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

Bulletin 252

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeff Fasching

April 19, 2015

Second Sunday After Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday)

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

Mon 20 -- No Latin Mass

Tue 21 – Saint Anselm—Bishop, Confessor & Doctor

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

Thu 23 – Saint George, Martyr

Fri 24 – Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Martyr


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

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

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




Discernment Retreat for College age men—April 24-26, 2015 at Meinrad Seminary in Indiana.


Encounter with God's call—April 18-20, 2015 at Conception Seminary College--for young men 16 and under who are considering a vocation to the priesthood.


For more information, please contact Fr. Patrick Nwokoye, Director of Vocation Promotion at 573-200-1814—email: pnwokoye@dioscg.org or Fr. J. Friedel, Director of Vocations/Seminarians, at jfriedel@dioscg.org.



In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,


Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 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

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

Bulletin 236

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

December 28, 2014

Sunday in the Octave of Christmas

Epistle: Gal. 4: 1-7
Gospel: Luke 2: 33-40

Mon 29 No Latin Mass
Tue 30 Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas
Wed 31 Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas
Thu 1 Octave Day of Christmas--(Mass @ 10:30am)
Fri 2 Sacred Heart of Jesus

Mass on the Octave of Christmas (January 1) will be at 10:30am.

Mass on January 2 will be followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and benediction.

A plenary indulgence may be gained by publicly saying or singing the Te Deum in thanksgiving on the last day of the year (December 31). A plenary indulgence may also be gained by publicly saying or singing the Veni Creator Spiritus on the first day of the year, January 1.

“And His name shall be called the Angel of Great Council.” We prepare for the coming of Christ during the Advent season. During Christmastide we experience the great joy of His Incarnation-the greatest event ever to take place in the history of the world! “As many as received Him He gave them power to be made Sons of God” (Saint John). When we unite our human souls to Christ Incarnate we share in His divinity.

Let us worship Christ and adore God His Father. The birth of Christ is the beginning of our redemption through grace to the supernatural life.

Saint Joseph and the Blessed Virgin Mary knew full well who Jesus their Son was, however, they were in awe of the way God was revealing Him. We too must contemplate the mysteries in the life of Jesus Christ, but during Christmas we especially focus on how Christ chose to be born.

God willed that the Blessed Virgin Mary be intimately linked to the redemptive work of Christ! She shared in His sufferings through the pain that pierced her soul as Christ suffered for our sins. It is those sins that forged the sword that would pierce her heart. We therefore have a duty to atone for our sins to the Blessed Virgin as well as to God Himself. She is our Mother as well as His!


Father Fasching's Mass Travel Schedule – Advent, Christmas & Easter


Jan. 10 – 11 – Baptism of the Lord
Gainesville, Ava - Fr. Fasching

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 -
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove – Fr. Fasching


Feb. 21 – 22 - 1st Sunday of Lent
Gainesville, Ava – Fr. Fasching

Mar. 7 – 8 - 3rd Sunday of Lent
Cabool, Mansfield, Mt. Grove - Fr. Fasching

Mar. 21 – 22 - 5th Sunday of Lent
Gainesville, Ava – 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

The Immaculate Conception

Mary -- Conceived without Sin

As the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception (Dec. 8th) approaches, I thought it appropriate to explain the significance of this feast. This is probably the most misunderstood doctrine among non-Catholics. Even some Catholics don't understand it. To be clear, let's define it. The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception is a dogma, meaning that is is a required belief of all Catholics. In other words, if you don't believe in the Immaculate Conception, then technically speaking, you're not really Catholic. It is defined as the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was herself conceived without the stain of original sin.

Some Protestants contend that the doctrine is "unbiblical," that it "deifies Mary as a goddess," and "diminishes the role of Christ in the redemption of humanity." Such contention is unwarranted, and a little paranoid, as I'll demonstrate below.

