FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER May 18, 2014 The Lord Jesus has “called us out of

1. FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER May 18, 2014 The Lord Jesus has “called us out of darkness into his wonderful light.” We hear him do that very concretely in the Gospel today. He reassures us with these words: “Do not let your hearts be troubled… Have faith in God and faith in me… Where I am you will be… I am the way, the truth, and the life… Whoever believes in me will do the works I do.” This is the Word of God that “continued to spread” so that the number of disciples “increased greatly.” This increase is what the risen Christ continues to offer the Church through the ministry of priests and deacons. “Come to him; let yourselves be built into a spiritual house.” 10:7), but they help us examine the implications of the Easter experience. // “You know the way that leads where I go” (John 14:4). We are sympathetic with the misunderstanding of Thomas and Phillip. They would like to specify the road and identify the place where they will see the Father. But there is no need for a map. Jesus is the way to the Father. We must follow him. Whoever has seen him has seen the Father. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life because he is one with God; he is in the Father and the Father is in him. // Authentic Christian faith is not anonymous. We cannot believe in a faceless God. Christianity teaches us to recognize God in the face of Jesus of Nazareth. By identifying his face in the disfigured faces of those whose suffering he bore on the cross, we find our dwelling place in him. 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 – Anthony T. Warcola by Wife, Bertha TUE – Living and Deceased Parishioners WED – Fr. Joseph F. Reilly by The Skibiel Family THU – For the Health of Michael Homa FRI – Stella Pytko by Ron and Dolores Kramer SAT – 4:00 PM – Birch Witman by Craig Witman Family SUN – 8:30 AM – John Andruchek, Peter and Genevieve Ferenchick 10:30 AM – Sami Stripe (Happy Birthday) by Mom, Steph and Gram ******************************************************************************************************************************************** REQUIESCANT IN PACE: May Jesus, our Risen Savior, welcome into His eternal Realm:SCOTT BEDFORD, a former member of the former St. Francis of Assisi Parish, who died Thursday, May 15, and will be buried from our Church on Monday, May 19; and JOSEPH LEONARD, a former member of the former St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, and a member of Our Parish Family, who died Friday, May 16, and will be buried from our Church on Monday evening, May 19. May Mary, Queen of Heaven, obtain comfort from Jesus, Her Son, for their family and friends! ET LUX PERPETUA LUCEAT EIS! ****************************************************************************************************************************************** II BANNS OF MARRIAGE: David S. Humenansky (St. Ambrose Parish) and Kriston L. McHugh (St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish). ******************************************************************************************************************************************** THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: O sing a new song to the Lord,/ for he has worked wonders;/ in the sight of the nations/ he has shown his deliverance, alleluia. FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, May 18 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM. SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: May Jesus, Our Resurrection and Our Light, accept as His own ADDISON CATHERINE GROODY, daughter of Andrew and Tanya, who will be Baptized in our Church after today’s 10:30 AM Mass, with the permission of St. Joseph Church, Ashland, PA. God Bless Addison Catherine and her Family! 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 LUCY BARNETSKY (10:30 AM) for hosting the Family Prayer Chalice for Vocations this week. Sign up in Church Vestibule. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: Jesus tells us in the gospel: “I am in the Father and the Father is in me!” The point is: God is in each one of us, in our relationships and in our homes. The vocation of the Christian family is to live the divine gift which is already in and around us. PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: “I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” Elie Wiesel.  This certainly applies to abortion; the only voice the preborn have is our own. STEWARDSHIP: “The very stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.”  