TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, AUGUST 25,2013

1. TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, AUGUST 25,2013 Perhaps the most horrifying scenario imaginable is to stand outside knocking on a locked door only to hear the Lord respond, “I do not know where you are from.” Through the mouth of the prophet Isaiah, the Lord assures us: “I come to gather nations of every language.” But some resist that Invitation in order to join God’s gathering, we must “enter through the narrow gate” – that is, we must say yes to the relationship that Christ wants to have with us. The Letter to the Hebrews says that “God treats you as sons.”When we change and conform our life to our calling to be God’s children, then those who are last will be first. We will recline with them at table in the kingdom of God. that each one's salvation is in his own hands. All those who accept Christ, his teaching and the helps he has made available to them, will enter the kingdom of God. On the other hand, those who are excluded from that eternal kingdom will have only themselves to blame. God invites all men to heaven. He gives all the help necessary to every man, but, because men have a free will which God cannot force, some will abuse that freedom and choose wrongly. // Christ mentions the narrow door through which we must enter into God's kingdom. This means that we must exercise self- restraint and mortification and this we do when we respect and keep his commandments. When we are called to judgment it will be too late to shout "Sir, open for us." We should have sought his mercy and his forgiveness during our earthly life, and he would have granted it. // Neither will it avail us to say that we knew him in life. Acquaintance with Christ is not enough. We should have loved him and become his real friends, which we could only do by being loyal followers of his. "He taught in our streets" will only prove our guilt. We could have learned his doctrine; we could have become his disciples, but we would not. The pagan who never heard of Christ will not be condemned for not following his teaching, but the Christian who did hear his doctrine and refused to carry it out, will deserve condemnation. // As descent from Abraham was not a claim for special consideration on the part of the Jews, neither will any other circumstances of nationality, birth or earthly privilege help us on the day of judgment Each one will stand or fall by his own mode of life during his term on earth. Nothing and nobody else can change the just judgment of God when that moment arrives for each one of us.// The thought of our moment of judgment is a staggering one even for the holiest of us. Things and actions that do not trouble us much now, will appear in a different light then. The prayers we omitted or said carelessly, the Masses we missed on flimsy excuses the little bit of continual injustice to a workman or customer, or the dishonesty practiced by a worker against his employer, the sins of impurity of which we thought rather lightly, the bad language so freely used and the scandal we spread so flippantly, the money wasted on drink or gambling when our children needed nourishment and clothing — these, and many other such faults of which we excuse ourselves so easily now, will not be a source of joy or consolation for us on that dread day, if we arrive at God's justice-seat still burdened with them. // We are dealing with God's mercy while alive. He will forgive any sin and any number of sins if we truly repent, and resolve to correct these faults. To do this is the only one guarantee that even God himself can give us of a successful judgment Every man who lives in God's grace will die in God's grace and be numbered among the saved. The man who lives habitually in sin, and refuses to amend his life, will die in his sinful state, and thus exclude himself from eternal salvation. ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH MINERSVILLE, PA www.StMatthewTheEvangelistParish.org Rectory Office Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM 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 – Agnes Sincavage by Son, David TUE – Mary and William Barton by Gery and Al Vessotskie WED – Mary Skibiel by Joseph Skibiel Family THU – Joseph Gober (Annv) by Family FRI – William Skibiel by Joseph Skibiel Family SAT – 4:00 PM – George Pytko, Sr. by Son, George SUN – 7:00 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners 9:00 AM – John Kubich by Julia Kubich 11:00 AM – Frank and Anna Walasavage by Bernie and Margie Walasavage ******************************************************************************************************************************************** THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: Turn your ear, O Lord, and answer me;/ save the servant who trusts in you, my God./ Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I cry to you all the day long. (Cf. Ps 86 (85): 1-3) THE TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, August 25 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30 AM and 10:45 AM. THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS(FPC):11:00 AM Mass. Jesus told us to ask the Harvest Master to send laborers into his harvest. We hope the prayers of our participat- ing families will bear fruit. May God be attentive to M/M Gene Walacavagewho will host the Family Prayer Chalice for Vocations this week. Call 399-5056 or sign up in Church. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: The phrase in today’s gospel, “I don’t know where you come from,” is often used by parents about children and children about parents. Change is so rapid one generation has little in common with another We depend on love, trust, and mutual respect to bridge this gap. PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: The entire population of the world can fit into the state of Texas, with 1000 square feet per person, which is a slightly higher density than San Francisco, a slightly lower density than in the Bronx, NY. STEWARDSHIP: “For behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last.” Luke 13:30. Our standards in our society are so different from God’s standards. We often rate or rank people by what they have, how powerful they are, or how successful they are. Jesus reminds us that God will not judge us by the same earthly standards. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $2,640; General Repair: $425; Holy Day: $625. Expenses: $2,981.29 (ordinary); $4,500 (school subsidy). Thank you! FRATERNAL CHARITY: ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY– Your donation of all TYPES OF MEALS IN A BOX will allow the SVDP Society to aid the needy of our area. Volunteer for our SVDP Society Outreach and God’s Bountiful Table. Call544-2739. VOTIVES:(1) SANCTUARY: IMO Mary and William Barton by Jerry and Al Vessotskie. (2) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; For the Health of Evan Gober by Grandparents, Stan and Sally. DIVINE MERCY: Special Intention by Dr. and Mrs. Arthur DiNicola. (3) BEFORE: ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. Call 544-2211. MONDAY, August 26 –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 622-1802 for more information. TUESDAY, August 27 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST RELIGIOUS EDUCATION STAFF MEETING:6:00 PM,Good Shepherd Cafeteria. ST. MATTHEW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: CLASSES RESUME SEPTEMBER 10. 2013-2014 Registrations are Due. Contact our CRE, Rosalie Novack (544-2211). WEDNESDAY, August 28 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients and their caregivers. GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. R. Annex. THURSDAY, August 29 – SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR REHEARSAL: 7:00 PM, Church Loft. Call 544-2355 to join. FRIDAY, August 30 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM. SATURDAY, August 31 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. Pastoral Note: Parents, please remember to bring your children to Confession before school resumes. TWENTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME,September 1 –SACRAMENT 0. The Gospel is from St. Luke 13:22-30 and concerns those who hear Christ's message but refuse to follow it. While the questioner who asked how many would be saved did not get a direct answer from Christ, neverthe-less it was made very clear to him and to all of us OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30 AM and 10:45 AM. THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): Pat Consugar (7:00 AM) will host the FPC this week. Call 399-5056 or Sign-Up in the Church Vestibule for September and October. SPECIAL DIOCESAN SECOND COLLECTION: MARY’S SHELTER: Mary’s Shelter was founded as a viable alternative to abortion by women and men who believe that every living person, including the unborn, are children of one Heavenly Father who creates all in his infinite goodness and wisdom. Use the “Mary’s Shelter” envelope found in your envelope boxes. Please be generous.

2. 26th Annual ST. PATRICK’S ANNUAL END OF SUMMER PICNIC: 12:00 Noon to 10:00 PM, South Cass Fire Company Picnic Grove, Primrose. Ethnic and picnic foods, baked goods, bingo, theme baskets, games of skill and chance and lots for the kids! Live music and entertainment throughout the day. Call 622-1802 for information. SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) UTILITIES: Your donation will help pay for light, water, sewer, heating tapes, and the maintenance of all parish heating units, etc. (2) Please catch up with any missed envelopes. **************************************************************************************************************************************** MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE TWENY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OFF. PROC.LECTORS EUCH. MIN.ALTAR SERVERS SAT 4:00 PM Pytko Family M. A. Harrison Jason Clark Alex Reppert Killian Clark SUN 7:00 AM Parishioners John Hudock Nick Quinn Erik Andruchek Maria Quinn 9:00 AM Kubich Family Linda Butensky Maria Bartush Alexandra Eades Jordan Berdanier 11:00 AM Walasavage Fam. Marge Walasavage Ed Davis Jesse Stickell Jade Stickell ***************************************************************************************************************************************** COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar! SEPTEMBER 2 – CASTLE GREEN GROTTO ANNUAL LABOR DAY MASS: 10:00 AM, 950 Valley Road, Minersville/Heckscherville Highway. Mass is dedicated to “all who came.” Refreshments will be served after Mass. Plenty of parking is available. Bring your lawn chairs. Call Bob (544-3658) for info. SEPTEMBER 7 – ANNUAL FOOD FAIR AND FLEA MARKET: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, St. Clare of Assisi Church, Saint Clair. Halupkie, Halushkie, Pot Pie, BBQ, Soups, Chili, Baked Goods and more! Also, Flea Market Items, 50/50 Chances, Crafts, Religious Items. Free admission. All welcome! 429-1637. SEPTEMBER 8 – SPIRIT DAY: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Our Parish will have a stand in front of the Minersville Hi Rise. All help would be greatly appreciated! Call the Rectory if you can help (544-2211). CHICKEN DINNER: 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, St. Nicholas Hall, Primrose. Dinner includes city chicken, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green beans and roll. $8.50 per platter.Eat-in or take-out. Advance tickets only (544-4581). SEPTEMBER 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 (544-5231) or Helen (544-5465). SEPTEMBER 10 – A NIGHT OF HEALING: The night begins at 7:00. Confess- ions and Eucharistic Adoration start at 6:30 PM. Adoration will resume after Mass. Also after Mass, Father Hess will pray with people for healing. 