Transcript Slide 1

THIRD SUNDAY
IN ORDINARY TIME
JANUARY 25, 2015
At a moment when “time was running out”
for evil Nineveh, God did something
extraordinary: he raised up Jonah to preach
repentance to “the great city.” When “Jesus
came proclaiming the Gospel of God,”
Christ’s first action was to call men from the
sea to preach to the world. Nothing
convinces us of the compassion, the love,
the kindness, and the goodness of God like
the witness of these humble believers who
leave nets, boats, and father to follow Jesus.
To us who beg, “Teach me your paths,”
Jesus beckons: “Come after me.”
We might take
it for granted
that good
news is the
essence of
Christianity.
Yet we often
conceive of it
as a collection
of beliefs, a
system of
spiritual and
moral
strictures
inherited from
those who
received them
from God and
transmitted them infallibly to the Church. //
At the origin of Christianity, there was no
celestial indoctrination with divine truths,
sprung from the First Truth. It was rather by a
decisive event that faith began. God’s good
news is his Son Jesus. He can say: “The
kingdom of God is here” because he himself
is here. In him and through him, God
establishes his kingdom by actively saving
humanity.//In this regard, the great fisherman
is Jesus himself. He attracts people not with
vinegar but with the proclamation of good
news. That is the savor of Christian belief.
The sacraments, the beatitudes, the Church,
the forgiveness of sins are all good news
summarized in Jesus, revelation of a Father
full of tenderness. To welcome this
conviction, to follow Jesus unconditionally, is
faith, conversion. It is not mere intellectual
assent to a collection of inherited truths.
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 – Joseph Grecky by family
TUE – John Kubich and Rita and Ottavio Agosti by Julie
WED – George Miller by Joanne Bobby Family
THU – Edward Walasavage
FRI – John and Josephine Smiszek by Family
SAT – 4:00 PM – Thomas Donlen, Sr. by Mia and Ava Bowers
SUN – 8:30 AM – Tim Stine by Family
10:30 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners
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THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: O sing a new song to the Lord;/ sing to the
Lord, all the earth./ In his presence are majesty and splendor,/
strength and honor in his holy place. (Cf. Ps 96 (95):1,6)
THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, JANUARY 25 – SACRAMENT
OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM.
DIOCESAN COLLECTION: CATHOLIC RELIEF
SERVICES: “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for
one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mt
25:40). Today, we are reminded that Jesus identified
himself with our poorest brothers and sisters. The
Catholic Relief Services Collection serves Jesus in the
victims of human trafficking, in those who suffer from
unjust laws, and in those who need pastoral care and
humanitarian assistance across the globe. Through
your support with today’s Collection, you help Jesus in
disguise. Please be generous and Use the Special
Envelope found in your boxes. THANKS FOR CARING!
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. Thanks to JACK HUDOCK (8:30 AM) for hosting the FPC
for Vocations this week. Please sign up in Church vestibule.
FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: It must have been difficult for Zebedee to watch
his sons walk away and follow Jesus. It was the end of ‘Zebedee and Sons
Fishing, Inc.’ Our children were never ours. They are only on loan to us. We
raise them to let them go.
PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: Just because something happens to be legal
does not make it moral, ethical or right. Abortion is perhaps one of the most
dramatic examples of a situation where something is legal (decriminalized) but
is very much a sin against God and against humanity.
STEWARDSHIP: “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” – Mark
1:17. Jesus’ call to “Follow me” is a call to all Christians! Jesus asks us to
help Him build his church on earth by generously sharing all our gifts of prayer,
talent and treasure. Remember, Jesus calls us to generously develop and share all our gifts, not just the ones we pick and choose. LAST
WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $2,449; General Repair: $377; Expenses: $3,214.80. Thank you for your generosity!
FRATERNAL CHARITY: ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY –Your donation of all TYPES OF PASTA AND RICE 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.
VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: IMO John and Josephine Smiszek by Family (Available Dates: March 15, 29, April 26, May 24,
October 4, 18) (2) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: Special Intention by Stan and Sally Gober; For the Health of George Homa and
Special Intention by Wife and Family; IMO George Miller by Aldona and Ed. (3) BEFORE: ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. SACRED
HEART: For the intentions of Gregory Tatusko by Grandmother. ST. LUCY: Special Intention. Call 570-544-2211 for votives.
