Jesus in the North End TONIGHT!

Attention Young Adults.... and anyone at all!

Spend some time worshiping and seeking our Lord Jesus, TONIGHT, February 28th at 7:30 pm in the North End of Boston.

This holy evening of prayer, confession, and evangelization is a wonderful way to meet other young Catholics

and to find encouragement in your relationship with the Lord.  Invite a friend and head downtown this evening!

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:

In a recent New York Times Op-Ed, columnist Ross Douthat raised the question of why American parents seem to relish lamenting the difficulties of parenthood, a trend exemplified in memes and blogs all over the Internet, and he turns to Jennifer Senior’s new book, All Joy and No Fun: The Paradox of Modern Parenthood, for answers. Senior provides many sociological explanations for why modern parenthood is so challenging, including a rapidly shifting technological and political landscape (which makes it hard for parents to know what kind of world to prepare their children for), the lack of a comprehensive family policy in the U.S (when compared to Europe), and changes in the expectations we have of parents. (I find especially interesting her observation that parents' lives are more "child-centered" than before, and that the amount of time parents spend with their children have actually increased since the 1970s.) All of these factors have left parents more alone than ever in the difficult task of raising their children, and more existentially fearful of doing it right. (You can read more of Senior's analysis here.)

Douthat, for his part, focuses on Senior's argument regarding the shifting nature of interpersonal commitments in the twenty-first century. Because we live in a culture that shies away from establishing permanent commitments (consider, for example, the fact that some advocate for the establishment of short-term renewable marriage contracts!), we are fearful of the lifetime commitment it requires to raise a child. True commitment means choosing to sacrifice our wants and desires for the sake of another – and our culture's emphasis on individualism and autonomy discourages such a choice.

Yet these commitments remain important – and not just the commitment between parent and child. At least one scientific study has shown that an inconsistent home life can increase the risk of mental illness for adolescents, and a recent article in The Atlantic explores the ways in which absent or inconsistent father figures can lead to behavioral, academic, social, and emotional outcomes in their children. “The more transitions a child endures, the worse off he or she typically is,” says Andrew Cherlin, the director of the Hopkins Population Center at Johns Hopkins University. Working to establish stable relationships among all members of a family is a key part of parenting well.

Amid this climate of familial instability and the sociological challenges of modern parenthood, unborn children are the ones who suffer as it becomes easier and more acceptable to terminate “unwanted” pregnancies. Recent headlines from New York hail the fact that the abortion rate in New York City has dropped to 37%, which is an improvement from prior years but is still horrifically high. The same study revealed that more black children are aborted in New York City than are born alive. And the more difficult parenting becomes due to cultural trends and the absence of parental support from the broader society, the more unborn children will die as a result.

Parenting is daunting work. It always has been, and it always will be. But parents are increasingly losing the structures of support that they used to rely on in dealing with the challenges of parenthood. If we wish to mitigate the crisis of abortion in our country, all of these factors - sociological, cultural, and individual - have to be considered. How do we create a society that is truly supportive of family life? How do we create a culture that knows the value of self-sacrificing love? How do we teach, practice, and exemplify the importance of lifelong commitments? How do we, as individuals or as a parish community, encourage each other through the challenges of parenthood?

Douthat invokes the image of the "cheerful warrior" who willingly embraces the trials of parenthood and acknowledges the joy it brings. Senior argues that though parenting may not lead to personal happiness, it does lead to a joy which cannot be statistically quantified. This is what she calls the "paradox" of parenthood. Christians call this paradox participating in the Paschal Mystery, in which the greatest joy comes from taking on suffering for the sake of those we love. May Catholic parents be a sign to the world that the goal of human existence is not personal self-satisfaction, but the fulfillment that can only come from embracing the cross of love.

Playgroup Activity and Community Catechesis

Today at playgroup, we learned about Jesus' cousin, John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus' ministry.  What can we learn from John?

John was obedient to his call to prepare the way for Christ.  It required great humility to speak so boldly, gaining fame among his followers, yet remaining simple and insisting that there was still another "coming after me who is mightier than I." (Matthew 3:11)  John himself must have wondered at times what he was doing wandering around in the wilderness!  He even sent a message to Jesus, asking "are you really the One?"  (Matthew 11:3)

But John was faithful to his task, and those who repented and listened to John found something even sweeter than honey - Jesus Christ, the One who came after John.  Those who did not listen were disappointed, and did not prepare their hearts to receive the Savior of the World.  In the end, John's obedience to God's call for his life cost him the price of his head, when he was martyred by Herod (Matthew 14:1-12).

