Saint Agnes Catholic Church 233 West Gay Street West Chester, PA

Saint Agnes Catholic Church
233 West Gay Street
West Chester, PA. 19380
610-692-2990
www.saintagnesparish.org
PARISH STAFF
Pastor
Rev. Alfonso (Fr. Al) J. Concha
Parochial Vicar
Rev. Laurence J. Gleason
Weekend Ministry
Rev. Stephen J. Baker, O.S.A.
Rev. John Franey
Deacons
Deacon Victor Gonzalez
Deacon Clement J. McGovern
Deacon Martin LoMonaco
SCHEDULE
Masses:
Saturday:
Sunday:
8:00 a.m. & 5:15 p.m. (Sunday Vigil)
7:00, 9:00 & 10:30 a.m.
12:00 p.m. (Spanish) 5:15 p.m.
Weekdays: 6:30 & 8:00 a.m.
First Friday: 6:30 & 9:00 a.m.
Holy Days: 5:15 p.m (anticipated)
6:30 & 8:00 a.m. 12:10 & 5:15 p.m
(Spanish) 7:00 p.m.
Eucharistic Adoration:
Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sr. Helen Miriam, I.H.M., Superior of Convent-610-692-9430
Sr. Joan Felicia, I.H.M., School Principal- 610-696-1260
Felicia Navarro, Coordinator of Religious Education-610-436-4640
Sacraments
Sr. Helene McGroarty, I.H.M., Hispanic Ministry-610-344-7224
610-429-0697
Baptisms:
Second, Third and Fourth Sundays: 1:30 p.m.
First Sunday in Spanish:
1:30 p.m.
Pre-Jordan, First Sunday (TPH)
12:00 p.m
Mr. John Mattia, Facilities Mgr.- 610-692-2990
Confessions:
Mrs. Joan Fogarty, Business Manager- 610-692-2990
Saturday: 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Vigil of Holy Days & First Friday Eve: 4:00-4:30 p.m.
Marriages: To register for Pre-Cana contact:
Sr. Martha Staarman, O.S.U., Hispanic Ministry-610-436-5580
Mr. Sean McElwee, Director of Music- 610-344-7244
Mrs. Barbara Kirby, Director of Outreach Services
Mr. Samuel Riccardo, Jr., Cemetery Manager- 610-692-4421
www.philamarriageprep.com
Preparing Before Lent Begins
Taking some time to get ready for Lent will ensure that we aren't going to miss the first week or two of Lent, because we are just
getting started. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, but we want to be ready to really take off on that day, rather than just beginning
to think about Lent on that day. Part of what makes a vacation or a special anniversary so special is the build-up to it.
Before we get to Ash Wednesday, we should start asking ourselves some questions and we should start with some preparations.
"What does God want to give me this year?" This question may require that I slow down a bit and listen to my inner spirit. For
example, even if I'm very busy, I realize I'm hungry when I hear my stomach start "growling." "What am I going to be doing on
Ash Wednesday?" Too often, Ash Wednesday is like every other day, except that I manage to get to church and get ashes on my
forehead. Is there anything else I can do on Ash Wednesday? How will fasting and abstaining happen for me, for my family on
that special day?
It doesn't take a lot of time to prepare for the beginning of Lent. It just takes desire and focus. God can do so much with that.
We can give God more of a space to touch our hearts if we begin to establish some simple patterns. We could wake up each
morning, and for something like a half a minute to a minute, stand by the edge of our beds, and just ask the Lord for the grace to
let this day be one in which I long for the beginning of Lent. Perhaps we need to ask for specific helps or graces to get ready to
begin Lent. Whatever we try to say, our Lord can understand the Spirit trying to speak through our simple words. And all it takes
is the time to find and put on our slippers. And each night, in the days ahead, we can practice giving thanks to God before I go to
bed. This simple pattern, in the morning and evening can stir our spirits to look forward to and prepare for Lent, as a season of
grace. (Creighton Reflections)
May our Lord bless us all on this journey ahead.
