Catholic Reading Wednesday

Wednesday, July 31, 2013


With many thanks to our awesome curator, Karen Celano, you can delve into a faith-related news article each Wednesday! Karen writes:

At a World Youth Day Mass in Rio de Janeiro's San Sebastian Cathedral, Pope Francis reflects on the Christian vocation and reminds us that we are called to evangelize no matter where we are in life: "we are called first to evangelize in our own homes and our places of study and work, to evangelize our family and friends."  This evangelization, he says, takes shape when we meet Christ in prayer, then go forth to promote a culture of encounter and inclusion, reaching out to the marginalized and neglected in our communities and sharing with them the "joyful certainty of those who have been found, touched and transformed by the Truth who is Christ."  

Weekly Digest

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:
  • Tuesday - Saint Agnes Playgroup (am), Fatima Apostolate (pm)
  • Thursday - First Friday Confessions (4:00 pm)
  • Friday - First Friday Adoration (all day, Benediction at 5:00, Mass at 5:30)
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Now that the weather seems to have turned a bit warmer, 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, July 30th, we will meet at Winn Brook Playground (173 Cross St., Belmont). This park has a large, “maze like” playground, including swings and picnic tables. Bring a picnic lunch and join us - we start at 10:30 am. We hope to see you there!

**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, August 2nd, is the first Friday of the month.  On Thursday, June 6th from 4:00-5:00 pm, there will be the opportunity for confession in the lower church.  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 family life. For more background on the long tradition of keeping a First Friday devotion, look here or here.

There will not be First Friday playgroup this month, due to scheduling conflicts. Hopefully you can meet us at First Friday in September!


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FIDELITY HOUSE can save you from the summer blues!!
Did you know that Saint Agnes Parish supports operations at Fidelity House? We have this great resource at our own church! When you feel you are counting down the days until school starts, remember that there are many great programs for kids at Fidelity House this summer. For more information, visit www.FidelityHouse.org

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Making Music Praying Twice
Many thanks to Dot Bowe for giving our group shelter from the heat this past week at the Making Music, Praying Twice classes at St. Joe's in Belmont.  We hope everyone had a lot of fun singing together!  If you are interested in taking these classes weekly in the fall, please visit www.stjoseph.belmont.ma.us/faithformation/mmpt.htm, or email dbowe [at] stjoseph.belmont.ma.us

Mom's-Night-In on Thursday

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Here's a friendly reminder that Mom's-Night-In is tonight: THURSDAY, July 25th

We will get together for a stress-free evening, and play some get-to-know-you games (think: Apples to Apples) . I would rather not publish the hostesses address, so please email me at saintagnesfamilies [at] gmail.com if you plan to come. Please bring a snack or drink to share!  We will kick it off at 7:00 pm.

Catholic Reading Wednesday

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

With many thanks to our awesome curator, Karen Celano, you can delve into a faith-related news article each Wednesday! Karen writes:

I feel that the very question on which Solomon premises his new book is itself a reflection of our warped cultural presumptions. Having a child is always a leap of faith, even if that child doesn't have special needs. Our children are never going to be exactly what we expected them to be, and at times we might find it difficult to 'love' everything that they are and everything that they do. I might have no right to speak about such things as my son has no challenging disabilities, but I feel that a Catholic understanding of how and why we have and love our children must flow from our understanding of how and why God created us. We have children not to create narcissistic extensions of ourselves that conform to our every expectation, but because we wish to share life with others and to find joy in relationship. We love our children the way God loves us: respectful of their individuality and freedom, delighting in the newness and surprise of each unique person, and forgiving of them even when they disappoint. I find Nehring's article most touching in her examination of how being with Eurydice has expanded her soul, showing her new ways to experience love and joy that she could not have predicted. But in order to have such fullness of love and joy, we have to let go of our fear of the unexpected and plunge into the unknown.

Now onto the article: Click here

In this article, Cristina Nehring critiques Andrew Solomon's new book Far From the Tree, which examines the lives of parents with special-needs children and asks: "Why do parents devote themselves to raising children who are nothing at all like the ones they thought they could love?" Nehring speaks of her experiences as a single mother raising a child with Down Syndrome, and describes the expanded capacity for love she has found in raising her daughter Eurydice. In her life-affirming testimony that challenges our cultural presumptions about how to measure the "worth" of human life, Nehring concludes: "Each of us has the ability to give only a little bit of joy to those around us. I would wager Eurydice gives as much as any person alive."

