Trivia Night on Friday

It's not too late to call a sitter, paint your nails, and have a fun date out on Friday night!

Join us at Saint Agnes School this Friday, January 31st for Trivia Night

Click and print the registration form below, for a fun night that benefits the ministry of our parish's Catholic school.

Catholic Reading Wednesday and Mom's Night In

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

On January 22, pro-life activists took to the streets of Washington for the 41st time to protest Roe v. Wade. The next day, Gary Gutting, Catholic professor of philosophy at the University of Notre Dame, penned an op-ed suggesting that Pope Francis ought to consider rethinking the Church's position on abortion. In response, Fr. Joseph Fessio, S.J., responded to Gutting by pointing out several flaws in his argument. For my part, Gutting's tortured equivocation on the moral status of an embryo or fetus (is it a human being or merely a potential human being? and if it is a human being is it a human person entitled to rights?) contrasts unfavorably with Catholic novelist Walker Percy's straightforward observation that such prevarications reveal ironic attempts by "the secular juridical-journalistic [and I would add academic-philosophical] establishment" to "suppress an embarrassing scientific fact."

While the secular debate on the morality and legality of abortion take place outside of specifically Christian concerns, Christians, as being in but not of the world, must consider abortion in terms of God's plan for humanity. This beautiful sermon by Terry Hamilton and commentary by Methodist theologian Stanley Hauerwas provides a Christian framework for thinking about abortion: one which sees abortion in terms of God's love for women and children, in terms of His concern for the weakest and poorest, in terms of responsibility rather than rights, and in terms of our biblical hope for the fullness of life.

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Here's a friendly reminder that Mom's-Night-In is: THURSDAY, January 30th

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.

Playgroup Activity and Friday Trivia Night

Today at playgroup, we learned about Mary as the mother of Jesus, and as the spiritual mother of us all!  The mystery of God's grace to Mary has filled thousands of books and sermons.  However, there are some main things that we can think and talk about with children easily.  At our baptism, we become part of the family of the Body of Christ, the church.  And as Mary was Christ's mother, she also becomes our mother.  Think about mothers.  How do they care for you?  What kinds of things do they do for you?  What do you think Mary's life with Jesus was like?  How can we honor Mary and honor the mothers that God has given to us?

Above all, Mary is a powerful human intercessor for us!  She lived a human life on this earth, and yet had the courage to say YES to God.  Her yes's meant many very happy and many deeply painful experiences in her life.  Ultimately, God exalted Mary.  She shows us what God has planned and prepared for each of us in paradise.  What is God asking you to say "yes" to?  You can pray to Mary for help and courage in following Jesus.  Click and print the image below.  Enjoy working on the Bible Verse and coloring page with your children this week.  Hope to see you next Tuesday!

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Do you need a date night out?  What about this Friday, January 31st!

Click and print the registration form below, for a fun night that benefits the ministry of our parish's Catholic school.

Weekly Digest

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:

• Tuesday - Saint Agnes Playgroup (10:30 am), Choir Practice and Fatima Apostolate (7 pm)
• Wednesday - Bereavement Meeting (7 pm), FIAT for Discerning Women (7 pm, Newton)
• Thursday - Mom's Night In (7 pm, email for location)
• Friday  - Saint Agnes School Trivia Night (7:30 pm), Jesus in the North End (7:30 pm)
• Saturday and Sunday -  Saint Blaise Blessing of Throats
• Monday - Anointing of the Sick at St. Eulalia's (9:00 am)

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Saint Agnes Family Playgroup
We are done with Christmas break, and will resume in "Winter Playgroup" mode, when Fidelity House hosts our playgroup within their building.  We owe them our thanks!  We also are grateful to Father Flatley for helping us to get a small curriculum going this year.  Bring your thinking caps and get ready to pay attention to some short activities each week!

Thus, Tuesday playgroup will take place 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, and be considerate of others!
• Fidelity House is being very generous by letting us use this space. Please consider a donation to help with their costs. Minimum suggested donation is $1 per person in attendance.
• 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 too. We will also teach a brief lesson for the kids.

