FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 22, 2013 It is true that the angel cites the passage from the prophet Isaiah that is today’s first reading in order to persuade the dreaming Joseph to take Mary his wife into his home: “The virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel. ” But even Satan can quote Scripture. So, then, why does Joseph believe this dream? Maybe it is because Joseph was a “son of David”… and what the angel does not mention – but what Joseph knows full well – is that Isaiah’s prophecy was intended directly and specifically for the “house of David. ” The angel’s revelation is meant for him. And thanks to Joseph’s subsequent “obedience of faith, ” the incarnate Christ Jesus genealogically was “descended from David. ” In the history of Israel, the exodus event shaped the story of creation. In the formation of the gospels, the memory of Christ’s death and rising shaped the accounts of his birth and infancy. Much more than stories about a precocious child with remarkable relatives, the infancy narratives are the clear expression of the early Church’s belief that, from the first moment of Jesus’ conception, God was at work in him. // In relating the annunciation to Joseph, Matthew does not intend to consider the psychological reactions of his character. He simply wishes to answer the question, “Who is the Messiah? ” For Matthew, Jesus, “who will save his people from their sins, ” is the ultimate inheritor of Israel, and it is Joseph who introduces him into the royal line of David. // Informed from the beginning about the impending birth, Joseph believed at first that he must remove himself from this mystery in which he thought he would have no role to play. Then God intervened. Indeed, the child whom Mary carried “comes from the Holy Spirit. ” But it is up to Joseph to assure Jesus’ legal status by accepting him as his own son and giving him his name. It is necessary that through Joseph the house of David recognize in this son “God with us” (Isaiah 7: 14). // We readily designate birth “a joyous event. ” What should be said about the waiting for this child in which Joseph plays a humble but indispensable role? The question here is not the history of one family among others, but the history of “God-with us, ” the history of salvation. ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH MINERSVILLE, PA www. St. Matthew. The. Evangelist. Parish. 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 -8900 x 222) VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR: Wendy S. Krisak (1 -800 -791 -9209) WEEKDAY MASS AT 8: 00 AM MON – Clara Parnell (7 th Annv) by Nephew, Father Leo TUE – 4: 00 PM – Donald Butler, Sr. by Joanne Bobby 9: 00 PM – Living and Deceased Parishioners WED – 9: 00 AM – Living and Deceased of Malec and Smiszek Families 11: 00 AM – Travis Newton by M/M Robert Newton THU – Eleanor Stoppi by Family FRI – Louise Kishel by Daughter, Joan Roberts SAT – 8: 00 AM – Edith Lescavage (MM) by Anna Bazor 4: 00 PM – Anna Colitz by Family SUN – 7: 00 AM – Peter and Genevieve Ferenchick and John Andruchek 9: 00 AM – Kevin Mc. Hugh by Wife, Bonnie and Daughter, Kriston 11: 00 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners ********************************************************************** REQUIESCANT IN PACE: May Jesus, the King of Glory, welcome into His eternal Realm: CATHERINE BEURY, a former member of the former St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, and a member of our Parish Family, who died Saturday, December 14, and was buried from our Church Wednesday, December 18; DANIEL J. VENCKAUSKAS, a former member of the former St. Francis of Assisi Parish, and a member of our Parish Family, who died Wednesday, December 18, and will be buried from our Church Monday, December 23. May Mary, the Immaculate One, obtain comfort from Jesus, Her Son, for their family and friends! ET LUX PERPETUA LUCEAT EIS! ********************************************************************** THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: Drop down dew from above, you heavens, / and let the clouds rain down the Just One; / let the earth be opened and bring forth a Savior. (Cf. Is 45: 8) FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, December 22 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6: 30 AM, 10: 45 AM and 6: 00 PM. 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 KEN AND MARYANNE EICHENBERG who will host the Family Prayer Chalice for Vocations this week. Sign up Church Vestibule - 570 -399 -5056. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: The child born to Jesus and Mary was named Emmanuel - “God is with us. ” Every child is EMMANUEL, reminding us “God is with us. ” Children are signs of God’s continuing presence in our lives. PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: “And it came to pass, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe in her womb leapt. ” The first person in the world to welcome Jesus, to recognize Him in the womb of His own mother was a child John the Baptist. How wonderful, God chose a pre-born child to recognize His Son! STEWARDSHIP: “The Lord’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. For he founded it upon the sea and established it upon the rivers. ” Psalm 24: 1 -2. How can we take credit for the good things in our lives when Psalm 24 reminds us that God created absolutely everything and everyone on the earth? Surely we all have an obligation to return a portion of our good fortune to the Lord, for without Him nothing would be possible. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $1, 561; General Repair: $211; Expenses: $4, 626. 15. Thank you for your generosity! ADVENT CHARITIES: 1) ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY – Your donation of all TYPES OF MEALS IN A BOX 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: Thank you for your gifts to Birthright of Frackville. The gifts will be distributed to needy mothers and their children in our county during the coming Holiday Season. If you did not return your gifts by the deadline, kindly deliver them to Birthright’s Office in Frackville. Thanks for caring! ADVENT VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: IMO Clara Parnell (7 th Annv) by Nephew, Father Leo. (2) ALTARS: BVM: For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; For the Health of Evan Gober by Grandparents, Stan and Sally; IMO Fr. Ignatius Szal by Dennis and Diane Frank. DIVINE MERCY: IMO Aaron Mitchell (Annv) by M/M Edward Mitchell, Jonathan and Jessica. (3) OTHER: ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. ST. ANTHONY: For the Health of John Sokola by Tom and Pauline Eltringham. Call 570 -5442211 to memorialize votives for the remainder of the Christmas Season. . MONDAY, December 23 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7: 45 AM (LAST CONFESSIONS BEFORE CHRISTMAS). DECORATION OF CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS: We could use some volunteer help at 6: 00 PM in our Church. Please lend a hand! TUESDAY, December 24 – CHRISTMAS EVE: Mass will be celebrated at 4: 00 PM and 9: 00 PM. Pastoral Notes: (1) 4: 00 PM is traditionally packed to overflowing. Please consider attending another Christmas Mass to avoid any personal inconveniences and problems caused by the overflowing crowds. Thanks! (2) Our Parish’s Contemporary Choir will provide the music and carols at our 4: 00 PM Mass. At the 9: 00 PM Christmas Eve Mass, our Parish Children will present a short Christmas Tableau. We invite you to join us! (4) The Church will open at 10: 00 AM so that you can obtain Christmas Wafers (Oplatki, Plotkeles) for Holy Supper. PASTORAL NOTE: The Rectory will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday this week in observance of Christmas. WEDNESDAY, December 25 – CHRISTMAS DAY: THE SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST: We will honor our Incarnate Savior at 9: 00 AM and 11: 00 AM Masses today. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: No Confessions heard today. CHRISTMAS PRAYER: Our Parish is truly blessed by God with good parishioners, men and women who love God and His Church. The following prayer expresses my heartfelt sentiments for all parishioners, parish benefactors, and all those who work for the good of our parish: CHRISTMAS FAITH – May Jesus, the newborn Son of God and of Mary, dwell in your heart and increase your trust in him through the intercession of Mary, his mother. CHRISTMAS HOPE–May you see God’s plan in your life and respond to it with a generous heart as Mary did. CHRISTMAS LOVE–May you grow closer to God and serve your brothers and sisters in God’s family, and may Mary intercede for you in your every need. AMEN! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! CHRISTMAS VOTIVES: (1) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: IMO Frank Brozana by Wife, Josephine and Daughter, Joanne and Don; IMO Leo and Helen D. Maletz by Son, Father Leo; IMO Wanda and Joseph Senawaitis. IVINE MERCY: IMO Donald Starr, Sr. by D Donald Starr, Jr. ; IMO John and Anna Dobles by Daughter, Carol; IMO Peter and Genevieve Ferenchick and John Andruchek; IMO Nancy, Matthew and Mark. REREDOS NICHE: IMO Aunt Anna Jergovich by Mary Ann and Michael. (2) BEFORE: INFANT OF PRAGUE: IMO Diane Warcola by Mother, Bertha; For the