Week of March 2,2014
Monday: St. Katharine Drexel,Virgin (green/white)
6:30 AM: Frank & MaryJane Ricigliano by Family
8:00 AM: Benito Pacho by The Blake Family
Tuesday: St. Casimir (green/white)
6:30AM: Mary Cirka by Carla Messikoner
8:00AM: Pat Feconda by Children
Wednesday: Ash Wednesday (purple)
6:30 AM: Joey Noviello by Barry Family
8:00 AM: Peter Sena by Family
12:10: Maureen McGovern
Thursday: (purple)
6:30 AM: Jeanne Harkins by Mike & MaryKay
O’Rourke
8:00 AM: Dorothy Joyce by The Day Room
Friday: First Friday
St Perpetua & Felicity, Martyrs (purple)
6:30AM: Margaret Pifferitti by Fay Marie Bisaccia
9:00AM: Ethel Joyce by Shirley & Dick Joyce
Saturday: St. John of God, Religious (purple)
8:00 AM: Peter Blescia by Lorrraine Blescia
Please pray for the repose
of the souls of
Our family and friends
May they rest in peace
John Matthew Treston,III
When we come to the Eucharistic Adoration chapel, we
gain for ourselves and for others many graces."
(St. Maximilian Kolbe)
ADORATION EVERY WEDNESDAY FOLLOWING THE
8 A.M.MASS CONCLUDING AT 8 P.M.
LOW THE SACRED HOST WE HAIL!
ALL ARE WELCOME!
PROMISES OF MARY TO CHRISTIANS WHO
PRAY THE ROSARY CONTINUED
The soul which recommends itself to me by the
Recitation of the Rosary shall not perish
(Given to St.Dominic and Blessed Alan)
Lisa Jacobsen, Samantha Calfapietra, Charles Gebel,
George Dargay, Carol Theis, Susan Curran, Geralyn Mattera, Bob Hoeveler ,Barbara Watkins, Kenneth Wylie,
Cheryl McGlinchy,Tiffany Brandt, Franklin Young, Agnes
Grady Chesko,Breelyn Valentine, Ted Wright,
Noreen C. Crowley, James Windfield,Sr.,
Phil Kennedy, Zachary Trexler, Megan Whitman,
Alexandra Kendell
USMC: Cpl John Mitas, 2nd Lt. , Pvt. Joseph Rochfo
rd,Jr., Capt. Ryan Yeandel, Capt. Gregory W. Kosh, Sgt.
Isaac Pineda ,Pvt. Joshua Feliciano, Cpl Mark Bayer
USAF: 1st Lt. Timothy J. Baldwin, 1st Lt. Kathleen Styron, Capt. Jared Yankech, Capt. KaƟe Sullivan,1st
Lt.Adam M. Sema, 2nd Lt. Jessica Clark
USN: LTJG Charles G. Schappert, CTR2 Alexandra
Haney, CTR3 Reilly Haney, Lcpl Anthony Serrato
USA: Specialist Jason Hall, 1st Lt Grant T. Hahn, Capt.
John Paul Snook, Sgt. James Mac Fadden,1st Lt Eric
Lugo, David P. Estes, Private 2nd Class, Specialist Ian
Donoghue,1st Class,2nd Lt. Walter R. Snook, Capt.
Jessica Bayer Chominski .
Why Do We Use Ashes on
Ash Wednesday?
Ashes are placed on our foreheads on Ash
Wednesday, in one of the most counter-cultural
acts of our faith. It is done for two reasons: a personal act of remembrance and as a sign or a witness for others.
The ashes come from the burnt Palms from last
year's Passion Sunday celebration, which begins
Holy Week. So, these ashes bring us back to our
last celebration of the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus for us. On this first day of Lent,
we begin a journey of renewal - from death to life.
This is a joyful season. We will make sacrifices, in
order to try to let God reform our desiring, but
this is a time for God to be generous to us.
When the ashes are placed on our foreheads, the
minister says one of two formulas to help us remember who we are and the mission to which we
are sent:
"Remember, man/woman, you are dust and to
dust you will return."
"Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel."
We are reminded that we are creatures and that
our lives were given to us. But, we are also reminded that our lasting home is in eternity, with
God. This is not our lasting home.
