THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT MARCH 9, 2014 Pope Benedict XVI calls the temptation of

1. THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT MARCH 9, 2014 Pope Benedict XVI calls the temptation of Jesus in the desert “a descent in to the perils besetting mankind.” This happens so that we will be counted among those “who receive the abundance of grace, coming to reign in life through the one Jesus Christ.” The “one righteous act” that Saint Paul speaks about in the letter to the Romans is Jesus’ unfailing fidelity to the Father’s will. As the serpent comes close, we will not be duped by the suggestion that somehow God will be jealous at the prospect that we “will be like gods.” For it is God himself who planted that hope in our hearts. It is the Lord’s greatest joy and glory that we share his image and likeness… not through self- seeking but through the obedience by which “many will be made righteous” – that is, will become like God. solitude of the exodus. Through the descriptive narration of this ordeal, the evangelists suggest that Jesus, true God and true man, was tempted by Satan throughout his life. // Jesus’ mission is the focus of his adversary’s attack. Would he be able to accept being poor, ignored and weak? Would he be able to refrain from selling short the reality of his incarnation by using miracles, force, and seduction as if he were superhuman? Would he be the Servant-Son according to the heart of God, or Prometheus, relying upon his own power to steal fire from heaven? Every time Jesus felt in his heart the temptation to be a worldly messiah, he rejected it, relying solely on the word of God. He fled the crowds who clamored for his marvels and wished to make him king. He rebuked Peter who came between him and the way to his passion. Jesus wished to drink the bitter cup of his death, not to save himself once he was nailed upon the cross. // This stands as a strong judgment against many of our choices, our appetite for consumer- ism, our solicitation of profit and our un- bridled ambition. How can we set priorities at the beginning of Lent without contem- plating Jesus who is turned toward the one source of all his actions, the word of God? 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 – William Wentz by Joseph Skibiel Family TUE – Frances Sumoski by Daughter, Bertha WED – Msgr. John S. Baruch (Estate) THU – Theresa Stochi by Charlene and Tony Lesher FRI – Helen Demcher (M/M) by Aldona and Edward Butler SAT – 4:00 PM – M/M Edward Siminitus by Family SUN – 8:30 AM – Patricia Wiscount by Husband, Harry 10:30 AM – Anna Kolenick by Leo and Sharon ******************************************************************************************************************************************** SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: We belatedly ask God’s blessings for ZANDER EXAVIER NOVACK, son of Michael and Shannon, Baptized in our Church March 2 after 11:00 AM Mass. God Bless ZanderExavier and his Family! ******************************************************************************************************************************************** THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: When he calls on me, I will answer him;/ I will deliver him and give him glory,/ I will grant him length of days. THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT, March 9 – 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 TERESA MILLER for hosting the Family Prayer Chalice for Vocations this week. Sign up in Church Vestibule for May or call 570-399-5056. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: In today’s gospel Jesus cautions it is not enough to provide food for our children; “one does not live on bread alone.” Let Lent 2014 be a time when you are “led by the Spirit” to explore new ways to be a moral guide to your children. PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.  Pray and work to end abortion and euthanasia.   STEWARDSHIP: “It is written: The Lord, your God, shall you worship and him alone shall you serve.” Matthew 4:10. Tempted between the riches and power of this world and service to God, Jesus chose service to His Father. If we wish to truly follow Jesus, we, too, must decide to turn away from power and riches and put God at the center of our lives. 1) FEBRUARY 23 YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $3,729; Capital Improvement: $437; Expenses: $7,946.83. 2) LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $3,626; Ash Wednesday: $606.50; Utilities: $642;Expenses: $7,842 (Diocesan Assessments); $8,286.62 (ordinary). Deficits are coming from Parish savings! LENTEN CHARITIES: (1) ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY – Your donation of all TYPES OF DRINK MIXES 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. (2) OPERATION RICE BOWL – This week, CRS Rice Bowl invites us to enter into solidarity with the people of Kenya. We are encouraged to reflect on the Catholic social teaching principle, Sacredness and Dignity of the Human Person, and reminded that our inherent dignity comes from our creation as children of God and not from any of our own actions. Let us pray this week for our brothers and sisters in Kenya and all around the world, that we may respect and uphold the sacredness of life and dignity of all people. (3) SISTERS’ LENTEN GIVING TREE – Select a cross and donate the suggested item beginning next week. Your gift will be forwarded to elderly and retired Women Religious whose congregations have served our Diocese. Return your gifts by 0. We begin the forty-day lenten journey in the desert where the new Adam becomes freer as the conscience becomes sharper. United with all who are suffering from famine and oppression, Jesus, the new Moses, relives the forty years of Israel’s struggle in the Palm Sunday, April 13. (4) Your personal Lenten Self-denial for OUR Parish – Your sacrifices for your Parish will be collected at the end of Lent during Holy Week. There is a special Lenten Envelope for this purpose in your boxes. Please be supportive! LENTEN VOTIVES:(1) SANCTUARY: IMO Frances Sumoski by Daughter, Bertha. (Available Dates: August 3, 10, October 12, 19, November 16) (2) ALTARS: BVM: For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family. (3) OTHER: ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. REREDOS NICHE: IMO Fr. Joseph F. Reilly by Parents. ST. ANNE: For the Health of My Sister by Jean Albertini. Call 570-544-2211 to memorialize votives. ASSUMPTION BVM INFORMATION: ABVM kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Aimee Benulis, will be here after all Masses to answer questions you may have about Assumption BVM and their kindergarten program. Call the school (570-622-0106) for more information or for a tour. We hope you consider enrolling your kindergarten-aged children in our regional catholic school. MONDAY, March 10 – MARCH VISITATION OF THE SICK: The homebound will be visited beginning today. TUESDAY, March 11 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, the Good Shepherd LENTEN FOOD PREPARATION: 1:00 PM, Parish Center, Peel Onions. LENTEN FOOD PREPARATION: 9:00 AM,Parish Center, Prepare Vegetables for Soup.

2. Building. Contact our Coordinator of Religious Education, Rosalie Novack (570-544-2211). WEDNESDAY, March 12 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients/caregivers. LENTEN DEVOTIONS: Eucharistic Holy Hour and CONfessionsfollowed by Stations of the Cross and Benediction: Exposition and Confession begin at 4:00 PM. Stations of the Cross at 6:00 PM. Please attend! GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex. FRIDAY, March 14 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM. Pastoral Note: All who have reached their 14th year are bound to abstain totally from eating meat today and every Friday of Lent (Day of Abstinence). LENTEN ROSARY: 7:45 AM. We will pray the Sorrowful Mysteries each Friday of Lent. Please join us! ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST LENTEN DINNERS: Every Friday in Lent in the Russell Building, Pottsville. Full course includes New England Clam Chowder, Full Salad Bar, choice of Macaroni and Cheese, Baked or Mashed Potatoes, Choice of Vegetables, Homemade Dessert, Beverage, and your choice of Fish or Crab Cake. Prices, $8 to $16. Call 570-622-5470. SATURDAY, March 15 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT, March 16 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM. THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): BARB AND DAVE SINCAVAGE will host the FPC this week. Call 570-399-5056 or Sign-Up in the Church Vestibule. LUCK OF THE IRISH BINGO: Doors open 11:30 AM; Bingo starts at 1:00 PM. Nativity BVM High School. $25 admission includes 15 regular games and 4 specials. Special Jackpot Game! Food, refreshments available. Sponsored by Nativity Green and Gold Booster Club. SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) GENERAL REPAIR: Your contribution will help defray the cost of general maintenance. (2) OPERATION RICE BOWL: Please place your ORB envelope in the Second Collection all Lenten Sunday’s including Easter Sunday. All other Parish and Diocesan envelopes should be placed in the First Collection. Thank you! (3) Please check your Sunday Church Envelope Boxes for the envelopes you might have missed. Kindly catch up! (4) Please write the amount of your donation on your envelope. Do not staple or scotch tape it shut. Simply seal it with a lick. Thanks for your help! ***************************************************************************************************************************************************************** MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT OFF. PROCESSIONLECTORS EUCH. MINISTERSALTAR SERVERS SAT 4:00 PM SiminitusFamily Theresa KroznuskiRosalie Novack Killian Clark Max Wigoda SUN 8:30 AM Wiscount Family Frank MelenchickMarian Rhoads Eric Andruchek Michael Perzel 10:30 AM KolenickFamily Tom Mundy Mary Regina Mundy Jesse Stickell Jade Stickell ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************* COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar! MARCH 17 – 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). MARCH 18 – COMMUNITY HEALTH AWARENESS TALKS: 6:00 PM, Schuylkill Medical Center, South Jackson Street, Conference Rooms A&B in Main Lobby. Topic is “The ABC’s of Colorectal Cancer”. Program is free. Refreshments served. Call 570-621-5108 to register. MARCH 20 – MONTHLY ROSARY: 6:15 PM in our Church. Please join us! MARCH 22 – CYO COACHES CLINIC: 2:00 PM TO 5:00 PM, St. Jerome, Tamaqua. $25 registration fee. Anyone interested in coaching CYO for either a parish, school, or jointure of parishes needs to attend a diocesan run coaches clinic. This is for new coaches and those who have not yet completed a clinic. MARCH 23 – 27 – ST. MARY CHURCH PARISH MISSION: Today through Thursday. 7:00 PM Service each evening. St. Mary Church, Hamburg. Mission Director is Rev. Donald Miniscalco, CSsR, of the Shrine of St. John Neumann in Philadelphia. Log on to www.rc.net/ allentown/stmaryhamb for directions or information, or call 610-562-7657. MARCH 26 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex. APRIL 4 – SEAFOOD DINNER: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Mahanoy City. Deviled Crab, Breaded Fish, Breaded Shrimp, Combo Meals. Entrée served with french fries, green beans, cole slaw and dessert. Eat-in or take-out. Call 570-773-2771. APRIL 5 – NATIVITY BVM YARD/FOOD SALE: Doors open 8:00 AM. Call Diane at 570-294-0551 for drop off or pick up times if you would like to donate any items to this sale. APRIL 6 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST ANNUAL HAM BINGO: 2:00 PM in The Good Shepherd Building Cafeteria. Tickets are $3.00 each. 20 games, specials and raffles! Food and beverages will be available. Call Theresa (570-544-4316) or Roseanne (570-544-5304). +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ RECENT FUNDRAISER: Philadelphia Flower Show: $665 was the profit. Thanks to everyone who helped make this a success! LENTEN FOOD PREPARATION: 9:00 AM, Parish Center, Prepare Halushki. THURSDAY, March 13 – LENTEN FOOD PREPARATION: 9:00 AM, Parish Center, Make Soups. LENTEN FOOD SALE: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Parish Center. Eat-in or take-out. To place take out orders call the Parish Center (570-544-5485) from 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. Help is needed to Tally business orders in morning; Pack business and individual orders; Deliver business orders between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM; Serve eat-in customers between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM; Serve desserts, coffee, tea, soda, water; Cook perogi; Serve soups and halushki; Fry bleenies; Sell 50/50 chances; Help clean up. Your home baked goods would be appreciated for our dessert table and can be brought to the Parish Center between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. NEXT SALE MARCH 28. APRIL 6 – COMMUNITY CONFESSIONS: 6:00 PM, our Church. At least 4 Priests will be available for Confessions. Please take this opportunity to prepare spiritually for Easter by making a good Confession! APRIL 17 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH 50/50 DRAWING: $2 each or 3 for $5. Call Joe (570-621-8269) or the Rectory (570-544-2211). Benefits Parish Center renovation. MAY 1 – 31 – SPRING FLING CALENDAR DRAWINGS: 31 Days of prizes, cash and gifts. One winner per day. Winners eligible to win every day of the month. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or the Rectory (570-544-2211). CATHOLIC HOME MISSIONS APPEAL INCLUDING BLACK AND INDIAN MISSIONS: Thank you for your contribution to help strengthen the Church at home! Your generosity will provide much- needed training for lay persons in parishes that rarely see priests, aid to parishes struggling to keep their doors open, and support for many other essential pastoral works in poor dioceses across the United States. To learn more about Home Missions funding and who the Appeal helps, please visit usccb.org/ nationalcollections. LATE DONATIONS CAN STILL BE MADE!