ST. AGNES CHURCH

April 15, 2018

Third Sunday of Easter

2314 Third Avenue, Scottsbluff, Nebraska 69361 (308)632-2541 Mailing address: PO Box 349, Scottsbluff, NE 69363-0349 Fax: 308-632-2146 Website: www.st-agnes-church.com

Parish Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 9am - Noon & 1pm - 4pm

First Holy Communion

Twenty-eight 2nd graders made their First Holy Communion at one of the 3 weekend Masses held on April 7th & 8th. Our prayers and best wishes for each of these little ones as they join in the full communion of Christ. May God bless each of you! Front Row: Logan Zulkoski, Camilla Linz, Emmy Smith, Kalleigh Golden, Coraline Hill, Traxton Adams Second Row: Lucas Esselstein, Alyck Rodriguez, Quinten Gould, Morgan Celli, Breanne Lilley, E’owyn Merrigan, Sahraya Gross, Jayden Welch, Elliette Verbeck, Henry Blanco, Isaac Blanco, Kellan Zulkoski Third Row: Trenton Gion, Aaden Gonzales, Luis Wheeler, Elena Blanco, Annie Mikoloyck, Fr. Vince Parsons, Lilian Seymour, Charlotte Lewis, William Green, Zachary Mark, Emilano Ramirez

Photo by: Jessica Mikoloyck

Rev. Vincent L. Parsons

Pastor Rev. Michael E. Wetovick

Associate Pastor Sr. Vera Meis, C.S.J.

Pastoral Minister

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 (632-2541)

Sacrament of Baptism Please call the Parish Office

T he resurrection of Christ takes the sting out of death. It brings comfort in the moment of sorrow. It gives hope when all appears hopeless. People stand next to a grave with tears in their eyes, thinking that life will never be the same without their loved one. But the minister assures us in prayer that life is not ended. Rather it is changed. And the best is yet to come. Werner Von Braun, an aerospace engineer and space architect, wrote: “Science has found nothing that can disappear without a trace. Nature does not know extinction. All nature knows is transformation. If God applies this fundamental rule to the most insignificant part of this universe, surely it makes sense to assume that God applies it to the masterpiece of his creation. The human soul. Everything science has taught me, and continues to teach me, strengthens my belief that there is spiritual existence after physical death.” George Burns and Gracie Allen were deeply in love. When Gracie died, George was devastated. One of the things that George kept close to him following her death was a love note that always encouraged him. The note said: “Never place a period where God has placed a comma.” Gracie Allen reminded George and us that God’s creation is on-going. We are constantly placing periods where God has only a comma. But God is not done with us. There is more to come. In fact, ‘The best is yet to come.’ This weekend, please welcome Fr. Jim Sichko for our parish mission. Most, if not all, remember him for his dynamic mission last year. Welcome Fr. Jim!

Page 2 Year B April 15, 2018

Third Sunday of Easter S a i n t A g n e s

C a t h o l i c C h u r c h

Today’s Readings Acts 3:13-15, 17-19

Psalm 4 1 John 2: 1-5a

Luke 24:35-48

Parish Administration

(308) 632-2541 / (308) 632-2146 (Fax) office@st-agnes-church.com

www.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 (632-6918) office@stagnesonline.org School Office Manager

Teresa Johnson (632-6918) office@stagnesonline.org

Monday: Acts 6:8-15; Ps 119:23- 24, 26-27, 29-30; Jn 6:22-29 Tuesday: Acts 7:51 — 8:1a; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 7b, 8a, 17, 21ab; Jn 6:30-35 Wednesday: Acts 8:1b-8; Ps 66:1-3a, 4-7a; Jn 6:35-40 Thursday: Acts 8:26-40; Ps 66:8- 9, 16-17, 20; Jn 6:44-51 Friday: Acts 9:1-20; Ps 117:1bc, 2; Jn 6:52-59 Saturday: Acts 9:31-42; Ps 116:12- 17; Jn 6:60-69 Sunday: Acts 4:8-12; Ps 118:1, 8-9, 21-23, 26, 28, 29; 1 Jn 3:1-2; Jn 10:11-18

