Weekly Digest, First Friday, and Parish Social

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:

• Tuesday - Saint Agnes Playgroup (am), Baptism Briefing, Choir Practice, and Fatima Apostolate (pm)
• Wednesday - Bereavement Meeting (pm)
• Thursday - First Friday Confessions (afternoon)
• Friday - First Friday Adoration (all day, Benediction at 5:00, Mass at 5:30), First Friday Playgroup (am)
• Saturday - NFP Class and Confirmation Outing (am), Parish Social (pm)

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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, October 1st, we will meet at Playstead Park (181 Century Street Ext., Medford) at 10:30 am.  This park has some play structures, as well as a large field good for kites or soccer balls.  Bring a 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, October 4th, is the first Friday of the month.  On Thursday, October 3rd 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 family 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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Also, don't forget this Saturday is the Saint Agnes Parish Social!  We will have games for the kids, cards for the adults, trivia with Fr. Graham, ministry information, and ice cream!  Come to enjoy a fun time and reach out to other parishioners in our parish.  If you plan to attend, or you are able to volunteer any type of help, please use the form on the right.  Marianne Hudelson, the Outreach Coordinator will contact you shortly.  Thank you!

Saturday Movie Night and Parish Social

Do you argue with your husband over whether to watch Downton Abby or American Ninja Warrior?  Who wins on a Saturday night?  Here's a suggestion - do your husband a favor and agree to watch World War Z together (available at Redbox).  Yes, this is a Zombie movie.  But Fr. Robert Barron of the Catholicism TV Series, as well as the Word on Fire web ministry, has written a very thoughtful review of World War Z, where one might find discussion-worthy topics about Christianity and the nature of sin and redemption.  Now that's a Saturday night discussion you can really get into!!  It might also be a good movie for leading into the Halloween season with a morsel of Christian thought on sin and death.

Fr. Barron's review CONTAINS SPOILERS, so I recommend watching the movie in good faith, and then reading his commentary afterwards.  It also just makes more sense once you have seen the movie in entirety.

Fr. Barron's review can be found here and also a video commentary here.  If you are intrigued by his ministry, please join us for the next installment of the Fr. Barron Catholicism series on Wednesday, October 23rd at 7:00 pm in the Parish Center.

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Also, don't forget next Saturday is the Saint Agnes Parish Social!  We will have games for the kids, cards for the adults, trivia with Fr. Graham, ministry information, and ice cream!  Come to enjoy a fun time and reach out to other parishioners in our parish.  If you plan to attend, or you are able to volunteer any type of help, please use the form on the right.  Marianne Hudelson, the Outreach Coordinator will contact you shortly.  Thank you!

Pumpkin Chucking on Sunday!

Don't forget that this Saturday, September 29th, is our monthly family group outing.  We will attending the fun and wild PUMPKIN CHUCKING Festival in Amesbury!  Admission is free... whatever you choose to buy is extra.  We will meet near the entrance of the pumpkin chucking fest at 1:00, and proceed for a picnic (or food wagon) lunch together.  After that, break out and enjoy the day!

If you plan to join us, please email Marianne Hudelson at SaintAgnesFamilies [at] gmail.com.  This is to be sure that we exchange contact information so that no one gets lost at the festival.  We are looking forward to it!

Link to Festival Homepage Here

Pumpkin Chucking Fest - September 29th, 2013 - 1:00-5:00 pm - Amesbury Sports Park

The fundraiser is a Fall Family Festival featuring our award winning pumpkin catapult.. The festival also includes . . . 

* great food

* live music by "Don't Call Me Shirley"

* Raffles (items include Patriots Tickets and Sam Adams Beer!)

* Games for the whole family 

* Face Painting by "Sonshine Parties" 

* Balloon Artistry and Magic by "Twisted Magic" and MORE! 

Good to know . . . 

*** There is no admission cost! All are welcome to join us and listen to the amazing sounds of "Don't Call Me Shirley" and watch pumpkins fly from our catapult at NO cost! Because the event is a fundraiser, the booths do have a cost to participate.

*** Parking is free!

Cardinal Sean Weighs In

As one last item on the topic of how we can follow the Holy Father in his vision for our Church, please read Cardinal Sean's very insightful comments, from his own blog, linked below.  While we each struggle to stand strong in fighting a very real, yet invisible, battle for truth and good, Cardinal Sean's comments on the Pope offer something both challenging and inspiring to pray about as we witness to our faith each day.

