THE SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME FEBRUARY 16, 2014 Jesus declares that our righteousness must

1. THE SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME FEBRUARY 16, 2014 Jesus declares that our righteousness must surpass that of the scribes and Pharisees. In what does that righteousness consist? “Before man are life and death, good and evil, whichever he chooses shall be given him.” In particular, if someone has anything against us, we are to choose to take the initiative and “go first and be reconciled.” Such a predilection for mercy is “what God has prepared for those who love him.” The wisdom that Saint Paul speaks “to those who are mature” is a wisdom that revels in such reconciliation. “If you trust in God,” choosing life, good, and mercy, “you too shall live”-you shall live the life of the Blessed Trinity. the letter to a more authentic life. For Jesus, the human heart is decisive. // Hatred is prohibited: anger is the beginning of murder. Coveting another’s spouse is forbidden: there are looks which are as bad as adultery. Repudiation of a spouse is not allowed: this can only come from hardness of heart (Matt 19:8). The making of oaths, true or false, is not permitted: it is enough to be fully committed to our word. // We who believe that the gospel is not some sweet, indulgent consolation, are confronted by unprecedented demands without compromise. We could have the impression of being trapped. Why should we be surprised that there is within us as in the disciples something that is indignant, when Jesus abruptly declares that riches are an impediment to the kingdom: “Then who can be saved?” (Mark 10:26). Christian morality is impossible without the support of life in Christ, consciously lived. Without him, we can do nothing. With him, everything is possible. To put on the mind of Christ is the only way to fulfill the law in spirit and in truth. 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 – Theresa Stochi by John and Kathryn Carroll TUE – StineySarnosky by Family WED – Helen and Dorothy Maletz by Family THU – Brenda Polinsky by Family FRI – Sister Mary Hugh by M/M Alphonse Santarelli SAT – 4:00 PM – Stephen Rada by Phyllis Rada and Family SUN – 7:00 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners 9:00 AM – Leona Donlen by Religious Education Students and Staff 11:00 AM – Barbara Rose by Rose Kuehn ******************************************************************************************************************************************** REQUIESCAT IN PACE: May Jesus, our Loving Savior, welcome into His eternal Realm SOPHIE KUCHTA,, a former member of the former St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, and a member of our Parish Family, who died Friday, February 7, and was buried from our Parish on Wednesday, February 12. May Mary, Mother of Mercy, obtain comfort from Jesus, Her Son, for Sophie’s Families and friends! ******************************************************************************************************************************************* THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: Be my protector, O God,/ a mighty stronghold to save me./ For you are my rock, my stronghold!/ Lead me, guide me, for the sake of your name. (Cf. Ps 31 (30): 3-4) THE SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, February 16 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30AM and 10:45AM. 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 THE EADES FAMILY for hosting the Family Prayer Chalice for Vocations this week. Sign up in Church Vestibule for March or April or call 570-399-5056. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: To experience the peace which Christ promises we must shed our grudges, jealousy and feelings of being misunderstood, un- appreciated, ignored. Peace and anger don’t mix. Today’s gospel warns, if you want peace in your heart and home, get rid of your anger. Anger is too costly. PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: At an abortion clinic:  What if there was no one to witness here?  What if there was no one to intercede on behalf of the innocent babies moments away from certain death?  What if there was no one to warn the mothers of Post Abortion Syndrome?  What if there was no one to bring them to repentance and conversion?  We must not abandon the babies, mothers, fathers who have participated in their baby’s death. STEWARDSHIP: “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of  heaven.” Matthew 5:20. The scribes and Pharisees lived according to the letter of the law and they used this to elevate themselves above other people. Jesus is clear – it’s the love that you have in your heart that will get you to heaven. Simply following church rules out of obligation, not love, does not put you on the path to heaven. Attending Mass on Sunday and then gossiping about a fellow parishioner in the parking lot is an example of a modern day Pharisee. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $3,314; Fuel: $596; Expenses: $4,495.08. Thank you for your generosity! 