THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

JANUARY 26, 2014 Saint Paul urges the Corinthians to “be united in the same mind and in the same purpose” without any divisions among them. For there is no more irresistible witness to the truth of the Gospel than such unity in charity. No wonder that the first thing that Jesus does when he moves to Capernaum is seek out companions. In the unity that Simon, Andrew,James, and John experience through their friendship with Christ, they become certain that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Thanks to our communion in Christ, “anguishhas taken wing, dispelled is darkness: for there is no gloom where but now there was distress.” To us enshrouded in the “land of gloom,” Jesus Christ beckons, “Come after me.”

proclaim that the kingdom is here. // This proclamation begins surprisingly at this frontier crossroads of Galilee. Common opinion held that nothing good come from Galilee. (John 1:46). It was to this people, then under subjection, that Isaiah had announced the messianic light of the Immanuel. It is again to them that Jesus addresses himself. He is the one who brings glad tidings, announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, and saying to Zion, “Your God is King.”

(Isa52:7). This dawn of the kingdom calls for

a change of heart. // From this moment on, the Messiah had some faithful followers. The memory of their fidelity to Jesus remains. Here the Church is born.

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) 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(610-289-8900x222)VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR: Wendy S. Krisak (1-800-791-9209)

WEEKDAY MASS AT 8:00 AMMON – Living and Deceased ParishionersTUE – Joseph Grecky by FamilyWED – Thomas Moran by Ronald and Mary Ellen RenningerTHU – John and Josephine Smiszek by FamilyFRI – Irene DiLauro by M/M Alphonse SantarelliSAT – 4:00 PM – Catherine Sincavage by Mahalchick FamilySUN – 7:00 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners 9:00 AM – Tim Stine by Family11:00 AM – Mildred Yupcavage by Bernie and Margie Walasavage********************************************************************************************************************************************

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: May Jesus, our Loving Savior, welcome into His eternal Realm THERESA M. STOCHI, a former member of the former St. Barbara Parish, and a member of Our Parish Family, who died Tuesday, January 21, and will be buried from our Parish on Wednesday, January 29. May Mary, Mother of God, obtain comfort from Jesus, Her Son, for Theresa’s Family and friends! LUX PERPETUA EIS!*******************************************************************************************************************************************

THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: O sing a new song to the Lord;/ sing to the Lord,all the earth./ In his presence are majesty and splendor,/ strength and honor at his holy place. (Cf. Ps 96 (95): 1, 6) THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, January 26 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30AM and 10:45AM.THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS(FPC): Jesus told us to ask the Harvest Master to send laborers into his harvest. We hope the prayers of our participating families will bear fruit. May God be attentive to MARY JO NABHOLZ who will host the Family Prayer Chalice for Vocations this week. Sign up in Church Vestibule or call 570-399-5056. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: When Jesus called his disciples, they came “immediately.” Parents wish their children would respond as quickly,but they donot.Children grow slowly into responsibility.It is a process like walking, not done “immediately”, but in small steps. Parenting demands patient encouragement.PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: It is written in Psalms:  “They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and their daughters…and the land was polluted with blood…”  The innocent blood of our preborn is polluting our land through decriminalized abortion.STEWARDSHIP: “He called them, and immediately they left their boat andtheir father and followed Him.” Matthew 4:22. Just as He called the first apostles, Jesus calls each of us to follow Him, too. We are not expected to

leave our businesses and our families behind, but we are expected to put our service to Jesus before worldly endeavors. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $3,027; General Repair: $473; Expenses: $10,595.86. Thank you for your generosity!

FRATERNAL CHARITY: ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY – Your donation of all TYPES OF COFFEE AND TEA will allow theSVDP Society to feed the needy of our area. Volunteer to help our SVDP Society Outreach and God’s Bountiful Table. 570-544-2739. VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: IMO John and Josephine Smiszek by Family. (Available Dates: April 20, July 6, August 3, 10,17, September 7, October 12, 19, November 16, 23, December 28) (2) ALTARS: BVM: For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; IMO Lewis Lesnefsky by Andruchek Family; Special Intention by Helen Droskinis. DIVINE MERCY: IMO Fr.Ignatius Szal (Birthday) by Dennis and Diane Frank; Special Intention . (3) OTHER: ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. REREDOS NICHE: IMO Fr. Joseph F. Reilly by Parents. Call 570-544-2211 to memorialize Votives. ASSUMPTION BVM OPEN HOUSE EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION: 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM at Assumption BVM School. Facultymembers, administration, available to answer questions. New registrations: bring child’s birth certificate, baptismal record, immunization records. Register before April 1, receive a $15 discount on new student registration fee. Students transferring from other schools in grades2 to 7 are eligible for $1,000 grant for the 2014-2015 school year and $500 for the 2015-2016 school year. Call 570-622-0106.

