Transcript Slide 1

SECOND SUNDAY IN
ORDINARY TIME
JANUARY 19, 2014
Because God formed John the Baptist “as his
servant from the womb,” John’s whole being
is ordered to God. Thus, when John “saw
Jesus coming toward him,” he instantly cried
out, “Behold, the Lamb of God,” John
immediately recognizes that Christ is the one
for whom his heart has been made. That
immediate correspondence between what he
has been waiting for all his life and what he
beholds in the Lamb of God leads him to
“testify that he is the Son of God.” The
miracle is that the same grace has been given
to us. We are the ones who “have been…
called to be holy with all those… who call
upon the name of the Lord.” By professing
the One “who takes away the sin of the
world,” we become a light to the nations
through whom God’s salvation reaches to the
ends of the earth. As we glorify the Lamb of
God, God shows his glory through us.
Faithful to his
role as precursor,
John the Baptist
turns the
attention of the
people of
Jerusalem away
from himself.
They are forced
to inquire whom
he means when
he says: “There
is one among you
whom you do not
recognize” (John
1:26).John himself
is the “voice” of the “Word” whom he
precedes (John 1:23). // According to Jewish
tradition, the Messiah had to remain hidden
until Elijah anointed him and publicly
revealed him to Israel. On the day in which
John baptized his cousin Jesus he recognized him as Messiah and gave witness. He
saw the Spirit of God come down upon
Jesus in the Jordan. Enlightened by the
Scriptures, he recognized in him the Lamb
of God, the Servant of God chosen to
baptize in the Spirit. “This is God’s chosen
One” (John 1:34). // In presenting Jesus the
Fourth Gospel announces the baptism of
death which he must receive to take away
the sin of the world. But it also suggests
Christ’s superiority and divine pre-existence
which are recognized by the Baptist: “He
was before me” (John 1:30). // There are two
ways in which the testimony of this gospel
to Jesus Christ can be emptied of its
meaning. We can raise Jesus up to the
heavens, proclaiming him an inaccessible
God whose salvation is confined to eternity.
Or we can abase him, seeing in him nothing
more than a compassionate human being.
We can totally identify the Christ with
neither earth nor heaven. // “Because of his
infinite love he became what we are, in
order to perfect us to be what he is.”
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) 54-2317
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(610-289-8900x222)
VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR: Wendy S. Krisak (1-800-791-9209)
WEEKDAY MASS AT 8:00 AM
MON – John Dobles by Daughter, Carol Matusky
TUE – Daniel and Mary Sullivan by M/M Alphonse Santarelli
WED – Patricia (Patsy) Dunn by Aldie and Ed Butler
THU – Catherine and Michael Gober by Family
FRI – Paul Stoppe by David Stoppi
SAT – 4:00 PM – William Newton, Sr. by Son, Bill, Cheryl and Family
SUN – 7:00 AM – Lewis Lesnefsky by Andruchek Family
9:00 AM – Germaine Newton by Son, Bill and Family
11:00 AM – Bernard and Edith Lescavage (Annv) by Children
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THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: All the earth shall bow down before you, O God,/
and shall sing to you,/ shall sing your name, O most High!. (Ps 66 (65):4)
SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, January 19 – SACRAMENT OF
RECONCILIATION: 6:30AM and 10:45AM.
THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS(FPC):
Jesus told us to ask the Harvest Master to send laborers into
his harvest. We hope the prayers of our participating families
will bear fruit. May God be attentive to MICHELLE STRIPE who
will host the Family Prayer Chalice for Vocations this week.
Sign up in Church Vestibule or call 570-399-5056.
FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: Can you say “I have testified Jesus is the Son of
God?” If you aren’t talking about Jesus in your family, you aren’t testifying. If
you are not walking your talk,your children will see your words as meaningless.
PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: “We fed the public a line of deceit, dishonesty,
a fabrication of statistics and figures. We succeeded because the time was
right and the news media cooperated. We sensationalized the effects of illegal
abortions, and fabricated polls which indicated that 85 percent of the public
favored unrestricted abortion, when we knew it was only 5 percent. We
unashamedly lied, and yet our statements were quoted [by the media] as
though they had been written in Law.” Dr. B. Nathanson, Co-founder of NARAL.
STEWARDSHIP: “Now the Lord has spoken who formed me as his
servant from the womb...” Isaiah 49:5. God has formed each of us as His
servants from the womb. He blessed us with unique gifts and He provided us
with the talents and skills we would need to do His work. If we do not fulfill the
unique vision that God had for us alone, who will do it? LAST WEEK YOU
CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $3,445; Fuel: $621; Expenses: $4,366.49
(ordinary); $15,684 (Diocesan Assessments). Thank you for your generosity!
FRATERNAL CHARITY: ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY –
Your donation of all TYPES OF MEALS IN A BOX will allow the SVDP Society
to feed the needy of our area. Volunteer to help our SVDP Society Outreach
and God’s Bountiful Table. Call Edward Butler at 570-544-2739 to volunteer.
VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: For the Health of John Sokola by Family.
