Transcript Slide 1

THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
DECEMBER 14, 2014
“Rejoice in the Lord,” for as miserable as life
can seem at times, the reality is that God has
clothed us “with a robe of salvation” that
heals all our poverty , our broken hearts, our
bondage. “He has mercy on those who fear
him,” that is, those who fear only one thing:
losing their relationship with the Lord. Therefore, “be preserved blameless for the coming
of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Even though in the
troubles of life you may not recognize him,
“the one who calls you is faithful.”
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 – John Maletz by Family
TUE – Anna Dobles by Daughter, Carol
WED – Margaret Sorokach (Estate)
THU – Living and Deceased Parishioners
FRI – William and Catherine Sweitzer by Jack Hudock
SAT – 4:00 PM – Charles Stablum, Sr. (Annv) by Family
SUN – 8:30 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners
10:30 AM – Bernard and Edith Lescavage by Children
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We can understand why a commission of
inquiry was sent to the Baptist. Some
Jerusalem theologians expected a Messiah
who would confer a baptism through which
the Spirit would be poured out. Here is John,
north of the Dead Sea, near the spot where
Israel once crossed the Jordan to enter the
Promised Land. He is conferring a water
baptism, which signifies an acceptance of the
call to repentance. Who then is this man who
has the crowds running to him and who
makes the great cry of the prophets ring out
once more after three centuries of silence? //
John’s reply to the commission is surprising
in its humility. No, he is not the Messiah. He
is not Elijah returned (Mal 3:23-24) nor the
great prophet that is awaited (Deut 19:18).
This wholly negative statement of his identity
must have left the inquirers dissatisfied. It is
preserved in the New Testament because
some of his followers preached a baptism
which competed with that of the primitive
Church. He declared himself to be only the
precursor, a simple witness, a lamp lit by God
for his Christ, the voice of the Word. // We
must also recognize our role as “Christbearers”, called to refer by our very lives to
Jesus. This humble and self-effacing role is
in no way a negligible one. It is no small thing
to ask us to prepare others’ road to the Lord.
REQUIESCAT IN PACE: May Jesus, creations’ Lord and Judge, take unto Himself:
ALEX E. VALIBUS, JR., a former member of the former St. Francis of Assisi
Parish, and a member of our Parish Family, who died Saturday, December 6,
and was buried from our Church Wednesday, December 10. May Mary,Mother
of Mercy, obtain comfort from Jesus,her risen son, for Alex’s family and friends.
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THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say,
rejoice,/ Indeed, the Lord is near. (Phil 4:4-5)
THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, DECEMBER 14 – SACRAMENT OF
RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM AND 10:15 AM.
NATIONAL RETIRED RELIGIOUS COLLECTION:
Support religious communities. “Your generous
contribution helps us to care for our retired sisters
and enables our younger sisters to continue in
active ministry,” writes a religious sister. Your gift
to today’s collection for the Retirement Fund for
Religious provides vital support for the retirement
needs of senior sisters, brothers, and religious
order priests. It also helps ensure that younger
members can continue the good works of their
elders! Use the special envelope found in your
envelope box. Please give generously today!
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 DAVE and BARB SINCAVAGE(4:00 PM) for hostting the FPC for Vocations this week. Please sign up in Church.
FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: Today’s gospel reports “there is one among you
whom you do not recognize.” It is hard to believe Christ is present in a family
with crazy schedules, suppers that start too late and end too early, cars that
don’t start, misunderstandings, frustrations, piles of laundry, unmatched socks
and stretched food budgets. The list is endless. The words spoken at mass, “The Lord is with you,” are not a hope, they are a fact.
PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: We should know by now, 3800 babies die each day from surgical abortion. But tens of thousands of babies
die each day due to chemical abortions, the majority of which are caused by the so-called “pill” which is an abortifacient. Many women on
the pill have an abortion early on in their pregnancy and are not even aware of this tragic event.
