ST. AGNES CHURCH. Congratulations Confirmation Class of April 29, 2018 Fifth Sunday of Easter

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1 ST. AGNES CHURCH April 29, 2018 Rev. Vincent L. Parsons Pastor Rev. Michael E. Wetovick Associate Pastor Sr. Vera Meis, C.S.J. Pastoral Minister Congratulations Confirmation Class of 2018 Mass Schedule: (October - May) Saturday: 4:00 pm Sunday: 8:00 & 10:30 am (June - September) Saturday 6:00 pm Sunday: 8:00 & 10:00 am Monday, Tues, Wed, Friday 7 am Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturdays one hour prior to evening Mass or by appointment ( ) Sacrament of Baptism Please call the Parish Office Photo by: Jessica Mikoloyck Front Row: Charity Franco, Madelin Parks, Sarah Lewis, Most Rev. Joseph Hanefeldt, Fr. Vince Parsons, Olivia Albright, Mykinzee Musfelt, Abby Kicken Middle Row: Logan Murdock, Benjamin Vidlak, McKenna Hackett, Blake Greckel, Ford Eubanks Back Row: Seth Dvorak, Kyle Henderson, Joseph Maag, Logan Moravec, Levi Kicken 2314 Third Avenue, Scottsbluff, Nebraska (308) Mailing address: PO Box 349, Scottsbluff, NE Fax: Website: Parish Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9am - Noon & 1pm - 4pm

2 Saint Agnes Catholic Church Today s Readings Acts 9:26-31 Psalm 22 1 John 3:18-24 John 15:1-18 Page 2 Year B April 29, 2018 I n 1932 Tommy Dorsey was singing in church when the pastor handed him a telegram. It read, Your wife just died. Tommy discovered that she had died as she was giving birth to their first born son. Later that night, the baby died too. Tommy Dorsey buried his wife and infant son in the same casket. Then he fell apart. He felt God had handed him an injustice. One day he sat down at the piano and started playing a new melody. The words flowed out of him. Those words became the gospel song, Precious Lord. Precious Lord, take my hand. Lead me on. Let me stand. I am tired. I am weak. I am worn. Through the storm, through the night lead me on to the light; Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home. We are in the homestretch. The last days before summer vacation or for your dear old pastor another summer studying in Washington DC. I am happy to announce that Fr. Jim Heitoff has agreed to spend the summer with you all. Fr. Jim is a good man and I know you will enjoy his presence during the liturgies. In Christ, Parish Administration (308) / (308) (Fax) office@st-agnes-church.com Pastor Rev. Vincent L. Parsons (ext. 2) pastor@st-agnes-church.com Pastoral Minister Sr. Vera Meis (ext. 4) srvera@st-agnes-church.com Director of Religious Education Mrs. Terri Calvert (ext.5) dre@st-agnes-church.com Church Office Manager Theresa Trevino (ext. 3) office@st-agnes-church.com School Head Teacher Mrs. Julie Brown ( ) office@stagnesonline.org School Office Manager Teresa Johnson ( ) office@stagnesonline.org This Week s Readings Monday: Acts 14:5-18; Ps 115:1-4, 15-16; Jn 14:21-26 Tuesday: Acts 14:19-28; Ps 145: 10-13ab, 21; Jn 14:27-31a or (for the memorial) Gn 1: 26 2:3 or Col 3:14-15, 17, 23-24; Ps 90:2-4, 12-14, 16; Mt 13:54-58 Wednesday: Acts 15:1-6; Ps 122:1-5; Jn 15:1-8 Thursday: 1 Cor 15:1-8; Ps 19:2-5; Jn 14:6-14 Friday: Acts 15:22-31; Ps 57: 8-10, 12; Jn 15:12-17 Saturday: Acts 16:1-10; Ps 100: 1b-3, 5; Jn 15:18-21 Sunday: Acts 10:25-36, 34-35, 44-48; Ps 98:1-4; 1 Jn 4:7-10 or 1 Jn 4:11-16; Jn 15:9-17 or Jn 17:11b-19 LIVING BRANCHES The Gospel and second reading for this emphasize the need for us to remain in Christ, and he in us. This shared life finds expression in the image of the one vine and many branches. We become living branches of the vine, members of the Body of Christ through baptism, Eucharist, and confirmation, sacraments of sharing God s own life. The First Letter of John describes the fruit of this vine as active love of neighbor: And his commandment is this: we should believe... and love one another (1 John 3:23). Our first reading from Acts shows us an example of someone who shares in Christ s life in the person of Saint Paul. Paul s fearless witness, even at the risk of his life, is proof to everyone that the risen Lord s Spirit truly fills him with life and is bearing fruit in him. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