1 Peter 2:7. Everyone is given unique gifts. Many people are able to recognize their talents and abilities, but there are many people who are unsure of their gifts. This may make them feel worthless. If you know someone who is struggling for a direction in life, give them a little encourage- ment. Help them discern how they might use their skills. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED:Sunday: $2,807; Insurance: $405; Expenses: $5,859.22. Thank you for your generosity! EASTER SEASON CHARITY:ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY– Your donation of all TYPES OF PASTA AND SAUCES will allow the SVDP Society to aid the needy of our area. Volunteer to help our SVDP Society Outreach and God’s Bountiful Table. Call570-544-2739 for information. EASTER SEASON VOTIVES:(1) SANCTUARY: IMO Anthony T. Warcola by Wife, Bertha. (2) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: Special Intention by Stan and Sally Gober; For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family. (3) BEFORE: ST. ANNE: IMO Sophie Kazmar by Francis and Dolores Leister. REREDOS NICHE: IMO Rev. Joseph F. Reilly by Parents. ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. Call (570-544-2211). BELATED MOTHERS’ DAY FLOWERS: IMO Sophie Kuchta by Children ($25). 0. Who does not cherish the desire for a home, a harbor of peace and refreshment? Jesus announces his departure in terms of that human desire. He is going before his disciples to prepare a place for them. “I am the Way” is as strange a proclamation as, “I am the Sheepgate” (John 10:7), but they help us examine the implications of the Easter experience. // “You know the way that leads where I go” (John 2014 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL: We are grateful to all who pledged their support this weekend to the 2014 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL. Your gift will allow our diocese to meet the many and varied needs of the people of this diocese. If you did not take the opportunity to make your gift, you may do so at any time over the next few weeks by placing your pledge in the collection basket or visiting the Appeal online at www.2014baa.org. Thank you for your support! MAY CALENDAR WINNERS: May 11 – Gail Senich; May 12 – Bette Brennan; May 13 – Laura Pernich; May 14 – Shirley; May 15 – Mark Graver; May 16 – Denise Adams; May 17 –Flo Wazenegger ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST SPAGHETTI DINNER: 11:00 AM TO 3:00 PM, Parish Center. $8.50 Adults; Children $4.50. Donations of Baked Goods would be greatly appreciated and can be brought to the Parish Center between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM. WALK-INS AVAILABLE WHILE SUPPLY LASTS! HOPE TO SEE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY THERE! tutti a tavola a mangiare! MINERSVILLE ROTARY CLUB 4TH ANNUAL CAR SHOW: Registration, 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM; Awards, 3:00 PM. McCann School of Business, Pottsville. Food sales, basket auctions, 50/50, ultimate grill drawing. Registrations, available at www.minersvillerotary.org. TUESDAY, May 20 – PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN WORKSHOP: 6:00 PM, Annunciation BVM Parish, Frackville. Call 570-874-0610. WEDNESDAY, May 21 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients and their caregivers. SUMMER FESTIVAL MEETING: 7:00 PM, Parish Center. Everyone is welcome!. THURSDAY, MAY 22 – “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR REHEARSAL: 7:00 PM, Church Loft. Call 570-544-2355. FRIDAY, MAY 23 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM. SATURDAY, MAY 24 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ MOUNT AIRY CASINO BUS TRIP: Pay $25; Rebate $25.Includes 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).

2. ANNUAL BLESSING OF NEWLY ERECTED TOMBSTONES: Newly erected tombstones will be blessed today: St. Stanislaus • KostkaCemetery # 2 – 9:00 AM, St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery – 9:10 AM, St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery # 1 – 9:20 AM, St. Barbara • Cemetery – 9:30 AM, St. Mary Star of the Sea Cemetery – 9:40 AM. Call the Rectory (570-544-2211) ASAP to make arrangements. • SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, May 25 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM. • THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): RYAN PLESNARKSI (10:30 AM) will host the FPC this week • Call 570-399-5056 or sign-up in the Church Vestibule. We need host families for June. • SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT: Your contribution will help defray the cost of improvements for • all Parish buildings. (2) Please check your Sunday Church Envelope Boxes for the envelopes you might have missed. Kindly catch up! • (3) Please write the amount of your donation on your envelope. Do not staple or scotch tape it