This Week’s Readings BELIEVING IN JESUS CHRIST

Throughout the Easter season, all three of the Sunday readings are taken from the New Testament—the Christian scriptures. Together they explore what it means to believe in Jesus as the Christ, the One who fulfilled the prophecies of the Jewish scriptures. Today’s selections refer to our human weakness, yet they emphasize the forgiveness and peace that are available to those who put their faith in “Jesus Christ the righteous one” (1 John 2:2). In the Acts of the Apostles Peter invites everyone to “repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away” (Acts 3:19). The First Letter of John calls Jesus Christ “expiation for our sins” (1 John 2:2). Finally, in the Gospel Jesus greets the disciples with “Peace” and urges them to preach “repentance, for the forgiveness of sins” (Luke 24:47). Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.

Finance Corner Sunday Collections

& ATW Giving April Totals

Actual $28134.50 ATW $5036.50 Budget $18000.00 Surplus (Deficit) $15171.00 Haiti/Uganda $1632.00 Next weekend’s 2nd collection is

for VCNIN

Page 3 Third Sunday of Easter

Dates to Remember In 2018 April 22 Confirmation May 6 High School Senior Mass/ Breakfast May 3 Altar Society Social May 10 Ascension Thursday May 18 Last Day of School for St.

Agnes

Server Schedule April 21 4pm Landon Malm Laetner Malm April 22 8am Jessica Schaff Spencer Schaff 10:30am Jazmine Golden Kamden McGrew

Lector Schedule April 21 4pm Krystal Rodriguez April 22 8am Carol Herman 10:30am Steve Viessman

Finding support for life with Parkinson’s

Getting a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease is a life changing event for the person with

Parkinson’s and their family. A new support group is being formed to provide help navigating this difficult transition and empowering those living with Parkinson’s to take control of the disease and define their life rather than letting the disease

define them.

Where do we gather? Regional West Medical Plaza South

3911 Avenue B First conference room across from the

pharmacy

When do we meet? Third Tuesday of every month at 10 am

For further information call: 308-632-8023 or 308-632-7773

Lost and Found! A jacket has been turned in to the office that was left at the Gering Civic Center during the 2017

Premier. It is a grey and olive green Jack Wolfskin

brand jacket. If this is yours, please come into the office to identify it. We would like to get it

back to it’s rightful owner!

Monday, April 16, 2018 Daily Mass (7:00am) Intention: Special Intention by Jerry & Jeannette Fitzgerald Communal Rosary (4:45pm) Liturgy of the Hours (5:30pm) Tuesday, April 17, 2018 Daily Mass (7:00am) Intention: †Manuel Guzman by Stephen & Jonah Klaas & Tara Longoria Tuesday Discussion Group (8-9 am) Liturgy of the Hours (5:30pm) RCIA (7pm) Wednesday, April 18, 2018 Daily Mass (8:15am) Intention: JoAnne Porter by Eileen Young Liturgy of the Hours (5:30pm) Contemplative Prayer Group (6:00pm)

Thursday, April 19, 2018 Daily Mass (9:30am) Scb Care & Rehab Liturgy of the Hours (5:30pm) Friday, April 20, 2018 Daily Mass (7:00 am) Intention: John Hemmer Family by Connie McDonnough Liturgy of the Hours (5:30pm) Saturday, April 21, 2018 Weekend Mass (4:00pm) Intention: For the Parish Sunday, April 22, 2018 Weekend Mass (8:00am) Intention: Annelise Koch by John & Karen Koch Weekend Mass (10:30am) Intention: Matthew Farwell by Travis & Emily Farwell