Read Cardinal Sean's Blog Post Here.

Catholic Reading Wednesday

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

Last week, Jesuit magazines around the world published an extensive interview with Pope Francis, in which the new pontiff discoursed about his approach to the papacy, his identity as a Jesuit, and the mission of the church in the 21st century.

Reactions to the interview have been broad and varied.  Disaffected former Catholic Andrew Sullivan believes that that Pope Francis' words constitute "a gentle but nonetheless revolutionary rejection of the entire John Paul II-Benedict XVI era," especially with regard to the Church's teachings on homosexuality.  Others, I think, rightly point out that Francis' words are directing us to a shift not in content but a shift in pastoral practice.  Still, some who work for pro-life and pro-family causes are concerned about the implication the media's interpretation of Francis' words has for their work. 

No matter where we stand, however, I think it's fair to say that the Pope's interview is challenging everyone to reassess their faith and how they live it.  As I see it, Pope Francis wants us to distance ourselves from stale and ineffective partisan squabbling and to think of new ways to frame the issues.  We have to be sure that the world understands that the Church's message, though challenging, comes from a place of love, not from a place of condemnation.

One of the most touching reflections on the Pope's interview comes from Greg Popcak, who acknowledges that the Pope's interview troubled him, but also challenged him to be more humble and welcoming to those who disagree with him.  It's a reminder to all of us that it's okay - and in fact can be spiritually beneficial - to be ambivalent about and troubled by our Pope and our faith.  In what way has the Pope challenged you to think differently about your faith and how you live it?

Weekly Digest

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:

• Tuesday - Playgroup (10:30 am), Choir Practice and Fatima Apostolate (7 pm)
• Wednesday - Bereavement Meeting and Community Catechesis (7 pm)
• Saturday - Saint Agnes 125th Road Race (8:30 am), Confirmation Retreat (9:00 am)

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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, September 24th, we will meet at Victory Park (458 Winthrop St., Medford) at 10:30 am.  This park has a play structure, as well as a good walking loop suitable for bikes, scooters, and strollers.  Bring a 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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What are you doing on Wednesday night?  Why not make a date with your husband to learn something new about the faith? Let's face it - holiness attracts!

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Are you a runner, walker, or just like to get out with your kids?
The Saint Agnes Road Race is one week away, on Saturday, September 28th. Registration details are below.  Come out in the sun and join us!

A Celebration

125 Years

in the Making!!

On August 27, 2013 when the doors opened and students from K1 to Grade 8 entered Saint Agnes School in Arlington, it was the 125th time students and teachers began another first day of school. To mark this historic moment, a yearlong celebration of the history and legacy of the school will take place this year. After a year of planning, the 125th Celebration Committee, chaired by alumnus Dr. Larry Barton, ‘70 has scheduled some special events for alumni, students, parents (past and present) and friends of the school to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the opening of the school. On Saturday, September 28, 2013, there will be a Fun Run/ Walk Road Race at the Medford Boat Club at 9AM. On Sunday, October 20, 2013, the school will host an Alumni and Friends Reunion Liturgy and Breakfast. The 125th Celebration Gala will be held at the Marriott in Burlington on Saturday, April 5, 2014. Cardinal Sean O’ Malley, the Archbishop of Boston will celebrate the Liturgy on May 29, 2014 which will be followed by a Donors Luncheon.  Students will also participate in a number of activities throughout the school year.

The 125th Fund has been established to raise funds for a new Music and Performing Arts Center.
This will transform the school auditorium into a venue that can be shared with Arlington Catholic and Fidelity House.
For information about the 125th Celebration or to donate to the 125th Fund, visit the school website, www.saintagnesschool.com
or contact the Development Office at 781-641-6627 or stagnesschool_dev [at] hotmail.com

Community Catechesis Beginning on Wednesday

What are you doing next Wednesday night?

Why not make a date with your husband to learn something new about the faith?

Let's face it - holiness attracts!

Are You a Runner?

Are you a runner, walker, or just like to get out with your kids?

Don't forget - the Saint Agnes Road Race is one week away, on Saturday, September 28th. Registration details are below.

Come out in the sun and join us!

