rite of christian initiation (rcia): sacrament of...

SAINT AGNES CHURCH JANUARY 19, 2020

FORT WRIGHT, KENTUCKY

STAFF: Rev. Mark Keene, Pastor Rev. Jason Bertke, Parochial Vicar Rev. James Quill, Retired Rev. Mr. Bob Stoeckle, Deacon/Pastoral Assoc. Rev. Mr. Gary Scott, Deacon Bobby Fisher, Director of Music Ministries Anita Dunn, Coordinator of Religious Education Pat Cunningham, Parish Business Manager Denise Graves, Bookkeeper Paula Fritz, Coordinator of RCIA Beth Nagle, Administrative Asst./Bulletin Editor

PARISH DIRECTORY: Parish Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .431-1802 Parish Fax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .291-7017 Email Address . .. [email protected] Office Hours: Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261-0543 Hall Rental (Ron Lawson) . . . .. . . . . . . 803-3216 Prayer Line Requests . . . . . . .. . . . . . . .331-1924 Email: [email protected] Adoration Chapel, Don Able…..……513-403-5242

MASS SCHEDULE: Saturday: 8:30 a.m. & 4:00 p.m. Sunday : 8:30 & 10:30 a.m. Weekday: 6:30 & 11:30 a.m. Monday thru Friday, 9:20 a.m. Friday - School Mass Holy Day: 7:00 p.m. Vigil, 6:30 & 11:30 a.m.

BAPTISMS: First-time parents must attend a Baptism Preparation Class before the child can be baptized. Classes are held every other month on the second Thursday. Call the Parish Office to register. Baptisms take place every Sunday at 12:00 p.m. except during Lent.

RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION (RCIA): Persons wishing to inquire about the Catholic Faith or seeking to complete their initiation Sacraments should contact Paula Fritz at 431-1802 or [email protected].

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: Confessions are heard on Saturday after the 8:30 a.m. Mass, after the 11:30 a.m. Mass on the first Friday of the month or by calling the Parish Office and making an appointment.

MARRIAGE: Call the Parish Office at least nine months in advance. At least one of the individuals must be a registered parishioner.

HOLY COMMUNION TO THE SICK: For those who are homebound or sick and wish to receive Communion, call the Parish Office.

MEN’S PRAYER GROUP Gather with fellow Brothers in Christ every Saturday morning, 7:00-8:00 a.m. in the Saint Agnes Daily Mass Chapel. Enjoy fellowship and the Word of God.

GRADE SCHOOL CCD CLASSES: Held on Monday evenings at 7:00 p.m. during the school year. Contact Anita Dunn, 431-1802 or [email protected] for more information.

PRE-SCHOOL RELIGION: Held on Sunday during the 10:30 a.m. Mass from September thru April. Contact Maureen Osterhaus at 859-803-0458 or [email protected] for more information.

MEETINGS: Athletic Boosters-3rd Monday at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Conference Room Board of Education-2nd Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in the Library/Media (School) Center Finance Committee-1st Thursday at 7:00 p.m. in Feb., May, Aug. & Nov. in the Parish Conference Room Parish Council-1st Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Conference Room Pro-Life Committee-2nd Monday at 7:30 p.m. Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct. & Dec. in Murphy Hall St. Vincent de Paul Society-2nd & 4th Mondays at 7:00 p.m. in the Parish Conference Room

Sunday, January 19 8:00 a.m. Rosary - Church 12:00 p.m. Baptisms 7:30 p.m. Rosary for Peace-Adoration Chapel Monday, January 20 Parish Office Closed 5:30 p.m. First Place 4 Health - Parish Conf Room 7:00 p.m. CCD - School Tuesday, January 21 10:00 a.m. Walking With Purpose - Murphy Hall 7:00 p.m. Walking With Purpose - Murphy Hall 7:00 p.m. 2nd Grade Parent Meeting - Church Wednesday, January 22 7:00 p.m. Boy Scouts - Murphy A & B Thursday, January 23 11:30 a.m. Anointing of the Sick following Mass Friday, January 24 Saturday, January 25 8:10 a.m. Sung Morning Prayer - Church 9:00 a.m. Confessions - Church Sunday, January 26 8:00 a.m. Rosary - Church 12:00 p.m. Baptisms 7:30 p.m. Rosary for Peace-Adoration Chapel

