THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
MARCH 8, 2015
Jesus “did not need anyone to testify about
human nature. He himself understood it
well.” Fallen human nature always attempts
to define the meaning of life with something
we can measure. That is what the presence of
the moneychangers at the temple symbolizes.
Their atrocious activity in this most sacred
place betrays their bankrupt position toward
the meaning of life. They prefer the riches of
God over a relationship with God. But the
commandments of the Lord “are more
precious than a heap of purest gold.” They
save us from such foolishness and bless us
with “the foolishness of God.”
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 (610-332-04421x19)
VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR: Wendy S. Krisak (1-800-791-9209)
WEEKDAY MASS AT 8:00 AM
MON – Edward Raczka by Frank Raczka and Family
TUE – Ann Huntzinger by Anna Leshko
WED – Frances Sumoski by Daughter, Bertha
THU – Msgr. John S. Baruch (Estate)
FRI – Arthur Morten, Sr. by M/M Frank Savini
SAT – 4:00 PM – Charles Stablum by Family
SUN – 8:30 AM – Patricia Wiscount by Husband, Harry
10:30 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners
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REQUIESCANT IN PACE: May Jesus, our Merciful Savior, take unto Himself:
JOHN. J. LUTSKY, a former member of the former St. Francis of Assisi Parish,
and a member of our Parish Family, who died Monday, March 2, and was
buried Thursday, March 5; JAMES. C. KOMOROSKY, a former member of the
former St. Francis of Assisi Parish, who died Tuesday, March 3, and will be
buried from our Church Tuesday, March 10. May Mary, Mother of Divine
Mercy, comfort their families and friends. ET LUX PERPETUA LUCEAT EIS!
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In today’s gospel,Jesus chases the merchants
and the money-changers from the temple. He
throws their money on the ground, drives out
the animals, turns over their tables. “Stop
turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” Why this destructive violence? John
gives us the key in a psalm verse: “Zeal for
your house consumes me” (Psalm 69:10).
Jesus’ actions express this zeal. He cannot
bear to see the house where God meets his
people diverted from its purpose. // The
religious leaders are indignant. A simple
layman claims to put the sanctuary in order.
What does he think he is doing? If God has
sent him, let him prove it by a miracle!
“Destroy this temple and in three days I will
raise it up.”This saying was incomprehensible
at the time, but John explains it for his
Christian readers. This “temple” is the body
of Jesus. His adversaries will destroy it, but
three days later, the resurrection will establish
it as the definitive dwelling of God’s presence.
// An hour after the cleansing, the merchants
had probably resumed business in the
temple. However, we cannot deny the
repercussions of Jesus’ prophetic gesture. In
the light of Easter, this incident reveals the
place of meeting between God and humanity
to be the person of the Risen One.
THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: When I prove my holiness among you,/ I
will gather you from all the foreign lands;/ and I will pour clean
water upon you/ and cleanse you from all your impurities,/ and I
will give you a new spirit, says the Lord (Cf. Ez 36:23-26).
THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT,MARCH 8–SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION:
8:00 AM and 10:15 AM. (Make a good Confession for Lent)
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 RYAN AND CHRISTINA PLESNARSKI for hosting
the FPC for Vocations this week. Please sign up in Church.
FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: Today’s gospel says Jesus chased the
merchants out of the temple, it doesn’t say He was angry. Jesus teaches us to
act from conviction and not from anger. He didn’t condemn the merchants, only
their business practice. Attack the behavior and not the person.
PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: “Even if abortion were made easy or painless
for everyone, it wouldn’t change the bottom-line problem that abortion kills
children.” And it destroys God’s plan for that child in this world. It wounds
families and the future of our nation.–Randy Alcorn.
STEWARDSHIP: “You shall not carve idols for yourselves in the shape of
anything…” – Exodus 20:4. How many “gods” do you put before God? “Idols”
do not always take the shape of physical things, things we can touch and
feel. Those are easy to recognize. Many times they take the form of things we
cannot touch and are much harder to spot - pride, power, ego, comfort or
health. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $3,395; Utilities: $429;
Expenses: $9,423.91. Thank you for your generosity!