The stain of original sin was defined by St. Augustine as the mark of sin inherited by all people from the time of their conception. This means that when the first humans (Adam and Eve) sinned against God, they did so before any of their children were born. Because of this, all children conceived after their sin (i.e. the whole human race), would inherent the stain of the sin they committed. The sin they committed was one of selfishness and rebellion against God. The stain of this sin penetrated all the way through their souls to the flesh itself -- staining it and corrupting it. Thus, all children born of their flesh would inherit this stain of original sin. Think of it as a hereditary trait. It is manifested in the form of pride, selfishness and rebellion. It creates in people the desire to commit various sins: lying, cheating, stealing, lust, rage, etc. It can be seen from the earliest ages of childhood. Every time a small child acts in a selfish way, or becomes rebellious toward his parents, he demonstrates the stain of original sin in his own mind and body. God designed human beings to be totally selfless, giving, and obedient creatures. But this does not describe the human race today. That's because the stain of original sin, inherited from our first parents (Adam and Eve), has twisted and corrupting what God has created. Instead of being selfless, we are selfish. Instead of being giving, we are greedy. Instead of being obedient, we are rebellious. Such is the nature of our fallen human race. Now many Protestants think of original sin as a type of depravity -- moral corruption or innate wickedness -- as if people are "evil" at their core. Catholics tend to see original sin more as deprivation than depravity -- meaning that original sin deprives human beings of what they need to be holy. The desire to be loving and selfless is there, but the deprivation of original sin makes that impossible to achieve on our own.

God cannot tolerate sin, and it must be dealt with. Before mankind can be restored to God, we must first be freed of the original sin that stains and deprives us. This is the reason why God sent Jesus Christ (God made flesh) into the world. His sacrificial death on the cross frees us from all sin, including original sin. But in order for this sacrifice to be atoning for the human race, it must come from a member of the human race. Only a perfect and spotless human being can undo the damage done by our first parents. A perfect duplicate (or copy) of a human being wouldn't be enough. This spotless sacrifice must be a direct descendant of the sinful human race, and he must be divine himself, so that he may atone for all human sins, not just the first one. Protestant Christians understand this concept very well, and teach it in their churches. They know that Jesus must atone for all the sins of the world, and they know he is fully human as well as fully divine. In this sense, Protestants are very "Catholic" in their thinking. What they often fail to consider is that the flesh of Jesus Christ must be truly descended from the sinful human race in order for Jesus to be truly "one of us." If God created a whole new body in Mary's womb from "the dust of the earth" so to speak, essentially a copy of humanity, totally separate from any sinful human genetics, he really wouldn't be human at all. He would be a whole new race, entirely separate from the human race, and completely disconnected from the rest of humanity. He might look like us, but he wouldn't really be "one of us." In order for Jesus Christ to truly be "one of us," he would have to be genetically linked to the human race, and since Jesus only has one biological parent, there is only one person through whom that link can be made. That person is the Blessed Virgin Mary.

When Jesus was miraculously conceived inside Mary's womb, at the time of the annunciation by the Angel Gabriel, his human genetic make-up came directly from her. True, his divine nature came directly from the Godhead, but his human nature came from Mary. So Mary is the human genetic link between Jesus Christ (God made flesh) and mankind. There is only one problem. If Mary's flesh was stained with original sin (like the rest of us), than Jesus would have inherited that same original sin nature. Yet the Scriptures clearly tell us that Jesus was without sin. So we have a theological problem. How could Jesus' flesh and blood be "without sin" if he inherited his human flesh and blood from Mary? Granted, he is God, so he can do whatever he wants, but he chose to do it a certain way that was fitting to his desire. Enter the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception.

From the earliest times, Christians have always believed that Mary was immaculate -- meaning perfect and without sin....
"He (Jesus) was the ark formed of incorruptible wood (Mary). For by this is signified that His tabernacle (body) was exempt from putridity and corruption (sin)." -- (Hippolytus, AD 235)
"This Virgin Mother of the Only-begotten of God, is called Mary, worthy of God, immaculate of the immaculate, one of the one." -- (Origen, AD 244)
The idea here is that God miraculously preserved Mary from original sin from the time of her first existence (i.e. conception). The idea comes from the Holy Scripture in which the Angel Gabriel says to Mary: "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you." -- (Luke 1:28) The phrase "full of grace" is a translation of the Greek word kecharitomene. It expresses a characteristic quality of Mary that is unique. The traditional translation, "full of grace," is better than the one found in many recent English versions of the New Testament, which give something along the lines of "highly favoured one." Mary was indeed a highly favoured daughter of God, but the Greek implies more than that. The grace given to Mary is both permanent and unique. Kecharitomene is a perfect, passive, participle of the Greek word charitoo, meaning "to fill or endow with grace." Since this term is in the perfect tense, it indicates that Mary was given this grace in the past, but it has a continuing effect in the present. So, the grace Mary enjoyed did not begin at the angel’s visit. In fact, according to meaning the Greek word kecharitomene, it extended over her whole life, from conception onward. She was in a state of grace from the first moment of her existence (i.e. conception).