FOOD PREPARATION: 9:30 AM, Parish Center. Make halushki noodles! Lend a hand! Help us!
ASSUMPTION BVM PRE-SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Offering 2, 3 and 5 day programs. Accepting registrations
for the 2015-2016 school year. Before and after school care is offered at an additional cost. Call 570-622-0106 for more information.
MONDAY, JANUARY 26 – FEBRUARY VISITATION OF THE SICK; Beginning today until completed (will include Anointing of the sick).
FOOD PREPARATION: 9:00 AM, Parish Center. Peel, sauté onions. Everyone welcome! Help us!
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK: Our Catholic values and morals make us who we are. They lead each of us to a
purpose driven life. Learning about the traditions of our Catholic faith and how to make good moral choices all
contribute to creating successful students and adults. The reinforcement of these values in our classrooms,
hallways and on our playing fields builds an unshakable moral foundation. Please consider enrolling your children
in our regional elementary school, ASSUMPTION BVM SCHOOL (570-622-0106), and NATIVITY BVM HIGH
SCHOOL (570-622-8110). You won’t be sorry, the investment is worth it!
THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS: 5:00 PM, Our Lady’s Chapel of St. Patrick Church, Pottsville, followed by veneration of a
First-Class Relic of Saint Pauline Visintainer. Call 570-622-1802 for information.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27 – ST. MATTHEW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 6:00 PM in the Good Shepherd Building. Any
questions, contact our Coordinator of Religious Education, Rosalie Novack (570-544-2211). Absences call 570-544-3766.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass. St. Peregrine help cancer patients and their caregivers!
GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Ricapito Annex. Call 570-544-2739 or 570-544-6484 (Father Ricapito Annex).
THURSDAY, JANUARY 29 – “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR: New members are needed! Call 570-544-2355.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. Continue in this New Year by making a good Confession!
FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, FEBRUARY 1 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM.
THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): BOB AND TONI
PLESNARKSI will host the FPC this week. Call 570-399-5056 or sign-up in
the Church Vestibule. We also need host families for March and April!
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) END OF THE YEAR GIVING: 2014 is over. Check your Sunday Church Envelopes for
the envelopes you missed due to illness, vacation, inclement weather, etc. Please catch
up as soon as possible. Your Church needs your consistent and generous support to meet
Its financial obligations and to serve you. 2014 envelopes returned by January 31, 2015
will be credited for the fiscal year 2014. Thank you in advance for your support!
Nativity BVM High School
Lynn Sabol, Principal
Jennifer Daubert, Admissions
[email protected]
570-622-8110
www.NativityBVM.net
95% of Nativity BVM Catholic High
School Graduates Go to College!
------------------------------------------------------ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Nativity High School is renowned for
academic excellence. Our students
consistently receive high scores on national
standardized tests. We offer Advanced
Placement courses and Dual Credit courses
through Alvernia University as well as
advanced, regular, and general level classes.
The Nativity Graduating Class of 2014
received over 4.1 million dollars in scholarship
awards toward furthering their education.
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MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
SAT
4:00 PM
OFF. PROC.
Donlen Family
LECTORS
Frank Melenchick
E. M. of H. C.
Theresa Kroznuski
SUN
8:30 AM
Stine Family
Jack Hudock
Elaine Davis
10:30 AM
Parishioners
Sharon Kolenick
Mary Ann Harrison
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Nativity students enjoy the benefits of a broad
selection of extracurricular activities and 14
Varsity Sports to develop community
commitment, social skills and physical fitness.
Nativity’s dedication to the Arts can be seen
through its music, drama and art programs.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Nativity BVM High School exemplifies the
importance of living the message of the
Gospels by helping others, All of our students
participate in community service projects.
Each year Nativity students complete over
5,000 hours of community service.
SPIRITUAL AND MORAL VALUES
Nativity High School offers students a unique
opportunity to nurture spiritual and moral
values. This occurs and is constantly
reinforced not only in classes of religious
instruction but throughout the curriculum and
extracurricular activities. The Gospel’s message is taught in our classrooms every day,
through our liturgies and special devotions.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Parental involvement is a critical part of
Nativity BVM High School. From the Green &
Gold Club to the School Store, to volunteer
efforts at extracurricular events, parents
demonstrate leadership at Nativity.