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Mom's Night In - THURSDAY, January 30th at 7:00 pm
We will get together for a stress-free evening, play some get-to-know-you games (think: Apples to Apples), and pray together. 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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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!

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Do you need a date night out?  What about this Friday, January 31st!  Click and print the registration form below, for a fun night that benefits the ministry of our parish's Catholic school.

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Are you a Crafter?

Attention All Crafters: Saint Agnes School is organizing its first-ever Craft Fair for Saturday, February 8, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM in the School Hall. Proceeds will benefit Saint Agnes School.

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Workshop on Visiting the Sick

This workshop on Pastoral Care to the sick and homebound starts Tuesday, March 4 and runs for six weeks from 6:30-8:30 pm (March 4,11,18,25, April 1,8).  The program is offered at Saint Patrick’s Parish in Stoneham.  Dr. Mary Beth Moran, a certified chaplain from Winchester Hospital will teach the course. The workshop will include a review of communication skills, the basics of pastoral visitation, key illness issues, spiritual needs and concerns, grief, loss and  dying, and care giving issues. Eucharistic Ministers, pastoral visitors, Parish nurses and others are encouraged to attend. The fee is $40. Registration information is available in the Parish Office or by calling 717-746-5843. Pre-registration is required. Please register by February 25th.

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Fiat is a discernment group for women in the Archdiocese of Boston who are considering a Vocation to religious life. Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2014, 7-9 PM at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 573 Washington Street, Newton. The topic for January is “There is Something about Mary.” If you are interested in attending, please respond to Sister Marian Batho, CSJ, Delegate for Religious, Sr_Marian_Batho@rcab.org or call 617-746-5637.

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Can we provide a Catholic VBS?
Saint Agnes Outreach hopes to offer a trial-version Vacation Bible School this June. However, our ability to do this will depend largely on a strong volunteer corps. We are asking for an initial response to see whether or not offering VBS this year will be possible. If you are interested in helping with a one-week, approx. 3 hours / day commitment, please email Marianne Hudelson (marianne.hudelson [at] gmail.com). If we do not receive enough replies, we will not be able to proceed with this project. Many thanks for your input!

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World Marriage Sunday - February 16, 2014

Saint Agnes Parish will celebrate World Marriage Day on Sunday, February 16th at the Noon Mass. All married couples are cordially invited to attend, renew their marriage vows 

and celebrate their commitment to married life and each other. Those who are celebrating significant anniversaries this year are invited to call the Parish Center at 781-648-0220.

Why Mass?

Happy Sunday everyone!  Some people think Mass is boring.  Others think Mass is great.  As parents, we usually think Mass is something to be endured while isometrically wrestling small children in a teeth-clenching battle below the visibility of the pew...... :)

So if you are in the "wrestling" or the "boring" stage of life, why go to Mass?  Mass is more than meets the eye, and it mystically connects us to the Lord in the Eucharist.  Weather we "feel" that or not... remaining close to God is something we all need.  Thank goodness we don't have to always feel something tingly in order to receive God's grace everyday!

We know that baptism is a new birth and that in baptism all of our sins are taken away. But we continue to sin and we continue to need to hear the words, “Your sins are forgiven.” When we participate at Mass, we are continually assured of God's ongoing love. (excerpt from Catholic Update Guide to Prayer)

As Saint for Our Time: Saint Francis DeSales

TGIF everyone!  Today is the feastday of Saint Francis DeSales.  I would like to post his biography here, because I find his story very apt to ours today.  Saint Francis DeSales lived in a time when Catholicism was under great criticism, and losing members to the Protestant reformation.  Do you ever feel like Catholicism today is under attack and losing members to flawed philosophies?  Saint Francis' story reminds us to be kind to all.  Despite differences and hardships, God's grace is extended and available to everyone, regardless of whether or not they "agree" with us.  If we can recognize the deep love God has for each person, as well as the unique call and crosses that they bear, then perhaps we can be a beacon of His grace to them. Saint Francis DeSales' example shows us that we cannot be lofty separatists from those around us.  Especially in times of cultural crisis, we must pray for the courage to be kind, engaged, and credible Christian witnesses.  Only then can we encourage others to pursue moral choices along whatever course their lives take.