0. The New Testament is explicit: There is one Law of Christ and it is new. Far from abolishing the old Law, this Law fulfills it by em- phasizing interior observance. This law calls for justice which surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees. This law is radical because the call of Jesus goes beyond FRATERNAL CHARITY: ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY – Your donation of all TYPES OF POWDERED DRINK MIXES will allow the SVDP Society to feed the needy of our area. Volunteer to help our SVDP Society Outreach and God’s Bountiful Table. Call President, Edward Butler at 570-544-2739. VOTIVES:(1) SANCTUARY: IMO Dorothy Maletz by Family.(Available Dates: April 20, July 6, August 3, 10,17, September 7, October 12, 19, November 16, December 28) (2) ALTARS: BVM: IMO Helen Maletz (Birthday) by Son, Father Leo; For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; IMO Irene and Leo Stock by Katherine Chelak; Special Intention. DIVINE MERCY: IMO Dante Cola by Daughter, Jeanine. (3) OTHER: ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. REREDOS NICHE: IMO Fr. Joseph F. Reilly by Parents. Call 570-544-2211 to memorialize Votives. MONDAY, February 17 – FEBRUARY VISITATION OF THE SICK: Resumes, conditions permitting! TUESDAY, February 18 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, the Good Shepherd Building. Contact our Coordinator of Religious Education, Rosalie Novack (570-544-2211). ALZHEIMER’S CARE GIVER SUPPORT GROUP: 6:00 PM, Providence Place, Pottsville. Topic this month: “Our Connections Neighborhood Program.” Light refreshments served. Call Yvonne (570-628-6950) for reservations or more information. WEDNESDAY, February 19 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients / caregivers. NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL TUITION ASSISTANCE PRESENTATION: 6:30 PM. Members of the Nativity community will be available to answer your questions. No pre-registration is required. All are welcome! Call 570-622-8110 with questions. LENTEN FOOD SALES MEETING: 7:00 PM, Parish Center. All Parish- ioners are encouraged to attend! These sales are vital to our Parish’s financial stability. We really could use YOUR help!

2. THURSDAY, February 20 – MONTHLY ROSARY: 6:15 PM, our Church. Come and pray the Rosary with us. “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR REHEARSAL: Call Greg Senich at 570-544-2355 for rehearsal times. FRIDAY, February 21 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM. SATURDAY, February 22 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, February 23 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30 AM and 10:45 AM. THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): RYAN PLESNARSKI will host the FPC this week. Call 570- 399-5056 or Sign-Up in the Church Vestibule. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR MARCH, APRIL! PLEASE HELP US! SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT: Your contribution will help defray the cost of improvements for all Parish buildings. (2) Please catch up with any missed envelopes. Thank you for your generosity! ***************************************************************************************************************************************************************** MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OFF. PROCESSIONLECTORS EUCH. MINISTERSALTAR SERVERS SAT 4:00 PM Rada Family Frank Melenchick Dave Fogarty Anthony Forte Alexandra Eades SUN 7:00 AM Parishioners Nick Quinn Eli Nabholz 9:00 AM Religious Education Staff Elaine Stine Ed Davis Olivia Osborne Abby Schoffstall 11:00 AM Kuehn Family Marge Walasavage Mary Ann Harrison Gabriel Kuehn Bella Kuehn ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************* COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar! FEBRUARY 26 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex. COMMUNITY HEALTH ARAWRENESS TALKS: 6:00 PM, Conference Rooms A&B, Schuylkill Medical Center South. Program is free of charge. Refreshments served. Call 570-621-5108 to register. MARCH 1 – ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL MARDI GRAS 2014: 6:30 PM, St. Michael the Archangel Parish Center. $30 Donation includes Louisiana Dinner and Live Six-Piece Dixieland Jazz Band. Dinner menu includes: Steak and Green Onion Salad, Creole Shrimp/ Stuffed Filet of Flounder, and Pecan Pie. Cash Bar available. Call 570-544-4741 for tickets. ST. MARY ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH MARDI GRAS: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, St. Mary Church Ave Maria Hall, Hamburg. Buffet and “Teacher’s Pet Band”. Tickets $20 at the door or $18 in advance by calling 610-562-7657. MARCH 17 – 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). MARCH 22, 23 – ASSUMPTION BVM INFORMATION: ABVM kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Aimee Benulis, will be available after all weekend Masses to answer questions you may have about Assumption BVM and their kindergarten program. Call the school (570-622-0106) for more information or for a tour. We hope you consider enrolling your kindergarten-aged children in our regional catholic school. MARCH 23 – ST. MARY CHURCH PARISH MISSION: Today through Thursday, March 27. 