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 345-4619 for location and time. SEPTEMBER 11 –GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE:11:30 AM-1:30 PM,Fr. R. Annex. SEPTEMBER 19 – RED CROSS BLOODMOBILE: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Good Shepherd Building Cafeteria. Donate your blood, give life! SEPTEMBER 21 – ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL PILGRIMAGE BUS TRIP TO THE SHRINE OF OUR LADY OF THE MIRACULOUS MEDAL: Depart Quandel’s Lot at 8:15 AM for Germantown, PA, and arrive back in town approximately 6:00 PM. Cost $85 and includes bus fare, shrine donation, and lunch on the Moshulu docked at Penns Landing. Call Mary at 544-3046. SEPTEMBER 22, 23, 24 – ANNUAL FORTY HOURS DEVOTIONS. Memorializationsof Vigils ($5 each) and Flowers ($10 each) can be made by contacting the Rectory (544-2211). We would appreciate your help in adorning our Church’s Altars with Vigils and Flowers during this special time when Jesus is present on our Altar. Thank you! SEPTEMBER 24 : INSTITUTE FOR CATECHESIS AND FORMATION: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM Tuesday evenings until October 15, Nativity BVM High School, Pottsville. ICF 101 – Christian Anthropology. For more info. or to register call 1-610-289-8900 X221 or email adultformation@allentowndiocese.org. OCTOBER 6 – SHOWER OF ROSES FESTIVAL IN HONOR OF ST. THERESA, THE LITTLE FLOWER: The event begins with 1:00 PM Mass at St. Francis of Assisi Parish at The Shrine of St. Therese, Nesquehoning, PA. Procession, Benediction and a showering of roses to follow. Ethnic foods will be available at concession stands throughout the day. 570-669-6075 for directions or info. • ANNUAL SUMMER FESTIVAL • WRAP-UP NOTES • (1) We are grateful to EVERYONE who in any way supported our Summer Festival by the gift of their time, talent, and treasure. We sincerely thank all workers, activity chairpersons, and those who braved the kitchen heat to help us! May God reward you for your goodness to our Parish! • (2) We also thank all our Festival Patrons, both from the Parish and outside the Parish! • (3) We congratulate these Festival • winners: • Raffle Prizes • 1st Prize - $1,000 Cash – #2480 – • Barbara Graf • 2nd Prize - $100 Cash – #7323 – • Mike Mazzuca • **Donated back to the Parish • 3rd Prize - $100 Cash – #6751 – • Gail Senich • 4th Prize - $100 Cash– #4482 – • Bryce D. • 5th Prize - $100 Cash – #7149 – • Mary Smulktis • 50/50 Winners • 1st – $185 – #737075 – yellow ticket • 2nd – $191 – #477447 – red ticket • 3rd – $207 – #493243 – blue ticket • 4th – $173 – #419825 – white ticket • ALL PRIZES WERE CLAIMED • (4) Once all bills are paid, we will • have a wrap-up meeting to discuss • our Festival. Financial results will • be posted in the bulletin. 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! Serve One Another As of today, our parish has raised $17,866 from 202 parishioners representing 95% of our parish goal of $18,950.55 and 33% of our total number of registered families. We need the support of all our parish families to 2013 NOVEMBER 3 – – ANNUAL TURKEY BINGO: Doors open at 12:00 Noon; Bingo starts at 2:00 PM. Good Shepherd Cafeteria. Admission $3.00. Donations of baked goods would be appreciated and should be brought directly to the Cafeteria today. Just place your name on these items. Food and refreshments will be available. For more information, call Theresa (544-4316) or Rose Ann (544-5304). +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ASSUMPTION BVM SCHOOL NEWS: 1) Now accepting registrations for pre-k to 8 for the 2013-2014 school year. Please call the school (622-0106) for a tour or to request a registration packet. 2) The Bishop’s Commission on Catholic Schools continues to offer $1,500 Tuition Transfer Grants to any Parishioner who transfers their child into the second to seventh grades from any private or public school. No financial aid forms are required for this two year grant and it comes directly out of your school tuition ($1,000 in year one; $500 in year two). Call 622-0106. 3) BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION AND OTHER FOOD LABELS: Assumption BVM can earn free educational materials such as computers, software, musical instruments, books for library, etc.. All by you saving product UPC codes, box tops, and beverage caps. Check www.labelsforeducation.com to find out which labels the school needs. There is a drop-off box in the rear of the church. NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL NEWS: 1) Now accepting registrations for grades 9 through 12 for the 2013-2014 school year. Please call the school (622-8110) for a tour or to request a registration packet. 2) Nativity welcomes transfer students of all faiths. Any public or private school student who transfers to 10th or 11th grade at any diocesan high school will receive a Bishop's Commission on Catholic Schools Tuition Transfer Grant. The student will receive $2000 in their first year and $1000 in their second year. Call570-622-8110. 3) DIVINE MERCY ICON PROJECT: Prayers and donations are needed for a very special project approved by the Bishop’s office to construct a 30 foot tall lighted Divine Mercy Image on top of Nativity BVM High School’s hill where it will overlook Pottsville and be a source of blessings for all. Jesus made many promises to Saint Faustina regarding those who venerate Hid Divine Mercy Image, and we hope for these blessings to be poured out upon Schuylkill County and all who pass it. This project is only made possible through your generous support. All donations should be made payable to St. John the Baptist Church with a memo notation “DIVINE MERCY ICON”. The donations can be mailed to PO Box 1354, Pottsville, PA 17901. Catholic Charities' Neighbors Helping Neighbors project: needs volunteers to visit older adults in the community. Catholic Charities provides flexible scheduling (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly) and mileage reimbursement. Volunteers provide service such as friendly visiting, assistance with grocery shopping or light household chores. Please consider helping out a senior in need. Please contact Joanne Andruchek for more information at 570-628-0466 or jandruchek@allentowndiocese.org.