Weekly Digest

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:

• Tuesday - Family Playgroup (10:30 am)
• Thursday - First Friday Confessions (4:00 pm)
• Friday  - First Friday Adoration (all day, Benediction at 5:00, Mass at 5:30)
• Saturday  - Confessions (3:00 pm)
• Monday, August 4 - Anointing of the Sick Mass (9 am at Saint Eulalia's)

Saint Agnes Family Playgroup - CHECK BEFORE YOU LEAVE!

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

This Tuesday, July 29th, we will meet at Lussiano Field (143 Everett St., Arlington MA).  This park has a fun play area, basketball courts, and sand boxes.  Please bring your OWN picnic lunch, and join us. We hope to see you there!

**NOTE THAT our outdoor summer schedule is highly dependent on good weather. If the weather seems questionable, please check your email or the blog page before you leave for playgroup. In case of rain, playgroup will be cancelled for the day. Thanks!**

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This Friday, August 1st, is the first Friday of the month.  On Thursday, July 31st, 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. There is no First Friday playgroup in August.

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Children's Way of the Cross

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

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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 [at] ProjectRachelBoston.com or 508-651-3100.  All inquiries are confidential.

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

FIDELITY HOUSE - Preschool and Pre-K

SAINT AGNES GRAMMAR SCHOOL - Pre-K through Grade 8

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

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

in the evangelical mission and service of these community resources,

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

Financial Aid is available.  WOW!

Men's Bible Study Tonight!

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 is held 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!

Men's Night Out Tonight!

Here's a friendly reminder that tonight, July 24th, is Men's Night.  Join other Catholic men from the parish for a low-key gathering, games (think: Settlers of Catan) and food.  The host's address will not be published publicly online, however if you are interested in joining us, please email Hudelson [at] gmail.com.  Bring a drink or food to share.  We will start at 7 pm. Hope you can join us!

Weekly Digest

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:

• Tuesday - Family Playgroup (10:30 am)
• Wednesday - Community Catechesis (7:00 pm)
• Thursday - Men's Night Out (7:00 pm)
• Saturday  - Confessions (3:00 pm)
• Monday, July 28th - Men's Bible Study (7:30 pm)

Saint Agnes Family Playgroup - CHECK BEFORE YOU LEAVE!

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

This Tuesday, July 22nd, we will meet at Arsenal Park (561 Arsenal St., Watertown MA).  This park has a sprinkler fountain, as well as a fun play area.  You may want to bring swimsuits and towels, SUNSCREEN, a picnic lunch, and join us. We hope to see you there!

**NOTE THAT our outdoor summer schedule is highly dependent on good weather. If the weather seems questionable, please check your email or the blog page before you leave for playgroup. In case of rain, playgroup will be cancelled for the day. Thanks!**

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Men's Night Out

Join other Catholic men from the parish this Thursday, July 24th for a low-key gathering, games (think: Settlers of Catan) and food.  The host's address will not be published publicly online, however if you are interested in joining us, please email Hudelson [at] gmail.com.  Bring a drink or food to share.  We will start at 7 pm.  Hope you can join us!

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Children's Way of the Cross

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

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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 [at] ProjectRachelBoston.com or 508-651-3100.  All inquiries are confidential.

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

FIDELITY HOUSE - Preschool and Pre-K

SAINT AGNES GRAMMAR SCHOOL - Pre-K through Grade 8

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

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

in the evangelical mission and service of these community resources,

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

Financial Aid is available.  WOW!

Respect Life at Saint Agnes

How can we be PRO-life every day?

By maintaining a positive attitude towards others,

appreciating the unique person that God has created in each individual,

reaching out in kindness and compassion,

praying for the unborn, disabled and elderly,

and giving alms to the poor, marginalized, and vulnerable in our society.

“Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for Me.”Matthew 25:40

Do you like to Run (or walk?)

Calling all runners and walkers… have you heard of the national organization LIFE Runners? It is the world’s largest Pro-Life Running/Walking Team with chapters in all 50 states and 17 countries! LIFE Runners pray and run (or walk) to defend Life from conception to natural death… All in Christ for Pro-Life! There are two chapters in Massachusetts (Springfield and Still River), but no Boston area chapter yet. Would you be interested in starting a Boston area chapter of LIFE Runners? E-mail SAParishforLife [at] gmail.com or call Eileen Cahill at 781-643-5915. This would be a great way for all ages in our parish and our community to work and pray together to support God’s gift of life.