COMMITTED FACULTY
Nativity’s well-qualified and caring faculty is
deeply committed to their students. They take
the time to know their students as individuals
and nurture their talents, even sometimes
unveiling new talents, in helping them realize
their full potential as responsible citizens and
productive lifelong learners.
TRANSFER GRANTS UP TO $3,000
Any public, private or charter school student
who transfers will receive a Bishop’s Tuition
Transfer Grant. Elementary students in grades
1-7, receive $1,500 in grants ($1,000 in year 1
and $500 in year 2). High School transfers in
grades 10 and 11 will receive $3,000 in grants
($2,000 in year 1 and $1,000 in year 2).
Restrictions apply. For details, contact a
Catholic school.
$25 MILLION IN FINANCIAL AID
• The Eastern Pennsylvania Scholarship
Foundation has awarded over $17 million in
financial assistance.
• Most Catholic schools also award additional
financial assistance to families, based on
need and available resources.
• All families receive financial support from the
school or diocese.
$20,000 IN COLLEGE GRANTS!!!
Diocese of Allentown Catholic high school
graduates qualify for $20,000 in extra college
grants from DeSales and Alvernia University.
THAT'S LIKE GETTING 70% OF YOUR
HIGH SCHOOL TUITION FOR FREE!
www.desales.edu • www.alvernia.edu
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS PROVIDE MORE
EXTRACURRICULAR, ATHLETIC AND
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR
CHILD.
PARENTS
Parents sacrifice to send their children to a
Catholic school, because they recognize how
important academics and Catholic lifelong
values are to their child's success in college
and in life.
TEACHERS
Catholic school teachers are talented, caring
and dedicated to the lifelong success of each
student. The Diocese of Allentown requires
teachers to be certified by the State of Pennsylvania and to continue their own education
to improve their knowledge and skills.
PRIESTS / RELIGIOUS
Our priests and religious are present in our
schools as administrators, chaplains and
teachers in our classrooms.Their dedication to
the Catholic faith is passed on to our students.
REGISTER NOW AT ASSUMPTION BVM
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
OR NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL!
TRANSFERS WELCOME
ALL FAITHS WELCOME
FINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE
“Catholic education is critical to the
New Evangelization. As Bishop, I am
committed to strengthening the
academic excellence and Catholic
formation that is at the heart of
Catholic education in the Diocese of
Allentown”. Bishop John O. Barres,
D.D., Bishop of Allentown.
ALTAR SERVERS
Alexandra Eades
Fletcher Eades
Emily Purcell
Abby Schoffstall
Bella Kuehn
Gabriel Kuehn
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COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar!
FEBRUARY 3 – MANDATORY PARENTS’ CONFIRMATION MEETING: 6:15 PM, Good
Shepherd Chapel Room.
FEBRUARY 8 – HALUPKI DINNER: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, St. Nicholas Hall, Primrose. $9.50
per platter includes: halupki, filling, mashed potatoes, green beans and roll. Eat-in or takeout. Advance tickets only by calling 570-544-4581.
FEBRUARY 11 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Ricapito Annex.
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE SICK: A) In commemoration of The Feast of
Our Lady of Lourdes, we will have Communal Anointing of the Sick within today’s 12:15
PM Mass. REQUIREMENTS FOR RECEIVING THE SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING
OF THE SICK: (1) You must be a baptized Catholic in the state of grace who has
attained the use of reason (children who have not made their first Communion and
infants are generally not anointed). (2) Your health must be impaired by sickness or
advancing age. Practically speaking, you can and should be anointed: (a) If you are
suffering from a chronic (long lasting) illness. (b) If you are about to undergo major
surgery. (c) If you are suffering from depression or any form of mental illness. Call 570544-2211 to register. THIS IS A MUST! B) Holy Mass will be celebrated and the
patients anointed at 10:00 AM at Golden Living Center, York Terrace.
NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL TUITION ASSISTANCE PRESENTATION: 6:30 PM.
Members of the Nativity community will be available to answer questions. No preregistration required. All are welcome! Call 570-622-8110 with any questions.