Now there is nothing particularly new about this concept. Biblically speaking, Mary wasn't the first person God fashioned in a perfect state of grace -- immaculate -- or without sin. The very first examples we have are Adam and Eve themselves. Both Adam and Eve were in a perfect state of grace at their "conception." Though the Scriptures tell us God fashioned them using a different method than normal procreation, it doesn't change the fact that they were made "without sin" (i.e. immaculate). So we could say the first immaculate conception happened in Eden when God formed the first man (Adam) and the first woman (Eve). In many ways, we could even consider the immaculate conception of Mary a "less dramatic miracle" (if we dare) because God still used the normal procreative processes when he fashioned her.

The question that arises is how? How would God fashion Mary "without sin" when both her parents were obviously stained by original sin, and they conceived her naturally? That is the mystery of the miracle. We can only conclude that God had already chosen Mary as Christ's mother, even from the first moment of her conception in the womb of her own mother. That being the case, the only reason why Mary was conceived without sin is because of Jesus Christ. Her body (flesh and blood) was redeemed retroactively, by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, that wouldn't happen until three decades later, because she was chosen to be the vessel through whom Jesus Christ (The Eternal Word) would enter this world as a human being.

Theologically this is very important, because Jesus received all of his human flesh and blood from Mary. That flesh and blood ought to be unspoiled and unstained by sin. Furthermore, modern science tells us that cells from the mother and child do exchange between them during pregnancy. Jesus and Mary literally shared flesh and blood, as all mothers and their babies do during normal human pregnancy. They were in a state of physical communion during that nine months of pregnancy. That means for Jesus to inherit and maintain a perfect body from his mother, without sin, his physical mother should be without sin as well. Likewise, if Mary was to be in a state of physical communion with her son Jesus, receiving his flesh and blood while he was in her womb, it would be necessary for her to be in a perfect state of grace -- immaculate. While God can do anything he wants, it is only fitting and proper for things to be done this way, and the Scriptures seem to support this with the angelic salutation "full of grace.”

So the doctrine of the immaculate conception does not "deify" Mary as many Protestants falsely believe. Nor does it diminish the role of Christ in the redemption of the human race. You can't even say it's "unbiblical" since the Greek word kecharitomene in Luke 1:28 practically defines the doctrine. Rather, it simply states that Mary was no different than the sinless Eve before the fall. Does this mean that Mary was better than Eve? No. Does this mean that Mary was greater or less than Eve? No. It means she was exactly the same as Eve physically, mentally and spiritually speaking. Does this mean that Mary could have sinned? YES! She most certainly could have followed the example of Eve and disobeyed the command of God. If she had, she would have suffered the same fate as Eve, and carried the stain of original sin herself. But the difference is that when the test was given, Mary chose to obey God whereas Eve did not. Eve's test was in the fruit of the tree. Mary's test was in the fruit of the womb. Eve failed her test, while Mary joyously passed hers. From the moment she responded to the angel, "Behold I am the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word" -- (Luke 1:38), she accepted the Lord's will for her, even though she knew it would bring her hardship. Because of that, Mary's purpose was fulfilled. God preserved her without sin, to be like Eve, so she could become the "New Eve," and bring forth the "New Adam" (Romans 5:12-21) who is Christ the Lord.

So now, the question of "why?" arises. Why did Mary choose to obey God, while Eve chose to disobey? Any answer we give is pure speculation, of course, but I think a fair speculation would be the Old Covenant itself. Mary was a Jew. She was raised her whole life to follow the Jewish laws. Tradition tells us she was educated as a child in the Jerusalem Temple, where she served as a consecrated virgin for the Lord. (Protoevangelium of James) Thus Mary had a grace that Eve was not given -- the Mosaic Law. Because of this, she had an understanding of God that was somewhat of a mystery to Eve. Beyond that, unlike Eve, Mary was able to personally witness the effects of original sin all around her. Eve learnt that lesson the hard way, having no prior experience with sin, she introduced original sin to the world with Adam her husband. Mary, in contrast, spent a lifetime toiling in the effects of that original sin, working for survival in a broken world filled with pain and suffering, even though she herself was sinless. This experience, combined with the Mosaic Law, certainly helped to give Mary the courage to say "yes" to a plan that would ultimately bring much more pain and suffering into her own life.