“All life has inestimable value even the weakest and most vulnerable, the sick, the old, the unborn and the poor, are masterpieces of God’s creation, made in his own image, destined to live forever, and deserving of the utmost reverence and respect.”

-Pope Francis

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LOCAL Natural Family Planning

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 fall in Arlington. Only a few spots are left! Email Meredith.Phelps [at] gmail.com for details.

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Project Rachel
Project Rachel is a confidential Catholic outreach ministry offering healing, compassion and hope to women and men hurting from an abortion experience. People are available to listen, to answer questions, to pray for you, and to help in any way. Project Rachel can help begin the experience of forgiveness, freedom and peace waiting for you in the tender embrace of God’s love and mercy. The phone number for Project Rachel is 508-651-3100, email is help [at] ProjectRachelBoston.com, and the website is www.ProjectRachelBoston.com.  All inquiries are confidential.

Parish Campout FOOD Packing

We are getting really excited for our the Saint Agnes Parish Summer Campout!  The dates of the camping trip are July 18-20th in Greenfield, NH.  The good news about this is that Greenfield is only 90 minutes from Arlington, so an easy daytrip if you can only come on Saturday.  Check here for more details, complete the sign-up form, and JOIN US!

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

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

Looking forward to it!

Weekly Digest

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:

• Monday  - Saint Agnes Respect Life Group (7:00 pm), Men's Bible Study (7:30 pm)
• Tuesday - Family Playgroup (10:30 am)
• Friday - Sunday  - Saint Agnes Parish Campout (Greenfield, NH)
• Sunday - Baptisms (2:00 pm)
• Monday, July 21st - Fidelity House Vin Culhane Golf Tournament

Saint Agnes Family Playgroup - CHECK BEFORE YOU LEAVE!

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

This Tuesday, July 15th, we will enjoy some summer freedom to go on a field trip with the kids!  We will be heading to historical Walden Pond (915 Walden St., Concord MA).  We can go swimming, enjoy a picnic, and take a short hike.  We will meet at 10:30 am AT THE BEACH.  Feel free to bring SUNSCREEN, HATS, a picnic lunch, and join us. We hope to see you there!

**NOTE THAT our outdoor summer schedule is highly dependent on good weather. If the weather seems questionable, please check your email or the blog page before you leave for playgroup. In case of rain, playgroup will be cancelled for the day. Thanks!**

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

Children's Way of the Cross

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

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

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 [at] ProjectRachelBoston.com or 508-651-3100.  All inquiries are confidential.

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

FIDELITY HOUSE - Preschool and Pre-K

SAINT AGNES GRAMMAR SCHOOL - Pre-K through Grade 8

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

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

in the evangelical mission and service of these community resources,

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

Financial Aid is available.  WOW!

Men's Bible Study 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 is held 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!

Children in Church Matter

I have heard people say they wish children would behave in church. It's true - children should learn how to behave with reverence in Church, to learn about the Mass and God's deep love for them. But leaving rambunctious children at home will not accomplish that.  The way children learn is to come to Church, make mistakes, be corrected by their parents, and try again. Not to mention... they may get something out of Mass that you as an adult don't expect!  Bringing your kids to church really matters. It builds their faith, it can build your faith, and the faith of those around you. Here is a beautiful article published in the Huffington Post. Read it and remember it - and enjoy Mass tomorrow!

Dear Parents With Young Children in Church,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Boston Sock Exchange this Weekend!

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

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, July 12th 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, July 11th 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 need to be at least 7 years old, and those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

The Boston Sock Exchange is currently in need of small 8 oz. bottled water, SOCKS, t-shirts, long sleeved-shirts.  We also need rain gear: ponchos and umbrellas.  Thank you!

Mom's Night In & Parish Campout Packing

Here's a friendly reminder that Mom's-Night-In is tonight: THURSDAY, July 10th

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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We are getting really excited for our the Saint Agnes Parish Summer Campout!  The dates of the camping trip are July 18-20th in Greenfield, NH.  The good news about this is that Greenfield is only 90 minutes from Arlington, so an easy daytrip if you can only come on Saturday.  Check here for more details, complete the sign-up form, and JOIN US!

