SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 27, 2014 God says to Solomon, “Ask something of me

1. SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME JULY 27, 2014 God says to Solomon, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” “The Lord was pleased that Solomon” asked for an understanding heart instead of for long life or riches. For with such a request, God can work miracles. “All things work for good for those who love God.” The desire of Solomon is what characterizes the heart of the man who sells all he has to buy the treasure- bearing field. The desire of Solomon is what sets apart the merchant who risks his whole livelihood to buy what he judges to be the “pearl of great price.” They can make these sacrifices with certainty because that treasure, that pearl corresponds to the deepest longings of the “understanding heart” – it is Christ himself. which holds the promise of greater wealth. Woe to those who label as foolishness that which is profound wisdom, the ability to appreciate and search for real wealth. “Ask yourself”, says Newman, “if the Kingdom would disappear, would you change anything in your life? If you see nothing that you would change, it is because you have risked nothing for Christ and the kingdom.” // A life risked for Christ and the Kingdom is the demand made by baptism. Social, professional, and even family life, are lived with parameters. Only the Christian life is an absolute. The passion for Christ must submerge all other controlling factors in our lives. For the one who wishes to follow Christ must sell all, refusing to tolerate the least measure of hypocrisy or compromise. // Selling all for Christ does not denigrate freedom. Sacrifice and detachment are the necessary consequences of attachment to Jesus in whom are all the measures of wisdom and knowledge. More than any great cause, Jesus excites within us great joy, all the joy of the world: the joy of discovering the meaning of life, the joy of finding ourselves engaged in the adventure of holiness. 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 – Living and Deceased Parishioners TUE – Thomas Davis (Annv) by Wife, Mary WED – Dolores GennettiPerri by Julie Kubich THU – Josephine Mullock by Ronald and Paul Mullock FRI – Living and Deceased Members of the Parish Memorial Society SAT – 4:00 PM – Thomas Milewsky by Susan Lorio SUN – 8:30 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners 10:30 AM – Pogirski Family by Rose, Michael and Grandchildren ******************************************************************************************************************************************** THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: God is in his holy place,/ God who unites those who dwell in his house;/ he himself gives might and strength to his people. SUNDAY, JULY 27 – SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM. 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 MARY JANE APPLEBY for hosting the FPC for Vocations this week. Sign up in Church Vestibule. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: The man in today’s gospel “sold all he had” for the treasure he found. Family relationships are “treasures” and demand our total personal investment. Invest yourself in the “treasure” of your family. PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: The battle rages between virtue and vice, grace and self-will, between good and evil.  We are to live UP to the standards of God, not DOWN to the standards of this world.  Join the pro-life movement today and help end abortion and euthanasia.  STEWARDSHIP: “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purposes.” - Romans 8:28. Do you really trust God? Do you believe that all things work for good? Faith is a challenge for everyone at times. Putting our trust in God, in everything we do, means that God’s plan for our lives may be different than our plan. When one door closes, another one opens. Trust in God, His plan is always better. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED:Sunday: $3,613; General Repair: $439; Expenses: $4,573.56. Thank you for your generosity! FRATERNAL CHARITY: ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY– Your donation of PEANUT BUTTER will allow the SVDP Society to help the needy. Volunteer to help our SVDP Society Outreach and God’s Bountiful Table. CallEdward Butler at 570-544-2739 to volunteer. VOTIVES:(1) SANCTUARY: IMO Annie Socko (30thAnnv) by Daughter, Ann Marie. (2) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; For the Health of Martha Rodgers by Flossie and Jane; Special Intention by Stan and Sally Gober. DIVINE MERCY: IMO Joanne C. Tuson by Herman Schenck; Intention for John; IMO Leonard Yurkonis (Birthday) by Wife and Daughters. BEFORE: ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. REREDOS NICHE: IMO Rev. Joseph F. Reilly by Parents. ST. LUCY: Special Intention. Call the Rectory (570-544- 2211) to memorialize Vigils. N.B. All Festival of Lights Votives have been used. FLOWERS: We gratefully ackowledge the flowers adorning the BVM Altar IMO Annie Socko (30thAnnv) by Daughter, Ann Marie. SOUTH CASS FIRE COMPANY BREAKFAST: 7:00 AM to 11:30AM. MONDAY, JULY 28 – AUGUST VISITATION OF THE SICK: The homebound of our Parish will be visited beginning today and continuing until completed. Call 570-544-2211 to add someone to our list. THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS: 5:00 PM, Our Lady’s Chapel of St. Patrick Church, Pottsville. Veneration of a First-Class Relic of Saint Pauline Visintainer to follow. Call 570-622-1802 for information. TUESDAY, JULY 29 – ST. MATTHEW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 2014-2015 Registrations are now due. Additional Registration Forms can be found in the Church Vestibule. WEDNESDAY, JULY 30 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients and their caregivers. 0. The success of casinos and state lotteries is a witness to our hope that somehow we might strike it rich without effort. The chance of a lifetime, the un-hoped for occasion, is to discover in Jesus the kingdom of heaven. In order to attain that treasure we must take the risk of speculator and sell all that we have in order to buy that reach our goal. If you have not made your pledge of support, you may drop off your pledge form in the collection basket or return it to the Rectory. Extra pledge forms are available at the back of Church. Please call the Rectory or visit www.adbaa. org with any questions. Thank you for your support! 2014 Walk With Christ As of today, our parishioners have raised $14,739 from 137 parishioners representing 78% of our parish goal of $18,950.55 and 22.39% of our total number of registered families. We need the support of all our parish families to THURSDAY, JULY 31 – “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR: Call 570-544-2355 to join and for rehearsal times. FRIDAY, AUGUST 1 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM. Bring your children to Confession during the summer months. EUCHARISTIC HOLY HOUR: Immediately following today’s 8:00 AM Mass, there will be Eucharistic Exposition, Adoration, and Benediction. Come and pray for vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Life from our Parish and Diocese KEVIN BRENNAN MEMORIAL SUMMER CARNIVAL: 5:00 PM to Midnight, today and tomorrow, August 2, Nativity BVM School Campus. Live entertainment, food, kids and adult games. Sponsored by Nativity BVM Green and Gold Club. ST. JOSEPH PARISH FESTIVAL: Today through Sunday, 12:00 Noon to 9:30 PM, St. Ann’s Picnic Grove, Frackville. Enjoy home- made ethnic foods including: pierogies, bleenies, haluski, golabki (pigeons), kielbassi(w/sauerkraut), barbeque, bean soup, hamburgers, drinks, baked goods and more! Polka Mass at 11:15 AM, August 3. Live music daily!, indoor yard sale and raffle drawings. 570-874-0610. SATURDAY, AUGUST 2 –SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. Bring your children to Confession during the summer months.

