St. Agnes Teenage Martyr - Saint Mary Magdalene Catholic Church

St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church
Diocese of Tyler
18221 FM 2493, Flint, TX 75762
903-894-7647
Fax: 903-894-7739
www.stmarymagdaleneflint.org
Pastor: Rev Fr. Timothy Kelly
Deacon: Rev. Mr. Clarence Blalock 903-245-7239 cblalock@suddenlink.net
Saturday evening - Mass at 5:00 pm
Sunday morning - Masses at 9:00 am and 11:30 am
Monday evening - Mass at 6:00 pm
Wednesday evening - Mass at 7:00 pm
Friday evening - Mass at 6:00 pm
Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - January 18th, 2009
St. Agnes Teenage Martyr
Patron of teenage girls
In many cultures the night of January 21st was special for
teenage girls. “Go to bed without supper this night and you
shall dream of your husband to-be.” They were advised to
pray to St. Agnes for a kind and good-looking husband.
The custom comes to us from the life and example of the
young Agnes of Rome, who was tortured and killed for
Christ in 304 A.D. John Keats, the fatal romantic whose
body lies in a cemetery in Rome, wrote a beautiful poem
about the legend, “The Eve of St. Agnes.”
They told her how, upon St Agnes' Eve,
Young virgins might have visions of delight,
And soft adorings from their loves receive
Upon the honey'd middle of the night.
Pope John Paul II said to the young people gathered in
Toronto for World Youth Day that they should not wait until
they are older to become saints. He proposed nine “patron
saints” who died at a very young age, like St. Thérèse of
Lisieux and Blessed Kateri Tekawitha, who died at the age
of 24.
One of these nine patrons is St. Agnes of Rome, who died around 304 A.D., at the age of 13. She was
martyred for refusing to marry the rich young Roman whom her parents had chosen for her. She
declared that she would never accept any spouse except Jesus Christ. The young man!s father,
Sempronius was a prefect of Rome and he was so insulted by her refusal to marry his son that he had
her brought before his court charged with witchcraft. She publicly refused to marry any of the young
nobles who were proposed as suitable, insisting instead that she was a bride for Christ. She was
ordered to sacrifice to Minerva. She was threatened, and tortured when she refused to turn against
God. (cont'd on Page 9)
Saturday,
Jan. 17
5:00 pm Mass
Sunday,
Jan. 18
9:00 am Mass; 11:30 am Mass
9:00 am RCIA Today - Rm. 204
10:15 am High School Faith Formation
Monday,
Jan. 19
6:00 pm Mass
7:00 pm Sr. Magdalena Class “History of the Church”
Tuesday,
Jan. 20
9:00 am Rosary
10:00 am Sr. Magdalena Class “History of the Church
4:30 pm Lectio Divina Prayer Group
7:00 pm Eucharistic Minister Training Class
7:00 pm Fr. Kelly “The ABC’s of the Bible”
Wednesday,
Jan. 21
7:00 am Adoration
7:00 pm Mass
Thursday,
Jan. 22
Friday,
Jan. 23
6:00 pm Mass
6:00 pm Sacred Heart Kids Club
Saturday,
Jan. 24
5:00 pm Mass
Sunday,
Jan. 25
9:00 am and 11:30 Mass
10:15 am High School Faith Formation
Food Pantry Update:
As we begin the new year, St. Vincent de Paul would like to look back at the Food Pantry's progress
since we opened our doors in August. We'd like to first thank all our hard-working
and dedicated volunteers for all your time and support. We'd also like to thank
everyone who has given non-perishable and monitary donations. Because of your
generous donations, we were able to give families hams and chickens for the
holidays. On average, cost per person has been $1.94 and cost per family has
been $7.24. We've been able to keep this cost low due to your support.
For the month of December, we helped 123 families during the three Wednesdays we were open. We
hope to help many more families in the coming months. If you would like to make a monetary donation,
there are blue envelopes in the church foyer. Please place them in the offering basket during Mass.
Thank you again for all your support!!