RAIN LOCATION: Playgroup at Fidelity House

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

PLEASE NOTE that due to the rain, Tuesday playgroup (July 23rd) will be held at Fidelity House, right near church: 25 Medford Street, from 10:30 am-12:30 pm.
  • 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.
  • Fidelity House is being very generous by letting us use this space. Please consider a donation to help with their costs. The suggested donation is $1 per person, or $3 per family.
  • Please no food.... drinks in spill proof containers are OK. 
Parking is on the street around Fidelity House. Check the street signs for the rules. Once you walk in the front door, go up the stairs, past the front desk, and to the back of the building. There is a door from the room to an outdoor courtyard, so bring your kids' coats and boots.  Hope to see you there!

Weekly Digest

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:
  • Tuesday - Saint Agnes Playgroup (am), Fatima Apostolate (pm)
  • Thursday - Mom's Night In (pm)
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Now that the weather seems to have turned a bit warmer, 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, July 23rd, we have planned to make a field trip to Walden Pond in Concord. If the weather holds out, we will go swimming in the pond, so bring swim suits, sunscreen, beach toys, towels, etc. There is a $5 parking fee per car, unless you have a DCR parking pass. HOWEVER, the forecast for rain on Tuesday is somewhat likely, so please be sure to check back on Tuesday morning for location details. If it is raining, we will meet at Fidelity House! Either way, we will meet at 10:30 am. Please bring a lunch and join us at 10:30 am. We hope to see you there!


**NOTE THAT our outdoor summer schedule is 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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Mom's Night - THURSDAY, July 25th - We will get together for a stress-free evening, and play some get-to-know-you games (think: Apples to Apples) . I would rather not publish the hostesses address, so please email me at saintagnesfamilies [at] gmail.com if you plan to come. Please bring a snack or drink to share!  We will kick it off at 7:00 pm.

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FIDELITY HOUSE can save you from the summer blues!!
Did you know that Saint Agnes Parish supports operations at Fidelity House? We have this great resource at our own church! When you feel you are counting down the days until school starts, remember that there are many great programs for kids at Fidelity House this summer. For more information, visit www.FidelityHouse.org

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Making Music Praying Twice
Many thanks to Dot Bowe for giving our group shelter from the heat in past weeks at the Making Music, Praying Twice classes at St. Joe's in Belmont.  We hope everyone had a lot of fun singing together!  If you are interested in taking these classes weekly in the fall, please visit www.stjoseph.belmont.ma.us/faithformation/mmpt.htm, or email dbowe [at] stjoseph.belmont.ma.us

Catholic Reading Wednesday

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

With many thanks to our reading curator, Karen Celano, you may be interested in some quick Catholic news topics each Wednesday!

This article, published in the New York Times, is very sympathetic, and appeals to all the worries and concerns that we as parents have for our children.  We truly want the best for them.  It is also relevant to the "Death with Dignity" issue which we faced on our Massachusetts ballot this past November.

But without the guidance of our Holy Mother Church, it is so easy to get lost in emotionality and forget the value of each person, and the Lord's value for each person He creates!  We can reason with ourselves until we find the answer we want to hear.  This response to the above article is simply fabulous.

Please remember to pray for those around us, as each of us face many difficult decisions everyday.  May the Holy Spirit give us the courage we need to stand firm in the Lord when our times of trial come.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against the Powers who originate the darkness in this world, the spiritual army of evil in the heavens.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. (Ephesians 6:10-17)

Camping Trip Thanks

Tuesday, July 16, 2013


THANK YOU to everyone who made the camping trip to Greenfield this weekend a big success.
We had a lot of fun, learned with our friends, and set aside some quality time to spend growing together.

  • Thank you to those who came!  Without your faith, your support, enthusiasm, willingness to cooperate with a group, and good attitudes.... outreach would not be a viable ministry.  You make outreach what it is!
  • Thank you - to those who stayed behind!  For those with small babies, other visitors, family plans, etc. Thank you for volunteering to fill the ministry needs at church this weekend while many of us were away.  Your selfless help did not go unnoticed.
  • Thank you to the many people who gave advice, encouragement, and insight, even if you were not able to join us.  Everyone was able to enjoy the weekend together, with many credits due to your guidance.
  • Thank you to Father Flatley and Father Graham, who have faithfully helped to support the Outreach program and encourage its development and growth.
Couldn't make it this year? We hope you can join us for our...

SECOND ANNUAL SAINT AGNES CAMPOUT
July 18-20, 2014
Greenfield State Park, NH
"Day Campers" invited to join us on Saturday, July 19th*


Save the date.... we would love to have you join us next time!