This Week’s Schedule

L i v i n g O u r C a t h o l i c F a i t h

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

There are many ways in which religious communities are organized. Some have a central authority in a congregation, and others have a “rule” that is shared by all the members, but are a kind of federation of independent houses. Sometimes, congregations with distinct histories and ministries decide to merge. Several years ago, one of the largest mergers on record took place. Seven independent congregations of Dominican women religious, most in the Midwest, are now one new congregation enfolding more than seven hundred members spanning thirty-six states. The oldest of the founding groups, the so-called “Kentucky Dominicans,” began as a frontier community in 1822. Other communities have European roots. To get to this historic moment, the sisters spent many years in conversation, and approved the new structure by a two-thirds majority vote. This was then ratified by the Holy See. The merger allows the sisters to pool their resources in order to be more effective in ministry. They are living the Paschal Mystery, experiencing Christ’s dying and rising in an inspiring way. —Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Page 4 April 15, 2018

Do you want to have a chance to win CASH prizes

and help support St. Agnes School?

Join St. Agnes 100 Club!! OneofthemostimportantfundraisersforSt.AgnesCatholicSchoolisthe100ClubLottery.The100ClubispartoftheSt.AgnesHomeandSchoolAssociation.Whenthelotterystartedmanyyearsago,noonecouldhavepredicteditssuccessandlongevity!Thispastyear,the100Clubraisedcloseto$12,000fortheschool.Anequalamountwasgivenawayinmonetaryprizestothemembersof100Club.Ourgoalis200members.How are the donations used? 100ClubLotteryhelpskeeptuitionatSt.AgnesSchoolaffordableforourfamilies!Themoneyraisedthroughthelotteryisutilizedbytheschooltopaysalaries,buysuppliesandotherexpenses.ThedonationsfromthelotteryhaveplayedanimportantroleinhelpingbalancethebudgetatSt.AgnesSchool. How does it work? 100Clubmembersincludeschoolparents,membersofSt.AgnesParish,alumni,andotherfolksfromthecommunity.Eachmembercontributes$10.00permonthforoneyearforatotaldonationof$120.00.Memberscanmaketheirdonationmonthly,quarterlyorannually.Youreceiveenvelopesforyourdonations.TheseenvelopescanbedroppedoffattheschoolorplacedintheSt.AgnesChurchCollectionbasket.Eachmonth,50%ofthetotalmonthlydonationsaregivenawayinacashprizelotterydrawingtothemembersof100Club!Easiest Fund-raising activity ever!Seriously,the100clubLotteryistheperfectactivity,becauseitraisesgoodmoneyforSt.AgnesSchoolandiseasytodo!!Thebeautyofthisfundraiseristhatitrequiresminimaltimeandeffort,whichisablessinginourbusylives!

Please consider joining 100 Club for the May, 2018 to April, 2019 membership year!

We so appreciate your support! *************************************************************************************************************************** Yes!! I want to join St. Agnes 100 Club!! Complete this form to join 100 Club or to renew your membership. Return form to St. Agnes School or place in the St. Agnes collection basket. Donation envelopes will be available in the gathering space the first weekend in May. Name:________________________________________________Phone:________________ Address:____________________________________Email:___________________________ Donation Method (Please mark one): _____Monthly ($10.00/month x 12 payments = $120.00/year) _____Quarterly ($30.00 every 3 months x 4 payments = $120.00/year) _____Annually ($120.00 x 1 payment = $120.00/year)

Support Our School * Win Cash Prizes

Join St. Agnes 100 Club!

Page 5 Third Sunday of Easter

For those without faith in Jesus, they must explain His resurrection as an unreported physical or irreligious event. Such as, Jesus was not dead when he was taken down from the cross. After being left in the tomb, he revived and walked away. Or His followers took the body of Jesus so that they could claim He rose from the dead. Or the Roman soldiers took the body so His disciples could not properly bury Jesus. Or this was all the magic of a charlatan tricking the crowd into believing it was Jesus on the cross. To us, these explanations all seem to be foolishness, for the basis of our faith is the Resurrection of Jesus.

Even those who had personal interactions with Jesus initially disbelieved that He had risen from the dead. Peter and John had to go to the tomb to see for themselves the report of Mary Magdalene that His body was gone. Thomas questioned if it was Jesus that appeared to the eleven Apostles. Thom-as would need proof of fingering the holes in Jesus’ hands and putting his hand into His side to believe. The two disciples on the road to Emmaus did not recognize that the stranger was Jesus until He broke the bread. In today’s Gospel, the disciples thought the person standing before them might be a ghost and not Jesus. To overcome the disciple’s disbelief, Jesus eats a piece of baked fish to calm their fears for no ghost would need food to sustain himself.