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History of the Church
with Sister Magdalena
Every Monday from 7:00 – 8:20 pm
Every Tuesday from 10:00 – 11:20 am
(On Tuesdays we always repeat class from previous week)
From January 12th - February 16th
January 19th - The Church of the Apostles and the Fathers (2)
January 20th – Catholic understanding of the Church (1)
Christian Initiation with Sister Magdalena
Weekly sessions for adults who desire to learn more about the
Catholic faith are scheduled year round on Sunday mornings.
We meet at 9:00 am in Room 204 for the Liturgy of the Word,
catechesis, and fellowship.
To register or for further information please contact the church
office.
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ST. ANTHONY OF EGYPT
January 17th
A rich young man, with life before him and friends to keep him company,
prosperity and good looks to make him attractive – this was the profile all
mothers would pray for in a future son-in-law.
This was also the real-life profile of Anthony of Egypt, whose feast-day we
celebrated on January 17th. Yet this is the same Anthony remembered by
history as a hermit, an ascetic and a spiritual guide for people through
many generations.
St. Anthony was born in 251 in a small village in Egypt. When he was
twenty years old, his parents died. They left him a large estate and placed
him in charge of the care of his younger sister. Overwhelmed, he turned
to God in prayer and becomes aware of a call to be a different person.
One day, while hearing Mass, he listens to the priest read Mark 10: 21,
"Go, sell what you own and give the money to the poor, and you will have
treasure in heaven" Taking the words as a personal message in answer
to his prayer for guidance, he sold most of his possessions keeping only
enough to support his sister and himself. Then he gave the rest of the
money to people who needed it.
Anthony decided to become a hermit, and consigned his sister to a convent. He went out into the
desert, and with the spiritual guidance of older hermits, gave his life to prayer and fasting. Time and
again, young men came to ask his advice about their lives, seeking wisdom from the holy man of God.
When he was fifty-five, Anthony built a monastery to help others. Many people heard of him and sought
his advice.
Down through the ages, the battles of Anthony against the devil have been recounted to Christian
children and have been depicted in art. The devil pointed out the joys of family life, the good works
Anthony might have done in the world with his money, and the futility of the hermit's existence. When
Anthony refused to listen to him, the devil harassed him night and day with obscene thoughts. Anthony
struggled against the devil with fasts and prayer and by acts of self-control. We are told that he would
throw himself into a bunch of thorny briars to take his mind off sinful things.
He would give them practical advice such as: "The devil is afraid of us when we pray and make
sacrifices. He is also afraid when we are humble and good. He is especially afraid when we love Jesus
very much. He runs away when we make the Sign of the Cross."
His feast day is celebrated in many cultures. In Italy, many churches are dedicated to him and there are
parades through the streets on January 17th in his honor. He is usually depicted in a long black robe
with a small bell in one hand and a staff in the other. There is usually a pig in the scene, since tradition
states that he had a pet pig.
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CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
There will be a special second collection next weekend for the Diocese of Tyler Catholic Schools which will go toward
tuition assistance, creating an endowment, and supporting continued teacher education.
Children!s Faith Formation
Children!s Faith Formation classes are held on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. All children of the parish are invited to attend. It is
our responsibility as parents to make sure our children are growing in the Catholic faith.
We are still in need of volunteers to help out in classes. You don!t have to teach, just help the teacher as needed. This can
be done on a rotation basis if you cannot commit full time.
A HUGE thank you to ALL who contributed stocking stuffers for the Christmas stockings. We were able to fill over 100
stockings. These were distributed to The Mission House in Bullard.
Children!s Faith Formation will continue to highlight food items to give to St. Mary Magdalene!s Food Pantry.