The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of Mary is rich in ancient Jewish symbolism. It is foreshadowed in the Old Testament with the Ark of the Covenant. Hebrews 9:4 tells us that the contents contained inside the Ark of the Covenant were; the stone tablets of the Law (the word of God), along with a jar of manna (bread from heaven) and Aaron's rod (a symbol of the holy priesthood). All of these are images foreshadowing Jesus Christ, who is the incarnate Word of God (John 1:1-4,14), the Bread from Heaven (John 6:31-65) and our eternal High Priest (Hebrews 4:14).

Now the Ark of the Covenant was consecrated to God and considered holy. It was not to be touched by sinful man under penalty of death, and God himself had no problem exacting this penalty, even when a man touched it in an attempt to prevent it from falling (2nd Samuel 6:6-7; 1st Chronicles 13:9-10). This Old Testament example is designed to illustrate that the ark, which carried the symbols of the Old Covenant, was just as holy as the Old Covenant itself.

Now as I said, the stone tablets, manna and rod were signs foreshadowing Jesus Christ. He is the New Covenant. Thus the "ark" that carried him in her womb is holy too, just as the ark that carried the symbols that foreshadowed him was holy. Mary is the Ark of the New Covenant because she carried Jesus Christ in her womb. Jesus, who is the Word of God, the Bread of Life and our eternal High Priest, was carried for nine months inside the "ark" of Mary. She carried him in her arms and on her hip for another two years at least. If the ark of the Old Covenant was holy, than surely this ark of the New Covenant is even holier.

The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception points more to Christ than Mary. Though Mary is the object of the doctrine, she is not the subject of it. The subject is Christ, and it is his perfectly sinless body that is being addressed. Through Mary, Jesus inherited the "flesh and blood" of mankind. He bore the genetic code of the fallen human race, yet he did so with one modification, the stain of original sin was removed. The flesh he inherited was immaculate. That immaculate flesh was the gift of his mother -- Mary -- who herself received it as a gift from God. So Jesus really and truly was descended from Adam and Eve through Mary. He really and truly was "one of us," having the same ancestors and genetic code that originated from them. God rehabilitated the original, immaculate nature of humanity in Mary, but her sinlessness didn't help anybody but herself. She was the only beneficiary of this filling of grace (kecharitomene). Mary's sinlessness doesn't save anybody else. It doesn't save me, and it doesn't save you. All God did with the immaculate conception was reset the clock, so to speak, to give one person another chance. For the sake of humanity, and revealing himself in the Law of Moses, God gave one more human being, schooled in that law, a chance to say "yes" for humanity. Her "yes" brought forth the Messiah who would fulfil the Law of Moses, and effectively save the rest of us. The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, is a doctrine that points entirely to Jesus Christ. Without him, the Immaculate Conception of Mary makes no logical sense.

In following Jesus Christ, we all become "immaculate" upon our baptism. This is the promise that is given to us. Granted, our bodies (and minds) remain damaged by sin, but this is a temporary condition. Those who are faithful, and endure to the end, not only get to look forward to an afterlife in heaven, but also a future resurrection, in which our recreated bodied will be like those of Jesus and Mary -- perfect and immaculate. In this life, the Christian is privileged to experience an immaculate soul upon the sacraments of baptism and reconciliation. In the next life, however, Christians will be privileged to experience an immaculate body as well.

Written by Shane Schaetzel, reposted by permission. Source: http://catholicozarks.blogspot.com/2014/11/mary-conceived-without-sin.html

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 220

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

September 7th 2014

13th Sunday after Pentecost

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

Mon 8 No Latin Mass
Tue 9 No Latin Mass
Wed 10 Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, Confessor
Thu 11 Feria
Fri 12 Most Holy Name of Mary

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. Kelly'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. Kelly.

There will be no Latin Mass on Tuesday, September 9th.

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.

God said to Moses: “Tell my people that if they faithfully observe my commandments, I will fill them with all kinds of blessings, but if they dare to transgress them, I shall punish them with all kinds of sufferings.” God said to Abraham: “Because thou hast faithfully kept my commandments, I will bless thee in everything. I will bless all those who bless thee. I will curse all those who curse thee. Out of thy race the Redeemer of the world shall be born.” God made known to Abraham's people when the time had arrived for them to enter into the promised land. “The people who dwelt in this land committed great sins. For this reason I shall drive them out and put you in their place. But take care not to transgress my commandments. If you keep them faithfully, I shall bless you in and above everything. When you are in the fields or in your houses I shall bless your children, who will then love you, respect you and obey you, and give you all kinds of consolation. I will command the heavens to give you rain at the proper times, as much as will be necessary to water your fields and your meadows. Everything will prosper for you.”