Weekly Digest

Monday, July 15, 2013

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:
  • Monday - Fidelity House Golf Tournament
  • Tuesday - Saint Agnes Playgroup (am), Fatima Apostolate (pm)
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Now that the weather seems to have turned a bit warmer, 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, July 16th, we will meet at Drake Playground (213 Bacon St., Waltham). This park has a wonderful spray area that is great to cool off!  Be sure to bring swim gear, buckets, etc.  There is also a jungle gym area.  Please bring a lunch and join us at 10:30 am.  We hope to see you there!


**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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FIDELITY HOUSE can save you from the summer blues!!
Did you know that Saint Agnes Parish supports operations at Fidelity House? We have this great resource at our own church! When you feel you are counting down the days until school starts, remember that there are many great programs for kids at Fidelity House this summer. For more information, visit www.FidelityHouse.org

Do you like to Golf? Invite a friend and SAVE THE DATE!
Fidelity House's Vin Culhane Memorial Golf Tournament
July 15, 2013, Northborough MA
Juniper Hills Golf Course


Scramble format on a great course! Entrance fee is $120 and includes dinner. Foursomes, individuals, and sponsors are encouraged to contact Fidelity House (781-648-2005). Donations for raffle prizes are also needed and appreciated.
Registration form can be found and printed HERE.

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Making Music Praying Twice
Many thanks to Dot Bowe for giving our group shelter from the heat in past weeks at the Making Music, Praying Twice classes at St. Joe's in Belmont.  We hope everyone had a lot of fun singing together!  If you are interested in taking these classes weekly in the fall, please visit www.stjoseph.belmont.ma.us/faithformation/mmpt.htm, or email dbowe [at] stjoseph.belmont.ma.us

Boston Sock Exchange this Weekend

Thursday, July 11, 2013

"The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread."  -Mother Teresa-


This Saturday, July 13th is the Boston Sock Exchange at 11:00 am! This ministry helps the homeless men and women of Boston, by distributing gifts of sandwiches and clothes near the Park Street T-Stop on the second Saturday of the month.

Prep and packaging for the day will be held TOMORROW NIGHT, July 12th at 7:00 pm in the parish center. Help and/or donations is a wonderful way to put our faith in action!  For more information, see the calendar to the right, or email Jennifer Hermanski at jennifer.hermanski [at] gmail.com.  Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Boston Sock Exchange is currently in need of lots of SOCKS, baseball caps, tote bags, medium weight shirts,umbrellas, and ponchos.  Thank you!

WHY Outreach?

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Did anyone hear Fr. Graham's homily on our baptismal call to Evangelization this past Sunday?  Did you think some more about it?  We are each called to evangelize others to the love of Christ.

Here is a clip from the website associated with the popular book, Rebuilt, regarding WHY parishes have evangelization efforts.  Why not just be satisfied with those who come to church?

Many of you already volunteer generously in the parish, offering your time and talents.  Thank you!  Fr. White makes some good points about the deeper purpose.... WHY ARE WE DOING THIS!?  We are not trying to win a parish popularity contest, and we are not trying to provide a simple social club.

We are trying to include people in the Body of Christ, to involve and challenge them in faith, and to help each person find their deepest call from the Lord in life.  By providing opportunity for people to be involved with others, we can provide the Holy Spirit opportunities to work in their lives and to help each of us find our role in the Body of Christ.

Let's not lose sight of our purpose, and let's pray about it.




Weekly Digest

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:
  • Tuesday - Saint Agnes Playgroup (am), Baptism Briefing & Fatima Apostolate (pm)
  • Friday - Parish Campout in Greenfield (all day), Prep for Boston Sock Exchange (pm)
  • Saturday - Campout in Greenfield -- "Day Campers" Welcome! (all day), Boston Sock Exchange (am)
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Now that the weather seems to have turned a bit warmer, 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, July 9th, we will meet at Monsignor McCabe Playground (90 Charlotte Rd., Waltham). This park has a wonderful spray area that is great to cool off!  Be sure to bring swim gear, buckets, etc.  There is also a jungle gym area.  Please bring a lunch and join us at 10:30 am.  We hope to see you there!


**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 Saturday, July 13th is the Boston Sock Exchange at 11:00 am! This ministry helps the homeless men and women of Boston, by distributing gifts of sandwiches and clothes near the Park Street T-Stop on the second Saturday of the month. Prep and packaging for the day is held in the parish center on Friday night, July 12th at 7:00 pm. Help and/or donations is a wonderful way to put our faith in action!  For more information, see the calendar to the right, or email Jennifer Hermanski at jennifer.hermanski [at] gmail.com.  The Boston Sock Exchange is currently in need of lots of SOCKS, baseball caps, tote bags, medium weight shirts,umbrellas, and ponchos.  Thank you!