Grades K-3: bags of dried beans or peas
Grades 4-8: bags of rice
Wednesday Adoration
“The act of adoration outside Mass prolongs and intensifies all that takes place during the
liturgical celebration itself.” - Pope Benedict XVI - Sacramentum Caritatis
If you can dedicate an hour each week or if you would like to be on the Adoration email
list, please contact Joseph Guzzetta at 903.705.3305 or joeguzzetta@gmail.com
Baby Shower
Thank you to everyone
who donated stocking
stuffer items and
bicycles. We
were able to bless over
144 children with
stockings or bicycles. We
appreciate your wonderful generosity
during the Christmas season
All Ladies of the Church are invited to a
Baby Shower
to benefit
BIRTHWAY
hosted by
Catholic Daughters of America - Court Mary A. Drake #1288
Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 6:45 p.m.
St. Claire Hall of Cathedral of Immaculate Conception
Tyler, Texas
God Bless You,
All baby items are needed (wipes, diapers, layette sets, crib sheets,
blankets)
Catholic Daughters meet every third Tuesday of the month in St. Claire
Hall of the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception. Rosary is at 6:45 p.m.
Meeting begins at 7:00 p.m.
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St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Mary
Magdalene
FELLOWSHIP GATHERING
50+, new to Saint Mary Magdalene or want to meet new friends? You are
cordially invited to an informal social gathering on Wednesday January 28
from 1:30 - 3:30 in the 1st floor dining room at SMM. Coffee will be served.
Feel free to bring games, cards or crafts.
Sunday's readings:
If you would like
to sign up to
donate flowers
for a weekend,
you can sign up
on the the bulletin board outside
the front entrance of our church.
Flowers for Jan 17 and 18:
The flowers are donated by Marge
Devereaux for Coletta Devereaux.
The flowers are
also donated by
Bill and Tracy
McAllister for
James
McAllister.
Reading One: Is 42:1-4, 6-7
Reading Two: Ps 29:1-2, 3-4,
3, 9-10
Gospel: Mk 1:7-11
Prayer Line
Collection totals for January 10 &
11 = $9,843.66
The flowers are also donated by
Steve and Stacey Capp in
Memory of Helen Alias Wall.
If anyone knows of someone
who needs prayers, or you
want to pray for someone who
needs prayers, please call the
prayer line ministry for St.
Mary Magdalene at 903
894-3875.
Men's A.C.T.S. Retreat - March 5-8, 2009
An ACTS weekend is designed to help the retreatants enter into a new or deeper
relationship with our Lord and fellow parishioners. This is accomplished through
Adoration and daily prayer, the call to Community in one!s parish as a member of the
Body of Christ, and Theology in encouraging the study of scripture and our Catholic
Faith. All of these which emphasize and encourage the virtue of Service to our Lord,
our parish and one
another.
We invite all men to join us at the Pine Cove Christian Camp. Registration forms are
available in the vestibule and in Peaches Hall. First Come, First Served, Limited Space.
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Announcements
Eucharistic Minister training - Tuesday, January 20, 7 pm in the Church.
Lector training - Tuesday, January 27, 7 pm in the Church.
Knights of Columbus Fundraiser
K of C Will be selling beef tips after all Masses the weekend of Jan. 24 & 25th. Cost per package is $5.00.
Golf Tournament Planning Meeting
We need more people to help plan our next golf tournament. The tournament will be held on November 2nd. Our next meeting will be
February 3rd at 5:30 pm in the upstairs conference room.
Valentine's Day Flowers - Youth Group Fundraiser
Valentine's Day Flowers (fundraiser) -- orders will be taken the weekends of Jan. 17 & 18, 24 & 25 and Jan. 31 & Feb. 1 in Peaches Hall
after all Masses. Flowers will be available for pick up Feb. 14 from 10 am until 2 pm in Peaches Hall. Cost is $20 - $25 (pay when you
pick up your flowers). Floral Arrangements are being made by the Ladies Flower Guild. For questions, contact Debbi Jones
903-316-8084 or any of the high school youth group.
High School Youth
High School faith formation classes continue on Sundays at 10:15 am.
Tuesday Morning Rosary
Tuesday Morning Rosary is held at 9:00 am.
Room Use Announcement
If your group is planning on using any room for an activity please e-mail Anne or Marge( annebrannan@embarqmail.com or
margedev@embarqmail.com) at the office. Our calendar for 2009 is filling quickly and we do not want any conflicts. Every effort will
be made to fill your request, but we do need it in writing.