FEBRUARY 20 – LENTEN FOOD SALE: 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM,
Parish Center. Eat-in or take-out. To place take out orders call
the Parish Center (570-544-5485) from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on
Friday only. Help is needed to fry bleenies, cook pierogi, serve
customers, pack orders, deliver business orders and clean up.
Your home baked goodies would be appreciated for our
dessert table and can be brought to the Parish Center between
9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. NEXT SALE MARCH 6.
FEBRUARY 28 – WOMEN’S LENTEN MORNING OF PRAYER: 8:30 AM Confessions; 9:00
AM Mass followed by breakfast and reflection in our Parish Center. Free-will offering
accepted. (Sr. Natalya, S.S.M.I., St. Nicholas Convent, Minersville, guest speaker.)
FEBRUARY 16 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ SANDS CASINO BUS TRIP: Pay $23;
Rebate $30. Bus leaves R&J 8:30 AM; Quandel’s in Minersville 9:00 AM. Bus departs
casino 4:00 PM. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413) for information.
MARCH 7 – CONFIRMATION RETREAT: 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM at St. Michael Parish Center.
Parent Session: 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
APRIL 8 – CONFIRMATION: 4:30 PM, St. Michael the Archangel Church, for St, Michael, St.
Matthew, Most Blessed Trinity Parishes. Bishop Cullen will be Confirming our children.
APRIL 21 – MANDATORY PARENTS’ FIRST COMMUNION MEETING: 6:15 PM, Good
Shepherd Chapel Room.
MAY 11-14 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ VIRGINIA BEACH BUS TRIP: $479 per
person, double occupancy includes: 3 nights hotel accommodations, 3 full breakfasts, 3
dinners including all-you-can-eat seafood buffet, visit to Fort Monroe Casemate Museum
Williamsburg Pottery, Yankee Candle Village, Douglas MacArthur Memorial, Norfolk Naval
Base, Hampton Roads Naval Museum, beach and boardwalk. Motorcoach transportation.
Baggage handling, meal gratuities and hotel taxes included. YOUR PAYMENT IS YOUR
RESERVATION! Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413).
JULY 6 – 8 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ PITTSBURG EXPRESS BUS TRIP: $429 per
person, double occupancy includes: 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners including a
dinner at the Grand Concourse, Duquesne Incline, Gateway Clipper cruise, Guided tour of
Pittsburgh including University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning, Nationality Rooms,
Heinz Memorial Chapel, Tour of Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Frank Lloyd
Wright’s “Fallingwater”, Visit to Flight 93 Memorial, souvenir gift. Motorcoach transportation.
Baggage handling, meal gratuities and hotel taxes included. YOUR PAYMENT IS YOUR
RESERVATION! Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413).
SEPTEMBER 21- 24 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ WILDWOOD SEAFOOD FEST BUS
TRIP: $399 per person, double occupancy includes: 3 nights motel accommodations, 3
full breakfasts, 3 dinners including all-you-can-eat seafood buffet featuring a DJ and over
50 different buffet items, one $20 meal credit valid for a 3 course price-fixed meal at
Breadsticks in Resorts Casino, one dinner at a local restaurant, a trip to Atlantic City casino
with a bonus package, visit to Washington Street Mall in Cape May, visit to Smithville
Village, Wildwoods' famous beach and boardwalk. Motorcoach transportation. Baggage
handling, meal gratuities and hotel taxes included. YOUR PAYMENT IS YOUR
RESERVATION! Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413).
2014 CHRISTMAS COLLECTION: Many people increased their
Christmas Offering as was asked. For this I am deeply grateful.
The Christmas Collection is very important in helping our
Parish meet its financial needs. To everyone who donated at
Christmas, I extend my heartfelt gratitude! It goes without
saying, you are good people! The collection amounted to
$13,744 from 348donors (18 less donors, a decrease of $319
from last year). Again, thanks for your GENEROSITY!
2014 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS: Call the Rectory (570-544-2211).
BIRTHRIGHT OF FRACKVILLE: Thanks you for your support of their annual
“Giving Tree Project”. Your participation in their endeavor is greatly
appreciated, as it enables them to provide for the material welfare of
newborns and older infants in our county throughout the year.