3 Page 3 Altar Society Social All women are invited to Brownie Sunday, May 3rd at 7:00 pm in the Garden Room. Fortis Boys Choir will be providing entertainment. For any questions please contact Nichole Hoesing at We hope to see you there! Dates to Remember In 2018 May 3 Altar Society Social May 6 High School Senior Mass/ Breakfast May 10 Ascension Thursday May 18 Last Day of School for St. Agnes The Knights of Columbus will be leading a Rosary before the 8:00 am Mass, this Sunday April 29th at 7:30. All are welcome to attend. After the 8:00 mass, Rolls will be available in the Garden Room provided by the Knights. Monday, April 30, 2018 Daily Mass (7:00am) Intention: For all Priests & Religious People by Eileen Young Communal Rosary (4:45pm) Liturgy of the Hours (5:30pm) Tuesday, May 1, 2018 Daily Mass (7:00am) Intention: Herb Meis by Sr. Vera Meis Tuesday Discussion Group (8-9 am) Liturgy of the Hours (5:30pm) RCIA (7pm) Wednesday, May 2, 2018 Daily Mass (8:15am) Intention: Darrell Young by Eileen Young Liturgy of the Hours (5:30pm) Contemplative Prayer Group (6:00pm) This Week s Schedule Please consider joining 100 Club for the May, 2018 to April, 2019 membership year! We so appreciate your support! One of the most important fundraisers for St. Agnes Catholic School is the 100 Club Lottery. The 100 Club is part of the St. Agnes Home and School Association. When the lottery started many years ago, no one could have predicted its success and longevity! This past year, the 100 Club raised close to $12,000 for the school. An equal amount was given away in monetary prizes to the members of 100 Club. Our goal is 200 members. **Donation envelopes will be available in the gathering space the first weekend in May.** Thursday, May 3, 2018 Daily Mass (10:00am) at the Residency Liturgy of the Hours (5:30pm) Friday, May 4, 2018 Daily Mass (7:00 am) Intention: Casey Connelly by William Connelly Liturgy of the Hours (5:30pm) Saturday, May 5, 2018 Weekend Mass (4:00pm) Intention: Leo Temple by Danni Koeteman Sunday, May 6, 2018 Weekend Mass (8:00am) Intention: Earl Langel by Family Weekend Mass (10:30am) Intention: For the Parish Finance Corner Sunday Collections & ATW Giving April Totals Actual $ ATW $ Budget $ Surplus (Deficit) $ VCNIN $ Next weekend s 2nd collection is for Catholic Home Missions May 5 4pm May 6 8am 10:30am Server Schedule Abriana Lockwood Clancee Ott Mitch Moravec Yvonne Kreiling Lillian Golden Lily Polk Lector Schedule May 5 4pm Jean Ahrens May 6 8am Margaret Rood 10:30am Chuck Schwartz All 2018 Sacrament Picture Galleries are ready for viewing! The link to access the online galleries is: goo.gl/qykehy Thank you to Jessica Mikoloyck with Sunny Freckles Photography for capturing these special moments! Our Lady of Peace is having the 19th Annual Pilgrimage, Saturday, June 9th, 2018, at 10:00 A.M. Father August will be presiding, all are welcome, parishes may plan a pilgrimage. Please bring folding chairs, there will be a big tent set up for weather. Our Lady of Peace Shrine can be seen off of Interstate 80 by travelers. For more information: please write Our Lady of Peace, P O Box 4163, Cheyenne, WY or leave a message at at: ourladyofpeaceshrine@gmail.com

4 Page 4 April 29, 2018 If one takes out a sheet of paper and tries to describe God accurately, this soon becomes a frustrating task. Our human knowledge of God is not possible since we have never perceived Him with our senses. This search for Him is similar to us gazing towards the edge of the horizon and seeing a fuzzy, ill-defined image that we can barely perceive, and think that is God. In actually, He beyond the horizon, beyond our sight. If we ever think we have captured an image of God or believe we fully comprehend Him, then we have not understood God at all. Just as you cannot, by any manner or means, explain to anyone who does not already know it, what yellow is, so you cannot explain God, because we really do not know Him. Since we in our human nature cannot understand who God is, we must rely on Sacred Scriptures use of the literary form, the allegory. A Scriptural allegory is the use of a story, a poem, or an image to represent God or Jesus. In Genesis, 3:9, we read of God walking through the Garden looking for Adam and Eve after they had eaten the forbidden fruit. This verse is a figurative allegory attempting to express God as gentle, caring image of a Father searching for us as even as we sin. I don t believe that we really perceive that God has a body like ours and walks through the garden. We also read an allegory last week when the Gospel described Jesus as the Good Shepherd. I think we can all agree that Jesus, the second person of God, does not raise sheep in Heaven. Instead, we use our understanding of good shepherd as a way of trying to comprehend the loving and protective care that Jesus has for us. This week s Gospel provides us with the use of another allegory of a grapevine and its grower. The branch, to produce good fruit, must remain connected to the vine. The union between the vine and branches is such that the same sap that gives life to the vine also flows to its branches. Vines, like most plants, have branches that periodically need to be pruned to enhance their growth. Those branches that break away from the vine are cast into the fire by the pruner since they can no longer produce fruit. Jesus is the Vine, we are branches on that vine, while God as the vine grower prunes the branches. Jesus tells us point blank what the Father wants of us, to bear much fruit and to be his disciples. The fruits we should be producing are our efforts of helping others to achieve their salvation. If we, the branches, are part of Christ, the Vine, we should lead our lives as He did, that is to love and sacrifice; then the fruit we produce will be bountiful. The pruning that we need to endure is for our sinfulness, and our selfishness, for at those times we fail to produce the abundant fruit, that God, the Pruner, desires. Without Jesus, because we have broken away from the Vine, we will surely die, consumed in the fires of Hell. This parable shows the value of the use of the allegory in the Bible. If we imagine this story concerning the vine and branches as really about our spiritual life, our relationship with Jesus and the Father becomes more understandable. Therefore as you read the stories of the Scripture, search for the deeper meaning, as Jesus is the Word for our salvation. Lord, You have the Words of Everlasting Life,

5 Page 5 Living Our Catholic Faith TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION In medieval times, one country, Scotland, linked its economy to the liturgy. Four holy days of the church calendar were keyed to the legal year. On these days, rents were due, clergy and servants were paid, and contracts and leases would begin or end. The term days were Pentecost (called Whitsunday), the Feast of Saint Martin on November 11 (Martinmas), the Feast of the Presentation on February 2 (Candlemas), and August 2 (Lammas), a harvest festival. On Lammas day, the first loaf of bread from the summer wheat harvest was given to the village priest. After the Reformation, which swept the Catholic festivals away, the term days were gradually detached from the old feasts. It was only in 1990 that the term days were anchored on the 28th of February, May, August, and November. Today the old Scottish universities are the last hold-outs, still naming their terms or semesters after the old festivals. Scottish students today may not know about the liturgical year, but they still call the fall term Martinmas, and the spring session Candlemas. Rev. James Field, Copyright J. S. Paluch Co. Reflecting on God s Word Hearing Jesus words, I am the vine, you are the branches, sounds comforting at first. But then comes and my Father is the vine grower (John 15:1). The task of the vine grower is to prune and pruning can be tricky. The danger is cutting the main vine and not the branches, or cutting the branches that carry this year s fruit and not the old ones from last year. But Jesus tells us that it is the Father who is out there with the pruning shears, not some careless hired hand. He is cutting away the dead wood, and cutting back the good branches so they bear even more fruit. Nevertheless, you might think, who wants to be pruned, even metaphorically? Who wants God snipping away? It s hard to be pruned. There is a dying in that. But that is the ongoing story of Easter: dying and rising, pruning and bearing more fruit. God is there pruning us to bring out life, to make us life bearers and life givers. The Father continues snipping away, separating us from our selfishness, our self-centeredness, and all those things we hold on to that do not give us life: resentments, old grievances, desires for getting even. God is about life, committed to an abundance of life not just life today but eternal life. That s the divine plan. Are we part of it? James A. Wallace, C.Ss.R. Copy ight 2014, World Librar Publications. All rights reser ed. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples John 15:8 HEARING AID These days the word obedience has fallen on hard times. To most people it means surrendering control over actions and behavior. However, the English word obedience comes from the Latin obaudire, which means to listen well. Let s face it, many of us have an unconscious aversion to others. We want to be around them, but not get too familiar. We put up emotional fences because we fear we will be controlled or threatened by them, or that we will somehow be personally diminished. But is it true that committed relationships limit our growth and personalities when we live and work closely with other people in a marriage, a family, a parish, or community? God calls every one of us into being and created us to grow into our full potential only in communion with others. Yet how do we do this? How do we avoid the pitfalls of isolation on the one hand and abusive, destructive relationships on the other? Are we deprived when we sacrifice for the sake of others? We begin by learning to repent and to obey. The English word repent in scripture translates the Greek word metanoia, or change one s mind (or heart). In the scriptures, repentance and true obedience go hand in hand. We must listen responsibly to hear the word of repentance. Through repentance we learn our limitations as well as our strengths. Listening also requires responsible action. In a family or a parish or other church organization, wonderful, blessed things can happen when each and every person listens and responds appropriately to what is asked of them. Truly, God is in the midst of such a place, and there are no limits to what can be done in love for God s glory and for the salvation of all humankind. Copyright 2011, World Library Publications. All rights reserved. Shhh...listen...

