THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OCTOBER 27, 2013 The tax collector, completely aware of the enormity of his sin, and therefore of his unworthiness, beats his breast and prays, “O God, be merciful to me a sinner.” Where does he get the confidence to do this? His experience of limitation and failure has led him, not to despair, but to depend. He remains certain that there is something beyond “every evil threat” and that the Lord will rescue him. Maybe it was his sin that jogged his memory of the promise of Sirach: “The Lord hears the cry of the oppressed. The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds.” This is why the formerly unspeakable sinful Paul can say without boasting: “From now on the crown of righteousness awaits me.” For “whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” One creates a caricature by taking a significant trait, exaggerating it, and making it larger than life. This is how Jesus sets up the two extremes of religious attitudes in his day. // The Pharisee asks nothing for himself. He is undoubtedly no hypocrite. What he says, he does to perfection. Unfortunately, he is preoccupied with himself and is judging others. He is interested in God primarily as the one who will reaffirm the merits he lists. // In contrast to this religiously active man stands the tax collector. He does not make a prayer of thanksgiving. He confesses, not out of a need to clear his conscience, but to express all the pain that he is feeling. Finding nothing which can give him assurance before his judge, he throws himself on the divine mercy. It is from that mercy that he hopes to receive his life as a grace, a gift. // This humble man goes home justified but the other does not. The Christian knows that the just one is never more than a person who has been justified, saved by God, beyond all merit. ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH MINERSVILLE, PA www.StMatthewTheEvangelistParish.org Rectory Office Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM 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 – Living and Deceased Parishioners TUE – Peter and Genevieve Ferenchick and John Andruchek WED – Michael Conway (Annv) by Margaret Conway and Family THU – 7:00 PM – Leo Maletz by Family FRI – 8:00 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners 7:00 PM – Living and Deceased Members of the Parish Memorial Society SAT – 7:00 AM – Living and Deceased of Malec and Smiszek Family by Fr. Leo 9:00 AM – Holy Souls 11:00 AM – Those Remembered on the All Souls Day Offering Envelopes 4:00 PM – Eva Mitchell by Family SUN – 7:00 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners 9:00 AM – Pauline Rosko by Daughter, Irene 11:00 AM – Joseph Barnetsky by Wife and Family ***************************************************************************************************************************** *************** THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: Let the hearts that seek the Lord rejoice;/ turn to the Lord and his strength;/ constantly seek his face. (Cf. Ps 105 (104): 3-4) THE THIRTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, October 27 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30 AM and 10:45 AM. 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 JULIA KUBICH AND RITA TATUSKO who will host the Family Prayer Chalice for Vocations this week. Call 570-399-5056 or sign up in Church. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: Listen to Jesus in today’s gospel: “who humbles himself will be exalted.” It is not the occasional big events, but the daily humble routine of family life which creates bonds and relationships which last a lifetime. PRO-LIFE REFLECTION We cannot and must not remain silent about abortion. God’s babies are being killed by abortion right under our eyes. Please get involved and do your part to save innocent human life. God counts on us to be His instruments on earth! STEWARDSHIP: “…for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” Luke 18:14. Do we exalt ourselves? We do if we think that we get credit for any of the good things in our lives. As stewards it is important that we remember that every good thing on this earth is a gift from God. We should be humbled by God’s abundant generosity. Our hearts should be filled with gratitude. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $2,646; General Repair: $447; Expenses: $4,126.57. Thank you for your generosity! FRATERNAL CHARITY: ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY– Your donation of all TYPES OF CANNED/BOXED SOUPS will allow the SVDP Society to aid the needy of our area.Volunteer for our SVDP Society Outreach and God’s Bountiful Table.570-544-2739. VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: IMO Leo Maletz by Family. (2) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: For the Health of Evan Gober by Grandparents, Stan and Sally; For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; Special Intention. 