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St. Matthew Catholic Church

10703 Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, TX 78230-2499

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING (All Offices) (210) 478-5000

ST. MATTHEW CATHOLIC SCHOOL (210) 478-5099

NET ADDRESS: http://www.stmatts.org

“The mission of St. Matthew Catholic Church is to be a welcoming community that encounters Christ through prayer, sacraments, and charitable service.”

XXVVIX No. 1

St. Matthew Catholic Church 10703 Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, Texas 78230-2499 210 478-5000

NET ADDRESS: www.stmatts.org

PASTORAL COUNCIL PRESIDENT 478-5000 Dr. Jennifer Grenardo, Ed.D. grenardo@comcast.net FINANCE COUNCIL 325-3292 Chris Carmona BUILDING COMMITTEE 492-2401 Bob Mason SCHOOL COUNCIL PRESIDENT Michael Martinez 558-9117 SCHOOL PRINCIPAL 478-5099 Alvin Caro SCHOOL PTC Christiane Garcia, President 316-4356 cdperkins716@yahoo.com ALTAR SERVERS Richard and Carrie Fuhrmann 492-2064 CATECHESIS-EDUCATION 478-5000 Sister Therese Gleitz (Children) 478-5010 Mari Vallone ( Liturgy w/Children) 478-5019 Michelle Weekley (High School Coordinator) 478-5011 Gail Dereszewski, (Adult Education/RCIA Director) 478-5004 Beth Duarte (Adult Education Ministries/ACTS) 478-5006 Deacon Norman Kutschenreuter 478-5060 (Annulments and Convalidations) COUNSELORS 478-5000 Maria Leavy Hoelscher, Ph.D., LMFT 478-5005 Judith Poston, LCSW 478-5016 Mari Gonzalez, M.Ed., LPC 478-5018 COMMENTATORS/LECTORS 857-8025 Danny Padron EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS 342-0351 Deacon Wilbur Hoelscher (Senior Deacon) 478-5013 HOSPITALITY 641-7670 Richard Loza MUSIC COORDINATOR 478-5000 Sister Therese Gleitz 478-5010

OFFICE HOURS PHONE PARISH ADMINISTRATION Mon-Fri 8am to 7pm, Sat 9am-12N 478-5000 SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION Mon-Fri 8am to 4pm 478-5099 SENIOR NUTRITION CENTER Mon-Fri 8:30 am-12:30 pm 478-5024 SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL Tues-Sat 8:00 am to 12:00 pm (Noon) 478-5020

PASTOR 478-5000 Rev. Dennis D. Aréchiga PRIESTS 478-5000 Rev. Michel Bineen, CICM Rev. Jake Empereur, SJ DEACONS Deacon Wilbur Hoelscher (Senior Deacon) 342-0351 Deacon Pete Cuellar 410-7591 Deacon Tom Fox 521-3377 Deacon Alonzo Guzman, Jr. 558-6294 Deacon Tom Houle 865-0092 Deacon Norman Kutschenreuter 525-8245 Deacon Rafael Lara 601-0800 Deacon Gabriel Mendiola 478-5000 Deacon Michael Nealis 478-5000 Deacon Oscar Vela, Jr. 413-1463 RETIRED DEACONS Deas Ernesto Garza, Keith Werner, Roberto Rios ADMINISTRATION STAFF 478-5000 Paul Canales (Business Manager) 478-5007 Bernard Zarazua (Facilities Manager) 478-5001 Kay Moczygemba (Pastor/Priests/Parish Secretary) 478-5003 Ginger Wurz (Catechesis Secretary) 478-5008 Ursula Flowe (Bookkeeper) 478-5014 Georgia Wall (Senior Center Manager) 478-5017 Bruce Orey (Consolation Ministry) 478-5036 Chris Juarez, (Parish Athletic Director) 478-5027 Bill Cancel (Refugee Ministry) 478-5029

WORSHIP SERVICE WEEKEND MASS Saturday 5:30 pm Sunday 7:30, 9:15, 11 am, 11:15 am McDonald Family Center Gym Children’s Liturgy of the Word & Eucharist, 12:45 pm (All Spanish Mass ) and 6:00 pm DAILY MASS Church Mon.—Fri. 6:00, 8:15 am , 12:05 & 6:00 pm; Sat., 8:15 am Chapel of Eucharistic Adoration Always Open Penance Wednesday 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Saturday 4:00 - 5:30 pm Church (Or you may make an appointment with one of the parish priests) Anointing of the Sick SECOND Sunday 2:00 pm and Also on First Friday following 12:05 pm Prayer Groups English Thursday 7:00 pm Espanol Monday 8:00 pm Novena to Miraculous Medal Tuesday 7:30 pm

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PARISH ORGANIZATIONS MEETING DAY TIME Blessed Sacrament & Altar Society 1st Wednesday 10:00 a.m. ACTS Core Group 1st Mon 7:00 p.m. Athletic Association 1st Thursday 7:30 p.m. Cancer Support Group 4th Monday 7:00 p.m. Catholic Daughters of America 3rd Monday 7:00 p.m. Children’s Liturgy of the Word Sundays (MCDFCenter Gym) 9:15 a.m.