RCIA
We meet at 9:00 am Sunday in the media room upstairs. The second part will begin at approximately 10:15 am and it's open to everyone.
Lectio Divina
The Lectio Divina prayer group will meet on Tuesday afternoons from 4:30-5:30 pm. All are welcome. For directions, please call Mary
Green at 534-0312 or email:mary@superiorfiberglass.com for a map.
FR. KELLY NEEDS SOME HELP
A very generous donor has been kind enough
to donate several pieces of art to the parish.
The donation consists in part of 200 Nativity
sets – yes - 200 Nativity sets.
Mass Intentions
Monday, January 19, 6:00 pm -- Ann Kalafut, RIP
Wednesday, January 21, 7:00 pm -- Wallace Wilcher, RIP
Saturday, January 24, 5:00 pm -- Patricia Hablinski, RIP
Sunday, January 25, 9:00 am -- Richard Brown, RIP
Sunday, January 25, 11:30 am -- Pro Popolo (for the people)
Wednesday, January 28, 7:00 pm -- Ken O'Connor, RIP
Saturday, January 31, 5:00 pm -- Jayne Morton, RIP
Sunday, February 1, 9:00 am -- Pro Popolo (for the people)
Sunday, February 1, 11:30 am -- Dorothy Banaszak, RIP
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Fr. Kelly needs some willing and careful hands
to package and transport small and fragile
items. The donor wants us to start moving the
items this week. These are very small and
beautiful objects and Father needs help to get
them all here to the parish.. If you are willing
to help, call Fr. Kelly at 903 894 7647
Spiritual Growth Opportunities at Wellspring guided by Fr. Gus Tharappel
GIFT – Growing in Faith Together Tuesdays, 7:00-8:30 pm
Learning to Meditate Series (Six Week Series) January 13th to February 17th 2009
This is a spiritual growth opportunity for interested persons to learn and develop basic skills for
meditation. This is not a program or lecture series. Fr. Gus will guide participants to learn the skills
through experience and reflection.
Men!s Faith Sharing - Thursdays, 7:00 - 8:30 pm
The Spirituality of the Gospel of John January 15 to May 19, 2009
Opportunity to explore the theology and spirituality that is unique to John!s gospel.
Retreats – Personal Growth Series
Part Three: Saturday, February 7, 2009 9:00-3:00 pm
Part Four: Saturday, April 4th, 2009
9:00-3:00 pm
This is a four part series. The first part focused on personal conversion in Christ and the second part
focused on an intimate relationship with the Triune God. Part three will focus on our relationship with
the Catholic Christian Community and the fourth part will focus on the Call to ministry. It is not
necessary to have attended the first two parts in order to participate in the third or fourth part being
offered this year.
Daily Reflections
Reflections on the Scripture readings of the daily Mass are available on our website. If you would like to
have the daily reflections emailed to you, please contact kathy@wellspringcommunity.net.
Saints for the week
Saturday, January 17, Anthony, abbot -- died in 356 at age 105; born in upper Egypt; hermit and early founder of religious
life; called the "Patriarch of Monks"; aided Athanasius of Alexandria in combating Arianism.
Tuesday, January 20, Fabian, pope, martyr -- died in 250 under Decius; layman elected bishop of Rome in 236; an
"incomparable man, the glory of whose death corresponded with the holiness of his life"; his body came to be transferred
from the catacombs of Callixtus to the basilica of St. Sebastian.
Sebastian, martyr -- died in 288? at Rome under Diocletian; chief of the Praetorian cohort whose acta tell of his being
pierced by arrows, later being clubbed to death; patron of archers, soldiers, and police associations.
Wednesday, January 21, Agnes, virgin, martyr -- died at the beginning of 4th century under Diocletian at the age of 12 (so
Augustine and Ambrose report); patroness of Christian virtue confronted by political and social violence; represented with a
martyr's palm and a lamb (her name in Latin "agnus" means lamb); the wool from two lambs blessed today will be used to
make the pallia which are presented by the pope to metropolitans on 29 June; name mentioned in the Roman Canon.
Thursday, January 22, Vincent, deacon, martyr -- died in 304 in persecution of Diocletian at Valencia; deacon of the church
of Saragossa; protomartyr of Spain; Prudentius (384 - 410), Spanish-born poet, sings his praises in his narrative poem
Peristephanon"; patron of wine-producers (Vincent/vin assonance in French).
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(cont'd from Page 1)
Since Roman law forbad the execution of virgins, Sempronius had Agnes dragged naked through the
streets to a brothel. He intended that after she had been raped, he would then have her executed in
public at the circus. In her shame, Agnes prayed to God. As she prayed, her hair grew and covered her
body. It was also said that all of the men who attempted to rape her were immediately struck blind. The
first such rapist was the very young man whose offer of marriage she had spurned. His father came into
the room and seeing his son blind, begged Agnes to restore his sight. She prayed to God for him and he
was given back his sight. He immediately ran out into the streets exclaiming that Jesus Christ is the only
true God.
When led out to die in the Diocletian Circus, she was tied to a stake, but the bundle of wood would not
burn, whereupon the officer in charge of the troops drew his sword and beheaded her. It is said that her
stubborn refusal to accept the authority of her father so enraged him that even after her death, he tried
to burn her body as she lay in the circus.
St. Agnes' name means pure in Greek and lamb in Latin. Her feast is celebrated on January 21. She is
often shown with a lamb in her arms. In some cultures her name is pronounced Ines or Inez. She wears
the laurel crown of victory for she has achieved salvation through her bravery and faith. Her tomb is to
be seen today in the parish Church of San Agnese on the Via Nomemtana outside the walls of Rome. It
is built over the catacomb where her friends hid her body after her death. Her skull is preserved in a
side chape of the wonderful church of Sant'Agnese in Agone in Rome's
Piazza Navona. The piazza stands over the Circus of Diocletian where she
was killed.
On her feast day, two lambs are brought from the Trappist abbey of Tre
Fontane in Rome to be blessed by the Pope. On Holy Thursday they are
shorn, and from the wool is woven the Pallium which the Pope gives to a
newly consecrated metropolitan Archbishop as a sign of his jurisdiction and
his union with the Pope. Her name is in first Eucharisrtic Prayer – the old
Roman canon.
PRAYER to ST AGNES
Almighty and everlasting God, who choose those whom the world deems
powerless to put the powerful to shame: Grant us so to cherish the memory
of your youthful martyr Agnes, that we may share her pure and steadfast
faith in you; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and
the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
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St. Mary Magdalene Parish
FLINT
Tuesday January 20
7 P.M. - 9 P.M.
Media room
The ABC of the BIBLE
In this 2 hour presentation, Fr. Kelly will explain the
basics of biblical study.
Questions like
Did God write the bible?
My friends say that Catholics are reading the wrong bible?
What do people mean by the Books of Moses?
Why all this talk about hidden Gospels?
Can we predict future events by reading the bible?
How many books in the bible?
Is everything in the bible true?
Do we Catholics believe all that is in the bible?
Does the bible contradict scientific fact?
Is the Rapture in the bible?
This class is ideal for catechists and other seeking certification with the
diocese. The class will be worth 2 hours at basic level.
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Learn more about your faith
Understand the Sunday Gospel better
Come study and discuss the
Gospel of Mark
January 27 Mark 1: 21-28 Jesus teaches with authority
February 3 Mark 1: 29 – 39 Jesus cures and heals
February 10 Mark 1: 40 –45 Cure of the Leper/
Compassion of Jesus
February 17 Mark 2: 1-12 Jesus forgives sins
The Gospel of Mark will be proclaimed at Mass during these
weeks. On Tuesday evenings Fr. Kelly and his students will read
and study these Gospel passages in preparation for our Sunday
Mass.
Fr Tim Kelly will teach each of these classes
Each class carries Life credits. Introduction classes are at Basic Level while the others
are at Intermediate level.
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