THE FEAST OF THEEXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

SEPTEMBER 14, 2014 The Exaltation of the Cross consists in the fact that “the event of the Cross and Resurrection abides and draws everything toward life” (OCC 1085). We exalt Christ’s cross whenever we freely take it up, filled with the certainty that the ultimate meaning and fulfillment which we crave in life comes to usthrough this unending event. “With the crosswe are freed from the restraint of the enemy and we clutch on to the strength of salvation” (Saint Theodore the Studite). For salvation means escape from our own inability. At the same time, “we cannot produce or give any other fruit,” writes Saint Catherine of Sienna, “but the fruit we have taken from the tree of life.” No wonder that “the sign of the cross makes kings of all those reborn in Christ” (Saint Leo the Great).

Church, the Exaltation of the Cross. The feast was introduced at Rome in the seventh century. // The cross triumphant, both an icon of the Crucified and symbol of his exaltation, reminds us first of all that is by being executed as a criminal that Christ won his victory. It also proclaims that we must carry our cross and die with him. Thus we will live with the One who, lifted above the earth, draws all people to himself. // Jesus could have died in any number of ways, but he was nailed to the tree of the cross as if symbolism itself demanded it. Modern psychology has relearned what the ancients knew – that the tree is a symbol deeply rooted in the human psyche. We know ourselves to be planted like a tree in the history of generations. // It is the same with the cross. From the time of pagan antiquity it has had a cosmic significance. It evokes the whole universe with its four dimensions, its four cardinal points, its four elements. Christ’s death breathed new significance into this symbol. The totality of the redemptive mystery, the work of the Word present to all creation, was made manifest through the wood of the cross. In stretching out his arms, Jesus gathered Jews and Gentiles into a single people, expressing the width, the length, the height and depth of his love which surpasses all knowledge. // The history of salvation is played out between two trees – the tree of knowledge of good and evil and the tree of life planted in the middle of the garden. If we want to eat of the fruit of life, we must be converted to the wisdom of God and make no other claim to glory than the cross of Christ.

ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH

MINERSVILLE, PAwww.StMatthewTheEvangelistParish.org

Rectory Office Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 3:30 PMPhone: (570) 544-2211 Fax: (570) 544-2317

SAINT MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST WELCOMES ALLNo 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 AMMON – Bernard J. Lescavage, Sr. by Yolanda and John DemcherTUE – Leo Owsinski by Wife, Helen and FamilyWED – 8:00 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners 12:05 PM – Federal Correctional Institute: John Miller by Phillip and Jackie Maddis 1:40 PM – Federal Correctional Institute: Pauline Yuravage by Beatrice CielinskiTHU – Alphonse Balulis by M/M Metro CremoFRI – John and Anna Dobles by Daughter, Carol MatuskySAT – 4:00 PM – Stella Pytko (Annv) by Son, George and Daughter, Joann PanakSUN – 8:30 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners 10:30 AM – Sister Lucretia by Helen Gottschall********************************************************************************************************************************************

III BANNS OF MARRIAGE:Brian J. Maley and Jessica J. Klotunowitch(St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish).********************************************************************************************************************************************

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: May Jesus, the Lord of the Harvest, take unto Himself:SHARON FOGARTY LEBRUN, a member of the former St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, who died Thursday, September 4, and was buried Saturday, September 13. May Mary, Mother of Mercy, obtain comfort from Jesus, her risen son, for Sharon’s family and friends. ********************************************************************************************************************************************

THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,/ in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection,/ through whom weare saved and delivered. (Ps 119 (118):137,124)SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 – THE FEAST OF THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS: We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You, because by Your Cross You have redeemed the world.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 intohis harvest. May the prayers of our participating families bear fruit. Our thanks to TERESA MILLER (10:30 AM ) for hosting the FPC for Vocations this week. Sign up in rear of Church.FAMILY PERSPECTIVE:Unable to forgive another, means we are holding onto a past wrong and hoping for a better past. That is not going to happen. We must move on with our life by accepting we were unjustly treated and it will not be corrected. We aren’t condoning the injustice. We just don’t let it control our lives any longer. Forgiveness is critical to living a healthy life in the present. PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: 41 years of decriminalized abortion is a generation, totaling 57,000,000 dead babies and is a tragic loss to the future of our nation.  “The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children.”  Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  STEWARDSHIP: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son…” - John 3:16. God gave us the gift of His son so we can enjoy eternal salvation. Of all our gifts, our life, is the most precious. We belong to God. This is why we must take time every day to ask Him how He wants us to use the life He has given us. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $3,188; Utilities: $571; Expenses: $5,278.22. Thank you!