In another place in the Scriptures God says: “If you keep my commandments faithfully I shall watch unceasingly over your preservation. You can be without fear in your houses. I will prevent the wild beasts from harming you. You will be able to sleep in peace. Nothing will disturb you. I will always be with you. I shall walk with you. I am your God, and you will be my people.” Again He says to Moses: “Say unto my people, that if they keep my commandments I will deliver them from all evils that oppress them.” And the Holy Ghost says that “he who keeps the commandments of God is happier than if he possessed all the wealth on the earth.”


In Christo Jesu et
Maria Immaculata,

Father Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 203

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

May 11, 2014

Third Sunday after Easter
Epistle: 1 Pet. 2: 11-19
Gospel: Jn. 16: 16-22

Mon 12 No Latin Mass
Tue 13 No Latin Mass
Wed 14 Feria of Paschaltide
Thu 15 Saint John Baptist de la Salle, Confessor
Fri 16 Saint Ubaldus; Bishop, Confessor & Doctor

Happy Mother’s Day!

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

Most people who suffer ask the question: “What have I done to God that He should send me so much misery?” The answer is that God sends you the affliction because of your sins. Consider all the commandments. Which one have we not broken? Are all the bad habits we have acquired for so long a time ignored? What about our pride? What about our vanity, self-love, quick tempers, jealousy? How about the ways we have neglected the Blessed Sacrament? What penance have we done to atone for our sins? What good works have we done? After having committed so many sins why have we shed so few tears? God chastises only to heal the wounds which we as sinners have inflicted upon our own souls! God sends us suffering only to crown us with eternal glory. Consider the story of Job…”If we have received good things from God, should we not also accept evil?”




In Christ,

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 175

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

October 27th, 2013
Christ the King

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

Mass Schedule October 28th through November 1st:

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


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

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

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

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

One may gain a plenary indulgence by the public recitation of the Act of Consecration of the Human Race to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The following is the text of prayer:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Amen

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 169

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

September 15th, 17th Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle: Eph. 4: 1-6
Gospel: Mt. 22: 34-46

Mon 16 SS. Cornelius * Pope & Cyprian * Martyrs—No Latin Mass
Tue 17 Requiem Mass + John Scaria
Wed 18 Ember Wednesday
Thu 19 Saint Januarius & Companions Martyrs
Fri 20 Ember Friday

The Blessed Virgin Mary infinitely surpasses the angels in grace, merits, and dignity, and in all other perfections! How is it then possible not to love Mary? The world without Mary’s prayers would long ago have ceased to be. The graces we receive from heaven come though her hands. If God had treated us as we deserved after all our sins, we would long ago have been burning in hell. How many countless souls has Mary saved from the fires of hell?! We must really thank the Blessed Virgin Mary for our salvation because she throws herself at the feet of Jesus Christ and asks Him to give sinners more time in order that they may amend their lives.

Mary points out to the Father all that her Son did and suffered for mankind in order to avert His wrath. She reminds her Son of everything that she suffered during her life for His sake. We can only imagine the affection of this holy mother. How can there be people who despise her? How can people ridicule those who are devoted to her?

In Christ,

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 149

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT: Father Jeffery Fasching

April 21st, 2013 Third Sunday after Easter

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

Mass schedule April 22nd through April 26th

Monday: SS. Soter & Caius, Popes & Martyrs —No Latin Mass
Tuesday: Feria of Paschaltide
Wednesday: St. Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Martyr
Thursday: St. Mark, Evangelist
Friday: SS. Cletus & Marcellinus, Popes & Martyrs

All are invited to the pot-luck dinner Sunday, April 21st immediately following the 2:30pm Mass in the school cafeteria.

Jesus Christ has commanded us to take up our Crosses and follow Him if we wish to gain eternal life. He clearly taught that His followers would undergo sufferings and persecutions in this life, but they would have their reward in heaven if they remained faithful. The rest of the world will make merry and rejoice, while the Christian will suffer persecutions. Catholic Doctrine has always taught that the only way to share in the glory of the Resurrection is through the Cross. All the saints were familiar with suffering. In fact, they became extremely anxious when they were not made to suffer because they felt like Christ had abandoned them! “Take up thy Cross and follow me,” says Jesus Christ. You must either suffer in this life or give up the hope of seeing God in heaven!