Calendar

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Mass Intentions Sunday, January 19-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:30 a.m. Dec’d of the Siegrist Family 10:30 a.m. Esther Averdick Monday, January 20-St. Fabian; St. Sebastian 6:30 a.m. Charles Dahlenburg 11:30 a.m. Mary Berling Tuesday, January 21-St. Agnes 6:30 a.m. Marilyn Stoeckle 11:30 a.m. Martin Crowe Wednesday, January 22-Day of Prayer for the Legal Protection of Unborn Children 6:30 a.m. People of the Parish 11:30 a.m. Joseph Scott Thursday, January 23-St. Vincent; St. Marianne Cope 6:30 a.m. Intention of Nancy A. Cetrulo 11:30 a.m. William Sommerkamp Friday, January 24-St. Francis de Sales 6:30 a.m. Clem Hellmann 9:20 a.m. James Rahe 11:30 a.m. Margaret Cummings Saturday, January 25-The Conversion of St. Paul 8:30 a.m. Mark Sevilla 4:00 p.m. Ann Dickman Sunday, January 26-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time 8:30 a.m. Albonetti & Michels Families 10:30 a.m. Joe Melching

Ministry/Volunteer Schedule

for January 25th & 26th Gift Bearers 4:00 p.m. Volunteers 8:30 a.m. Volunteers 10:30 a.m. Volunteers Special Ministers of the Word 4:00 p.m. L-K Jump, C-O Martin 8:30 a.m. T Vogelpohl 10:30 a.m. Parish Youth Extra Ordinary Ministers of Holy Communion 4:00 p.m. C Hill, M Martin, K Middendorf, S Gleeson, M Pennington, S Osterhage, M Stoeckle, N Stratman 8:30 a.m. W Witt, C Allison, M Brungs, L Ferguson, M Fox, B Henn, C Kirn, P Metzger 10:30 a.m. C Jacober, P & ML Scheper, MB Scott, D & G Travis, R & J Lawson Servers 4:00 p.m. A Martin, E Martin, J Collins, 8:30 a.m. M Allison, P Allison, M Quandt 10:30 a.m. Parish Youth 6:30 a.m. – Servers: Jan. 20th-Tony Eilerman Jan. 27th-Paul Kleier Rosary, Sunday, Jan. 26th at 8:00 a.m.: Theresa Gray Highland Crossing, Jan. 26th: Don Able Vocation Chalice Program Participants 4:00 p.m. Todd & Kathy Nienaber 8:30 a.m. Chris & Natalie Maier 10:30 a.m. Jim & Pat Bramlage Greeters 4:00 p.m. F-Beatrice Cornett A-Kathy Bell 8:30 a.m. F-Judy Anderson A-Tom Arnold 10:30 a.m. F-Linda Shelton & Colleen Read A-Jonathan & Colleen Averdick



Staff Article

Faith Sharing Questions Theme of this week’s Gospel: John the Baptist recognized Jesus as “The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world… God’s chosen one upon whom the spirit descended and came to rest!” Adults: John the Baptist had to accept a lot on blind faith! Do you always understand everything about your religion? What aspect of your faith is the most confusing to you? How can you find answers to your doubts? Teens: When John talks about “the Spirit” who does he mean? Who do you think of when people talk about “the Spirit?” Do you ever pray to the Spirit? Children: Ask your parents to tell you about your own Baptism...what you wore...did you cry or smile when the priest poured water on you? Do you know why they chose your name?