Saint Francis DeSales was born on August 21, 1567 near Geneva, Switzerland.  He came from a noble family and even as a child he desired to serve God completely.  Though frail and delicate, he had a quick, intelligent mind and a gentle, kind disposition.  His family educated him at the best schools of his day.

In 1580, he entered the University of Paris and was drawn to the study of theology.  He then attended the University of Padua, where he received his doctorate in law at the age of twenty-four.

His father wanted Francis to pursue a career as a lawyer, but Francis wanted to be a priest.  With his father's tepid consent, he was ordained in 1593 by the Bishop of Geneva.

The Catholic Church at the time was losing many of its faithful  to the new churches of the Protestant Reformation.  Francis set out to restore Catholicism in the region around Lake Geneva.  Tirelessly and patiently preaching the ancient faith, writing leaflets that clearly explained the Catholic view, he gradually re-established a strong Catholicism in the area.  In 1602, he was appointed Bishop of Geneva.

From his residence at Annecy, he organized his diocese and with a winning gentleness ministered to his people.  His encouragement and wise counsel inspired many people to a better way of life.  In 1608, his most famous book, An Introduction to the Devout Life, was published and soon circulated throughout the world.  In 1610, he founded the Order of Visitation with Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, whom he guided in the spiritual life.

Francis de Sales was convinced that God sees humanity as a great and varied garden, each person beautiful in his or her uniqueness.  The various calling of life - soldier, prince, widow, married, or single - are like the various flowers of the field; God loves them all.  Through his or her own calling, each person can find a way to a deeper friendship with his or her Creator.  Francis approached people with genuine respect and gently guided them to recognize the unique path they would take in life.  He made the journey to God joyful and possible for everyone to make.  Above all, he advised against despair and the burden of anger and fear.

Francis de Sales tells us: “The person who possesses Christian meekness is affectionate and tender towards everyone: he is disposed to forgive and excuse the frailties of others; the goodness of his heart appears in a sweet affability that influences his words and actions, presents every object to his view in the most charitable and pleasing light.” (adapted from biographies: AmericanCatholic.org, and The Book of Saints, Regina Press)

Community Catechesis Cancelled Tonight

Good morning Arlington!

Luckily the snow was not as bad as predicted!  However, Saint Agnes School has cancelled for the day, and with that precedent as well as the bitterly cold temperatures this evening - - we are also going to cancel Community Catechesis.  Please pass the word to those you know.

We will resume on the 4th Wednesday of February, 26th at 7:00 pm in the Parish Center.

We will be discussing Peter and Paul.  We hope you can join us, or invite a friend!

Stay Warm!

Playgroup Activity

Today at playgroup, we learned about the worldwide Catholic Church.  Even though the Church is made up of many different people and cultures that look and practice faith somewhat differently, we are all united in Christ through the Church.  Our Church is called "catholic" (broad-minded and universal, involving all) because "she has been sent out by Christ on a mission to the whole human race" (CCC 831).  Click and print the image below.  Enjoy working on the Bible Verse and "maze around the world" with your children this week.  Hope to see you next Tuesday!

Weekly Digest

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:

• Tuesday - Saint Agnes Playgroup (10:30 am), Choir Practice and Fatima Apostolate (7 pm)
• Wednesday - Bereavement Meeting and Community Catechesis (7 pm)

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Saint Agnes Family Playgroup
We are done with Christmas break, and will resume in "Winter Playgroup" mode, when Fidelity House hosts our playgroup within their building.  We owe them our thanks!  We also are grateful to Father Flatley for helping us to get a small curriculum going this year.  Bring your thinking caps and get ready to pay attention to some short activities each week!