In Christ,

Fr. Jeff Fasching

Bulletin 142

SAINT AGNES CATHEDRAL 533 South Jefferson Springfield, MO 65806

EXTRAORDINARY FORM OF THE MASS (LATIN)

CELEBRANT Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

March 3rd, 2013 Third Sunday of Lent

Epistle: Eph. 5: 1-9; Gospel: Lk. 11: 14-28

Mass schedule March 4th through March 8th

Monday—Feria of Lent-NO LATIN MASS

Tuesday—Feria of Lent

Wednesday—Feria of Lent

Thursday—Feria of Lent

Friday—Feria of Lent

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

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

Christ gave His life of His own free will. He died out of love for you and me. He came to show His infinite love and He thus gave His all. He submitted to His Passion and lived a life of self-denial to give us an example of how we are to live. Despite His sufferings, He must have experienced joy in knowing He was saving mankind.

If we embrace Christ’s lifestyle we will be able to resist the corruption of a paganized society. Immorality, fornication and impurity run rampant all around us. No matter what the world succumbs to we should always resist these evils because we are called to holiness of life. We are temples of the Holy Ghost. We have been purchased at a great price!

We must therefore strive to live with modesty and refinement. We must keep watch over our senses and hearts. We must avoid all occasions of sin. We should frequent the sacraments, especially Confession and Holy Communion. We should foster a tender devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and beg for contrition and reparation.

In Christ,
Father Jeff Fasching


Laws of Days of Abstinence: The Discipline of 1962

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

Bulletin 77

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

November 20th, 2011 23rd Sunday after Pentecost

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

Mass Schedule November 21st through November 25th

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

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

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

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

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

In Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 35

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

January 30, 2011 Fourth Sunday after Epiphany

Epistle: Rom. 13, 8-10
Gospel: Matth. 8, 23-27

Mass schedule January 31 through February 4

Monday-Saint John Bosco, Confessor—NO LATIN MASS
Tuesday—Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop & Martyr
Wednesday—Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Thursday—Saint Blasé, Bishop & Martyr
Friday—Sacred Heart of Jesus


Your prayers are asked for the mother of James Gillet and the grandmother of Chad Koenig.


In order to keep God’s Commandments perfectly, we must rely on God’s grace to love Him and love our neighbor as well. Ideally, we should be motivated in all we do because of our love for God. If we truly love God it is much easier to love our neighbor. This is really the key to answering the “universal call to holiness” in the Church.

Turning to today’s Gospel, Christ works a miracle that has a huge impact on His disciples. The boat they are on is being swamped by huge waves. The boat represents the Church, which has always had to make its way around those who would attack her. From earliest times, Christians were persecuted and misunderstood. Jesus’ sleeping through the storm has been applied to the fact that sometimes God allows the Church to suffer persecution without coming to her aid. Just as the Apostles in the boat cried to Jesus for help, so should we. Christ will always show His power when it seems we can bear hardships no longer. He rebuked the winds and the sea and there was great calm. But He first rebuked His Apostles for their lack of faith.

If we want God to work miracles in our lives or answer our prayer requests, He always demands that we have faith.


Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching

Bulletin 15

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

September 12th, 2010 16th Sunday after Pentecost
Epistle: Ephes. 3, 13-21
Gospel: Luke 14, 1-11
Mass Schedule September 13th through September 17th

Monday: Feria No Latin Mass
Tuesday: Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Wednesday: Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Thursday: SS. Cornelius, Pope, & Cyprian, Martyrs
Friday: Stigmata of Saint Francis

Important

Visit MoLatinMass.com for the weekly bulletin.
Bulletins are also available on Sundays at the entrance to the Cathedral.

The essence of Catholic Christianity is a willingness to suffer. For a Christian, suffering offers an opportunity to embrace the Cross of Christ. The Cross is a source of true joy. Scripture says: “if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation” (2 Cor 1:6). Christ sends us crosses for our own spiritual growth. We may not understand why they are placed before us, but we can be sure that they come from God. Suffering strengthens our relationship with God. Saint Paul says: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 8:35, 38-39).

Saint Paul asks God to give Christians understanding of the “mystery of Christ.” The mystery in fact refers to the entire plan of salvation. The instrument of salvation which Christ used to show His love was the Cross. Christ’s blood has brought about our redemption and the forgiveness of our sins. The Cross is an inexhaustible source of grace and the mark of the true Christian. Many people pay lip service to Christ, but few are His true friends. Only true friends of Christ love the Cross.

The Church in its liturgy is always giving God honor and praising Him for the gifts which it receives in Jesus Christ and through the Cross. “Through Him, with Him, in Him, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, all glory and honor is yours, almighty Father, for ever and ever. Amen.

Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Jeffery A. Fasching