John the Baptist preached penance in the wilderness. Even if by God's grace we have recognized our sins and made a good confession, there still remains an obligation to make satisfaction to God for the offenses we committed against Him by sinning.
Always carry out the penance imposed upon you by your confessor. Try to do much more than he assigns. We must pray, fast, give alms and make use of our indulgences. We must do our penance as soon as possible.
It is a sin to neglect carrying out our penance! If we feel indifferent to doing penance, pray! Consider the Passion of Jesus Christ and all He has merited for us!
The following are announcements from the Office of Vocations regarding discernment opportunities for young men.
Quo Vadis-Kenrick-Glennon Seminary April 10-11, 2015
An opportunity for young men discerning a call to the priesthood or just
want to learn more about the priesthood to visit a local seminary, listen and interact with seminarians.
Exploring Priesthood Weekend—April 17-19, 2015
Is a retreat designed to help men discern God's call to the diocesan priesthood. To be called by God to serve Him as a priest means to have one's soul stirred deep within. Throughout a weekend of prayer, discussion and group interaction, men begin to better understand God's movement in their life. Exploring priesthood weekends are held at Mundelein Seminary.
Discernment Retreat for College age men—April 24-26, 2015 at Meinrad Seminary in Indiana.
Encounter with God's call—April 18-20, 2015 at Conception Seminary College--for young men 16 and under who are considering a vocation to the priesthood.
For more information, please contact Fr. Patrick Nwokoye, Director of Vocation Promotion at 573-200-1814—email: pnwokoye@dioscg.org or Fr. J. Friedel, Director of Vocations/Seminarians, at jfriedel@dioscg.org.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Bulletin 247
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
March 15th, 2015
Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday)
Epistle: Gal 4: 22-31
Gospel: Jn. 6: 1-15
Mon 16-- No Latin Mass
Tue 17 Feria of Lent
Wed 18 Feria of Lent
Thu 19 Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Fri 20 Feria of Lent
Stations of the Cross will be prayed after Mass on Fridays during Lent.
On each of the Fridays of Lent, a plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, after Communion, recite the “Prayer Before a Crucifix.”
The next potluck will be on Divine Mercy Sunday-April 12th.
The following are announcements from the Office of Vocations regarding discernment opportunities for young men.
Quo Vadis-Kenrick-Glennon Seminary April 10-11, 2015
An opportunity for young men discerning a call to the priesthood or just want to learn more about the priesthood to visit a local seminary, listen and interact with seminarians.
Exploring Priesthood Weekend—April 17-19, 2015
Is a retreat designed to help men discern God's call to the diocesan priesthood. To be called by God to serve Him as a priest means to have one's soul stirred deep within. Throughout a weekend of prayer, discussion and group interaction, men begin to better understand God's movement in their life. Exploring priesthood weekends are held at Mundelein Seminary.
Discernment Retreat for College age men—April 24-26, 2015 at Meinrad Seminary in Indiana.
Encounter with God's call—April 18-20, 2015 at Conception Seminary College--for young men 16 and under who are considering a vocation to the priesthood.
For more information, please contact Fr. Patrick Nwokoye, Director of Vocation Promotion at 573-200-1814—email: pnwokoye@dioscg.org or Fr. J. Friedel, Director of Vocations/Seminarians, at jfriedel@dioscg.org.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
March 15th, 2015
Fourth Sunday of Lent (Laetare Sunday)
Epistle: Gal 4: 22-31
Gospel: Jn. 6: 1-15
Mon 16-- No Latin Mass
Tue 17 Feria of Lent
Wed 18 Feria of Lent
Thu 19 Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Fri 20 Feria of Lent
Stations of the Cross will be prayed after Mass on Fridays during Lent.
On each of the Fridays of Lent, a plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, after Communion, recite the “Prayer Before a Crucifix.”
The next potluck will be on Divine Mercy Sunday-April 12th.
The following are announcements from the Office of Vocations regarding discernment opportunities for young men.
Quo Vadis-Kenrick-Glennon Seminary April 10-11, 2015
An opportunity for young men discerning a call to the priesthood or just want to learn more about the priesthood to visit a local seminary, listen and interact with seminarians.
Exploring Priesthood Weekend—April 17-19, 2015
Is a retreat designed to help men discern God's call to the diocesan priesthood. To be called by God to serve Him as a priest means to have one's soul stirred deep within. Throughout a weekend of prayer, discussion and group interaction, men begin to better understand God's movement in their life. Exploring priesthood weekends are held at Mundelein Seminary.
Discernment Retreat for College age men—April 24-26, 2015 at Meinrad Seminary in Indiana.
Encounter with God's call—April 18-20, 2015 at Conception Seminary College--for young men 16 and under who are considering a vocation to the priesthood.
For more information, please contact Fr. Patrick Nwokoye, Director of Vocation Promotion at 573-200-1814—email: pnwokoye@dioscg.org or Fr. J. Friedel, Director of Vocations/Seminarians, at jfriedel@dioscg.org.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, March 7, 2015
Bulletin 246
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
March 8th 2015
Third Sunday of Lent
Epistle: Eph. 5: 1-9
Gospel: Lk. 11: 14-28
Mon 9-- No Latin Mass
Tue 10 Feria of Lent
Wed 11 Feria of Lent
Thu 12 Feria of Lent
Fri 13 Feria of Lent
Stations of the Cross will be prayed after Mass on Fridays during Lent.
On each of the Fridays of Lent, a plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, after Communion, recite the “Prayer Before a Crucifix.”
Zeal for my Father’s house has eaten my up, says Jesus Christ (psalm 69). Our Lord cannot tolerate disorder or anything unbecoming in His Holy Sanctuary. The Church is a House of Prayer and the palace of the King of Kings. We should have a jealous care of the cleanliness of the table of the altar. It is the throne on which the Divine Majesty descends! We must guard the purity of the holy vessels which will touch the Immaculate Lamb, and the decency of the vestments which must cover Christ in the person of His priest while the Holy Sacrifice is being offered. Those priests who truly love Jesus Christ perform with dignity and with great reverence the slightest ceremonies of the Sacred Liturgy. They do it with attention, with mind and heart united with Christ, the High Priest.
When a priest offers the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, heaven itself bends down toward him with reverence and gratitude. The angels and the Blessed surround Christ’s priests with veneration and urge them to offer the Divine Victim. They pray that we unite their adoration with that of the Sacred Host which the priest holds in his hands. The Blessed Virgin Mary herself, the Queen of all priests, is present each day at the Holy Sacrifice. She is happy to renew, thanks to her priests, the offering of her Son which she once made in tears at the foot of the Cross.
Your are invited to join myself and Father Justin Nolan, FSSP, associate pastor of Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne parish in Kansas City, who will be visiting St. Agnes on Friday, March 13. He will give a talk entitled, "The Liturgical Principles of the Mass: The Most Beautiful Thing This Side of Heaven". There will be a meet and greet with Fr. Nolan at 4 pm, followed by a potluck dinner at 5 pm. Fr. Nolan's talk begins at 6 pm. The event will be held in the school cafeteria. All are welcome!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
March 8th 2015
Third Sunday of Lent
Epistle: Eph. 5: 1-9
Gospel: Lk. 11: 14-28
Mon 9-- No Latin Mass
Tue 10 Feria of Lent
Wed 11 Feria of Lent
Thu 12 Feria of Lent
Fri 13 Feria of Lent
Stations of the Cross will be prayed after Mass on Fridays during Lent.
On each of the Fridays of Lent, a plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, after Communion, recite the “Prayer Before a Crucifix.”