7:00 PM Service each evening. St. Mary Church, Hamburg. Mission Director is Rev. Donald Miniscalco, CSsR, of the Shrine of St. John Neumann in Philadelphia. Log on to www.rc.net/ allentown/stmaryhamb for directions or information, or call 610-562-7657. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PARISH MEMORIAL SOCIETY: We gratefully acknowledge the following donations: IMO CATHERINE BEURY: $10 from Marge and George Homa Family. IMO MARY VERBILLA: $10 from Marge and George Homa Family. IMO MARY ANN POLNY: $50 from Siminitus Family. IMO SCOTT RENNINGER: $20 from John and Elaine Butcavage; $10 from George and Rose Smith. IMO THERESA M. STOCHI: $50 from Patricia Klassen; $40 from Pastor and Mrs. Pat Bodine; $10 each from Theresa Schoffstall, Viola DiRenzo. IMO LEONA DONLEN: $20 from Katherine Chelak; $10 from Helen Gottschall. IMO ALICE DORAN MURPHY: $30 from Guy and Tootie; $20 each from Kathleen Murphy, Ethel M. Perry; $10 from Joe and Fran Quirk. ANNOUNCED MASSES: The following Mass Intentions to be said as soon as possible were given to: PRIESTS OF HOLY FAMILY VILLA: IMO Mary Kamenasrequested by Robert and Emma Pukas and Family, Vincent Kulbitsky Family, BVM Sodality, Wally and Janet Slifka, Jonathan Weiss; IMO Mary Pukasrequested by Connie and Paul DiRenzo, Diane and Myron Hardock, Charles Albertini, Dr. and Mrs. Gumersindo Leal, St. Francis BVM Sodality. BISHOP RONALD GAINER: IMO Nellie Padelskyrequested by M/M Ronald Bensinger, Mrs. Peter Senich, M/M Irv Kamp, Della D’Attilio, Stanley Shevokis; IMO Stanley Alisauckasrequested by Frank Lazarchick, Helen and Ken George, M/M Daniel Caravan, Mrs. Mary Ann Uronuim, Margo Rusniak. MSGR. WILLIAM HANDGES: IMO Karen Dronick requested by Walter and Gail Kurtek and Family, M/M Edward Burns, M/M Metro Cremo, Christine Manue, Jim and Mindy Ponter, Harold Schneider; IMO Elizabeth Galubinskyrequested by Catherine Postic, Irene Kamykoski; IMO Joseph F. Padelskyrequested by Wilmer and Jo Ann Weiss, Cheryl, Mark, Sara and Ben Grab. PASTORAL NOTE: When we are hit with bad weather, my heartfelt advice to all of you is if the weather is bad, and you have any qualms about driving in bad weather or any misgivings about the condition of the roads or sidewalks, please for safety sake, refrain from attending Mass on Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning. The Good Lord will understand. You will live to attend Church another time! GIFT CARDS TO SUPPORT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: Both Assumption BVM and Nativity BVM sell gift cards to purchase groceries in Giant, Weis, BG’s, and Boyer’s, to eat in local restaurants and chain restaurants outside the area, and to shop in major and small department stores. These participating stores, eateries, grocery stores, and gas stations donate a percentage of their sales back to the school. Call Assumption BVM (570-622-0106) or Nativity BVM (570-622-8110) for more information. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPONSORSHIP AT BAPTISM AND CONFIRMATION: 1) You must be a fully initiated member of the Church, i.e. have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. 2) You must be at least 16 years of age. 3) You must be a practicing Catholic, i.e. attending Mass weekly and receiving the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Penance on a regular basis. No certificates of eligibility should be sought or can be obtained unless the aforementioned requirements are fulfilled! MARCH 3 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW BUS TRIP: Cost $55. Bus leaves Quandel’s Parking Lot 8:00 AM; Departs Philadelphia 5:00 PM. This year’s Flower Show, “ARTiculture”, inspired by the sculptures and style of Alexander Calder, a member of Philadelphia’s historic family of artists, will feature a remarkable aerial dance troupe who will perform above, on and within the multi-dimensional display. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or the Rectory. APRIL 1 – 30 – SPRING FLING CALENDAR DRAWINGS: 30 Days of prizes, cash and gifts. One winner per day. Winners eligible to win every day of the month. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or the Rectory (570-544-2211) for information and to get your tickets. APRIL 17 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH 50/50 DRAWING: $2.00 each or three for $5.00. Call Joe at 570- 621-8269 or the Rectory at 570-544-2211 for tickets. Benefits Parish Center renovation. Thanks for your support! CATHOLIC SCHOOL REGISTRATION: Assumption BVM, and other local Catholic Schools, are now accepting registrations for the 2014-2015 school year. Students transferring to ABVM from other schools in grades 2 through 7 are eligible for a $1,500 transfer grant: $1,000 for the 2014-2015 school year and $500 for 2015-2016 school year. Bring your child’s birth certificate, baptismal record, and immunization records. Register before April 1, 2014 and receive one $15 discount on the new student registration fee. Applications are available on the school website, www.assumptionbvmschool.net, or by calling the school office at 570-622-0106. Tours are also available.