Transcript Slide 1

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
NOVEMBER 30, 2014
At a certain point in life, the profound desires
and cravings of our heart reach a point of
eruption in us. Yet, at the same time comes
the awareness that we cannot bring about
what we want – we do not have inside us what
is needed to fulfill and satisfy our longings.
An so, with our infinite yearnings we turn to
the Infinite and cry, “Oh, that you would rend
the heavens and come down.” Our experience
of helplessness before the fact of our boundless human need moves us to ask for
fellowship with God’s Son, Jesus Christ the
Lord. The nature of our desire assures us as
we enter into Advent that we are not lacking
in any spiritual gift as we wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. “The Lord of
the house is coming.” “Be watchful! Be alert!”
ST. MATTHEW
THE EVANGELIST PARISH
MINERSVILLE, PA
www.StMatthewTheEvangelistParish.org
Rectory Office Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Phone: (570) 544-2211
Fax: (570) 544-2317
SAINT MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST WELCOMES ALL
No matter what your present status in the Catholic Church; no matter what your current family
or marital situation; no matter what your past or present religious affiliation; no matter what
your personal history, age, background, race, ethnicity, etc.; you are Invited, Welcomed,
Accepted, Loved and Respected at Saint Matthew the Evangelist Parish!
SAFE ENVIRONMENT COORDINATOR: Sr. Meg Cole (610-866-0581x19)
VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR: Wendy S. Krisak (1-800-791-9209)
WEEKDAY MASS AT 8:00 AM
MON – Living and Deceased Parishioners
TUE – Anna Hudock by Jack Hudock
WED – 7:00 AM – Stiney and Josephine Sarnosky by Family
THU – Francis and Helen O’Connor by Mollie and Helene
FRI – Living and Deceased Members of Parish Memorial Society
SAT – 4:00 PM – Andrew Botek by Wife, Bertha
SUN – 8:30 AM – Julia and Anibal Brito and Marie Brito Dale
by Marge and George Homa Family
10:30 AM – Joseph and Betty Wentz by Joe, Joanne and Family
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REQUIESCAT IN PACE: May Jesus, creations Lord and Judge, take unto Himself:
STELLA B. CHICORA, a former member of the former St. Stanislaus Kostka
Parish, and a member of our Parish Family, who died Friday, November 21,
and will be buried from our Church Monday, December 1. May Mary, Mother
of Mercy,obtain comfort from Jesus,her risen son,for Stella’s family and friends.
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THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: To you, I lift up my soul, O my God./ In
you, I have trusted; let me not be put to shame./ Nor let my
enemies exult over me;/ and let none who hope in you be put to
shame. (Cf. Ps 25 (24): 1-3)
“Oh, that you would rend the heavens and
come down…” Once again, at the beginning
of Advent, this cry rises to God, borne up by
the certainty of a kingdom already among us
but not yet completed. For our God is a God
who comes: “He who was, and who is, and
who is to come!” (Rev 4:8). // Once again,
we must situate ourselves properly before
this mystery which draws near. It would be
useless to speculate about the moment of the
final manifestation of the Lord. That is an old
temptation to which troubled societies
regularly succumb. Even today many sects
set themselves up as prophets of doom. It is
not the date of the Parousia but its character
which must concern us. It will pronounce
judgment on all of history and on our
personal lives. In the face of this coming of
the Son of Man which no one can foresee or
prevent, in the face of this long vigil through
the night of this world, it is best to remain
always on the alert, to be aware of our
responsibility toward the present, and to
recognize the eternal significance of every
moment. // Paul calls the vigilant Christian to
give thanks without ceasing. Thanksgiving is
not an expression of smug complacency.
With this awareness of what we are not yet
and do not yet do, we turn toward the One
who is the beginning and the end of all things.
We renounce what delays and announce what
hastens his coming. Then, like a thorn in the
world’s flesh, we become a goad to the
world’s vigilance, triumphing over sleep and
stirring up hope:“Come,Lord Jesus!”(Rev22:20).
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT, NOVEMBER 30 – SACRAMENT OF
RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM AND 10:15 AM.
THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC):
Jesus told us to ask the Harvest Master to send laborers into
his harvest. May the prayers of our participating families bear
fruit. Our thanks to CHRIS AND STACY KELLY FAMILY for
hosting the FPC for Vocations this week. Sign up in Church.
FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: Today’s gospel tells us to “Be watchful.” This
comes natural to families. Parents are watchful of their children’s health,
grades and friends. Children are watchful of parental moods. Today’s gospel
encourages us to use this ability to see God acting in the innocence,
tenderness, love and forgiveness of your family. “Be watchful,” the Lord is
already with you.
PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: Silence is not an option. Complacency today
will result in a position of captivity tomorrow. Do your part to help end abortion
and euthanasia. Remember, “Silence is consent!”