2. VII ANNUAL SUMMER FESTIVAL • AUGUST 17, 2014 • SOUTH CASS FIRE COMPANY • PICNIC GROUNDS • PRIMROSE, PA • 12:00 NOON TO 9:00 PM • Joe Stanky and The Cadets • 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM • The New Individuals • 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM • ********************************************************************************** • (1) ACTIVITY COORDINATORS: As our Summer Festival approaches, we need our Parish’s total cooperation. Coordinators and Volunteers for our stands are needed. Please volunteer your time and talent. Call the Rectory (570-544-2211) if you can coordinate any particular area. We appreciate your help. Thanks to those who already volunteered as Coordinators: • Adult Games of Chance:COORDINATOR NEEDED! • Funnel Cakes: Debbie Klotunowitch (570-544-2881) • Bar: Wally Slifka (570-544-6636) • Theme Baskets: Arlene Quesada (570-385-0248), • Michelle DiRenzo (570-544-2518) • Office: Janet Purcell (570-544-6624) • Grounds: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! • Bingo: Ken and Mary Ann Eichenberg (570-544-2581), • Matthew Kroznuski (570-544-2589) • Kitchen: Women and Men of the Parish • French Fries: Tom Mundy (570-544-5320) • Entertainment: Greg Senich (570-544-2355) • Bleenie Stand Set-up: • Ice Cream: Jack Hudock (570-544-4002) • Set-Up/ Take Down: Ken Eichenberg (570-544-2581) • and as many Volunteers as possible • Children’s Games: Amy Eades (570-544-9595) • Raffle / Chances: Marilyn Homa (570-544-2595) • Coffee/Desserts: Karen Wank (570-544-6715), Vickie • Marteslo (570-544-5063) • Soda/ Ice Tea/ Water/ Candy: Ella Mae Kroznuski • (570-544-2056), Theresa Grigalonis (570-544-6738) • Hot Dogs/Hamburgers: Elaine Stine (570-5445628), • Mary Ellen Renninger (570-622-7907) • Ticket Booth: Peggy Butler (570-544-5294) • 50/50: Gloria Paltanavage (570-544-4964) • PARISH MAILING: You have received Booster • and Raffle Tickets and a Donation Envelope for the • Kitchen Collection in the mail. Please support your • Parish and ensure our Festival’s success! • (3) SIGN-UP SHEETS: Are in the Church Vestibule. Could you please help us by volunteering for two hours or more of your time? Keep our Parish’s heart beating by your involvement! • (4) FESTIVAL KITCHEN: The kitchen is the heart of • our Summer Festival. We really need your help in the • preparations the week before the Festival, and on the • actual day of the Festival. Give us a hand! • (5) BOOSTER TICKETS: Each adult received one Ticket ($5.00 each) redeemable at the grounds for food purchases the day of the picnic. Please purchase yours! • (6) RAFFLE TICKETS: Each adult received ten Chances ($1.00 each). Prizes are: 1st-$1,000 Cash; 2nd through 5th -$100 Cash. Please purchase or sell yours! This will ensure our Summer Festival’s success! • (7) BASKET OF CHEER: We are looking for donations of new, unopened bottles of wines and other spirits. Call Marilyn (570-544-2595) or Michelle (570-544-2518). • (8) KITCHEN COLLECTION DONATION: Use the • envelope that was sent you to help with pre- • picnic expenses. Write your Name / Amount on it. • Put your donation in the Sunday Collection. Thanks! • (9) CHILDREN’S GAMES: We need young People • from the ages of 10 and up to run the games. Also, we • could use your donation of gently used or new stuffed • animals, happy meal toys, glasses/mugs for dime toss • game. Items can be left in the Vestibule of the Church. • Call Amy Eades (570-544-9595). • (10) THEME BASKETS: Donations of all types of theme baskets are needed. If you want to donate but need a basket, or a suggestion, call Michelle DiRenzo (570-544-2518) or Arlene Quesada (570-385-0248). • (11) COMMUNITY SERVICE: We will be glad to verify • Community Service for any picnic activity. Confirmation • candidates are required to fulfill service hours. See Miss • Novack for Service Forms for Confirmation. • (12) FESTIVAL POSTERS: Posters are in! We need volunteers to place them in local businesses and other suitable places. See Father Leo or call 570-544-2211. SATURDAY, AUGUST 2 – HOLY ANGELS PARISH PICNIC: Today 5:00 PM to 12:00 Midnight; Saturday, August 3, 4:00 PM to 12:00 Midnight, Church of the Holy Angels, Kulpmont. Homemade food, games, basket bonanza, bake sale and more! Entertainment each night by “ Joe Stanky and his Cadets” and “The Shoreliners”. Call 570-373-1221. SUNDAY, AUGUST 3 – EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM. THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): LAWRENCE MURPHY (8:30 AM) will host the FPC this