FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 22, 2013 It is true that the angel cites the passage from

1. FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 22, 2013 It is true that the angel cites the passage from the prophet Isaiah that is today’s first reading in order to persuade the dreaming Joseph to take Mary his wife into his home: “The virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” But even Satan can quote Scripture. So, then, why does Joseph believe this dream? Maybe it is because Joseph was a “son of David”… and what the angel does not mention – but what Joseph knows full well – is that Isaiah’s prophecy was intended directly and specifically for the “house of David.” The angel’s revelation is meant for him. And thanks to Joseph’s subsequent “obedience of faith,” the incarnate Christ Jesus genealogically was “descended from David.” first moment of Jesus’ conception, God was at work in him. // In relating the annunciation to Joseph, Matthew does not intend to consider the psychological reactions of his character. He simply wishes to answer the question, “Who is the Messiah?” For Matthew, Jesus, “who will save his people from their sins,” is the ultimate inheritor of Israel, and it is Joseph who introduces him into the royal line of David. // Informed from the beginning about the impending birth, Joseph believed at first that he must remove himself from this mystery in which he thought he would have no role to play. Then God intervened. Indeed, the child whom Mary carried “comes from the Holy Spirit.” But it is up to Joseph to assure Jesus’ legal status by accepting him as his own son and giving him his name. It is necessary that through Joseph the house of David recognize in this son “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14). // We readily designate birth “a joyous event.” What should be said about the waiting for this child in which Joseph plays a humble but indispensable role? The question here is not the history of one family among others, but the history of “God-with us,” the history of salvation. 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(610-289-8900x222) VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR: Wendy S. Krisak (1-800-791-9209) WEEKDAY MASS AT 8:00 AM MON – Clara Parnell (7thAnnv) by Nephew, Father Leo TUE – 4:00 PM – Donald Butler, Sr. by Joanne Bobby 9:00 PM – Living and Deceased Parishioners WED – 9:00 AM – Living and Deceased of Malec and Smiszek Families 11:00 AM – Travis Newton by M/M Robert Newton THU – Eleanor Stoppi by Family FRI – Louise Kishel by Daughter, Joan Roberts SAT – 8:00 AM – Edith Lescavage (MM) by Anna Bazor 4:00 PM – Anna Colitz by Family SUN – 7:00 AM – Peter and Genevieve Ferenchick and John Andruchek 9:00 AM – Kevin McHugh by Wife, Bonnie and Daughter, Kriston 11:00 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners ******************************************************************************************************************************************** REQUIESCANT IN PACE: May Jesus, the King of Glory, welcome into His eternal Realm: CATHERINE BEURY, a former member of the former St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, and a member of our Parish Family, who died Saturday, December 14, and was buried from our Church Wednesday, December 18; DANIEL J. VENCKAUSKAS, a former member of the former St. Francis of Assisi Parish, and a member of our Parish Family, who died Wednesday, December 18, and will be buried from our Church Monday, December 23. May Mary, the Immaculate One, obtain comfort from Jesus, Her Son, for their family and friends! ET LUX PERPETUA LUCEAT EIS! ******************************************************************************************************************************************** THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: Drop down dew from above, you heavens,/ and let the clouds rain down the Just One;/ let the earth be opened and bring forth a Savior. (Cf. Is 45:8) FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, December 22 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30 AM,10:45 AM and 6:00 PM. 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 KEN AND MARYANNE EICHENBERG who will host the Family Prayer Chalice for Vocations this week. Sign up Church Vestibule - 570-399-5056. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: The child born to Jesus and Mary was named Emmanuel - “God is with us.” Every child is EMMANUEL, reminding us “God is with us.” Children are signs of God’s continuing presence in our lives. PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: “And it came to pass, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe in her womb leapt.”   The first person in the world to welcome Jesus, to recognize Him in the womb of His own mother was a child John the Baptist.  