STEWARDSHIP: “Take heed, watch and pray; for you do not know when
the time will come.” - Mark 13:33. We all take things for granted. In particular,
we take time for granted. Our lives are so busy, many of us are planning our
time - our days, weeks, months, even years in advance. Remember, our time
on earth is a gift. None of us knows how long we will be here. Start today and
begin thanking God for each and every day. Take time in silence, everyday,
and listen to what God is saying to you. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED:
Sunday: $3,127; Capital Improvement: $351; Expenses: $3,018.17.
Thank you for your generosity!
ADVENT CHARITIES: 1) ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY –
Your donation of all TYPES OF PASTA AND SAUCES will allow the SVDP
Society to aid the needy of our area. Volunteer to help our SVDP Society
Outreach and God’s Bountiful Table. Call 570-544-2739. 2) BIRTHRIGHT’S
GIVING TREE: A special tree has been placed in our Church’s Sanctuary.
Ornaments on the tree list items needed by mothers and children in want in our
county. Please buy or make these items and return your gifts UNWRAPPED
to the Church by December 15. Your gifts will be given to Birthright of
Frackville and will be distributed during the coming Holiday Season.
ADVENT VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: IMO Veronica Novack by Children.
(2) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: IMO Anna Dobles by Daughter,
Carol Matusky; IMO Helen O’Connor by Daughter, Helene; For the Health of
George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; For the Health of
Aldona Butler. DIVINE MERCY: Special Intention by Stan and Sally Gober. (3)
BEFORE: ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. ST. THERESA: IMO Helen
O’Connor (Birthday) by Daughter, Mollie and Family Call 570-544-2211.
ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST 50/50 CHANCES: Chances ($2 per chance or 3 for
$5) will be sold after today’s Masses. Drawing at December 17th Holiday Food Sale.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1 – CHRISTMAS VISITATION OF THE SICK: Will begin today until completed. Confessions also will be heard.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2 – ST. MATTHEW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
ANNUAL CHILDRENS’ ST. NICHOLAS DAY PARTY: 6:15 PM, Good Shepherd Cafeteria. All Parish children and Parish
volunteer workers’ grandchildren are welcome to meet St. Nicholas! There will be a magic show and refreshments!
ASSUMPTION BVM HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER: Selling poinsettia 6.5” pot multiple blooms (red, white, pink) for $10; 20” douglas fir
wreath (decorated with a bow and red and green Christmas balls) for $25. ORDERS AND MONEY ARE DUE TODAY! Pick-up is
Thursday, December 11th, 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM, at Pod & Petal, Pottsville. Call 570-628-5002 for more information.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 7:00 AM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients/caregivers.
GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Ricapito Annex. Call 570-544-2739.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4 – “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR REHEARSAL: Call Greg Senich at 570-544-2355
to join and for rehearsal times. New members are needed and welcome!
THEOLOGY ON TAP: THE NEW EVANGELIZATION: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (also on December 18), La Dolce Casa, Tamaqua.
Speaker series designed for young adults to learn more about their faith in a comfortable setting. Rev. John Frink, Pastor, St. John XXIII
Parish, will speak on topics relating to the New Evangelization. Visit www.adoyyam.com for more information.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.
EUCHARISTIC HOLY HOUR: Immediately following today’s 8:00 AM Mass, there will be Eucharistic Exposition, Adoration, and
Benediction. Come and pray for vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Life from our Parish and Diocese.
NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL DEPPEN PIE SALE: $10 per pie. Flavors include: apple, blueberry, cherry, peach, strawberry (also
available with crumb topping), shoo-fly, pumpkin, coconut custard, lemon sponge, no sugar added apple. ORDERS AND MONEY ARE
DUE TODAY! Call Mr. Foster at 570-622-8110 ext. 343 to order.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM.
BLESSING OF CHOCOLATES: Chocolates for our Parish children will be blessed at all
weekend Masses to honor St. Nicholas, the Patron Saint of Children, whose Feast Day is
December 6. GOOD ST. NICHOLAS PROTECT OUR CHILDREN!
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT, DECEMBER 7 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM.
THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): MILLIE MAGIC will host the FPC this week. Call 570-3995056 or sign-up in the Church Vestibule. We also need host families for January and February!
RECREATIONAL VOLLEYBALL: Students in grades 6-12 interested in participating in a volleyball program sponsored by St.
Matthew’s CYO please join us on this Sunday evenings from 6:00pm to 8:00pm in the Good Shepherd Building Gymnasium . Instruction
will be provided from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM and then free play from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, St. Ambrose School Parish Center. Adults $8; Children 6 to 12 $4; Children 5
and under free. Raffles and activities for the children. Proceeds benefit the 8 th Grade Class Trip.
HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION OF LIGHT: 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, Covenant Home Care, Pottsville. $10 per ornament in
advance; $15 day of. Each lighted ornament on outdoor Christmas tree will reflect the life of those who have illuminated our lives with love
and well-being. Call Vince at 1-800-726-8761 ext. 4519 for more information.
