THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT APRIL 6, 2014 From time immemorial God has promised, “O

1. THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT APRIL 6, 2014 From time immemorial God has promised, “O my people, I will open your graves and have you rise from them. Then you shall know that I am the Lord.” But this will not happen before Jesus weeps. He weeps in front of doubt: “You want to go back there?” He weeps in front of nihilism: “Could he not have done something?” He weeps in front of fatalism: “Lord, by now there will be a stench.” This is the optimum moment for God to have Lazarus rise from his grave, for then the event will teach us just how far we must go in trusting the power of Jesus’ love for us. Although “dead because of sin, the Spirit of the one who raised Jesus from the dead… will give life to your mortal bodies also, through his Spirit dwelling in you.” destroyed, the land laid waste, and the leaders of the people taken into captivity. But Ezekiel proclaims that the Lord will restore his people. Just as the Lord breathed the breath of life in to the molded clay and Adam became a living being, so now the Lord sends his spirit into the dry bones of Israel that it may live. // The Lord restores his people to life. Jesus, in the power of God, restores Lazarus to life. But these events are only a figure of the gift of life which comes through the death and resurrection of Jesus. In him we have been freed from the law of sin and death (Rom 8:2). Baptized into his death, we believe that we will live with his life through the Spirit of God dwelling in us (cf. Rom. 6:3-11). “ We are God’s children now, what we shall later be has not yet come to light. We know that when it comes to light we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2). 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 – Ed Mauger by Wife, Sylvia WED – John Rodgers by Tom Bosack THU – Mary and Bill Renninger by Son, Ron and Mary Ellen FRI – Leo Owsinski by Wife, Helen and Family SAT – 4:00 PM – Mary Straiges by Straiges Family SUN – 8:30 AM – Jill Kuehn by Kuehn Family 10:30 AM – Betty Dean Renninger and Mary and George Dean by Theresa and Frank Grigalonis ******************************************************************************************************************************************** THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: Give me justice, O God,/ and plead my cause against a nation that is faithless./ From the deceitful and cunning rescue me,/ for you, O God, are my strength. (Cf. Ps 43 (42):1-2) THE FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT, April 6 –SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM.Don’t wait until Holy Week to make a good Confession. 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 CHARLES and PATRICIA FORNEY for hosting the Family Prayer Chalice for Vocations this week. Sign up in Church Vestibule or call 570-399-5056. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: Our families can become wrapped up chasing things we perceive will make us happy. Jesus’ words to Lazarus, He says to us: “Come out” from what entombs you. In this fifth week of Lent “untie” yourself and be free from unnecessary possessions. PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: “Nothing we do to defend the human person, no matter how small, is ever unfruitful or forgotten. Our actions touch other lives and move other hearts in ways we can never fully understand in this world. Don’t ever underestimate the beauty and power of the witness you give in your pro-life work.”  Archbishop Charles Chaput. STEWARDSHIP: “Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?”  (John 11:40). Many of us say that we believe in God. We go to church on Sunday. We volunteer for events at our parish. But when life gets hard, the pressure is on, things aren’t going our way, do we really believe, do we really put our trust in the Lord? When we live a life of gratitude, being thankful for the gifts we have been given, we really do see that God is providing all that we need. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $3,079; Expenses: $8,478.50. Thank you for your generosity! 0. The raising of Lazarus is the final sign, the final great miracle, in the Gospel of John. Paradoxically, even as the death of Lazarus works for the glory of God (John 11:4), his restoration to life leads to the death of Jesus (11:46-53). The battle lines are drawn for these final weeks of Lent. Death seems to conquer, but the dying itself holds the seed of life. // At the time of the Babylonian exile the people of Israel seemed to be dead. The temple had been LENTEN CHARITIES: (1) ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY – Your donation of all TYPES OF CANNED MEATS 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 Haiti. We are encouraged to reflect on the Catholic social teaching principle, Call to Family, Community and Participation, and reminded that, as social beings, we are called to seek God together. Let us pray this week for our brothers and sisters in Haiti and all around the world, that our families and communities may be strengthened and blessed. Our Parish’s ORB Contributions: Fourth Sunday of Lent: $870. (3) SISTERS’ LENTEN GIVING TREE – Select a cross and donate the suggested item. Your gift will be forwarded to elderly and retired Women Religious whose congregations have served our Diocese. Return your gifts by next Sunday, Palm Sunday, April 13. (4) Your Personal Lenten Self-denial for OUR Parish – Your Lenten sacrifices for your Parish will be collected during Holy Week. There is a special Lenten Envelope in your boxes. Please be supportive! LENTEN VOTIVES:(1) SANCTUARY: IMO Jean Doran (Birthday) by Daughter, Ellen. (2) ALTARS: BVM: For the Health of George Homaand Special Intention by Wife and Family; IMO Michael and Anna Orlosky; IMO Ed Mauger by Wife, Sylvia. (3) OTHER:ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. REREDOS NICHE: IMO Fr. Joseph F. Reilly by Parents. Call 570-544-2211 to memorialize votives. EASTER (APRIL) VISITATION OF THE SICK: Father Leo will bring Holy Communion and hear Confessions for the sick and shut-in of our Parish. Call 570-544-2211 to add someone to our list.. TUESDAY, April 8 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, the Good Shepherd Building. Call our coordinator of Religious Education, Rosalie Novack (570-544-2211), with questions. ABSENCES MUST BE REPORTED! WEDNESDAY, April 9 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients/caregivers. LENTEN FOOD PREPARATION: 12:00 Noon, Parish Center, Peel Onions. You help would be appreciated! (570-544-5485) 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. See you and your family there! 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! Turn away from sin and be faithful to the Gospel! MONDAY, April 7 – LENTEN FOOD PREPARATION: 9:00 AM,P. C., Prepare Vegetables for Soup. Please lend us a hand!

2. GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex. LENTEN DEVOTIONS: Eucharistic Holy Hour and CONfessions followed 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! THURSDAY, April 10 – “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR REHEARSAL: Call 570-544-2355 for rehearsal times. FRIDAY, April 11 – 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: 7:40 AM. We will pray the Sorrowful Mysteries. Please join us! ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST LENTEN DINNERS: Russell Building, Pottsville. New England Clam Chowder, Full Salad Bar, choice of Macaroni and Cheese, fish or crab cake, vegetables, Baked/Mashed Potatoes, Homemade Dessert, Beverage. $8 to $16. 570-622-5470. HELPERS OF GOD’S PRECIOUS INFANTS PRAYER PILGRIMAGE: 8:00 AM Mass at Notre Dame of Bethlehem followed by Rosary after Mass at the AWC abortion facility with The Most Rev. John O. Barres, Bishop of Allentown. NATIVITY BVM H.S. 2014 CENTURY BENEFIT: Welcoming hour with Bishop Barres, 6:00 PM; Dinner, 7:00PM, with induction of the golden Cross Society members. Dancing follows. Schuylkill Country Club, Orwigsburg. $125 per person. Call 570-622-8110 for tickets. PASCHAL FESTIVAL: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, St. Mary Church, Hamburg. Easter and seasonal foods, homemade baked goods, candy, soups, refreshments, crafts, decorated eggs, braided palm and more! Call 610-562-7657 for more information. PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD, April 13 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM. THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): MARY JANE APPLEBY will host the FPC this week. Call 570-399-5056 or sign-up in the Church Vestibule. We need host families for May. DRAMATIC STATIONS OF THE CROSS PRESENTATION: St. John the Baptist Church, Pottsville. Doors open at 6:30 PM; Prelude begins at 7:15 PM; Stations begin 7:30 PM. No admission charge; Free will offering. Call 570-622-5470 for more information. SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) FUEL: Your contribution will help defray the cost of heating oil for all parish buildings. (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. ***************************************************************************************************************************************************************** MINISTERS AT MASS FOR PALM SUNDAY OF THE PASSION OF THE LORD OFF. PROCESSIONLECTORS EUCH. MINISTERSALTAR SERVERS SAT 4:00 PM StraigesFamily Mary Ann Harrison Ed Davis Frank Melenchick Frank Melenchick Anthony Lutchkus SUN 8:30 AM Kuehn Family John Andruchek Al Boris Emily Purcell Nicole Forney Daniel Dougherty 10:30 AM Renninger Family Sharon Kolenick Lori Hoffman Alexandra Eades Theresa Kroznuski Fletcher Eades ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************* COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar! APRIL 23 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex. APRIL 27 – ROAST BEEF DINNER: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, St. Michael Church Hall, Minersville. $10 adult; $5 child. Dinner includes: Beef, mashed potatoes, corn, coleslaw or applesauce, roll and homemade dessert. Call 570-544-6853 or 570-544-4741 to get tickets. May 1 – THE EDWARD T. MALESKAS SCHOLARSHIP FUND: Registered members of the former Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Minersville, PA can request a tuition aid/scholarship application for the 2014-2015 school year for Catholic elementary and high school students and students who attend a Catholic or secular college. Applications are available by writing directly to the trustee, Rev. Msgr. Daniel J. Yenushosky, Holy Trinity Rectory, 4102 S. Church St., Whitehall, PA 18052 or e-mail the request to danyen1977@aol.com. Please indicate which application is needed: elementary, high school and/or college. If possible, please e-mail the request. The application will be sent by way of an e-mail attachment. Completed applications are TODAY! +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ EASTER FLOWERS AND VIGILS: We would appreciate your help in decorating our Church and its Altars with flowers ($10 donation would be helpful) and vigils ($5 offering per candle) for Holy Week and Easter. Flower offerings can be placed in the First Collection ASAP. Remember to write your intentions on the envelope. Vigil arrangements can be made by calling the Rectory (570-544-2211) Monday through Friday. PARISH MEMORIAL SOCIETY: We gratefully acknowledge the following donations: IMO LEONA WITKOWSKI: $25 from M/M D. Wachter; $20 from M/M John Kramer, Jr. IMO THELMA CAZONIE: $10 from EllamaeKrusnoski. IMO JENNIE WENTZ: $10 each from Larry and Jackie Beach, Joe Hudock. IMO THOMAS J. MORAN: $50 from Tom Bosack. IMO HELEN T. DEMCHER: $20 from Michael A. Makara. IMO ELIZABETH SERICOLA: $10 from Charles Keller and Theresa and Harold Smith. IMO JOHN C. RODGERS: $50 from Tom Bosack; $36 from Susan Fuchs, M.D. IMO MARY KLEIN: $50 from Henry Wiscount; $25 each from Preston Frontz, Cindy and Dan O’Boyle, Barbara Warner, Frank Miller, Jr. IMO SOPHIE KUCHTA: $50 from M/M Ed Siminitus and Family; $30 from Yakobosky Family; $25 each from Barbara and Francis Reilly, Harry and Karen Seador, Richard and Theresa Shanoskie, Don, Peggy and Christopher Butler, Katherine Chelak, Robin and Don Melochick, Beverly, Nick, Kristin and Alexis Hutzel; $20 each from Joe and Marie Palerino, Gloria Paltanavage, Nick and Maria Quinn, Joyce Holohan, Rick and Karen Shanoskie; $15 from Diane Barton; $10 each from M/M Joseph Yarashus, Lucy Barnetsky, Paul and Jean Kabana, Francis and Vinnie Roscoe, Anna Hudock, Matt and Deb Sinkovich, John and Clista Hudock, Michelle Lescavage, Rosalie Novack, EleanoreSkarbinski, Stella Chicora, Catherine Bosack. ASSUMPTION BVM PRE-SCHOOL: Accepting registrations for the 2014-2015 school year. Offering 2, 3 and 5 day and after school care program. Half-day and full-day sessions for 3, 4 and 5 year olds . All denominations welcome! Call 570-622-0106 to register. POTTSVILLE HOMELESS SHELTER SEEKING VOLUNTEERS: To assist at the temporary Homeless Shelter located at the United Methodist Church, West Market Street, Pottsville. Training is available. Call 570-573-0036 for more information. ADDRESS CHANGES: Call the Rectory (570-544-2211) if you are moving or relocating so we can update our records. Please save us the expense of undeliverable letters. It is a matter of courtesy to your Parish. Thank you for your cooperation! WEDNESDAY, April 9 – LENTEN FOOD PREPARATION: 9:00 AM, Parish Center, Prepare Halushki. Please help! (570-544-5485) LAST 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) 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. Help is needed to Tally business orders in morning; Pack business and individual orders; Deliver business orders 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM; Serve eat-in customers 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM; Serve desserts, coffee, tea, soda, water; Cook pierogi; 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 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. SATURDAY, April 12 – HOLY WEEK: The Church Year’s Holiest Week begins with our main Palm Sunday Liturgy and Procession at 4:00 PM today. Please make time to attend this Mass and all the major Liturgies of Holy Week and Easter. Show your love for God by your attendance! Pastoral Note: SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:00 PM. APRIL 17 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH 50/50 DRAWING: $2 each or 3 for $5. Call Joe (570-621-8269) or Rectory (570-544-2211). APRIL 23 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ MOUNT AIRY CASINO BUS TRIP: Pay $25; Rebate $25.Includes free buffet and free Starbucks coffee. Bus leaves R&J 8:00 AM; Quandel’s in Minersville 8:30 AM. Bus departs casino 4:00 PM. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413). MAY 1 – 31 – SPRING FLING CALENDAR DRAWINGS: 31 Days of prizes, cash and gifts. One winner per day. Winners are eligible to win every day of the month. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or the Rectory (570-544-2211).