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

ST. AGNES CHURCH

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

November 5, 2017

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

Page 2 Year A November 5, 2017

This past week we celebrated All Saints Day and All Souls Day. In ancient times two men were arrested and convicted for stealing sheep. The magistrate sent both of them to prison for several years. To warn every one of the crimes they committed the magistrate decreed that the letter “S” be branded on their foreheads. After the men served their prison terms one of them left the area, never to be heard of again. The other man was deeply sorrowful for the crime he committed. He remained in the community and dedicated his life to serve his God and the people. As the years passed, this man had touched everyone. He helped the poor. He visited the sick. He found work for the unemployed. The people grew to love this man. Soon, no one remembered his crime of stealing sheep. Years later two small boys were sitting on the front steps of their home when this man passed by. The boys never heard about the crime this man committed. But they noticed the ‘S’ on his forehead. One boy asked the other, “Why do you think he has an ‘S’ on his forehead?” The other boys replied, “I’m not sure but from what my mom says about him, I think it must mean ‘Saint’.” In the early history of our Church many Christians were martyred for their faith. Rome was the site for Christians to be thrown to the lions. So, the Church set aside two special days to honor these people – All Saints Day and All Souls Day. In the year 607 Emperor Phocas turned the beautiful Roman Pantheon temple over to the Pope. The Pope quickly removed the statues of Jupiter and the pagan gods and consecrated the Pantheon to all the saints who died from Roman persecutions during the first three centuries. The bones of the martyrs were exhumed from various graves and places in the Pantheon church. In the 8th century Pope Gregory III decreed that November 1st would be ‘All Saints’ Day. In the 10th century Abbot Ordela of the Cluny monastery declared that November 2nd would be ‘All Souls Day’ to honor all Christians who have died. We are not saints because of what we do; we are saints because we belong to God. Have a great November!

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Monday, Nov 6, 2017 Daily Mass (7am) Intention: †Jeremy & †David Young by Jerry & Eileen Young Communal Rosary (4:45pm) Liturgy of the Hours (5:05pm) Tuesday, Nov 7, 2017 Daily Mass (7am) Intention: †Steve McDonnough by Connie McDonnough Insight Discussion Group (8-9 am) Liturgy of the Hours (5:30pm) RCIA (7pm) Location: Garden Room Wednesday, Nov 8 , 2017 Daily Mass (8:15am) Intention: †Rev Harold Kurtenbach Liturgy of the Hours (5:30pm) Contemplative Prayer (6:00pm)

Thursday, Nov 9, 2017 Mass at Vets’ Home (9:30am) Liturgy of the Hours (5:30pm) Friday, Nov 10, 2017 Daily Mass (7am) Intention: †Raymond Giesselman By Lucille Koenig Liturgy of the Hours (5:30pm) Saturday, Nov 11, 2017 Weekend Mass (4:00pm) Intention: †Priests and †Bishops of Diocese of Grand Island Sunday, Nov 12, 2017 Weekend Mass (8:00am) Intention: †Art Benzel By Marge Benzel & Family Weekend Mass (10:30am) Intention: For the Parish

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

Malachi 1:14b-2:2b, 8-10 Psalm 131

1Thessalonians 2:7b-9, 13 Matthew 23:1-12

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

Mrs. Danni Koeteman (ext. 3) office@st-agnes-church.com

School Head Teacher Mrs. Julie Brown (632-6918)

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

This Week’s Schedule

This ‘n That

Page 3 Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

Finance Corner Sunday Collections

& ATW Giving

October 22, 2017 Actual $6480.50 ATW $4128.00 Budget $9000.00 Surplus (Deficit) $1608.50 VCNIN $1860.00

October 29, 2017 Actual $6247.12 Budget $9000.00 Surplus (Deficit) $2752.88 World Mission $1172.14

October 2017 Totals Actual $19708.08 ATW $8915.50 Budget $45000.00 Surplus (Deficit) $3649.80

Monday: Rom 11:29-36; Ps 69:30-31, 33-34, 36; Lk 14:12-14 Tuesday: Rom 12:5-16b; Ps 131:1bcde-3; Lk 14:15-24 Wednesday: Rom 13:8-10; Ps 112:1b-2, 4-5, 9; Lk 14:25-33 Thursday: Ez 47:1-2, 8-9, 12; Ps 46:2-3, 5-6, 8-9; 1 Cor 3:9c-11, 16-17; Jn 2:13-22 Friday: Rom 15:14-21; Ps 98:1-4; Lk 16:1-8 Saturday: Rom 16:3-9, 16, 22-27; Ps 145:2-5, 10-11; Lk 16:9-15 Sunday: Wis 6:12-16; Ps 63:2-8; 1 Thes 4:13- 18; Mt 25:1-13

This Week’s Readings

Help Needed! Santa’s workshop is up and running, and more elves are needed to help prepare toys for the Knights of Columbus’ annual Toys for Tots program. If you can spare an hour or more, please come to the KC Hall , 1719 1st Ave from 9am-1pm NEXT SATURDAY Nov 11.

Sock it to us! The Catholic Daughters organization is

having a sock drive for those in need in our community. Socks of all sizes and colors are welcome! Please place new packages of socks or monetary donations in the box in the Gathering Space during the month of November. Call Beth Esselstein (631-9689) for more info.

Thanks in advance for your generosity to help keep folks Warm!

During the month of November, the Catholic Church honors those who have passed

on to eternal life. Here at St. Agnes, you are invited to add the names of your loved ones who have died to The Book of Remembrance located at the front of the church. Your loved ones will be prayed for in a special way.

Book of Remembrance

In your charity, please prayerfully remember those from our faith community who have entered eternal life.

Drew David Bingham Hoff December 2, 2016 Walter “Tracy” Ford January 18, 2017 Carol J. Burbach January 31, 2017 Allen “Pete” Wylie March 5, 2017 Felix V. Koenig March 29, 2017 Madelyn L. Chamberlain July 14, 2017 Shane Aaron Malm September 5, 2017 Klayton Johnson October 30, 2017

Pre-Baptism class will be held TODAY in the Garden Room at 1pm. Any parents wanting their infant baptized here needs to first take this class, which is held quarterly. Please arrange childcare in your home.

November 17, 2017

St Agnes School

Premiere

Ticket info: Nancy Kerr - 631-6793

Journey of Grief Sunday, November 12, 2017

St. Agnes Garden Room 5-6:30pm

This is a seven session program featuring Doug Manning and is

designed to aid the healing process of grief.

? call Ellen Ramig (631-0811) or Sr. Vera (632-2541)

Annual Diocesan Appeal

Pray - Pledge

Page 4 November 5, 2017

Make your pledge now! Diocesan Appeal envelopes are in the message centers. Please return yours to the collection basket or mail to: St. Agnes Church PO Box 349, Scottsbluff 69363

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

Pianist Needed Emerald Court, a small assisted living facility that cares for resi-dents with Alzhei-mer’s/Dementia, needs a pianist! If God has given you this talent, please consider sharing it with them. Please call Kim or Dee at (308) 220-4007. Transportation provided if needed.

Please save "Best Choice" bar codes!

The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (DCCW) of the Grand Island Diocese is collecting bar codes from "Best Choice" products. The DCCW turns the codes in for cash, using it to help with their on going project for clean water wells in Haiti. "Best Choice" products have recently been stocked in several grocery stores. Please clip codes, put in an envelope marked "Best Choice," and drop in the Sunday collection basket.

Thanks from DCCW!

Nov

embe

r M

inist

ers

EXTRAORDINARY MINISTERS

Saturday, 4 pm Ciborium: Doris Flohr, Chalice: Melissa Schaub; Susan Flohr, Deb Hilzer, Connie McDonnough, Josh O’Brien, Brooke Talkington

Sunday 8 am Ciborium: Susan Lessert, Chalice: Nancy Kerr; Thresa Cary, Jordan Colwell, Dick Lessert, Mark Neifert, Daniel Warburton

10:30 am Ciborium: Terry Bailey, Chalice: Rick Cantril; Joanne Krieg, Gabby Montanez, M. C. Schaff, Judy Schwartz, Steve Viessman

GREETERS

Saturday 4 pm: Philip & Shelley Encinia (E)

Mike Merrigan (N) Ed & Cecilia Hagerman (S)

Sunday 8 am: Zita Rice Bolinger (E) Missy & Gene Hauck (N) Paul Tyler (S)

Sunday 10:30 am: Matt Parsley (E) Danni Koeteman (N) Robin & Mark Loose (S)

USHERS

Sat 4pm Alan DeHaven (Captain) Kevin Wagner, Salvadore Franco, Jim Ellison Sun 8 am Jim Kerr (Captain) Francis Heumesser, Adam Hoesing 10:30 am Michael Schroeder (Captain) Danny Guzman, Delton Herman, Dennis Parks