A Celebration

125 Years

in the Making!!

On August 27, 2013 when the doors opened and students from K1 to Grade 8 entered Saint Agnes School in Arlington, it was the 125th time students and teachers began another first day of school. To mark this historic moment, a yearlong celebration of the history and legacy of the school will take place this year. After a year of planning, the 125th Celebration Committee, chaired by alumnus Dr. Larry Barton, ‘70 has scheduled some special events for alumni, students, parents (past and present) and friends of the school to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the opening of the school. On Saturday, September 28, 2013, there will be a Fun Run/ Walk Road Race at the Medford Boat Club at 9AM. On Sunday, October 20, 2013, the school will host an Alumni and Friends Reunion Liturgy and Breakfast. The 125th Celebration Gala will be held at the Marriott in Burlington on Saturday, April 5, 2014. Cardinal Sean O’ Malley, the Archbishop of Boston will celebrate the Liturgy on May 29, 2014 which will be followed by a Donors Luncheon.  Students will also participate in a number of activities throughout the school year.

The 125th Fund has been established to raise funds for a new Music and Performing Arts Center.
This will transform the school auditorium into a venue that can be shared with Arlington Catholic and Fidelity House.
For information about the 125th Celebration or to donate to the 125th Fund, visit the school website, www.saintagnesschool.com
or contact the Development Office at 781-641-6627 or stagnesschool_dev [at] hotmail.com

Mom's-Night-In on Thursday and Papal Encouragement!

Here's a friendly reminder that Mom's-Night-In is: THURSDAY, September 19th

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.

Below are some words from Pope Francis, which are incredibly encouraging in the mission of Outreach.
Read them, pray about them, take them to heart.  We receive the gift of faith from our Mother, the church.
We are called to go out and give that gift to others.

Pope Francis greets pilgrims as he arrives to lead his general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican Sept. 11. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) POPE FRANCIS GENERAL AUDIENCE Saint Peter’s Square - Wednesday, 11 September 2013 Dear Brothers and Sisters: today I wish to continue our catechesis on the Church by reflecting on an image used by the early Fathers and the Second Vatican Council: the Church as our Mother.  By reflecting on the human experience of maternity, we understand that the Church is like our own Mothers.  First, like our Mothers, the Church gives us the gift of life.  Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we are reborn as children of God and receive his life.  While faith is a personal act, we also recognize that faith comes to us through others – our families and communities who teach us how to believe.  Second, like our Mothers, the Church nourishes us, helps us to grow, teaches us the path to follow, and accompanies us in life, especially in our illnesses and sufferings, through the Sacraments and the Word of God. Third, it is also our mission to go forth and share in the maternity of the Church by bringing others to a life of faith.  And so we ask ourselves, do we love the Church as our Mother, who helps us to grow as Christians?  And how do we go  beyond ourselves in order to bring Christ to others? As faithful children, let us bring the light of Christ to the ends of the earth. The post Pope Francis: “Love the Church” appeared first on Year of Faith Boston.

Catholic Reading Wednesday

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

From Graham Greene to Flannery O'Connor, G.K. Chesterton to Evelyn Waugh, Catholic novelists and poets have made their contribution to mission of the Church through the craft of writing.  Contemporary Catholic writer David Schickler was recently featured in Salon Magazine and spoke on how his faith influences his craft: 

"I absolutely do consider myself a weird Catholic, but I think Catholicism by definition is weird. Christianity itself is weird. I think it’s contrarian. It goes against a lot of the principles of the world. . . At the end of the day, Christ told me to spend as much of my time thinking about and caring about people less fortunate as possible. The message is the opposite of self-advancement and money and me, me, me. It’s a religion that tells you to try to get out of you head, to think about what you should do rather than what is going to happen to you."

John Paul II - himself an artist and actor - wrote in his Letter to A    rtists of the Church's need for Catholic art as a "genuine source of theology."  Catholic fiction can perhaps be seen as theology in narrative form.  Good Catholic fiction reminds us that faith primarily occurs not in the realm of pristine intellectual theories or logical philosophies, but in the midst of the messy stories of our everyday lives. It draws its inspiration from the stories of Scripture, where we encounter vice-ridden and often downright sinful men and women who wrestled with their faith everyday.  It reminds us that we don't have to be perfect to encounter God - that God comes to meet us right in the middle of our ambivalence, doubt, and sin in the great and scandalous drama of salvation.  

