Weekly Digest

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:

• Tuesday - Saint Agnes Playgroup (10:30 am), Fatima Apostolate and Choir Practice (7 pm)
• Wednesday - Bereavement Meeting (7 pm)
• Thursday - First Friday Confessions (4 pm)
• Friday - First Friday Adoration (all day, Benediction at 5:00, Mass at 5:30), First Friday Playgroup (10:30 am), Jesus in the North End (7:30 pm)
• Saturday - Fidelity House Hoe-down Fundraiser (6:30 pm)
• Sunday - Golden and Silver Anniversary Mass at the Cathedral (11:30 am)
• Monday - Anointing of the Sick Mass at Saint Eulalia (9 am), Saint Agnes Parishioners for Life (7 pm), Men's Bible Study (7:30 pm)

Saint Agnes Family Playgroup - CHECK BEFORE YOU LEAVE!

Now that we are in summer mode, we will be holding Tuesday playgroups outdoors at nearby parks. To print a written schedule of our summer playgroup locations, please click here. To see a map of our summer park schedule, please click here.

This Tuesday, April 29th, we will meet at McClennen Park (680 Summer St., Arlington) at 10:30 am. As well as play structures, this park has a skateboard park that is good for balls or toy cars.  Also a large field good for kites.  Please bring your own lunch and join us!

**NOTE THAT our outdoor summer schedule is highly dependent on good weather. If the weather seems questionable, please check your email or the blog page before you leave for playgroup. In case of rain, our usual rain location will be at Fidelity House, 25 Medford St., Arlington. Thanks!**

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This Friday, May 2nd, is the first Friday of the month.  On Thursday, May 1st, from 4:00-5:00 pm, there will be the opportunity for confession in the lower church.  On Friday, Saint Agnes will be offering all-day Adoration, concluding with Benediction and Mass at 5:00/5:30pm, in the lower church. Also at noon there will be a Holy Hour to pray for priests and victims of clergy sexual abuse. Adoration is a wonderful opportunity to spend some quiet time with the Lord and gain some focus in our lives - especially with all the busy distractions of daily life. For more background on the long tradition of keeping a First Friday devotion, look here or here.

Also, anyone who wishes to walk across the street to spend time alone with our Lord in Adoration may do so, while the other mothers watch your children in the playroom.  First Friday playgroup is from 10:30 am-12:30 pm at Fidelity House (25 Medford St., Arlington). Fidelity House is being very generous by letting us use this space. Please consider a donation to help with their costs. Suggested donation is $1 per each person attending. Please remember some behavior guidelines: No running out of the playroom, no kids in the toy closet, respect physical limits, use a time-out chair, please discipline your own children promptly Please no food.... drinks in spill proof containers are OK.

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Making Music Praying Twice - Spring Classes: Thursdays at 10:30 am, beginning May 1st
The "Easter Season" session of Making Music, Praying Twice begins May 1st and runs weekly for seven classes. Registration is open for the Thursday morning class. Additional classes depend on enrollment but please contact Dot Bowe (dbowe [at] ssjl.org) if you are interested in a different day and/or time. There is the possibility of a second session if three families commit to an alternate time. No payment necessary until the first class. Class size limited to 12 children.

Registration for is ongoing and available online at http://www.stjoseph.belmont.ma.us/faithformation/mmpt.htm or by calling the parish office at 617-484-0279. Pre-registration helps to determine which classes will run and allows us to pre-order CDs and songbooks. No payment is necessary until the first class. Classes appropriate for children birth – age 5 with a caregiver. All classes will be held at St. Joseph Parish, 130 Common Street, Belmont, MA.

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Children's Way of the Cross

Did you take your children to the beautiful Children's Way of the Cross this past Lent?  This is such a great ministry for our parish.  However, Tricia Sheehan, who has coordinated for many years is looking for new parents to take on this annual devotion!  If you are able to give yourself in service this way, please contact Tricia Sheehan (781-648-7709).

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Training for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a Montessori-based religious education program that addresses the religious potential of children ages 3-6 (Level 1).  It is in its 11th year at our parish.  Please consider joining us in this beautiful ministry!  Part 1 of a 2-part catechist training course takes place July 7-12, 2014 (part 2 to take place July 2015) in Clinton, MA.  The cost of Part 1 of the course is $200.  For more information, please contact Kateryna Cuddeback at 617-504-3028 or kcuddeb@gmail.com

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Project Rachel
Project Rachel retreats help women find hope, healing and reconciliation after abortion.  If you or a loved one is suffering from post-abortion pain, contact Project Rachel about upcoming "Come to the Waters of Healing" retreats on Saturdays, February 22, March 29, or April 12.  Contact Project Rachel  at help@ProjectRachelBoston.com or 508-651-3100.  All inquiries are confidential.

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FALL 2014 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR OUR WONDERFUL PARISH SCHOOLS!

FIDELITY HOUSE - Preschool and Pre-K

SAINT AGNES GRAMMAR SCHOOL - Pre-K through Grade 8

Links to these websites are located at the top right-hand of the blog page.

When you invest and involve your family here, you can participate

in the evangelical mission and service of these community resources,

which are offered by - and in the long tradition of - our very own Catholic Church.

Financial Aid is available.  WOW!