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

Rev. Vincent L. Parsons

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 Mon, 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

June 16, 2019

Page 2 Year C June 16, 2019

The Most Holy Trinity

My summer assignment this year is to attend a spiritual formation program at Creighton University in Omaha called the Institute for Priestly Formation. It runs from the end of May through the end of July. Another 176 seminarians from across the United States, Haiti, and Canada, and I are here to deepen our relationship with the Lord.

Just recently, the week before Pentecost, all of us were on an eight-day silent retreat. The only time it was permissible to talk during those eight days was at a daily meeting with our spiritual director and participating during Mass. This silence meant no texts, no e-mail or other social media, no slow mail or newspapers for those who know what those things are. We refrained from all videos or music. We could not even use an app to look at the weather for the day.

In this silence, we were set apart from the outside world. There is no knowledge of why the flag was at half staff for part of the week. For those following their Major League Baseball team, there was no means of knowing who won or lost or the current standings. We didn’t know what outlandish comments the President made or the equally inane responses by the opposition. We could only look outside at the beginning of the day, to try to decide whether an umbrella would be needed.

Now we could have broken the silence at any time and gained access to any of that information we if we had desired. We had voluntarily made this vow of obedience to the Lord. One of the amazing realizations for this retreat we discovery was all that “stuff” that once seemed important had much less meaning. The politicians’ comments, team standings, and a multitude of other bits of information decreased in significance. Of what was the real value was our experience, in the silence, was encountering our relationship with the Lord.

In silence, we prayed to allow God to enter us so that his graces could act through us. Now you may say we must already have a good relationship since all of us are in seminary studying to be ordained as priests. However, to be the faithful servants of God for life, we need to open our hearts fully allowing God to overwhelm us with his love. This prayer means asking God to enter into us so that we can be one with him.

This Sunday is Holy Trinity Sunday, the Solemnity where we celebrate one of the great mysteries of Christianity, and the Three Persons, who are the oneness of God. St. Patrick used the three leaves of the shamrock separateness of the Trinity, but the leaves did not describe the unity between the Three Persons. We continue to explain in simplified terms the relationship of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, who is God only in different aspects but the same aspect. No matter in the infinite ways that we attempt to describe the Trinity, we fail because human words, representations, and imaginations are not enough to describe our Creator. None of the Three Persons act independently. Each action is done in the awareness and in accord with the Three. There is never a dissenting vote on this Board of Directors. In the mercy of God is his attention directed to each one of us separately, including those from the beginning of time to those at the end of time. And for each person, God focuses his care and love on each one fully and equally so that no one is ever forgotten or slighted. As we continue to think about this relationship between the Three persons of the Trinity as God and his intertwining with each of our lives, we begin to think of God as being more and more complicated because we see these connections like a computer system with massive bundles of wires carrying information back and forth.

In actuality, God is simple, simpler than we can imagine, and our senses are unwilling to absorb the uncomplicated nature of God. If we began to list the attributes of God, we would exhaust our descriptions and still not know God in his fullness. It is like trying to define love or justice or beauty. We may get to the edge of the meaning, but we cannot express the breadth of their meanings. We can describe what we think love is, but another would offer something different. How can one define justice so that it expresses righteousness in every circumstance? Beauty, too, is an intangible value that cannot be limited to one description. Maybe these words, love, justice, and beauty, are difficult to represent because they are what God is.

When we think of God as only pure love, justice, and beauty but united together we begin to understand the depth of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We grasp the meaning, but we cannot quite reach out and make the entire connection. This feeble understanding of the majesty of God, but not complete comprehension is the mystery of the Trinity.

The oneness of the Trinity, with its focus on love, demonstrates the love that we hope to share with God. Our greatest desire is to be so united with God so that nothing can separate us. There must be a seamless relationship between us. In that way, the devil cannot use his corrosive ways to weaken than indivisible bond. If God is one with us, and we are one with God, then we are confident that our actions are God actions.

How does one achieve unity with God? Take some time each day to be in the silence – like we were for those eight days, no interruptions– and ask God to become one with you. The most beautify thing to remember that he is already there waiting to continue his relationship with you.