Next Sunday, January 26, 2020:

The Third Sunday in Ordinary Time, Cycle A We have a few weeks of the Liturgical Season called “Ordinary Time” between the end of the Christmas Season (the last day is the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord) and the beginning of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday (February 26th this year). The priest wears green vestments during Ordinary Time, unless there is a special feast. The season is called “Ordinary” because it is “ordinated”, that is, counted, second Sunday, third Sunday, etc.

We are in cycle A, and so our Gospel reading this year will feature the Gospel of Matthew. During Ordinary Time the first reading, from the Old Testament, is chosen because of a thematic relation to the Gospel reading. For the second reading, we read semi-continuously from a New Testament letter, currently 1 Corinthians.

Parish Worship

Be God’s Light This week we celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Historically this week goes back to 1908, started by two American Episcopalians, Fr. Paul James Wattson and Sr. Lurana White, co-founder of the Franciscan Friars and the Sisters of the Atonement. Conversation with an English clergyman, Rev. Spencer Jones, led to a suggestion of day of prayer for Christian unity but starting in 1907, Wattson went with an Octave of Prayer to be between January 18th, Feast of St. Peter’s Chair and January 25th, the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul.

When Fr. Wattson and Sr. Lurana became Roman Catholics, Pope Pius X gave his blessing to the Church Unity Octave and then in 1916, Pope Benedict XV extended the observance to the universal church. 1993 saw the encouragement of participation in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity as we know it today.

Interestingly, Martin Luther King Day, celebrating his birthday, falls this same week. A man known for urging unity among all people. We also see prayer and efforts supporting pro-life. So many things to bring awareness of the need for unity. Paul said, “called to be holy, with all those everywhere who call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…” Truly this speaks of unity between those who believe in our God. We must look for and respect similarities but proclaim the true presence of our Lord in the Eucharist through the Consecration.

Isaiah quotes God in saying, “I will make you a light to the nations, that My salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” All are sent to be a light to the world, but we must be alert and aware that God is calling us. He places us where and when we are needed to spread His love. He is there with us to give strength.

Our prayers are needed. Our model to the world is needed. Our actions of love and acceptance are needed. We need to seek unity to show the light of the love the Lord has for all. We do not need to start in a ‘save the world’ frame of mind. Unity and kindness start in families, neighborhoods, schools, parishes… Even the

smallest light beams a long distance in a dark world. Let us all shine our light and bring God and unity to everyone we meet. Anita Dunn, DRE


Parish Worship continued

Adoration of Our Lord Being in the presence of our Lord is the perfect way to meditate on the sufferings He endured for our sins. Visit Him in the Divine Mercy Adoration Chapel. Call 859-496-4149 for more information.

Gospel Reading (Matthew 4:12-23): In this reading we hear that when Jesus learned of the arrest of John the Baptist, Jesus’ “public life” and ministry began. It is as if the torch had been passed from John to Jesus: “From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” In this reading we also hear of the call of the apostles Peter and Andrew, and how Jesus went to the synagogues proclaiming the kingdom and curing people. As it is described in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus’ public life, when it finally does begin, begins in earnest. Matthew seems to be saying that by providence all things had been set in place and the time was now right.

First Reading (Isaiah 8:23-9:3): This reading is a hopeful oracle from Isaiah that promises liberation. At the time of Isaiah, the land of Zebulun and Naphtali would have been under the thumb of the Assyrians. Addressing God, Isaiah announces a glorious day in the future: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light... for the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, the rod of their taskmaster You have smashed.” The latter part of this reading is part of the first reading from the “Mass During the Night” of Christmas.

Second Reading (1 Corinthians 1:10-13,17): This passage describes one of the main reasons why Paul wrote this letter to the church in Corinth, that is the divisions and rivalries among the members of the church. These rivalries and divisions resulted from church members attributing significance to who it was that taught them or Baptized them, for some were saying “I belong to Paul” and others “I belong to Apollos” and others “I belong to Cephas” and still others “I belong to Christ.” Paul responds, “Is Christ divided?” Paul will go on to remind them that they are all members of the one body of Christ, with Christ as the head.