"The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread."
-Mother Teresa-

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FIDELITY HOUSE can save you from the summer blues!!
Did you know that Saint Agnes Parish supports operations at Fidelity House? We have this great resource at our own church! When you feel you are counting down the days until school starts, remember that there are many great programs for kids at Fidelity House this summer. For more information, visit www.FidelityHouse.org

Do you like to Golf? Invite a friend and SAVE THE DATE!
Fidelity House's Vin Culhane Memorial Golf Tournament
July 15, 2013, Northborough MA
Juniper Hills Golf Course


Scramble format on a great course! Entrance fee is $120 and includes dinner. Foursomes, individuals, and sponsors are encouraged to contact Fidelity House (781-648-2005). Donations for raffle prizes are also needed and appreciated.
Registration form can be found and printed HERE.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Making Music Praying Twice
Many thanks to Dot Bowe for giving our group shelter from the heat in past weeks at the Making Music, Praying Twice classes at St. Joe's in Belmont.  We hope everyone had a lot of fun singing together!  If you are interested in taking these classes weekly in the fall, please visit www.stjoseph.belmont.ma.us/faithformation/mmpt.htm, or email dbowe [at] stjoseph.belmont.ma.us

Parish Campout in One Week!

Friday, July 5, 2013



I am happy and excited to announce that our first ever (that I am aware of...) Saint Agnes Parish campout is only one week away! (July 12-14 at Greenfield State Park)

In case you are on-the-fence and really not able to make up your mind about this whole "camping" thing, please remember that Greenfield, NH
is only 1.5 hours from Arlington.  You can come on Saturday, be a day-camper, and enjoy the fellowship with no strings attached!  Invite a friend, too!

No matter what or when you decide, if you are coming, you MUST fill out the information form, listed here, and to the right of the page.  This form includes some basic emergency information and a liability waiver.


Below are some resource pages, to make this event as inclusive and easy as possible for all skill sets of campers.  I hope they are a help to you.  If you have any more ideas, please post a comment.  Click on each link to open the page.


Further campout details are here:
The dates for the Saint Agnes camping trip are July 12-14. We will plan to camp at Greenfield State Park in Greenfield, NH - about an hour-and-a-half drive from Arlington. This park has come highly recommended as a fun and easy park for family camping. The park features camping (with toilets/showers), hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and a camp store.

Make your reservations now! To get more information on the park and for a link to the reservations page (ReserveAmerica), see: http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/greenfield-state-park.aspx
  • There are no cabins. You can bring a tent, rent a tent from REI, borrow a tent from a friend, or drive an RV (if you have one). Cost for a campsite per night is $25 + small fee. This is for two adults and their dependent children. If you plan on bringing a pet, please read the park's pet policy VERY CAREFULLY and be sure to reserve a site which allows pets... since most sites prohibit pets.
  • Greenfield State Park Ranger "Harry" was extremely generous to answer my many questions over the phone. He is friendly and helpful, and I can't wait to stay at his park!Ranger Harry recommends the "Small Loop," sites 26-64 for families with small children, because it is a loop with little traffic and close walking distances.  For families with slightly older children, Ranger Harry recommends sites 220-227, 230 because they have a very beautiful pond view.
  • This is our first ever Saint Agnes Family Group camping trip. Together, we will take on the great adventure of family camping! While we are really excited about this, we are using the good old KISS rule - Keep it Simple, Stupid. Therefore, we will distribute information about the campground, and a rough schedule of breakfast / activities / dinner / Sunday Masses, etc. However, each family will be primarily responsible for their own specific plans and accommodations. If you don't want to stay both nights - that's cool - come when you can. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for your own camping trip, camping gear, CAMPING FOOD, camping survival (hehe). We will not be caravanning or providing transportation. We will meet you there!
I will be happy to answer questions, post camping tips, attempt to anticipate concerns, etc. Feel free to contact me with questions at saintagnesfamilies [at] gmail.com. See you there!

Happy Independence Day!

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Happy Independence Day everyone! On this day which we celebrate our "independence," let's not forget the dependence we have on God: No person is self-made.  Every blessing and opportunity comes from the Lord alone. Let's return these gifts to Him as fruitful works in our lives. Let's pray for guidance, how to best do this in our personal lives and our communities.  And let's be truly thankful for the gifts we have from the Lord, because no person is self-made.

Your own holiness is the best “gospel of freedom” you can offer. If you are holy and happy, people will know you are somehow different, and they will want what you have. (from Catholic and Confident)

Fidelity House: Golf Tournament!

