Transcript Slide 1

THE FEAST OF THE
BAPTISM OF THE LORD
JANUARY 11, 2015
Jesus joins the people going out to John the
Baptist in the gesture of repentance, not
because there is sin in him, but in order to
model for us the only authentic way to
approach the Father. He goes to the Baptist
as a beggar because the Mystery is mercy.
Jesus surrenders to mercy by submitting
himself to baptism in order to invite us to
share in his relationship with the Father
announced from the heavens. The Lord
Jesus lowers himself in his baptism and, as
Nothingness, acknowledges his Father so
that we will never hesitate to do the same.
The annual
season of light
draws to a close.
January may be
quite bleak in
northern climates, but the
solstice has
passed. Light
has won out
over darkness
and we have
celebrated the
bright hope of
salvation. We
have ritualized
once more the
cherished
customs of
Christmas. // Families, stores, and communities regularly package their Christmas décor
and store it away for eleven months. For the
Church, our season of birth and manifestation
is not packed up and stored. The feast of the
Baptism of the Lord does not tie up all the
loose ends of the plot or neatly summarize
the mystery. It remembers one more aspect
of Christmas, but it also sets the stage for the
week-by-week unfolding of the mystery of
Jesus through the recounting of each
synoptic gospel. // The evangelists present
the baptism of Jesus at the start of his public
life because the varied details of their
accounts unveil his identity. Like the servant
praised in Isaiah, Jesus has come to do
God’s will. He is consecrated in the Spirit. He
is the beloved Son. // These proclamations
about Jesus summon us to fuller awareness
of the paschal mystery. Through baptism we
are the body of Christ, facing the same
mystery of dying and rising. We too must be
open to the Spirit, conscious of our
relationship to God. Thus we can live a life of
discipleship and begin to understand the true
meaning of history.
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 Czwarc by Aldona and Edward Butler
TUE – Beatrice and Francis Stine by Family
WED – John Grodis by Cindy Lescavage Semerod
THU – Joanne Haluska Schultz by Bernie and Margie
FRI – Joseph and Elizabeth Gucwa by Daughter, Susan and Family
SAT – 4:00 PM – Andrew and Anna Ofsharick by Frank and Teresa Grigalonis
SUN – 8:30 AM – Michael and Martha Franko by Diane and Frank
10:30 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners
***************************************************************************************************************************** ***************
REQUIESCAT IN PACE: May Jesus, the Word Made Flesh, take unto Himself:
MARY FABRIZIO, a former member of the former St. Barbara Parish, and a
member of our Parish Family, who died Thursday, January 8, and will be
buried from our Church Monday, January 12. May Mary, Mother of Our Savior,
comfort Mary’s family and friends.
**********************************************************************************************************
THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: After the Lord was baptized, the heavens
were opened,/ and the Spirit descended upon him like a dove,/ and
the voice of the Father thundered:/ This is my beloved Son, with
whom I am well pleased. (Cf. Mt 3:16-17)
THE FEAST OF THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD,SUNDAY,JANUARY 11–
In the mystery of Christ’s Baptism in the Jordan River, we again encounter and
represent the truth of the Lord’s incarnation and His manifestation as the
Christ. Jesus’ Baptism is in fact His definitive manifestation as the Messiah or
Christ to Israel, and as the Son of the Father to the entire world. Here we find
the dimension of the Epiphany which was His manifestation to all nations. The
Father’s voice from heaven shows that Jesus of Nazareth is the eternal Son
and the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove shows the Trinitarian
nature of the Christian God. The true and unique God, Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit, shows Himself in Christ, through Him, with Him and in Him. Pastoral
Note: Today ends the Christmas Season. The RITE OF BLESSING AND
SPRINKLING WITH HOLY WATER will be celebrated.
GIFTS OF THE MAGI: Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh (Chalk for
the traditional Epiphany Home Blessing) can be found in the Sanctuary.
Offering, $1.00 per pack. Preserve this beautiful tradition!
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. Thanks to ROSE KUEHN for hosting the FPC for Vocations
this week. Please sign up in Church vestibule.
FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: The gospel today points to Jesus’ humanity; like
us He needed RECOGNITION (“You are my Son”), AFFFECTION (“My
Beloved Son”) and AFFIRMANTION (“With you I am well pleased.”). In our
families it is easy to focus on irritating behaviors and take for granted all the
positives. This New Year take a lesson from God the Father, be an
AFFIRMER and not a BLAMER.
PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: “There is no cause more important for preserving freedom than affirming the transcendent right to life of all
human beings, the right without which no other rights have any meaning.”–President Ronald Reagan.