570-544-2211. FOOD PREPARATION AT OUR PARISH CENTER: Pierogi Making Sunday, October 27 – 9:00 AM Monday, October 28 – 9:00 AM PLEASE LEND YOUR PARISH A HAND! EVERYONE IS WELCOME! CHINESE AUCTION: Doors open 10:00 AM; Auction starts 1:00 PM. St. Nicholas Hall, Primrose. Donation is $5. Plenty of theme baskets and prizes! Food and refreshments are available. All proceeds benefit St. Nicholas School. Browse-n-Bid on Saturday, October 26, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Call 570-544-4581 for more information. MONDAY, October 28 – PARISH MEETING: 7:00 PM, Parish Center. To discuss ideas for activities to fund future improvements to the P.C. THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS: 5:00 PM, last Monday of each month, Our Lady’s Chapel of St. Patrick Church, Pottsville. Veneration of a First-Class Relic of Saint Pauline Visintainer to follow. Call 622-1802 for information. TUESDAY, October 29– ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, the Good Shepherd School Building. Contact our Coordinator of Religious Education, Rosalie Novack (570-544-2211) for more information. PARENTS’ MEETING FOR FIRST PENANCE: 6:30 PM, Good Shepherd Chapel. WEDNESDAY, October 30 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients / caregivers. ASSUMPTION BVM NUT ROLL SALE: $14 each to be delivered on November 19. ORDER DEADLINE IS TODAY! Call the school office (570-622-0106) to order. HALLOWEEN, THURSDAY, October 31 – THE VIGIL OF ALL SAINTS DAY: Mass will be celebrated at 7:00 PM. Confessions will be heard at 6:30 PM. PARISH MISSION: Today through Sunday, November 3. Conducted by Fr. Michael Shea, C.M. (Vincentian Father). Themes: All Saints Day: “Do whatever He tells you” and “The Church Triumphant”; All Souls Day: “Do whatever He tells you” and “The Church Suffering”; Sunday: “Do whatever He tells you” and “The New Evangelization.” Please make time to attend! “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR REHEARSAL: Call 570-544-2355 for rehearsal times. SOLEMNITY OF ALL SAINTS, FRIDAY, November 1 – HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION: We would encourage your attendance at Mass for this Solemnity as we follow the time honored tradition of our Church in remembering all the faithfully departed, both Canonized and Uncanonized, who are now enjoying the benefits of eternal life and whose company we hopefully will one day join! Holy Mass will be celebrated at 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Confessions will be heard at 7:30 AM and 6:30 PM. EUCHARISTIC HOLY HOUR: Immediately following today’s 8:00 AM Mass, there will be Eucharistic Exposition, Adoration, and Benediction. Come pray for vocations to the Priesthood/ Consecrated Life from our Parish/Diocese. ALL SOULS DAY, SATURDAY, November 2 – IN COMMEMORATIONE OMNIUM FIDELIUM DEFUNCTORUM: 1) Masses will be celebrated at 7:00 AM, 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. 2) We respectfully remind you to return your All Souls Day Remembrance Offering. The persons listed on your Remembrance Offering Envelope will be remembered at Mass throughout the month of November. Visiting a Cemetery: An indulgence is granted the Christian faithful who devoutly visit a cemetery and pray, if only mentally, for the dead. This indulgence is applicable only to the souls in purgatory. This indulgence is a plenary one from November 1 through November 8 and can be gained on each one of these days. On the other days of the year, this indulgence is a partial one. PASTORAL NOTE: An indulgence is the remission in the eyes of God of the temporal punishment due to sins whose culpable element has already been taken away. The Christian faithful who are rightly disposed and observe the definite, prescribed conditions (Have the intention of gaining the indulgence; receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist near the prescribed indulgence or same day if possible; Pray 6 Our Fathers, 6 Hail Marys and 6 Glory Bes for the intentions of the Holy Father near the prescribed indulgence or same day if possible; Perform the prescribed action of the indulgence; be free from all attachment to venial sin), gain this remission through the effective assistance of the Church, which, as the minister of redemption, authoritatively distributes and applies the treasury of the expiatory works of Christ and the saints. An indulgence is either plenary of partial, that is, it frees a person either from all or from some of the temporal punishment due to sins. REQUIESCANT IN PACE! SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. ALL SOULS VOTIVES: (1) ALTARS: BVM: IMO Wanda and Joseph Senawaitis; IMO Nancy, Matthew and Mark; IMO Jennie Gut. DIVINE MERCY: IMO Joseph Barnetsky by Wife and Family; IMO Peter and Genevieve Ferenchick; IMO John Andruchek. ALTAR OF SACRIFICE: IMO Annie Socko by Daughter, Ann Marie; IMO John Szekeres by Ann Marie. REREDOS NICHE: IMO John Socko by Daughter, Ann Marie. (2) BEFORE: ST. ANNE: IMO Ofsharick and Dean Families by Frank and Theresa Grigalonis. ST. ANTHONY: For the Health of Evan Gober by Grandparents, Stan and Sally. ST. BARBARA: IMO Cerullo and Brennan Families by Frank and Theresa Grigalonis; IMO Gavalis and Galinis Families. ST. FRANCIS: IMO Grigalonis and Machinsky Families by Frank and Theresa Grigalonis; IMO Leonard Yurkonis by Wife; Deceased of Dutcavich Family by Gloria Dutcavich. ST. THERESA: IMO Son, Michael Yurkonis by Mom; IMO Mary Szekeres by Ann Marie. ST. JOSEPH: Souls of All Deceased of the Combined Parishes by Gloria Dutcavich; Deceased Members of Sisters of St. Casimir by Gloria Dutcavich. ST. PETER: Deceased of Supsinskas Family by Gloria Dutcavich; IMO Forgotten Souls by Gloria Dutcavich. ST. PAUL: IMO Mary Roshannon, Betty Jean Renninger, Ed and Violet Skibiel by Frank and Theresa Grigalonis; IMO Lenny Kostek by Wife, Shirley. ST. LUCY: IMO Ann, Mary and Joe Galinis; IMO Ryan Wiscount by Mom and Dad. SACRED HEART: IMO Charlie and Casimir Grabusky; IMO Frank and Mary Galinis. POPE JOHN PAUL II: IMO Connie Bluis and Tim Stine by Joe and Lee Ann. NAVE: IMO Dan Polansky by Joe and Lee Ann; IMO Dave Frey by Joe and Lee Ann; IMO Ryan Wiscount by Gram and Pop; IMO Pauline and Chase Butensky by Bob and Luana Butensky; IMO Pat Wiscount by Bob and Luana Butensky; IMO Connie Bluis and Tim Stine by Bob and Luana Butensky. Call 544-2211 for Votives. NATIVITY BVM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NEW YORK CITY BUS TRIP: Bus leaves from Nativity BVM High School at 7:00 AM; Departs New York City at 7:00 PM. Cost is $40. Call Greg (570-622-1859) for more information. THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, November 3 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30 AM and 10:45 AM. THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): ROBERT AND LUANA BUTENSKY will host the FPC this week. Call 570-399-5056 or Sign-Up in the Church Vestibule. ANNUAL TURKEY BINGO: Doors open at 12:00 Noon; Bingo starts at 2:00 PM. Good Shepherd Cafeteria. Admission $3.00. Donations of baked goods would be appreciated and should be brought directly to the Cafeteria today. Just place your name on these items. Food and refreshments will be available. For more information, call Theresa (570-544-4316) or Rose Ann (570-544-5304). TRICK OR TREAT: Parish children are welcome to visit the Rectory between 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM for a treat! 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) Please catch up with any missed envelopes. Thank you for your generosity! ***************************************************************************************************************************** ******************************************************************************************************************** SAT SUN MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OFF. PROC. LECTORS EUCH. MIN. 4:00 PM Mitchell Family Mary Ann Harrison Barbara Sincavage 7:00 AM Parishioners 9:00 AM Rosko Family 11:00 AM Barnetsky Family Jack Hudock Theresa Kroznuski Sharon Kolenick Al Boris Jason Clark Lori Hoffman Ed Davis ALTAR SERVERS Daniel Dougherty Anthony Forte Eli Nabholz Anthony Lutchkus Emily Purcell Alexandra Eades Olivia Osborne ***************************************************************************************************************************** ******************************************************************************************************************** COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar! NOVEMBER 4 – MASS OF REMEMBRANCE: 6:00 PM Mass. THANKSGIVING NUT ROLL SALE: St. Stephen Church, Port Carbon. $14 per roll. DEADLINE TO ORDER IS TODAY!. Pick-up is November 20th. Call 570-622-6600 to place your order. NOVEMBER 6 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex. NOVEMBER 9 – ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH POTTSVILLE CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Sunday, November 10th, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM). Various crafts, Christmas ornaments, jewelry, decorations, bargain table, theme baskets, baked goods stand and much more! Food available includes hot roast beef platters, hot dogs, hamburgers, homemade soups, and more! Call 622-5470. NOVEMBER 12 – PROTECTORS OF THE UNBORN PRECIOUS SOULS’ PRO-LIFE GROUP MONTHLY MEETING: Everyone welcome – both men and women. Come join us and become the voice for these “Precious Souls” which God has created. Together we can make a difference. Meetings are second Tuesday of each month. Call 570-345-4619 for location and time. NOVEMBER 14 – RED CROSS BLOODMOBILE: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Good