EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD APRIL 20, 2014

1. EASTER SUNDAY OF THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD APRIL 20, 2014 “Faith in the resurrection of Jesus says that there is a future for every human being; the cry for unending life which is a part of the person is indeed answered. Through Jesus we do know ‘the room where exiled love lays down its victory.’ He himself is this place, and he calls us to be with him and in depend- ence on him. He calls us to keep this place open within the world so that he, the exiled love, may reappear over and over in the world… God exists: that is the real message of Easter. Anyone who even begins to grasp what this means also knows what it means to be redeemed .” (Pope Benedict XVI) When Christians are asked the meaning of Easter, they refer to the resurrection of Jesus. It is the day for telling the wondrous story: Mary Magdalene saw the stone moved away, Peter went in and saw the wrappings on the ground, and the beloved disciple saw and believed. The faith of contemporary believers builds on their testimony. It is our festival of life, for the boldness and rituals unite us with that event which was so disconcerting, marvelous, and liberating. // Sunday after Sunday, and especially at this greatest Sunday of the year, we enter events which show Easter as more than a once-upon-a- time event. We bless and share a meal that shapes us as the Body of Christ. We sing alleluias and say the good news still takes flesh in our world. We color eggs and enjoy feasts without need of a rational explanation. The pull to dress finely may be marred by commercialism or a drive for status, but we know our winter has passed and new life is here. In these and in so many other ethnic customs, we renew life just as we renew our baptismal commitment. More correctly, we rest in awe before the One who renews life and provides the possibility of commitment. // Implicit within all these celebrations, there is a sense of future. We can be intent on “things above rather than on things of earth.” Easter is a promise of the end time. Our festivals take place in a sinful world, in an imperfect Church. In them we taste that time when we will all be in glory. 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 (610-866-0581x19) VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR: Wendy S. Krisak (1-800-791-9209) WEEKDAY MASS AT 8:00 AM MON – Donald Matusky by Wife, Carol TUE – Joseph J. Hudock by Jack WED – 7:30 AM – Margaret Sorokach (Estate) THU – John Kishel by Daughter, Joan Roberts FRI – 8:00 AM – Margaret Conway by Daughter, Phyllis 11:00 AM – Frances Hummel by Fred and Ann Marie Liebner and Family at St. Joseph Center for Special Learning SAT – 4:00 PM – George Pytko, Sr. (Annv) by Son, George and Daughter, Joanne Panak SUN – 8:30 AM – Connie and Mark Bluis (Annv) by Family 10:30 AM – Jim Calderone and Sisters by Family ******************************************************************************************************************************************** THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: I have risen, and I am with you still, alleluia./ You have laid your hand upon me, alleluia./ Too wonderful for me, this knowledge, alleluia, alleluia. (Cf. Ps 139 (138):18, 5-6) EASTER SUNDAY, April 20 – RESURRECTION CELEBRATION: 8:00 AM Mass includes the Traditional Resurrection Procession. PROCESSION: All Parish Grade School Children, Altar Servers assemble at 7:40 AM in the Vestibule. EASTER MASS will be celebrated at 10:30 AM. DIVINE MERCY NOVENA: 3:00 PM. EASTER WATER will be available after Masses. FIRST COLLECTION: SUNDAY (we need 52 Sunday Collections to meet Parish needs), EASTER (we ask each wage earner for $50 or more to help us catch up with Winter’s Bills), GENERAL REPAIR (Your contribution will help defray the cost of general maintenance.),SECOND COLLECTION:OPER- ATION RICE BOWL (your FINAL Lenten Sacrificial Gift for the world’s poor). CHRIST IS RISEN! INDEED, HE IS RISEN! HAPPY EASTER, EVERYONE! 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. Our thanks to ELLAMAE KRUSNUSKI for hosting the Family Prayer Chalice for Vocations this week. Sign up in Church Vestibule or call 570-399-5056. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: Today’s gospel instructs us Jesus “had to rise from the dead.” The dying we experience with unmet expectations in marriage and parenting is normal to family life. Families must rise above disappoint- ments and be Easter people all year long. PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: “The extermination of millions of preborn children, in the name of the fight against poverty, actually constitutes the destruction of the poorest of all human beings.”   Pope Benedict XVI. STEWARDSHIP: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”  Colossians 3:2. Do you put God first in all things? Possessions, money, power, ego can easily become gods to many of us. Do a quick check of what is important to you. Is God at the very top of the list? If not, your priorities need to be re-adjusted. Don’t let earthly things become your god. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $3,669; Insurance: $434; Expenses: $4,074.30. Thank you for your generosity! 0. “Christ is Risen, Alleluia” “He is Risen Indeed, Alleluia, Alleluia” EASTER CHARITIES: (1) ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY – Your donation of all TYPES OF CANNED MEATS will allow The SVDP Society to aid the needy of our area. Volunteer to help our SVDP Society Outreach and God’s Bountiful Table. Call570-544- 2739. (2) OPERATION RICE BOWL – During the past six weeks, our parish community has prayed, fasted and given alms with a special focus on the poorest members of our global community. Our lives were touched by stories from Kenya, Guatemala, the Philippines, Malawi, Haiti, and the United States. Through our Lenten prayers and donations, we have touched the lives of millions of people served by Catholic Relief Services, our representative to the poorest communities in the world. Thank you for your generosity. Our Parish’s ORB Contributions: Palm Sunday: $918. THANK YOU! EASTER VOTIVES:(1) SANCTUARY: IMO Stanley Graf, Jr. by Wife and Daughters. (2) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: IMO Leo and Helen D. Maletz by Son, Father Leo; IMO Donald Starr, Sr. by Donald Starr, Jr.; IMO Andrew Botek by Wife, Bertha; IMO Frank Brozana by Wife, Josephine and Daughter, Joanne and Donald Doyne. DIVINE MERCY: IMO Donald Matusky by Wife, Carol; IMO John Socko by Daughter, Ann Marie; IMO John Szekeres by Ann Marie; IMO Leonard Yurkonis by Wife. REREDOS NICHE: IMO Rev. Joseph F. Reilly by Parents. RISEN CHRIST: IMO Anna and StineyGober by Anna Mae and Dan Clark; IMO Fr. Ignatius Szal by Dennis and Diane Frank. ALTAR OF SACRIFICE: IMO Donald Starr, Sr. by Dolores Starr; IMO Michael J. Warhola by Family.(3) BEFORE: ST. ANNE: IMO Annie Socko by Daughter, Ann Marie. ST. ANTHONY: IMO Nevin and Thelma Starr by Dolores Starr and Son. ST. BARBARA: IMO Edith Lescavage by Rose Sep; Happy 50th Anniversary, Sr. Martina Revak, O.S.B., by Rose Sep. ST. FRANCIS: IMO Anthony T. Warcola by Wife, Bertha; IMO Diane Warcola by Mother, Bertha; Get Well M. Butch Palmer by Rose Sep. ST. THERESA: IMO Mary Szekeres by Ann Marie; IMO Anna and StineyGober by Anna Mae and Dan Clark. ST. LUCY: IMO Sr. Elizabeth Daley, S.J.J., by Helene O’Connor; IMO Martin Turnowchyk and Family by Katherine Chelak. ST. JOSEPH: IMO Michael Yurkonis by Mom and Sisters; IMO John and Catherine Wolinsky by Daughter, Catherine. SACRED HEART: IMO Elmer Huntzinger by Wife, Dorothy and Family; IMO Michael, Sr. and Anna Warhola by Daughter, Dorothy. ST. FAUSTINA: IMO Anna and Walter Sznajkowski by Daughter, Ann; For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family. POPE JOHN PAUL II: IMO Edward and Sophia Burke by Dolores Starr and Son. ST. PETER: IMO Anthony Wolinsky by Nephew, Dave Bosack; IMO Homa-Sweet Family by Marge and George Homa Family. ST. PAUL: IMO Brito-Budresky Family by Marge and George Homa Family; IMO Stephen Chelak (Birthday) by Wife, Katherine. HOLY OILS: IMO Frances Sumoski by Daughter, Bertha; IMO Joseph Sumoski by Daughter, Bertha. (4) NAVE: Special Intention; For the Health