Children’s Mass Sundays(MCDFCenter Gym)11:15 a.m.

Choirs - ACTS Sundays 7:30 a.m. Adults Wednesdays 7:30 p.m. Bilingual Tuesdays 8:00 p.m. Children’s Saturdays 4:30 p.m. Family Folk Sundays 5:00 p.m. Youth Sundays 10:00 a.m. Christian Meditations Wednesdays7-8p.m. 445-1107 Confraternity of Our Lady of Guadalupe 1st Sunday 11:00 a.m. Finance Council 3rdWednesday 7:00 p.m. Faith Based Mental Health Support 3rd Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree 1st Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Knights of Columbus 4th Degree 3rd Thursday 7:00 p.m. Legion of Mary Monday 7:00 p.m. Thursday 6:30 p.m.

PARISH ORGANIZATIONS MEETING DAY TIME Men’s Club – Holy Name Society 2nd Monday 7:00 p.m. Novena of the Miraculous Medal Tuesdays 7:30 p.m. Parish Pastoral Council 2nd Wednesday 7:00 p.m. Perpetual Adoration Mike Robles 579-0716 Prayer Group (English) Thursdays 7:00 p.m. Refugee Ministry 4th Thursday 478-5029 Respect Life Ministry Deacon Pete Cuellar 410-7591 School Council 3rd Tuesday 7:00 p.m. SCOTS(Dolores Mc Atee) Twice Monthly 340-5449 Scouts (Boys) Stephen Tipps 694-0152 Scouts – Cubs Charles Butcher 437-3057 Scouts -Girl Sharon Beiter 275-6461 Society of St. Vincent de Paul Tuesday-Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 12 Noon Spanish Prayer Group Mondays 8:00-9:00 p.m. St. Matthew’s Mission Group 2nd Tuesday 7PM 344-7310 St. Matthew’s Singles (40+) Thursdays (VJ House) 7:00 p.m. Transportation Ministry 2-3 Days’ Notice 478-5000 VIP Club (Mature Adults) 4th Tuesdays 7:00 p.m. Widow/Widower 1st & 3rd Tuesday 7:00 p.m. YC 3 (Young Adults 25-40) Beth Duarte 478-5006

QUICK MESSAGE-INFORMATION dial 478-5098 please press Emergency Line for Sickness/Sickness ONLY 1 Prayer Petition Line 2 Mass and Confession Schedule 4 Infant Baptism 5 Marriage (6 Months Marriage Preparation Required) 6 CYO Athletic 478-5027 Senior Nutrition Center 478-5017 RCIA/Adult Confirmation 478-5004

PASTOR’S MESSAGE January 1st greets us with the chance to start the New Year with a clean slate. We can let go of the sorrows, hurts, disappointments and lost opportunities of the past year and open ourselves to new possibilities. Yet since we are creatures of habit, our challenge may be to just focus on one or two things to take on, risking a disruption of our usual routines to focus on new growth. It’s a good time to reflect upon what would be a worthy and new spiritual habit to form. There are endless possibilities: we can set aside a spe-cific time for prayer each day; we can choose to do some spiritual reading on scripture, the Catechism, a religious author or the life of a saint; we can seek to become engaged in a charitable ministry of which there are so many to choose. Here is a quote from St.

John of the Cross: “Where there is no love, put love, and you will draw love out.” Even reading a few lines from the writings of the saints can infuse new life in our souls. Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God. As we focus on our Blessed Mother, we seek to emulate her great sense of trust in God’s designs for her life. Ted Wolgamot in the Journal Cele-bration shares the following reflection on Mary in relation to this Sunday’s Gospel from Luke 2:16-21. “Luke asks us to make our hearts like Mary’s . . . to resolve to notice the angels that appear in our lives; to resolve to welcome the shepherds of today – the poorest of the poor; to resolve to open our hearts to new possibilities, new beginnings, new dreams. On this first day of the new year, let us resolve to make the heart of Mary our own. Let us promise ourselves that we will clean out a room in our hearts so there will always be space for God to be wrapped in the swaddling clothes of our love and our trust- a space within us in which the child Jesus can be re-born.” - - Fr. Dennis

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Parents and Godparents/Sponsors are required to attend all of the monthly classes chosen before or after the baby is born. St. Matthew Parishioners need to take the classes at St. Matthew’s. Pre-registration is required and “NO” late registra-tions will be accepted. Registration packets are available at the Administration Building. The child's state birth certificate is required. Godparents/Sponsors from another parish may attend classes in their own parish if they bring a letter or certificate of completion.