STEWARDSHIP: “After me comes he who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.” –
Mark 1:7. We are put on this earth to love God, love our neighbor and make disciples. How many times does our own pride and ego get in
the way of fulfilling God’s plan for us? Humbling ourselves before God and putting Him first in all things should be our top priority. LAST
WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $2,514; Utilities: $386; Holy Day: $1,108; Expenses: $5,159.42 (ordinary); $3,895.92 (school
subsidy). Thank you for your generosity! N.B.: Without our SAVINGS and the PROFITS FROM OUR FUNDRAISING,
our parish could not meet its expenses! Please support your parish consistently!
CHRISTMAS SEASON CHARITY: 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
Edward Butler at 570-544-2739.
CHRISTMAS SEASON VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: Special Intention of Edward and Aldona Butler by Cindy and Lynn Ann
Lescavage. .(Available Dates: February 1, 8, 22, March 15, 22, 29, April 19, 26, May 17, 24, June 7, 21, 28, July 5, August 2, 30,
September 20, October 4, 18, November 15, 22, 29) (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; For the Health of Aldona Butler; IMO Celie Miller by
Edward and Aldona Butler. DIVINE MERCY: IMO Michael Yurkonis (Birthday) by Mom and Sisters. (3) BEFORE: ST. JOSEPH: Special
Intention. Call 570-544-2211 to memorialize votives.
NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 1:00 PM. Meet faculty, staff, students, parents, advisors, coaches and board
members; take a tour of our campus; learn about tuition assistance opportunities. Call Jenn (570-622-8110) with questions.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 13 – 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).
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14 – 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 for assistance.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 – MONTHLY ROSARY: 6:15 PM, Church. Jesus taught that praying with others is especially powerful as He
is there within our midst during these times. (Matthew 18:20). This especially is true for the Rosary. Whenever you have the opportunity,
pray the Rosary with others..Join us!
“SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR: 7:00 PM, Church. New members are needed! Call Greg (570-544-2355).
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. Continue in this New Year by making a good Confession!
SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: May Christ, Our Savior, bestow His love on NOAH ZACHARY FRANKENSTEIN, son of Nicholas and
Vanessa Frankenstein, who will be Baptized in our Church after today’s 4:00 PM Mass. God Bless Noah Zachary and his Family!
SOUTH CASS FIRE COMPANY SOUP SALE: 10:00 AM to sellout. Your support is sincerely asked!
TOY BINGO: Doors open 12:00 Noon; Bingo begins 1:00 PM. Nativity BVM High School Cafeteria. $7 for 10 games. Prizes include
toys and gift cards for boys and girls grade K through 8. Food and drinks available for purchase. 50/50. Ticket raffles. Benefits Nativity
BVM Theatre Arts Club and their spring musical production of Little Shop of Horrors. Call 570-640-1760 for more information.
SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, JANUARY 18 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM.
THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): ALICIA POSLOSKY KYLE (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!
FOOD PREPARATION: 9:30 AM, Parish Center. Make halushkie noodles, prepare onions for
pierogi. Everyone welcome! Lend us a hand in preparing for our Lenten Food Sales!
FIRST ANNUAL BRIDAL EXPO: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, St. Nicholas Hall, Primrose. Vendors and businesses offering wedding
products and services call 570-527-0899 or 570-544-6807. Future brides and grooms mark your calendar and plan to attend!
SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) GENERAL REPAIR: Your contribution will help defray the cost of general maintenance.
(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!
***************************************************************************************************************************** ********************************************************************************************************************
SAT
4:00 PM
SUN
8:30 AM
10:30 AM
MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
OFF. PROC.
LECTORS
E. M. of H. C.
ALTAR SERVERS
Ofsharick Family
Al Boris
Dave Fogarty
Jordan Berdanier
Max Wigoda
Franko Family
John Andruchek
Beth Tropp
Eric Andruchek
Alex Reppert
Parishioners
Linda Butensky
Jason Clark
Killian Clark
Carter Melochick
***************************************************************************************************************************** ********************************************************************************************************************
COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar!
JANUARY 19 – CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS: Eighth grade parishioners attending Catholic, public or private elementary or
middle school are invited to apply for a one-year $1,000 scholarship to attend one of the Catholic High Schools of the Diocese of Allentown.
Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic achievement; involvement in extracurricular activities; service to school, parish and
community; pastor and principal recommendations; and leadership roles. Application forms are available at your school office or through
the parish religious education program. Completed applications must be submitted to the student’s school by today! The Bishop’s Annual
Appeal provides funding for the scholarship program. Talk to your teacher for more information..
JANUARY 21 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ HOLLYWOOD 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.
JANUARY 22 – DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE LEGAL PROTECTION OF UNBORN CHILDREN: The Catholic bishops of the United States
have designated today as a special day of prayer and penance in reparation for the massive killing that has resulted from the Roe vs. Wade
Supreme Court decision (handed down January 22, 1973) which permitted abortion throughout pregnancy. Prepare spiritually for today by
making a Novena of Reparation that starts January 14 or check out other resources at www.PrayerCampaign.org.