On September 13, 335, Constantine’s Basilica of the Resurrection was dedicated in Jerusalem. The annual celebration of that event was followed the next day by a solemn veneration of the relic of the Holy Cross preserved in the basilica. This gave rise to a major feast of the Eastern

FRATERNAL CHARITY: ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY– Your donation of ALL TYPES OF CANNED SOUPS SocietyOutreach and God’s Bountiful Table. Call Edward Butler (570-544-2739) to volunteer.VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: IMO John Andruchek, Peter and Genevieve Ferenchick. (2) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: IMOJan and Julia Malec and Jan and Jozefa Smiszek by Grandson, Father Leo; IMO John and Anna Dobles by Daughter, Carol Matusky; For

goal. If you have not made your pledge of support, you may place your pledge form in the collection basket or return it to the Rectory. Extra pledge forms are available in the back of Church. Please call the Rectory or visit www.adbaa. org with any questions. Thank you!

Walk WithChrist

As of today, $16,655 has been raised from 163 parishioners representing 88% of our parish goal of $18,950.55 and 26.63% of our total number of registered households. We need the support of all our parishioners to reach our

2014

SPECIAL DIOCESAN SECOND COLLECTION FOR THE MIDDLE EAST: Given the extraordinary nature of the crisis in the Middle East,

ArchbishopJoseph Kurtz, President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, has asked dioceses throughout the United States to

considertaking a special collection to provide

humanitar-ian relief and pastoral support for our

brothers andsisters in need in the Middle East. These funds

willbe used by Catholic Relief Services and other Catholic agencies working in partnership with local churches to meet the most urgent

humani-tarian needs facing both Christian and Muslim people alike in Iraq, Syria, Gaza, and

surrounding countries where refugees have fled. Use a

plain, white envelope and include your envelope

number,Amount and Middle East on it. Please be

generousto this Special Diocesan Second Collection! Perchance, if you have forgotten, you can

make your contribution next weekend.

the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; Special Intention by Stan and Sally Gober. DIVINE MERCY: IMO John Consugar by Family; IMO Francis O’Connor by Daughter, Helene. BEFORE: ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. REREDOS NICHE: IMO Rev. Joseph F. Reilly by Parents. ST. LUCY: For the Health of Mae Andrews by Sister, Catherine. Call 570-544-2211.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 – ST. MATTHEW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Contact our Coordinator of

Religious Education, Rosalie Novack (570-544-2211). SCHUYLKILL DEANERY PRIESTS’ MEETING: 3:00 PM, Parish Center. Our parish women will be hosting supper.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass.Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients/caregivers.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18–“SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR: Call 570-544-2355 to join and for rehearsal times.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. Bring your children to Confession.FIFTH ANNUAL NUN RUN/FUN WALK: 10:00 AM start, Sacred Heart Villa, Reading. Visit www.mscreading.org or call 610-929-2802 to sponsor and to register. Benefits the Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 – TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM, 10:15 AM.

THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): EALLAMAE KRUSNOSKI (8:30 AM) will host the FPC this week. Call 570-399-5056 or sign-up in the Church Vestibule. We need hosts for November and December.

SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) GENERAL REPAIR: Your contribution will help defray the cost of general maintenance.(2) Please catch up with any missed envelopes. Your Church needs your consistent and generous support to meet all of its financial obligations and to serve you. Thank you!*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE 25th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OFF. PROC. LECTORS EUCH. MIN. ALTAR

SERVERSSAT 4:00 PM Pytko Teri Kroznuski Gloria Paltanavage Michael Perzel Family Nathan TroppSUN 8:30 AM Parishioners John Andruchek Mary Regina Mundy Nicholas Quinn

Gabriella Quinn 10:30 AM Gottschall Marge Walasavage Jack Ruscavage Carter Melochick

Family Mary Jo Nabholz Anthony Forte Marian Rhoads

*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar!SEPTEMBER 22 – FAMILY FUN NIGHT AT FRIENDLY’S: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Sponsored by St. Michael the Archangel Ladies Guild.

SEPTEMBER 22, 23 – ANNUAL FORTY HOURS CELEBRATION DAY II AND DAY III. SEPTEMBER 24 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex. Call 570-544-2739 to volunteer.GOLDEN YEARS LUNCH AND LEARN SERIES: 12:00 Noon, Luther Ridge. Topic: Know your medications in your golden years; estate planning, living wills, and the importance of a power of attorney. Call 570-621-7200 for information.SEPTEMBER 30 – NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL DRAMA CLUB ADVISOR POSITION: Interested candidates should send resume

and all clearances by TODAY to: Nativity BVM High School, Attention Mrs. Lynn Sabol, Principal, One Lawtons Hill, Pottsville, PA 17901. Call 570-622-8110 for more information.OCTOBER 4 – A NITE AT THE RACES: Doors open 6:00 PM; Races start 7:30 PM. St. Michael the Archangel Parish Center. $5

includes refreshments and food. Call Jean (570-544-6853) or Debbie (570-617-2174) for tickets.OCTOBER 5 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ ATLANTIC CITY RESORTS CASINO BUS TRIP: Pay $35; Rebate $25. Bus leaves R&J