BAPTISM CLASSES

Baptismal Classes February 6, 13 (Parish Hall ) 7:30 p.m. Pre-registration by January 28 Group Baptisms Saturday, February 25 at 11:00 a.m. Parents & Godparents/Sponsors must be in the Church by 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 27 Church Office Opens at 8:00 a.m. Solemnity of Mary The Holy Mother of God Dec. 31 (Vigil Mass) 5:30 p.m. Jan. 1 7:30, 9:15,11:00, 11:15 a.m., 12:45 (Spanish) and 6:00 p.m. Jan. 4 Sacrament of Penance 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Jan. 6 Divine Mercy 3:00 p.m., Church

Our Parish family rejoices with you as you prepare for this life-long covenant of love. We know that these next months will be filled with many details planning for your wedding day. In order to help you prepare for your sacramental marriage, take time from your busy schedule as soon as possi-ble to contact Judith Poston at 478-5016 for Marriage Preparation. Together may you fol-low the way of love as Christ loved you. (Ephesians 5:2).

NEWLY ENGAGED?

CONGRATULATIONS!

Baptismal Classes January 9 & 23 (Parish Hall ) 7:30 p.m. Pre-registration by December 24 Group Baptisms Saturday, January 28 at 11:00 a.m. Parents & Godparents/ Sponsors must be in the Church by 10:30 a.m.

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DIVINE MERCY The led recitation of the Divine Mercy will begin again, in the church, on January 6th at 3:00 p.m. It will continue the first Friday of every month.

We pray you have a joyful and peaceful New Year. May the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

bless all our families now and thru 2017.

Fr. Dennis, Fr. Michel, Fr. Jake

W e offer our condolences and sympathies to the families of our parishioners who have recently died. Please remember them in your prayers. Sr. Brendan Donegan, PBVM, sister of Sr. Shelia Donegan, PBVM, and the

Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Matilda McDonald, mother of Deborah Fitzgerald Charlotte & Joel Flores, parents of Katie Burgess Algernon Reeder, father of Lea Laurel

It is important to cherish a pure thought of God, consciously imprinting it upon our memory as if it were a indelible seal. In this way we grow in love for God: it stirs us to fulfill (God’s) Command-ments and in so doing, the love of God in us is nurtured in perpetuity. - - Saint Basil

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Happy New Year!

Today on the first day of the year we celebrate the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God. Let us entrust this new year with all of our needs, intentions, and prayers to her most Immaculate Heart: Heavenly Father, You blessed the Virgin Mary with the fullness of grace. She is my model of faith, hope, and love. I give this new year to her intercession and ask for her holy prayers. Place my needs into the protection of her motherly love. We ask also for a special blessing over all our priests, dea-cons and religious. Bless them and keep them. May we all serve you faithfully, Lord, bringing about Your Kingdom on Earth. Amen.

VOCATIONS CORNER

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BUILDING THE FUTURE UPDATE The architect and engineers are now in the process of developing the detailed plans for both the gym and the road from Vance Jackson. Specific pricing of the various components will be done in January to allow the Building Committee to advise Fr. Dennis on the specific features to be included in the final work and adjust the scope as required to meet our budget. The current schedule is for the project to be formally bid this Spring in order to Begin construction in late spring. This would make possible a completion date for the 2018-2019 school year. Planning and design for the transformation of the McDonald Center into a true banquet facility could begin as soon as the current project is underway. This would allow for a completion of the banquet facility in early 2019.

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SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL OFFICE CLOSED The Saint Vincent de Paul office will be closed from December 16, 2017 until January 2, 2017. The office will reopen on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 at 8:00 AM. Please do not drop off donations during this time period because they will remain outside and will not be properly stored and distributed. We wish all of you a very Merry and Holy Christmas, and thank you for your continued support of our ministry.

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: Mary, the Holy Mother of God; The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord; World Day of Prayer for Peace; New Year’s Day Monday: Ss. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen Tuesday: The Most Holy Name of Jesus Wednesday: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Thursday: St. John Neumann Friday: St. André Bessette; First Friday Saturday: St. Raymond of Penyafort; First Saturday; Julian Calendar Christmas