Intention by Helen Droskinis; IMO Anthony T. Warcola by Wife, Bertha. ST. THERESA: IMO Aunt Dorothy Liddick by Mary Ann and Michael; IMO Agnes Sincavage by Son, Dave. ST. LUCY: IMO John and Catherine Wolinsky by Daughter, Catherine; IMO Anthony Wolinsky by Nephew, David. ST. JOSEPH: IMO Son-In-Law Charles Dietrick by Mary Ann and Michael; IMO John Magic by Family. “St. John Vianney said, “The priest is not a SACRED HEART: IMO Grandmother Mary Weldon by Mary Ann and priest for himself, he is a priest for you. ” As Michael; IMO we think about the many blessings we receive Joseph Sumoski by Daughter, Bertha. POPE JOHN PAUL II: IMO every day from our priests, surely we will Edward and agree. Our priests are priests for us. I am truly Sophia Burke by Dolores Starr and Son. ST. PETER: IMO Donald blessed to share in the ministry of the Starr, Sr. by priesthood of the Diocese of Allentown. ” – Dolores Starr; For the Health of Evan Gober by Grandparents, Stan Bishop John O. Barres and Sally. ST. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PAUL: IMO Nevin and Thelma Starr by Dolores Starr and Son; For DECEMBER 1 – 31 – ENDOWMENT FOR THE the Health of CARE OF RETIRED PRIESTS ANNUAL FUND: Cousin Paul by Cousin, Jean and Bill. HOLY OILS: IMO Joseph and The Diocese of Allentown is conducting an Julia Janowski annual fund called, “Chosen, Blessed, by Daughter, Jean and Bill; IMO Frances Sumoski by Daughter, Shared, ” to support our Retired Priests. All Bertha. (3) NAVE: gifts received will be used to support the Intentions of Adele Grabusky; IMO Charles Grabusky and Casimir rising cost of retirement care for those priests Grabusky; IMO in good standing who have faithfully served, Frank and Mary Galinis; IMO Dr. Alfred J. Land; IMO Msgr. Casimir J. and the many retired who continue to serve, in Klevence; our Diocese. Please consider making this Intentions of Katherine Chelak; Intentions of Jack and Martha fund a part of your yearly Advent giving. Do Rodgers; IMO Louise not confuse this yearly collection with the Dallago by Family; IMO Stephen, Lillian and Rachael Sninsky by “National Appeal for Retired Religious” on Dallago Family; IMO December 7 and 8. You have received a Wendy Maley Nabholz by Family; IMO Joseph and Elizabeth Gucwa request letter in the mail. You may return your by Daughter, gift in the mail or drop it in the collection Cookie; IMO Cathy Beury by Rose and Jim Land. ST. STANISLAUS HOLIDAY Thank you in advance for CALENDAR WINNERS basket at Mass. BISHOP AND December 15 support. and Nap your generous – Murph MARTYR MURAL: IMO Jennie Gut; IMO M/M Edward Siminitus by December 16 – Bev Drobick Family; IMO December 17 – Kitty Bosack Julianne by Sister, Jean and Bill. ST. BARBARA MURAL: IMO Jean December 18 – Tim and Michelle Doran by December 19 – Nathan Calderone Daughter, Ellen; IMO Fritz Doran by Daughter, Ellen; For the Health of December 20 – Millie Dronitsky Mary Ann December 21 – Carol Mc. Govern Sokola. BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE: IMO Brito-Budresky Families by George and DECEMBER 14 50/50 WINNER Marge Homa Family; IMO Homa-Sweet Families by George and #0691 – $704 – Al and Sharon Marge Homa NEXT DRAWING APRIL 17, 2014 Family. ALTAR OF SACRIFICE CANDELABRAS: IMO Leonard Yurkonis by Wife SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3: 30 PM. and Daughter; IMO Michael Yurkonis by Mother and Sister; IMO SUNDAY, December 29 – FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH: Today’s feast gives us a Donald Yanek by chance to celebrate another aspect of the incarnation of Christ: His sharing in the life of a human family. Plan Rose and Jim Land; IMO George and Stella Pytko by Son, George on honoring the Holy Family of Nazareth, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, by attending Mass throughout this coming and Daughter, year as a Family. A special family blessing will be imparted to families at all Masses today. God bless you, your families, and our entire Parish Family! Joanne; IMO Michael and Loretta Melusky, IMO Billy and Cookie SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6: 30 AM and 10: 45 AM. Melusky, IMO THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): VINCE AND DARLA FABIANI will host the FPC this week. Donald J. Butler, Sr. , IMO George and Celie Miller, IMO Barbara Call 570 -399 -5056 or Sign-Up in the Church Vestibule. Crisanti by Don, WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR FEBRUARY! HELP US! SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: No Special Parish Second Collection Envelope this week. However we encourage you to Peggy and Christopher Butler; IMO Celie, George and George Miller check your Sunday Envelope Boxes for the envelopes you might have missed returning. Please catch up as soon as possible. Your by Joanne, Joe, Church needs your consistent and generous support to meet all of its financial obligations and to serve you. Thank you! Kristen and Megan