Thus, Tuesday playgroup will take place 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, and be considerate of others!
• Fidelity House is being very generous by letting us use this space. Please consider a donation to help with their costs. Minimum suggested donation is $1 per person in attendance.
• 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 too. We will also teach a brief lesson for the kids.

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Do you need a date night out?  What about next Friday, January 31st!  Click and print the registration form below, for a fun night that benefits our parish Catholic school.

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Are you a Crafter?

Attention All Crafters: Saint Agnes School is organizing its first-ever Craft Fair for Saturday, February 8, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM in the School Hall. Proceeds will benefit Saint Agnes School.

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Workshop on Visiting the Sick

This workshop on Pastoral Care to the sick and homebound starts Tuesday, March 4 and runs for six weeks from 6:30-8:30 pm (March 4,11,18,25, April 1,8).  The program is offered at Saint Patrick’s Parish in Stoneham.  Dr. Mary Beth Moran, a certified chaplain from Winchester Hospital will teach the course. The workshop will include a review of communication skills, the basics of pastoral visitation, key illness issues, spiritual needs and concerns, grief, loss and  dying, and care giving issues. Eucharistic Ministers, pastoral visitors, Parish nurses and others are encouraged to attend. The fee is $40. Registration information is available in the Parish Office or by calling 717-746-5843. Pre-registration is required. Please register by February 25th.

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Fiat is a discernment group for women in the Archdiocese of Boston who are considering a Vocation to religious life. Our next meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2014, 7-9 PM at Our Lady Help of Christians Church, 573 Washington Street, Newton. The topic for January is “There is Something about Mary.” If you are interested in attending, please respond to Sister Marian Batho, CSJ, Delegate for Religious, Sr_Marian_Batho@rcab.org or call 617-746-5637.

Local NFP

Attention Married Couples!
Would you like…

• a natural, hormone-free way to postpone pregnancy?
• to start a family or have another child?
• to improve communication with your spouse?
• to learn more about church teaching on "the Theology of the Body?"
• to understand why the Bishops were so unsettled by the HHS mandate?

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is an organic, chemical-free method that is just as effective as the Pill at postponing pregnancy and nearly twice as effective as IVF for achieving pregnancy. The divorce rate among couples that practice NFP is less than 2%.

Want to learn more? Josh and Meredith Phelps are teaching a 3-class NFP series starting in the springtime in Arlington. Only a few spots are left! Email Meredith.Phelps [at] gmail.com for details.

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:

On December 31, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor put a temporary stay on the Affordable Care Act's requirement that the Little Sisters of the Poor provide health insurance coverage for birth control to its employees (or find third-party insurers to do so). In the wake of this ruling, Jamie Stiehm of US News published an op-ed that has gained notoriety for its anti-Catholic prejudice. Sotomayor, Stiehm argues, was not acting out of jurisprudential concern for the Constitution, but rather trying to "impose" her Catholic beliefs on the rest of the nation. The Catholic Church, she goes on to say, offers "no justice or mercy" to women. The Little Sisters of the Poor themselves, in Stiehm's view, are probably being manipulated by "meddlesome" bishops who seek to "wield tremendous power" over the public sphere.

Stiehm's article has been justly criticized for its extreme and unfounded claims. Certainly her views are nothing new: they are of a piece with a long tradition of anti-Catholicism in America. This prejudice is not often expressed as explicitly as in Stiehm's writing, but it is prevalent and insidiously pervasive. Yet I have to wonder if, perhaps, Stiehm's screed is something Catholics should be proud of - because it could be a sign that we're doing something right.

Catholics in America have fought a long struggle to be accepted into mainstream American society and culture. But now, especially in the midst of the health care controversies, we must ask ourselves if the price of acceptance is worth the risk to our faith. Catholic values are in many ways opposed to or at least critical of "traditional" American values. In Evangelii Gaudium, for instance, Pope Francis condemned Western culture's tendency to emphasize a secularism that pushes God to the sidelines of public discourse, an individualism that can devolve into selfishness and pride, a capitalism that leads to greed and exploitation, and an autonomy that degenerates into anomie. When some American commentators reacted by using Scripture to defend capitalism from Francis' critiques, I had to wonder whether some Christians in America are a little too eager to make Christ in their own image in order to justify their own inclinations.