If you're a fiction-reader and want to read more about Catholic fiction, I encourage you to check out www.catholicfiction.net, where you can find reviews of Catholic novels and interviews with contemporary Catholic writers.  The Catholic literary journal Dappled Things is also a wonderful place to read excellent short stories and poems written from a Catholic perspective.  I hope you find as much joy and inspiration in these stories as I do!

Weekly Digest

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:

• Monday - Family Liturgy Committee and Sodality of Our Lady (7 pm)
• Tuesday - Playgroup (10:30 am), Choir Practice and Fatima Apostolate (7 pm)
• Wednesday - Bereavement Meeting, Extraordinary Minister Training, and Arlington Catholic Women's Club (7 pm)
• Thursday - Mom's Night In (7 pm)

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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, September 17th, we will meet at Buzzell Field Playground (46 Summer St., Arlington) at 10:30 am.  This park has a play structure, a sandbox, and a basketball court area which is good for bikes or scooters.  It is located RIGHT ON the bikepath, too!  Bring a 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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Mom's Night - THURSDAY, September 19th - 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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Teachers for Religious Education Needed
Our parish religious education program will start again in September. Teachers for Grades 1, 3, 4, and 8 are needed. Do you feel called to teach our faith and a love for the Lord?Please consider this opportunity to deepen your own understanding of the Catholic faith and to share it with others. Training supplies and materials provided. Consider co-teaching with a spouse, relative or a friend.

We are also seeking monitors for special events. This would involve about five Sundays throughout the year from 9:45 until 10:05 am. Kindly call 781-646-5579 for more information about these opportunities for service in our community.

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The Saint Agnes Adult Choir sings at the 10:30 am Mass on Sundays during the school year. The choir invites anyone interested in singing with us this year to come to any Tuesday night choir rehearsal in September.  We rehearse 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the choir loft in the upper Church. If you have any questions, call Michael Vaughn at 617-833-0364 or send an email to mrv2022 [at] gmail.com.  You can always find the current Adult Choir or Children’s Choir Mass and Rehearsal Schedule at www.agnesmusic.net.

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Making Music Praying Twice 
Fall Classes: Thursdays at 10:30 am, and Saturdays at 9:30 am
This fall begins the new three year curriculum with new songs and reduced material costs. The fall session of 12 classes begins on September 7th and 12th, and covers the liturgical seasons of Ordinary Time (Fall) and Advent/Christmas. Included in the tuition are all classes and equipment plus two different sets of family materials for both Ordinary Time and Advent/Christmas.

Registration for both sessions 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.

Children in Church MATTER

I have heard people say / complain they wish children would behave in church. It's true - children should learn how to behave with reverence in Church, to learn about the Mass and participate in it. But leaving poorly behaved children at home will not accomplish that.  The way children learn is to come to Church, make mistakes, be corrected by their parents, and try again. Bringing your kids to church really matters. It builds their faith, it can build your faith, and the faith of those around you. Here is a beautiful article published in the Huffington Post. Read it and remember it - and enjoy Mass tomorrow!

Dear Parents With Young Children in Church,

You are doing something really, really important. I know it's not easy. I see you with your arms overflowing, and I know you came to church already tired. Parenting is tiring. Really tiring.  I watch you bounce and sway trying to keep the baby quiet, juggling the infant car seat and the diaper bag as you find a seat. I see you wince as your child cries. I see you anxiously pull things out of your bag of tricks to try to quiet them.

And I see you with your toddler and your preschooler. I watch you cringe when your little girl asks an innocent question in a voice that might not be an inside voice let alone a church whisper. I hear the exasperation in your voice as you beg your child to just sit, to be quiet as you feel everyone's eyes on you. Not everyone is looking, but I know it feels that way.

I know you're wondering, is this worth it? Why do I bother? I know you often leave church more exhausted than fulfilled. But what you are doing is so important.

When you are here, the church is filled with a joyful noise. When you are here, the Body of Christ is more fully present. When you are here, we are reminded that this worship thing we do isn't about bible study or personal, quiet contemplation but coming together to worship as a community where all are welcome, where we share in the Word and Sacrament together. When you are here, I have hope that these pews won't be empty in 10 years when your kids are old enough to sit quietly and behave in worship. I know that they are learning how and why we worship now, before it's too late. They are learning that worship is important.