LECTORS

Nov 11 & 18, 4pm Nellene Mailander

Nov 12 & 19, 8am Tim Madden

Nov 12 & 19, 10:30 am Cindy Nelson

Nov 25, 4pm Kathleen Roehl

Nov 26, 8am Nichole Hoesing

Nov 26, 10:30am Kristin Schiff

SACRISTANS

Sat 4pm: Ann Anderson

Sunday 8 am: Nick Reyes

10:30 am: Robert & Sarah Quijas

SERVERS

Nov 11, 4pm Landon Malm & Emery Wineman Nov 12, 8am Logan Moravec & McKenna Hackett 10:30am Megan Golden & Kenny Witcofski Nov 18, 4pm Jacob Mark & Kyle Henderson Nov 19, 8am William Pieper & Joseph Pieper 10:30am Natalie Williams & Raymond Palmer Nov 25, 4pm Katie Forsstrom & Jace Henderson Nov 26, 8am Dalton Gass & Ethan Gion 10:30 am Emma Marks & Gianna Gonzales

National Vocation Awareness Week This annual week-long celebra-tion of the Catholic Church in the United States is dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and con-secrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations.

Prayer for Vocations O God, Father of all Mercies, Provider of a bountiful Harvest, send Your Graces upon those You have called to gather the fruits of Your labor; preserve and strengthen them in their lifelong service of you. Open the hearts of Your children that they may discern Your Holy Will; inspire in them a love and desire to surrender themselves to serving others in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ. Teach all Your faithful to follow their respective paths in life guided by Your Divine Word and Truth. Through the intercession of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, all the Angels, and Saints, humbly hear our prayers and grant Your Church's needs, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Once upon a time, there was an old man, who every day sat on a park bench across the street from the Catholic Church. On the warmest or coldest of days, rain or snow he would be was there at the same spot. It was evident that his clothes, while clean, had multiple patches. Although he dressed plainly, the old man always seemed able to offer some money to those who appeared to be in greater need. It was not uncommon for him to give away a share of his sandwich. He was a quiet man, who would nod at the passersby and say hello if greeted by another. However, if one would stop to talk with him, the man became quite animated. He certainly gave one the impression that he was a respectable but lonely man.

For some reason, the young boys and girls were drawn to this man as they felt comfortable with his smile and his ability to remember each one’s name. He often told them stories, many from the Bible. They, in turn, would talk to him about their daily struggles of school and home life and also of their achievements. He would offer each congratulations or sympathy depending on the story he heard. While there was much sharing on the part of the children, the old man never spoke about himself. The boys and girls didn’t even know his name.

One Sunday, two of the children who frequented the park, Bobby and Betty, with their parents attended the 11am Mass. As they walked down the steps at the conclusion of Mass, Bobby and Betty saw the old man sitting in his usual spot, and they rushed across the street to greet him. Their parents, when they caught up with the two, were startled to see Bobby and Betty talking to an unknown old man. They were aghast to see that their children could not stop hugging him and to hear that he knew their children by name. Bobby and Betty did not understand when the mother tried to break their embrace of the old man nor her angry tone that demanded that they “get away from that man.” The parents refused to listen to Bobby and Betty as they tried to tell how the man was just like Jesus for he told stories and fed those who where hungry. He was the man who loved his neighbor like they had heard in the Gospel at Mass last week. The parents scoffed at this analogy, for it was ludicrous that this frail man would know what Jesus meant about being a neighbor. He could hardly stand up alone. The man was so thin that surely someone needed to feed him, not the other way around. Surely he could not have money to give away as was apparent from the status of his clothes.

And then the parents threatened him. If he ever spoke to the children again, they would call the police. As the parent’s voices got louder that they must leave now, the children’s pleas to be kind to the old man increased in intensity. Father David, hearing the shouting, as he was leaving the church and fearing someone had been hurt ran to the park. To the amazement of the parents, when Father David arrived, like their children, he hugged the old man and sat down beside him and began speaking to him as if the old man was his grandfather.

When questioned why Father David would be supportive of this old man, he said that every day the old man came to the 6am Mass before walking across the street to sit on the park bench. During the quiet times of the day, the old man would pray for the parishioners of the church. However, he would quickly interrupt his prayer to help a person in need or to talk to the children who would lean against his knee or sat listening as he unfolded the adventures of the Bible. He never would accept anything more than a thank you from others. He, although elderly and limited in what he could do, without doubt, lived out his faith every day from that park bench.