Catholics must resist this temptation. Standing on the scaffold after being sentenced to death by Henry VIII, St. Thomas More spoke his final words: "I die the King's good servant and God's first." I believe that Catholics in America must follow More's example: be good citizens of our country, but know that the best way to serve our country is to be true witnesses to the Gospel. Be willing to critique our country's sins, whether they are excesses of individualism and autonomy that lead to endorsements of abortion, or excesses capitalism that lead to exploitation of the poor. And be willing to be condemned, as St. Thomas More was, as Christ was.

So though I believe Stiehm is misguided in her unjust criticisms of Sotomayor and in her flailing attack on the Church, perhaps she is on to something. The Church's values are not coterminous with America's values. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Playgroup Activity

Today at playgroup, we learned about the Sacrament of Baptism.  When we are baptized, we are adopted into God's family and share in the work of spreading the Word and love of God.  In this family, we have our brothers and sisters in Christ living on the earth, but we are also connected to the baptized who now are in Heaven, and praying for us everyday!  Not even death can separate God's family.  Just as God was "well pleased" with Jesus when He was baptized, we can imagine God saying this for each of us at our baptism... He washes us clean of sin, and He honors and loves us by welcoming us into the Royal Family of the King of Kings!  Click and print the image below.  Enjoy working on the Bible Verse and coloring page with your children this week.  Hope to see you next Tuesday!

Weekly Digest

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:

• Tuesday - Saint Agnes Playgroup (10:30 am), Choir Practice and Fatima Apostolate (7 pm)
• Wednesday - Bereavement Meeting (7 pm)
• Sunday - Respect Life Mass (10:30 am) and Baby Shower Collection (all weekend Masses)

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Saint Agnes Family Playgroup
We are done with Christmas break, and will resume in "Winter Playgroup" mode, when Fidelity House hosts our playgroup within their building.  We owe them our thanks!  We also are grateful to Father Flatley for helping us to get a small curriculum going this year.  Bring your thinking caps and get ready to pay attention to some short activities each week!

Thus, Tuesday playgroup will take place 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, and be considerate of others!
• Fidelity House is being very generous by letting us use this space. Please consider a donation to help with their costs. Minimum suggested donation is $1 per person in attendance.
• 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 too. We will also teach a brief lesson for the kids.

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Respect Life!
Baby Showers will take place on the weekends of January 11-12 and January 18-19. A crib will be placed in the front of church to accept your donations.  Items needed by the Pregnancy Help Office of the Archdiocese of Boston include the following (all sizes and genders needed 0-12 months):

• Blanket Sleepers
• Onesies
• Sleep & Plays
• Warm Outfits
• Snowsuits
• Toiletry Supplies  (Diaper Rash Ointment, Baby Shampoo and Body Wash, no baby powder please)
• Bibs, Bottles (4 and 8 ounces)
• Flannel receiving blankets
• Diapers, size newborn and size 4

Please, no used baby clothes but gently-used washable maternity clothes are graciously accepted. Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity! To make a monetary donation, make the check payable to “Fund for the Unborn”.  The Saint Agnes Respect Life Mass will take place Sunday, January 19th at 10:30am.  Please join us at Mass and pray for greater respect for all human life from conception until natural death.

Boston Sock Exchange this Weekend

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

This Saturday, January 11th 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 -- Friday night, January 10th 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 winter clothing, especially winter coats, SOCKS, long sleeved-shirts, sweatshirts, coats, hats, gloves, and scarves.  We also need rain gear: ponchos and umbrellas.  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:

On Sunday the Church celebrated the Feast of the Epiphany, which honors the God who, according to an old Lectionary prayer, “by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begotten Son to the Gentiles.” By revealing Himself to non-Jews and demonstrating Himself to be the Lord of all peoples, Christ provides a model for interreligious dialogue that we are called to follow.