We are reminded that our call is to turn away
from sin and to believe the Good News of our salvation in Jesus. This is a joyful reminder. It challenges us, for sure, but reminds us of why we
want to turn from sin. (Creighton Reflections)
From the
Day Room:
Thank you to all who are helping us through the
long and arduous winter! Every kind gift is a
blessing. You help to build an oasis of hospitali‐
ty where people from all over the world find
comfort and consolation. On any given day we
meet people from Europe, Eastern Europe,
South and West Africa, Asia and all of Latin
America. People of all ages come to serve and
to find meaningful relationships. We are also of
all ages! Octogenarians whose fidelity to the
poor is without reserve as well as young stu‐
dents and college men and women come to
serve. Mothers with newborns and toddlers
come for community and encouragement. In
our culture we have increasing tendencies to
segregate people of different ages; seniors here,
young adults there, working professionals in an‐
other group. Here we discover we are all one in
Christ the Lord. And we enjoy one another,
learn from one another and become more our‐
selves, more deeply human.
Ash Wednesday Masses
6:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 12:00 noon,
5:15 PM, and 7:00 PM Spanish
All Masses are in the Church.
* Please note there will be AdoraƟon in the
Chapel following the 8 AM Mass unƟl 8 PM
Sunday CollecƟon Report
Sunday CollecƟon: 2/23/14-$28,873005
(includes direct debit of $1490.50)
Sunday CollecƟon: 2/25/13-$27,414.12
(includes direct debit of $1570.50)
Thank You for your generous support to
St. Agnes Parish!
Night At the Races Hot Items Alert!
These are just a few of the fantastic items up for bid at Night at the Races on
March 8th, at 7pm. Please come out and support St. Agnes at this fun filled
event!
Flyers Suite
12 Flyers Balcony Suite Tickets to
Flyers vs. Chicago Blackhawks
Friday, March 18th at 7pm, parking included
The Bakers Dozen
Tickets to Billy Joel At CiƟzens Bank Park Sat 8/2 .Plus a
King Suite at Le Meridian
hotel in Philadelphia
1 Dessert Each
Month Delivered to
your Home Made by
Top SAS Bakers
3 night Sept weekend
getaway at a condo in
Sea Isle City, NJ. Just
steps from the beach!
Free Throw Championship
Painting of St. Agnes Church
by local artist John Hannafin
Nurse PracƟƟoners!
The St. Agnes Nurses Center needs you!
Can you spare two hours a month?
CongratulaƟons to our shooters who
won the Knights of Columbus District
Free Throw Championship and have
moved on to the District Championship
at Cardinal O’Hara High School!
Owen Rokke, Ryan Dean,Lucy Nelson,Joseph O’Malley, Elizabeth Talluto,
and Shane Dever.
Our all-volunteer, nurse-run clinic, located on
the grounds of St. Agnes Church in West Chester
serves the uninsured in our community with:
• Well check-ups and physicals, including
women’s health & pediatrics
• Care for chronic conditions
• Preventive care (flu shots and screenings)
• Health education
• Help connecting with community resources
We can’t do it without volunteers like YOU.
The clinic is open:
• 4 – 6 p.m. on Wednesdays
10 a.m. – noon on Saturdays
Please join us for one or more clinic sessions a month.
The rewards are immeasurable!
Interested in volunteering?
Contact Terry Berkman at
[email protected] or
484-883-6945
Christian Initiation News
The Call to Continuing Conversion
Sunday, March 9th our five candidates who are seeking full-communion with the Catholic Church by completing
their Sacraments of Initiation in Confirmation and Holy Eucharist will be presented and state their intention to Archbishop Chaput at the Cathedral Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul. As their parish community it is our duty to “express
joy in the candidate’s decision and prayerfully send them forth to the celebration of recognition assured of parish care
and support”. (RCIA 435)
Our Candidates are: Kevin Pratt, Rebecca Purcell, Sara Emery, Charles Streitwieser and Sally Sherry
Father of love and power,
It is your will to establish everything in Christ
And to draw us into his all embracing love.
Guide these candidates in the days and weeks ahead:
Strengthen them in their vocation,
Build them into the kingdom of your Son,
And seal them with the Spirit of your promise.