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 Proverbs 8:22-31

Psalm 8 Romans 5:1-15 John 16:12-15

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

Church Office Manager Theresa Trevino (ext. 3)

office@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

School Head Teacher Mrs. Julie Brown (632-6918) office@st-agnes-school.com

School Office Manager Teresa Johnson (632-6918)

office@st-agnes-school.com

Page 3 June 16, 2019

Important Dates To Remember In 2018

Aug 15 The Assumption of Mary Aug 19 First day of St. Agnes School

Sunday, September 29th thru Tuesday, October 1st

Monday, June 17, 2019 Daily Mass (7:00am) Intention: †Jerry & †Don Young by Eileen Young Communal Rosary (4:45 pm) Liturgy of the Hours (5:10 pm) Tuesday, June 18, 2019 Daily Mass (7:00am) Intention: †Arjae Villegas by Bill & Anita Ames Tuesday Discussion Group (8-9 am) Liturgy of the Hours (5:30 pm) Wednesday, June 19, 2019 Daily Mass (7:00am) Intention: †Barbara Arneson by the Calverts Liturgy of the Hours (5:30pm) Contemplative Prayer Group (6:00pm)

Thursday, June 20, 2019 Daily Mass (10:00am) Scb. Care & Rehab Liturgy of the Hours (5:30pm) Friday, June 21, 2019 Daily Mass (7:00am) Intention: David Pelster Liturgy of the Hours (5:15pm) Saturday, June 22, 2019 Weekend Mass (6:00pm) Intention: †John Bush by Gene & Mari Schwarzkopf Sunday, June 23, 2019 Weekend Mass (8:00am) Intention: For the Parish Weekend Mass (10:00am) Intention: Sofia Grace Canchola by Kevin Ott & Family

This Week’s Schedule

Finance Corner Sunday Collections

& ATW Giving

June 9, 2019 Actual $5491.29 ATW $4070.00 Budget $9000.00 Surplus (Deficit) $561.29 Haiti/Uganda $1531.08

June Totals Actual $11654.10 ATW $4070.00 Budget $18000.00 Surplus (Deficit) $2275.90

Next weekend’s 2nd collection is

for VCNIN

Fr. Vince’s Summer Address

Theological College 401 Michigan Ave NE

Washington, DC 20017

Server Schedule June 22 6pm Coraline Hill Tea Hill June 23 8am Logan Zulkoski Jed Zulkoski 10:00am Lillian Golden Raymond Palmer

Lector Schedule June 22 6pm Diana Rohrick June 23 8am Jordan Colwell 10:00am Cindy Nelson

Monday: 2Cor6:1-10; Ps 98:1, 2b, 3-4; Mt 5:38-42 Tuesday: 2 Cor 8:1-9; Ps 146:2, 5-9a; Mt 5:43-48 Wednesday: 2 Cor 9:6-11; Ps 112:1bc-4, 9; Mt 6:1-6, 16-18 Thursday: 2 Cor 11:1-11; Ps 111:1b- 4, 7-8; Mt 6:7-15 Friday: 2 Cor 11:18, 21-30; Ps 34:2-7; Mt 6:19-23 Saturday: 2 Cor 12:1-10; Ps 34:8- 13; Mt 6:24-34 Sunday: Gn 14:18-20; Ps 110:14; 1 Cor 11:23-26;Lk 9:11b- 17

This Week’s Readings

We are beginning to update our prayer chain list. If you are

currently on the prayer chain, but would like to be removed, or if you

would like to become part of the prayer chain and added to our list, please call the parish office at 308-

632-2541. We hope to have a updated list by the beginning of

July. Thank you for service to the prayer chain!

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!

Page 4 The Most holy Trinity

Blessed Virgin Mary

Feast Day - Memorial Day Presented by

Mrs. S.W. Davis & Mrs. Dr. Rice in

memory of William J. Davis

Willie Davis, son of Scott W. and Elizabeth Davis, died

February 13, 1906 at age 15. He is buried at Fairview

Cemetery. Lizzie Davis and her daughter, Gladys,

presented this window in memory of Willie. Lizzie’s

husband Scott was a barber and a Scotts Bluff County real estate developer. The family lived at 1324

Third Avenue, Scottsbluff. Gladys’ husband was Dr. Grover Cleveland Rice of Bayard.