7:30AM; Quandel’s in Minersville 8:00 AM. Bus departs casino 5:30 PM. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413) for information.OCTOBER 9 – PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN WORKSHOP: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Assumption BVM School, Pottsville. Register by

calling school office at 570-622-0106.OCTOBER 18, 19 – DIOCESAN COLLECTION: WORLD MISSION SUNDAY: This year, all our parishioners are invited to act in

solidarity with missionaries in India and throughout the world. Every day, faithful missionaries are reaching out in the name of Christ, offering practical, emotional and spiritual care to communities, children and families in desperate need, bringing the light of Christ to the darkest of circumstances. Use the Special Mission Sunday Envelope found in your envelope boxes. Please be generous! For more information visit: www.IAmAMissionary.org.OCTOBER 20 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ MOHEGAN SUN CASINO BUS TRIP: Pay $23; Rebate $30. 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) for information.OCTOBER 24 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH OKTOBERFEST: 12:00 Noon to Sellout. Parish Center. Traditional ethnic foods will be available for purchase. Come and enjoy!NOVEMBER 2 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH ANNUAL TURKEY BINGO: More information to follow. NOVEMBER 13 – RED CROSS BLOODMOBILE: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Good Shepherd Building Cafeteria. Donate your blood, give life!+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

++++ANNOUNCED MASSES: The following Masses were said by Fr. Leo while he was away last week: IMO Anthony Vicic by Loretta and

Andy DeStefano; IMO Joseph Sitkus by Sr. Bernadette Marie; IMO John J. Miller by Richard Kost; IMO Olga Lutsky by John and Ann Kulich.

CYO SIGN-UPSCYO SIGN-UPS: 1) VOLLEYBALL: G: 1) VOLLEYBALL: Girls grades 3-8 can email Tammy Gerenda at tamger11@yahoo.com. Also, we irls grades 3-8 can email Tammy Gerenda at tamger11@yahoo.com. Also, we need a volunteer coach to assist with the program. need a volunteer coach to assist with the program. 2) BASKETBALL: G2) BASKETBALL: Girls and boys grades 3-8 (first and irls and boys grades 3-8 (first and second graders may be eligible) can call Jamie (570-544-4803), Jodi (570-544-8184), or Email stmatthewscyo@second graders may be eligible) can call Jamie (570-544-4803), Jodi (570-544-8184), or Email stmatthewscyo@hotmail.com no later than September 14. REQUIREMENTS: You must: be a member of our church; attend hotmail.com no later than September 14. REQUIREMENTS: You must: be a member of our church; attend weekly Sunday Mass; and be enrolled in R.E. classes or attend catholic school. No registration fee. weekly Sunday Mass; and be enrolled in R.E. classes or attend catholic school. No registration fee. YOUR YOUR PARTICIPATION IS NECESSARY TO KEEP THIS YOUTH ORGANIZATION FUNCTIONING!PARTICIPATION IS NECESSARY TO KEEP THIS YOUTH ORGANIZATION FUNCTIONING!

ANNUAL FORTY HOURS CELEBRATION DAY I: (1) EXPOSITION and ADORATION will begin immediately after 10:30 AM Mass concluding with BENEDICTION at 6:00 PM. (2)

MEMORIALIZATIONSof Vigils ($5 each) and Flowers ($10 each) can be made by contacting the Rectory (570-544-

2211). We would appreciate your help in adorning our Church’s Altars with Vigils and Flowers.

Thanks forcaring! (3) EUCHARISTIC ADORATION SIGN-UP SHEETS can be found in the Church Vestibule.

Weneed at least 2 people for each half-hour interval for each of the three days of our Annual

Forty Hours Celebration. Please honor our Eucharistic Lord by your presence! (4) THE PARISH

FORTYHOURS OFFERING ENVELOPE can be found amongst your September envelopes. It can be

placed in this Sunday’s Collection. We would be grateful for your support of this spiritual endeavor.

Thanksfor being the good and caring people that you are!

FOOD PREPARATION AT OUR PARISH CENTER: Pierogi Making, today 9:00 AM.

SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY: May Jesus, who blessed the Wedding Feast at Cana with the performance ofHis first Public Miracle, abundantly bless JESSICA J. KLOTUNOWITCH (St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish) and BRIAN J. MALEY, who will be married here at 1:00 PM today! GOD’S BLESSINGS!

September 22, 28, 29: FOOD PREPARATION AT OUR PARISH CENTER: Pierogi Making9:00 AM; PLEASE LEND YOUR PARISH A HAND! EVERYONE IS WELCOME!