SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JANUARY 19, 2014 Because God formed John the Baptist “as his

1. SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JANUARY 19, 2014 Because God formed John the Baptist “as his servant from the womb,” John’s whole being is ordered to God. Thus, when John “saw Jesus coming toward him,” he instantly cried out, “Behold, the Lamb of God,” John immediately recognizes that Christ is the one for whom his heart has been made. That immediate correspondence between what he has been waiting for all his life and what he beholds in the Lamb of God leads him to “testify that he is the Son of God.” The miracle is that the same grace has been given to us. We are the ones who “have been… called to be holy with all those… who call upon the name of the Lord.” By professing the One “who takes away the sin of the world,” we become a light to the nations through whom God’s salvation reaches to the ends of the earth. As we glorify the Lamb of God, God shows his glory through us. is the “voice” of the “Word” whom he precedes (John 1:23). // According to Jewish tradition, the Messiah had to remain hidden until Elijah anointed him and publicly revealed him to Israel. On the day in which John baptized his cousin Jesus he recogn- ized him as Messiah and gave witness. He saw the Spirit of God come down upon Jesus in the Jordan. Enlightened by the Scriptures, he recognized in him the Lamb of God, the Servant of God chosen to baptize in the Spirit. “This is God’s chosen One” (John 1:34). // In presenting Jesus the Fourth Gospel announces the baptism of death which he must receive to take away the sin of the world. But it also suggests Christ’s superiority and divine pre-existence which are recognized by the Baptist: “He was before me” (John 1:30). // There are two ways in which the testimony of this gospel to Jesus Christ can be emptied of its meaning. We can raise Jesus up to the heavens, proclaiming him an inaccessible God whose salvation is confined to eternity. Or we can abase him, seeing in him nothing more than a compassionate human being. We can totally identify the Christ with neither earth nor heaven. // “Because of his infinite love he became what we are, in order to perfect us to be what he is.” (Irenaeus of Lyons, Adv. Haer., V. praef.; cf. 2 Cor 5:21). 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(610-289-8900x222) VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR: Wendy S. Krisak (1-800-791-9209) WEEKDAY MASS AT 8:00 AM MON – John Dobles by Daughter, Carol Matusky TUE – Daniel and Mary Sullivan by M/M Alphonse Santarelli WED – Patricia (Patsy) Dunn by Aldie and Ed Butler THU – Catherine and Michael Gober by Family FRI – Paul Stoppe by David Stoppi SAT – 4:00 PM – William Newton, Sr. by Son, Bill, Cheryl and Family SUN – 7:00 AM – Lewis Lesnefsky by Andruchek Family 9:00 AM – Germaine Newton by Son, Bill and Family 11:00 AM – Bernard and Edith Lescavage (Annv) by Children ******************************************************************************************************************************************** THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: All the earth shall bow down before you, O God,/ and shall sing to you,/ shall sing your name, O most High!. (Ps 66 (65):4) SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, January 19 – 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. We hope the prayers of our participating families will bear fruit. May God be attentive to MICHELLE STRIPE who will host the Family Prayer Chalice for Vocations this week. Sign up in Church Vestibule or call 570-399-5056. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: Can you say “I have testified Jesus is the Son of God?” If you aren’t talking about Jesus in your family, you aren’t testifying. If you are not walking your talk,your children will see your words as meaningless. PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: “We fed the public a line of deceit, dishonesty, a fabrication of statistics and figures. We succeeded because the time was right and the news media cooperated. We sensationalized the effects of illegal abortions, and fabricated polls which indicated that 85 percent of the public favored unrestricted abortion, when we knew it was only 5 percent. We unashamedly lied, and yet our statements were quoted [by the media] as though they had been written in Law.”  