STEWARDSHIP: “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” –
1Thessalonians 5:16 - 18 . This scripture reading sums up Stewardship. “Rejoice always” means place your trust in God; He will provide
all that you need. “Pray constantly” means prayer should be a running conversation with God throughout the whole day, every day. “Give
thanks in all circumstances” means even in bad situations, thank God. Suffering a little bit helps build empathy for others in similar
situations. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $2,946; Utilities: $531; Holy Day: $450; Expenses: $7,950.73 (ordinary);
$8,577 (Diocesan Assessments); $7,791.84 (school subsidy). Thank you for your generosity! Pastoral Note: Without our
savings and the profits from our fundraising, this parish would not be able to meet its ordinary expenses!
ADVENT CHARITIES: 1) ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY – Your donation of all TYPES OF HEARTY STEWS 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 570-5442739. 2) BIRTHRIGHT’S GIVING TREE: Kindly return your UNWRAPPED gifts 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 John Maletz by Family. (2) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: IMO Paul Mullock by
Catherine Bosack; IMO Leona Maletz (Birthday) by Brother, Father Leo; IMO Violet Gayeski by Mary Davis; Special Intention by Stan and
Sally Gober. DIVINE MERCY: For the Health of Aldona Butler; IMO Anna Dobles by Daughter, Carol; IMO Anna and Walter Sznajkowski
by Daughter, Ann; For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family. (3) BEFORE: ST. JOSEPH: Special
Intention. ST. LUCY: Happy Feast Day by Lucia. SACRED HEART: For the Health of Jason Davis by Helen, CoCo, Ang, Allison and
Billy. Call 570-544-2211 to memorialize votives especially the ones you want for Christmas!
ADVENT COMMUNITY CONFESSIONS: 6:00 PM, our Church. Five Priests will
hear Confessions. Prepare spiritually for Christmas by making a good Confession!
RECREATIONAL VOLLEYBALL: Students in grades 6-12 interested in participating in a volleyball program sponsored by St.
Matthew’s CYO please join us on 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.
CHRISTMAS CONCERT: 2:00 PM, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Minersville. Service of Lessons and Carols presented by Zion
Adult Choir. Free-will offering accepted. Refreshments and fellowship to follow.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 15 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.
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.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.
ST. MATTHEW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Contact our CRE, Rosalie Novack (570-544-3766).
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.
DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients/caregivers.
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. YOU CAN STILL CALL THE
RECTORY TO PLACE A LATE ORDER (570-544-2211).
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.
“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!
RESCHEDULED MONTHLY ROSARY: 6:15 PM, our Church. Join us in honoring Mary,
whose Immaculate Conception was celebrated on December 8th, and who was honored
as Patroness of the Americas on December 12th, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Pray the rosary because Jesus’ Mother, Mary has asked us to.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.
MINERSVILLE AREA HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE: VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED today at the
Fr. A. J. Ricapito Annex to pack and distribute food to our area’s needy. Call 570-544-5604
to help. Helping the disadvantaged is truly the spirit of the season!
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:15 PM.
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, DECEMBER 21 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM.
THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): THE CORY FAMILY (10:30 AM) will host the FPC this week.
Call 570-399-5056 or sign-up in the Church Vestibule. We also need host families for February!
ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH ANNUAL “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT
CONTEMPORARY CHOIR HOLIDAY CONCERT”: 6:00 PM in our Church. A Free-Will
Offering will be accepted. Come and experience the “Spirit of the Season” in song!
NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL AND FEEDER SCHOOL BAND AND CHORUS CONCERT: 7:00 PM, Nativity BVM High School
Gym. The Nativity Jazz Band will also perform. Call 570-622-8110 for information.
SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) GENERAL REPAIR: Your donation defrays the cost of general maintenance. (2) Please
catch up with any missed envelopes. Consistent and generous support helps your church meet its financial obligations and serve you!
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MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
LECTORS
E. M. of H. C.
Tom Mundy
Barbara Sincavage
SAT
4:00 PM
OFF. PROC.
Stablum Family
SUN
8:30 AM
Parishioners
Elaine Stine
Jason Clark
Lescavage Family
Marge Walasavage
Mary Ann Harrison
10:30 AM
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!
