THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME NOVEMBER 10, 2013 The seven brothers who bravely approach

1. THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME NOVEMBER 10, 2013 The seven brothers who bravely approach their martyrdom in the second Book of Maccabees have a better sense of life after death than the Sadducees with their absurd hypothesis about seven deceased brothers. One martyred brother, filled with conviction, declares, “The King of the world will raise us up to live again forever.” Jesus verifies this: “Those who are deemed worthy to attain to the coming age no longer die; they are like angels.” God is not the God of the dead, “but of the living, for to him all are alive.” Our faith, however, disintegrates when subjected to skepticism and doubt. Saint Paul counsels us: “May our Lord Jesus Christ encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word. May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the endurance of Christ.” party to such controversy, the Sadducees, brought Jesus into the debate. // Opportunists in politics, conservatives in religion, these Sadducees had held to the ancient conception of a dim survival of souls in a problematic “sheol”. They dismissed the idea of the resurrection of the dead, articulated well after Moses, as useless innovation. In this spirit they propose to Jesus one of those bizarre cases dear to casuists of every age. Basing themselves on the levirate law, which required a man to marry the childless widow of his brother, they complicate things to the extreme in order to ridicule the theory they reject. // Jesus takes the question to a higher level. In the new world of the resurrection, it will no longer be necessary to marry and reproduce in order to survive. Our experience of God is not restricted to the brief and passing time of a human life. Those who know the presence of God within the limits of a corruptible existence are drawn to hope that they will remain in that presence forever. 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 – Patricia Wiscount by Husband, Harry TUE – Diane Sumoski by Mother, Bertha WED – Michael Polinsky (Annv) by Joyce THU – Anthony and Anne Vessotskie by Al and Jerry Vessotskie FRI – Mary Murphy (50th Birthday) by Mary Rzeplinski SAT – 4:00 PM – Andrew Botek by Wife, Bertha SUN – 7:00 AM – Michael J. Warhola by Family 9:00 AM – Charles and Elizabeth Schwalm by Scott and Patrice Schwalm and Family 11:00 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners ******************************************************************************************************************************************** THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: Let my prayer come into your presence./ Incline your ear to my cry for help, O Lord. (Cf. Ps 88 (87):3) THE THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, November 10 – 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 ST. JOSEPH CENTER (JEN ANDRUCHEK - 7:00 AM) who will host the Family Prayer Chalice for Vocations this week. Sign up in Church Vestibule. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: The question of the Sadducees to Jesus is framed in a story about a family with seven brothers and their sister-in-law. Through story telling families remember their shared past and expose the companionship of God in your family from generation to generation. PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words.  No one knows this better than the advocates of abortion.  That is why they so vehemently object to the pro-lifer’s use of pictures of aborted babies. America will not reject abortion until America sees abortion. STEWARDSHIP: “May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word.” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 . God wants us to know the joy of giving. Yet, being generous takes strength, trust and grace. That’s why St. Paul reminds us to turn to God every day for encouragement and guidance on our stewardship journey. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $3,632; Holy Day: $665; Utilities: $747; Expenses: $5,062.88. Thanks! FRATERNAL CHARITY: ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY– Your donation of all TYPES OF PASTA will allow the SVDP Society to aid the needy of our area. Volunteer for our SVDP Society Outreach and God’s Bountiful Table. Call our Parish SVDPS President, Edward Butler (570-544-2739). VOTIVES:(1) SANCTUARY: IMO Diane Warcola by Mother, Bertha. (2) ALTARS: BVM: IMO Anthony and Anne Vessotskie by Al and Jerry Vessotskie; For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; IMO Mary Murphy by Katherine. DIVINE MERCY: For the Health of Evan Gober by Grandparents, Stan and Sally. (3) BEFORE: ST. LUCY: For the Health of Jennie Sekellick by Joe and Rose Marie. REREDOS NICHE: IMO Father Joseph F. Reilly by Parents. ST. FRANCIS: For a Successful Eye Operation. ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. ST. ANNE: Special Intention by 0. Haunted by the tragic and revolting character of death, our society devotes a great deal of speculation to life after death. This contemporary discussion recalls the debate between the Sadducees and Pharisees of Jesus’ time. One Helen Droskinis. Call 570-544-2211 to memorialize votives for any occasion and the holidays. BREAKFAST: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, St. Ambrose Church. Call 570-385-1031. ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH POTTSVILLE CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: 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 including hot roast beef platters, hot dogs, hamburgers, and more! Call 622-5470 for information. MONDAY, November 11 – DECEMBER COMMUNION CALLS:Beginning today until completed. 570-544-2211 to add someone to our sick list. TUESDAY, November 12 – 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. NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL VETERANS PROGRAM: All Vets are welcome to attend and should be at high school by 9:30 AM. A light lunch will be served. Call 570-622-8110 for more information. 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. WEDNESDAY, November 13 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients / caregivers. COMMUNITY HEALTH AWARENESS TALKS: 6:00 PM, Wall Auditorium, 700 East Norwegian Street, Pottsville. Topic this month: “Healthy Holidays: Recipes and Samples”. Program is free of charge with refreshments being served. Call 570-621-5108. FOOD PREPARATION: 9:00 AM, Parish Center, to help chop vegetables and make noodles for soup. We would appreciate your help!