week. Call 570-399-5056 or sign-up in the Church Vestibule. We need host families for August and September. SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) UTILITIES: Your donation will help pay for light, water, sewer, heating tapes, and the maintenance of all parish heating units, air conditioning, etc. (2) Please catch up with any Church envelopes you have missed. Your Church needs your consistent support to better serve you! ******************************************************************************************* MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE 17TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OFF. PROC.LECTORS E. MINISTERSACOLYTES SAT 4:00 PM Milewsky Frank Dave Anthony Lutchkus Family Melenchick Fogarty Frank Melenchick SUN 8:30 AM Parishioners Tom Mundy Elaine Davis Emily Purcell Sharon Kolenick Abby Schoffstall Teresa Miller 10:30 AM Pogirski Family Mary Jo Lori Jade Stickell Nabholz Hoffman Jesse Stickell ******************************************************************************************* COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar! AUGUST 7 – MONTHLY ROSARY: 6:15 PM in our Church. Please join us! AUGUST 13 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex. Call Edward Butler (570-544-2739). AUGUST 17 – SMTE ANNUAL SUMMER FESTIVAL: 12:00 Noon to 9:00 PM, South Cass Fire Co. Picnic Grounds. Call 570-544-2211 to volunteer. AUGUST 20 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ MT. AIRY CASINO BUS TRIP: Pay $25; Rebate $25, free buffet. Bus leaves R&J 7:45 AM; Quandel’s in Minersville 8:15 AM. Bus departs casino 4:00 PM. Call Julie (570-544- 5231) or Millie (570-628-5413) for 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 Atlantic, 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). SEPTEMBER 20 – FIFTH ANNUAL NUN RUN/FUN WALK: 10:00 AM start, Sacred Heart Villa, Reading. Visit www.mscreading.org or call 610-929- 2802 to sponsor and to register. Benefits the Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. SEPTEMBER 24 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ HOLLYWOOD CASINO BUS TRIP: Pay $25; Rebate $30. Bus leaves R&J 7:45 AM; Quandel’sin Minersville 8:15 AM. Bus departs casino 4:00 PM. Call Julie (570-544- 5231) or Millie (570-628-5413) for information. ******************************************************************************************* NATIVITY BVM SCHOOL NEWS: 1) In search of a Head Boys/Girls Cross Country coach and Boys Junior High Basketball and Freshman Basketball coach. Interested candidates should send resume, certifications, and all clearances to Nativity BVM High School; Attn: Mrs. Lynn Sabol, Principal; One LawtonsHill, Pottsville, PA 17901. Call 570-622-8110 for more information. 2) Nativity BVM High School Seniors were offered a total of $4,135,652.00 in scholarships and awards. This amount averages over $89,000 per student. $1,665,874.58 in scholarships and award money was accepted by Nativity’s 2014 graduating seniors, an average of $36,000 per year! We are still accepting enrollments for the 2014-2015 school year. Call Jenn at 570-622-8110 to receive information or to set up a tour. ST. JOSEPH CENTER FOR SPECIAL LEARNING, INC., POTTSVILLE JOB OPENINGS: 1) Program Coordinator for Transition Learning and Assessment: Coordinate and oversee program for transition learning and assessment for students with special needs in simulated work settings and community based jobs. 29 hours per week, $10 per hour, 36 weeks per school year. Training provided. Education background preferred.. 2) School-age Pre-vocation Aide/Adult Program Direct Service Worker Substitute: This is a combined position. Assist students with special needs as part of in-house pre-vocation program. 20 hours per week, $8.75 per hour, 36 weeks per school year. Also be available as on-call Direct Service Worker substitute for Adult Habilitation Program, which may require additional hours per week as well as occasional summer hours. Forward resume and references no later than August 6, 2014 to St. Joseph Center for Special Learning, Inc. principal Mrs. Julia Leibensperger, 2075 West Norwegian Street, Pottsville, PA 17901, or email stjosephcenter@comcast.net.. CYO VOLLEYBALL SIGN-UPS: Any girl in grades 3-8 interested in playing please email Tammy Gerenda at tamger11@yahoo.com.You must: be a member of our church; attend weekly Sunday Mass; and be enrolled in Religious Education classes or attend catholic school to participate. Also, we are looking for a coach to help out the program.