LENTEN CHARITIES: (1) ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY –
Your donation of all TYPES OF CANNED FISH 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) CATHOILC RELIEF
SERVICES RICE BOWL: HUNGERING FOR A SEASON OF HOPE – The
next stop on our CRS Rice Bowl journey is the African nation, Niger, where
we’re reminded that life’s joys and challenges are often seasonal. This week
we pray for people who struggle to feed their families during the hungry season—when food is in short supply—and we commit to acting for
the common good. Our Parish’s CRSRB Contribution: Second Sunday of Lent: $552. (3) SISTERS’ LENTEN GIVING TREE – Select
a cross and donate the suggested item. Your gift will be forwarded to elderly and retired Women Religious whose congregations have
served our Diocese. Return your gifts by Palm Sunday, March 29. (4) YOUR PERSONAL LENTEN SELF-DENIAL FOR OUR
PARISH – Your Lenten sacrifice for the parish will be collected during Holy Week. Remember to use the envelope in your boxes!
LENTEN VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: IMO Frances Sumoski by Daughter, Bertha (Available Dates: April 26, 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 Adolf and Eileen Poslosky by Children. (3) BEFORE: ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. Call 570-544-2211.
“DESIGNER HANDBAG” BINGO: Opens 11:00 AM; starts 1:00 PM. St. Nicholas Hall. Admission : $25,16 regular games,4 specials.
Coach, Michael Kors, Dooney & Bourke, Cole Haan, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren. Benefits St. Nicholas School. 570-544-5767 or 544-4581.
TUESDAY, MARCH 10 – LENTEN DEVOTIONS: EUCHARISTIC HOLY HOUR AND CONFESSIONS FOLLOWED BY STATIONS OF THE CROSS AND BENEDICTION: Exposition and Confessions begin at
4:00 PM. Stations of the Cross at 6:00 PM. PASTORAL NOTE: Religious Education Students are to
report to Church at 6:00 PM. Any questions, contact our Coordinator of Religious Education,
Rosalie Novack (570-544-2211). Absences call 570-544-3766. Tonight’s Stations of the Cross and
Eucharistic Adoration and Confession take the place of those normally scheduled on Wednesday!
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Ricapito Annex (570-544-6484). Weather permitting!
THURSDAY, MARCH 12 – “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR: New members are needed! Call 570-544-2355.
FRIDAY, MARCH 13 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.
FRIDAY, MARCH 13 – DAY OF ABSTINENCE:Those 14 years and older are bound to abstain from eating meat today.
LENTEN ROSARY: 7:40 AM, our Church. We will pray the Sorrowful Mysteries each Friday of Lent. Join us!
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST LENTEN DINNERS: Full course: New England Clam Chowder, Full Salad Bar, Macaroni and Cheese,Baked
or Mashed Potatoes, Vegetables, Homemade Dessert, Beverage, and Fish or Crab Cake. Prices: $8 to $16. Call 570-622-5470.
SATURDAY, MARCH 14 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. Prepare for Easter NOW!
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT, MARCH 15 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): TERESA MILLER will host the FPC this week. Call 570399-5056 or sign-up in the Church Vestibule. We need host families for May and June!
LUCK OF THE IRISH BINGO: Doors open 11:30 AM; Bingo starts at 1:00 PM. Nativity BVM High School. $20 admission includes 15
regular games and 4 specials. Special Jackpot Game! Food, refreshments available. Call Diane (570-294-0551) for more information.
SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) ) GENERAL REPAIR: Your contribution will help defray the cost of general maintenance.
(2) CRS RICE BOWL: Place your envelope in the Second Collection all Lenten Sundays and Easter Sunday. Parish and Diocesan
envelopes should be placed in the First Collection. (3) Check your Sunday Church Envelope Boxes for any missed envelopes. Catch up!
(4) Write the amount of your donation on your envelope. Use no staples nor scotch tape. Seal it with a lick. Thanks!
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MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
OFF. PROC.
LECTORS
E. M. of H. C.
ALTAR SERVERS
SAT 4:00 PM Stablum
Frank Melenchick
Dave Fogarty
Anthony Lutchkus
Family
Frank Melenchick
SUN 8:30 AM Wiscount
Elaine Stine
Ed Davis
Michael Perzel
Family
Nathan Tropp
10:30 AM Parishioners
Marge Walasavage
Mary Ann Harrison
Jade Stickell
Olivia Osborne
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COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar!
MARCH 16 – RED CROSS BLOODMOBILE: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Good Shepherd Building Cafeteria. Donate your blood, give life!
MARCH 18 – COMMUNITY HEALTH AWARENESS TALKS: Free 16-week program for those at risk with Diabetes. Pottsville and
Shenandoah locations available. Call 570-621-5020 to register.