Interreligious dialogue is a particularly pressing need in today’s word, as Pope Francis has reminded us in Evangelii Gaudium (250-254). The Holy Father places especial emphasis on the Church’s relationship with Islam (EG 252-3), and recent news items suggest that this emphasis is warranted. From increasing incidents of Islamic extremistgroups attacking Christians in Nigeria to a report from Turkey that a certain branch of Salafism refuses to eat tomatoes because apparently they represent Christianity, it’s hard to see how interfaith dialogue can meaningfully take place.

If it is to take place, Pope Francis asks Catholics to be willing to take the first step. With his usual appeal to our humility, he asks us to remember the common ground we share with Islam as Abrahamic faiths: we must, he writes, “acknowledge the value of others, appreciate the concerns underlying their demands and shed light on shared beliefs” (EG 253). He encourages us to see how interfaith dialogue can “enrich both sides” if we are willing to learn from each other. His words call to mind the words of Edward Schillebeeckx, a theological expert at Vatican II, who argued that in the modern world we cannot authentically interpret our own faith without learning from the faith experiences of others (The Eucharist, 105). Francis’ words also remind me of the Holy Family at the Epiphany, willing to open their doors and their hearts to foreign strangers. We are called to remember that it was these foreigners with their foreign learning who found their way to worshiping Christ – while Herod, the King of the Jews, refused to recognize Him.

It can be very, very hard to take the path of humility, especially in view of cases such as that of Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Catholic condemned to death for allegedly blaspheming against Muhammed. But Asia herself has chosen a path of peace and prayer, as she wrote to Pope Francis: “If I am still alive, it is thanks to the strength that your prayers give me. . . At this time I just want to trust the mercy of God.” Some might argue that militant fundamentalist Islam requires a militant response, but Pope Francis and Asia Bibi remind us that faith and prayer are equally powerful weapons for combating religious violence in the world.

The Holy Father does not ask that we go into interreligious dialogue with blind naivete. We must stand firm in our convictions of the truth of our faith, even while we endeavor to truly understand the experiences and concerns of others. We must accept that our attempts at dialogue will be resisted and rejected, at least at first, just as Pope Benedict’s attemptsat Regesnberg in 2006 to open a genuine intellectual discussion about the theological differences between Christianity and Islam were met with misunderstanding and violence. But Pope Francis asks us to have the courage to risk misunderstanding, rejection, and even violence if we are to work for true interreligious understanding and peace – and for the sake of the Gospel. In doing so, we will follow the example of Francis, of Benedict, of Asia Bibi, of the Holy Family – and of Christ Himself.

In the meantime, pray for Asia Bibi and all our Christian brothers and sisters who are suffering persecution for their faith. And pray for their persecutors as well.

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

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:

• Monday - Saint Agnes Pro-Life Meeting (7 pm)
• Tuesday - Saint Agnes Playgroup (10:30 am), Baptism Briefing and Fatima Apostolate (7 pm)
• Wednesday - Bereavement Meeting (7 pm)
• Friday - Prep for Boston Sock Exchange (7 pm)
• Saturday - Boston Sock Exchange (Park Street T-stop, 11 am)
• Sunday - Respect Life Baby Shower Collection (all weekend Masses)

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Saint Agnes Family Playgroup
We wish you a Happy Christmas! The Catholic celebration of this miraculous and awesome event extends all the way until January 12th, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. So cut yourself a break and keep on enjoying those Christmas cookies! And don't take that Christmas tree down yet - at playgroup on Tuesday, we will be making Christmas tree ornaments with the kids.

Please bring a 3x5 or smaller picture of your child so that they can make an ornament to celebrate this season! (For example, you could even bring your child's baptism picture to help them think about this feast!