2. of John Sokola by Family; IMO M/M George Pytko by Son, George and Daughter, Joanne; IMO Donald Butler, Sr., IMO Jerome Scwartz, IMO Celie Miller, IMO Bernice Rayos by Edawrd and Aldona Butler; IMO Angelina Reta by Catherine Brilla; For the Health of John Sokola (4) by Sons, Neil and Brian. Call 570-544-2211 to memorialize votives. MONDAY, April 21 – DIVINE MERCY NOVENA: 3:00 PM. FIRST HOLY COMMUNION RETREAT: 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM, Good Shepherd Cafeteria. FYI: The Rectory Office will be closed on Easter Monday. "Christ is Risen, Alleluia!” "He is Risen Indeed, Alleluia, Alleluia!” TUESDAY, April 22 – DIVINE MERCY NOVENA: 3:00 PM. ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, the Good Shepherd Building. Magic Show and Treat begins 6:15 PM. All Parish children are invited! Call our coordinator of Religious Education, Rosalie Novack (570-544- 2211), with questions. ABSENCES MUST BE REPORTED! FAMILY FUN NIGHT AT FRIENDLY’S RESTAURANT: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Benefits St. Patrick Church’s Seniors. WEDNESDAY, April 23 – DIVINE MERCY NOVENA: 3:00 PM. DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 7:30 AM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients and their caregivers. GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex. COMUNNITY HEALTH AWARENESS TALKS: 6:00 PM, Schuylkill Medical Center South, Conference Rooms A&B. Topic is: “Neurological Conditions in Children.” Five different speakers. Program is free. Refreshments served. Call 570-621-5108 to register. THURSDAY, April 24 – DIVINE MERCY NOVENA: 3:00 PM. “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR REHEARSAL: 7:00 PM, Church Loft. To join call Gregory at 570-544-2355. FRIDAY, April 25 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM. DIVINE MERCY NOVENA: 3:00 PM. SATURDAY, April 26 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. DIVINE MERCY NOVENA: 3:00 PM. GODSPELL MUSICAL: 7:00 PM (and Saturday, April 26, 3:00 PM), Nativity BVM High School Gym. Adults $8; Students age 18 and under $5. Presented by Nativity BVM High School Theatre Arts Department. Call 570-622-8110 for more information. DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY, April 27 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM, 10:15 AM, and 2:00 PM. ROAST BEEF DINNER: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, St. Michael Church Hall, Minersville. $10 adult; $5 child. Dinner includes: Beef, mashed potatoes, corn, coleslaw or applesauce, roll and homemade dessert. Call 570-544-6853 or 570-544-4741 to get tickets. GIFT CARD BINGO: Doors open 11:00 AM; Bingo is 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. St. Clair Lions Club. $20 admission for 20 bingo games and specials! Door prizes, food and refreshments. Call 570-622-7769 for information. THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): AMY EADES will host the FPC this week. Call 570-399- 5056 or sign-up in the Church Vestibule. We need host families for June. ***************************************************************************************************************************************************************** MINISTERS AT MASS FOR DIVINE MERCY SUNDAY OFF. PROCESSIONLECTORS EUCH. MINISTERSALTAR SERVERS SAT 4:00 PM Pytko Family Rosalie Novack Teresa Miller Frank Melenchick Anthony Lutchkus SUN 8:30 AM Bluis Family Elaine Stine Sharon KolenickEmily Purcell Daniel Dougherty 10:30 AM Calderone Family Marge Walasvage Theresa Kroznuski Alexandra Eades Fletcher Eades ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************* COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar! APRIL 28 – THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS: 5:00 PM, Our Lady’s Chapel of St Patrick Church. Veneration of a First-Class Relic of Saint Pauline Visintainer to follow. Call 570-622-1802 for information. May 1 – THE EDWARD T. MALESKAS SCHOLARSHIP FUND: Registered members of the former Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Minersville, PA can request a tuition aid/scholarship application for the 2014-2015 school year for