JANUARY 14 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Ricapito Annex. Call 570-544-2739.
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CHRISTMAS MAILING: A Christmas schedule of Masses and Confessions has been sent to all PARISHIONERS.
Please review the enclosed materials as we prepare for the birth of our Lord.
2015 SUNDAY MISSALS: Are in the Church Vestibule. The cost per Missal is $5.00.
2015 ADULT CHURCH OFFERING ENVELOPES: The remaining 2015 adult and children envelopes can be found in the
last center aisle pews of the church. Please take yours and help us deliver those of our shut-in parishioners. If
there are any discrepancies with your envelopes, please call 570-544-2211.
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) to help adorn our Church during the coming Christmas Season. Flower Envelopes can be found in your
Envelope boxes. Please return them and arrange Votive Candles as soon as possible. Call 570-544-2211.
PARISH MEMORIAL SOCIETY: We gratefully acknowledge the following donations: IMO MARGARET PLEVA: $10 from Theresa Schoffstall
and Family. IMO ROSE KUKTA: $100 from Son, Michael, Grandsons, Michael, Jr. and Steven, Great-Grandsons, Carter and Reese; $50
from Son, John and Debra Kukta; $25 each from Susan Minnichbach, Ralph and Joan Cinelli, The Slifkas, Maureen Bartholomew, Robin
and Dave Parker; $20 from Granddaughter, Vanessa Kukta, Great-Granddaughters, Gabriella and Isabella Ramirez; $10 each from CoCo
and Helen Droskinis, Ang Malusky and Allison and Billy Zeth, Gail Dolan, M/M Joseph Barnetsky, Ed Yakobosky, Ed Kozluskey, Michael
Pavelko, Jr. IMO NICHOLAS PIZZICO: $25 each from Yolanda and John Demcher, Don, Peggy and Christopher Butler; $20 each from
Connie Brophy and Family, Ernest and John Pizzico; $15 from Theresa Schoffstall and Family; $10 each from Susan Long and Family,
Michelle Lescavage. IMO JOHN F. SOKOLA: $60 from Bob and Jane Hontz; $50 each from Sounds of the Spirit Choir, Eric and Jennifer
Andruchek, Ed, Frank and Mary Ann; $40 from Joe and Judy Sabados and Kelly and Karen and Families; $25 from Don, Peggy and
Christopher Butler; $20 each from Theresa Schoffstall and Family, Stan and Sally Gober, M/M Craig Witman and Family, Ken Siemanis,
Joe and Mary Strenkoski, Stan and Mary Lou Alisaukas, John Lucas and Family, Frank Kralick and Nancy, John and Carol Andruchek,
Betty and Lynn Sabadish, Toni and Bob Plesnarski, Bob and Irene Post, Vic and Sally Novack, Anna and John Hudock; $10 each from
Catherine Bosack, Francis and Vincenza Roscoe, Gloria Paltanavage, Joyce Holihan, Tom and Mary Owsinski, Charles Laurie, Joseph and
Dorothy Cromyak, Helen and CoCo Droskinis, Dave and Darlene Fogarty, M/M Randall Hatter. IMO PAUL S. MULLOCK: $200 from
Frank and Martha Brumbaugh; $105 from Friends From PP&L; $100 from Anita Vervasis, Donna Pucklavage, and Michelle Bistronish; $50
each from Eric and Jennifer Andruchek, Arlene Quesada, M/M John J. Malahoski; $30 from Florence R. Milyo; $25 each from Kathryn H.
Shelava, Raymond and Darlene Dolzani, Jim and Rose, Craig and Carol Buckey, John and Mary Hughes; $20 each from Steve Renick,
Wally and Janet Slifka, John and Carol Andruchek; $15 from Judy and Tom Quinn; $10 each from Adele and Mary Grabusky, Charles
Laurie, Ed Kozluskey. IMO STELLA CHICORA: $50 from John and Karen Simodejka; $25 from Joseph M. Dries; $20 each from Rose
and Jim Cleary, Eleanore Skarbinski; $10 each from Peg Becker, Tom and Mary Owsinski Joan Botek.