We are done with Christmas break, and will resume in "Winter Playgroup" mode, when Fidelity House hosts our playgroup within their building.  We owe them our thanks!  We also are grateful to Father Flatley for helping us to get a small curriculum going this year.  Bring your thinking caps and get ready to pay attention to some short activities each week!

Thus, Tuesday playgroup will take place 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, and be considerate of others!
• Fidelity House is being very generous by letting us use this space. Please consider a donation to help with their costs. Minimum suggested donation is $1 per person in attendance.
• 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 too. We will also teach a brief lesson for the kids.

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Baptism Briefing
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 on Tuesday night! 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!

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Boston Sock Exchange
This Saturday, January 11th is the Boston Sock Exchange at 11:00 am at the Park Street T-Stop.  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, December 10th 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 winter clothing, especially winter coats, SOCKS, long sleeved-shirts, sweatshirts, coats, hats, gloves, and scarves.  We also need rain gear: ponchos and umbrellas.  Thank you! 

"Here is what we seek: a compassion that can stand in awe of what the poor have

to carry, rather than stand in judgement of how they carry it." Fr. Gregory Boyle, SJ

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Respect Life!
Baby Showers will take place on the weekends of January 11-12 and January 18-19. A crib will be placed in the front of church to accept your donations.  Items needed by the Pregnancy Help Office of the Archdiocese of Boston include the following (all sizes and genders needed 0-12 months):

• Blanket Sleepers
• Onesies
• Sleep & Plays
• Warm Outfits
• Snowsuits
• Toiletry Supplies  (Diaper Rash Ointment, Baby Shampoo and Body Wash, no baby powder please)
• Bibs, Bottles (4 and 8 ounces)
• Flannel receiving blankets
• Diapers, size newborn and size 4

Please, no used baby clothes but gently-used washable maternity clothes are graciously accepted. Thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity! To make a monetary donation, make the check payable to “Fund for the Unborn”.  The Saint Agnes Respect Life Mass will take place Sunday, January 19th at 10:30am.  Please join us at Mass and pray for greater respect for all human life from conception until natural death.

Christmas Continues - Feast of the Epiphany

Happy Feast of the Epiphany (January 6th). This wonderful day is the 12th day of Christmas, when we remember the three wise men who followed a mysterious "star of wonder" until they found and paid homage to Jesus, the newborn king. These three wise men were not Jewish, and their recognition of Jesus as someone great and worthy of honor and awe is the first witness we see in the Bible that Jesus came for all humanity, not only the Israelites.

In remembrance of this great feast, let's also try to offer Jesus our most sincere honor and homage. Even those parts of our lives which are not very "religious" or "justified" can be offered to the Lord, asking for His help in areas of struggle. Why not go to confession to celebrate the Epiphany?!  Much like the wise men, when we humble our "worldly" selves, and we recognize Jesus as the divine Infant, the Prince of Peace, He reaches out to us in love and enlightens our darkness. Likewise, let us also seek to offer Him our most valuable gifts, our "first fruits" of blessings and wealth, as well as the love, honor, and obedience that His divinity commands.

In fact, the Catholic celebration of this miraculous and awesome event extends all the way until January 12th, the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. So cut yourself a break and keep on enjoying those Christmas cookies! And don't take that Christmas tree down yet - at playgroup on Tuesday, we will be making Christmas tree ornaments with the kids.

Please bring a 3x5 or smaller picture of your child so that they can make an ornament to celebrate this season! (For example, you could even bring your child's baptism picture to help them think about this feast!)

Happy New Year - Mark Your Calendars

So perhaps your holidays with relatives are winding down.  Now everyone wants to know what the summer plans are. 

Well before you give away all your dates to in-laws, make sure you mark your calendars!

SECOND ANNUAL SAINT AGNES CAMPOUT

July 18-20, 2014

Greenfield State Park, NH
"Day Campers" invited to join us on Saturday, July 19th*

More information TBA, just save the date!

Here are some teasers from last year to get you excited about this summer....