Wednesday, July 3, 2013


Fidelity House's Vin Culhane Memorial Golf Tournament
July 15, 2013
Juniper Hills Golf Course, Northborough MA


Entrance fee is $120 and includes dinner.  Foursomes, individuals, and sponsors are encouraged to contact Fidelity House (781-648-2005). Donations for raffle prizes are also needed and appreciated.  Invite a friend and SAVE THE DATE!

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FIDELITY HOUSE can save you from the summer blues!!
Did you know that Saint Agnes Parish supports operations at Fidelity House? We have this great resource at our own church! When you feel you are counting down the days until school starts, remember that there are many great programs for kids at Fidelity House this summer. For more information, visit www.FidelityHouse.org

July Campout - Food List Brainstorm

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

We are getting really excited for our FIRST EVER Saint Agnes Parish Summer Campout!  The dates of the camping trip are July 12-14 in Greenfield, NH.  The good news about this is that Greenfield is only 90 minutes from Arlington, so an easy daytrip if you can only come on Saturday.  Check here for more details, complete the sign-up form, and JOIN US!

Now... to get started on food preparations... here is a brainstorm list of foods that you might find easy for campfire cooking.  Naturally, not every family is going to like all of these ideas, but hopefully it will help lead you to some of your own, better-suited ideas.  Do you have suggestions to add to the list?  Please post a comment, or email SaintAgnesFamilies [at] gmail.com.


About campfires: Each fire ring at the park has a grate.  And, please remember that due to concerns of bringing invasive beetle species to non-native areas, YOU MAY NOT BRING FIREWOOD INTO THE PARK!  Firewood must be gathered at the park, or purchased from the Ranger Station.


Looking forward to it!



WEATHER UPDATE: Playgroup at Park

It looks like the rain will hold off today until just after playgroup ends, about 1:00 pm.  Please meet at Robbins Farm Park (map: 56 Eastern Ave, in Arlington) for playgroup today!  This park is especially good for flying kites at the top of the hill if there is any wind.  Bring a lunch and join us at 10:30.  Hope you can make it!

Weekly Digest

Monday, July 1, 2013

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:
  • Tuesday - Saint Agnes Playgroup (am), Fatima Apostolate (pm)
  • Friday - First Friday Adoration (all day, Benediction at 5:00, Mass at 5:30)
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Now that the weather seems to have turned a bit warmer, 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, July 2nd, we have planned to meet at Robbins Farm Park (56 Eastern Ave., Arlington MA). HOWEVER, the forecast is for rain tomorrow, so please be sure to check back in the morning for location details.  If it is raining, we will meet at Fidelity House!  Either way, we will meet at 10:30 am.  We hope to see you there!


**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, July 5th, is the first Friday of the month.  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 family life. For more background on the long tradition of keeping a First Friday devotion, look here or here.

There will not be First Friday Confessions on Thursday, due to the Holiday.  Also, there is no First Friday playgroup this month, due to illness.  Hopefully you can meet us at First Friday playgroup in August!


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FIDELITY HOUSE can save you from the summer blues!!
Did you know that Saint Agnes Parish supports operations at Fidelity House? We have this great resource at our own church! When you feel you are counting down the days until school starts, remember that there are many great programs for kids at Fidelity House this summer. For more information, visit www.FidelityHouse.org

Do you like to Golf? Invite a friend and SAVE THE DATE!
Fidelity House's Vin Culhane Memorial Golf Tournament
July 15, 2013
Juniper Hills Golf Course, Northborough MA
Entrance fee is $120 and includes dinner.  Foursomes, individuals, and sponsors are encouraged to contact Fidelity House (781-648-2005). Donations for raffle prizes are also needed and appreciated.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Making Music Praying Twice
Many thanks to Dot Bowe for giving our group shelter from the heat this past week at the Making Music, Praying Twice classes at St. Joe's in Belmont.  We hope everyone had a lot of fun singing together!  If you are interested in taking these classes weekly in the fall, please visit www.stjoseph.belmont.ma.us/faithformation/mmpt.htm, or email dbowe [at] stjoseph.belmont.ma.us

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FORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOM
The Bishops of the United States have called for a Fortnight for Freedom, June 21-July 4, 2013.  This is a two-week period of prayer and action, to address many current challenges to religious freedom in our country.  Cardinal Sean will celebrate Mass for this intention on Wednesday, June 26, at 12:05 pm at the Bethany Chapel in the Pastoral Center.  The Mass will be webcast live on www.BostonCatholicLive.com.  Please use these two weeks to focus on prayer for our nation and its leaders!