shut. Thanks! • ***************************************************************************************************************************************************************** • MINISTERS AT MASS FOR SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER • OFF. PROCESSIONLECTORS EUCH. MINISTERSALTAR SERVERS • SAT 4:00 PM Witman Family Mary Jo Nabholz Barbara Sincavage Nathan Tropp • Elaine Davis Alex Reppert • Mary Ann Harrison • SUN 8:30 AM Andruchek Family Nick Quinn Lori Hoffman Nicholas Quinn • Gabriella Quinn • 10:30 AM Stripe Family Frank Melenchick Rosalie Novack Jordan Berdanier • Anthony Forte • ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************* • COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar! • MAY 26 – NOTRE DAME CLUB OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY “ANNUAL POTTSVILLE MILE”: Benefits St. Joseph Center for Special • Learning, Pottsville. For more information or to register or to become a sponsor, please email Bill Kern at williamnkern@comcast.net. • MAY 28 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex. • MAY 29 – THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD: Today is a Holy Day of Obligation for all Catholics. Mass will be • celebrated at 7:00 PM (evening before), 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM. • JUNE 1 – HERITAGE DAY IN THE VALLEY: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Clover Fire Company Grounds, Heckscherville. Performance by • “Finnigan’s Wake”, Irish Music by “The Troubles”, Genealogy, History, Food and Beverages. Call Jim (570-544-4929) for information. • JUNE 15 – FATHERS’ DAY FLOWERS AND VIGILS: We would like to decorate our Church with Flowers and vigils in • memory of/in honor of the husbands, fathers, grandfathers, good men of our Parish. The Offering for Flowers is • $10; Vigils $5. Call the Rectory (570-544-2211) to make arrangements. Thanks for your anticipated help! • EASTER DUTY: This is the LAST day to fulfill the Easter Precept. CANON 920- #1. All the faithful after • having been initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, are bound by the obligation of receiving Communion at least • once a year. #2. This precept must be fulfilled during the Easter Season (First Sunday of Lent to Trinity Sunday) • unless it is fulfilled for a just cause at some other time during the year. (Please realize that fulfillment of your • Easter Duty would also require the reception of the Sacrament of Reconciliation if you are aware of having • committed Mortal Sin, e.g. deliberately missing Sunday Mass.) • JUNE 16 – 20 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ CAPE COD, MA INCLUDING MARTHA’S VINEYARD AND NANTUCKET BUS TRIP: $650 • per person (double occupancy) includes: 4 nights lodging, 4 breakfasts, 4 dinners, visit to Mystic Seaport en route to Cape Cod, Fully • escorted tours of Hyannis area, including Kennedy Memorial and Main Street, Chatham, ferry ride to Martha’s Vineyard with tour, ferry ride • to Nantucket Island with tour, Hyannis Harbor Cruise with view of Kennedy Compound, visit to Foxwoods Casino en route home, souvenir • gift, luggage handling, all taxes and meal gratuities, Motorcoach transportation. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413). • AUGUST 17 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST ANNUAL SUMMER FESTIVAL: 12:00 Noon to 9:00 PM, South Cass Fire Co. Picnic • Grounds, Primrose. Come and enjoy All the ethnic foods you love! Call 570-544-2211 for more 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 Alantic, 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). • +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ • EASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS: We gratefully acknowledge your kindness and generosity which allowed us to decorate our church so • beautifully during this past Easter Season (Unless otherwise noted each donation was $10): IMO John and Anna Butcavage, Thomas and Clara Farrell by Granddaughter, Lisa ($20); IMO Enoch and Anna Purcell by Joe and Janet Purcell; IMO Marlene Pogash, Anna Drye by M/M Robert Pogash ($20); Intentions of M/M Keith Purcell; IMO Lipsky and Raczka Families by M/M Edward Raczka ($20); IMO Sabadish, Fedeles, Kralick and Kushmanick Families by Mrs. John S. Sabadish; IMO John and Anna Scarbinsky by Daughter, Eleanore; IMO Mary S. Skavinsky, Baby Skavinsky, Magdalene Skawinsky by Skavinsky Family; IMO Alfons and Sophie Stabinski by Ray and Karen Stabinski; IMO Donald Starr, Sr. by Dolores M. Starr; IMO John and Annie Socko by Daughter, Ann Marie ($20); IMO John and Mary Szekeres by Ann Marie ($20); IMO Butcavage, Pleva and Bolich Families by Arlene Quesada ($50); IMO Frank and Sophie Kuchta, John, Sr. and Mary Yakobosky, Anthony and Anna Sinkovich, Michael