We ask this Through Christ our Lord.
AMEN
If you or someone you know is interested in inquiring into the Christian faith or would like to be accepted into fullcommunion with the Catholic Church or, complete your sacraments of Christian Initiation.
Please contact Claudia Robuck at [email protected]
St. Patrick’s Day Event- A Great Family TradiƟon
Chester County Ancient Order of Hibernians 39th annual Irish program Saturday, March 15th at the ELKS Lodge,
West Washington & Wayne St. Live Irish entertainment from 12 noon unƟl 6:00 PM, featuring the CelƟc ConnecƟon and the McDade-Cara & Do’Cairde School of Irish Dance. Irish Food and Refreshments. Master of Ceremonies: Eric Wolfer. Admission:$10. And children free. For more info call Mike Treston- 610-836-1409 or Mick Dunleavy- 610-696-6779
PRO-LIFE NEWS
St. Agnes Parish is asked to pray at Planned
Parenthood 2 days during the 40 Days for Life
campaign. Thursday, March 13 and Thursday
April 10 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. It would be ideal to
have 2 people for each hour during these days.
Sheets to sign up will be in the back of the Church
or Chapel or you can call Mary Evans – 610-7931614. Please come join the 40 Days for Life to
pray and fast and stand up for the babies and Life.
If we all pray, we can bring an end to this holocaust.
WERE YOU THERE?
Friday, March 21, 2014 7-8:15pm
Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish
Join us for a presentaƟon of the
Passion, Death and ResurrecƟon of Jesus Christ.
This poignant, interacƟve presentaƟon
combines devoƟon with classic and
modern art, pictures and music to create
a mulƟ-media reflecƟon on the Lord’s Passion.
We’ll stay with Jesus to understand the
giŌ of God’s salvaƟon and beƩer appreciate the
graces we have been given.
REMEMBERING
FATHER BERNHARD LICHTENBERG
“Outside, the synagogue is burning,
and that too, is a house of God”
Monday, March 10, 2014, 7:00 p.m.
Thomas Patrick Hall, St. Agnes SPEAKER:
Dr. Brenda Gaydosh earned a PhD from American
University in 2010, writing a biographical dissertation about Father Bernhard Lichtenberg. Her
manuscript is currently under review by Catholic
University Press. Dr. Gaydosh is an Assistant Professor of History at West Chester University.
This year Man Up Philly will be holding the 6th
annual Men’s Spirituality Conference in
Philadelphia. We encourage all men to join us
for an inspiring time of faith and sharing.
Experience our area’s largest Men’s Spirituality
conference first-hand and join others who are
ready to Man-Up, by living their true calling.
When: Saturday March 15, 2014
Where: St. Josephʼs University Hagan Arena
5600 City Ave. Philadelphia, PA
Registration: Order your tickets Online at
www.ManUpPhilly.com/Registration.
Speakers: This yearʼs exciting lineup features:
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput –Archbishop
of Philadelphia
Timothy Donnelly –“Victory Through Surrender”
Mary Anne Layden, PhD –“The Pornified Life
& Its Consequences”
Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers –“Forgiven”
David Abel –“From Death into Life”
Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey –“My
Faith Journey”
More Info: For more information please visit
www.ManUpPhilly.com
Adult Faith Formation
School of Community – weekly companionship & reflection on
the presence of Christ in our lives using writings promoted by
Communion & Liberation, a lay movement founded by Msgr.
Luigi Giussani
Meets: Tuesday evenings 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm Day Room
Contact: Barbara Kirby (610) 429-0697
Women’s Bible Study – “Walking toward Eternity”
Meets: Thursday mornings 9am – 11 am TPH
Contact: Sharon Chevalier (610) 738-7720
Men’s Bible Study
Meets: Friday mornings 6:30 am – 7:30 am TPH
Contact: Denny Masson –484-716-1649
Adult Evening Study - Catholicism: The New Evangelization
Meets: Thursday evenings from 7-8:30 PM (cafeteria)
Contact: Rob & Terry Gallagher (610) 996-6761 or
[email protected]
Breaking Open of the Word- is a time to come together as a
community and share how God speaks to us through his Word in
Sacred Scripture proclaimed in the Sunday readings at Mass.