Now... to get started on preparations... here is the beginning of a sample packing list.  Of course, each family will have their specific needs, but it is meant to help you plan and avoid last minute brain-overload-meltdown.  Do you have suggestions to add to the list?  Please post a comment, or email SaintAgnesFamilies [at] gmail.com.

Remember that due to concerns of bringing invasive beetle species to non-native areas, YOU MAY NOT BRING FIREWOOD INTO THE PARK!  Firewood must be gathered at the park, or purchased from the Ranger Station.

Looking forward to it!

Parish Campout is in 10 Days!

The time is drawing near for the Saint Agnes Parish Campout NEXT weekend.  Here is one of your last chances to sign up!  After this, I will post a little more about packing and NOT about sign-ups.  Can you join us?  Make plans now!

SECOND ANNUAL SAINT AGNES CAMPOUT

July 18-20, 2014

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

Details:

1. When you make plans to come, please use this form, so we can keep track of how many people and WHO we are expecting to meet at the park! Ultimately, I will need everyone to fill out this form, so I have names and numbers in case of any emergency. So go ahead and fill it out ASAP.


2. The dates for this camping trip are July 18-20. We will plan to camp at Greenfield State Park in Greenfield, NH - about an hour-and-a-half drive from Arlington. This park has come highly recommended as a fun and easy park for family camping. The park features camping (with toilets/showers), hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and a camp store.

3. Make your reservations now! To get more information on the park, see: http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/greenfield-state-park.aspx

Reservations are through Reserve America, and can be found here.  We will try to cluster our group around campsite #44 on the small loop near Beaver Pond.  A map is here.

• There are no cabins. You can bring a tent, rent a tent from REI, borrow a tent from a friend, or make a tent (boyscouts anyone?). Cost for a campsite per night is $25 + a small processing fee. This is for two adults and their dependent children. If you plan on bringing a pet, please read the park's pet policy VERY CAREFULLY and be sure to reserve a site which allows pets... since most sites prohibit pets.
• Greenfield State Park Ranger "Harry" was extremely generous to answer my many questions over the phone. He is friendly and helpful, and I can't wait to stay at his park!  Ranger Harry recommends the "Small Loop," sites 26-64 for families with small children, because it is a loop with little traffic and close walking distances.  For the most fun together, try to cluster our reservations around campsite #44.
• This is our second ever Saint Agnes Family Group camping trip. It is meant to build community and friendships that will serve as an organic support network for people in our parish, as well as encourage you to give back to the community in the way you feel called.
  Together, we will take on the great adventure of family camping! While we are really excited about this, we are using the good old KISS rule - Keep it Simple, Stupid. Therefore, we will distribute information about the campground, and a rough schedule of breakfast / activities / dinner / Sunday Masses, etc. However, each family will be primarily responsible for their own specific plans and accommodations. If you don't want to stay both nights - that's cool - come when you can. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for your own travel schedule, camping trip, camping gear, CAMPING FOOD, camping survival (hehe). We will not be caravanning or providing transportation. We will meet you there!

I will be happy to answer questions, post camping tips, attempt to anticipate concerns, etc. Feel free to contact me with questions at saintagnesfamilies [at] gmail.com. See you there!

Weekly Digest

Welcome everyone!
This week at the parish:

• Monday  - Anointing of the Sick Mass (9:00 am at Saint Eulalia)
• Tuesday - Family Playgroup (10:30 am)
• Thursday - Mom's Night In (7:00 pm)
• Friday - Prep for Boston Sock Exchange (7:00 pm)
• Saturday - Boston Sock Exchange (11 am), Confessions (3 pm)
• Monday, July 14 - Men's Bible Study (7:30  pm)

Boston Sock Exchange - REALLY NEEDS HELP THIS WEEKEND!

This Saturday, July 12th 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, July 11th 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 small 8 oz. bottled water, SOCKS, t-shirts, long sleeved-shirts.  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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Saint Agnes Family Playgroup - CHECK BEFORE YOU LEAVE!

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

This Tuesday, July 8th, we will enjoy some summer freedom to go on a field trip with the kids!  We will be heading down to Ward's Berry Farm (614 South Main St., Sharon MA). This farm has a great PYO Blueberry field, in addition to some small play equipment for the kids and some 4-H animals. For up-to-date info on picking conditions and prices, see: http://www.wardsberryfarm.com/PYO_blueberry.html.  We will meet at 10:30 am AT THE SAND PIT, TO THE SIDE OF THE STOREFRONT. Feel free to bring SUNSCREEN, HATS, a picnic lunch, and join us. We hope to see you there!

**NOTE THAT our outdoor summer schedule is highly dependent on good weather. If the weather seems questionable, please check your email or the blog page before you leave for playgroup. In case of rain, playgroup will be cancelled for the day. Thanks!**

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Mom's Night In - THURSDAY, July 10th 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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Children's Way of the Cross

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

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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 [at] ProjectRachelBoston.com or 508-651-3100.  All inquiries are confidential.

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

FIDELITY HOUSE - Preschool and Pre-K

SAINT AGNES GRAMMAR SCHOOL - Pre-K through Grade 8

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

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

in the evangelical mission and service of these community resources,

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

Financial Aid is available.  WOW!

Check it Out!! Diocesan Youth Programs

Faith Formation of Youth and Young Adults Summer Programs

To register go to http://www.one4boston.org/cyogolf

To register go to http://www.one4boston.org/witness-to-truth

To register go to http://www.one4boston.org/harbor-cruises-2014

To register go to http://www.one4boston.org/witness-to-hope

What are you doing this summer?

What are you doing this summer?  Consider putting some of these opportunities on your calendar!

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 [at] gmail.com

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Are your relatives calling you?  They want 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*

Details:

1. If you know you are coming (or when you decide you are coming), please use this form, so we can keep track of how many people and WHO we are expecting to meet at the park! Ultimately, I will need everyone to fill out this form, so I have names and numbers in case of any emergency. So go ahead and fill it out ASAP.


2. The dates for this camping trip are July 18-20. We will plan to camp at Greenfield State Park in Greenfield, NH - about an hour-and-a-half drive from Arlington. This park has come highly recommended as a fun and easy park for family camping. The park features camping (with toilets/showers), hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and a camp store.

3. Make your reservations now! To get more information on the park, see: http://www.nhstateparks.org/explore/state-parks/greenfield-state-park.aspx

Reservations are through Reserve America, and can be found here.  We will try to cluster our group around campsite #44 on the small loop near Beaver Pond.  A map is here.

• There are no cabins. You can bring a tent, rent a tent from REI, borrow a tent from a friend, or make a tent (boyscouts anyone?). Cost for a campsite per night is $25 + a small processing fee. This is for two adults and their dependent children. If you plan on bringing a pet, please read the park's pet policy VERY CAREFULLY and be sure to reserve a site which allows pets... since most sites prohibit pets.
• Greenfield State Park Ranger "Harry" was extremely generous to answer my many questions over the phone. He is friendly and helpful, and I can't wait to stay at his park!  Ranger Harry recommends the "Small Loop," sites 26-64 for families with small children, because it is a loop with little traffic and close walking distances.  For the most fun together, try to cluster our reservations around campsite #44.
• This is our second ever Saint Agnes Family Group camping trip. It is meant to build community and friendships that will serve as an organic support network for people in our parish, as well as encourage you to give back to the community in the way you feel called.
  Together, we will take on the great adventure of family camping! While we are really excited about this, we are using the good old KISS rule - Keep it Simple, Stupid. Therefore, we will distribute information about the campground, and a rough schedule of breakfast / activities / dinner / Sunday Masses, etc. However, each family will be primarily responsible for their own specific plans and accommodations. If you don't want to stay both nights - that's cool - come when you can. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE for your own camping trip, camping gear, CAMPING FOOD, camping survival (hehe). We will not be caravanning or providing transportation. We will meet you there!

I will be happy to answer questions, post camping tips, attempt to anticipate concerns, etc. Feel free to contact me with questions at saintagnesfamilies [at] gmail.com. See you there!

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As you make arrangements for the summer, make sure you check out our own awesome parish resource - Fidelity House!

Fidelity House offers many community summer youth programs including day camps, a summer preschool program, sports camps, and Full Day Programs!  They also have adult leagues, and a certified preschool and Pre-K that have open enrollment and start in the fall!

For more information, visit www.FidelityHouse.org

Baptism Catechesis 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 Catechesis prior to having your child baptized.

Baptism Catechesis happens once a month, and you can go to one tonight! The 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!