6 Page 6 R_ligious E^u][tion Progr[m dre@st-agnes-church.com Religious Education Office Celebrating Sunday for Catholic Families Gospel: John 15:1-5 On the Way to Mass: Where do you feel most connected to God? On the Way Home From Mass: What does it mean to remain in God? Living the Word: Spring is a time of growth and new life. Take a walk as a family and observe the new growth all around you outside. You might ask the children if they notice that already some plants need to be pruned. As a family, work at home or volunteer to do yard work at the parish or for an elderly neighbor. See if there is a possibility of doing some planting. Spend some time in soil and appreciate the gifts of spring and the fruit all around you. Celebrating Sunday for Catholic Families Find Us On Facebook Twitter: stagnes-church Instagram: st.agnescatholicchurch Parish Website Dates Week 1 : May 27th - June 1st Week 2: June 3rd - 8th Week 3: June 10th - 5th Middle School Higher Ground Dates June 3rd - 7th - Chadron July 22nd - 26th - Halsey The cost of the week is $150. There are 10 - FULL scholarships available on a first come basis! Higher Ground is a five-day Catholic youth program for those who will be juniors or seniors in high school at Fort Robinson, Crawford. This program is sponsored by the Diocese of Grand Island's Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, with John Burks as the Diocesan Director and Fr. Josh Brown as the Diocesan Spiritual Director. The purpose of Higher Ground is to create an environment where Christian community may be experienced. The activities provide an enjoyable opportunity for the young people to develop a better sense of self, to build positive relationships with others and to grow closer to God Contact the RE office for more information. Junior/High School-(Grades 7-12) June 10th - 14th p.m. Grade School - (Grades 1-6) June 11th 15th - 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The Totus Tuus Curriculum The Sacred Scriptures and the Catechism of the Catholic Church provide the foundation of the catechetical instruction of the Totus Tuus summer catechetical program. One of the unique features of Totus Tuus is the two independent cycles of catechetical materials. The six core topics of catechesis (which come by dividing the four pillars of the Catechism into six major elements) and the four mysteries of the Rosary make certain that every summer has an original presentation of material for the students. This year the content focus will be The Apostles Creed and the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary. Totus Tuus seeks to foster openness to vocations in the young people we serve as well as among the teachers. This is accomplished by placing special emphasis on the importance and necessity of prayer, Eucharistic devotion, and Marian devotion in addition to catechetical instruction and formation in the Catholic faith. If your are interested in hosting the female or the male team of leaders please contact the RE Office for more information. See the next page for the enrollment form...

7 Page 7 April 29, 2018 Enrollment Form TOTUS TUUS 2018 Junior-High School - June 10th-14th, 7-9p.m. Elementary School (1st-6th grades) - June 11th - 15th, 9a.m.-2:30 p.m. NAME OF PARENTS/GUARDIANS ADDRESS TELEPHONE Home ( ) Work ( ) Cell ( ) Children being enrolled in TOTUS TUUS and their grade level for the school year. Registration cost is $20 per child for the Junior-High School Program and $25 per child for the elementary program, grades 1st-6th. Family max of $65.00 NAME GRADE MEDICAL INFO TO BE AWARE OF ADDITIONAL EMERGENCY CONTACT: Name and phone number of an adult to reach in case of emergency in the event that you cannot be reached at the numbers above. Name Phone Number ( ) St. Agnes Catholic Church - Permission to Publish In an attempt to share information concerning the outstanding accomplishments of our youth, we will write articles, produce videos, and provide pictures for publication in various media, including, but not limited to, the Totus Tuus and parish Internet websites. To include your child and his/her work in this publicity, we must have your written permission. You have the right to revoke permission at any time. Please Check Below: I grant permission to St. Agnes Catholic Church and Totus Tuus to use the pictures of my child/children in positive media presentations. I DO NOT grant permission to the St. Agnes Catholic Church and Totus Tuus to use the pictures and video of my child/children in positive media presentations. Signature of Parent/Guardian Date