Dr. B. Nathanson, Co-founder of NARAL. STEWARDSHIP: “Now the Lord has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb...” Isaiah 49:5. God has formed each of us as His servants from the womb. He blessed us with unique gifts and He provided us with the talents and skills we would need to do His work. If we do not fulfill the unique vision that God had for us alone, who will do it? LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $3,445; Fuel: $621; Expenses: $4,366.49 (ordinary); $15,684 (Diocesan Assessments). Thank you for your generosity! FRATERNAL CHARITY: ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY – Your donation of all TYPES OF MEALS IN A BOX 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 Edward Butler at 570-544-2739 to volunteer. VOTIVES:(1) SANCTUARY: For the Health of John Sokola by Family. (Available Dates: April 6, 20, July 6, August 3, 10,17, September 7, October 12, 19, November 16, 23, December 28) (2) ALTARS: BVM: For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; IMO John Dobles by Daughter, Carol Matusky; IMO Michael Kondrack, Sr. by Edward M. Butler . DIVINE MERCY: IMO Lewis Lesnefsky; IMO Barbara Womer by Aldie and Ed Butler; IMO Helen Lazarchick by Aldie and Ed Butler; IMO Veronica Darosh by Magic/Sincavage Family. (3) OTHER: ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. ST. ANNE: IMO Ethel McGovern by Magic/Sincavage Family. REREDOS NICHE: IMO Fr. Joseph F. Reilly by Parents. ST. ANTHONY: IMO Edith Lescavage by Magic/Sincavage Family. ST. THERESA: IMO Scott Renninger by Magic/Sincavage Family. SACRED HEART: Special Intention by Mary Rzeplinski. ST. BARBARA: Special 0. Faithful to his role as precursor, John the Baptist turns the attention of the people of Jerusalem away from himself. They are forced to inquire whom he means when he says: “There is one among you whom you do not recognize” (John 1:26).John himself Intention by Mary Rzeplinski. ST. FRANCIS: Special Intention by Helen Droskinis. Call 570-544-2211 to memorialize Votives. TUESDAY, January 21 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, the Good Shepherd Building. Contact our C.R.E., Rosalie Novack (570-544-2211). WEDNESDAY, January 22 – DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE LEGAL PROTECTION OF UNBORN CHILDREN: In all the Dioceses of the United States of America, January 22 (or January 23 when January 22 falls on a Sunday) shall be observed as a particular day of prayer for the full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life and of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person committed through acts of abortion. Mass should be celebrated with violet vestments. Pastoral Note: After today’s 8:00 AM Mass, there will be an Eucharistic Holy Hour to pray that the sanctity of human life be upheld and respected in our country. PLEASE MAKE TIME TO ATTEND! YOUR PRAYERS ARE IMPORTANT! DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients / caregivers. GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex. 2014 NATIONAL MARCH FOR LIFE WASHINGTON, D.C. BUS TRIP: Cost $55. Bus departs from St. Jerome’s at 266 West Broad Street, Tamaqua at 7:00 AM and returns at 10:30 PM. Sponsored by The Catholic Churches of Tamaqua. Call 570-624-9181 to register. THURSDAY, January 23 – “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR REHEARSAL: Call 570-544-2355 for rehearsal times. FRIDAY, January 24 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.

2. SATURDAY, January 25 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, January 26 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30 AM and 10:45 AM. THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): MARY JO NABHOLZ will host the FPC this week. Call 570- 399-5056 or Sign-Up in the Church Vestibule. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR MARCH AND APRIL! HELP US! DIOCESAN COLLECTION: CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES: Our parish will take up this collection Which supports six Catholic agencies that touch more than 100 million lives around the world. The funds collected help provide food to the hungry, welcome and support to displaced refugees, and invaluable life skills to those seeking a better life. How will you help? Please give generously and help Jesus in disguise. Use the Special Envelope found in your boxes. ASSUMPTION BVM OPEN HOUSE EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION: 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM at Assumption BVM School. Faculty members, administration, available to answer questions. New registrations: bring child’s birth certificate, baptismal record, immunization records. Register before April 1, receive a $15 discount on new student registration fee. Students transferring from other schools in grades 2 to 7 are eligible for $1,000 grant for the 2014-2015 school year and $500 for the 2015-2016 school year. Call 570-622-0106. SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT: Your contribution will help defray the cost of improvements for all Parish buildings. (2) END OF THE YEAR GIVING: 2013 is over. Check your Sunday Church Envelopes for the envelopes you missed due to illness, vacation, inclement weather, etc. Please catch up as soon as possible. Your Church needs your consistent and generous support to meet its financial obligations and to serve you. 2013 envelopes returned by TODAY will be credited for the fiscal year 2013. ***************************************************************************************************************************************************************** MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OFF. PROCESSIONLECTORS EUCH. MINISTERSALTAR SERVERS SAT 4:00 PM Newton Family Michael Novack Teresa Miller Jordan Berdanier Nathan Tropp SUN 7:00 AM Andruchek Family Nick