JANUARY 25 – 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.
ASSUMPTION11:30 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.
JANUARY 28 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Ricapito Annex. Call 570-544-2739.
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 BVM PRE-SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 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).
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
ASSUMPTION BVM SCHOOL NEWS: 1) SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS NEEDED: A letter of interest, a diocesan application, and copies of all
required clearances (which includes Protecting God’s Children) should be sent to the school office. For more information contact Mrs.
Theresa Keating (570-622-0106). 2) BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION AND OTHER FOOD LABELS: Assumption BVM can earn free
educational materials such as computers, software, musical instruments, books for the library, gym equipment, etc. all by you saving
product UPC codes, box tops, and beverage caps. Check www.labelsforeducation.com to find out which labels the school needs.
PASTORAL NOTE: Anyone who is seeking additional Masses to be said in 2015 please call the
Rectory (570-544-2211) to check for available dates. There are openings.
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): IMO Stephen Rada, Margaret and Mel
Conway, Mary Gallo, Michael Conway, Peg Zuratt, Sophie Gallo by Phyllis Rada ($20); IMO Land and Gussich Families, Rev. David
Liebner by Rose and Jim Land; IMO Pytko and Leister Families by Francis and Dolores Leister; Intentions of Lucy Liskiewicz; IMO M/M
Walter Logan, Brothers Robert, Walter and John Logan, Beth Powlick, John Powlick, Jr. by M/M Joseph Logan; IMO James Lopez, Sr.,
Ann Marie Hydock, Catherine Hydock, Anna Kirkauskas by M/M James Lopez, Jr. ($40); IMO John Magic, Anna Kanapitski by Mildred
Magic; IMO Al and Margaret Melewsky, George and Justine Rennick by Albert Melewsky; IMO Stanley Siminitus, Sr. by Wife and Family
($20); IMO Brian Witkowski, John and Adele Grodis by Witkowski Family ($30); Intentions of Edward Yakobosky; IMO Leo and Anna
Kolenick and Andy Drebitko by Leo and Sharon Kolenick ($20); Intentions of M/M Thomas Socko; IMO Enoch and Anna Purcell by Joseph
and Janet Purcell; IMO John Slish, Sr. by M/M Keith Purcell; IMO Scott Renninger, Joseph and Elizabeth Holland, William and M.A.
Renninger, Alfred Barton by M/M Ronald Renninger ($20); IMO Joseph and Adella Melenchick, Leonard J. Rhoads, Sr. by Gary and
Marian Rhoads ($25). IMO Russ Rothermel by Linda, Mitra and Meggi; IMO Vincent Pothering by Daughter, Linda; IMO Margaret and
Joseph Rutecki by Edward J. Rutecki; IMO Kralick, Fedeles, Kushmanick, J. Sabadish Families by Elizabeth Sabadish; IMO Schultz and
Brennan Family by Dave and Eileen Schultz ($20); IMO Agnes Sincavage, Jennie Gut, Peter Washinsky, Sr. by M/M David Sincavage;
IMO John and Anna Scarbinsky by Eleanore Skarbinski; IMO John and Annie Socko by Daughter, Ann Marie ($20); IMO Mary S.
Skavinsky, Baby Skavinsky, Magdalene Skavinsky by Rita Skavinsky; IMO Gladys and Jerry Vicic, Nick Pizzico, Agnes Farley, Steve and
Ann Sanza by Barbara Vicic; IHO The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph by M/M Joseph L. Skibiel; IMO Clem Smulktis, Rita and
Joseph Haley, Bette and Clarence Smulktis, Arlene Rizzardi by Mary Smulktis ($20); IMO John and Mary Szekeres by Ann Marie ($20);
IMO Alfons and Sophie Stabinsky by Ray and Karen Stabinski; IMO Stabinsky, Zernhelt and Sodaitis Families by Mike and Regina
Stabinsky ($20); IMO Donald Starr, Sr. by Dolores Starr; IMO Donald Starr, Sr. by Donald Starr, Jr.; IMO Mary Skavinsky, Magdeline
Skawinsky by M/M Stremick; IMO Baby Mary Trusky, Husband Walter Trusky by Victoria Trusky; IMO Ann Marie Foran, Joseph
Walacavage by Gene and Jean Walacavage; IMO Our Beloved Baba, Victoria Fetterolf, Deceased of Wank and Skavinsky Families,
Deceased of Shelava and Fetterolf Families, Victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting, Victims of Gun Violence in America by
M/M Albert Wank and Family; IMO Michael J. Warhola by Family; Intentions of Betty Sabol ($20); Intentions of M/M Zdzislaw Zurawski.(T.B.C.)