Easter!

Jesus Christ is risen!! Our lenten observances are now completed and we focus on the risen Christ! Christ has won the victory over sin and satan. Many people in Churches throughout the world have been baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. The newly baptized must always remember they share in Christ's victory! We must never forget the power that is ours by virtue of our baptism. We have received God Himself into our very being. We must not underestimate the good we are capable of and the impact we can have upon others through our prayer and good works.

In Christ,

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 273

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching

September 13th, 2015

16th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Mon 14 No Latin Mass
Tues 15 Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Wed 16 SS. Cornelius * Pope & Cyprian * Martyrs
Thu 17 Stigmata of St. Francis
Fri 18 St. Joseph of Cupertino, Confessor


Did you know that Catholic Prayer in Latin is more powerful than in any other language?
This appears to be the opinion reached by certain members of the clergy, in particular exorcists. In the book " Hostage to the Devil " by Fr. Malachi Martin, an interesting comment is made by the author which sheds light on this particular point. On page 460 of the book, while explaining the Ritual of Exorcism, Fr. Martin goes on to say...." Nowadays part of the text - especially well known prayers- are sometimes prayed in the vernacular (German, English, French, etc.), but among exorcists as a class of Church Ministers, there seems to be a persuasion born from experience that the Latin Text has some special unction and disruptive value for Evil Spirit.” What this observation tells us is that the Rite of Exorcism when prayed in Latin has a more powerful effect in expelling demons. Why would this be so?

First, let's look at why the Catholic Church chose Latin as its Official Language. In the early days of the Church, communication between Rome and the rest of the Church was slow. Documents had to be translated into the different dialects for the various regions where Catholicism had spread to. Once translated they had to be written by hand because the printing press had yet to be invented. It was a time consuming process. In order to expedite communication something had to be done. Latin was the international language at the time and so it was the logical choice.

The Church then decreed that Latin would be its Official Language and anyone who was part of the Church would have to speak it. The Church chose Latin for practical reasons. Perhaps what the Church did not realize at the time was the effect that this decision would have on Catholic prayer. But why?

The answer can be found in the Gospel of Matthew (16:18-19) where we read ....." you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church...and whatsoever you shall bind on earth, shall be bound also in Heaven.” Therefore when His Church decreed that Latin would be the Mother Tongue of Catholicism it bound Latin in Heaven.

If this were not true then exorcists would not have noticed such a dramatic difference whenever they prayed the Ritual of Exorcism in Latin. Does this mean that as Catholics we must become fluent in Latin? No. But you will find that learning the basic Catholic prayers in Latin (as well as attending the Latin Mass) will have a profound effect & be spiritually profitable.

Start off by learning the shortest prayers (Sign of the Cross, Glory Be, Hail Mary, etc) , then move on to the rest (Our Father, Apostle's Creed, Latin Rosary, etc). We must emphasize that all Catholics should always pray with fervor & faith no matter which language they speak. But if you decide to take your prayer to another level then do so in Latin.

--- Regina Magazine


In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,

Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 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

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

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

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

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!

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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

Bulletin 228

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

November 2, 2014

21st Sunday after Pentecost

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

Sat 1 All Saints No Latin Mass

Mon 3 Commemoration of All Souls No Latin Mass
Tue 4 Daily Mass for the Dead
Wed 5 Daily Mass for the Dead
Tue 6 Daily Mass for the Dead
Fri 7 Daily Mass for the Dead

Mass on Friday, November 7th will be followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and benediction.

There will be a pot-luck dinner on Sunday, November 9th in the school cafeteria immediately following the 2:30pm Mass. This will include an All Saints day party.

All Saints Day is a holy day of obligation in the Universal Church; since it falls on Saturday in the U.S., the precept to attend Mass is abrogated by the USCCB.

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

All indulgences whatsoever may be applied to the Poor Souls at any time by way of suffrage. The simple intention to offer them for the Poor Souls is sufficient.

Saint Paul always exhorts us to give thanks to God! God has made us worthy to partake of the lot of the saints in light! What more could we ask for?! Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ we have been delivered from satan's grasp and the power of darkness. We have so much to be grateful for because our destiny is to be with God in heaven forever. Since we have been redeemed through the Blood of Jesus Christ and received remission of all our sins we rejoice!

Life on earth is warfare. Saint Paul reminds us we are battling the power of Satan. We must be strong in the Lord who has given us the victory over the powers of hell. Our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers. With God we truly are able to resist evil in all forms!