Breaking Open the Word is every Sunday immediately following
the 10:30 Mass. Both take place in the Religious Education Office. All are welcome to come and learn about the faith or
share it with others. Anyone interested may contact Claudia
Robuck at [email protected] or the Religious Education Office at (610) 436-4640.
Crown of Thorns Prayer Ministry The ministry prays for healing of people with mental, emotional and physical illnesses, conversion of hearts and souls to God, and reparation of sins. Any
questions please contact Chris Turner at [email protected] or
call at 484-459-3838.
.
Young Adults this Wed 3/5/14
Ash Wednesday Mass!
Are you in your 20s and 30s and looking for other Catholics your age? CYACC exists to offer social, spiritual,
and service opportunities to young adult Catholics in the
local area. This week we're gathering at Ss. Simon &
Jude to attend the 7pm Ash Wednesday Mass. Please
meet in the church lobby before Mass and look for all the
young adults! Afterwards we'll enjoy a simple pizza supper. Check us out on Facebook, at www.cyacc.org, or
by emailing [email protected].
IGLESIA SANTA INÉS
2 de marzo de 2014
8vo Domingo de Ɵempo ordinario Ciclo
Misa en español: Todos los domingos a las 12:00 (mediodía ) y días de precepto a las 7:00 pm.
Horario de confesiones: Miércoles de 7:00 a 8:00pm, en la capilla y sábados de 4:00 a 5:00 pm en la iglesia.
Bautizos: El primer domingo de cada mes a la 1:15pm. Comuníquese con la hernana Martha para registrarse a tiempo.(610)
436-5580.
Pláticas pre-bautismales: El último jueves de mes a las 7:00 pm, en la capilla. Comuníquese con el diácono Victor González.
Catecismo: Martes a las 6:15pm en la cafetería de la escuela. Para inscripción, comuníquese con la Hna Elena en la oficina del
Ministerio Hispano (610) 344-7224.
Grupos de Oración: Se reunen en el Thomas Patrick Hall (TPH) los miércoles a las 7:00pm. Para información, comuníquese con
el diácono Victor González.
Exposición y canto de la Coronilla de la Divina Misericordia: El primer sábado de cada mes a la 7:00pm en la capilla. Para más
información comuníquese con el diácono Victor González.
Formación en la fé para padres de familia: Martes a las 6:30pm en el Thomas Patrick Hall (TPH). Para información comuníquese con la hermana Elena en la oficina del Ministerio Hispano. (610)344-7224.
Los hombres del Rey: Programa de formación masculino. Martes de 7:00-8:30pm en el Centro Parroquial. Para más información comuníquese con: Denny Masson (484)354-9601; Jim Herlihey (484)716-1649 o Domingo Panameño (484)574-1508.
Clases de Inglés: Lunes y jueves a las 6:30pm en el Thomas Patrick Hall (TPH) Para información llamar a la hermana Elena (610)
344-7224.
Bingo: Sábado 26 de abril en la Cafetería de la escuela. Para más información comuníquese con la hermana Elena (610)3447224.
Programa de Cuaresma:
Miércoles de Cenizas (5 de marzo ): Misa en español a las 7:00pm.
Semana Santa:
Domingo de Ramos (13 de abril): Bendición de los ramos y Misa dominical en español a las 12:00pm
Jueves Santo (17 de abril) Misa bilingüe: a las 7:00pm. Viernes Santo(18 de abril): Servicio en la Capilla.
Sábado de Gloria(19 de abril): Misa de Vigilia Pascual en inglés.
Domingo de Resurrección(20 de abril): Misa de Pascua de Resurrección en español a las 12:00pm.
Buscad el reino de Dios y su jusƟcia: lo demás se os dará por añadidura. Buscad quiere decir trabajar incesantemente para el
reino de Dios y no permanecer en un estado pasivo, sino poner
atención al interior para que esté bien ordenado. Busquemos a
Dios en nosotros, porque san Agusơn confiesa que, mientras lo
buscó fuera de sí, no lo encontró. Busquémoslo en nuestra alma,
que es su agradable morada; es allí donde se hallan todas las
virtudes que sus siervos intentan pracƟcar. La vida interior es
necesaria, es preciso tender a ella; si la descuidamos, faltamos a
todo. Busquemos ser personas de interioridad. Busquemos la
gloria de Dios, busquemos el reino de Jesucristo.