How do we live our faith? Do we give the impression that we are upright Catholics by the icons we hang on the walls at home and our frequent attendance at Mass, but when searching for our faith find only empty shells? It is easy to say the words of devotion, but more challenging to do the actions that our faith requires. When given the opportunity to demonstrate the Catholic spirit we proclaim, do we run away to avoid becoming involved or do we step forward saying “I am here to serve”? It is very easy to take credit when everyone sees what we have done and bask in the praise. It is much harder to perform those small daily duties that impact people’s lives forever and never get any recognition. Protect us Lord from the sin of pride, for when we claim greatness, we are often humbled by “an old man on a park bench” who only acts out of love. May God Bless Us as We Search to His will,

From the Seminary

Page 5 thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary time

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

What is the name of the pope’s cathedral? If you said the Vatican, or St. Peter’s, you were off by a few miles, since the answer is the Basilica of St. John, the Lateran, the “Mother Church” of all the churches of the world and the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. It takes its name from the Lateran family, the Trumps of their day, who somehow ran afoul of the Emperor Nero. He seized all their property, including their vast Roman palace and estate. We don’t know how Plautius displeased Nero so badly, but eventually all the Lateran property came to Constantine, the first Christian emperor, through his wife, Fausta. Early in the fourth century, when Christianity was at last legalized, Constantine gave the property to the church. Soon the great meeting halls were expanded and adapted. Over the centuries, the church building has been sacked by armies, ruined by fire, torn down, and rebuilt. The oldest and most unchanged part of the Lateran is a vast, separate baptistery with steps leading down to a huge green basalt pool. Imagine what a triumphal moment the dedication of this public church building was for a community that had worshiped in secret for so long! This Thursday’s feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica is really about the tradition of consecrating space for worship, and so by extension, a feast for your parish church building and, given the beautiful second reading, for its baptistery as well. —Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Page 6 November 5, 2017

Grade School (pre-school-5th grades) Formation Sessions will begin on Sunday, October 2nd from 9:15-10:15 a.m. in the school building.

November Sunday Schedule: 5th - 12th - 19th - 26th (No

formation sessions) Middle School Formation Sessions (grades 6th-8th) meet from 7-8:15 p.m. in the school building.

November Wednesday Schedule: 1st - All Saints Mass at 7 p.m. 8th - 15th - 22nd (No Formation

Sessions)- 29th

High School (CYM) Formation Sessions youth gather in catechist’s homes from 7-8:30 p.m.

November Wednesday Schedule: 1st - All Saints Mass at 7 p.m. 8th - 15th - 22nd (No Formation

Sessions)- 29th

11th CYM November Schedule:

1st– All Saint’s Day Mass at 7 p.m. 8th - CYM Leader’s home 15th - Confirmation - Garden Level 22nd - No formation sessions 29th - Confirmation - Garden Level

Celebrating Sunday for Catholic Families

Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time Gospel: Matthew 23:1, 8-12

On the Way to Mass: Where do you see the parents, teachers, and bosses in your life reflecting God’s love and wisdom? On the Way Home From Mass: What does it mean to be humble? What does it mean to be exalted? Are they always opposites? Living the Word: Discuss how Jesus lived the virtue of humility. Ask the children if they think humility is important. What does it feel like to be the greatest at something? What does that mean in heaven? Encourage everyone to try the following experiment this week: the next time you stand at the front of a line, give up your place to someone else and go to the back. Notice how it feels to choose to be at the back. Is waiting different when you know you gave up your spot?

Celebrating Sunday for Catholic Families 2017-2018

Find Us On

Facebook Twitter: stagnes-church

Instagram: st.agnescatholicchurch Parish Website

www.st-agnes-church.com

Parent’s Meeting Sunday, November 12th

9:30 a.m. St. Agnes School Learning Center

The Halloween Carnival was held on Wednesday, October 25th. The event was hosted by the middle school and CYM youth. Fun was had by all ages!

Religious Educa on Program Email—dre@st-agnes-church.com Religious Education Office—308-635-1362

Page 7 thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary time

Page 8 November 5, 2017

We are called to live a humble life and serve others as Jesus shows us through the Gospel.

Advertising page

School News... Mrs. Teri Ramirez -- Kindergarten

Mrs. Kristie Becker -- 4th Grade I can't believe our first quarter is over already! Fourth grade has been working hard and I was excited to see so many fourth graders on the honor roll! We have finished our first group novels in reading and switched gears with each of three groups reading new novels. We are currently reading Mr. Popper's Penguins, The Pinballs, or The Indian in the Cupboard. In writ-ing and language art skills, we are working on paragraph writing, the dif-ference between adjectives and adverbs, and learning new vocabulary words from context clues. The students also did a great project for the hall, designing a haunted house on a spooky background and then in-cluded a written description of selling the haunted house! They look awesome out there. If you are on our floor, check them out! In Religion, we are researching saints. Each student has a saint they are researching both in books and on the Chrome Books. To practice their writing, they will be writing the saints life story, shortly! In science, we fin-ished our first unit and have moved onto the engineering process. In so-cial studies we are learning about Nebraska and in math, we are trying to

make sure all of our multiplication facts are memorized and practicing subtracting three digit numbers with regrouping. I hope everyone is enjoying fall!