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION “Octave” comes from the Latin word for “eight,” and since eight is one step beyond seven, the number of days in a week, it has long been seen as a symbol of perfection, completion, and new beginnings. Early Christians called Sunday the “eighth day,” since it was the day after the Sabbath and a day of resurrected life, the Lord’s Day. By the seventh century, people regarded the eight days after Easter Sunday as one great day, an octave, one glorious feast when peo-ple were forbidden to fast or kneel. In the seventh century, Pentecost acquired an Oc-tave, too. Christmas didn’t claim the honor of a continuous feast, but it did get an Oc-tave Day. January 1 is the oldest Marian feast, the Octave of Christmas. It was origi-nally a feast of the motherhood of Mary, alt-hough for centuries until 1969 it was called the Feast of the Circumcision. Our reformed calendar follows the earlier tradition of cele-brating Mary as Mother of God. —James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Prayer of Pope Benedict XVI for the World Day of Peace (Jan. 1, 2007) To the Queen of Peace, the Mother of Jesus Christ "our peace" (Eph 2:14), I entrust my urgent prayer for all humanity at the begin-ning of the year . . . to which we look with hearts full of hope, notwithstanding the dan-gers and difficulties that surround us. May Mary show us, in her Son, the Way of peace, and enlighten our vision, so that we can recognize Christ's face in the face of every human person, the heart of peace!

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HOW DO YOU MEET A FRANCISCAN SISTER? Catholic Women in Your 20’s and 30’s – Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity serve in Catholic health care, education and parishes/outreach in the Southwest, Central and Midwest U.S. We’ll be in San Antonio January 4 and 5th and would be glad to meet for an informal vocation conversation. Call or text Sr. Julie Ann at 920-323-9632, or visit us at https://fscc-calledtobe.org/ .

RESPECT LIFE Wednesday, January 4th is the Respect Life prayer service at 7:00 pm at Holy Spir it church. All are invited and encouraged to bring someone new with them. Let us pray that this will be a good year for pro-life causes.

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SAVE THE DATE !!

CATHOLIC MEN’S CONFERENCE - Discover your strength in Christ & receive spiritual tools to live your faith! Register now for the 12th Annual Pilgrim Center of Hope’s Catholic Men’s Confer-ence - Saturday, March 18th. Share the day with Archbishop Gustavo, Supreme Knight, Carl A. Anderson and other speakers! Included: Healing Service, speakers, resources, confession, lunch and more! Register at www.CMCSanAntonio.com or call (210) 521-3377 for registration infor-mation or questions. Group rates available! JOURNEY WITH US - to see Our Lady of Guadalupe and St. Michael in Mexico City. This pilgrim-age will take you to Tepeyac Hill where the Blessed Mother appeared to Juan Diego and visit the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and other special destinations on May 21-26, 2017. Join us for this unique customize pilgrimage and opportunity to seek spiritual renewal, healing and other ex-traordinary graces. For more information call (210) 521-3377, or go to www.pilgrimcenterofhope.org.

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School Office Hours are: 7:30 a.m.— 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday

Please contact Bonnie Marx, 478-5044 for more information.

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The Lord bless you

and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you;

and be gracious to

you; the Lord

turn His face toward you and give you

peace.” Numbers 6:25-26

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For more information, please contact Bill Cancel at (210) 838-4485) (cell) / (210) 478-5029 (office).,

or e-mail: wcancel@stmatts.org.

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2017 Date Nights

CLASES DE CONFIRMACION La Iglesia de San Mateo estará iniciando sus clases de Confirmación para mayores de 18 años el 6 de enero, 2017 en el salón 104 del McDonald Center de 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. El curso consta de diez sesiones y la última será el 10 de marzo, también habrá un retiro el sábado 4 de marzo. Su sacramento lo recibirán en la Parroquia de San Mateo a fines de abril o principios de mayo. Habrá un costo de $30.00 para cubrir los materiales. Las personas interesadas favor de hablar a: Lupita Ramos: 210-288-9748 Rosaura Davis: 210-215-8327

ST. MATTHEW SENIOR CENTER IS OPEN MONDAY THRU FRIDAY FROM 7 AM UNTIL NOON. MEMBERSHIP IS OPEN TO ANY SENIOR WHO IS 60 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER, AND WHO RESIDES IN BEXAR COUNTY. OUR GOAL IS TO PROVIDE A SAFE, FRIENDLY, AND INTERESTING PLACE WHERE OUR SENIOR CITIZENS CAN COME AND SPEND SOME TIME WITH OTHER SENIORS. NEW FRIENDSHIPS HAVE BEEN MADE AND SOME OLD FRIENDSHIPS HAVE BEEN RENEWED. VARIOUS ACTIVITIES ARE SPONSORED BY ST. MATTHEW PARISH DURING THE MORNING HOURS. THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, SENIOR SERVICES DIVISION, PROVIDES THE CENTER MEMBERS WITH A NUTRITIOUS LUNCH FROM 11:15 AM TO 11:30 AM EVERY DAY. OUR SENIOR CENTER IS NOT CAPABLE OF CARING FOR THOSE SENIORS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS. MEMBERS OF ST. MATTHEW SENIOR CENTER NEED TO BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE SENIOR CENTER WITHOUT REQUIRING SPECIALIZED ATTENTION TO THEIR NEEDS. Pre-registration is required for the lunch program. If you are interested in becoming a member, or have any questions concerning the Senior Center, please call the Senior Center at 210-478-5024.