Zeal for my Father’s house has eaten my up, says Jesus Christ (psalm 69). Our Lord cannot tolerate disorder or anything unbecoming in His Holy Sanctuary. The Church is a House of Prayer and the palace of the King of Kings. We should have a jealous care of the cleanliness of the table of the altar. It is the throne on which the Divine Majesty descends! We must guard the purity of the holy vessels which will touch the Immaculate Lamb, and the decency of the vestments which must cover Christ in the person of His priest while the Holy Sacrifice is being offered. Those priests who truly love Jesus Christ perform with dignity and with great reverence the slightest ceremonies of the Sacred Liturgy. They do it with attention, with mind and heart united with Christ, the High Priest.
When a priest offers the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, heaven itself bends down toward him with reverence and gratitude. The angels and the Blessed surround Christ’s priests with veneration and urge them to offer the Divine Victim. They pray that we unite their adoration with that of the Sacred Host which the priest holds in his hands. The Blessed Virgin Mary herself, the Queen of all priests, is present each day at the Holy Sacrifice. She is happy to renew, thanks to her priests, the offering of her Son which she once made in tears at the foot of the Cross.
Your are invited to join myself and Father Justin Nolan, FSSP, associate pastor of Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne parish in Kansas City, who will be visiting St. Agnes on Friday, March 13. He will give a talk entitled, "The Liturgical Principles of the Mass: The Most Beautiful Thing This Side of Heaven". There will be a meet and greet with Fr. Nolan at 4 pm, followed by a potluck dinner at 5 pm. Fr. Nolan's talk begins at 6 pm. The event will be held in the school cafeteria. All are welcome!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Monday, March 2, 2015
The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
Zeal for my Father’s house has eaten my up, says Jesus Christ (psalm 69). Our Lord cannot tolerate disorder or anything unbecoming in His Holy Sanctuary. The Church is a House of Prayer and the palace of the King of Kings. We should have a jealous care of the cleanliness of the table of the altar. It is the throne on which the Divine Majesty descends! We must guard the purity of the holy vessels which will touch the Immaculate Lamb, and the decency of the vestments which must cover Christ in the person of His priest while the Holy Sacrifice is being offered. Those priests who truly love Jesus Christ perform with dignity and with great reverence the slightest ceremonies of the Sacred Liturgy. They do it with attention, with mind and heart united with Christ, the High Priest.
When a priest offers the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, heaven itself bends down toward him with reverence and gratitude. The angels and the Blessed surround Christ’s priests with veneration and urge them to offer the Divine Victim. They pray that we unite their adoration with that of the Sacred Host which the priest holds in his hands. The Blessed Virgin Mary herself, the Queen of all priests, is present each day at the Holy Sacrifice. She is happy to renew, thanks to her priests, the offering of her Son which she once made in tears at the foot of the Cross.
Your are invited to join myself and Father Justin Nolan, FSSP, associate pastor of Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne parish in Kansas City, who will be visiting St. Agnes on Friday, March 13. He will give a talk entitled, "The Liturgical Principles of the Mass: The Most Beautiful Thing This Side of Heaven". There will be a meet and greet with Fr. Nolan at 4 pm, followed by a potluck dinner at 5 pm. Fr. Nolan's talk begins at 6 pm. The event will be held in the school cafeteria. All are welcome!
In Christ,
Fr. Jeff Fasching
When a priest offers the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, heaven itself bends down toward him with reverence and gratitude. The angels and the Blessed surround Christ’s priests with veneration and urge them to offer the Divine Victim. They pray that we unite their adoration with that of the Sacred Host which the priest holds in his hands. The Blessed Virgin Mary herself, the Queen of all priests, is present each day at the Holy Sacrifice. She is happy to renew, thanks to her priests, the offering of her Son which she once made in tears at the foot of the Cross.
Your are invited to join myself and Father Justin Nolan, FSSP, associate pastor of Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne parish in Kansas City, who will be visiting St. Agnes on Friday, March 13. He will give a talk entitled, "The Liturgical Principles of the Mass: The Most Beautiful Thing This Side of Heaven". There will be a meet and greet with Fr. Nolan at 4 pm, followed by a potluck dinner at 5 pm. Fr. Nolan's talk begins at 6 pm. The event will be held in the school cafeteria. All are welcome!
In Christ,
Fr. Jeff Fasching
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Bulletin 245
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
March 1st, 2015
Second Sunday of Lent
Epistle: 1 Thess. 4: 1-7
Gospel: Mt. 17: 1-9
Mon 2-- No Latin Mass
Tue 3 Feria of Lent-- No Latin Mass
Wed 4 Feria of Lent
Thu 5 Feria of Lent
Fri 6 Sacred Heart of Jesus
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament followed by benediction after Mass on March 6th.
Stations of the Cross will be prayed after Mass on Fridays during Lent.
The next pot luck is scheduled for Sunday, March 1st immediately following the 2:30pm Latin Mass.
On each of the Fridays of Lent, a plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, after Communion, recite the “Prayer Before a Crucifix.”
After entering into Paradise, the Blessed will have no more sorrows. “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” “And death shall be no more, nor mourning, nor crying, nor sorrow, shall be any more, for the former things are passed away.” And He that sat on the throne, said: “Behold, I make all things new.” Rev. 21:5.
In Paradise, death and the fear of death are no more. There are no more sorrows, no infirmities, no poverty and no inconveniences. There are no persecutions and no envy. Each rejoices at the happiness of others as if it were his own. There is no more fear of eternal perdition. The soul is confirmed in grace. It cannot sin and cannot lose God!
All these are nothing, however, compared with seeing and loving God face to face. God Himself, whom the saints are allowed to behold, is the principal reward of the just in heaven. We must therefore bear with courage our current sufferings. They are nothing in order to gain heaven. “Your sorrow will be turned into joy.” John 16:20.
We must now love God and work for heaven. The saints wait for us. Mary expects us. Jesus Christ expects us. He holds a crown for each of us!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
March 1st, 2015
Second Sunday of Lent
Epistle: 1 Thess. 4: 1-7
Gospel: Mt. 17: 1-9
Mon 2-- No Latin Mass
Tue 3 Feria of Lent-- No Latin Mass
Wed 4 Feria of Lent
Thu 5 Feria of Lent
Fri 6 Sacred Heart of Jesus
Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament followed by benediction after Mass on March 6th.
Stations of the Cross will be prayed after Mass on Fridays during Lent.
The next pot luck is scheduled for Sunday, March 1st immediately following the 2:30pm Latin Mass.
On each of the Fridays of Lent, a plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, after Communion, recite the “Prayer Before a Crucifix.”
After entering into Paradise, the Blessed will have no more sorrows. “God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” “And death shall be no more, nor mourning, nor crying, nor sorrow, shall be any more, for the former things are passed away.” And He that sat on the throne, said: “Behold, I make all things new.” Rev. 21:5.
In Paradise, death and the fear of death are no more. There are no more sorrows, no infirmities, no poverty and no inconveniences. There are no persecutions and no envy. Each rejoices at the happiness of others as if it were his own. There is no more fear of eternal perdition. The soul is confirmed in grace. It cannot sin and cannot lose God!
All these are nothing, however, compared with seeing and loving God face to face. God Himself, whom the saints are allowed to behold, is the principal reward of the just in heaven. We must therefore bear with courage our current sufferings. They are nothing in order to gain heaven. “Your sorrow will be turned into joy.” John 16:20.
We must now love God and work for heaven. The saints wait for us. Mary expects us. Jesus Christ expects us. He holds a crown for each of us!
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, February 21, 2015
Bulletin 244
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
February 22nd, 2015-- Mass @ 7:00pm.
