Saint Agnes Catholic Church Waterloo

Saint Agnes Catholic Church Waterloo Visit our website for Children's Liturgy info, Holy Mass Schedules, Sacraments, Special Events, and other parish info. St.

Agnes offers in-person Holy Mass and a livestreaming option. We are now on our summer schedule until Labour Day. Holy Mass will be celebrated in-person (and livestreamed as noted) at the following times:
- Tues - Wed @ 9am
- Thu - Fri @ 7pm (Holy Hour will be at 6pm Thursdays)
- Sat @ 9am (Holy Rosary follows Holy Mass)
- Sat @ 5pm
- Sun @ 10am - also livestreamed
- Sun @ 7pm

06/01/2026

Tomorrow at 1:30 p.m., Bishop Joseph Dabrowski, CSMA, will celebrate the Diocese of Hamilton’s annual Wedding Anniversary Mass.

Honouring couples celebrating 25, 40, 50, 60+ years of marriage, this special Mass is an opportunity to give thanks for the witness of faithful love and the gift of marriage.

We invite you to participate via livestream and keep these couples in your prayers.

🔗 Watch live: youtube.com/live/amcSQf1FDZs?si=hf8saXlcQlNn7sef

06/01/2026

Today marks the beginning of the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

In his pastoral letter, Resting in the Heart of Jesus, Bishop Joseph Dabrowski, CSMA, invites us to draw nearer to the Heart of Christ — a heart of mercy, compassion, and faithful love.

You may have heard this letter read by your pastor during the homily this past weekend. Now, as we enter the Month of the Sacred Heart, we invite you to revisit the pastoral letter and journey with us throughout June.

Read the letter, and explore prayers, reflections, and resources for the Month of the Sacred Heart:

🔗 hamiltondiocese.com/sacredheart

05/31/2026

Congratulations and blessings to Fr. Harry Reitzel, CR on this 61st anniversary of your ordination to priesthood! Ad multos anos.

05/26/2026

Have you ever wondered why the Catholic Church suddenly changes from the joyful celebrations of Easter and Pentecost back to something called “Ordinary Time”? After weeks of white and red vestments, special liturgies, and major feasts, the Church suddenly returns to green vestments and a quieter season.

To many Catholics, “Ordinary Time” sounds unimportant or spiritually boring. But the Church actually sees it very differently.

First, the word “ordinary” in “Ordinary Time” does not mean plain, unimportant, or spiritually empty. The name comes from the word “ordinal,” meaning numbered.
This is why the Church speaks about:
the First Sunday in Ordinary Time,
the Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time,
the Twenty-First Sunday in Ordinary Time, and so on.
It simply refers to the numbered weeks of the Church calendar.

Second, the Church returns to Ordinary Time after Pentecost because the great Easter season has reached its completion.
The Easter season celebrates:
the Resurrection of Jesus Christ,
His appearances to the disciples,
His Ascension,
and finally the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Pentecost completes the Easter mystery.

Third, after Pentecost, the Church shifts focus from celebrating specific mysteries of Christ’s life to reflecting more deeply on His teachings, ministry, and daily call to discipleship.
Spiritually speaking, Ordinary Time is where Catholics are invited to live out what Easter and Pentecost have revealed.

Fourth, Pentecost marks the moment the Church is sent into the world through the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible says: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you” (Acts 1:8).
After receiving the Holy Spirit, the Church now enters its ongoing mission in the world, and Ordinary Time reflects that continuing journey.

Fifth, the green vestments used during Ordinary Time are highly symbolic. Green represents:
life,
spiritual growth,
hope,
perseverance,
and ongoing faithfulness.
The Church intentionally changes from festive colors to green to symbolize spiritual growth in everyday Christian living.

Sixth, Ordinary Time reminds Catholics that holiness is not found only in dramatic feast days or emotional moments. Much of Christian life happens in ordinary daily faithfulness:
prayer,
charity,
sacrifice,
forgiveness,
family life,
and perseverance.
Spiritually speaking, Ordinary Time teaches believers how to f0ll0w Christ consistently.

Seventh, during Ordinary Time, the Gospel readings often focus heavily on:
Christ’s teachings,
miracles,
parables,
and interactions with people.
Catholics gradually walk with Jesus through His public ministry.

Eighth, Ordinary Time after Pentecost also reflects the life of the Church itself. The apostles received the Holy Spirit and then continued the daily work of evangelization, teaching, and serving.
The Church continues this mission today.
The Bible says: “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).

Ninth, although Ordinary Time sounds less dramatic than Easter or Christmas, it actually occupies most of the liturgical year. This shows that the Church considers steady spiritual growth extremely important.
The Christian life is not only about mountaintop moments, it is also about faithful daily living.

Finally, the return to Ordinary Time after Pentecost symbolizes that the Church has now been sent into the world, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to continue the mission of Christ in ordinary human life.

In simple words, the Catholic Church returns to Ordinary Time after Pentecost because the Easter season has been completed. Ordinary Time is the season where Catholics are called to live daily Christian life faithfully, guided by the Holy Spirit and growing steadily in holiness.