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9 April 29, 2018 Tuesday, May 1st NED 8:30 1st & 2nd Gr. - Zoo 10:00 Wednesday, May 2nd 8:15 BMS Band Concert & Instrument Showing - Grades 4/5 2nd Grade Play - 10:00 & 10:30 Thursday, May 3rd Class pictures (K-5) Friday May 4th Step Up Day Class pictures (Pre-K) Spring Program Music filled the air on Thursday, April 19 th as the students performed their spring concert. Led by substitute teacher, Jessica Mikoloyck, the students raised the roof with songs about friendship, happiness and positivity. The entire student body closed the program by singing Awesome God. What a great way to close the school year! St. Agnes Catholic School 205 E 23rd, Scottsbluff, NE Ph:

10 What s Happening at St. Agnes School... Mrs. Svitak Celebrates 25 Years of Teaching Second grade teacher, Lori Svitak, is completing her 25 th year of teaching at St. Agnes School. She was honored for this feat at the spring program. Thank you Mrs. Svitak, for your dedication and service. Over the years, you have touched a multitude of lives. Thank You! Moon Mouse Production 2 nd -4 th grade students attended the Lightwire Theater production of Moon Mouse held at the Midwest Theater on Monday, April 23 rd. This cosmic adventure had a powerful message about celebrating differences. The students greatly enjoyed the performance. Class Pictures Spectrum Photography will be taking class pictures on Thursday, May 3. Pre-K pictures will be taken on Friday, May 4 th. Envelopes must be returned to school by picture day to ensure they are ordered with the school order. If families want to write one check for all of their children, an envelope must be completed for each child and the check placed in one envelope. Please identify on the empty envelope which child has the money. Final Results of Used Book Sale The annual used book sale raised $ to benefit the library and our reading incentive program. With books being sold for only $.10, this means 1376 books were purchased. Wow!! Thanks to all who donated books for the sale. Remember our annual sale when you are doing summer cleaning. We accept books all year long for the sale, which will be held in March or April. Monday, April 30 Hamburger on a Bun French Fries Peas Mandarin Oranges Hot Lunch Menu for April 30th - May 4th, 2018 Tuesday, May 1 Pancakes Ham & Eggs Potato Triangles Steamed Broccoli Orange Wedges Wednesday, May 2 Cheese Quesadilla Refried Beans Peas Churro Apricots Thursday, May 3 Chili Cinnamon Roll Wheat Crackers Pears Friday, May 4 Pulled Pork Sandwich Baked Beans Steamed Carrots Apple Helpers: Andrea Longoria, Tallon McDonald Helpers: Laura Garcia Helper Needed Helpers: Scobie Arno, Jennifer Cook Helpers: Kris e Neilan Helper Needed Helpers: Shae Brost, Lana Zulkoski

11 Classroom News... Kindergarten Class By Terri Ramirez First Grade, Here We Come!! Wow! It has been a GREAT year! This group of kindergartners were wonderful, and we had a blast learning together. I have loved their funny stories, their eagerness to learn and willingness to do new and exciting things. They have also made many new friends along the way too! I'm looking forward to seeing each of my kindergartners walking in the halls as first graders next year. They all deserve to be proud because they have earned it! I would like to thank all my parents and grandparents for giving me the opportunity to teach their children. When I talk about my students I often refer to them as "my kids" because they are like my own. Every year I gain more insight to why I became a teacher and I owe it all to the students. They challenge me to become a better teacher with their kind hearts and loving souls. They have all touched my life this year in a very positive and rewarding way. I will miss each one of them. 4th Grade Class By Kristie Becker What a great year we have had! These kids have risen to every challenge and hard assignment I have given them - and rocked it! We are finishing the year in math by working on fractions and dividing two and three digit numbers by two digit numbers. In religion, we have finished our study on the Sacraments and have recently learned about our Mother Mary and her Assumption. In science, we are still working with matter and changes in matter. We have done an experiment on mixtures and solutions that that students really enjoyed. As for reading, this group has sailed quickly and efficiently through numerous novels and novel studies this year. I am so proud of their hard work in reading and the transition to independent novel work and language work. We are closing the year reading The BFG, Double Fudge, My Side of the Mountain, and How to Eat Friend Worms, in their respective groups. The most exciting thing in fourth grade right now is the Oregon Trail Stimulation unit for Social Studies! Students are broken into wagon groups and have to work together through various projects and decisions to make their way safely to Oregon. Students work together to load their wagons with supplies, write journal entries from their trip, try to overcame the fate cards of the Oregon Trail and make tough decision as they go along. The students and I have been looking forward to this all year! We will end our year in May with a much anticipated trip to the Agate Fossil Beds! I want to thank my students and their parents for making my first year teacher experience a success - and so much fun!