I see them learning. In the midst of the cries, whines, and giggles, in the midst of the crinkling of pretzel bags and the growing pile of crumbs, I see a little girl who insists on going two pews up to share peace with someone she's never met. I hear a little boy slurping (quite loudly) every last drop of his communion wine out of the cup, determined not to miss a drop of Jesus. I watch a child excitedly color a cross and point to the one in the front of the sanctuary. I hear the echos of "Amens" just a few seconds after the rest of the community says it together. I watch a boy just learning to read try to sound out the words in the worship book or count his way to Hymn 672. Even on weeks when I can't see my own children learning because, well, it's one of those mornings, I can see your children learning.

I know how hard it is to do what you're doing, but I want you to know it matters. It matters to me. It matters to my children to not be alone in the pew. It matters to the congregation to know that families care about faith, to see young people... and even on those weeks when you can't see the little moments, it matters to your children.

It matters that they learn that worship is what we do as a community of faith, that everyone is welcome, that their worship matters. When we teach children that their worship matters, we teach them that they are enough right here and right now as members of the church community. They don't need to wait until they can believe, pray or worship a certain way to be welcome here, and I know adults who are still looking to be shown that. It matters that children learn that they are an integral part of this church, that their prayers, their songs, and even their badly (or perfectly-timed, depending on who you ask) cries and whines are a joyful noise because it means they are present.

I know it's hard, but thank you for what you do when you bring your children to church. Please know that your family -- with all of its noise, struggle, commotion, and joy -- are not simply tolerated, you are a vital part of the community gathered in worship.

Boston Sock Exchange this Weekend!

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

This Saturday, September 14th 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 TONIGHT, September 13th 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!

Catholic Reading Wednesday

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

Reflecting on her Saturday fast in response to Pope Francis' call to pray for peace in Syria, blogger Calah Alexander reflects on how her fast brought her peace with her husband and peace with herself.

On a day when everything seemed to be going wrong and everyone seemed to be making her angry, Alexander was tempted to cut herself some slack by not fasting, but keeping her fast enabled her to realize that "everyone will always be “the Other” to me, until I can accept that the neighbor God wants me to love as myself is the one whom I like the least. . . Sometimes, some horrible times, those people are the ones playing the Good Samaritan to my wounded Jew."

Fasting, along with prayer and almsgiving, has long been considered a pillar of Jewish and Christian spiritual life, but in modern times it's largely neglected and misunderstood. Perhaps this is because fasting, as this post demonstrates, is so rich and mysterious in its blessings that its benefits are hard to put into words. Scripture reveals the following motivations for fasting:

• We fast to show sorrow for our sins and for the sins of our community, as Moses did: "I fell prostrate before the Lord for forty days and forty nights; I ate no bread and drank no water, because of all the sin you had committed, doing what was evil in the Lord’s sight and so arousing his anger" (Deut 9:18).
• We fast to demonstrate our sorrow over evils that have befallen us, as David fasted in the wake of Abner's death: ". . . They went to console David with food while it was still day. But David swore, 'May God do thus and so to me if I eat bread or anything else before sunset.'" (2 Sam 3:35).
• We fast to show our dependence on God, as Elijah did when he fasted and was nourished by the angel (1 Kings 19:3).
• We fast to strengthen ourselves to face temptation, as Esther did when she prepared to face the king on behalf of her people (Esther 4:16)
• And we fast in imitation of Christ, who united all of these reasons for fasting in Himself (Matt 4).

Fasting thus allows us to enter into the great paradox of Christianity: fasting comes from a place of sorrow and sadness, and it may seem to weaken us physically and open us up to spiritual temptation, but it is precisely in our emotional sadness, our physical weakness, and our spiritual humility that we are best able to call the strength of God to our aid, both for our sakes and the sake of the world. In fasting we confront our demons head on, but we also encounter the God who enables us to defeat them.

The blessings of fasting do not come quickly or cheaply. They can be difficult to see and easy to write off. But if we open ourselves up to them, we will find an enormous treasure.

Save the Date - Autumn Parish Social - October 5th

Save the date for this evening of parish fun and community!  If you are able, it would be a great help to us for

planning purposes, to fill out the form to the right.  Thank you - we are looking forward to it!