SOURCES
Sacred Scripture (Catholic Translation): Acts 1:8; Matthew 5:14

General Norms for the Liturgical Year and the Calendar

Catechism of the Catholic Church: CCC 1163-1171

Pentecost

Jesus Christ

© Catholic Dailies
Be Prayerful. Be Inspired.

05/24/2026

Today we celebrate Pentecost Sunday, when the Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles and the Church is born.

Filled with the fire of the Spirit, the disciples are transformed—fear gives way to courage, and silence to joyful proclamation. Pentecost reminds us that the same Spirit is at work in our lives today, renewing hearts, strengthening faith, and sending us forth to share the Gospel.

May the Holy Spirit set our hearts ablaze with love for Christ, unite us in faith, and empower us to be joyful witnesses in the world.

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.

05/23/2026

🕊️ THE 7 GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT 🔥
(Isaiah 11:2-3)

🤔 Many people think the Gifts of the Holy Spirit were only for the Apostles during Pentecost. But Sacred Scripture and the teaching of the Catholic Church show that these gifts are given to all baptized and confirmed Christians, not only to the Apostles.

📖 Did only the Apostles receive the Gifts during Pentecost?

No.

At Pentecost in the Acts of the Apostles chapter 2, the Apostles received a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit for the mission of evangelization. But the Holy Spirit was never meant only for them.

❗Jesus promised the Spirit to all believers:

👉 “And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever.”
— John 14:16

And Saint Peter declared at Pentecost:

👉 “The promise is made to you and to your children and to all those far off.”
— Acts 2:39

So Pentecost was not the “exclusive privilege” of the Apostles. 🕊️

It was the beginning of the Church’s life in the Holy Spirit. 🔥

✨ WHEN DID WE RECEIVE THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?

🕊️ 1. At Baptism

In Baptism, the Holy Spirit first dwells in the soul.

We become:

• children of God,

• temples of the Holy Spirit,

• members of Christ’s Body.

The 7 Gifts are already planted within us like spiritual seeds.

📖 Titus 3:5
📖 1 Corinthians 6:19

🔥 2. Strengthened in Confirmation

In the Sacrament of Confirmation, the Gifts are strengthened and stirred into maturity — just as the Apostles were strengthened at Pentecost.

That is why Confirmation is often called: 👉 “our personal Pentecost.”

The Spirit gives courage to defend the Faith publicly and live as mature Christians.

📖 Acts 8:14-17

🕊️ THE 7 GIFTS — THEIR DEEP MEANING

1️⃣ WISDOM 🕊️

Not worldly intelligence.

Wisdom lets us see life the way God sees it.

It helps us:

• love heavenly things more than earthly things,

• value holiness over popularity,

• desire God above sin.

A wise Christian understands: 👉 the world passes away, but God is eternal.

📖 “Taste and see the goodness of the Lord.” — Psalm 34:8

2️⃣ UNDERSTANDING 💡

This gift opens the mind to the mysteries of God.

A person may read Scripture many times, but through the Holy Spirit suddenly understand its deeper truth. 🕊️

It helps us:

• grasp the meaning of the Faith,

• understand Scripture spiritually,

• perceive the harmony of Catholic teachings.

This is why simple saints sometimes understand divine truths better than intellectual skeptics.

3️⃣ COUNSEL 🧭

Also called Right Judgment.

This gift helps us know: 👉 what is right, 👉 what pleases God, 👉 what decision leads to holiness.

It guides conscience.

When confused between worldly advice and God’s will, Counsel helps the soul choose rightly.

📖 “Your ears shall hear a word behind you: This is the way; walk in it.” — Isaiah 30:21

4️⃣ FORTITUDE 🛡️

Spiritual courage.

This gift gives strength to:

• resist temptation,

• defend the Faith,

• endure suffering,

• remain faithful during persecution.

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 The Apostles before Pentecost were fearful.

After receiving the Holy Spirit, they boldly preached Christ even under threat of death.🔥

❗Fortitude transforms fear into holy courage.

5️⃣ KNOWLEDGE 📖

Not merely academic knowledge.

✨ This gift helps us understand:

• the purpose of creation,

• the emptiness of sin,

• the difference between temporary and eternal things.

Knowledge teaches us not to idolize the world.

It helps us use earthly things for God’s glory instead of becoming slaves to them.

6️⃣ PIETY ❤️

Also called Reverence.

This gift creates a loving relationship with God as Father.

It gives:

• love for prayer,

• devotion in worship,

• reverence for holy things,

• compassion toward others.

✨ Piety makes religion not merely obligation — but loving relationship.

It also deepens love for the Church, the Sacraments, and the Eucharist.

7️⃣ FEAR OF THE LORD 👑

This does NOT mean terror of God.

It means: ✨ awe, ✨ reverence, ✨ holy respect, ✨ fear of offending the One we love.

Like a child who fears hurting a loving father.

This gift destroys pride and teaches humility.

📖 “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” — Proverbs 9:10

✝️ APOLOGETIC POINT

Some groups claim: ❌ “The Gifts were only for the Apostles.”

But Scripture shows otherwise.

📖 Isaiah 11:2-3 prophesied these gifts concerning the Messiah.