Bulletin Cover Picture The check presentation for our 2019 Smiles and Miles 5K Walk Run in Memory of Maria Schaffstein and the Frog Hop in Memory of Katie Stewart. The check was presented on December 20th, after the Mass with our school children. Proceeds from the Smiles and Miles support Tuition Assistance (40%), Scholarships to Catholic High School (20%), Saint Agnes School teachers’ wish list (20%) and our Saint Agnes Athletic Boosters (20%). We thank all who are involved in organizing this event each year, and we thank all who support it, especially by participating. –Father Mark Keene

Patron Saints: Saint Agnes and Saint

Paul This coming week are the feast days of two important “patronal saints” for our parish. January 21st is the Feast of Saint Agnes, obviously the patron saint of our parish. The life of Saint Agnes and the other “virgin martyrs” of early Christianity have much to teach us about setting boundaries and being faithful to one’s integrity and refusing to be objectified sexually. (See the Saint of the Week article in this bulletin.) In our church we have a statue and stained glass window that depict Saint Agnes.

January 25th is the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul. Saint Paul is the patron saint of our Diocese of Covington. The large round window in our choir loft contains symbols of Saint Paul. The sword represents how Saint Paul was martyred. He was beheaded with a sword. The sword also brings to mind a phrase Saint Paul coined: “The sword of the Spirit.” In fact, the Latin words in the window, Spiritus Gladius are translated as “the sword of the spirit.” A book of the Scriptures is also depicted, reminding us of Saint Paul’s contributions to spreading the Word of God as the “Apostle to the Gentiles.” His contribution to the New Testament Scriptures is also quite remarkable, including not only his own letters, but also the Gospel of Saint Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, both thought to be written by Saint Luke, who is thought to have been a disciple of Saint Paul.



Status of Sunday Collection Actual Collections (07/01/19 thru 01/13/2020) $646,068 Budgeted Collections (07/01/19 thru 01/13/2020 ) $696,194 Budgeted Collections for Fiscal Year (2019/2020) $1,259,000

Weekday Rosary The Rosary is prayed in Church every weekday at 11:00 a.m.

Stewardship

Saint of the Week

Saint Agnes Saint Agnes, whose name means chaste, pure or sacred was born in Rome around 291 AD to a noble Roman, Christian family. The story of her life and martyrdom are shrouded in legend but generally is as follows.

Agnes was beautiful and had many suitors of high rank. She would accept none of them. One of them, angered by her refusal, reported her as a Christian to the local government official, a prefect called Sempronius. This occurred during the reign of the Emperor Diocletian who is infamous for his persecution of Christians. To violate her chastity the prefect is said to have had her dragged naked through the streets to a brothel, but the legends say that she prayed and her hair grew and covered her body as she was being dragged through the streets and any one who attempted to violate her was struck blind. It is also said that when the son of the prefect, who had imprisoned her, died, Agnes prayed for him and his life was restored. At that the prefect had her released. Since Agnes was a Christian she was not out of danger and she soon had to face the authorities again.

The second time she was placed on trial, the prefect, who’s son she had prayed for, excused himself from judging her. Despite this another

Parish Worship continued

Church Unity Octave The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (or “Church Unity Octave” as it is sometimes called) is a special week of prayer for unity among all of the many Christian denominations. The week began on January 18th, which at one time was the Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter. (This feast was later moved to February 22nd.) The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity concludes on the Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, January 25th. The “reunion of all Christians” is one of the intentions of the Morning Offering Prayer. Think how much more effective the witness of Christianity would be if there weren’t so many differing denominations, and worse yet, differing denominations that at times seem hostile to each other. Please pray for unity among Christians at all times, but make it a special intention during this week. –Father Mark Keene

Monthly Intention of Pope Francis For use with The Morning Offering Prayer JANUARY: Promotion of World Peace, We pray that Christians, followers of other religions, and all people of goodwill may promote peace and justice in the world.