Bobby. BAPTISMAL FONT CANDELABRAS ********************************************************************************** IMO Donald J. MINISTERS AT MASS FOR CHRISTMAS AND HOLY FAMILY SUNDAY OFF. PROC. LECTORS EUCH. MIN. ALTAR SERVERS Butler, Sr. , IMO Anna Bobby, IMO Czwarc Family, IMO Miller Family TUE 4: 00 PM Bobby Family Frank Melenchick Gloria Paltanavage Fletcher Eades by Joanne, Joe, Tom Mundy Frank Melenchick Kristen and Megan Bobby; IMO Czwarc Family, IMO Butler Family, Mary Regina Mundy IMO Bernice 9: 00 PM Parish Children John Andruchek Mary Jo Nabholz Eric Andruchek Michael Perzel Rayos, Special Intention, Intention of Rose Land by Aldona and WED 9: 00 AM Parishioners Rosalie Novack Teresa Miller Killian Clark Edward Butler; Living Max Wigoda and Deceased Members of SVDP Society; Intentions of Volunteers of 11: 00 AM Newton Family Theresa Kroznuski Jamie Kuehn Jesse Stickell God’s Bountiful Jade Stickell SAT 4: 00 PM Colitz Family Mary Ann Harrison Frank Melenchick Fletcher Eades Table; IMO Jerome Czwarc by Daughter, Jeanne Swartz; IMO Living Frank Melenchick and Deceased SUN 7: 00 AM Andruchek Family Mary Jo Nabholz of Phillips and Siminitus Families (8). Eric Andruchek Michael Perzel THE ENDOWMENT FOR THE CARE OF RETIRED PRIESTS CHRISTMAS OFFERING: A year end Christmas gift is your Rosalie Novack Killian Clark chance to go beyond the day to day support of your Parish Max Wigoda that you fund through your weekly envelopes. The Christmas 11: 00 AM Parishioners Tom Mundy Marian Rhoads Jesse Stickell Jade Stickell Offertory Collection is solely for the support of the Parish. ********************************************************************************** Your generosity is greatly appreciated and needed. A $50 gift COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar! is humbly asked from each wage earner. Thank you! JANUARY 12 – NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 1: 00 PM to 3: 00 PM. Meet faculty, staff, students, parents, advisors, coaches THURSDAY, December 26 – FEAST OF ST. STEPHEN: To honor the Protoand board members; take a tour of our campus; learn about tuition assistance opportunities. Call Jenn (570 -622 -8110). Martyr, walnuts will be blessed within today’s 8: 00 AM Mass. JANUARY 26 – ASSUMPTION BVM OPEN HOUSE AND EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION: 12: 00 Noon to 2: 00 PM at Assumption BVM FRIDAY, December 27 – FEAST OF ST. JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST: School. Faculty members and administration will be available to answer questions you might have. For new registrations, please bring Wine will be blessed at 8: 00 AM Mass in honor of St. John. your child’s birth certificate, baptismal record, and immunization records. Register before April 1, 2014 and receive a $15 discount on the SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7: 45 AM. new students registration fee. Students transferring from other schools in grades 2 through 7 are eligible for a $1, 500 transfer grant: $1, 000 SATURDAY, December 28 – FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS: Bring your for the 2014 -2015 school year and $500 for the 2015 -2016 school year. Call 570 -622 -0106 for more information or for a tour. children to today’s 8: 00 AM Mass for a special blessing. MARCH 3 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW BUS TRIP: Cost $55. Bus leaves Quandel’s Parking Lot at 8: 00 AM; Departs Philadelphia at 5: 00 PM. This year’s Flower Show, “ARTiculture”, will be inspired by the sculptures and style of Alexander Calder, a member of Philadelphia’s historic family of artists, and will feature a remarkable aerial dance troupe who will perform above, on and within the multi-dimensional display. For reservations, call Julie (570 -544 -5231) or the Rectory (570 -544 -2211). 9: 00 AM Mc. Hugh Family Sharon Kolenick APRIL 17 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH 50/50 DRAWING: $2. 00 each or three for $5. 00. Call Joe at 570 -544 -5485 (leave message if no answer) for tickets. Benefits Parish Center renovation. Thanks for your support! 2014 SUNDAY MISSALS: Can be found in the Church Vestibule. These Liturgical aides are $5. 00 per book. 2014 CHURCH CALENDARS: They are a gift to us from THE BUTLER FUNERAL HOME. OUR SINCEREST THANKS TO DON, PEGGY AND CHRIS! They are in the Church Vestibule. One per family. 2014 ADULT AND CHILDREN CHURCH OFFERING ENVELOPES: All 2014 adult and children envelopes can be found in the last center aisle pews of the church. Take yours and help us deliver those of our shut-in parishioners. If you discover any irregularities, call (570 -544 -2211). We need your consistent financial support to keep our Parish’s heart beating!
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