So often in our lives, our faith calls for obedience.  Our leaders in the consecrated life take very serious vows of obedience!  As lay people, we may not take this vow, but we can practice the wisdom of this virtue.  It is easy to become proud and think that we know better than God or those whom He has placed in authority over us.  But submitting ourselves willingly to service, obedience, and holding our tongues at times can be very rewarding: we may learn a lot and serve God in wonderful ways that we couldn't if we had thought ourselves the "better authority."

Obedience to God's teaching in the church is similar to obedience to church authority.  We may not always understand why God asks of us what He does... but submitting ourselves in humility to the demands of our faith helps us to grow in understanding in ways that simply "bucking our heads" does not.  We feel called to follow Him, but we don't always understand the call.  This is normal and OK.  We each  must strive to faithfully answer, "Yes Lord.  Here I am.  Send me.  Your will be done."

Our children often ask us WHY?  Sometimes the best answer we can give a child is "because."  We are also children of God, and just because we do not yet understand does not mean that we have not been given Good Counsel.  What choice will we make for Him?  Can we, like John and many of the saints and martyrs, practice humble obedience?  How can we encourage obedience in our children?  And as our children practice obedience to us, how can we learn from their example?  How can we become children of God?  Obedience can also help us to grow in holiness and become a "voice the desert" to those around us who need to hear God's word.

Click and print the picture below.  Enjoy working with your children on the bible verse this week.  We hope to see you next Tuesday!

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Weekly Digest

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:

• Monday - First Men's Bible Study (7:30 pm)
• Tuesday - Saint Agnes Playgroup (10:30 am), Choir Practice and Fatima Apostolate (7 pm)
• Wednesday - Bereavement Meeting and Community Catechesis (7 pm)
• Thursday - Outreach Committee (7 pm)
• Friday - Jesus in the North End, Boston (7:30 pm)
• Monday - Anointing of the Sick Mass, Saint Eulalia (9 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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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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Training for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

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

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Saint Agnes Youth: Join in serving the Lord at Mass!
All parish youth currently in grades 4 and up are invited to join the parish Altar Server program.  Assignments are for approximately two Masses per month.  Instructions sessions, lasting one hour each, are at 1:00 pm in the lower church on Saturdays in March (March 8, 15, 22 and 29).  The Installation Mass for Altar Servers will be on Sunday, April 6th at the 9:00 am Family Mass.  If you have any questions, please call Michael Keiselbach at 781-646-0475.

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

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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.

Men's Bible Study Starting on Monday

Arlington Men:  Are you looking for a way to get involved at the parish and grow in your faith?  Look no further, and don't delay!  Saint Agnes bi-weekly Men's Bible Study starts on Monday!

You don't need any background knowledge, just come as you are and enjoy the fellowship of other men who also want to learn something new.  Dates for the bible study throughout the spring are also included on the parish calendar to the right.  So gentlemen: bring your wife some flowers for patiently watching the kids, promise to come home on Mom's-Night-In, and join us!

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Classes

The Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a wonderful program, which we have the blessing and benefit of at our parish! CGS is an approach to the religious formation of children rooted in the Bible, the Liturgy of the Church, and the educational principles of Maria Montessori. Children gather in an “atrium,” a room prepared for the, which contains simple yet beautiful materials they use to help them absorb the most essential proclamations of the Christian faith. If you are interested in involving your children, keep your eyes on the bulletin for sign-ups in the spring.

Yet, as Joseph Joubert said, "To teach is to learn twice."

Being able to share our faith with our children not only benefits them... it also benefits, edifies, and strengthens our own faith!

Are you interested in becoming a CGS teacher? With devoted parishioners to help this program grow, perhaps someday we could offer Level 2 of the wonderful CGS program! But first you must take Part 1 of a 2-part catechist training course in Clinton, MA (July 7-12, 2014... Part 2 to take place July 2015). The cost of Part 1 of the course is $200. For more information, please click the sign up sheet below, and contact Kateryna Cuddeback at 617-504-3028 or kcuddeb [at] gmail.com.

Mom's Night & Spring is Around the Corner - REALLY!

Here's a friendly reminder that Mom's-Night-In is: THURSDAY, February 20th

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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It doesn't seem so by looking outside, but really: have hope that spring will soon be here!

Your kids may be growing out of the last of their winter clothes, or you may be tempted (like I usually am) to look for liberation in the early spring clothing that stores offer starting around March.

But there is another way to find some new clothes for your kids, without paying the big bucks!  Saving unnecessary money spent on clothes is one way that we can then share our blessings generously with others.