2. THURSDAY, November 14 – “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR REHEARSAL: 570-544-2355 for rehearsal times. 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. FRIDAY, November 15 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:30 AM. SATURDAY, November 16 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, November 17 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30 AM and 10:45 AM. THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): THE EADES FAMILY will host the FPC this week. Call 570-399-5056 or Sign-Up in the Church Vestibule. SPECIAL DIOCESAN SECOND COLLECTION: POVERTY RELIEF FUND: The Diocesan Poverty Relief Fund finances local projects and organizations that help the needy in the five counties of our Diocese. Please use the special envelope found in your envelope box. Thank you for caring for the poor and needy within our own Diocese! COACH PURSE BINGO: Doors open 11:00 AM; Bingo starts 1:00 PM. Nativity BVM High School. $25 admission includes 15 regular games and 4 specials. Jackpot Special valued at over $500. Food and refreshments available. Call 5702-622-8110. SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) GENERAL REPAIR: Your contribution will help defray the cost of general maintenance. (2) Please catch up with any missed envelopes. Thanks! **************************************************************************************************************************************************************** MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE THIRTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OFF. PROC.LECTORS EUCH. MIN.ALTAR SERVERS SAT 4:00 PM Botek Family Michael Novack Teresa Miller Daniel Dougherty Frank Melenchick Anthony Forte Rosalie Novack SUN 7:00 AM Warhola Family Nick Quinn Eli Nabholz 9:00 AM SchwalmFamily Elaine Stine Sharon KolenickAnthony Lutchkus Emily Purcell 11:00 AM Parishioners Marge Walasavage Tom Mundy Alexandra Eades Olivia Osborne **************************************************************************************************************************************************************** COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar! NIOVEMBER 18 – PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN WORKSHOP: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Nativity BVM High School. Contact Margie Young (570-622-8110 X306) to register. NOVEMBER 20 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex. NOVEMBER 21 – FIRST PENANCE: 6:00 PM, our Church. Parents call (570-544-2211) for interviews as soon as possible. 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. 610-258-3053 ex 10. NOVEMBER 27 – PADRE PIO HEALING MINISTRY HEALING MASS: 7:00 PM, Annunciation BVM Church, Shenandoah. Light refreshments to follow. Call 570-462-1916 for information. 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 door-step 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 (570-544-2211) 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 (570-544-5231) or the Rectory (570-544-2211). Your payment is your reservation. DECEMBER 7 – ANNUAL “GRIEF AND LOSS DURING THE HOLIDAYS” WORKSHOP: 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM, Covenant Home Care, Pottsville. Workshop designed to teach coping strategies for this challenging time of the year. Call 1-800-726-8761 X 4519. 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. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ANNOUNCED MASSES: The following Mass Intentions were given to: REV. LEO J. MALETZ: IMO Albert Donoris requested by Wife, Anna; IMO Anna Balulis requested by St. Francis BVM Sodality; IMO Frances Shevokis requested by Lloyd and Justine Dingus; IMO Mary Brennan requested by Mary Ann and Elizabeth Strokelitus; IMO Roy Brennan requested by Steve, Missy and Ashley Koch; IMO John J. Balulis requested by Wife and Daughter; IMO John Morgalis requested by Wife, Annie and Children; IMO Rev. Joseph J Shelonis requested by M/M Stanley Shevokis, A Friend; IMO Anna Pewor requested by Mary Chisick. REV. MICHAEL SHEA: IMO Olga Lutsky requested by Robert Pincavage and Mary Lou Schappe, M/M Michael Semanchick, Mary and Joseph Talpash; IMO Albert Donoris requested by Mickey Courtney, Mary Ann Strokelitus, M/M Jerome Strokelitus and Family; IMO Genevieve Pisco requested by Terry and Helena McLaughlin; IMO Vincent Zelonis requested by Andy and Dolly Cremia; IMO James J. Lenosky requested by George and Marge Homa and Family; IMO John J. Ruscavage requested by Frank and Yvonne Nidock. BISHOP RONALD GAINER: IMO John Morgalis requested by Wife, Annie and Children (5); IMO John J. Balulis requested by Wife and Daughter (5). PRIESTS AT HOLY FAMILY VILLA: IMO John Morgalis requested by Wife, Annie and Children (5); IMO John J. Balulis requested by Wife and Daughter (5). MSGR. WILLIAM HANDGES: IMO John Nush requested by Joe and Barbara Geles, M/M Emil Rizzi, Jane and Johnny Pohoransky, M/M Michael Worchick, Marguerite Balcavage; IMO Wanda Senawaitis requested by John Smilko, Irene Dallago, Helen Frompovich, Anne McCormick, Helen Tronosky. THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY ROAD TO RECOVERY PROGRAM: Currently recruiting much-needed drivers to transport cancer patients to and from treatments. This program is free to the patient upon enrolling in our system. Drivers are needed Monday through Friday, mornings and afternoons. All that is required is a good driving record, some free time, and the desire to help cancer patients in Schuylkill County. Training is provided. Drivers can use the ACS Road to Recovery van or their own personal vehicle, whichever they prefer. Call 1-888-227-5445 option 3, extension 3105 or email judy.hoppes@cancer.org to volunteer or for any questions. SOUP AND BAKE SALE: Parish Center: Today, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Saturday, 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Sunday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Soups: Chicken Pot Pie, Chili Con Carne, Minestrone, Split Pea. $7 per quart (cold). Donations of baked goods would be appreciated and should be brought directly to the Parish Center the day of the sale. Place your name on these items.Thanks! NOVEMBER 23 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE PASTA DINNER: 2:00 to 7:00 PM, YockosBar and Grille, Minersville. Cost: Adults $8; Children $4. Eat-in or take- out Call 570-544-5604 for advance tickets or information. 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), Rectory (570-544-2211) to order. ORDER DEADLINE, DEC. 6.