MONDAY, January 27 – THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS: 5:00 PM, Our Lady’s Chapel of St Patrick Church. Veneration of a First-Class Relic of Saint Pauline Visintainer to follow. Call 570-622-1802 for information.

TUESDAY, January 28 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, the Good Shepherd Building. Contact our C.R.E., Rosalie Novack (570-544-2211).

WEDNESDAY, January 29 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients / caregivers.

THURSDAY, January 30 – “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR REHEARSAL: Call 570-544-2355 for rehearsal times.

FRIDAY, January 31 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.

This Sunday’s gospel opens with the preaching of Jesus. The time of prophecy has ended with the arrest of the Baptist. He had to decrease so the other could increase. The gates of the prison have been closed upon this great voice. Up to this time Jesus has been silent. Henceforth he must

DIOCESAN COLLECTION: CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES: “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Mt 25:40). Today, we are reminded that Jesus identified himself with

our poorest brothers and sisters. The Catholic Relief Services Collection serves Jesus in the victims of human

trafficking, inthose who suffer from unjust laws, and in those who need pastoral care and humanitarian assistance across the

globe. Through your support of today’s Collection, you help Jesus in disguise. Please be generous.. Use the Special Envelope found in your boxes.

SATURDAY, February 1 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM.

THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD, SUNDAY, February 2 – FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD: In accordance with Jewish Law, Jesus was presented in the Temple forty days after His birth, and two doves were sacrificed. The Prophets Simeon and Anna recognized the Christ-Child as the long-awaited Messiah. On this day, also called Candlemas, candles are blessed to acclaim Christ as the light of the world. Candles for home use will be blessed within weekend Masses. These candles can be found in our Sanctuary and theoffering per box is $5.00.SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30 AM and 10:45 AM. THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): THE QUINN FAMILY will host the FPC this week. Call 570-399-5056 or Sign-Up in the Church Vestibule. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR MARCH AND APRIL! HELP US!SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) UTILITIES: Your donation will help pay for light, water, sewer, heating tapes, and the maintenance of all parish heating units, etc. (2) Please catch up with any missed envelopes. Thank you for your generosity!

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD

OFF. PROCESSION LECTORS EUCH. MINISTERS ALTAR SERVERSSAT 4:00 PM Mahalchick Family Al Boris Gloria Paltanavage Anthony Forte

Alexandra EadesSUN 7:00 AM Parishioners John Andruchek Eli

Nabholz Nicholas Quinn 9:00 AM Stine Family Nicole Forney Rosalie Novack Olivia

Osborne Abby Schoffstall

11:00 AM Walasavage Family Linda Butensky Tom Mundy Gabriel Kuehn

Bella Kuehn*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar!FEBRUARY 3 – THE FEAST OF ST. BLAISE: In honor of St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, Patron Saint of those afflicted with ailments of the throat, the blessing of throats will take place within today’s Masses! FEBRUARY 9 – NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL SOPHY JEWELER/UGG BOOT/COACH PURSE BINGO: Doors open 11:00 AM;Bingo starts1:00 PM. $25 for 15 regular games, 4 specials. Jackpot, homemade food, desserts, beverages. Call 570-294-0551 for information.HALUPKI DINNER: 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, St. Nicholas Hall Primrose. Cost $9 per platter includes Halupki, Mashed Potatoes, Filling, Green Beans, roll and butter, beverage. Eat-in or take-out. Advance tickets only by calling 570-544-4581.FEBRUARY 10 – CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS: Eighth grade parishioners attending Catholic, public or private elementary or middle school are invited to apply for a one-year $1000 scholarship to attend Nativity BVM High School, Diocese of Allentown. Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic achievement; involvement in extracurricular activities; service to school, parish and community; and pastor and principal recommendations. Application forms are available at the Rectory or through the parish religious education program. Completed applications must be submitted to the Rectory or the Parish C.R.E. TODAY.FEBRUARY 12 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex.FEBRUARY 19 – NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL TUITION ASSISTANCE PRESENTATION: 6:30 PM. Members of the Nativity community will be available to answer your questions. No pre-registration is required. All are welcome! Call 570-622-8110 with questions.