Below is posted a file (complete list not visible) of some cheap options for children's clothing locally.  Click the image to view.  Please post a comment if you have other tips, and I will add them to the list.  I hope this helps your family, and our community, as well!

Playgroup CANCELLED: February 18th

Playgroup is CANCELLED for the morning of February 18th,

due to predicted 3-6" of snow, right during the time of playgroup.  Parking safely around Fidelity House is already difficult with the snow mounds, and I worry about driving and parking conditions in the midst of more snow during playgroup.  We will CANCEL playgroup this week, and pray for an early spring!

Hope to see you February 25th!

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)
• Thursday - Mom's Night In (7 pm)
• Monday - First Men's Bible Study (7:30 pm)

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
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, February 20th 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!

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

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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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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Training for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

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

Coffee Hour Cancelled - February 16th

WINTER WEATHER NOTICE:

Due to the bad overnight weather, as well as the parking ban in Arlington,

coffee hour will be cancelled after the 9:00 am Mass tomorrow morning, February 16th.  Please pass the word.

Nevertheless - may you have a blessed World Marriage Sunday!

Renewal of vows for married couples will take place at the 12:00 noon Mass, however, when the parking ban is scheduled to be lifted.

Confessions on Saturday

Don't forget that Confessions are held at Saint Agnes at 3:00 pm on Saturday!

You might be bemoaning the fact that I have reminded you.  Haha.  Confession has the bad reputation of being a "Catholic Guilt Trip."  But it is not that at all!  The Catholic Church recognizes that in our spiritual journey to the Lord, it's important for us to examine ourselves and truly know who we are -- the good, the bad, and the ugly.  And for the bad and the ugly, we DON'T have to have a guilt trip.  We can recognize these things in our lives, go to confession, and ask the Lord's mercy, forgiveness, and assistance.  And then, we can move on with our lives!  What "self-help" group do you know of that DOESN'T encourage its members to use some self-examination of this type?  Of course they all do, because it is a healthy way to approach problems!  Likewise, in the confessional, Christ offers us freedom and peace once again.

Without the discipline of frequent confession, we can drift away from the reality of our shortcomings. If we are to achieve holiness, we must be honest about our faults and do penance for them. 

— from Lily of the Mohawks, by Emily Cavins

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, the U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child issued a report chastising the Vatican for policies it claims enabled priests to engage in the sexual abuse of children by encouraging a “code of silence” in order to protect its own reputation. The panel expressed concern that measures taken by the Vatican to address child abuse cases are not adequate, and dismissed the Vatican’s argument that it does not and cannot claim secular legal jurisdiction over priests and bishops residing outside the Vatican.

But the report went further: the Committee urged the Vatican to change Church teaching on abortion, contraception, and homosexual lifestyles. These recommendations roused the criticism of Vatican spokesman Fr. Federico Lombardi, who said that the Committee went “beyond their competence and interfered in the doctrinal and moral positions of the Catholic Church.” The New York Times published an op-ed lamenting that the Committee’s doctrinal recommendations will only serve to detract attention from the more important goal of ensuring that abusers are properly prosecuted and that future abuse does not take place.

On the other hand, a journalist for Slate argues that the U.N. Committee was not “biased against the Vatican” but rather “biased in favor of children.” The author says: “When Catholic doctrine comes into conflict with human rights, it is the U.N.’s job to prioritize human rights.” Apparently she is unaware that religious freedom itself is a key human right, not to mention that in 1990, "the Vatican became one of the first countries to ratify the children’s rights treaty because of the Church’s historic commitment to the good of children.  Not recognising all that the Church has done for centuries through its schools, hospitals and charitable agencies is to ignore reality" (Lombardi article).

Although "religious freedom" should never be used as an excuse for abuse or violence, the line between protecting religious freedom and defending human rights is more complicated than this author is willing to acknowledge. And, for my part, I don’t see how the Slate article’s recommendations cannot come within the scope of existing Church teaching. Affirming the dignity of all children, including children raised by gay couples, and providing age-appropriate sex education (especially curricula that uphold the very real rewards of chastity and provide an introduction to the Theology of the Body) are all things that Catholic teaching can and should support.

In December Pope Francis called for the creation of a commission on abuse, and last month he spoke forcefully of the “scandal” and the “shame” of the Church. Let us pray for the Pope and for our Church, that they can fight to root out this shame from the Church, while maintaining the courage to stand up to those who would use this shame to bully the Church into violating its own truth.

Playgroup Activity

Today at playgroup, we learned about being thankful to God for all that is.  God has made everything, even each of us, and the many good gifts that fill our lives.  Our proper regard for the Lord is one of praise and thanksgiving, and especially for His Son, who literally gave His whole Self and Life to humanity out of love.  Our Eucharistic gathering, in which we receive Jesus, comes from the Greek word for "thanksgiving."  How fitting.

Sometimes in our lives, even those things which we initially perceive as negative may turn out to be blessings in the end.  Even Saint Paul regarded trials as blessings in disguise!

To stop me from getting too proud, I was given a thorn in the flesh, an angel of Satan to torment me and stop me from becoming too proud! Three times I begged the Lord to make this suffering go away. But He replied, "My grace is sufficient for you. And My power is perfected in weakness." Most gladly, therefore, I will rather glory in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell within me.  Therefore I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.  (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

And so, in happy times and in sad, times of security or insecurity, health or illness, we should always offer our thanks to God, the Creator of all things.  We entrust our very lives to Him, as well as the various experiences, trials, and blessings that we encounter in our lives -- as opportunities He has given us on the walk to Heaven with Him.

We can also show our gratefulness to God -- and acknowledge our utter dependence on Him -- by offering a faithful tithe of the material blessings He gives us to share with others.  This is certainly a sacrifice, but this choice to give generously is one that: (1) recognizes our many blessings with gratitude -- not focusing on what we lack, (2) acknowledges God as the giver and the taker of gifts, (3) places ourselves in His constant care -- we give even though we ourselves may not have "everything," and (4) much like prayer, changes and conforms us to the will of Christ.  Sacrificial giving, almsgiving --which unites us spiritually to those who suffer -- is different from "excess" philanthropy, in that it has the power to truly reach lives and build faith.  When we give faithfully to Him Who does not come to check every month, we learn the value of honesty and sincerity in our dealings with others, and we can develop empathy and concern for those around us.

Practicing continual and purposeful gratefulness is also an important spiritual practice.  It's no wonder that cultivating a sense of gratitude is one of the best ways to avoid AND treat depression!  How can you be more grateful for the blessings in your life?  Perhaps start with a list on your refrigerator.  Encourage your children to also be grateful by filling in the "thankfulness tree" below.  Click and print for the handout.  We hope to see you next week!

Weekly Digest

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:

• Monday - Pro-Life Meeting (7 pm)
• Tuesday - Saint Agnes Playgroup (10:30 am), Baptism Briefing, Choir Practice and Fatima Apostolate (7 pm)
• Wednesday - Bereavement Meeting (7 pm)
• Sunday - World Marriage Day, Renewal of Vows at Noon Mass

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
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.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

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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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.

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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.

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

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!

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*

Training for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

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

Lending Library & Men's Bible Study

Happy Sunday, everyone!  Are you wondering how to learn more about your faith in between Sundays?

Check out our Lending Library at coffee hour after the 9:00 am Mass, which has a host of books on various topics of faith and spirituality.  We owe our thanks to Karen Celano for starting the library by donating many of her books to this cause.  If you have any books you would like to donate to help the library grow, just bring them to coffee hour with you!  If you would like to borrow a book, please remember to sign it out on the sheet and return it in a reasonable amount of time.

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In two weeks, Charlie Bailey will also be reaching out to the men of the parish by teaching a Men's Bible Study! 

Put it on your calendar... it is a great way to meet other men from the parish and learn a little something in the process.  Hope you can come!

Boston Sock Exchange & Saint Agnes Craft Fair

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

How do you feel about the weather today?

How do you think Boston's homeless population is feeling about the weather?

Put your faith in action!

This Saturday, February 8th 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, February 7th 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!

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Catholic Reading Wednesday & Boston Sock Exchange

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

On January 28, Pope Francis was featured on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine. The accompanying article, with the subheadline “The Times They Are A-Changin’,” indulged secular culture’s favorite theme of contrasting Pope Francis with Pope Benedict. Benedict appears as the “dour academic” with a visage like Freddy Krueger (!), a “staunch traditionalist” whose “disastrous papacy” ended with his resignation in disgrace. Francis, on the contrary, is a suave modern man, the “Bill Clinton” (!!) of the papacy, whom the author finds “surprisingly stylish. . . wearing a double-breasted white overcoat. . . all impeccably tailored.”

Superficial judgments based on appearance and insulting comparisons aside, the author of this article paints Francis as a “confounder of expectations.” Elected as a “safe” choice, Francis is now causing discomfiture among so-called “conservative” Catholics who are scrambling, in the wake of some of his comments on homosexuality and abortion, to explain that he didn’t really mean what secular audience think he means. Francis may have a different style than Benedict, but the substance of their message is the same.