First Sunday of Lent
Epistle: 2 Cor. 6: 1-10
Gospel: Mt. 4: 1-11
Mon 23 No Latin Mass
Tue 24 Saint Matthias * Apostle
Wed 25 Ember Wednesday of Lent
Thu 26 Feria of Lent
Fri 27 Ember Friday of Lent
Mass on February 22nd will be at 7:00pm.
Stations of the Cross will be prayed after Mass on Fridays during Lent.
The next pot luck is scheduled for Sunday, March 1st immediately following the 2:30pm Latin Mass.
On each of the Fridays of Lent, a plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, after Communion, recite the “Prayer Before a Crucifix.”
Christ sought solitude in the desert. He was led by the Holy Ghost as His guide. He prepared Himself to confront temptation. We should be happy and grateful to Christ because He allowed Himself to be tempted in order to show us how to gain victory over our own temptations. Christ shows His love for us in allowing Himself to be tempted! All we need to do to win victory in temptation is to desire it!
Temptation helps us to know ourselves. It is necessary so that we can realize our unworthiness and prevent our pride from taking control over ourselves. We must humbly turn to Christ in temptation and He will always gives us the grace to overcome.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
February 22nd, 2015-- Mass @ 7:00pm.
First Sunday of Lent
Epistle: 2 Cor. 6: 1-10
Gospel: Mt. 4: 1-11
Mon 23 No Latin Mass
Tue 24 Saint Matthias * Apostle
Wed 25 Ember Wednesday of Lent
Thu 26 Feria of Lent
Fri 27 Ember Friday of Lent
Mass on February 22nd will be at 7:00pm.
Stations of the Cross will be prayed after Mass on Fridays during Lent.
The next pot luck is scheduled for Sunday, March 1st immediately following the 2:30pm Latin Mass.
On each of the Fridays of Lent, a plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, after Communion, recite the “Prayer Before a Crucifix.”
Christ sought solitude in the desert. He was led by the Holy Ghost as His guide. He prepared Himself to confront temptation. We should be happy and grateful to Christ because He allowed Himself to be tempted in order to show us how to gain victory over our own temptations. Christ shows His love for us in allowing Himself to be tempted! All we need to do to win victory in temptation is to desire it!
Temptation helps us to know ourselves. It is necessary so that we can realize our unworthiness and prevent our pride from taking control over ourselves. We must humbly turn to Christ in temptation and He will always gives us the grace to overcome.
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, February 14, 2015
Bulletin 243
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
February 15th, 2015
Quinquagesima Sunday
Epistle: I Cor. 13: 1-13
Gospel: Lk. 18: 31-43
Mon 16 No Latin Mass
Tue 17 Feria
Wed 18 Ash Wednesday—Mass @ 10:00am.
Thu 19 Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Fri 20 Friday after Ash Wednesday
Mass on February 22nd will be at 7:00pm.
Mass on Ash Wednesday will be at 10:00am.
Stations of the Cross will be prayed after Mass on Fridays during Lent.
The next pot luck is scheduled for Sunday, March 1st immediately following the 2:30pm Latin Mass.
On each of the Fridays of Lent, a plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, after Communion, recite the “Prayer Before a Crucifix.”
Praying constantly is a necessity if we want to save our souls! We must pray that God gives us light to see! In the fourth luminous mystery of the Holy Rosary we pray that we are able to see with the transforming vision of God and not our own, limited human vision. We must beg God to see the path we must walk in order to save our souls! Satan is constantly trying to deceive us.
We cannot live in a state of sin and slave of the devil and expect to attain eternal salvation. We cannot delude ourselves into thinking we have plenty of time to give ourselves to God. God does not count our years, but rather the sins of each individual. God has fixed for each of us the number of sins He will pardon, but the Day of Judgemt will come soon!
We always will be given the grace to resist temptation if we sincerely ask for it, however, satan would have us believe otherwise. Saint Paul says that God is faithful, and that He never permits us to be tempted above our strength. The more we yield to temptation, the weaker we become. When we have recourse to God He will always give us the strength necessary to resist temptation!
Father Fasching's Mass Travel Schedule – Lent & Easter
Feb. 18 - Ash Wednesday -
Gainesville and Ava – Fr. Fasching
Feb. 21 – 22 - 1st Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Mar. 7 – 8 - 3rd Sunday of Lent
Gainesville and Ava - Fr. Fasching
Mar. 21 – 22 - 5th Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Apr. 18 - 19 - 3rd Sunday of Easter
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
May 2 – 3 - 5th Sunday of Easter
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
May 16 – 17 - 7th Sunday of Easter - Confirmation - Ava
Cabool - Sat.4:00 PM - Fr. Fasching
Mt. Grove, Sun. 10:30 AM – Fr. Fasching
May30 – 31 - Trinity Sunday
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
February 15th, 2015
Quinquagesima Sunday
Epistle: I Cor. 13: 1-13
Gospel: Lk. 18: 31-43
Mon 16 No Latin Mass
Tue 17 Feria
Wed 18 Ash Wednesday—Mass @ 10:00am.
Thu 19 Thursday after Ash Wednesday
Fri 20 Friday after Ash Wednesday
Mass on February 22nd will be at 7:00pm.
Mass on Ash Wednesday will be at 10:00am.
Stations of the Cross will be prayed after Mass on Fridays during Lent.
The next pot luck is scheduled for Sunday, March 1st immediately following the 2:30pm Latin Mass.
On each of the Fridays of Lent, a plenary indulgence is granted to the faithful who, after Communion, recite the “Prayer Before a Crucifix.”
Praying constantly is a necessity if we want to save our souls! We must pray that God gives us light to see! In the fourth luminous mystery of the Holy Rosary we pray that we are able to see with the transforming vision of God and not our own, limited human vision. We must beg God to see the path we must walk in order to save our souls! Satan is constantly trying to deceive us.
We cannot live in a state of sin and slave of the devil and expect to attain eternal salvation. We cannot delude ourselves into thinking we have plenty of time to give ourselves to God. God does not count our years, but rather the sins of each individual. God has fixed for each of us the number of sins He will pardon, but the Day of Judgemt will come soon!
We always will be given the grace to resist temptation if we sincerely ask for it, however, satan would have us believe otherwise. Saint Paul says that God is faithful, and that He never permits us to be tempted above our strength. The more we yield to temptation, the weaker we become. When we have recourse to God He will always give us the strength necessary to resist temptation!
Father Fasching's Mass Travel Schedule – Lent & Easter
Feb. 18 - Ash Wednesday -
Gainesville and Ava – Fr. Fasching
Feb. 21 – 22 - 1st Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Mar. 7 – 8 - 3rd Sunday of Lent
Gainesville and Ava - Fr. Fasching
Mar. 21 – 22 - 5th Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Apr. 18 - 19 - 3rd Sunday of Easter
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
May 2 – 3 - 5th Sunday of Easter
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
May 16 – 17 - 7th Sunday of Easter - Confirmation - Ava
Cabool - Sat.4:00 PM - Fr. Fasching
Mt. Grove, Sun. 10:30 AM – Fr. Fasching
May30 – 31 - Trinity Sunday
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Bulletin 242
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
February 8th, 2015
Sexagesima Sunday—Mass @ 7:00pm
Epistle: II Cor. 11: 19-33; 12: 1-9
Gospel: Lk. 8: 4-15
Mon 9 No Latin Mass
Tue 10 Saint Scholastica, Virgin
Wed 11 Our Lady of Lourdes
Thu 12 Requiem Mass + Chris Edward Kay
Fri 13 Feria
Mass on February 6th will be followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and benediction.
Mass on February 8th and February 22nd will be at 7:00pm.