and Mary Kuchta, Living and Deceased Members of St. Matthew’s Parish Family by Edward Yakobosky ($50); IMO Edward and Sophia Burke by Dolores Starr and Son; IMO Donald Starr, Sr. by Donald Starr, Jr.; IMO Nevin and Thelma Starr by Dolores Starr and Son; IMO Michael Bosack, Sr., Gertrude Bosack, Raymond and Stephen Bosack, Eugene and Florence Gilchrist by Michael Bosack, Jr. ($40); IMO Eugene T. and Florence A. Gilchrist and Geraldine B. Bosack by Michael A. Makara ($50); Intentions of M/M Robert Lipko; IMO John Magic, Anna Kanapitsky by Magic-Sincavage Family; IMO Rose Angelo, Kay Clarke by M/M Thomas Mundy; IMO Alex and Catherine Pegearski by M/M Anthony Phillips; IMO Andrew Pukas by Ann Marie, Carol and Adam; IMO Joseph and AdellaMelenchick by Gary and Marian Rhoads; IMO Russ Rothermel by Linda, Mitra and Meggi; IMO Vincent Pothering by Daughter, Linda; IMO Charles and Elizabeth Schwalm, Patsy O’Brien by Scott and Patrice Schwalm and Family; IMO Agnes Sincavage, Jennie Gut by Magic-Sincavage Family; IMO Anthony and Anna Kushmanick, Kevin Smith, Father Stephen Sheetz, Mary Sabadish by M/M George Smith; IMO Deceased of Wank, Skavinsky, Fetterolf, Shelava Families by M/M Albert Wank and Family; IMO Sumoski and Warcola Families by Bertha Warcola; IMO Burton and Eleanore Forney, Leo Campion, Msgr. James J. McHale by Nicole and Lisa Forney ($20); IMO Plesnarski and Kabana Families by Paul and Jean Kabana; IMO John and Mary Ciesla, Walter and Stella Kopinetz, Charles Dietrich by M/M Michael Kopinetz ($20); IMO Thomas and Leona Donlen, Helen Maley, Deceased of Donlen and Carroll Families by Rose Ann Maley ($40); Intention of M/M Robert Mestishen; IMO Joseph Nawrocki, Frederick Smith, Maureen Spain by Barbara Nawrocki and Family ($30); IMO Donald J. Butler, Sr. by Aldona and Edward Butler; IMO Joseph and Amelia Czwarcz Family by Aldona and Edward Butler; IMO Mary Dallago by Bill Dallago; IMO Jean and Dante Cola by Tina Souchak; IMO Helen and Alphonse Kozluskey, Sally and Andrew Ceganick, Magdalene and Anthony Kazlauskas by Ed Kozluskey ($30); IMO Scott Renninger, Joseph and Elizabeth Holland, William and Mary Renninger, Junior Barton by M/M Ronald Renninger ($20); IMO John and Mary Ruscavage, William and Harriet Scales, Frank Ruscavage, Helen Hubler by Scales Family ($20); IMO Victoria Fetterolf by Harry Schank; IMO Patricia Wiscount, M/M Al Wiscount, A.J. Wiscount, Margaret Schinkel by Harry Wiscount; IMO Victoria Trocki, Walter Trusky by Victoria Trusky; IMO Joan and Dave Appleby, The Dan Connelly Family by Mary Jane Appleby; IMO Leo and Ida Melesky, Albert and Margaret Melewsky, Ann, Mary and Tony Melewsky, Sarah Yupcavage, Frank and Helen Meleskey by M/M Albert Melewsky, Jr. ($15); IMO John W. Hudock, Charles Lohin Family by Anna Hudock ($20); Intention of M/M Walter Slifka; IMO Elizabeth and Anthony Trotsky, Frank and Helen Ruscavage, Stanley and Helen Zitka by M/M John Ruscavage ($30); Intentions of M/M Tom Socko; IMO Mary Ida Fetterolf, Victoria A. Fetterolf by Franklin Fetterolf; IMO John Ondisco, Mary Ondisco, Adele Hatter by Mary Ann Ondisco; IMO Clarence Smulktis, Jr., Rita and Joseph Haley, Bette and Clarence Smulktis, Sr. by Mary Smulktis ($25); Intention of Brian and Angela Regnier; IMO Albin and Vera Petkaitis by Petkaitis Family; Intention of Betty Sabol; IMO Andruchek and Ferenchick Families by M/M Eric Andruchek ($30); IMO Pasquale Quinn, Sylvia Angelo by M/M James Berdanier; IMO Stasia and Vince Bobbin, Anna and Michael Nemeth by M/M Vince Bobbin; IMO Stephen Chelak by Wife, Katherine; IMO Catherine and Michael Gober and Sons by Family ($15); IMO Fritz and Jean Doran, Deceased of Doran and Calderone Families by Ellen Doran; IMO Pop Pop and Grammy Lescavage by Grandchildren; IMO Butcavage and Earlosky Families by Jane Earlosky; IMO EstellPtaskowski, Helen Gelches by M/M Lawrence Gelches; IMO Stanley Graf, Jr., Stanley Graf, Sr., James and Phyllis McNamara by Barbara Graf and Family; IMO Homa and Brito Families by M/M George Homa; IMO Deceased of Joseph HudockFamily ($20) (T.B.C.). ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: 6:00 PM Prayer Service. Vigils (offering $6 each) can be memorialized in memory/honor of a loved one by calling 570-544-2739. RECENT FUNDRAISERS: We are grateful to everyone who supported and especially to those who worked for the success of these fundraisers which have benefitted our Parish financially: HOLIDAY PIEROGI SALE: $1,050.15; LENTEN FOOD SALES:$12,555; HAM BINGO: $2,482.43;ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ MT. AIRY CASINO BUS TRIP:$1,200; SPRING FLING MAY CALENDAR: $3,980. Your sacrifices and efforts are helping the Parish meet its expenses. We cannot thank you enough for your care and concern! YOU ARE GOOD PEOPLE, INDEED!