Pero me dirás que hay tantas cosas que hacer, tanto trabajo en casa en la ciudad, en el campo...¿es preciso dejarlo todo tal como está para no pensar sino en Dios? No, pero es necesario sanƟficar esas ocupaciones buscando a Dios en ellas y hacerlas más
para encontrarle a él que para verlas hechas. Nuestro Señor quiere que ante todo, busquemos su gloria, su reino, su jusƟcia, y
para ello quiere que construyamos nuestro capital, con la vida interior, con la fe con la confianza, con el amor, con obras de piedad, con trabajos y sufrimientos, a la vista de Dios, nuestro soberano Señor. Una vez establecidos en esa búsqueda de la gloria
de Dios, podemos estar seguros de que el resto vendrá por sí solo.
Culture Week 2014
During the week of February 17, the students learned many things about different cultures around the
world. The activity, sponsored by the Student Council, coincided with the 2014 Winter Olympics.
For culture week our Fourth Grade Prayer partners read some fun facts about Brazil. The students learned
where Brazil is on a globe. The fourth grade helped Pre-K make Pandeiros which are Brazilian tambourines. Everyone decorated paper plates, stapled them, and poured dried beans into the center to make
music. Some even had the Brazilian flag drawn on the tambourines- a nice touch! It was an educational
and fun filled time for all!
Mrs. Korchynsky jumped on the 3rd grade Australia project by bringing in some artifacts (boomerang and
an Aborigine painting from the Outback) from Australia and sharing them with the children. She showed them a video on the Aborigines and whitchety grubs and honey ants.
Mrs. Korchynsky traveled there with the Phila. Boys choir in the 1990's. Mrs. Korchynsky
said, “They were amazed that I actually ate the grubs and the ants!” The third grade students brought in facts from the internet about Australia. They shared their facts with the
class. Students identified the continent and the animals that are found there. On Thursday we met with our
7th
The second grade classes gathered to watch a video about Italy as well as share
part of a book last week. We also discussed that Pope Francis resides in the capital,
Rome as well as the meaning of the colors of the flag.grade prayer partners to make
cobras that are found in Australia.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Story Time with the Stags- St. Agnes School is offering Story Time with the Stags where children
listen to stories, make a craft or play a game! Open to all children ages 6 & under, accompanied by an
adult. Registration is required-limited to 24 children- call 610-696-1260. Parking is available in the
rear parking lot of the school! March 4th: Hat’s Off to Reading, March 11th: St. Patrick’s Day, March
18th: Frogs, and March 25th: Vincent Van Gogh’s Birthday!
_____________________________________________________________________
St. Agnes Registration 2014-Registrationdatesforthe2014-2015schoolyearwillbeonMarch6,2014
and March 12, 2014. Please call the of ice to make an appointment. If you cannot make either one of these
dates,therewillbeadditionaldatesofferedinthespringforyourconvenience.
TuesdayTours-St.AgneswelcomesallprospectivefamiliestoparticipateinTuesdayTours.Toursareevery
Tuesdayat10:00amfromMarchthroughMay.Pleasecontacttheof icewithanyquestions(610)696-1260.OurNext
TuesdayTourisMarch4th.Wehopetoseeyousoon!
Our mission at Saint Agnes Catholic School is to develop every student spiritually, intellectually, physically, emoƟonally, and socially in a joyful, faith-based environment that inspires integrity, ciƟzenship, leadership and service to others in the Church and in
the world.
InformaƟon Page
Church:
St. Agnes
BulleƟn No.
008450
Date:
08-07
Pages:
9
Contact InformaƟon:
MarƟne Simonis, Joan Fogarty
610-692-2990
OS:
SoŌware:
Windows XP
Publisher 2010, Acrobat Standard X
Transmission:
Wednesday, Noon
Insert: Night at the Races