How wonderful, God chose a pre-born child to recognize His Son!    STEWARDSHIP: “The Lord’s are the earth and its fullness; the world and those who dwell in it. For he founded it upon the sea and established it upon the rivers.” Psalm 24:1-2. How can we take credit for the good things in our lives when Psalm 24 reminds us that God created absolutely everything and everyone on the earth? Surely we all have an obligation to return a portion of our good fortune to the Lord, for without Him nothing would be possible.  LAST 0. In the history of Israel, the exodus event shaped the story of creation. In the formation of the gospels, the memory of Christ’s death and rising shaped the accounts of his birth and infancy. Much more than stories about a precocious child with remarkable relatives, the infancy narratives are the clear expression of the early Church’s belief that, from the WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $1,561; General Repair: $211; Expenses: $4,626.15. Thank you for your generosity! ADVENT CHARITIES: 1) ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY – Your donation of all TYPES OF MEALS IN A BOX will allow the SVDP Society to aid the needy of our area. Volunteer to help our SVDP Society Outreach and God’s Bountiful Table. Call 570-544- 2739. 2) BIRTHRIGHT’S GIVING TREE: Thank you for your gifts to Birthright of Frackville. The gifts will be distributed to needy mothers and their children in our county during the coming Holiday Season. If you did not return your gifts by the deadline, kindly deliver them to Birthright’s Office in Frackville. Thanks for caring! ADVENT VOTIVES:(1) SANCTUARY: IMO Clara Parnell (7thAnnv) by Nephew, Father Leo. (2) ALTARS: BVM: For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; For the Health of Evan Gober by Grandparents, Stan and Sally; IMO Fr. Ignatius Szal by Dennis and Diane Frank. DIVINE MERCY: IMO Aaron Mitchell (Annv) by M/M Edward Mitchell, Jonathan and Jessica. (3) OTHER: ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. ST. ANTHONY: For the Health of John Sokola by Tom and Pauline Eltringham. Call 570-544- 2211 to memorialize votives for the remainder of the Christmas Season.. MONDAY, December 23 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM (LAST CONFESSIONS BEFORE CHRISTMAS). DECORATION OF CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS: We could use some volunteer help at 6:00 PM in our Church. Please lend a hand! TUESDAY, December 24 – CHRISTMAS EVE: Mass will be celebrated at 4:00 PM and 9:00 PM. Pastoral Notes: (1) 4:00 PM is traditionally packed to overflowing. Please consider attending another Christmas Mass to avoid any personal inconveniences and problems caused by the overflowing crowds. Thanks! (2) Our Parish’s Contemporary Choir will provide the music and carols at our 4:00 PM Mass. At the 9:00 PM Christmas Eve Mass, our Parish Children will present a short Christmas Tableau. We invite you to join us! (4) The Church will open at 10:00 AM so that you can obtain Christmas Wafers (Oplatki, Plotkeles) for Holy Supper. PASTORAL NOTE: The Rectory will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday this week in observance of Christmas. WEDNESDAY, December 25 – CHRISTMAS DAY: THE SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST: We will honor our Incarnate Savior at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM Masses today. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: No Confessions heard today. CHRISTMAS PRAYER: Our Parish is truly blessed by God with good parishioners, men and women who love God and His Church. The following prayer expresses my heartfelt sentiments for all parishioners, parish benefactors, and all those who work for the good of our parish: CHRISTMAS FAITH – May Jesus, the newborn Son of God and of Mary, dwell in your heart and increase your trust in him through the intercession of Mary, his mother. CHRISTMAS HOPE–May you see God’s plan in your life and respond to it with a generous heart as Mary did. CHRISTMAS LOVE–May you grow closer to God and serve your brothers and sisters in God’s family, and may Mary intercede for you in your every need. AMEN! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! CHRISTMAS VOTIVES: (1) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: IMO Frank Brozana by Wife, Josephine and Daughter, Joanne and Don; IMO Leo and Helen D. Maletz by Son, Father Leo; IMO Wanda and Joseph Senawaitis. DIVINE MERCY: IMO Donald Starr, Sr. by Donald Starr, Jr.; IMO John and Anna Dobles by Daughter, Carol; IMO Peter and Genevieve Ferenchick and John Andruchek; IMO Nancy, Matthew and Mark. REREDOS NICHE: IMO Aunt Anna Jergovich by Mary Ann and Michael. (2) BEFORE: INFANT OF PRAGUE: IMO Diane Warcola by Mother, Bertha; For the Health of John Sokola. ST. ANNE: IMO Grandmother, Anna Ciesla by Mary Ann and Michael. ST. ANTHONY: IMO Fr. Joseph F. Reilly by Parents. ST. BARBARA: IMO Anna Kanapitski by Family; IMO Jennie Gut by Millie, Dave and Barb. ST. FRANCIS: IMO Debbie Dutcavich by Family; Special

2. Intention by Helen Droskinis; IMO Anthony T. Warcola by Wife, Bertha. ST. THERESA: IMO Aunt Dorothy Liddick by Mary Ann and Michael; IMO Agnes Sincavageby Son, Dave. ST. LUCY: IMO John and Catherine Wolinsky by Daughter, Catherine; IMO Anthony Wolinsky by Nephew, David. ST. JOSEPH: IMO Son-In-Law Charles Dietrick by Mary Ann and Michael; IMO John Magic by Family. SACRED HEART: IMO Grandmother Mary Weldon by Mary Ann and Michael; IMO Joseph Sumoski by Daughter, Bertha. POPE JOHN PAUL II: IMO Edward and Sophia Burke by Dolores Starr and Son. ST. PETER: IMO Donald Starr, Sr. by Dolores Starr; For the Health of Evan Gober by Grandparents, Stan and Sally. ST. PAUL: IMO Nevin and Thelma Starr by Dolores Starr and Son; For the Health of Cousin Paul by Cousin, Jean and Bill. HOLY OILS: IMO Joseph and Julia Janowski by Daughter, Jean and Bill; IMO Frances Sumoski by Daughter, Bertha. (3) NAVE: Intentions of Adele Grabusky; IMO Charles Grabusky and CasimirGrabusky; IMO Frank and Mary Galinis; IMO Dr. Alfred J. Land; IMO Msgr. Casimir J. Klevence; Intentions of Katherine Chelak; Intentions of Jack and Martha Rodgers; IMO Louise Dallagoby Family; IMO Stephen, Lillian and Rachael Sninsky by Dallago Family; IMO Wendy MaleyNabholz by Family; IMO Joseph and Elizabeth Gucwa by Daughter, Cookie; IMO Cathy Beury by Rose and Jim Land. ST. STANISLAUS BISHOP AND MARTYR MURAL: IMO Jennie Gut; IMO M/M Edward Siminitus by Family; IMO Julianne by Sister, Jean and Bill. ST. BARBARA MURAL: IMO Jean Doran by Daughter, Ellen; IMO Fritz Doran by Daughter, Ellen; For the Health of Mary Ann Sokola. BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE: IMO Brito-Budresky Families by George and Marge Homa Family; IMO Homa-Sweet Families by George and Marge Homa Family. ALTAR OF SACRIFICE CANDELABRAS: IMO Leonard Yurkonis by Wife and Daughter; IMO Michael Yurkonis by Mother and Sister; IMO Donald Yanek by Rose and Jim Land; IMO George and Stella Pytko by Son, George and Daughter, Joanne; IMO Michael and Loretta Melusky, IMO Billy and Cookie Melusky, IMO Donald J. Butler, Sr., IMO George and Celie Miller, IMO Barbara Crisanti by Don, Peggy and Christopher Butler; IMO Celie, George and George Miller by Joanne, Joe, Kristen and Megan Bobby. BAPTISMAL FONT CANDELABRAS IMO Donald J. Butler, Sr., IMO Anna Bobby, IMO Czwarc Family, IMO Miller Family by Joanne, Joe, Kristen and Megan Bobby; IMO Czwarc Family, IMO Butler Family, IMO Bernice Rayos, Special Intention, Intention of Rose Land by Aldona and Edward Butler; Living and Deceased Members of SVDP Society; Intentions of Volunteers of God’s Bountiful Table; IMO Jerome Czwarc by Daughter, Jeanne Swartz; IMO Living and Deceased of Phillips and Siminitus Families (8). CHRISTMAS OFFERING: A year end Christmas gift is your chance to go beyond the day to day support of your Parish that you fund through your weekly envelopes. The Christmas Offertory Collection is solely for the support of the Parish. Your generosity is greatly appreciated and needed. A $50 gift is humbly asked from each wage earner. Thank you! THURSDAY, December 26 – FEAST OF ST. STEPHEN: To honor the Proto- Martyr, walnuts will be blessed within today’s 8:00 AM Mass. FRIDAY, December 27 – FEAST OF ST. JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST: Wine will be blessed at 8:00 AM Mass in honor of St. John. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM. SATURDAY, December 28 – FEAST OF THE HOLY INNOCENTS: Bring your children to today’s 8:00 AM Mass for a special blessing. THE ENDOWMENT FOR THE CARE OF RETIRED PRIESTS “St. John Vianney said, “The priest is not a priest for himself, he is a priest for you.” As we think about the many blessings we receive every day from our priests, surely we will agree. Our priests are priests for us. I am truly blessed to share in the ministry of the priesthood of the Diocese of Allentown.” – Bishop John O. Barres ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ DECEMBER 1 – 31 – Endowment for the Care of Retired Priests Annual Fund: The Diocese of Allentown is conducting an annual fund called, “Chosen, Blessed, Shared,” to support our Retired Priests. All gifts received will be used to support the rising cost of retirement care for those priests in good standing who have faithfully served, and the many retired who continue to serve, in our Diocese. Please consider making this fund a part of your yearly Advent giving. Do not confuse this yearly collection with the “National Appeal for Retired Religious” on December 7 and 8. You have received a request letter in the mail. You may return your gift in the mail or drop it in the collection basket at Mass. Thank you in advance for your generous support. HOLIDAY CALENDAR WINNERS December 15 – Murph and Nap December 16 – Bev Drobick December 17 – Kitty Bosack December 18 – Tim and Michelle December 19 – Nathan Calderone December 20 – Millie Dronitsky December 21 – Carol McGovern DECEMBER 1450/50 WINNER #0691 – $704 – Al and Sharon NEXT DRAWING APRIL 17, 2014 SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. SUNDAY, December 29 – FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH: Today’s feast gives us a chance to celebrate another aspect of the incarnation of Christ: His sharing in the life of a human family. Plan on honoring the Holy Family of Nazareth, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, by attending Mass throughout this coming year as a Family. A special family blessing will be imparted to families at all Masses today. God bless you, your families, and our entire Parish Family! SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30 AM and 10:45 AM. THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): VINCE AND DARLA FABIANI will host the FPC this week. Call 570-399-5056 or Sign-Up in the Church Vestibule. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR FEBRUARY! HELP US! SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: No Special Parish Second Collection Envelope this week. However we encourage you to check your Sunday Envelope Boxes for the envelopes you might have missed returning. Please catch up as soon as possible. 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 CHRISTMAS AND HOLY FAMILY SUNDAY OFF. PROC.LECTORS EUCH. MIN.ALTAR SERVERS TUE 4:00 PM Bobby Family Frank MelenchickGloria PaltanavageFletcher Eades Tom Mundy Frank Melenchick Mary Regina Mundy 9:00 PM Parish Children John AndruchekMary Jo NabholzEric Andruchek Michael Perzel WED 9:00 AM Parishioners Rosalie NovackTeresa Miller Killian Clark Max Wigoda 11:00 AM Newton Family Theresa KroznuskiJamie Kuehn Jesse Stickell Jade Stickell SAT 4:00 PM Colitz Family Mary Ann Harrison Frank MelenchickFletcher Eades Frank Melenchick SUN 7:00 AM Andruchek Family Mary Jo NabholzEric Andruchek Michael Perzel 9:00 AM McHugh Family Sharon KolenickRosalie NovackKillian Clark Max Wigoda 11:00 AM Parishioners Tom Mundy Marian Rhoads Jesse Stickell Jade Stickell ******************************************************************************************************************************************************************* COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar! JANUARY 12 – NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Meet faculty, staff, students, parents, advisors, coaches and board members; take a tour of our campus; learn about tuition assistance opportunities. Call Jenn(570-622-8110). JANUARY 26 – ASSUMPTION BVM OPEN HOUSE AND EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION: 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM at Assumption BVM School. Faculty members and administration will be available to answer questions you might have. For new registrations, please bring your child’s birth certificate, baptismal record, and immunization records. Register before April 1, 2014 and receive a $15 discount on the new students registration fee. Students transferring from other schools in grades 2 through 7 are eligible for a $1,500 transfer grant: $1,000 for the 2014-2015 school year and $500 for the 2015-2016 school year. Call 570-622-0106 for more information or for a tour. MARCH 3– ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW BUS TRIP: Cost $55. Bus leaves Quandel’s Parking Lot at 8:00 AM; Departs Philadelphia at 5:00 PM. This year’s Flower Show, “ARTiculture”, will be inspired by the sculptures and style of Alexander Calder, a member of Philadelphia’s historic family of artists, and will feature a remarkable aerial dance troupe who will perform above, on and within the multi-dimensional display. For reservations, call Julie (570-544-5231) or the Rectory (570-544-2211). APRIL 17 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH 50/50 DRAWING: $2.00 each or three for $5.00. Call Joe at 570-544-5485 (leave message if no answer) for tickets. Benefits Parish Center renovation. Thanks for your support! 2014 SUNDAY MISSALS: Can be found in the Church Vestibule. These Liturgical aides are $5.00 per book. 2014 CHURCH CALENDARS: They are a gift to us from the Butler Funeral Home. Our Sincerest thanks to don, peggy and CHRIS! They are in the Church Vestibule. One per family. 2014 ADULT AND CHILDREN CHURCH OFFERING ENVELOPES: All 2014 adult and children envelopes can be found in the last center aisle pews of the church. Take yours and help us deliver those of our shut-in parishioners. If you discover any irregularities, call (570-544-2211). We need your consistent financial support to keep our Parish’s heart beating!