All of this disbelief in the Resurrected Jesus among Apostles and the other disciples is surprising since they were the ones who best knew Him. The followers of Jesus had seen the miracles, watched as Jesus cured the sick, the lame, the dumb and deaf. The disciples watched Jesus cast out demons from those ravished by evil spirits. They had heard the promise Jesus made about people preparing for entry into His Kingdom by repenting of their sins. Where did all their faith in Jesus go?

Would we have believed the resurrection of Jesus on that first Easter morning? Maybe our faith also is not quite a strong as we believe. Again and again, Jesus proves to us He is alive and still, we ques-tion in times of trouble whether Jesus is with us. We, like the Apostles, struggle to believe, for Jesus’ word and miracles are beyond our complete understanding. Even though we question whether we have faith, Jesus is never-changing, and always the true landmark that we can seek when we lose our way in this life. Faith did not occur from the single experience of a miracle for Jesus’ disciples, and this is true for us as well. We need to encounter His loving embrace over and over again to recognize with relief that He will never leave us. It is only after many repeated experiences of needing to trust in Jesus does our faith finally bloom with unquestioning belief. Then we will be like the Apostles at Pentecost and become unwavering in our faith with the word of Jesus ever on own lips and His love in our hearts.

Have Faith in the Lord, for He is Always Near,

Grade School (Pre-K - 5th grades) Formation Sessions Meet from 9:15-10:15 a.m. in the school building. Mar. 25th, Apr. 1st - No formation sessions, Apr. 8th, Apr. 15th, Apr. 22nd, Apr. 29 - last session Middle School Formation Sessions (grades 6th-8th) meet from 7-8:15 p.m. in the school building. 28th - No formation sessions, Holy Week ,

High School (CYM) Formation Sessions Youth gather in catechist’s homes from 7-8:30 p.m. Mar. 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th - No formation sessions, Holy Week , Apr. 4th, Apr. 11th, Apr. 18th, Apr. 25th - Last formation session 11th CYM Schedule: Apr. 4th - Confirmation-Garden Room Apr. 11th - CYM - Leader’s home Apr. 18th - Confirmation - Practice Apr. 22nd - Confirmation at 10:30 a.m.

Save the Dates: Confirmation

April 22nd - 10:30 am Mass

Senior Breakfast May 6th - 8 am

Celebrating Sunday for Catholic Families

Third Sunday of Easter Gospel: Luke 24:36-39

On the Way to Mass: How do you live peace in your life? On the Way Home From Mass: Does anything threaten to steal your peace? Living the Word: Practice peace today. Have the family choose an activity during which all will peacefully interact with each other in an almost exaggerated way. Everyone should feel free to have fun with this since humor is a close cousin to peace and often brings harmony to an intense situation. Perhaps you might compliment each other while playing a board game. Notice what it is like to live in peace. Was it easy, hard, enjoyable? Would family members like to try this during a dinner table discussion?

Celebrating Sunday for Catholic

Families 2017-2018

Find Us On Facebook

Twitter: stagnes-church Instagram: st.agnescatholicchurch

Parish Website www.st-agnes-church.com

Pick of the Week Victor and the Fix-it Challenge Read the Story of Victor, a fourth grade grader as St. Cletus Academy, just wants

to skip the next forty days and get right to the fun o Easter. To make things worse, using his tools continually lands him in trouble, even when he’s trying to be helpful!