The author responds to these efforts by quoting Fr. Thomas J. Reese, a “left-leaning” priest who argues that “In the Catholic Church, style is substance.” He uses the sacraments as an example: “we are a church of symbols. . . these things really matter.” To a certain degree, Reese is right: changing the symbol that conveys meaning does, indeed, subtly alter that meaning. This is why it matters that we use bread and not Ritz crackers, wine and not grape juice. But on the other hand, Reese’s metaphor is misguided: though the Mass that we celebrate today looks very different than the Mass that was celebrated in the Middle Ages, I doubt any orthodox Catholic theologian would argue that the medieval Mass had a different fundamental meaning than our Mass today. And, indeed, the whole reason why the “style” of our sacraments has changed throughout the centuries is so that their meaning could be more effectively preserved.

Other bloggers around the web have been similarly critical of the Rolling Stone’s take. Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi dismissed the article as “superficial journalism.” TheWeek’s Damon Linker points out “9 Ridiculous Claims” in the article, pointing out that secular culture, which never truly understood Church teaching, judges Benedict based on its misguided assumptions about Catholic doctrine and praises Francis for upholding what has been orthodoxy all along. A Patheos blogger expresses dismay that the secular media has not tired of beating up Benedict, but sees hope in the fact that a Pope has been able to intrigue and touch secular culture in such a widespread way. The question for Catholics, he says, is whether we can utilize Pope Francis’ celebrity to engage the world in a deeper discussion of the Church’s mission and meaning.

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On a more lighthearted note, this past month has witnessed Catholics in the Buffalo, N.Y., area organizing “flash mobs” – or “Mass mobs” – to fill pews and raise money at historic parishes where attendance has been low. Using social media to spread the word, “Mass mobbers” arrange to attend Mass as a group at a parish they’ve selected by online vote. It’s a win-win situation for everyone: participants get to experience the beauty, history, and architecture of these parishes, and the parishes themselves receive an influx of visitors and donations. At a time when so many Catholic parishes and schools are being shuttered as demographics shift and church attendance declines, it’s important for American Catholics to remember where we’ve come from, so that we can perhaps be more attentive to where we’re going.

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

How do you feel about the weather today?

How do you think Boston's homeless population is feeling about the weather?

Put your faith in action!

This Saturday, February 8th 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 on Friday night, February 7th 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!

Playgroup Activity and Baptism Briefing

Today at playgroup, we talked about our church building, the sanctuary where Christ resides in the Eucharist, and the many ways in which we learn about, and honor, God in church.  The Catholic Church has a rich history of using many multi-sensory avenues to teach the Gospel message.  Jesus himself taught through words, but also through actions of compassion, working of miracles, and on occasion, using members of his flock as symbols or examples (think of Jesus pulling a child out of the crowd to stand as a symbol of what we are spiritually called to be).

Our Church still continues in Jesus' multi-faceted example, to reach people in the many different ways that they may experience God.  In church, we might imagine deeply as we stare at a stained-glass window or statue, we smell sweet incense offered to the Lord, we sing and hear songs, we embrace one another at the kiss of peace, we practice different spiritual postures, and we taste the Lord in the Eucharist.  Our Catholic sacraments also richly involve the world of symbolism and the senses.

This week, try doing a hands-on activity with your child, such as making a chalice out of playdough, painting a picture, or using popsicle sticks to build a "church."  You can also 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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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:

• Tuesday - Saint Agnes Playgroup (10:30 am), Baptism Briefing, Choir Practice and Fatima Apostolate (7 pm)
• Wednesday - Bereavement Meeting (7 pm)
• Thursday - First Friday Confessions (4 pm)
• Friday  - First Friday Adoration (all day, Benediction at 5:00, Mass at 5:30), First Friday Playgroup (10:30 am), Prep for Boston Sock Exchange (7 pm)
• Saturday - Boston Sock Exchange (Park Street T-stop, 11 am)
• Monday - Pro-Life Meeting (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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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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This Friday, February 7th, is the first Friday of the month.  On Thursday, February 6th, from 4:00-5:00 pm, there will be the opportunity for confession in the lower church.  On Friday, Saint Agnes will be offering all-day Adoration, concluding with Benediction and Mass at 5:00/5:30pm, in the lower church. Also at noon there will be a Holy Hour to pray for priests and victims of clergy sexual abuse. Adoration is a wonderful opportunity to spend some quiet time with the Lord and gain some focus in our lives - especially with all the busy distractions of daily life. For more background on the long tradition of keeping a First Friday devotion, look here or here.

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

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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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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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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.  Click here for a vendor registration form.

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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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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.

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Training for Catechesis of the Good Shepherd

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