Catholic elementary and high school students and students who attend a Catholic or secular college. Applications are available 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 danyen1977@aol.com. Please 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 14 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex. MAY 25 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: 6:00 PM Prayer Service. Vigils can be memorialized in memory/honor of a loved one by calling 570-544-2739.. JUNE 16 – 20 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ CAPE COD, MA INCLUDING MARTHA’S VINEYARD AND NANTUCKET BUS TRIP: Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413) for information and reservations. JULY 24, 25, 26 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH ANNUAL TRIDUUM IN HONOR OF GOOD ST. ANNE: DAY 1 and DAY II: Triduum prayers and Veneration of St. Anne’s Relic after 8:00 AM Mass. DAY III: Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of our Lady, of our Lord. this day is the conclusion of our Triduum in Honor of St. Anne. We will have a special Healing Mass within which the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be celebrated at 9:00 AM. Call the Rectory (570-544-2211) to register for Anointing. AUGUST 17 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST ANNUAL SUMMER FESTIVAL: 12:00 Noon to 9:00 PM, South Cass Fire Co. Picnic Grounds, Primrose. Come and enjoy All the ethnic foods you love! Call 570-544-2211 for more information.  SEPTEMBER 8 – 11– ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ OUTER BANKS, NORTH CAROLINA BUS TRIP:$539 per person (double occupancy) includes: 3 nights lodging, 3 breakfasts, 3 full course dinners, guided tour of Cape Hatteras, Roanoke Island Festival Park, Graveyard of the Alantic, Wright Brothers National Memorial, Elizabethan Gardens, Bodie Island Lighthouse, souvenir gift, luggage handling, all taxes and meal gratuities, Motorcoach transportation. Your payment is your reservation. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413). +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PARISH MEETING: 7:30 PM, Church. VERY, VERY IMPORTANT! Everyone is welcome! ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ MOUNT AIRY CASINO BUS TRIP: Pay $25; Rebate $25.Includes free buffet and free Starbucks coffee. Bus leaves R&J 8:00 AM; Quandel’s in Minersville 8:30 AM. Bus departs casino 4:00 PM. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413). St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish Divine Mercy Devotions: 3:00 PM. Closing devotions will consist of Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, a Scripture Service, the Sung Chaplet of the Divine Mercy and Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament. Devotions will be preceded by Confessions beginning at 2:00 PM. Father Paul L. Rothermel, Pastor of Most Blessed Trinity Church, Tremont, will be the Guest Homilist and Presider. A First Class Relic of St. FaustinaKowalska, the Apostle of Divine Mercy, will be offered for Veneration at the conclusion of services. ALL ARE WELCOME TO HONOR JESUS, THE FONT OF DIVINE MERCY! Also, we would be grateful for any vigil memorializations for our Altars for this special feast! Call the Rectory (570-544-2211). MAY 1 – 31 – SPRING FLING CALENDAR DRAWINGS: 31 Days of prizes, cash and gifts. One winner per day. Winners are eligible to win every day of the month. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or the Rectory (570-544-2211). MAY 18 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST SPAGHETTI DINNER: 11:00 AM TO 3:00 PM, Parish Center. $8.50 Adults; Children $4.50. Donations of Baked Goods would be greatly appreciated and can be brought to the Parish Center between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Please purchase your one 50/50 chance. Kindly make all returns to the Rectory (570-544-2211) as soon as possible. ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH 50/50 DRAWING WINNER: Ticket # 920 Bob Elison. $515. Thanks to all our supporters, sellers, and to everyone who purchased a chance, parishioner and friend alike!