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES The following activities start at 9:00 AM and end at 11:00 AM. Monday – Bingo Tuesday – Quilting Group (Quilting group is filled to capacity. No new members will be accepted at this time. No instruction is offered with this group) Tuesday - Bunco, Dominoes, Light exercise class (on designated days) Wednesday, - Bingo. Wednesday - Quilting Group for beginners to experienced quilters. This group works to produce charity quilts or members are invited to work on their own projects.

Thursday – Jewelry Making, Mexican dominoes, Art Group Friday – Bingo UPCOMING DAYS OF CLOSURE MONDAY, JANUARY 16 – MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR., HOLIDAY FRIDAY, JANUARY 20 – CITY WIDE MANAGERS’ MEETING ART GROUP The Senior Center Art Group meets on Thursday mornings in the Parish Hall from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM. If you are 60 years of age, or older and like to paint, come and join this very friendly, and talented group on Thursday morning. The Senior Center hosts a very talented group of artists whose creations have won awards throughout the city. Instruction is offered with this class. Don’t delay! Come and spend a couple of relaxing hours on Thursday mornings with this dedicated group of seniors. HAIRCUTS FOR SENIORS Haircuts for seniors are offered in the Senior Center EVERY MONDAY, between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM. The price for haircuts is $7.00. Haircuts are given on a first come, first serve basis. JEWELRY CLASS (For seniors 60 years young or a little older) If you like to be creative and if you like jewelry, this is the place for you to come on Thursday mornings. This class is open to both men and women. Bring your own beads and your own jewelry tools. Meet other creative, talented individuals who share your same interest in jewelry. Make new friends while sharing your ideas and learning from others. No donations are required. Instruction is offered on the 2nd Thursday of each month only. Call 210 478-5024 for more information, or just show up on the designated Thursday mornings.

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WIDOW/WIDOWER: COPING WITH LOSS GROUP

Grieving is a very powerful emotional journey that helps you adapt to drastic changes in your life. Sharing and walking with others who have experienced this type of loss is very helpful and healing. This support group meets the first and third Tuesday of every month in Rm. 104, MFC. For more information, please contact Lupe and/or Bruce Orey, 348-6199.

DIVINE MERCY CENACLE Welcomes you to participate in an evening of song, prayer, discussion of Scripture and the writings of St.

Faustina. This devotional community gathers on the second and fourth Monday of each month in the McDonald Family Center Rm. 104, from 7:00 — 8:30 p.m.

Contact: Glen & Charlotte Jones, 479-0039.

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Call Michelle Weekley at 478-5011 to register.

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February 4 & 5, 2017, after all Masses

Our own St. Vincent de Paul

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YOUTH MINISTRY NEWS

Never, never, never give up! Take one day at a time!

UPCOMING EVENTS

1. January 18 – High School Parent Appreciation Dinner – 6:00 pm in the MFC Gym – Dinner prep – January 17 at 6:00 pm in the MFC Kitchen – come join us for an evening of appreciation for our High School Youth Group Parents. Invitations will be sent out shortly. 2. January 21 – 10 am to 3 pm in the Parish Hall – Confirmation Day of Reflection #3 – High School Confirmation Candidates must attend with their sponsors. You must register with Michelle Weekley at 378-5011 to be able to attend this day retreat. 3. January 22 – 7 pm in the Church – High School Confirmation Evening of Entrustment – Special Ceremony for High School Confirmation Candidates and their Sponsors. This event is mandatory for all Confirmation Candidates. Family are also welcome to attend. 4. January 28 – 6:30 pm in the Parish Hall – Youth Ministry Family Movie Night – “The Secret Life of Pets.” Come join us for a free movie night in the Parish Hall, bring the whole family. Free Lemonade and popcorn, bring your pillows and blankets. 5. February 4 – Youth Spectacular – 8 am to 6 pm at St. Mary’s – Cost only $20 for lunch and a t-shirt. More information to come soon. Available for all High School and Middle School students to attend. Call Michelle Weekley for more information. 6. February 4 & 5 – Souper Bowl of Caring – after all masses except 6 pm on Sunday – Help the youth of the par ish to collect money for our very own St. Vincent de Paul at a time when the most money is spent on food to watch the big game, while many families don’t even have a warm bowl of soup to eat. Won’t you help? **Service hour opportunity**

RELIGIOUS ED CLASSES (FRESHMAN AND CONFIRMATION) Classes started Sunday, September 18th and are held in the St. Matthew’s School from 7:15 pm to 8:30 pm. No more registrations will be taken after September 25th. ALL OF OUR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION TEACHERS ARE VOLUNTEERS. STUDENTS SHOULD GO TO THE CAFETERIA TO FIND OUT WHICH CLASSROOMS THEY WILL BE ASSIGNED TO. Call Michelle Weekley if you have any questions at 210-478-5011. Class Schedule for January: January 1 – No classes due to New Year’s Break January 8 – Classes in session January 15 – No classes due to Martin Luther King Day