Divine Mercy In the Second Greatest Story Ever Told Renowned speaker and author Fr. Michael Gaitley tells the dramatic history of God's love and mercy as interwoven through the transformative message of St. Faustina, the miraculous appearance of Mary at Fatima, the witness of Maximillian Kolbe, and the world-changing papacy of Pope St. John Paul II. Featuring the brilliant cinematic artistry of the Augustine Institute's film studio, the vast panorama God’s work of mercy in the world unfold as a story to be experienced. If you haven’t signed up yet go to www.saintagnesscottsbluff.formed.org

Page 6 Third Sunday of Easter

R_ligious E^u][tion Progr[m Email—dre@st-agnes-church.com Religious Education Office—308-635-1362

Page 7 April 15, 2018

Raising good decision makers At the root of every sin is a bad decision. Children’s inexperience and lack of perspective often leads to bad choices that get them into trouble. A well-formed conscience, accountability, and learning to make good choices are powerful ways to raise happy, healthy and holy decision makers. Conscience is the ability to decide what is right or wrong. Basic ways to form a Catholic conscience include taking families to weekly Mass, regular Confession to a priest, making parish religious education classes a priority, and expecting and modeling Gospel-centered behavior at home. Accountability is loving parents holding children responsible their own decisions. When confronted by their bad behavior, youngsters may try to shift blame, refuse to acknowledge or follow rules, or attempt to avoid consequences. Set standards, give consequences, and follow through. Good decision-making begins in childhood. The first step is to encourage children to stop and think before acting. A moment or two of hesitation can prevent sin. Next, teach them to ask “why am I about to make this choice?” Sin is a deliberate choice to disobey God. Choosing right takes practice and awareness. Finally, asking “If I do this, what will happen?,” can be a deterrent to sin. Even simpler, “Will this get me into trouble?” If the answer is “yes,” or even, “maybe,” don’t do it.

Partners in Faith - April 2018

Higher Ground is a five-day Catholic youth program for those who will be juniors or seniors in high school. 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.

At Higher Ground, 20-40 participants and 10 adult staff, gather in an informal atmosphere to have a lot of fun and build relationships of trust. The group is encouraged to experience the joy of playing, praying and working together as a community of faith.

The week begins at 7:00 PM MDT, Sunday and ends at 10:00 AM MDT the following Friday. The program runs three successive weeks, beginning the last week in May (Memorial Day Weekend) at Ft. Robinson, near Crawford, NE.

The cost of the week is $150. The non-refundable round-trip bus fare is an additional $80. There are 10 - FULL scholarships available on a first come basis! Contact the RE office for more information.

Each week, a bus travels round-trip between Grand Island and Crawford, stopping along Highway 2 at predetermined locations. To register go to www.gidiocese.org Meet the Confirmation Candidates My name is Abby Kicken. My parents are David and Joan Kicken. I go to Scottsbluff High School and I am in the 11th grade. I like to hang out with friends. I participate in Spanish Club and Art Club. I work as a cashier for Campbell Drug, a small store in Oshkosh. My goals for Confirmation are to get closer to God and his Church. I would also like to help as an usher. The practice for Confirmation will be held on Wednesday, April 18th at 7 P.M. This practice is for the candidates and sponsors.

Page 8 April 15, 2018

April 15, 2018

St. Agnes Catholic School 205 E 23rd, Scottsbluff, NE

Ph: 308-632-6918

Monday, April 16th

Fr. Sichko Retreat NRD visits 1st Grade Tuesday, April 17th NRD visits 3rd Grade

Kindergarten “Trip Through Time” Field Trip

Thursday, April 19th Spring Music Program - 6:30 pm

First Holy Communion After weeks of preparation, twenty-eight 2nd graders made their First Holy Communion at one of the 3 weekend Masses held on April 7th & 8th. Our prayers and best wishes for each of these little ones as they join in the full communion of Christ. May God bless each of you! Special congratulations to St. Agnes School 2nd graders: Traxton Adams, Elena Blanco, Henry Blanco, Isaac Blanco, Morgan Celli, Aaden Gonzales, Quinten Gould, Coraline Hill, Charlotte Lewis, Cami Linz, Zach Mark, E’owyn Merrigan, Annie Mikoloyck, Emilano Ramirez, Elliette Verbeck, Kellan Zulkoski, Logan Zulkoski & 3rd Grader Luis Wheeler

Virtuous Student The March Golden Rule Ceremony was held on

Thursday, April 5th. 4th grader, Addison Peck, and 5th grader

Osiris Saucedo were recognized as the Virtuous

Students of the Month. Grand Knight Dave Wolf presented

each with a rosary and a certificate.