Shepherd Building Cafeteria. Donate blood, give life! MONTHLY ROSARY: 6:15 PM, our Church. Come and pray the Rosary with us. NOVEMBER 15, 16, 17 – SOUP AND BAKE SALE: Parish Center. Soups include: Chicken Pot Pie, Chili Con Carne, Minestrone, Split Pea. $7 per quart (cold). NOVEMBER 22-24 – ST. FRANCIS RETREAT HOUSE WEEKEND RETREAT: Topic is: “I’ve Suffered a Great Loss.” The retreat is intended for widows and widowers who can benefit from support knowing that they are not alone. Offering is $165. Call 610-258-3053 ex 10. NOVEMBER 28 – THANKSGIVING DAY MEALS: The Knights of Columbus, Schuylkill Council 431, in conjunction with other councils in Schuylkill County, will again be providing free, in-home delivered meals to all those in need living in Schuylkill County. To be placed on the list, please call one of the following numbers with your name, address, phone number, and number of meals needed. If no answer leave a message and someone will call you back to confirm the information. The numbers to call are 570-691-1429 or 570-628-3333. Meals will be delivered on Thanksgiving Day between the hours of 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Parties must be at home as meals will not be left on the doorstep and we can not guarantee we will be able to get back to you. December 1 – 31 – SMTE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CALENDAR: 31 Days of prizes, cash and gifts, donated by parishioners and local businesses. One winner each day. Winners eligible to win every day of the month! Cost $5 each. Call the Rectory (570544-2211) or Julie Kubich (570-544-5231) for your calendar. What a great early holiday gift! Get yours as soon as possible! DECEMBER 5 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR BUS TRIP: 11:00 AM Matinee. 2nd Mezzanine seating.$95 per person includes show and bus. Leaves Minersville 6:30 AM; Departs New York 6:00 PM. Call Julie (570544-5231) or the Rectory (570-544-2211). Your payment is your reservation. DECEMBER 9 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ MOHEGAN SUN CASINO BUS TRIP: Cost: $23; Rebate: $25 to play. Leaves R&J at 8:00 AM; Quandel’s at 8:30 AM. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Helen (570-544-5465) to reserve your spot. DECEMBER 11 – HOLIDAY FOOD SALE: Homemade pierogi by the dozen ($6.00) and kielbasa 2 lb links ($7.00). Pick-up is from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM today at the Parish Center. PRE-ORDER ONLY. Call Sophie Kuchta (570-624-3619) or the Rectory (570-544-2211) to order. ORDER DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 6. MAY 18, 2014 – SPAGHETTI DINNER: More information to follow. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PARISH MEMORIAL SOCIETY: We gratefully acknowledge the following donations: IMO HELEN BLUFF: $10 from Marge Homa. IMO VERNA RACZKA: $110 from M/M Richard Holley; $100 from M/M Thomas Raczka; $50 from J.B. Curran; $10 each from George and Marge Homa Family, Dave and Barb Sincavage, Mrs. Millie Magic. IMO EDITH LESCAVAGE: $100 each from Minersville Fire Rescue, Dr. and Mrs. M. Mohamed Meeran, Brother, David Updegrove; $50 each from M/M Erik Andruchek, Niece, Nancy Lescavage, Linda and Marty Smith, George and Janice Gately, James Quandel, Cindi and Jason Witmier Family, Bill and Michelle Lescavage Family, James and Catherine Rose, Noreen and Robert Brown, Stacee Hipp and Harry Zerby; $40 from Diane and Rick Pizzo and Family; $30 each from The Rodgers Family, Cathy and Charlie Reber and Family; Joseph and Bonnie Ganly; Helen Derfler, Bruce, Karen and Tim Unverdorben; $25 each from Joanne Fox, Harriet Kostura, M/M James O’Brien, Bob and Sharon Gorba, Carolyn Domlesky and Family, Ron and Joan Greene, John and Mary Jo Nabholz, Anne Marie and Daniel Wachter, Bill and Rose Ann Sep, Ross Trischetti, Diane and Tony Urban, C-Well Optical, Ann Marie Mills, Marie Wanchick; $20 each from M/M Glen Sninski, M/M James Yacobacci, Joe and Kathy Lescavage, Katherine Chelak, Bill and Cheryl Newton, Joe Hudock and Family, Jim and Brenda Duncan, Ron and Karen Calarco, Jeanie and Bob Lynn and Family, The Sterner Family: Dave, Susie, Rachel and Grace, Nick, Beverly, Kristen and Alexis Hutzel, Sharon (Trischetti) Grant, Antoinette and Emily Purcell, Mickey and Betsy Stump, Pam and Ron Bixler, Rose and Robert Schofstal, Scott and Patrice Schwalm Family, Susan Smith, John Sep Family; $15 each from Ed Kozluskey, Barbara and Al Munster; $10 each from Cindy, Bill and Ray Taylor (Republican Carriers), Pauline Rodgers, Marge Hutsko, Mary Ann Hudock/Harvilla, Lori Brennan and Rachel Eckert, Connie Brophy and Family, Lucy and Paul Ciotti, Nettie Ryan, M/M Steve Pizzico, Tom and Janet Bonenberger, Teri and Dave Kroznuski and Family, LouAnn Swinehart, Mike and Elaine Bogish, Jennifer Beach, Adele and Mary Grabusky, Theresa Schoffstall, Joe and Judy Sabados, Catherine Harley.