Weekly Digest

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:

• Monday - ProLife Meeting (7 pm)
• Tuesday - Saint Agnes Playgroup (10:30 am), Choir Practice and Fatima Apostolate (7 pm)
• Friday - Prep for Boston Sock Exchange (7 pm)
• Saturday - Boston Sock Exchange (11 am)

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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, September 10th, we will meet at Hill's Hill (422 Summer St., Arlington) at 10:30 am.  This park has a large play structures, as well as a large field good for kites or soccer balls.  It is located RIGHT ON the bikepath, too!Bring a 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 Saturday, September 14th 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, September 13th at 7:00 pm. Help and/or donations is a wonderful way to put your 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!

Jesus said the the crowd, "Take care to guard against all greed, for though

one may be rich, one's life does not consist of possessions."

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Teachers for Religious Education Needed
Our parish religious education program will start again in September. Teachers for Grades 1, 3, 4, and 5 are needed. Do you feel called to teach our faith and a love for the Lord?Please consider this opportunity to deepen your own understanding of the Catholic faith and to share it with others. Training supplies and materials provided. Consider co-teaching with a spouse, relative or a friend.

We are also seeking monitors for special events. This would involve about five Sundays throughout the year from 9:45 until 10:05 am. Kindly call 781-646-5579 for more information about these opportunities for service in our community.

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The Saint Agnes Adult Choir sings at the 10:30 am Mass on Sundays during the school year. The choir invites anyone interested in singing with us this year to come to any Tuesday night choir rehearsal in September, beginning September 10th, (please note no rehearsal on Tuesday, September 3).  We rehearse 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the choir loft in the upper Church. If you have any questions, call Michael Vaughn at 617-833-0364 or send an email to mrv2022 [at] gmail.com.  You can always find the current Adult Choir or Children’s Choir Mass and Rehearsal Schedule at www.agnesmusic.net.

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Making Music Praying Twice at Belmont Collaborative (St. Luke/St. Joseph), Belmont, MA
Summer Camp Session II - New Dates! Sunday August 25 – Thursday August 29
The second session of MMP2 Summer Camp begins with a family-friendly session on Sunday afternoon August 25 at 4 p.m. and continues Monday – Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Tuition is free so come as many days as your schedule permits. The $25 per family materials fee includes a take home family CD and songbook which you can use to further your child’s music education and enjoyment. Summer camp is a great way to sample this fun and educational class and includes a little bit of everything from the regular classes: shaky eggs, sign language, parachute play, free instrument play, dance and more! 

Fall Classes: Thursdays at 10:30 am, and Saturdays at 9:30 am
This fall begins the new three year curriculum with new songs and reduced material costs. The fall session of 12 classes begins on September 7th and 12th, and covers the liturgical seasons of Ordinary Time (Fall) and Advent/Christmas. Included in the tuition are all classes and equipment plus two different sets of family materials for both Ordinary Time and Advent/Christmas.

Registration for both sessions 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.

Fasting and Prayer for Syria

This message is provided, courtesy of the Office for New Evangelization in Boston.
You can fine more info and updates from this group, here: http://www.one4boston.org/

In addition, please remember (and invite anyone you know) to join us for a
Rosary, offered for Syria, at 2:30 pm this afternoon in the
Lower church of Saint Agnes Parish, Arlington.

LOOKING FOR A WAY TO JOIN POPE FRANCIS IN PRAYING FOR PEACE IN SYRIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST?

Saturday, September 7

St. Mary's Church, 133 School St., Waltham MA 02452

Eucharistic Adoration, 7:00 pm - midnight

Holy Rosary

Presentation by a representative from the Syrian Church in Boston, 10:00 pm

First Friday Playgroup Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Friday, September 6th, 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.

 First Friday playgroup is from 10:30 am-12:30 pm at Fidelity House (25 Medford St., Arlington).  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.  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.

Please also consider joining your prayers with the pope and the worldwide church, to pray for all those in Syria
and the difficult situation currently faced by many world leaders.

Rosary for Syria on Saturday at 2:30

In cooperation with Pope Francis' plea for a day of fasting and prayer for the conflict in Syria, Father Flatley invites all parishioners and members of our Arlington community to gather and pray a Rosary on Saturday, September 7th, at 2:30 pm. Rosary will be said in the lower church. Afterwards, you are invited to stay for Saturday confessions at 3:00 pm if you desire.