January 22 – No classes due to Evening of Entrustment for Confirmation Candidates (see above) January 29 – Classes in session

T3: The Teen Bible Timeline

Join us for T3: The Teen Bible Timeline, a Bible study for teens by Mark Hart. Mark Hart makes the Bible come alive for Catholic teens by unpacking God’s Word in a way they can relate to and understand. T3 teaches teens the Bible following the fascinating story of Scripture and showing the “big picture” of salvation history. You will come to see the Bible as a relevant part of your life! Take this time to learn more about your faith and how it evolved! Call Michelle Weekley at 478-5011 for more information. Class Schedule for January: January 1 – No classes due to New Year’s Break January 8 – Classes in session January 15 – No classes due to Martin Luther King Day

January 22 – No classes due to Evening of Entrustment for Confirmation Candidates (see above) January 29 – Classes in session

RCIA FOR TEENS This program is designed for any teenager who would like to know more about the Catholic faith, as well as for any teenager who would like to prepare to receive the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist, and Confirmation. If a teen has been baptized, but has not received first Eucharist or Confirmation, these classes will guide him/her through the preparation process for these sacraments. Classes started September 18th. If you have any questions, please call Michelle Weekley at 478-5011. Class Schedule for January: January 1 – No classes due to New Year’s Break January 8 – Class in session Cont. next page

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Youth Ministry Cont. January 15 – Class in session January 22 – Class in session January 29 – Class in session

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP Youth Group is for all teenagers who are classified as High School students. The meetings are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. at 11039 Vance Jackson Dr. (the pink brick house just past the fire station). If you are interested in joining with a group who share your Catholic Christian beliefs, come and be a part of the great social and spiritual activities that members of the Youth Group participate in. There is free food too!!! Call Michelle Weekley at 478-5011 for additional information. Meeting for January: January 4 – Meeting 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the VJ January 11 – Meeting 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the VJ January 17 – Prep for Parent Appreciation dinner – 6:00 till done in MFC Kitchen January 18 – Parent Appreciation dinner – 6:00 to 8:00 pm in the MFC Gym January 25 – Meeting 6:00 – 8:00 pm at the VJ

MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP T.A.G (Tweens and God)

If you are a middle schooler and would like the opportunity to share in social and spiritual activities with your friends, we meet twice a month from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Vance Jackson House (11039 Vance Jackson – the pink house just past the fire station). We have all kinds of fun things to do, and we feed you too! If you would like to come and join us please call Michelle Weekley at 478-5011. See you there! Meetings for January: January 8 – Celebrate Epiphany - 5 to 6:30 pm at the VJ January 29 – Meeting from 5:00 to 6:30 pm at the VJ

FREEDOM FINDERS – YOUNG ADULT GROUP If you are 18 years of age and older, and want to connect with Christ and old friends, as well as meet new people in your St. Matthew Community?! Well, then come join the Freedom Finders Young Adult Group! Our goal is to continue to strengthen and intensify our relationship with each other as Brothers and Sisters in Christ. We will address current issues, hot topics and participate in activities that will rejuvenate our urge to serve The Lord and our community. We meet on Mondays from 7 – 9 pm at the Vance Jackson House (11039 Vance Jackson) Meeting for January: January 2 – Meditation with Jennifer – 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the VJ January 9 – Meeting 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the VJ January 16 – No Freedom Finders due to Martin Luther King Day January 23 – Meeting 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the VJ January 30 – Meeting 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the VJ

VOCATIONS PRAYER FOR JANUARY Loving God, Creator of the Universe, you have gifted me with life. You call me to be a light to the world through Baptism. Help me to brighten our world by sharing my gifts in the service of others and respecting all creation. I ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.

PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR Heavenly Father, as we stand at the beginning of this new year we confess our need of Your presence and Your guidance as we face the future. We each have our hopes and expectations for the year that is ahead of us—but You alone know what it holds for us, and only You can give us the strength and the wisdom we will need to meet its challenges. So help us to humbly put our hands into Your hand, and to trust You and to seek Your will for our lives during this coming year. Amen.

ATTENTION YOUNG ADULTS

Did you grow up in St. Matthew’s Parish? Have you moved away from home? Gotten married? Perhaps have a family of your own now? Many of our young adults are still registered with their parents. If you do have a change of status, please contact the Administration Office, 478-5014. Our priests and staff can serve you better if our parish records are up-to-date. Thank you very much.

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PLEASE NOTE: WE WILL BE REVISING OUR PRAYER LIST THE WEEKEND OF JANUARY 7/8, 2017 IF YOU WANT A NAME TO REMAIN ON OUR LIST, PLEASE CALL 478-5008 AND LEAVE YOUR REQUEST ON THE

VOICE MAIL BEFORE DECEMBER 30, 2016 THANK YOU!