Monday, April 16 Hamburger Pizza Green Salad w/ Dorothy Lynch Corn Apricots Helpers: Stephen Klaas & Delores Longoria

Tuesday, April 17 Chili Cinnamon Rolls Wheat Crackers Grapes Helpers: Shae Brost & Aurora Linz

Wednesday , April 18 Chicken Sandwich French Fries Steamed Broccoli Corn Chips Pears Helpers: Douglas & Karen Wheeler

Thursday, April 19 Fried Chicken Legs Mashed Potatoes & Gravy Mixed Vegetables Peaches & Wheat Roll Helpers: Mandi Adams Helper Needed

Friday, April 20 Ham & Cheese Sub Sandwich Scalloped Potatoes Steamed Carrots Apple Helpers: Ryan & Jody Windhorst

What’s Happening at St. Agnes School...

Hot Lunch Menu for April 16th - April 20th, 2018

Spring Brings New Life

Excitement filled the air as extension agent, Jana Schwartz, shared with kindergarten students the fact that they were about to become the caretakers of 41 eggs. The students listened intently as Schwartz explained the process necessary for the eggs to hatch into chicks. 41 eggs were placed in the incubator and will be checked in 1 week to determine how many are viable. The following weeks will be spent journaling and recording changes in the eggs, until hatching occurs.

Pre-K / K Visitation

Pre-K and kindergarten visitation was held on Monday, April 9th. Students registered in these programs for fall of 2018 along with their parents, enjoyed an evening of getting to know one another. Parents met with the individual teachers as the students enjoyed playtime in the gym. The individual classes then gathered in their perspective classrooms to enjoy snacks, getting to know one another and investigate their new learning environment. We are excited for a great year of learning.

Which ones will

hatch??

Classroom News...

Library News By Lana Payne

Homework! Oh, Homework! I hate you! You stink!

I wish I could wash you away in the sink, if only a bomb would explode you to bits.

Homework! Oh, homework! You’re giving me fits!

I’d rather take baths with a man-eating shark,

or wrestle a lion alone in the dark, eat spinach and liver, pet ten porcupines,

than tackle the homework, my teacher assigns.

Homework! Oh, homework!

You’re last on my list, I simply can’t see

why you even exist, If only you just disappeared

it would tickle me pink. Homework, Oh, homework!

I hate you! You stink! by Jack Prelutsky

Perhaps you have recently heard this amusing poem

as it is being recited in an Apple iPad television commercial. If you haven’t seen this hysterical vision of a homework assignment being pursued, you can find it on YouTube. But my reason for sharing this commercial with you is not for the sake of the ad, although I love it, but rather to bring your attention to the poem and its creator. Jack Prelutsky is a well known and prolific author of children’s poetry. There are several Prelutsky poetry books in the school’s library. I encourage you to read poetry with and to your children. Children’s poetry is fun to read and helps children to develop rhythm and rhyme in their reading. It can also improve language skills and word association in readers. Happy Reading!

2nd Grade Class By Lori Svitak

April is finally here. However, it seems more like December with all the snow on the ground. Hopefully, all this moisture will bring beautiful spring flowers. Our class has been as busy as ever. With only 34 days left in the school year we are having to work extra hard to get ready for 3rd grade. In science, we are learning about weather, seasons, and clouds. And as I said before, here in Nebraska we can experience more than one season in a week. In math, we are working on double-digit addition and subtraction, grouping odds and evens, temperature, and measuring using centimeters. The students made their First Holy Communion this past weekend. They were very excited to be able to fully participate in Mass. Please continue to keep them in your prayers. We attended the SHS musical “Into the Woods.” It is always fun to see past St. Agnes students performing. We also took a field trip to the UNL Extension Center last week to learn about our Earth’s resources. A big thank you to our field trip drivers.

Jelly Bean Graphing

What will the weather be??