Due to the short-notice of Pope Francis' announcement, advertising for this prayer effort will be difficult. Please spread the word to those you know. Prayer matters! Let us pray diligently and earnestly. We pray to give the "gift of peace" to Syria in this difficult time.

“Pray constantly... always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.” St. Paul adds, “Pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance making supplication for all the saints.” For “we have not been commanded to work, to keep watch and to fast constantly, but it has been laid down that we are to pray without ceasing.” This tireless fervor can come only from love. Against our dullness and laziness, the battle of prayer is that of humble, trusting, and persevering love. This love opens our hearts to three enlightening and life-giving facts of faith about prayer:

It is always possible to pray. The time of the Christian is that of the risen Christ who is with us always, no matter what tempests may arise. Our time is in the hands of God.

It is possible to offer fervent prayer even while walking in public or strolling alone,

or seated in your shop,... while buying or selling,... or even while cooking.

Prayer is a vital necessity. Proof from the contrary is no less convincing: if we do not allow the Spirit to lead us, we fall back into the slavery of sin.  How can the Holy Spirit be our life if our heart is far from him?

Nothing is equal to prayer; for what is impossible it makes possible, what is difficult, easy....
For it is impossible, utterly impossible, for the man who prays eagerly and invokes God ceaselessly ever to sin.

Those who pray are certainly saved; those who do not pray are certainly damned.

Prayer and Christian life are inseparable, for they concern the same love and the same renunciation, proceeding from love; the same filial and loving conformity with the Father’s plan of love; the same transforming union in the Holy Spirit who conforms us more and more to Christ Jesus; the same love for all men, the love with which Jesus has loved us. “Whatever you ask the Father in my name, He [will] give it to you. This I command you, to love one another.”

He “prays without ceasing” who unites prayer to works and good works to prayer.

Only in this way can we consider as realizable the principle of praying without ceasing.

(Catechism of the Catholic Church, #2742-2745)

Catholic Reading Wednesday

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

As the United States weighs whether or not to sanction military action against Syria in response to the use of chemical weapons by Syrian president Bashar al-Assad,Trappist nuns in Syria call on President Obama to opt for peace: "Will the Nobel Peace Prize winner drop his sentence of war onto us? Despite all justice, all common sense, all mercy, all humility, all wisdom?"

Meanwhile, Pope Francis has declared September 7 a day of fasting for peace in Syria

and asks world leaders to reject the way of war.

In his commentary on the Book of Genesis, biblical scholar Walter Bruggemann writes that a primary message of the Genesis story is the way in which "God speaks his powerful word directly into a situation of barrenness. . . It is a word about the future spoken to a [community] without any hope of a future." Listening to this word is risky: it calls for a "dangerous departure from the presumed world of norms." But "such departure. . . is the only way out of barrenness."

Let us learn from the Genesis story. As the people of Syria endure their own sorrows in the midst of death and barrenness, as they face a time when their futures seem devoid of hope, let us join with Pope Francis in praying that our world leaders will have the courage to take the risk of departing from the normative cycle of escalating violence and war. Let us pray that the life-giving Spirit of God who "makes all things new" will inspire us with creative ways to respond to death and despair. President Obama's remarks on Syria make it seem as though our choice is either military intervention or turning a blind eye to the atrocities in Syria: "If we really do want to turn away from taking appropriate action in the face of such an unspeakable outrage, then we must acknowledge the costs of doing nothing," he says. But as Christians we cannot believe that those are our only options. We must try to find a better way.

Baptism Briefing Tonight

Have you had a new baby? We wish you many heartfelt congratulations!

Don't forget that baptisms for babies at Saint Agnes are held on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month at 2:00 pm. You must attend Baptismal Briefings prior to having your child baptized.

Baptism briefings happen once a month, and you can go to one tonight! The briefing session begins at 7:00 pm in the Saint Agnes Parish Center at 51 Medford St., Arlington. The meeting usually lasts under an hour.

If you would like to learn a little more about Christian baptism and why the Catholic Church encourages infants to be baptized, you can read about it here.