MARCH 18 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ MT. AIRY CASINO BUS TRIP: Pay $29; Rebate $30. Bus leaves R&J 8:00 AM; Quandel’s in
Minersville 8:30 AM. Bus departs casino 4:30 PM. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413) for information.
MARCH 19 – MONTHLY ROSARY: 6:15 PM, Church. Let us join together to pray the rosary on the feast day of St. Joseph, the Husband of
Mary. “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20) Please join us!
MARCH 20 – LAST LENTEN FOOD SALE: 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM, Parish Center. Eat-in or
take-out. Place take out orders by calling the Parish Center (570-544-5485), 9:00 AM to
11:00 AM, Friday only. Help is needed to fry bleenies, cook pierogi, serve customers,
pack orders, deliver business orders and clean up. Home baked goods are needed!
Bring them to our Parish Center from 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!
MARCH 22 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST ANNUAL HAM BINGO: 2:00 PM in The Good Shepherd Building Cafeteria. Tickets are
$3.00 each. 20 games, specials and raffles! Food and beverages will be available. Call Theresa (570-544-4316) or Roseanne (570-5445304). PLEASE HELP US WITH A $20 DONATION TO PURCHASE HAMS. Non-perishable Grocery Items (canned goods, paper
products, household cleaning items, etc.) are also needed and can be dropped off in the boxes in the Church Vestibule. Thanks
MARCH 22 – COMMUNITY CONFESSIONS: 6:00 PM, Ss. Peter and Paul Church. Please
take this opportunity to prepare spiritually for Easter by making a good Confession!
MARCH 23 – JOINT CHOIR REHEARSAL FOR CONFIRMATION: 6:30 PM, St. Michael Church. All Choir members are welcome!
MARCH 25 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Ricapito Annex (570-544-6484). Weather permitting!
APRIL 3 – DIVINE MERCY NOVENA: Begins. 3:00 PM, Church.
APRIL 7 – CONFIRMATION PRACTICE: 6:30 PM, St. Michael the Archangel Church.
APRIL 8 – CONFIRMATION: Bishop Cullen will Confirm children from our area at 4:30 PM at St. Michael the Archangel Church.
APRIL 11 – NATIVITY BVM H.S. 2015 CENTURY BENEFIT: Cocktail hour at 6:00 PM; Dinner, 7:00PM, with induction of the golden Cross
Society members. Dancing follows. Schuylkill Country Club, Orwigsburg. $125 per person. Call 570-622-8110 for tickets.
APRIL 12 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH DIVINE MERCY DEVOTIONS: 3:00 PM.
APRIL 19 – POLKA SPRING FLING: 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM, St. Mary Catholic Church, Hamburg. Tickets are $20 each in advance and $25
at the door. Music by Polka Country Musicians. Food and beverages available for purchase. Call 610-562-7657 for tickets and information.
APRIL 21 – MANDATORY PARENTS’ FIRST COMMUNION MEETING: 6:15 PM, Good Shepherd Chapel Room.
MAY 1 – THE EDWARD T. MALESKAS SCHOLARSHIP FUND: Registered members of the former Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Minersville,
can request a tuition aid/scholarship application for 2015-2016 for Catholic elementary and high school students and Catholic or secular
college students by writing directly to the trustee, Rev. Msgr. Daniel J. Yenushosky, Holy Trinity Rectory, 4102 S. Church St., Whitehall, PA
18052 or e-mail the request to djyen1977@gmail.com. Indicate which application is needed: elementary, high school and/or college. If
possible, please e-mail the request. The application will be sent by way of an e-mail attachment. Completed applications are due Today.
MAY 9 – FIRST HOLY COMMUNION: Within the 4:00 PM Mass today.
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. 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 570-544-5231 or 570-628-5413.
SEPTEMBER 21- 24 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ WILDWOOD SEAFOOD FEAST BUS TRIP: $399 per person, double occupancy. 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, trip
to Atlantic City casino with a bonus package, visit to Washington Street Mall, Cape May, visit 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).
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EASTER FLOWERS AND VIGILS: Help decorate our Church and its Altars with flowers ($10 donation) and vigils ($5
offering each) for Holy Week and Easter. Flower offerings can be placed in the First Collection. Remember to
write your intentions on the envelope. For Vigils call the Rectory (570-544-2211) Monday through Friday.
EASTER KIELBASA SALE: Homemade fresh kielbasa ($8.00 per 2lb link). Pick-up
information to follow. PRE-ORDER ONLY. Call the Rectory (570-544-2211).