(Available Dates: April 6, 20, July 6, August 3, 10,17, September 7,
October 12, 19, November 16, 23, December 28) (2) ALTARS: BVM: For
the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; IMO
John Dobles by Daughter, Carol Matusky; IMO Michael Kondrack, Sr. by
Edward M. Butler . DIVINE MERCY: IMO Lewis Lesnefsky; IMO Barbara
Womer by Aldie and Ed Butler; IMO Helen Lazarchick by Aldie and Ed Butler;
IMO Veronica Darosh by Magic/Sincavage Family. (3) OTHER: ST. JOSEPH:
Special Intention. ST. ANNE: IMO Ethel McGovern by Magic/Sincavage
Family. REREDOS NICHE: IMO Fr. Joseph F. Reilly by Parents. ST.
ANTHONY: IMO Edith Lescavage by Magic/Sincavage Family. ST.
THERESA: IMO Scott Renninger by Magic/Sincavage Family. SACRED
(Irenaeus of Lyons, Adv. Haer., V. praef.; cf. 2 Cor 5:21).
HEART: Special Intention by Mary Rzeplinski. ST. BARBARA: Special
Intention by Mary Rzeplinski. ST. FRANCIS: Special Intention by Helen Droskinis. Call 570-544-2211 to memorialize Votives.
TUESDAY, January 21 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, the Good
Shepherd Building. Contact our C.R.E., Rosalie Novack (570-544-2211).
WEDNESDAY, January 22 – DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE LEGAL PROTECTION OF UNBORN CHILDREN: In all the Dioceses of the
United States of America, January 22 (or January 23 when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of
prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human
person committed through acts of abortion. Mass should be celebrated with violet vestments. Pastoral Note: After today’s 8:00
AM Mass, there will be an Eucharistic Holy Hour to pray that the sanctity of human life be upheld and respected in our country.
PLEASE MAKE TIME TO ATTEND! YOUR PRAYERS ARE IMPORTANT!
DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients / caregivers.
GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex.
2014 NATIONAL MARCH FOR LIFE WASHINGTON, D.C. BUS TRIP: Cost $55. Bus departs from St. Jerome’s at 266 West Broad
Street, Tamaqua at 7:00 AM and returns at 10:30 PM. Sponsored by The Catholic Churches of Tamaqua. Call 570-624-9181 to register.
THURSDAY, January 23 – “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR REHEARSAL: Call 570-544-2355 for rehearsal times.
FRIDAY, January 24 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.
SATURDAY, January 25 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM.
THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, January 26 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30 AM and 10:45 AM.
THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): MARY JO NABHOLZ will host the FPC this week. Call 570399-5056 or Sign-Up in the Church Vestibule. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR MARCH AND APRIL! HELP US!
DIOCESAN COLLECTION: CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES: Our parish will take up this collection Which supports six Catholic
agencies that touch more than 100 million lives around the world. The funds collected help provide food to the hungry, welcome and
support to displaced refugees, and invaluable life skills to those seeking a better life. How will you help? Please give generously and
help Jesus in disguise. Use the Special Envelope found in your boxes.
ASSUMPTION BVM OPEN HOUSE EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION: 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM at Assumption BVM School. Faculty
members, administration, available to answer questions. New registrations: bring child’s birth certificate, baptismal record, immunization
records. Register before April 1, receive a $15 discount on new student registration fee. Students transferring from other schools in grades
2 to 7 are eligible for $1,000 grant for the 2014-2015 school year and $500 for the 2015-2016 school year. Call 570-622-0106.
SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT: Your contribution will help defray the cost of improvements for
all Parish buildings. (2) END OF THE YEAR GIVING: 2013 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. 2013 envelopes returned by TODAY will be credited for the fiscal year 2013.
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MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
OFF. PROCESSION
LECTORS
EUCH. MINISTERS
ALTAR SERVERS
SAT 4:00 PM Newton Family
Michael Novack
Teresa Miller
Jordan Berdanier
Nathan Tropp
SUN 7:00 AM Andruchek Family
Nick Quinn
Gabriella Quinn
Nicholas Quinn
9:00 AM Newton Family
Elaine Stine
Theresa Kroznuski
Anthony Lutchkus
Jonathan Kriston
11:00 AM Lescavage Family
Marge Walasavage
Frank Melenchick
Carter Melochick
Alex Reppert
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COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar!
FEBRUARY 9 – NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL SOPHY JEWLER/UGG BOOT/COACH PURSE BINGO: Doors open 11:00 AM; Bingo starts
1:00 PM. $25 for 15 regular games, 4 specials. Jackpot, homemade food, desserts, beverages. Call 570-294-0551 for information.
FEBRUARY 10 – CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS: Eighth grade parishioners attending Catholic, public or private elementary or
middle school are invited to apply for a one-year $1000 scholarship to attend Nativity BVM High School, Diocese of Allentown. Scholarships
will be awarded on the basis of academic achievement; involvement in extracurricular activities; service to school, parish and community;
and pastor and principal recommendations. Application forms are available at the Rectory or through the parish religious education
program. Completed applications must be submitted to the Rectory or the Parish C.R.E. TODAY.