Satan is a master of deception. He makes sinners imagine that by indulging their sensual appetites they will find happiness and peace. But there is in fact no peace for those who choose to offend God. The enemies of God lead lives of misery. Unlike brute animals, we as human beings have been created for God. We have been made to love God and to be united with Him. Man can only be made happy by God. It is impossible for the world to make man happy. All worldly goods are nothing but riches, honors and sensual pleasures. The words of Saint John: “All that is in the world is the concupiscence of the eyes and the pride of life.”
It is true that earthly goods are capable of puffing a man up, but they will never make a man happy or content. “Inflari potest, satiari non potest.” Many expect to find peace in accumulating riches. The fact is that large quantities of money do not close, but rather extend the jaws of avarice. In other words, the enjoyment of riches excites, rather than satisfies the desire for wealth. Worldlings toil and labor to acquire an increase of wealth and property, but never enjoy rest. The more they accumulate riches, the hungrier they become for them. The psalmist says: “The rich have wanted, and have suffered hunger; but they that seek the Lord shall not be deprived of any good!” Of all the men in the world, the rich are among the most miserable. The more they possess, the more they desire to possess. They never succeed in attaining all the objects of their wishes, and therefore they are far poorer than men who seek God alone. These are the men who are truly rich. They are content with their condition. They find God in every good.
Father Fasching's Mass Travel Schedule – Christmas & Easter
Feb. 7- 8 - 5th - Sunday of the Year
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
Feb. 18 - Ash Wednesday -
Gainesville and Ava – Fr. Fasching
Feb. 21 – 22 - 1st Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Mar. 7 – 8 - 3rd Sunday of Lent
Gainesville and Ava - Fr. Fasching
Mar. 21 – 22 - 5th Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Apr. 18 - 19 - 3rd Sunday of Easter
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
May 2 – 3 - 5th Sunday of Easter
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
May 16 – 17 - 7th Sunday of Easter - Confirmation - Ava
Cabool - Sat.4:00 PM - Fr. Fasching
Mt. Grove, Sun. 10:30 AM – Fr. Fasching
May30 – 31 - Trinity Sunday
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
February 8th, 2015
Sexagesima Sunday—Mass @ 7:00pm
Epistle: II Cor. 11: 19-33; 12: 1-9
Gospel: Lk. 8: 4-15
Mon 9 No Latin Mass
Tue 10 Saint Scholastica, Virgin
Wed 11 Our Lady of Lourdes
Thu 12 Requiem Mass + Chris Edward Kay
Fri 13 Feria
Mass on February 6th will be followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and benediction.
Mass on February 8th and February 22nd will be at 7:00pm.
Satan is a master of deception. He makes sinners imagine that by indulging their sensual appetites they will find happiness and peace. But there is in fact no peace for those who choose to offend God. The enemies of God lead lives of misery. Unlike brute animals, we as human beings have been created for God. We have been made to love God and to be united with Him. Man can only be made happy by God. It is impossible for the world to make man happy. All worldly goods are nothing but riches, honors and sensual pleasures. The words of Saint John: “All that is in the world is the concupiscence of the eyes and the pride of life.”
It is true that earthly goods are capable of puffing a man up, but they will never make a man happy or content. “Inflari potest, satiari non potest.” Many expect to find peace in accumulating riches. The fact is that large quantities of money do not close, but rather extend the jaws of avarice. In other words, the enjoyment of riches excites, rather than satisfies the desire for wealth. Worldlings toil and labor to acquire an increase of wealth and property, but never enjoy rest. The more they accumulate riches, the hungrier they become for them. The psalmist says: “The rich have wanted, and have suffered hunger; but they that seek the Lord shall not be deprived of any good!” Of all the men in the world, the rich are among the most miserable. The more they possess, the more they desire to possess. They never succeed in attaining all the objects of their wishes, and therefore they are far poorer than men who seek God alone. These are the men who are truly rich. They are content with their condition. They find God in every good.
Father Fasching's Mass Travel Schedule – Christmas & Easter
Feb. 7- 8 - 5th - Sunday of the Year
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
Feb. 18 - Ash Wednesday -
Gainesville and Ava – Fr. Fasching
Feb. 21 – 22 - 1st Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Mar. 7 – 8 - 3rd Sunday of Lent
Gainesville and Ava - Fr. Fasching
Mar. 21 – 22 - 5th Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Apr. 18 - 19 - 3rd Sunday of Easter
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
May 2 – 3 - 5th Sunday of Easter
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
May 16 – 17 - 7th Sunday of Easter - Confirmation - Ava
Cabool - Sat.4:00 PM - Fr. Fasching
Mt. Grove, Sun. 10:30 AM – Fr. Fasching
May30 – 31 - Trinity Sunday
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Bulletin 241
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
February 1st, 2015
Septuagesima Sunday
Epistle: 1 Cor. 9: 24-27; 10: 1-5
Gospel: Mt. 20: 1-16
Mon 2 No Latin Mass
Tue 3 Saint Blase, Bishop & Martyr
Wed 4 Requiem Mass + Reynold D'Souza
Thu 5 Saint Agatha * Virgin & Martyr
Fri 6 Sacred Heart of Jesus
Mass on February 6th will be followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and benediction.
Mass on February 8th and February 22nd will be at 7:00pm.
Saint Paul encourages those who labor for the Lord by assuring them that “Each will receive his wages in proportion to his toil” (1Cor 3.8). “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being. Do it for the Lord rather than for men, since you know full well you will receive an inheritance from Him as your reward” (Col 3.23f).
In other texts Saint Paul speaks of running the race to win the prize. In his letter to the Corinthians he says: “You know that while all the runners in the stadium take part in the race, the award goes to one man. In that case, run so as to win! Athletes deny themselves all sorts of things. They do this to win a crown of leaves that withers, but we a crown that is imperishable. I do not run like a man who loses sight of the finish line…What I do is discipline my own body and master it…Phil 3.14: “My entire attention is on the finish line as I run toward the prize to which God calls me—life on high in Christ Jesus.”
“The time of my dissolution is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith. From now on a merited crown awaits me; on that day the Lord, just judge that He is, will reward it to me—and not only me, but to all who have looked for His appearing with eager longing” (2 Tim 4. 6-8).
Remember the theology of Saint Paul. A man is justified by faith and saved by grace, not by works. It is only works that proceed from faith and love that bring an eternal reward; and this only because God, by His grace, has made such good works possible and because he has graciously promised to reward them!
Father Fasching's Mass Travel Schedule – Christmas & Easter
Feb. 7- 8 - 5th - Sunday of the Year
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
Feb. 18 - Ash Wednesday -
Gainesville and Ava – Fr. Fasching
Feb. 21 – 22 - 1st Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Mar. 7 – 8 - 3rd Sunday of Lent
Gainesville and Ava - Fr. Fasching
Mar. 21 – 22 - 5th Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Apr. 18 - 19 - 3rd Sunday of Easter
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
May 2 – 3 - 5th Sunday of Easter
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
May 16 – 17 - 7th Sunday of Easter - Confirmation - Ava
Cabool - Sat.4:00 PM - Fr. Fasching
Mt. Grove, Sun. 10:30 AM – Fr. Fasching
May30 – 31 - Trinity Sunday
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
February 1st, 2015
Septuagesima Sunday
Epistle: 1 Cor. 9: 24-27; 10: 1-5
Gospel: Mt. 20: 1-16
Mon 2 No Latin Mass
Tue 3 Saint Blase, Bishop & Martyr
Wed 4 Requiem Mass + Reynold D'Souza
Thu 5 Saint Agatha * Virgin & Martyr
Fri 6 Sacred Heart of Jesus
Mass on February 6th will be followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and benediction.
Mass on February 8th and February 22nd will be at 7:00pm.
Saint Paul encourages those who labor for the Lord by assuring them that “Each will receive his wages in proportion to his toil” (1Cor 3.8). “Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being. Do it for the Lord rather than for men, since you know full well you will receive an inheritance from Him as your reward” (Col 3.23f).
In other texts Saint Paul speaks of running the race to win the prize. In his letter to the Corinthians he says: “You know that while all the runners in the stadium take part in the race, the award goes to one man. In that case, run so as to win! Athletes deny themselves all sorts of things. They do this to win a crown of leaves that withers, but we a crown that is imperishable. I do not run like a man who loses sight of the finish line…What I do is discipline my own body and master it…Phil 3.14: “My entire attention is on the finish line as I run toward the prize to which God calls me—life on high in Christ Jesus.”
“The time of my dissolution is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith. From now on a merited crown awaits me; on that day the Lord, just judge that He is, will reward it to me—and not only me, but to all who have looked for His appearing with eager longing” (2 Tim 4. 6-8).
Remember the theology of Saint Paul. A man is justified by faith and saved by grace, not by works. It is only works that proceed from faith and love that bring an eternal reward; and this only because God, by His grace, has made such good works possible and because he has graciously promised to reward them!
Father Fasching's Mass Travel Schedule – Christmas & Easter
Feb. 7- 8 - 5th - Sunday of the Year
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
Feb. 18 - Ash Wednesday -
Gainesville and Ava – Fr. Fasching
Feb. 21 – 22 - 1st Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Mar. 7 – 8 - 3rd Sunday of Lent
Gainesville and Ava - Fr. Fasching
Mar. 21 – 22 - 5th Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Apr. 18 - 19 - 3rd Sunday of Easter
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
May 2 – 3 - 5th Sunday of Easter
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
May 16 – 17 - 7th Sunday of Easter - Confirmation - Ava
Cabool - Sat.4:00 PM - Fr. Fasching
Mt. Grove, Sun. 10:30 AM – Fr. Fasching
May30 – 31 - Trinity Sunday
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Christ and the Church
The Church is also drawn by Christ to her future existence beyond time. When Christ comes again in glory, and the last enemy, death, has been destroyed (1Cor. 15.26f), when sin has been cast out and every evil overcome, and every tear has been wiped away (Rev. 7.17, 21.4), the Bride of the Lamb will appear in all her radiant beauty, without stain or wrinkle, and will enter into the unimaginable glory of the Lord. The Heavenly Jerusalem will be revealed in all its splendor (Rev. 21), which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man ever conceived (1Cor. 2.9). The corruption of this world will pass away, and a new heaven and a new earth will appear, this present world having undergone a profound transformation that fills it with the glory of God! The risen Lord will raise up our mortal bodies, endowing them with the marvelous qualities of His own glorified body: spirituality, incorruptibility, agility, and resplendent glory (1Cor. 15. 42-44).
Fr. Jeff Fasching
The Church is also drawn by Christ to her future existence beyond time. When Christ comes again in glory, and the last enemy, death, has been destroyed (1Cor. 15.26f), when sin has been cast out and every evil overcome, and every tear has been wiped away (Rev. 7.17, 21.4), the Bride of the Lamb will appear in all her radiant beauty, without stain or wrinkle, and will enter into the unimaginable glory of the Lord. The Heavenly Jerusalem will be revealed in all its splendor (Rev. 21), which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man ever conceived (1Cor. 2.9). The corruption of this world will pass away, and a new heaven and a new earth will appear, this present world having undergone a profound transformation that fills it with the glory of God! The risen Lord will raise up our mortal bodies, endowing them with the marvelous qualities of His own glorified body: spirituality, incorruptibility, agility, and resplendent glory (1Cor. 15. 42-44).
Fr. Jeff Fasching
Monday, January 26, 2015
We shall be one with God
We shall be one with God; indeed, we shall be like God, since we shall see Him as He is (1 Jn. 3.2). Thus we shall fully experience what it means to be sons of God. Unless we see the Church from this perspective and unless we live in this lively hope, we are missing the richest dimensions of the Church’s total existence. But we must also remember that the Church as she exists now is already participating in the eternal!
Fr. Jeff Fasching
We shall be one with God; indeed, we shall be like God, since we shall see Him as He is (1 Jn. 3.2). Thus we shall fully experience what it means to be sons of God. Unless we see the Church from this perspective and unless we live in this lively hope, we are missing the richest dimensions of the Church’s total existence. But we must also remember that the Church as she exists now is already participating in the eternal!
Fr. Jeff Fasching
Death
It is natural to fear death, but we really should not. In fact, it is not at all a morbid desire to long for death with one’s whole heart and soul! Actually we should rejoice at death because death means that we are finally delivered from this present “valley of tears” and all our earthly suffering! Death delivers us from our actual sins and through death we are given the chance to enter into the heavenly Paradise for which we were born!
What is death? Job says that our life is full of miseries, infirmities, crosses, persecutions and fears. This is not a life for rest and enjoyment, but for labor and suffering! The only way we can merit heaven is by toil, labor and pain. It is true that death is the punishment of sin, but the miseries this life offers are so great that death should seem to be a relief rather than a punishment.
If we are prepared to die, death is welcomed. In our earthly life the world, evil spirits, the flesh and the passions all draw the soul to sin and eternal death. But death brings us to the possession of Jesus Christ, our true life!
In Christ,
Fr. Jeff Fasching
Thursday, January 22, 2015
Bulletin 240
SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
January 25, 2015
3rd Sunday after Epiphany
Epistle: Rom. 12: 16-21
Gospel: Mt. 8: 1-13
Mon 26 No Latin Mass
Tue 27 Requiem Mass + Msgr. John Henry Westhues
Wed 28 Saint Peter Nolasco, Confessor
Thu 29 Saint Francis de Sales-Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Fri 30 Requiem Mass
God gives us so many gifts! Health, family, friends, talents, money...the list goes on and on. These are given to us not to be abused in vain ways, but in order to help our souls to sanctification. God gives us so many gifts of grace and holy inspirations. He gives us years and years of life upon this earth to repair and make up for past sins. However, many still refuse to amend their lives.
Many will regret neglecting the very little that was required of them to do while upon this earth in order to save their souls! For example, practicing mortification, overcoming human respect, avoiding occasions to sin, avoiding bad company, and turning to God in times of temptation. Many will be lost because they neglected these simple things.
Our lives are very short. We must sincerely beg God for the desire to amend them!
Father Fasching's Mass Travel Schedule – Christmas & Easter
Jan. 24 – 25 - 3rd Sunday of the Year
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Feb. 7- 8 - 5th - Sunday of the Year
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
Feb. 18 - Ash Wednesday -
Gainesville and Ava – Fr. Fasching
Feb. 21 – 22 - 1st Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Mar. 7 – 8 - 3rd Sunday of Lent
Gainesville and Ava - Fr. Fasching
Mar. 21 – 22 - 5th Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Apr. 18 - 19 - 3rd Sunday of Easter
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
May 2 – 3 - 5th Sunday of Easter
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
May 16 – 17 - 7th Sunday of Easter - Confirmation - Ava
Cabool - Sat.4:00 PM - Fr. Fasching
Mt. Grove, Sun. 10:30 AM – Fr. Fasching
May30 – 31 - Trinity Sunday
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)
CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching
January 25, 2015
3rd Sunday after Epiphany
Epistle: Rom. 12: 16-21
Gospel: Mt. 8: 1-13
Mon 26 No Latin Mass
Tue 27 Requiem Mass + Msgr. John Henry Westhues
Wed 28 Saint Peter Nolasco, Confessor
Thu 29 Saint Francis de Sales-Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Fri 30 Requiem Mass
God gives us so many gifts! Health, family, friends, talents, money...the list goes on and on. These are given to us not to be abused in vain ways, but in order to help our souls to sanctification. God gives us so many gifts of grace and holy inspirations. He gives us years and years of life upon this earth to repair and make up for past sins. However, many still refuse to amend their lives.
Many will regret neglecting the very little that was required of them to do while upon this earth in order to save their souls! For example, practicing mortification, overcoming human respect, avoiding occasions to sin, avoiding bad company, and turning to God in times of temptation. Many will be lost because they neglected these simple things.
Our lives are very short. We must sincerely beg God for the desire to amend them!
Father Fasching's Mass Travel Schedule – Christmas & Easter
Jan. 24 – 25 - 3rd Sunday of the Year
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Feb. 7- 8 - 5th - Sunday of the Year
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
Feb. 18 - Ash Wednesday -
Gainesville and Ava – Fr. Fasching
Feb. 21 – 22 - 1st Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Mar. 7 – 8 - 3rd Sunday of Lent
Gainesville and Ava - Fr. Fasching
Mar. 21 – 22 - 5th Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Apr. 18 - 19 - 3rd Sunday of Easter
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
May 2 – 3 - 5th Sunday of Easter
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
May 16 – 17 - 7th Sunday of Easter - Confirmation - Ava
Cabool - Sat.4:00 PM - Fr. Fasching
Mt. Grove, Sun. 10:30 AM – Fr. Fasching
May30 – 31 - Trinity Sunday
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching
In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,
Father Jeff Fasching
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Catholic Traditionalism verses Fundamentalism
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2013
Catholic Traditionalism verses Fundamentalism
A Traditional Latin Mass (Vetus Ordo) Celebrated at St. Agnes Cathedral in Springfield Missouri in 2010
Celebrant is Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching, the Most Rev. James V. Johnston kneels in Choir
Photo by John Kelly
NOTE: This article pertains primarily to Catholicism in the English-speaking world. The situation can be quite different in non-Anglophone countries.
Traditionalism and Fundamentalism; yes there is a difference. This is most especially the case in Catholicism. We see it in Protestantism too, but in Catholicism the line is more clearly drawn, and it is a line based in attitude.
Traditionalism is when Catholics cling to tradition, and overall, this is a very good thing. It helps to keep the Church connected to her past, and in the end, it keeps her identity clear. From the 1970s through early 2000s, there was a shortage of traditionalists in the Catholic Church, and the Church suffered because of this. Thankfully, that is starting to change. The trend toward returning to traditional practices really picked up in the late 1990s to early 2000s, however, because many priests and bishops had adopted a hostile attitude toward tradition, many traditionalists had nowhere to go but to illicit SSPX chapels and schismatic sedevacantist groups. Consequently, there was a mix between what I will henceforth refer to as "traditionalists" and "fundamentalists." Traditionalists mingled with the fundamentalists and vice versa, because they had nowhere else to go, creating a traditional-fundamental soup in those dioceses were the bishop was hostile to the traditional Latin mass and other traditional practises.
Fundamentalism in the Catholic world actually has a whole lot in common with fundamentalism in the Protestant world, and I'm sure some Catholic fundamentalists will object to me using that term in reference to them, and shriek at me making such a comparison. However, I am very familiar with fundamentalism from my experience as a Protestant. I know it like the back of my hand, and I can smell it a mile away. Fundamentalism, in a Catholic sense, is when a Catholic basically adopts an attitude of thinking he's more Catholic than the pope. I mean this quite literally. The pope is often referred to as a "heretic" or a "schismatic" or an "antipope." The mainstream Catholic Church is often seen as a "false church" of heresy, and the only "true Catholics" are those who adhere to their sectarian groups and mentality. A good example of this can often be found in the SSPX (Society of Saint Pius X). Now it's not fair to paint all persons within this group a Catholic fundamentalists, but I think it is fair to say the SSPX fosters this sort of attitude among its members. It is an attitude of superiority, wherein one thinks one is "more Catholic," or even worse, "more legitimately Catholic" simply because one clings to the older traditions of the Church. However, it runs deeper than that. There is a doctrinal division too, wherein Catholic fundamentalists become a magisterium unto themselves, believing they are the only "authentic" interpreters of Catholic teaching and tradition. Even Rome is presumed to be "in error" about these things. That being said, there is always room for disagreement over some pastoral issues within the Catholic Church, but this isn't what I'm talking about here. I'm not talking about two Catholics, who both submit to the authority of Rome and the local bishop, but have a vehement disagreement over how a certain Church teaching or discipline should be interpreted. I'm not talking about Catholics who have different liturgical preferences and think the Church has gone too far one way or another. I'm not even talking about Catholics who say the pope is wrong on this issue or that. Again, there is room for disagreement within the pale of orthodoxy. No! What I'm talking about here is entirely different. I'm talking about a Catholic, who may have a disagreement with the Church (over this issue or that), and then takes it to the point where he pronounces the Church to be false, or having been "taken over" by the forces of evil, to the point where this Catholic feels he can no longer be a regular member of the Church, but instead must live and worship apart from it. This is when traditionalism goes beyond traditionalism and becomes fundamentalism. The SSPX is not alone in flirting with this kind of fundamentalist attitude. There are other organisations even more involved: such as the SSPV (Society of Saint Pius V) for example, which is outright sedevacantist, along with the CMIQ (Congregation of Mary Immaculate Queen), and the MHFM (Most Holy Family Monastery) among others. While it would be unfair and (so far) inaccurate to classify the SSPX as a sedevacantist organisation, it is however accurate to say that many sedevacantists frequent SSPX chapels and mingle in this traditionalist-fundamentalist soup.
All of this changed in July of 2007, when Pope Benedict XVI issued Summorum Pontificum. To any non-traditionalist Catholic reading this, pay attention here, because I'm going to reveal something big to you. No recent document of the Church has done more to hinder the fundamentalist movement in Catholicism than this document. If you don't like Catholic fundamentalism, then you better love Summorum Pontificum, and here is why...
Summorum Pontificum is the papal motu proprio that liberalised the regular celebration of the pre-1970 Traditional Latin Mass. It brought the Missal of 1962 back into the mainstream of Catholicism as the "Vetus Ordo" or the "Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite." This means that all lay Catholics, anywhere in the world, have a sacred RIGHT under canon law to request, and be accommodated with, a Traditional Latin Mass to a stable and consistent group. It also means that every Catholic priest, everywhere in the world, has the sacred right under canon law to celebrate this form of the mass (privately), assuming he is competent to do so, without permission from his local bishop or ordinary. Contemporary or "modernist" Catholics were initially livid about this, and some of them still are, but I assert their frustration is misplaced, and in fact, they should rejoice at this decision, because it has done more to undermine Catholic fundamentalism than anything else. What Pope Benedict XVI did here was pull the rug out from underneath the Catholic fundamentalist movement. You see, prior to 2007, Catholic fundamentalists had a virtual monopoly on the Traditional Latin Mass, especially in those areas where the local bishop and priests where hostile to the older traditions of the Church. What these bishops and priests didn't realise, was that their hostility toward older traditions was actually the very "fuel" feeding the Catholic fundamentalist movement. Those Catholics who were merely "traditionalists," and not fundamentalist in attitude, had nowhere else to go, but to a local schismatic chapel, where they could be gradually indoctrinated with fundamentalist propaganda. In short, the greatest thing fuelling the rise of Catholic fundamentalism was the very hostility toward tradition that some bishops and priests were using in a futile attempt to quash it. Here is the fatal flaw that many contemporary or "modernist" bishops made. They failed to understand that fundamentalism is 100% reactionary in nature. It is a response to provocation, nothing more and nothing less. By creating a provocation, such as eliminating all Latin masses for example, the bishop actually creates the perfect conditions necessary for the rise of Catholic fundamentalism in his diocesan territory. Nowhere was this more evident than in my own local diocese, wherein the previous bishop (presumably in an attempt to quash fundamentalism) did just that. He banned traditional Latin masses all throughout the diocese. It wasn't long after that a local SSPX chapel sprang up, and grew, and grew, and grew! I suspect it would likely be nearly a mega-church by now, where it not for Pope Benedict XVI's intervention in 2007 with Summorum Pontificum. By 2008 a new bishop was installed in the diocese, and he immediately provided for a traditional Latin mass to be celebrated in his own cathedral almost daily. As a result, the growth of the local SSPX chapel came to a grinding halt. The damage was done by the unwitting actions of the previous bishop, but is now controlled (for the time being) by the actions of the new bishop. In short, all Catholics must learn a lesson from this, because the exact same thing can be seen in the Protestant world. You don't stop fundamentalism by attacking tradition. In fact, that is the worst possible thing you can do, because you see, fundamentalism is entirely 100% reactionary. If you create a provocation, you will get a reaction. The way you stop fundamentalism, contain it, and limit it's growth, is by embracing tradition! For heaven's sake people, learn this! Burn this into your brains! A Catholic fundamentalist is no different than a Protestant fundamentalist in attitude and action. You want to stop fundamentalism -- then embrace tradition!
As a general rule, there is a simple litmus test that can be applied to determine if a Catholic is a fundamentalist or merely a traditionalist. Protestants don't have this luxury in identifying their fundamentalists, as they don't have the necessary structures. It's called the full-communion rule. This is how you know. If the Catholic in question is very traditional in nature, and exclusively attends the traditional Latin mass, but does so in a parish or cathedral that is under the bishop, or else a traditionalist society that is approved and regularised by Rome, then what you have here is a Catholic traditionalist -- not a fundamentalist. Traditionalists are absolutely not threat to the Catholic Church. Indeed, they are the spice and life of the Church, because they keep her connected to her past and very identity. They are humble. They submit to proper ecclesiastical authorities. They are in full union with the pope. Such people should be celebrated not ostracised.
If however, the Catholic in question is very traditional in nature, exclusively attends the traditional Latin mass, but does so in a parish that is neither approved nor regularised by Rome (when a fully regularised mass is available nearby), then what you have here (in most cases) is a fundamentalist -- not a traditionalist. This is an extremely important distinction, because the term "radical traditionalist" or "rad-trad" is often incorrectly applied to these people. Because you see, there is nothing "traditional" about breaking communion with Rome, or worshipping at a mass that is neither approved nor regularised. A mass that is illicit is anything but "traditional." It is the very antithesis of "traditionalism." Fundamentalist -- yes. Traditionalist -- no! Not even close. I assert if Pope Pius X were alive as pontiff today, he would make many changes to today's Church, but simultaneously, I assert he would excommunicate the fundamentalist society that bears his name (SSPX), along with anyone who continued to frequent their masses. No sir, there is nothing "traditional" about bucking the authority of Rome.
What Pope Benedict XVI did with Summorum Pontificum was brilliant, and he will remembered by future generations as one of the greatest minds in Church history. By regularising the traditional Latin mass throughout the Church again, he effectively put an end to the virtual monopoly fundamentalists had on traditional Catholicism. He opened wide the doors of the Church to traditionalist Catholics who do not fit in with the fundamentalists they had previously associated with in illicit chapels and groups.
So let's start using terminology correctly, and reclaiming "traditionalism" as something that is welcome within the Catholic Church. Traditional Catholics who remain humble and submissive to the pope and bishops should be given praise and support, even if you're a priest or layperson who wants nothing to do with this way of expressing Catholicism. Likewise, let's start identifying those who operate outside the Church as what they are -- fundamentalists. As their behaviour is strikingly similar to fundamentalism within Protestantism, even to the point of declaring the pope a "heretic." Finally, it's time to stop confusing traditionalists with fundamentalists. There is a difference, and it's insulting to traditionalists within the Catholic Church to classify them with the same word used to describe fundamentalists outside the Church. It is also counter-productive. If you're a Catholic who doesn't care for fundamentalism, then stop calling it "traditionalism." It is not. Stop calling fundamentalist "traditionalists." They are not. There is a difference. Traditionalists operate inside the Church, fundamentalists do not. Let's start recognising that please!
-----------
This article was posted on this website at the request of the Rev. Jeff Fasching.
Posted by Shane Schaetzel at 6:27 PM
Catholic Traditionalism verses Fundamentalism
A Traditional Latin Mass (Vetus Ordo) Celebrated at St. Agnes Cathedral in Springfield Missouri in 2010
Celebrant is Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching, the Most Rev. James V. Johnston kneels in Choir
Photo by John Kelly
NOTE: This article pertains primarily to Catholicism in the English-speaking world. The situation can be quite different in non-Anglophone countries.
Traditionalism and Fundamentalism; yes there is a difference. This is most especially the case in Catholicism. We see it in Protestantism too, but in Catholicism the line is more clearly drawn, and it is a line based in attitude.
Traditionalism is when Catholics cling to tradition, and overall, this is a very good thing. It helps to keep the Church connected to her past, and in the end, it keeps her identity clear. From the 1970s through early 2000s, there was a shortage of traditionalists in the Catholic Church, and the Church suffered because of this. Thankfully, that is starting to change. The trend toward returning to traditional practices really picked up in the late 1990s to early 2000s, however, because many priests and bishops had adopted a hostile attitude toward tradition, many traditionalists had nowhere to go but to illicit SSPX chapels and schismatic sedevacantist groups. Consequently, there was a mix between what I will henceforth refer to as "traditionalists" and "fundamentalists." Traditionalists mingled with the fundamentalists and vice versa, because they had nowhere else to go, creating a traditional-fundamental soup in those dioceses were the bishop was hostile to the traditional Latin mass and other traditional practises.
Fundamentalism in the Catholic world actually has a whole lot in common with fundamentalism in the Protestant world, and I'm sure some Catholic fundamentalists will object to me using that term in reference to them, and shriek at me making such a comparison. However, I am very familiar with fundamentalism from my experience as a Protestant. I know it like the back of my hand, and I can smell it a mile away. Fundamentalism, in a Catholic sense, is when a Catholic basically adopts an attitude of thinking he's more Catholic than the pope. I mean this quite literally. The pope is often referred to as a "heretic" or a "schismatic" or an "antipope." The mainstream Catholic Church is often seen as a "false church" of heresy, and the only "true Catholics" are those who adhere to their sectarian groups and mentality. A good example of this can often be found in the SSPX (Society of Saint Pius X). Now it's not fair to paint all persons within this group a Catholic fundamentalists, but I think it is fair to say the SSPX fosters this sort of attitude among its members. It is an attitude of superiority, wherein one thinks one is "more Catholic," or even worse, "more legitimately Catholic" simply because one clings to the older traditions of the Church. However, it runs deeper than that. There is a doctrinal division too, wherein Catholic fundamentalists become a magisterium unto themselves, believing they are the only "authentic" interpreters of Catholic teaching and tradition. Even Rome is presumed to be "in error" about these things. That being said, there is always room for disagreement over some pastoral issues within the Catholic Church, but this isn't what I'm talking about here. I'm not talking about two Catholics, who both submit to the authority of Rome and the local bishop, but have a vehement disagreement over how a certain Church teaching or discipline should be interpreted. I'm not talking about Catholics who have different liturgical preferences and think the Church has gone too far one way or another. I'm not even talking about Catholics who say the pope is wrong on this issue or that. Again, there is room for disagreement within the pale of orthodoxy. No! What I'm talking about here is entirely different. I'm talking about a Catholic, who may have a disagreement with the Church (over this issue or that), and then takes it to the point where he pronounces the Church to be false, or having been "taken over" by the forces of evil, to the point where this Catholic feels he can no longer be a regular member of the Church, but instead must live and worship apart from it. This is when traditionalism goes beyond traditionalism and becomes fundamentalism. The SSPX is not alone in flirting with this kind of fundamentalist attitude. There are other organisations even more involved: such as the SSPV (Society of Saint Pius V) for example, which is outright sedevacantist, along with the CMIQ (Congregation of Mary Immaculate Queen), and the MHFM (Most Holy Family Monastery) among others. While it would be unfair and (so far) inaccurate to classify the SSPX as a sedevacantist organisation, it is however accurate to say that many sedevacantists frequent SSPX chapels and mingle in this traditionalist-fundamentalist soup.
All of this changed in July of 2007, when Pope Benedict XVI issued Summorum Pontificum. To any non-traditionalist Catholic reading this, pay attention here, because I'm going to reveal something big to you. No recent document of the Church has done more to hinder the fundamentalist movement in Catholicism than this document. If you don't like Catholic fundamentalism, then you better love Summorum Pontificum, and here is why...
Summorum Pontificum is the papal motu proprio that liberalised the regular celebration of the pre-1970 Traditional Latin Mass. It brought the Missal of 1962 back into the mainstream of Catholicism as the "Vetus Ordo" or the "Extraordinary Form of the Roman Rite." This means that all lay Catholics, anywhere in the world, have a sacred RIGHT under canon law to request, and be accommodated with, a Traditional Latin Mass to a stable and consistent group. It also means that every Catholic priest, everywhere in the world, has the sacred right under canon law to celebrate this form of the mass (privately), assuming he is competent to do so, without permission from his local bishop or ordinary. Contemporary or "modernist" Catholics were initially livid about this, and some of them still are, but I assert their frustration is misplaced, and in fact, they should rejoice at this decision, because it has done more to undermine Catholic fundamentalism than anything else. What Pope Benedict XVI did here was pull the rug out from underneath the Catholic fundamentalist movement. You see, prior to 2007, Catholic fundamentalists had a virtual monopoly on the Traditional Latin Mass, especially in those areas where the local bishop and priests where hostile to the older traditions of the Church. What these bishops and priests didn't realise, was that their hostility toward older traditions was actually the very "fuel" feeding the Catholic fundamentalist movement. Those Catholics who were merely "traditionalists," and not fundamentalist in attitude, had nowhere else to go, but to a local schismatic chapel, where they could be gradually indoctrinated with fundamentalist propaganda. In short, the greatest thing fuelling the rise of Catholic fundamentalism was the very hostility toward tradition that some bishops and priests were using in a futile attempt to quash it. Here is the fatal flaw that many contemporary or "modernist" bishops made. They failed to understand that fundamentalism is 100% reactionary in nature. It is a response to provocation, nothing more and nothing less. By creating a provocation, such as eliminating all Latin masses for example, the bishop actually creates the perfect conditions necessary for the rise of Catholic fundamentalism in his diocesan territory. Nowhere was this more evident than in my own local diocese, wherein the previous bishop (presumably in an attempt to quash fundamentalism) did just that. He banned traditional Latin masses all throughout the diocese. It wasn't long after that a local SSPX chapel sprang up, and grew, and grew, and grew! I suspect it would likely be nearly a mega-church by now, where it not for Pope Benedict XVI's intervention in 2007 with Summorum Pontificum. By 2008 a new bishop was installed in the diocese, and he immediately provided for a traditional Latin mass to be celebrated in his own cathedral almost daily. As a result, the growth of the local SSPX chapel came to a grinding halt. The damage was done by the unwitting actions of the previous bishop, but is now controlled (for the time being) by the actions of the new bishop. In short, all Catholics must learn a lesson from this, because the exact same thing can be seen in the Protestant world. You don't stop fundamentalism by attacking tradition. In fact, that is the worst possible thing you can do, because you see, fundamentalism is entirely 100% reactionary. If you create a provocation, you will get a reaction. The way you stop fundamentalism, contain it, and limit it's growth, is by embracing tradition! For heaven's sake people, learn this! Burn this into your brains! A Catholic fundamentalist is no different than a Protestant fundamentalist in attitude and action. You want to stop fundamentalism -- then embrace tradition!
As a general rule, there is a simple litmus test that can be applied to determine if a Catholic is a fundamentalist or merely a traditionalist. Protestants don't have this luxury in identifying their fundamentalists, as they don't have the necessary structures. It's called the full-communion rule. This is how you know. If the Catholic in question is very traditional in nature, and exclusively attends the traditional Latin mass, but does so in a parish or cathedral that is under the bishop, or else a traditionalist society that is approved and regularised by Rome, then what you have here is a Catholic traditionalist -- not a fundamentalist. Traditionalists are absolutely not threat to the Catholic Church. Indeed, they are the spice and life of the Church, because they keep her connected to her past and very identity. They are humble. They submit to proper ecclesiastical authorities. They are in full union with the pope. Such people should be celebrated not ostracised.
If however, the Catholic in question is very traditional in nature, exclusively attends the traditional Latin mass, but does so in a parish that is neither approved nor regularised by Rome (when a fully regularised mass is available nearby), then what you have here (in most cases) is a fundamentalist -- not a traditionalist. This is an extremely important distinction, because the term "radical traditionalist" or "rad-trad" is often incorrectly applied to these people. Because you see, there is nothing "traditional" about breaking communion with Rome, or worshipping at a mass that is neither approved nor regularised. A mass that is illicit is anything but "traditional." It is the very antithesis of "traditionalism." Fundamentalist -- yes. Traditionalist -- no! Not even close. I assert if Pope Pius X were alive as pontiff today, he would make many changes to today's Church, but simultaneously, I assert he would excommunicate the fundamentalist society that bears his name (SSPX), along with anyone who continued to frequent their masses. No sir, there is nothing "traditional" about bucking the authority of Rome.
What Pope Benedict XVI did with Summorum Pontificum was brilliant, and he will remembered by future generations as one of the greatest minds in Church history. By regularising the traditional Latin mass throughout the Church again, he effectively put an end to the virtual monopoly fundamentalists had on traditional Catholicism. He opened wide the doors of the Church to traditionalist Catholics who do not fit in with the fundamentalists they had previously associated with in illicit chapels and groups.
So let's start using terminology correctly, and reclaiming "traditionalism" as something that is welcome within the Catholic Church. Traditional Catholics who remain humble and submissive to the pope and bishops should be given praise and support, even if you're a priest or layperson who wants nothing to do with this way of expressing Catholicism. Likewise, let's start identifying those who operate outside the Church as what they are -- fundamentalists. As their behaviour is strikingly similar to fundamentalism within Protestantism, even to the point of declaring the pope a "heretic." Finally, it's time to stop confusing traditionalists with fundamentalists. There is a difference, and it's insulting to traditionalists within the Catholic Church to classify them with the same word used to describe fundamentalists outside the Church. It is also counter-productive. If you're a Catholic who doesn't care for fundamentalism, then stop calling it "traditionalism." It is not. Stop calling fundamentalist "traditionalists." They are not. There is a difference. Traditionalists operate inside the Church, fundamentalists do not. Let's start recognising that please!
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This article was posted on this website at the request of the Rev. Jeff Fasching.
Posted by Shane Schaetzel at 6:27 PM
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