Campaign Update as of 6/10/19

Restoring Our Father’s House Campaign Corner

Goal: $250,000.00 Total Pledged: $152,078.25 Total Received: $133,829.95 Current No. of Donors: 130

Any questions regarding the campaign, please contact the parish office at 309-632-2541

L i v i n g O u r C at h o l i c Fa i t h

Seven Sisters

For almost a year now several ladies have made a commitment to

pray for Father Vince, one lady every day of every week for one hour in front of the Tabernacle.

This was a new apostolate for this parish and one our Bishop wanted

to happen.

This apostolate is called Seven Sisters, for the seven ladies

praying every week for our dear priest. One of the rules is that we

must pray only for him and are given several aides with which to

do so. We were also asked to pray in front of the Tabernacle if at all

possible.

The commitment of these unsung heroes has been incredible. They

seek not fame or praise but do this because they believe in our Church

and our priest.

Beginning in September I would like to ask others to join us or

possibly take the place of one of our current prayer partners. If you

are interested please call me......Diana Rohrick, 631-9107.

My heart swells with love for these ladies and this apostolate. Please

consider joining us. Thank you!

Celebrating Sunday for Catholic Families

Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Gospel: John 16:12-15

On the Way to Mass: What is something you strongly believe to be true? How do you now it is true? On the Way Home From Mass: Who are you in relationship with on a daily basis? How does that affect your decisions? Living the Word: To help family members see how we are dependent upon one another, ask them each to draw a large outline of themselves and to divide the outline into different parts. Write the name of people who have influence how you see things (eyes), have influenced your voice and what you say, or help your ability to move (such as coach or dance instructor). We are many parts but all one body. Notice if family members have any similarities or differences in who they feel connected to and how.

Celebrating Sunday for Catholic Families 2018-2019

Find Us On

Facebook

Twitter: st_agnes_church Instagram: st.agnescatholicchurch

Parish Website www.st-agnes-church.com

myParish App In the App Store on your phone or

tablet

Fill your child’s faith toolbox

It can be hard to raise children in God’s friendship in a world that doesn’t know him. Our best strategy is to give youngsters tools they can use to stay close to him and pray they use them as adults. Tool #1 – love. Children first learn about God’s love from their families. We must act out of love, teach love, and model love so that children learn to love. Tool #2 - prayer. In prayer, God counsels us, teaches us, comforts us, and helps us persevere. Teach children to pray. Strong prayer habits will carry them through the tough times of their lives. Tool #3 – service. No child is too young to do something helpful for the family, and each should do as much as he can. Contributing to the family is the first step in contributing to the larger family of God. Tool #4 – trust. With God, all things are possible. Let your children witness your trust in God. Show them that you love him with all your heart.

Feasts and Celebrations

June 9 – Pentecost (1st century). Today, we celebrate the birthday of the Church, when the

Holy Spirit was given to the Apostles, following the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus.

June 10 – Mary, Mother of the Church (2018). On the Cross, Jesus gave us his mother to be our mother (John 19:27). Even in Heaven, she continues to pray and care for us as our spiritual mother. June 22 – St. Thomas More (1535). St. Thomas

was a scholar, lawyer, gentleman, father, and chancellor of England. King Henry VIII appointed him Lord Chancellor but Thomas resigned three years later when Henry defied the pope. In 1535, Thomas was martyred for refusing to recognize the King as the Head of the Church of England. June 27 - St. Cyril of Alexandria (444). St. Cyril was a Bishop of Alexandria and a Doctor of the Church. He is best known for defending the belief of Christ’s two natures against the heretic Nestorius at the Council of Ephesus in 431.

Page 5 Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity

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

Page 6 June 16, 2019

Totus Tuus 2019 Middle/High School

Page 7 June 16, 2019