Baby Addison Marietta Alba Yasmein Alnawafleh Erasmo Alvarez, Jr. Socorro Alvarez Helen Rose Aréchiga Stella Arias Dolores Arismendez Stephanie Arroyo Kelly Bellanger Marlene Blake Edith Barbin Joan Bleir Rhiannon Bleir Robert Bleir Dinah Braun George Braun Reagan L. Breeding Betty Burke Charles Burke David Burke Julian Burke, Jr. Mary Ann Camero Jeannine Campion John “Jack” Carroll Steve Carroll Terri Carrington T. Chavez Viola Cobos T. Collins Bettie Conrad Salud Contreras Nancy Coolbaugh Donna Coppola M. Coward Ellie Crowe Rev. Tony Cummins Peggy Dangle Lisa De La Cruz Carmen De Leon John J. De Leon, Jr. Michael De Leon Phillip De Leon Gilbert delos Santos Margaret DeMunbrun Lupe Devlin Baby Sabrina Diaz Clara Maria DiBlasi David Dilley Joe Dominguez Sr. Brendan Donegan Sr. Shelia Donegan Julie Dotson Vicki Dotson Elizabeth Elliott Enrique Espinosa Eugenio Espinoza Elda Maria Estrada Teresa Estrada Veronica Nicole Finnie Michael Flaherty AB Patrick Flores Jacob Flores Justin Flowe Tracie Foreman Bill Forsythe Les Foster Louie Fuentes

Daniel Gallegos Ana R. Garcia Brian Joseph Garcia Emily Ann Garcia Sean David Garcia Joyce Gebhardt Albert Georges Georges Family Debra Germanario Kathleen Gillen Kathy Gisin Carmen Gomez Gasper & Lily Gongora J. Gonzalez Shirley Grossman Jerry Gueldner Cindy Hart Dale Hart, Jr. Dale Hart, III Lindsey Hart Alvah C. Hawkins Robert E. Hayden Kristen Helkey Christoph Henry Maureen Herbert Stafford Herbert Becky Heye Marcos Hill John Hoelscher Dan Houston Bob Jackson Moses Jang Josephine Johnson Dan Kana Helen C. Kaplow Betty Keeffe Doug Kohls Jerry Kohls Lou Konze Jane Lamm Deacon Rafael Lara Gael David Lara-Perez Lupe Leal Becky Leyva Camille Liebier Rick Liebier Dolores Ludolph Anne Manganelli Mary Beth Marsh Caroline Martinez Jason McClung Dorothy McGinnis Joe Medellin Grisel Mejia Rachel Meyer Diane Miller Todd Miller Lillie Moczygemba Cuca Montecel Oscar Morales Olga Moran Virginia Morrow Kenneth Narendorf Sr. Barbara Newton, RSM Kathy Nichols Cathy Oaks Rachel Olvera Bruce Orey

David Pearson Stephen Pepps Uva Perches Bea Perez Flor Perez Ricardo Tomas Perez Fr. Christopher Phillips Sue Porter Bill Pratt Grace Ramirez Roland Ramirez Nga Reh Ava M. Reyes Paula G. Reyers Jay Don Rider Cynthia Rios JoAnn Rodriguez Mary S. Rodriguez Elma Amanda Ruiz D. Russell John Ruttan Guadalupe Salazar Jerry Salsedo Armondo Segura Daniel Segura Diana Segura Jose Luis Segura Liza Segura Tonie Segura Stan Serafin Lucy Seta Wayne Slater Sylvia Smith Rose Sonnen Letty Stover Karen Sturdivant William Sutherland Louise Taylor & Family Joan Lamm Tennant Charlene Tonning Ethna Torres Manny Torres Stephanie Torres Kathy Toudouze Olga Garza Trevino Maurice Trial Maria Luisa Villarreal Joe Walker Carolyn Walton Irene Weber Anny Weekley Cres Wellman Tom Wenckens Juliana Wetmore Myra Wiatrek Jennifer Wimmer Sherri Wimmer Susan Wonder E. Wurz Msgr. Mike Yarbrough Bernard Zarazua Rose Mary Zepeda