Budget Shortfall As you could see from last week’s bulletin, through January 6th (essentially half-way through the fiscal year), we were under budget in Offertory Donations by nearly $60,000. This year’s total budget is $1,259,000–only $1,000 over last year (a 0.08% increase). Experience has shown that it is easy to get behind in the collections fast, and very hard to make up the difference if we wait too long to say anything. We are very careful about our expenses and try to be good stewards of your contributions. As your pastor, I ask all parishioners to consider their level of giving to see if they can do a bit more. Together, we should be able to overcome this shortfall. Thank you, Father Mark Keene

Family of God We welcome into the Family of God the following infants who were baptized recently at St. Agnes: Aiden Michael Rich Child of Brandon & Ashley Rich

Erin Redleski Our Principal This past Tuesday, our School Faculty, Pastoral Staff, Board of Education, Parish Council and the parish at large were informed by email that I decided to offer Mrs. Redleski the position of principal for our school. Mrs. Redleski has accepted this offer.

I was very grateful to Mrs. Redleski for assuming the responsibilities of administrator on an interim basis last summer, just weeks before school was to start and with here own wedding planned for October.

Mrs. Redleski has done a great job as our interim administrator. She has picked up the responsibilities very quickly and is sensitive to the concerns of the Catholic identity of our school and Catholic education in general. I am very pleased and feel we are blessed to have her now as our principal (without the “interim” qualifier).

Please join me in welcoming Mrs. Redleski as our school’s principal. — Father Mark Keene


Parish News

Parish Office Closed The Parish Office will be closed on Monday, January 20th in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

Spiritual Adoption Baby Shower We have been praying for our spiritually adopted babies for several months now. To celebrate this point in our babies development, we are having a baby shower this weekend, January 18th/19th, for the Rose Garden Home Mission. If you forgot your gift, you can drop it off at the Parish Office. For monetary donations, please make checks payable to the Rose Garden Home Mission. If you have any questions, please call Mary Beth Scott at 586-4017.

Baseball Registration There's nothing like the game of baseball. Even better, there's nothing like PLAYING baseball; especially when playing for the Wildcats with your friends and classmates! Saint Agnes offers T-ball, coach pitch, machine pitch and kid pitch baseball for all ages from boys and girls entering Kindergarten in 2020 to the 8th grade. Fees are held to a minimum ($35 - $90) and cover league fees, practice field maintenance and uniforms. Our Pre K - 1st grade season usually lasts from around April 1st through June 15th while 2nd grade and up lasts from around March 15th through June 30th. Registration remains on-line this year at: http://tshq.bluesombrero.com/saintagnesboosters. If you have any questions before registering, please contact Paul Finke 859-814-4979 or [email protected]. Also, please consider purchasing Kid Glove tickets to a Reds game which greatly supports our teams and keeps fees to a minimum!! Looking forward to an amazing season!

Saint of the Week continued

Roman judge convicted her and ordered that she be burned at the stake. However when they tried to burn her either the wood would not ignite or the flames would not touch her. In exasperation the executioner beheaded her. She was buried along the Via Nomentana in Rome and her sister suffered martyrdom for praying at her grave shortly after Agnes’ death. Later Saint Constance was cured of leprosy at the gravesite. Today her bones are beneath the altar at the church of Sant’Agnese fuori le mura in Rome and her skull is at the church of Sant’Agnese in Agone (also in Rome). Her feast day is January 21st. She is the patron of betrothed couples, chastity, gardeners virgins and victims of sexual assault.



Word of Life Bulletin Brief “If someone shared with you she was pregnant and hadn’t ruled out having an abortion, would you know how to respond? When a woman is facing a difficult pregnancy, the reaction of the first person she tells tends to set the tone for her decision-making. How do we respond to our friend in a loving way that is life-affirming for both her and her baby?” Consider the four steps of L.O.V.E. Approach. ™*: Listen and Learn, Open Options, Vision and Value, and Extend and Empower.” Read more at www.repectlife.org/l-o-v-e.