📖 Romans 8:14 teaches:

“Those who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.”

📖 1 Corinthians 12 explains that the Spirit distributes gifts throughout the Church.

The Holy Spirit continues to work in Christ’s Church today — through Baptism, Confirmation, the Sacraments, and holy living.

Pentecost did not end.

🔥 The Church still lives by the Holy Spirit. 🔥

🕊️ In summary:

✅ The Apostles received a special outpouring at Pentecost.
✅ But all Christians receive the Holy Spirit in Baptism.
✅ The Gifts are strengthened in Confirmation.
✅ The 7 Gifts help us live holy lives and remain faithful to Christ.

🕊️ Reflection 🔥

The Gifts of the Holy Spirit are not merely ancient blessings given only to the Apostles — they are living graces still active in every faithful Christian today. 🔥Through Baptism and strengthened in Confirmation, the Holy Spirit dwells within us to guide, strengthen, and transform our souls. 🔥❤️‍🔥

In a world filled with confusion, fear, temptation, and pride, the Holy Spirit gives us Wisdom to seek God, Fortitude to remain faithful, Understanding to know the truth, and Fear of the Lord to walk humbly before Him.

Pentecost was not the end of the Holy Spirit’s work — it was the beginning. 🔥

May we never ignore these heavenly gifts, but allow the Spirit to shape us into true disciples of Christ.
🕊️🔥❤️‍🔥

✝️ Pro Deo et Ecclesia
(For God and Church) 🕊️🛡️

05/22/2026

Have you ever attended a Catholic Mass on Easter Sunday or Pentecost and suddenly heard a special hymn sung before the Gospel, one that seems longer, older, and more solemn than the usual Alleluia?

That ancient hymn is called the “Sequence,” and many Catholics hear it every year without fully knowing why it exists or what it means.

The Sequence is one of the oldest and most beautiful traditions in Catholic liturgy.

First, the Sequence is a special hymn sung before the Gospel on certain important feast days in the Church. It developed during the early Middle Ages as a poetic meditation meant to prepare the faithful spiritually for the proclamation of the Gospel.

Spiritually speaking, the Sequence helps deepen reflection before hearing God’s Word.

Second, Sequences are only used on a few major celebrations because they emphasize the extraordinary importance of those feast days.

In the modern Roman Catholic liturgy, the main Sequences are associated with:
Easter Sunday,
Pentecost Sunday,
Corpus Christi,
Our Lady of Sorrows,
and Requiem Masses for the dead.

However, only Easter and Pentecost are universally required in the Roman Rite today.

Third, the Easter Sequence is called: “Victimae Paschali Laudes” (“Christians, to the Paschal Victim”)
It joyfully reflects on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the victory of life over death.

The Bible says: “Death no longer has power over him” (Romans 6:9).

The Easter Sequence helps Catholics meditate on the triumph of the risen Christ before the Gospel is proclaimed.

Fourth, the Pentecost Sequence is called: “Veni Sancte Spiritus” (“Come, Holy Spirit”)
It is one of the most beloved prayers to the Holy Spirit in Catholic tradition.

Because Pentecost celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, the Sequence asks the Spirit to:
guide,
heal,
strengthen,
enlighten,
and sanctify believers.

The Bible says: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful” (traditional liturgical prayer inspired by Acts 2).

Fifth, the Sequence for Corpus Christi, “Lauda Sion,” focuses on the Eucharist and the Real Presence of Christ in Holy Communion.

Meanwhile, the ancient funeral Sequence, “Dies Irae,” once commonly used at funeral Masses, reflected deeply on judgment, mercy, and eternal life.

Sixth, Sequences were originally sung in Latin and often had poetic structures designed to make them memorable and prayerful. In medieval times, there were hundreds of Sequences, but the Church later simplified the liturgy and retained only a few major ones.

Seventh, liturgically, the Sequence is placed between the Second Reading and the Gospel Alleluia. This position is intentional because the Church treats it as a solemn meditation leading into the Gospel proclamation.

Spiritually speaking, it prepares the heart before hearing Christ speak through the Gospel.

Eighth, the beauty of the Sequence also reflects the Catholic understanding that worship involves:
music,
poetry,
symbolism,
Scripture,
and contemplation.

The Church has long believed sacred music can lift the soul toward God.

The Bible says: “Sing joyfully to the Lord” (Psalm 98:4).

Finally, many Catholics today may not fully realize how ancient these hymns are. Some of the Sequences still sung today have survived for nearly a thousand years and connect modern Catholics to centuries of Christian worship.

In simple words, Catholics sing the Sequence during certain important Masses because it is an ancient liturgical hymn that prepares the faithful spiritually before the Gospel. Special Sequences are sung especially on Easter and Pentecost to reflect deeply on the Resurrection and the Holy Spirit.

Now you know.

SOURCES
Sacred Scripture (Catholic Translation): Romans 6:9; Psalm 98:4

Roman Missal

General Instruction of the Roman Missal: GIRM 64**

Pentecost

Easter

© Catholic Dailies
Be Prayerful. Be Inspired.

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75 Bluevale Street N
Waterloo, ON
N2J3R7

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+15198854480

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