Baptism is the sacrament of faith. But faith needs the community of believers. It is only within the faith of the Church that each of the faithful can believe. The faith required for Baptism is not a perfect and mature faith, but a beginning that is called to develop. The catechumen or the Godparent is asked: “What do you ask of God’s Church?” The response is: “Faith!” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #1253)

Parenting is certainly not an easy task: it is filled with difficult decisions, personal setbacks and growth, expanding relationships, disagreements, love, AND forgiveness. We offer you our support and encouragement along this journey, and we invite you warmly into our parish and Christian life!

Weekly Digest and First Friday

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:

• Tuesday - Saint Agnes Playgroup (am), Baptism Briefing and Fatima Apostolate (pm)
• Thursday - Arlington Catholic FIRST DAY (dismiss 11:15), First Friday Confessions (afternoon)
• Friday - First Friday Adoration (all day, Benediction at 5:00, Mass at 5:30), First Friday Playgroup (am)

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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, September 3rd, we will meet at Parallel Park (174 Medford St., Arlington) at 10:30 am.  This park has some play structures, as well as a large field good for kites or soccer balls.  Bring a 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, September 6th, is the first Friday of the month.  On Thursday, September 5th 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.

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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Teachers for Religious Education Needed
Our parish religious education program will start again in September. Teachers for Grades 1,3,4, 5 and 8 are needed. Do you feel called to teach our faith and a love for the Lord?Please consider this opportunity to deepen your own understanding of the Catholic faith and to share it with others. Training supplies and materials provided. Consider co-teaching with a spouse, relative or a friend.

We are also seeking monitors for special events. This would involve about five Sundays throughout the year from 9:45 until 10:05 am. Kindly call 781-646-5579 for more information about these opportunities for service in our community.

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The Saint Agnes Adult Choir sings at the 10:30 am Mass on Sundays during the school year. The choir invites anyone interested in singing with us this year to come to any Tuesday night choir rehearsal in September, beginning September 10th, (please note no rehearsal on Tuesday, September 3).  We rehearse 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the choir loft in the upper Church. If you have any questions, call Michael Vaughn at 617-833-0364 or send an email to mrv2022 [at] gmail.com.  You can always find the current Adult Choir or Children’s Choir Mass and Rehearsal Schedule at www.agnesmusic.net.

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Fidelity House Pre-K and Preschool: These programs have limited openings for September 2013. Children ages 2 years 9 months and up are welcome. The program, in its 36th year, is licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care.

Fidelity House Fall Programs: If there is a program you would like to see offered or if you have a talent you might like to share with others, please give Fidelity House a call at 781-648-2005. We would love to offer more children’s programs and programs for our senior citizens. This would be a great way to offer the gift of your time to the parish and for the benefit of our whole community!

More information about Fidelity House's numerous programs can be found at:
www.FidelityHouse.org, or on the link at the top-right of this page.

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Making Music Praying Twice at Belmont Collaborative (St. Luke/St. Joseph), Belmont, MA
Summer Camp Session II - New Dates! Sunday August 25 – Thursday August 29
The second session of MMP2 Summer Camp begins with a family-friendly session on Sunday afternoon August 25 at 4 p.m. and continues Monday – Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Tuition is free so come as many days as your schedule permits. The $25 per family materials fee includes a take home family CD and songbook which you can use to further your child’s music education and enjoyment. Summer camp is a great way to sample this fun and educational class and includes a little bit of everything from the regular classes: shaky eggs, sign language, parachute play, free instrument play, dance and more! 

Fall Classes: Thursdays at 10:30 am, and Saturdays at 9:30 am
This fall begins the new three year curriculum with new songs and reduced material costs. The fall session of 12 classes begins on September 7th and 12th, and covers the liturgical seasons of Ordinary Time (Fall) and Advent/Christmas. Included in the tuition are all classes and equipment plus two different sets of family materials for both Ordinary Time and Advent/Christmas.

Registration for both sessions 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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Retrouvaille of New England

If your marriage is tearing the two of you apart, if there is little or no meaningful communication, if you are considering separation or divorce, we believe Retrouvaille can help. Our peer ministry is led by couples who have lived through the honeymoon phase often followed by deep disillusionment before finally finding resurrection in their marriage. Rediscover a loving marriage with a Retrouvaille weekend, September 20-23. To register or for information, visit www.HelpOurMarriage.com,  or call 1-800-470-2230.