3RD ANNUAL MURPHY JEWELERS BINGO: Doors open 11:00 AM; Bingo starts 1:00 PM. St. Nicholas Hall, Primrose. Admission
$25. Call 570-544-5767 or 570-544-4581 for tickets. All proceeds benefit St. Nicholas School.
SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) UTILITIES: Your donation will help pay for light, water, sewer, heating tapes, and the
maintenance of all parish heating units, etc. (2) Please catch up with any missed envelopes. Your Church needs your consistent and
generous support to meet all of its financial obligations and to serve you. Thank you for your generosity!
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MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
LECTORS
E. M. of H. C.
Mary Ann Harrison
Gloria Paltanavage
SAT
4:00 PM
OFF. PROC.
Botek Family
SUN
8:30 AM
Homa Family
Jack Hudock
Tom Mundy
10:30 AM
Wentz Family
Nicole Forney
Marian Rhoads
ALTAR SERVERS
Anthony Forte
Nathan Tropp
Anthony Lutchkus
Michael Perzel
Frank Melenchick
Jade Stickell
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COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar!
DECEMBER 8 – HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION: SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: Mass is at 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM.
DECEMBER 11 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ SANDS CASINO AND BETHLEHEM LIGHTS BUS TRIP: Pay $25; Rebate $30. Bus
leaves R&J 9:30 AM; Quandel’s in Minersville 10:00 AM. Bus departs casino 5:30 PM. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413).
DECEMBER 13, 14 – NATIONAL RETIRED RELIGIOUS COLLECTION: Give thanks for
religious. A parishioner writes, “We thank God today and every day for every religious
sister who taught us in school, not only our ABC’s, but also to love God.” Share your
gratitude for the senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who made
a positive difference in so many lives. Use the special envelope found in your envelope
box. Please give generously to today’s collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious.
DECEMBER 14 – ADVENT COMMUNITY CONFESSIONS: 6:00 PM, St. Matthew the Evangelist Church. Four to five
will be available. Prepare spiritually for Christmas by making a good Confession.
DECEMBER 15 – NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT: 6:30 PM. Includes information about academics,
financial aid, guidance services. No pre-registration required. All are welcome. Call 570-622-8110 for more information.
DECEMBER 17 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Ricapito Annex. Call 570-544-2739.
DECEMBER 17 – HOLIDAY FOOD SALE: Homemade pierogi ($7.00 per dozen) and kielbasa
($9.00 per 2lb link). Pick-up 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM today at the Parish Center. PREORDER ONLY. Call the Rectory (570-544-2211) to order. ORDER DEADLINE IS DEC. 3.
DECEMBER 21 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH ANNUAL “SOUNDS OF THE
SPIRIT CONTEMPORARY CHOIR HOLIDAY CONCERT”: 6:00 PM in our Church. A FreeWill Offering will be accepted. Come and experience the “Spirit of the Season” in song!
DECEMBER 21 – NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL AND FEEDER SCHOOL BAND AND CHORUS CONCERT: 7:00 PM, Nativity BVM High
School Gym. Call 570-622-8110 for information.
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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPONSORSHIP AT BAPTISM AND CONFIRMATION: 1) You must be a fully initiated member of the
Church, i.e. have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. 2) You must be at least 16 years of age. 3) You
must be a practicing Catholic, i.e. attending Mass weekly and receiving the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Penance on a regular basis.
Please do not ask for exemptions from the aforementioned requirements! They cannot be given!
2015 CHURCH CALENDARS: They are a gift to our Parish from THE BUTLER FUNERAL HOME. They are in the
Church Vestibule. One per family. OUR SINCEREST THANKS TO DONALD, PEGGY AND CHRISTOPHER!
CHRISTMAS WAFERS / PLOTKELES / OPLATKI:Are available in the Church Vestibule to help you preserve the custom of the Christmas Eve Holy Supper. The offering per pack is $4.00. Preserve this beautiful Holiday Tradition!
CHRISTMAS FLOWERS AND VOTIVES: We would appreciate your Floral Memorials ($10) and Votive Memorials
($5) for the adornment of our Church during this coming Christmas Season. Envelopes for Flowers can be
found in your Sunday Envelope boxes. Please return them and make arrangements for Vigils at your earliest
convenience. Call 570-544-2211 with any questions.
GIFT CARDS TO SUPPORT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: Both Assumption BVM and Nativity BVM sell gift cards to purchase groceries in Giant,
Weis, BG’s, and Boyer’s, to eat in local restaurants and chain restaurants outside the area, and to shop in major and small department
stores. These participating stores, eateries, grocery stores, and gas stations donate a percentage of their sales back to the school. Call
Assumption BVM (570-622-0106) or Nativity BVM (570-622-8110) for more information.
BIRTHRIGHT OF FRACKVILLE: Free confidential support and pregnancy testing. Call 24 hours a day (800-550-4900) or 570-874-2621.