Quinn Gabriella Quinn Nicholas Quinn 9:00 AM Newton Family Elaine Stine Theresa Kroznuski Anthony Lutchkus Jonathan Kriston 11:00 AM Lescavage Family Marge Walasavage Frank Melenchick Carter Melochick Alex Reppert ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************* COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar! FEBRUARY 9 – NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL SOPHY JEWLER/UGG BOOT/COACH PURSE BINGO: Doors open 11:00 AM; Bingo starts 1:00 PM. $25 for 15 regular games, 4 specials. Jackpot, homemade food, desserts, beverages. Call 570-294-0551 for information. FEBRUARY 10 – CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS: Eighth grade parishioners attending Catholic, public or private elementary or middle school are invited to apply for a one-year $1000 scholarship to attend Nativity BVM High School, Diocese of Allentown. Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic achievement; involvement in extracurricular activities; service to school, parish and community; and pastor and principal recommendations. Application forms are available at the Rectory or through the parish religious education program. Completed applications must be submitted to the Rectory or the Parish C.R.E. TODAY. FEBRUARY 12 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2013 CHURCH CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS: Call the Rectory (570-544-2211) if you need one. CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIALS: We gratefully acknowledge your kindness and generosity which allowed us to decorate our church so beautifully during the Christmas Holidays (Unless otherwise noted each donation was $10): Intentions of Shirley Kostek; IMO Henry Albertini, My Parents, My Brother, Al and Wife, Coleen by Jean Albertini; IMO Ferenchick and Andruchek Families by M/M Eric Andruchek ($20); Intentions of M/M John Andruchek; IMO Joseph and Betty Wentz, Raymond Aucker, Nancy Ditzler, Clarence Aucker, Jr. and Sr. by M/M Joseph Aucker; IMO Thomas W. Barr by M/M Michael Barr; IMO William Barton, Charles Pukas, Plesnarski Family, Barton Family by Diane Barton; IMO Our Deceased Loved Ones by M/M Anthony Merlino; IMO Mary and Theodore Polinsky, Sr. by Family ($20); IMO Pop Pop and Grammy Lescavage by Dominique and Michael; IMO Stiney and Anna Gober by Stan and Sally Gober; IMO Cathy Beury by Mike and Tracey Beury; IMO Donald Yanek by A.J. and Stephanie Land; IMO Ann Marie Foran, Joseph Walacavage by Gene and Jean Walacavage; IMO Connie and Mark Bluis, Tim Stine, Pat Wiscount, Ryan Wiscount by M/M Fenton Stine ($15); IMO Jean and Dante Cola by Tina Souchak; IMO Victoria Fetterolf by the Schank Family; IMO Charles Matz by Darlene; IMO Felix and Josephine Costic by Jerry; IMO John S. Ciesla, Mary G. Ciesla, Charles Dietrick, Dorothy Liddick by M/M Michael Kopinetz; IMO Michael and Verna Polinsky by Joyce Holohan; IMO Deceased Members of Franko/Rowlands Families by M/M Michael Franko; IMO Deceased Members of Donlen and Carroll Families ($20); IMO John and Anna Butcavage, Thomas and Clara Farrell by Lisa Paul ($20); IMO Tony and Rose Phillips, Tom Paltanavage by Gloria Paltanavage ($20); IMO Edward Darosh, Veronica Darosh by Teresa and Kevin Miller ($20); IMO Plesnarski and Kabana Families by Paul Kabana; IMO Nicholas DeQuinqui, IMO Anthony Berardi, IMO Pasquale DiRenzo by Nick, Maria, Nicholas and Gabriella ($30); IMO Deceased Members of DeQuinqui, Vivacqua, DeFalco and DiRenzo Families; IMO Auntie Helen from Friends; IMO Anthony and Anna Kushmanik, Kevin Smith, Mary Sabadish, Fr. Stephen Sheetz by George and Rose Smith; IMO John and Louise Kishel by Daughter, Joan Roberts; IMO Leonard Yurkonis by Wife, Angie Yurkonis; IMO Michael Yurkonis by Mom, Angie Yurkonis; IMO Patricia Wiscount, M/M Al Wiscount, A.J. Wiscount, Margaret Schinkel by Harry Wiscount; Intentions of Carl and Toni Wiest. (T.B.C.) 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. DONATIONS FROM PARISHIONERS AND BUSINESSES ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!Call Julie (570-544-5231) for information and to donate. APRIL 17 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH 50/50 DRAWING: $2.00 each or three for $5.00. Call the Rectory at 570-544-2211 for tickets. Benefits Parish Center renovation. Thanks for your support! MASS SCHEDULE: The Sunday Mass schedule will be reduced by one Mass. Ballots listing possible Mass times for Saturday and Sunday are in the church vestibule. The time slots receiving the most votes will become our new schedule (THIS IS FAIR!). The new schedule will take effect March 9, the First Sunday of Lent. PARISH REGISTRATION: If you do not receive mail from the church, contact the Rectory (570-544-2211) so we can correct this! If you are not registered with the Parish, YOU ARE NOT A MEMBER OF ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH! We will be revising our Parish Rolls. Anyone not minimally attending Mass, Christmas and Easter, and supporting the Parish at these times, will be dropped from the active rolls! The parish should nOt be taxed BY THE DIOCESE for non-existent members!