Mon. — 6:00 a.m. — Deceased Members of the Doyle & Farrell Families Diego Pena (Recovery) Mon. — 8:15 a.m. — Perla Sarabia Proxy Prukop Mon. — 12:05 noon — Mereijeldo Fierro Frank de Llano Mon. — 6:00 p.m. — Jennifer Jabil (In Thanksgiving) Minoza Minoza (In Thanksgiving) Tues. — 6:00 a.m. — Les Rabb (Special Intention) Special Intention (Living & Deceased Family Members of Dolores Calderon) Tues. — 8:15 a.m. — Margarita & Luis Rivera Sr. Lucille Gardner (Special Intention) Tues. — 12:05 noon — Carlos Malta (Recovery) Daniel Gonzales (Birthday) Tues. — 6:00 p.m. — Vera Kahlig Ruth De La Garza Wed. — 6:00 a.m.— Rose Sonnen (Recovery) Sam Canton Wed. — 8:15 a.m. — Janice McMillan (Recovery) Lori Jenschke-Golla Wed. — 12:05 noon — Patrick Moran Bob Ferrill Wed. — 6:00 p.m. — Joseph Carabaza Carlos Gaitan Thurs. — 6:00 a.m. — Algernon L. Reeder Thurs. — 8:15 a.m. — Mercedes S. Velerio June Gorden (Recovery) Thurs. — 12:05 noon — Mauricia Ramos Rev. Joe Determann, OP Thurs. — 6:00 p.m. — Deacon Tony Rivera Mia S. Itchon Fri. — 6:00 a.m. — Sr. Brendan Donegan, PBVM Fri. — 8:15 a.m. — Jack Danysh Esther Pruneda Fri. — 12:05 noon — Antonia H. Vasquez Deceased Members of the Cisneros & Terrazas Families Fri. — 6:00 p.m. — Baltazar A. Seno (50th Birthday) Margaret Trejo Sat. — 8:15 a.m. — Amelia Zepeda Sat. — 5:30 p.m. — Paula Kaples Dr. Miguel Najera Sun. — 7:30 a.m. — Living & Deceased Members the Men’s Club/Holy Name Society For the Parishioners Sun. — 9:15 a.m. — Latifey & Sadig Hosseini Louis Granato Sun. — 11:00 a.m. — Mitch & Chrissy Finnie (Special Intention) Special Intention Sun. — 11:15 a.m. — For the Parishioners Sun. — 12:45 p.m. — Ernesto & Josefina M. Sierra Jesus & Maria Luisa Esparza Sun. — 6:00 p.m. — Brooks Hamilton Deceased Family Members of P. E. & Irene Sckloss

MASS REMEMBRANCES WEEK OF JANUARY 2—8, 2017

Remind me, God, to praise others. Praise revives the spirit — mine and theirs. Amen. A smile is the shortest distance between people.

LITURGY OF THE HOURS — Psalms II THE BLESSED SACRAMENT CANDLES will burn this week in loving memory of the deceased members of the Cancer Support Group. THE SANCTUARY LAMP will burn this week in loving memory of Sr. Brendan Marie, CCVI. MASS ATTENDANCE for : December 17/18, 2016 — 3,708.

FIRST FRIDAY January 7, 2017

Let us respond to the request of The Sacred Heart of Jesus through St. Margaret Mary: “Behold this Heart that loves so much and is so little loved in return.” Let us offer our Mass of reparation today for His consolation.

PRESIDER SCHEDULE JANUARY 7—8, 2017

Sat. — 5:30 p.m. — Fr. Michel Bineen, CICM Sun. — 7:30 a.m. — Fr. Charlie Banks, OMI Sun. — 9:15 a.m. — Fr. Jake Empereur, SJ Sun. — 11:00 a.m. — Msgr. Juan Alfaro Sun. — 11:15 a.m. — Fr. Michel Bineen, CICM Sun. — 12:45 p.m. — Msgr. Juan Alfaro Sun. — 6:00 p.m. — Fr. Michel Bineen, CICM

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 1:19-28 Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:29 — 3:6; Ps 98:1, 3cd-6; Jn 1:29-34 Wednesday: 1 Jn 3:7-10; Ps 98:1, 7-9; Jn 1:35-42 Thursday: 1 Jn 3:11-21; Ps 100:1b-5; Lk 4:14-22a Friday: 1 Jn 5:5-13; Ps 147:12-15, 19-20; Mk 1:7-11 or Lk 3:23-28 [23, 31-34, 36, 38] Saturday: 1 Jn 5:14-21; Sal 149:1-6a, 9b; Jn 2:1-11 Sunday: Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13; Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

HAS YOUR STATUS CHANGED? A new name? A change of address, home phone or work number? Maybe a new addition or deletion to the family? If so, be sure to let the Church Office know. Call 478-5014. It’s important to keep our records current.

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CHURCH NAME AND ADDRESS St. Matthew Church #515367 10703 Wurzbach Road San Antonio, TX 78230 TELEPHONE 210 478-5000 CONTACT PERSON Kay EMAIL: kay@stmatts.org SOFTWARE MSPublisher 2007 Adobe Acrobat X Windows XP PRINTER HP Laserjet CP2025 TRANSMISSION TIME SUNDAY DATE OF PUBLICATION January 1, 2017 NUMBER OF PAGES SENT 1 through 12 and 13through 22 1/2 SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS