Wednesday: Explore Laudato Si!

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Hello everyone!  The joy of Jesus' resurrection at Easter is here!  Through His own plan of Salvation History, God has made all things new (Revelations, chapter 21).  Pope Francis is reminding us that as Christians, there's no time like the present to cast off our old selves and begin anew.  Continuing with our weekly excerpts of the pope's most recent encyclical, "Laudato Si" is posted here - so that we can all learn, digest, pray and discern one snippet at a time.  Come Holy Spirit, teach us and guide us, and may Your Will be done!

IV. THE MESSAGE OF EACH CREATURE IN THE HARMONY OF CREATION
84. Our insistence that each human being is an image of God should not make us overlook the fact that each creature has its own purpose. None is superfluous. The entire material universe speaks of God’s love, his boundless affection for us. Soil, water, mountains: everything is, as it were, a caress of God. The history of our friendship with God is always linked to particular places which take on an intensely personal meaning; we all remember places, and revisiting those memories does us much good. Anyone who has grown up in the hills or used to sit by the spring to drink, or played outdoors in the neighbourhood square; going back to these places is a chance to recover something of their true selves.


85. God has written a precious book, “whose letters are the multitude of created things present in the universe”.[54] The Canadian bishops rightly pointed out that no creature is excluded from this manifestation of God: “From panoramic vistas to the tiniest living form, nature is a constant source of wonder and awe. It is also a continuing revelation of the divine”.[55] The bishops of Japan, for their part, made a thought-provoking observation: “To sense each creature singing the hymn of its existence is to live joyfully in God’s love and hope”.[56] This contemplation of creation allows us to discover in each thing a teaching which God wishes to hand on to us, since “for the believer, to contemplate creation is to hear a message, to listen to a paradoxical and silent voice”.[57] We can say that “alongside revelation properly so-called, contained in sacred Scripture, there is a divine manifestation in the blaze of the sun and the fall of night”.[58] Paying attention to this manifestation, we learn to see ourselves in relation to all other creatures: “I express myself in expressing the world; in my effort to decipher the sacredness of the world, I explore my own”.[59]

86. The universe as a whole, in all its manifold relationships, shows forth the inexhaustible riches of God. Saint Thomas Aquinas wisely noted that multiplicity and variety “come from the intention of the first agent” who willed that “what was wanting to one in the representation of the divine goodness might be supplied by another”,[60] inasmuch as God’s goodness “could not be represented fittingly by any one creature”.[61] Hence we need to grasp the variety of things in their multiple relationships.[62] We understand better the importance and meaning of each creature if we contemplate it within the entirety of God’s plan. As the Catechism teaches: “God wills the interdependence of creatures. The sun and the moon, the cedar and the little flower, the eagle and the sparrow: the spectacle of their countless diversities and inequalities tells us that no creature is self-sufficient. Creatures exist only in dependence on each other, to complete each other, in the service of each other”.[63]

87. When we can see God reflected in all that exists, our hearts are moved to praise the Lord for all his creatures and to worship him in union with them. This sentiment finds magnificent expression in the hymn of Saint Francis of Assisi:

Praised be you, my Lord, with all your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
who is the day and through whom you give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour;
and bears a likeness of you, Most High.
Praised be you, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars,
in heaven you formed them clear and precious and beautiful.
Praised be you, my Lord, through Brother Wind,
and through the air, cloudy and serene, and every kind of weather
through whom you give sustenance to your creatures.
Praised be you, my Lord, through Sister Water,
who is very useful and humble and precious and chaste.
Praised be you, my Lord, through Brother Fire,
through whom you light the night,
and he is beautiful and playful and robust and strong”.[64]


88. The bishops of Brazil have pointed out that nature as a whole not only manifests God but is also a locus of his presence. The Spirit of life dwells in every living creature and calls us to enter into relationship with him.[65] Discovering this presence leads us to cultivate the “ecological virtues”.[66] This is not to forget that there is an infinite distance between God and the things of this world, which do not possess his fullness. Otherwise, we would not be doing the creatures themselves any good either, for we would be failing to acknowledge their right and proper place. We would end up unduly demanding of them something which they, in their smallness, cannot give us.

Weekly Digest

Monday, March 28, 2016

Welcome, EVERYONE!
Here's the lineup for the week at the Parish:
  • Monday - Baptism Catechesis (7 pm - this is not the usual time or day, and is a singular exception)
  • Tuesday - Family Playgroup (10:30 am), Fatima Apostolate (7 pm)
  • Thursday - First Friday Confessions (4 pm), Saint Dymphna Society (6:30 pm)
  • Friday - First Friday Adoration (all day, Benediction at 5:00, Mass at 5:30 pm)
  • Saturday - Mass of Anointing (12 noon), Altar Server Training (1 pm), Confessions (3 pm), 10K Raffle for Saint Agnes School (7 pm)
  • Sunday - Coffee and Donuts (after 9 am Mass), Adult Choir (10:30 am Mass), Infant Baptisms (2 pm)
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Saint Agnes Family Playgroup
The Saint Agnes Family group holds weekly Tuesday playgroups outdoors at nearby parks. We start at 10:30 am (but sometimes moms run late). You are welcome to join us! You can find the spring playgroup schedule here, or by clicking the link at the upper left of the blog home page.

This Tuesday, March 29th, we will meet at Hibbert Street Playground (115 Hibbert St., Arlington).  This park has been rebuilt and looks beautiful.  Let's explore it together.  Bring a picnic lunch and join us!

**NOTE THAT our outdoor play 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 or weather below 32 degrees, playgroup will be cancelled for the day. Thanks!**


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Mass of Anointing
Saint Agnes Parish Mass of Anointing and Luncheon will be celebrated on Saturday, April 2nd at 12:00 noon. Volunteers are needed as drivers, nurses, greeters, hosts/hostesses and people to make/donate sandwiches and desserts. If you are donating sandwiches or dessert, please let us know what and how many you will donate. You may deliver your donations before the luncheon on Saturday by noon. Thank you for your kindness. If you can help, or if you would like to attend and need transportation, please call the Parish Center at 781-648-0220 before Wednesday, March 30.

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First Friday Adoration

This Friday, April 1st, is the first Friday of the month. On Thursday, March 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.


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Altar Servers
All parish youth currently in Grades 4+ are invited to join the Parish Altar Server Program. Assignments are for approximately two Masses per month. Instruction sessions, lasting one hour each, are at 1:00 pm in the Lower Church on Saturdays: March 19, March 26, April 2, and April 9. The Server Installation Mass will be on Sunday, April 10 at the 9:00 am Family Mass. If you have any questions, please call Michael Keiselbach at 781-646-0475.



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Our parish's Saint Agnes School is holding their upcoming


$10K ELIMINIATION RAFFLE AND DINNER!
April 2, 2016 at 7:00 pm


Would you like to join in the fun night with another couple? 


*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
FALL 2016 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR OUR WONDERFUL PARISH SCHOOLS!
FIDELITY HOUSE - Preschool and Pre-K
SAINT AGNES GRAMMAR SCHOOL - Pre-K through Grade 8
ARLINGTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
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!

Holy Week Digest

Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Welcome everyone - it's holy Week, remembering the Passion and Death of our Lord, and concluding in the joy of the Resurrected Christ on Easter!!

This week at the parish:

  • Tuesday - Family Playgroup (10:30 am), Confessions (3:30 pm), Fatima Apostolate (7 pm)
  • Wednesday - Confessions  (6:30-8:00 pm), Bereavement Meeting (7 pm)
  • Holy Thursday - Please see schedule below
  • Good Friday - Please see schedule below
  • Holy Saturday  - Please see schedule below, Altar Server Training (1 pm)
  • EASTER SUNDAY - Please see schedule below, Egg Hunt, Coffee and Donuts (after 9:00 am Mass), Adult Choir (10:30 am Mass)
Holy Week Schedule at Saint Agnes:

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Saint Agnes Family Playgroup
The Saint Agnes Family group holds weekly Tuesday playgroups outdoors at nearby parks. We start at 10:30 am (but sometimes moms run late). You are welcome to join us! You can find the spring playgroup schedule here, or by clicking the link at the upper left of the blog home page.

This Tuesday, March 22nd, we will meet at Hill's Hill Park (422 Summer St., Arlington), near the Ed Burns arena, at 10:30 am.  This park has a great play area, and is also located right next to the bike path, for a good walk with a stroller or scooters.  Bring a picnic lunch and join us in the sunshine!

**NOTE THAT our outdoor play 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 or weather below 32 degrees, playgroup will be cancelled for the day. Thanks!**


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Saint Agnes Children's Choir

Are you children interested in singing in the Children's Choir at Saint Agnes?  The children sing about once per month, and the printable schedule is posted here.  Encouraging your kids to be involved in the Mass is a wonderful way to foster their joy!  It also (helps) them to pay attention and to make new friends at church.  Join us!

More information and schedules can be found at the Music Ministry Website, www.AgnesMusic.net, or by emailing Michael Vaughan (mrv2022 [at] gmail.com).


*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Children's Way of the Cross
The children of Saint Agnes Parish will present the Living Stations of the Cross on Good Friday at Noon.This is a cherished tradition of the parish for the past 20 years. We invite all children in grades 3-8 to participate in this program, which requires attendance at 2 rehearsals (Sunday March 20, and Tuesday March 22) as well as participation on Good Friday, March 25. If your child is interested, please contact Tricia Sheehan at 781-648-7709.



*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Altar Servers
All parish youth currently in Grades 4+ are invited to join the Parish Altar Server Program. Assignments are for approximately two Masses per month. Instruction sessions, lasting one hour each, are at 1:00 pm in the Lower Church on Saturdays: March 19, March 26, April 2, and April 9. The Server Installation Mass will be on Sunday, April 10 at the 9:00 am Family Mass. If you have any questions, please call Michael Keiselbach at 781-646-0475.


*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Mass of Anointing
Saint Agnes Parish Mass of Anointing and Luncheon will be celebrated on Saturday, April 2nd at 12:00 noon. Volunteers are needed as drivers, nurses, greeters, hosts/hostesses and people to make/donate sandwiches and desserts. If you are donating sandwiches or dessert, please let us know what and how many you will donate. You may deliver your donations before the luncheon on Saturday by noon. Thank you for your kindness. If you can help, or if you would like to attend and need transportation, please call the Parish Center at 781-648-0220 before Wednesday, March 30.



*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Our parish's Saint Agnes School is holding their upcoming

$10K ELIMINIATION RAFFLE AND DINNER!
April 2, 2016 at 7:00 pm

Would you like to join in the fun night with another couple? 


*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
FALL 2016 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR OUR WONDERFUL PARISH SCHOOLS!
FIDELITY HOUSE - Preschool and Pre-K
SAINT AGNES GRAMMAR SCHOOL - Pre-K through Grade 8
ARLINGTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
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!

Saturday for Teens: Music!

Sunday, March 20, 2016

Speaking personally, modern Christian music changed my life of faith forever. While the Holy Spirit did all the hard work on my heart, for me, music was the vehicle of conversion that helped me to fall in love with Christ, and launched me into an adult life in which I wanted to live boldly as a Catholic Christian! My husband chuckles, but music continues to be a way into my heart today.

So, I humbly share with you a piece of my heart!  For the teens at Saint Agnes, maybe you will find a new artist who inspires you, a song that is relevant, or a hymn that reminds you to pray during a difficult moment.  Only the Holy Spirit can know what difference it might make to you!

Easter is almost here!  But first, the great story of Holy Week has yet to unfold. This week is filled with beautiful liturgies of the Church which are not held during any other time of our calendar. The Mass of the Lord's Supper and Easter Vigil are two amazing Masses that tell the story of our faith in a unique way.  If you have never been - consider going this year with an open heart!  And, if you haven't yet been to confession in Lent, take seriously a chance to go before Easter arrives.  Saint Agnes has confessions on Tuesday, March 22nd at 3:30 pm, and again Wednesday, March 23rd at 6:30 pm.  In fact, every church in the diocese has confessions on Wednesday evening as part of the Light is On for You program!

Pope Francis has given our Universal Church a great gift by stressing the reality of God's mercy, and with it, the abundance of His forgiveness.  No one can call themselves a Christian without a very real understanding of themselves as a sinner, as well as the ocean of God's mercy which is extended in a very personal way to each one of us. This self-awareness of receiving God's mercy is what motivates Christians to love others as God has loved them, including extending forgiveness and mercy in abundance of 70x7 (Matthew 18:21-22). Confession often intimidates people, but enjoying the freedom of God's mercy is unmatched!


Wednesday: Explore Laudato Si!

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Hello everyone!  The joy of Jesus' resurrection at Easter is nearly here.  Through His own plan of Salvation History, God makes all things new (Revelations, chapter 21).  Pope Francis is reminding us that as Christians, there's no time like the present to cast off our old selves and begin anew.  Continuing with our weekly excerpts of the pope's most recent encyclical, "Laudato Si" is posted here - so that we can all learn, digest, pray and discern one snippet at a time.  Come Holy Spirit, teach us and guide us, and may Your Will be done!

III. THE MYSTERY OF THE UNIVERSE
76. In the Judaeo-Christian tradition, the word “creation” has a broader meaning than “nature”, for it has to do with God’s loving plan in which every creature has its own value and significance. Nature is usually seen as a system which can be studied, understood and controlled, whereas creation can only be understood as a gift from the outstretched hand of the Father of all, and as a reality illuminated by the love which calls us together into universal communion.

77. “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made” (Ps 33:6). This tells us that the world came about as the result of a decision, not from chaos or chance, and this exalts it all the more. The creating word expresses a free choice. The universe did not emerge as the result of arbitrary omnipotence, a show of force or a desire for self-assertion. Creation is of the order of love. God’s love is the fundamental moving force in all created things: “For you love all things that exist, and detest none of the things that you have made; for you would not have made anything if you had hated it” (Wis 11:24). Every creature is thus the object of the Father’s tenderness, who gives it its place in the world. Even the fleeting life of the least of beings is the object of his love, and in its few seconds of existence, God enfolds it with his affection. Saint Basil the Great described the Creator as “goodness without measure”,[44] while Dante Alighieri spoke of “the love which moves the sun and the stars”.[45] Consequently, we can ascend from created things “to the greatness of God and to his loving mercy”.[46]

78. At the same time, Judaeo-Christian thought demythologized nature. While continuing to admire its grandeur and immensity, it no longer saw nature as divine. In doing so, it emphasizes all the more our human responsibility for nature. This rediscovery of nature can never be at the cost of the freedom and responsibility of human beings who, as part of the world, have the duty to cultivate their abilities in order to protect it and develop its potential. If we acknowledge the value and the fragility of nature and, at the same time, our God-given abilities, we can finally leave behind the modern myth of unlimited material progress. A fragile world, entrusted by God to human care, challenges us to devise intelligent ways of directing, developing and limiting our power.

79. In this universe, shaped by open and intercommunicating systems, we can discern countless forms of relationship and participation. This leads us to think of the whole as open to God’s transcendence, within which it develops. Faith allows us to interpret the meaning and the mysterious beauty of what is unfolding. We are free to apply our intelligence towards things evolving positively, or towards adding new ills, new causes of suffering and real setbacks. This is what makes for the excitement and drama of human history, in which freedom, growth, salvation and love can blossom, or lead towards decadence and mutual destruction. The work of the Church seeks not only to remind everyone of the duty to care for nature, but at the same time “she must above all protect mankind from self-destruction”.[47]


80. Yet God, who wishes to work with us and who counts on our cooperation, can also bring good out of the evil we have done. “The Holy Spirit can be said to possess an infinite creativity, proper to the divine mind, which knows how to loosen the knots of human affairs, including the most complex and inscrutable”.[48] Creating a world in need of development, God in some way sought to limit himself in such a way that many of the things we think of as evils, dangers or sources of suffering, are in reality part of the pains of childbirth which he uses to draw us into the act of cooperation with the Creator.[49] God is intimately present to each being, without impinging on the autonomy of his creature, and this gives rise to the rightful autonomy of earthly affairs.[50] His divine presence, which ensures the subsistence and growth of each being, “continues the work of creation”.[51] The Spirit of God has filled the universe with possibilities and therefore, from the very heart of things, something new can always emerge: “Nature is nothing other than a certain kind of art, namely God’s art, impressed upon things, whereby those things are moved to a determinate end. It is as if a shipbuilder were able to give timbers the wherewithal to move themselves to take the form of a ship”.[52]


81. Human beings, even if we postulate a process of evolution, also possess a uniqueness which cannot be fully explained by the evolution of other open systems. Each of us has his or her own personal identity and is capable of entering into dialogue with others and with God himself. Our capacity to reason, to develop arguments, to be inventive, to interpret reality and to create art, along with other not yet discovered capacities, are signs of a uniqueness which transcends the spheres of physics and biology. The sheer novelty involved in the emergence of a personal being within a material universe presupposes a direct action of God and a particular call to life and to relationship on the part of a “Thou” who addresses himself to another “thou”. The biblical accounts of creation invite us to see each human being as a subject who can never be reduced to the status of an object.

82. Yet it would also be mistaken to view other living beings as mere objects subjected to arbitrary human domination. When nature is viewed solely as a source of profit and gain, this has serious consequences for society. This vision of “might is right” has engendered immense inequality, injustice and acts of violence against the majority of humanity, since resources end up in the hands of the first comer or the most powerful: the winner takes all. Completely at odds with this model are the ideals of harmony, justice, fraternity and peace as proposed by Jesus. As he said of the powers of his own age: “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you; but whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Mt 20:25-26).

83. The ultimate destiny of the universe is in the fullness of God, which has already been attained by the risen Christ, the measure of the maturity of all things.[53] Here we can add yet another argument for rejecting every tyrannical and irresponsible domination of human beings over other creatures. The ultimate purpose of other creatures is not to be found in us. Rather, all creatures are moving forward with us and through us towards a common point of arrival, which is God, in that transcendent fullness where the risen Christ embraces and illumines all things. Human beings, endowed with intelligence and love, and drawn by the fullness of Christ, are called to lead all creatures back to their Creator.

Weekly Digest

Monday, March 14, 2016

Welcome, EVERYONE!
Here's the lineup for the week at the Parish:
  • Monday - Sodality of our Lady (3 pm), Respect Life Meeting (7 pm)
  • Tuesday - Family Playgroup (10:30 am), Fatima Apostolate (7 pm), Choir Practice (7 pm)
  • Wednesday - The Light is on for You: Confessions (6:30-8:00 pm), Arlington Catholic Women's Club (7:15 pm)
  • Thursday - Happy Saint Patrick's Day!
  • Friday - LIFT Worship in Quincy (7 pm)
  • Saturday 40 Days for Life Prayer (7 am, meet in parking lot at 6:30 am), Altar Server Training (1 pm), Confessions (3 pm)
  • PALM SUNDAY, Beginning of Holy Week - Children's Choir Practice and Mass (arrive 8:15 am), Coffee and Donuts (after 9 am Mass), Adult Choir (10:30 am Mass), 40 Days for Life Prayer Hour (2 pm, meet in parking lot at 1:20 pm)
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Saint Agnes Family Playgroup
There is NO PLAYGROUP TODAY, Tuesday March 15 - due to the rainy weather.  We hope you can join us next week, when a new schedule will be posted.

The Saint Agnes Family group holds weekly Tuesday playgroups outdoors at nearby parks. We start at 10:30 am (but sometimes moms run late). You are welcome to join us! You can find the winter playgroup schedule here, or by clicking the link at the upper left of the blog home page.

**NOTE THAT our outdoor winter 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 or weather below 30 degrees, playgroup will be cancelled for the day. Thanks!**

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
40 Days for Life
Saint Agnes will be participating in the 40 Days for Life campaign in Boston, February 10 - March 20th! 40 Days for Life is a community-based campaign that draws attention to the evils of abortion through the use of prayer and fasting, prayer vigil, and community outreach. 40 Days for Life takes a determined, peaceful approach to showing local communities the consequences of abortion in their own neighborhoods, for their own friends and families.

Please join Saint Agnes Parishioners for Life as we participate in 40 Days for Life this fall! Saint Agnes will be leading a rosary hour each  Saturday morning from 7-8 am, and Sunday afternoon from 2:00-3:00 pm at Planned Parenthood in Boston during the campaign. For carpooling, we will meet at 6:30 am or 1:30 pm (respectively) in the public parking lot adjacent to Saint Agnes Church. If you have any questions, please e-mail Eileen Cahill (SAParishforLife [at] gmail.com).


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


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Saint Agnes Children's Choir

Are you children interested in singing in the Children's Choir at Saint Agnes?  The children sing about once per month, and the printable schedule is posted here.  Encouraging your kids to be involved in the Mass is a wonderful way to foster their joy!  It also (helps) them to pay attention and to make new friends at church.  Join us!

More information and schedules can be found at the Music Ministry Website, www.AgnesMusic.net, or by emailing Michael Vaughan (mrv2022 [at] gmail.com).

*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Children's Way of the Cross
The children of Saint Agnes Parish will present the Living Stations of the Cross on Good Friday at Noon.This is a cherished tradition of the parish for the past 20 years. We invite all children in grades 3-8 to participate in this program, which requires attendance at 2 rehearsals (Sunday March 20, and Tuesday March 22) as well as participation on Good Friday, March 25. If your child is interested, please contact Tricia Sheehan at 781-648-7709.



*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Altar Servers
All parish youth currently in Grades 4+ are invited to join the Parish Altar Server Program. Assignments are for approximately two Masses per month. Instruction sessions, lasting one hour each, are at 1:00 pm in the Lower Church on Saturdays: March 19, March 26, April 2, and April 9. The Server Installation Mass will be on Sunday, April 10 at the 9:00 am Family Mass. If you have any questions, please call Michael Keiselbach at 781-646-0475.


*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Mass of Anointing
Saint Agnes Parish Mass of Anointing and Luncheon will be celebrated on Saturday, April 2nd at 12:00 noon. Volunteers are needed as drivers, nurses, greeters, hosts/hostesses and people to make/donate sandwiches and desserts. If you are donating sandwiches or dessert, please let us know what and how many you will donate. You may deliver your donations before the luncheon on Saturday by noon. Thank you for your kindness. If you can help, or if you would like to attend and need transportation, please call the Parish Center at 781-648-0220 before Wednesday, March 30.



*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
Our parish's Saint Agnes School is holding their upcoming

$10K ELIMINIATION RAFFLE AND DINNER!
April 2, 2016 at 7:00 pm

Would you like to join in the fun night with another couple? 




*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
FALL 2016 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR OUR WONDERFUL PARISH SCHOOLS!
FIDELITY HOUSE - Preschool and Pre-K
SAINT AGNES GRAMMAR SCHOOL - Pre-K through Grade 8
ARLINGTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
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 & 40 Days for Life at Saint Agnes

Sunday, March 13, 2016

Saint Agnes Parishioners for Life Meeting
The next Parishioners for Life Meeting will be Monday, March 14th at 7:00 pm in the Saint Agnes Parish Center. All in the community are welcome to join. If you are interested in helping with our work, but can’t make the meeting, please e-mail SAParishforLife@gmail.com so we can keep you informed of local prolife activity.

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
40 Days for Life
Saint Agnes will be participating in the 40 Days for Life campaign in Boston, February 10th - March 20th! 40 Days for Life is a community-based campaign that draws attention to the evils of abortion through the use of prayer and fasting, prayer vigil, and community outreach. 40 Days for Life takes a determined, peaceful approach to showing local communities the consequences of abortion in their own neighborhoods, for their own friends and families.
Please join Saint Agnes Parishioners for Life as we participate in 40 Days for Life this Lent! Saint Agnes will be leading a rosary hour each Saturday morning from 7-8 am, and also Sunday afternoons from 2-3 pm at Planned Parenthood in Boston during the campaign. For carpooling, please meet in the public parking lot adjacent to Saint Agnes Church at 6:30 am on Saturdays, and 1:20 pm on Sundays. If you have any questions, e-mail Eileen Cahill (SAParishforLife [at] gmail.com).

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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 certified teachers of a 3-class NFP series, offered in our locale! For sign-ups, details, or questions about dates, please email Meredith.Phelps [at] gmail.com.

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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.



“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-

Upcoming Events at Saint Agnes

Thursday, March 10, 2016

Lent, Easter, and springtime are upon us! Each of these occasions brings new events and opportunities at Saint Agnes. Please read below about things that are offered only once a year, and are upcoming soon!

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Children's Way of the Cross
The children of Saint Agnes Parish will present the Living Stations of the Cross on Good Friday at Noon. This is a cherished tradition of the parish for the past 20 years. We invite all children in grades 3-8 to participate in this program, which requires attendance at 2 rehearsals (Sunday March 20, and Tuesday March 22) as well as participation on Good Friday, March 25. If your child is interested, please contact Tricia Sheehan at 781-648-7709.



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Altar Servers
All parish youth currently in Grades 4+ are invited to join the Parish Altar Server Program. Assignments are for approximately two Masses per month. Instruction sessions, lasting one hour each, are at 1:00 pm in the Lower Church on Saturdays: March 19, March 26, April 2, and April 9. The Server Installation Mass will be on Sunday, April 10 at the 9:00 am Family Mass. If you have any questions, please call Michael Keiselbach at 781-646-0475.


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Mass of Anointing
Saint Agnes Parish Mass of Anointing and Luncheon will be celebrated on Saturday, April 2nd at 12:00 noon. Volunteers are needed as drivers, nurses, greeters, hosts/hostesses and people to make/donate sandwiches and desserts. If you are donating sandwiches or dessert, please let us know what and how many you will donate. You may deliver your donations before the luncheon on Saturday by noon. Thank you for your kindness. If you can help, or if you would like to attend and need transportation, please call the Parish Center at 781-648-0220 before Wednesday, March 30.

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Our parish's Saint Agnes School is holding their upcoming

$10K ELIMINIATION RAFFLE AND DINNER!
April 2, 2016 at 7:00 pm

Would you like to join in the fun night with another couple? 


FALL 2016 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR OUR WONDERFUL PARISH SCHOOLS!

FIDELITY HOUSE - Preschool and Pre-K
SAINT AGNES GRAMMAR SCHOOL - Pre-K through Grade 8
ARLINGTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
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!

Weekly Digest

Monday, March 7, 2016

Welcome, EVERYONE!
Here's the lineup for the week at the Parish:
  • Tuesday - Family Playgroup (10:30 am), Fatima Apostolate (7 pm), Choir Practice (7 pm)
  • Wednesday - The Light is on for You: Confessions (6:30-8:00 pm)
  • Thursday - Moms Night In (8 pm)
  • Friday - Prep for Boston Sock Exchange (7 pm)
  • Saturday 40 Days for Life Prayer (7 am, meet in parking lot at 6:30 am), Boston Sock Exchange (11 am at Park Street T-stop), Confessions (3 pm)
  • Sunday - 8th Grade CCD Commissioning & Graduation (during & after 9 am Mass, NO Coffee Hour), Adult Choir (10:30 am Mass), 40 Days for Life Prayer Hour (2 pm, meet in parking lot at 1:20 pm), Vespers (4 pm @ Saint Agnes)
  • Monday - Respect Life Meeting (7 pm)
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Saint Agnes Family Playgroup
The Saint Agnes Family group holds weekly Tuesday playgroups outdoors at nearby parks. We start at 10:30 am (but sometimes moms run late). You are welcome to join us! You can find the winter playgroup schedule here, or by clicking the link at the upper left of the blog home page.

This Tuesday, March 8th, we will meet for a walk on the bikepath in Arlington.  At 10:30, we will park on Linwood St. in Arlington, then walk together in the direction of Cambridge.  After a while, we will turn back.  So bring your scooter or stroller, bring a snack, and join us!

**NOTE THAT our outdoor winter 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 or weather below 30 degrees, playgroup will be cancelled for the day. Thanks!**


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

We will get together for a stress-free evening, pray a devotion together, and enjoy some social feminine fellowship!

I will not publish the hostesses address online, 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 8:00 pm.

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Boston Sock Exchange
Thank you to everyone who generously brought in a care package of toiletries for the BSE this weekend! This Saturday, March 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, March 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 Sheila O'Brien (ObriensMo [at] hotmail.com).

The Boston Sock Exchange is currently in need of small 8 oz. bottled water, SOCKS, and men's and women's winter clothes.  We also need rain gear: ponchos and umbrellas.  Thank you!

"One of the greatest diseases is to be nobody to anyone." -Mother Teresa-


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40 Days for Life
Saint Agnes will be participating in the 40 Days for Life campaign in Boston, February 10 - March 20th! 40 Days for Life is a community-based campaign that draws attention to the evils of abortion through the use of prayer and fasting, prayer vigil, and community outreach. 40 Days for Life takes a determined, peaceful approach to showing local communities the consequences of abortion in their own neighborhoods, for their own friends and families.

Please join Saint Agnes Parishioners for Life as we participate in 40 Days for Life this fall! Saint Agnes will be leading a rosary hour each  Saturday morning from 7-8 am, and Sunday afternoon from 2:00-3:00 pm at Planned Parenthood in Boston during the campaign. For carpooling, we will meet at 6:30 am or 1:30 pm (respectively) in the public parking lot adjacent to Saint Agnes Church. If you have any questions, please e-mail Eileen Cahill (SAParishforLife [at] gmail.com).

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


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FALL 2016 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN FOR OUR WONDERFUL PARISH SCHOOLS!
FIDELITY HOUSE - Preschool and Pre-K
SAINT AGNES GRAMMAR SCHOOL - Pre-K through Grade 8
ARLINGTON CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
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!