October has come and gone in a flash, and the kindergartners have learned so much! I have been very pleased with all of my students' progress. After all the learning that has been going on we have also had a few celebrations. The students invited their moms and grandmothers for Muffins with Mom, and their dads and grandfathers for Doughnuts with Dad. They were all so excited to share with them songs they have learned. This year the students performed two short plays with every child having a part.

Decades Day

We have decided to change things up this year! Instead of doing 50’s day, we have decided to celebrate “Decades Day” on the 80

th day of school! This will be celebrated in December and the whole school is invited to participate!

Children will be able to dress up from ANY decade!!! A note will be sent home closer to the date as a reminder, but we wanted to give you a heads up so you are able to shop the Halloween clearance!!

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

Monday, Nov 6th Salisbury steak Mashed potatoes & gravy Corn Pears Helpers: Tim Gonzales, Katrina Gonzales

Tuesday, Nov 7th Chicken pay on a bun Baked beans Carrots w/ranch Apricots Helpers: Sheree Verbeck, Sarah Zeiller

Wednesday , Nov 8th Cheese ravioli Fresh green salad Steamed broccoli Pineapple dbits Helpers: Anna Merrigan, Jennifer Cook

Thursday, Nov 10th Corn dog French fries Peas 1/2 banana Helpers: Shae Brost, Aurora Linz

Friday, Nov 11th Pancakes Scrambled eggs w/sautéed red pepper & spinach Potato triangle Orange wedges Helpers: Irma Torres, Sarah Zeiler

Red Ribbon Week

Hot Lunch Menu for November 6th -- 10th

St. Agnes Students celebrated Red Ribbon Week Oct 23-26th. Officer Calvert of SBPD spoke on the dangers of drugs and students participated in a number of themed days as a reminder to Say No to Drugs and other poor choices.

Kindergarten students were excited to spend a special morning with their dads/grandpas on Thursday, Oct. 26

th. These special gentlemen were invited to watch as their kindergarten student eagerly shared songs and

concepts learned in class thus far this year. Following these festivities, all enjoyed eating doughnuts.

Doughnuts for Dad

St. Agnes Catholic School 205 E 23rd

Scottsbluff, NE Ph: 308-632-6918 Fax: 308-632-6943

St. Agnes students and families enjoyed the annual Scho-lastic Book Fair held during the week of October 23-26. Following a Halloween theme, students not only enjoyed the opportunity to peruse the room for some great new reading material, they also enjoyed Mrs. Payne’s Hallow-een guessing contests and Mr. Skeleton’s great jokes. With the amount raised, the school will be able to pur-chase $1600.00 in books for the library. A HUGE thank you to Mrs. Payne for all her work in organizing the fair and to Mr. Wlaschin for his assistance in helping her to manage it.

November 5, 2017

Wednesday, November 8th Mass at 8:15AM

Thursday, November 9th

1st & 3rd to UNL Panhandle Station STEM field trip

(STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)

Domino’s Pizza School Night

Tuesday, November 7th Thursday November 9th

Order pizza from Domino’s on these eve-nings, turn in your Domino’s slip. For eve-ry slip turned in, Domino’s donates $2.00 to St. Agnes.

Up Coming Events Scholastic Book Fair

Book Fair Contest Winners

CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS St. Agnes Catholic Church #019751 2314 Third Avenue Scottsbluff, NE 69361 TELEPHONE 308 632-2541 CONTACT PERSON Danni Koeteman (308-632-2541) EMAIL: office@st-agnes-church.com 2nd Contact: Fr. Vince Parsons (308) 765-9999 SOFTWARE MSPublisher 2017 Adobe Acrobat X Windows 10 PRINTER Canon MX 870 TRANSMISSION TIME Wednesday 3:00 SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION November 5, 2017 NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 13 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS IMPORTANT NOTE! PLEASE READ! Pages 10, 11 & 12 are upside down intentionally! Request 375copies ***THE ADVERTISING PAGES ARE PAGES 7&8*** IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS, PLEASE CALL ME (308) 632-2541. THANK YOU.