FEBRUARY 12 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex.
MARCH 3 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW BUS TRIP: Cost $55. Bus leaves Quandel’s
Parking Lot 8:00 AM; Departs Philadelphia 5:00 PM. This year’s Flower Show, “ARTiculture”, inspired by the sculptures
and style of Alexander Calder, a member of Philadelphia’s historic family of artists, will feature a remarkable aerial dance
troupe who will perform above, on and within the multi-dimensional display. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or the Rectory.
APRIL 1 – 30 – SPRING FLING CALENDAR DRAWINGS: 30 Days of prizes, cash and gifts. One winner
per day. Winners eligible to win every day of the month. DONATIONS FROM PARISHIONERS AND
BUSINESSES ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!Call Julie (570-544-5231) for information and to donate.
APRIL 17 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH 50/50 DRAWING: $2.00 each or three for $5.00. Call the
Rectory at 570-544-2211 for tickets. Benefits Parish Center renovation. Thanks for your support!
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MASS SCHEDULE: The Sunday Mass schedule will be reduced by one Mass. Ballots
listing possible Mass times for Saturday and Sunday are in the church vestibule. The
time slots receiving the most votes will become our new schedule (THIS IS FAIR!). The
new schedule will take effect March 9, the First Sunday of Lent.
PARISH REGISTRATION: If you do not receive mail from the church, contact the
Rectory (570-544-2211) so we can correct this! If you are not registered with the
Parish, YOU ARE NOT A MEMBER OF ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH!
We will be revising our Parish Rolls. ANYONE NOT MINIMALLY ATTENDING
MASS, CHRISTMAS AND EASTER, AND SUPPORTING THE PARISH AT THESE
TIMES, WILL BE DROPPED FROM THE ACTIVE ROLLS! THE PARISH SHOULD NOT
BE TAXED BY THE DIOCESE FOR NON-EXISTENT MEMBERS!
2013 CHURCH CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS: Call the Rectory (570-544-2211) if you need one.
CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIALS: We gratefully acknowledge your kindness and generosity which allowed us to decorate our church so
beautifully during the Christmas Holidays (Unless otherwise noted each donation was $10): Intentions of Shirley Kostek; IMO Henry
Albertini, My Parents, My Brother, Al and Wife, Coleen by Jean Albertini; IMO Ferenchick and Andruchek Families by M/M Eric Andruchek
($20); Intentions of M/M John Andruchek; IMO Joseph and Betty Wentz, Raymond Aucker, Nancy Ditzler, Clarence Aucker, Jr. and Sr. by
M/M Joseph Aucker; IMO Thomas W. Barr by M/M Michael Barr; IMO William Barton, Charles Pukas, Plesnarski Family, Barton Family by
Diane Barton; IMO Our Deceased Loved Ones by M/M Anthony Merlino; IMO Mary and Theodore Polinsky, Sr. by Family ($20); IMO Pop
Pop and Grammy Lescavage by Dominique and Michael; IMO Stiney and Anna Gober by Stan and Sally Gober; IMO Cathy Beury by Mike
and Tracey Beury; IMO Donald Yanek by A.J. and Stephanie Land; IMO Ann Marie Foran, Joseph Walacavage by Gene and Jean
Walacavage; IMO Connie and Mark Bluis, Tim Stine, Pat Wiscount, Ryan Wiscount by M/M Fenton Stine ($15); IMO Jean and Dante Cola
by Tina Souchak; IMO Victoria Fetterolf by the Schank Family; IMO Charles Matz by Darlene; IMO Felix and Josephine Costic by Jerry;
IMO John S. Ciesla, Mary G. Ciesla, Charles Dietrick, Dorothy Liddick by M/M Michael Kopinetz; IMO Michael and Verna Polinsky by
Joyce Holohan; IMO Deceased Members of Franko/Rowlands Families by M/M Michael Franko; IMO Deceased Members of Donlen and
Carroll Families ($20); IMO John and Anna Butcavage, Thomas and Clara Farrell by Lisa Paul ($20); IMO Tony and Rose Phillips, Tom
Paltanavage by Gloria Paltanavage ($20); IMO Edward Darosh, Veronica Darosh by Teresa and Kevin Miller ($20); IMO Plesnarski and
Kabana Families by Paul Kabana; IMO Nicholas DeQuinqui, IMO Anthony Berardi, IMO Pasquale DiRenzo by Nick, Maria, Nicholas and
Gabriella ($30); IMO Deceased Members of DeQuinqui, Vivacqua, DeFalco and DiRenzo Families; IMO Auntie Helen from Friends; IMO
Anthony and Anna Kushmanik, Kevin Smith, Mary Sabadish, Fr. Stephen Sheetz by George and Rose Smith; IMO John and Louise Kishel
by Daughter, Joan Roberts; IMO Leonard Yurkonis by Wife, Angie Yurkonis; IMO Michael Yurkonis by Mom, Angie Yurkonis; IMO Patricia
Wiscount, M/M Al Wiscount, A.J. Wiscount, Margaret Schinkel by Harry Wiscount; Intentions of Carl and Toni Wiest. (T.B.C.)