USCCB Secretariat of Pro-Life Activities “What to Do When a Friend is Considering Abortion”

*The L.O.V.E. Approach™ is trademarked by Heartbeat International, Inc. and may not be adapted or modified. The L.O.V.E. Approach™ is used in “What to Do When a Friend is Considering Abortion” with permission from Heartbeat International, Inc.

Faith Formation

Picture Directory—Free 8 x 10 If you had your picture taken and did not order any extra pictures, your free 8 x 10 can be picked up at the Parish Office. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

RCIA In today’s reading from Corinthians, St. Paul calls us to be “a holy people,” to be saints! We are called to holiness and wholeness: to union with God and one another. Please pray for all people who are seeking to know Jesus

FORMED 2020 IS THE TIME to resolve to grow in your faith and to commit to sharing your faith with others. Register now for our free parish subscription for FORMED and become a more effective and powerful witness to our Catholic faith. It’s EASY and FREE to register! Go to www.formed.org and click the sign in button in the middle of the page. Next choose “I belong to a Parish…” Then enter St. Agnes Church Ft. Wright Kentucky and select our parish. Enter your name and email and click sign up and you are ready to enjoy FORMED. Every time you go to www.formed.org you will be sent to the sign in page. No password needed, just click sign in and you are there! Please sign up today!

Attention Greeters Please send in unavailable dates for February 29th through June 28th. A response by January 28th is appreciated. The schedule will be prepared in early February. Please email your ‘no’ dates to the Parish Office at [email protected] or call Colleen Read at 859-445-5022. Thank you so much for your continued support of this ministry!

School News

Science Fair 2020 It’s Science Fair time again! Science fair will be held on the evening of Wednesday, January 29th. We are in need of many volunteers and judges. Volunteer opportunities include judging, awards committee, set-up committee, take-down committee, hospitality committee and tabulation. To be a judge, we only ask that you have either science or teaching experience. We are looking for doctors, nurses, engineers, landscape specialists, pharmacists, geologists, anything that has to do with science. Contact Jorja Kremer at [email protected] with any questions or requests. Thank you! We could not do this without you!

Parish News continued better and invite them to learn about the power of the Sacraments of our Catholic faith, which give us the strength and endurance we need to grow in holiness, in intimate union with Jesus and one another as we face the challenges of daily life. If you or someone you know would like to explore the Catholic faith, please contact Paula Fritz at [email protected] or call the Parish Office at 431-1802. Please pray for all those in the RCIA as they journey closer to full initiation into the Catholic Church.


Welcome® is an incredible experience that helps you discover what’s missing in your life and what to do about it.

Men’s Weekend

When: February 8-9, 2020

Where: St. Agnes School (Overnight

stay at the Convent)

1680 Dixie Highway

Contact: Mike Hebbeler 859-512-5359

[email protected]

Paul Finke 859-814-4979

[email protected]

Women’s Weekend

When: February 22-23, 2020

Where: St. Agnes School (Overnight

stay at the Convent)

1680 Dixie Highway

Contact: Annette Ward 859-760-6341

[email protected]

Lisa Mosley 859-468-7465

[email protected]

Find Clarity and Purpose

We all wrestle with life’s biggest questions: Who

am I? What am I hear for? What matters most?

Welcome puts a framework around these

questions to help you find clarity and a deeper

sense of purpose.

Form Meaningful Relationships

You know that comfortable feeling you get when

you walk into a room full of friends? Imagine

feeling that way at church. Welcome is an

opportunity to form meaningful relationships with

people at your parish who will journey with you.

Get a Fresh Perspective

Life is demanding—and draining. Welcome gives

you a break from the everyday so you can

recharge, experience life with newfound energy,

and become a-better-version-of-yourself.

rite of christian initiation (rcia): sacrament of...

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