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2013 CHURCH CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS: Call the Rectory (570-544-2211) if you need one.CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIALS: We gratefully acknowledge your kindness and generosity which allowed us to decorate our church so beautifully during the Christmas Holidays (Unless otherwise noted each donation was $10): IMO Joseph and Thelma Bonk by Carleen and Fred Wenner; IMO Charles Stablum, Sr., Birch and Gary Witman, Helen, Mario and John Stablum, M/M Lewis Carroll by M/M Craig Witman; IMO Victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School Shootings, Victims of Gun Violence in America, Our Beloved Baba, Victoria Fetterolf, Our Dear Uncle, John Shelava, Deceased of Shelava and Fetterolf Families, Joseph Wank, Stanley Wank, Deceased of Skavinsky and Wank Families by M/M Albert Wank and Family ($100); IMO Nevin and Thelma Starr by Dolores Starr and Son; IMO Donald Starr, Sr. by Dolores Starr; IMO Edward and Sophia Burke by Dolores Starr and Son; IMO Deceased of Kulpcavage and Buglia Families by Bob Buglia and Family; IMO Mother, Elizabeth Reed, Grandmother, Mary Walters by M/M Joseph Butcavage ($20); IMO Ryan Wiscount, Pauline and Charles Butensky by Robert and Luana Butensky ($20); IMO Donald Butler, Sr., George and Cele Miller, Herman Plefka, Barbara Crisanti, Michael and Loretta Melusky, Billy and Cookie Melusky by Don, Peggy ad Christopher Butler ($30); IMO John Cazonie, Norma Olenick by Henry Cazonie; IMO Stephen Chelak by Wife, Katherine; IMO Catherine and Michael Gober and Sons by Family ($20); IMO Kryscio and Chicora Families by S. Chicora; IMO Anna and Stiney Gober by Beth, Jason and Killian Clark ($20); IMO Dante and Jean Cola by Daughter, Jeanine; IMO Stanley Costick, Tessie Costick by Stephen Costick; IMO Joseph and Adella Melenchick by Ann Marie Coyle; IMO Ellen Mitchell by Bill Dallago; IMO John L. DiRenzo, Victor R. Raczka, Sr., Jeffrey DiRenzo by John, Michelle and Marlena DiRenzo ($15); IMO Fritz and Jean Doran; Deceased of Doran and Calderone Families by Ellen Doran and Family; IMO Donald Doyle, Yanosky Family, Bud and Jo Volkert by Flossie Doyle ($30); IMO Gerald Malusky, Helen and George Kalochie, Joseph and Alberta Malusky, Dianne Gardner, Victor Droskinis and Eleanor Long, Rose Ostrowski, Betty Pukas by Helen and CoCo Droskinis, Angela and Allison Malusky ($70); IMO Butcavage and Earlosky Families by Jane and Vince Earlosky; IMO Ronald (Red) Murphy by Cecilia Elison; IMO Robert W. Reed, Shirley A. Reed, Joseph A. Fabiani by Vince and Darla Fabiani; Intentions of M/M Stanley Gober; IMO Joseph Gottschall, Sr. M. Lucretia, John Brennan Family by Helen Gottschall; IMO William Jones, Frank Balcavage, Leo Gottschall, Anna Sorokach by Stella Gottschall; IMO Stanley Graf, Jr., Stanley Graf, Sr., James and Phyllis McNamara by Barbara, Mary Beth, Evelyn and Maureen; IMO John J. Sabadish, Frank Kralick by Mary Ann Harrison ($15); IMO Homa-Brito Families by M/M George Homa; IMO Joseph and Margaret Hribick, Kevin Hribick, Mary Hallis, Louise Houser by M/M Robert Houser; IMO Lohin and Hudock Families by Anna Hudock ($20); IMO Joseph Hudock Family by John F. Hudock ($20); IMO Elmer Huntzinger by Brian Huntzinger Family; IMO Dorothy Plesnarski, Stan Plesnarski, Lillian and Nick Hutzel, Diane Cory by Beverly Hutzel; IMO Marie and Helen Stablum, Joe and Rose Karmazin, Ryan Wiscount by The Karmazin Family; IMO Milan and Madeline Barber by Chris and Stacey Kelly; IMO Klotunowitch and Trusky Families by Deborah Klotunowitch ($15); (T.B.C.)

MARCH 3 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW BUS TRIP: Cost $55. Bus leaves Quandel’sParking Lot 8:00 AM; Departs Philadelphia 5:00 PM. This year’s Flower Show, “ARTiculture”, inspired by the sculptures and style of Alexander Calder, a member of Philadelphia’s historic family of artists, will feature a remarkable aerial dancetroupe who will perform above, on and within the multi-dimensional display. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or the Rectory.

APRIL 17 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH 50/50 DRAWING: $2.00 each or three for $5.00. Call theRectory at 570-544-2211 for tickets. Benefits Parish Center renovation. Thanks for your support!

APRIL 1 – 30 – SPRING FLING CALENDAR DRAWINGS: 30 Days of prizes, cash and gifts. One winner per day. Winners eligible to win every day of the month. DONATIONS FROM PARISHIONERS ANDBUSINESSES ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!Call Julie (570-544-5231) for information and to donate.

2013 CHRISTMAS COLLECTION: We received $13,983 from 364 donors (37 less donors than last year). This is a decrease of $389.75 from last year. Many people increased their ChristmasOffering as was asked. For this I am deeply grateful. The Christmas Collection is very important in helping our parish meet its financial needs. To everyone who donated at Christmas, Iextend my heartfelt gratitude! It goes without saying, you are good people!