We must turn to God who gives us victory over sin through the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ!



Father Fasching's Mass Travel Schedule – Oct., Nov., Dec.


Oct. 4 – 5 27th Sunday of the Year
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Paul
Gainesville, Ava – Fr.Fasching

Oct. 11 - 12 28th Sunday of the Year
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove - Fr. Paul
Gainesville, Ava – SCAP – Deacon Joe

Oct. 18 – 19 29th Sunday of the Year
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Paul

Oct. 25 – 26 30th Sunday of the Year
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr .John Ettensohn
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Paul

Nov. 1 – 2 All Saint – All Souls
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove - Fr. Paul
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching

Nov. 8 – 9 Dedication of Lateran Basilica
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – SCAP – Deacon Joe
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Paul

Nov. 15 – 16 33rd Sunday of Year
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Paul

Nov. 22 – 23 Feast of Christ the King
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Paul
Gainesville, Ava - SCAP – Deacon Joe

Nov. 29 – 30 1st Sunday of Advent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Paul
Gainesville, Ava – Fr. Fasching

Dec. 6 – 7 2nd Sunday of Advent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove - SCAP – Deacon Joe
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Paul


Dec. 13 – 14 3rd Sunday of Advent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove - Fr. Fasching
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Paul

Dec. 20 – 21 34th Sunday of Advent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Paul
Gainesville, Ava - SCAP – Deacon Joe


In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,

Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 221

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

September 14th 2014

Exaltation of the Holy Cross

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,

Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 216

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

August 10, 2014

9th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Mon 11 No Latin Mass
Tue 12 Saint Clair, Virgin
Wed 13 Feria
Thu 14 Vigil of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Fri 15 Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

“My house is the house of prayer, but you have made it into a den of thieves.” Jesus Christ always pointed to God the Father. When His holy Temple was being abused He quickly put an end to it. The purpose of the Temple was to provide a place for divine worship, not to engage in business trades.

The purpose of our Catholic churches is to offer a space for divine worship and nothing else. Our churches are consecrated and set apart as places to offer holy sacrifice. They too are houses of prayer! We have the privilege as Catholics to have Jesus Christ present-Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in our tabernacles! We owe Him the utmost reverence when we enter a church. We owe Him all our attention as long as we are there. We should never abuse the great gift Christ has given us in making Himself literally present in our churches!


In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,

Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 210

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

June 29, 2014

SS. Peter & Paul * Apostles

Epistle: Acts 12: 1-11
Gospel: Mt. 16: 13-19

Mon 30 Commemoration of Saint Paul * Apostle, No Latin Mass
Tue 1 Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Wed 2 Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Thu 3 Saint Irenaeus, Bishop & Martyr
Fri Sacred Heart of Jesus

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

The Magisterium of the Church, in the First Vatican Council, defined the doctrine of the primacy of Peter and his successors in these terms:

“We teach and declare, therefore, according to the testimony of the Gospel that the primacy of jurisdiction over the whole Church was immediately and directly promised to and conferred upon the blessed Apostle Peter by Christ the Lord. For Simon, Christ had said, 'You shall be called Cephas' (Jn 1:42). Then, after Simon had acknowledged Christ with the confession, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God' (Mt 16:16), it was to Simon alone that the solemn words were spoken by the Lord: 'Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and what you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven' (Mt 16: 17-19).”

We are bound to believe that Christ Himself gave to Peter the authority of Prince of the Apostles as the visible head over the whole Church militant. Whoever succeeds Peter in this Chair holds Peter's primacy over the whole Church according to the plan of Christ Himself!


In Christ,

Father Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 201

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

April 27, 2014

Low Sunday (Octave Day of Easter)

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

Mon 28 Saint Paul of the Cross, Confessor-- No Latin Mass
Tue 29 Saint Peter of Verona, Martyr
Wed 30 Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin
Thu 1 Saint Joseph the Workman
Fri 2 Sacred Heart of Jesus

Pot-luck dinner Sunday, April 27 the 2:30pm Mass. This is Divine Mercy Sunday. A plenary indulgence is granted to those who take part in the prayers and devotions held in honor of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the Merciful Lord Jesus (e.g., "Merciful Jesus, I trust in You!"). If unable to get to church for the above, one may gain the same indulgence be 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 Christ.

Mass on Sunday, May 4 will be at 7:00pm.

Mass on Friday, May 2 will be followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and benediction.

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be sung immediately following Mass today followed by benediction.

Pope John Paul II wrote the following in his encyclical Dives in Misericordia: “The Church of our time…must become more particularly and profoundly conscious of the need to bear witness in her whole mission to God’s mercy, following in the footsteps of the tradition of the Old and the New Covenant, and above all of Jesus Christ Himself and His apostles…the Church must consider it one of her principal duties at every state of history and especially in our modern age to proclaim and to introduce in life the mystery of mercy, supremely revealed in Jesus Christ.”

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.”

In Christo Jesu et Maria Immaculata,

Father Jeffery Fasching

Bulletin 200

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

April 27, 2014

Low Sunday (Octave Day of Easter)

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

Mon 21 Easter Monday No Latin Mass
Tue 22 Easter Tuesday No Latin Mass
Wed 23 Easter Wednesday
Thu 24 Easter Thursday
Fri 25 Easter Friday

Pot-luck dinner Sunday, April 27 following the 2:30pm Mass. This is Divine Mercy Sunday. A plenary indulgence is granted to those who take part in the prayers and devotions held in honor of Divine Mercy, or who, in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament exposed or in the tabernacle, recite the Our Father and the Creed, adding a devout prayer to the Merciful Lord Jesus (e.g., "Merciful Jesus, I trust in You!"). If unable to get to church for the above, one may gain the same indulgence be 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 Christ.

The Chaplet of Divine Mercy will be sung immediately following Mass today.


In Christo Jesu et Maria Immaculata,

Father Jeffery Fasching

Bulletin 189

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching

February 2, 2014
Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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

Mass Schedule February 3-7

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

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

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

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

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

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

In Christo Jesu et Maria Immaculata,

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 188

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching

January 26, 2014
3rd Sunday After Epiphany
Epistle: Rom. 12: 16-21
Gospel: Mt. 8: 1-13

Mass Schedule January 27-31

Mon 27 No Latin Mass
Tue 28 No Latin Mass
Wed 29 Saint Francis de Sales; Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Thu 30 Saint Martina; Virgin & Martyr
Fri 31 Saint John Bosco, Confessor

“I am not worthy that thou shouldst enter under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant shall be healed.” Upon seeing the centurion’s great faith, Jesus Christ instantly restored to health his servant. Christ then said to His disciples: “Many shall come from the east and the west, and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of Heaven. But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into the exterior darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” Jesus Christ reminds us that many people born in infidelity will be saved, and many who are born into the bosom of the Church shall be cast into Hell!

On the Day of Judgment many shall see people whom they knew among the elect of God, but because they chose not to stop their life of sin, they themselves have gone into Hell. If we lose Heaven it is our own fault. We must stop now our life of sin while we still have time. If you choose not to change your life now, you may very well be abandoned by God. In times of temptation remember the reality of Hell. Turn to Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary who will deliver you from sin!

In Christo Jesu et Maria Immaculata,

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 186

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching

January 12, 2014
Holy Family
Epistle: Col. 3: 12-17
Gospel: Lk. 2: 42-52

Mass Schedule January 13-17

Mon 13 No Latin Mass
Tue 14 Saint Hilary; Bishop, Confessor & Doctor
Wed 15 Saint Paul, the First Hermit Confessor
Thu 16 Saint Marcellus I, Pope & Martyr
Fri 17 Saint Anthony, Abbot

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI said the following with regard to the life of the Holy Family in Nazareth: "The house of Nazareth is a school of prayer where we learn to listen, to meditate, to penetrate the deepest meaning of the manifestation of the Son of God, drawing our example from Mary, Joseph and Jesus. The Holy Family is an icon of the domestic Church, which is called to pray together. The family is the first school of prayer where, from their infancy, children learn to perceive God thanks to the teaching and example of their parents. An authentically Christian education cannot neglect the experience of prayer. If we do not learn to pray in the family, it will be difficult to fill this gap later. I would, then, like to invite people to rediscover the beauty of praying together as a family, following the school of the Holy Family of Nazareth.”

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 173

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

October 13, 2013
21st Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: Eph. 6:10-17
Gospel: Mt. 18:23-25

Mon 14 Saint Callistus I, Pope & Martyr—No Latin Mass
Tue 15 Saint Teresa of Avila, Virgin
Wed 16 Saint Hedwig, Widow
Thu 17 Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin
Fri 18 Saint Luke, Evangelist

The annual clergy conference will be held in Branson, MO October 21st through October 25th. There will be no Latin Mass during that week.

Sunday, October 27 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. The following is the text of prayer:


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

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

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

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

Be Thou King, O Lord,
not only of the faithful who have never forsaken Thee,
but also of the prodigal children who have abandoned Thee,
grant that they may quickly return to their Father's house,
lest they die of wretchedness and hunger.

Be Thou King of those who are deceived by erroneous opinions,
or whom discord keeps aloof
and call them back to the harbour of truth and unity of faith,
so that soon there may be but one flock and one shepherd.

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

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

Amen

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 167

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

September 1st, 15th Sunday after Pentecost

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

There will be NO LATIN MASS September 2nd through September 6th. Fr. Fasching will be on vacation.

Although young infants will often sleep or rest quietly during the time of Mass, there are times when they must be taken out of the church so as to not be disruptive to the priest and the rest of the congregation. The Holy Sacrifice is a time of prayer. Some parents seem to find difficult to remove their children from the church when they find it hard to control them. We must remember that the saints assure us that distracted efforts to pray are always richly rewarded. Parents may always ask other adults without children to pray for them during the time of Mass. Pray to the Blessed Virgin Mary for patience and ask the Holy Family for help.

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 166

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

August 25th, 14th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Mass Schedule August 26th through August 30th

Mon 26 Feria--No Latin Mass

Tue 27 Saint Joseph Calasance, Confessor

Wed 28 Saint Augustine; Bishop, Confessor & Doctor

Thu 29 Beheading of Saint John Baptist

Fri 30 Requiem Mass M.S. John

Our next pot-luck dinner will be held on Sunday, September 8th immediately following the 2:30pm Mass in the school cafeteria. All are invited to attend.

There will be NO LATIN MASS September 2nd through September 6th. Fr. Fasching will be on vacation.

Children are so precious to Our Lord Jesus Christ! “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not” says Our Lord. Jesus Christ desires that young children attend Mass and make visits to the Blessed Sacrament. However, when making visits to church or attending Mass a parent must teach their young children discipline and set clear expectations as to how they are to conduct themselves.

For example, if a child misbehaves and is sent to the back of the church this should not be a reward for misbehavior. You must let him know that being removed from the church means further discipline, not the chance to play and run free. A child must know your expectations to remain quiet while in church and must be shown consistency in your discipline. A child will need reminding about the necessity of being quiet in church. Eventually he will need to understand that it is also important to be able to sit still in church. This training should take place before the child is able to walk.

Children respond to the expectations of adults when they are presented clearly and consistently. Scripture warns parents: “and a child left to himself will become headstrong.” A child’s behavior reflects his parent’s own parental skills.

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 101

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

May 6th, 2012 Fourth Sunday After Easter –NO LATIN MASS AT 2:30PM

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

Mass Schedule May 7th through May 11th

Monday-Saint Stanislaus; Bishop and Martyr -NO LATIN MASS

Tuesday-Feria of Paschaltide

Wednesday-Saint Gregory of Nazianzen; Bishop, Confessor and Doctor

Thursday-Saint Antoninus; Bishop and Confessor

Friday-SS. Philip and James; Apostles

NO LATIN MASS ON SUNDAY, MAY 6TH AT 2:30PM.

JUNE 10, 2012 IS THE SOLEMNITY OF CORPUS CHRISTI. MASS WILL BEGIN AT 2:00 PM. A PROCESSION OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT WILL IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW.

Jesus Christ speaks very clearly when He says in the Gospel that the Holy Ghost will teach all the truth. If one wishes to be fully incorporated into the Church of Christ one must embrace the entire system of the Catholic Church:

They are fully incorporated into the society of the Church who, possessing the Spirit of Christ, accept her entire system and all the means of salvation given her, and through union with her visible structure are joined to Christ, who rules her through the Supreme Pontiff and the bishops. This joining is effected by the bonds of professed faith, of the sacraments, of ecclesiastical government, and of communion. (LG 14b-366)

To be fully incorporated into the Church one must be united to it by all of the bonds, interior and exterior. The interior bonds of the Holy Ghost include sanctifying grace, faith, hope and love. The exterior bonds include the same professed faith, sacraments, government, and communion.

Pray for Christian unity.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching