THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME NOVEMBER 3, 2013

1. THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME NOVEMBER 3, 2013 Jesus intended to pass through Jericho, but stopped instead for someone who “was seeking to see who Jesus was.” Wisdom says that God rebukes offenders little by little, and reminds them of their sins so that they may abandon their wickedness and believe in him. Thus, Jesus stops, looks up, and speaks. And as Zacchaeus peers into the face of Jesus, he recognizes his “Lord and lover of souls.” In his soul he prays, “You have mercy on all…and you overlook people’s sins that they may repent.” The effectiveness of Christ’s mercy is seen in the fact that “sinners drop from the trees like ripe fruit” (Father Stephen Dominic Hayes, O.P.). May God “powerfully bring to fulfillment every good purpose and every effort of faith,” especially when we stray. Even in those moments, may we always seek the Son who “has come to seek and to save what we lost.” meaning of that title. The church building is the “house of God” only when the assembly there gathered is a community continually called to conversion by the experience of Jesus present among them at table. // There is no recorded instance of Jesus refusing an invitation to share food and drink. On this occasion he even invites himself. More surprisingly, in the midst of a city of “true believers” he chooses the house of an outcast. But this outcast has gone out of his way to catch a glimpse of Jesus. // The table is the privileged place of conversion and reconciliation. In sharing food and drink with the source of all life, Zacchaeus comes to a deeper sense of his own sin than he would ever know in an introspective examination of conscience. Thus does salvation come to this house and ours. ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH MINERSVILLE, PA www.StMatthewTheEvangelistParish.org Rectory Office Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM 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 – 8:00 AM – Jan Malec by Family 6:00 PM – The Souls in Purgatory and those, from our Parish, who have died since November 2, 2012 TUE –7:00 AM – Sr. Mary Emma by Lewis Carroll WED – 6:30 PM – Helen Gober by Rita Ruscavage THU – Nick Tarris by Morris and Amy Fitzgerald FRI – John Merchant by Ed and Aldona Butler SAT – 4:00 PM – Mary and George Dean and Mary Roshannon by Theresa and Betty SUN – 7:00 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners 9:00 AM – Travis Newton by Anna Mae and Leo Winisko 11:00 AM – Joseph and Betty Wentz by John A. Ruddy ******************************************************************************************************************************************** THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: Foresake me not, O Lord, my God; be not far from me!/ Make haste and come to my help,/ O Lord, my strong salvation! THE THIRTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, November 3 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30 AM and 10:45 AM. 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 ROBERT AND LUANA BUTENSKY who will host the Family Prayer Chalice for Vocations this week. Call 570-399-5056 or sign up in Church. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: Jesus is saying to you what he said to Zacchaeus, “I must stay at your house today.” It doesn’t matter if In today’s gospel Jesus “intended to pass through Jericho to another town.” In families we sometimes stop at the wrong places. It is wisdom to “pass through” annoying family situations so we can enjoy the goodness of each other. PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: All across the world there has been a campaign to strip pre-born babies of their humanity.  They have been called “blobs of tissue” and “products of conception”.  These terms are meant to dehumanize the pre-born in order to make killing them more acceptable.  We are called to be the light of the world, let us tell the world that abortion and euthanasia are no longer acceptable. STEWARDSHIP: “…for whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”Luke 18:14. Do we exalt ourselves? We do if we think that we get credit for any of the good things in our lives. As stewards it is important that we remember that every good thing on this earth is a gift from God. We should be humbled by God’s abundant generosity. Our hearts should be filled with gratitude. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday:$3,354; Capital Improvement: $479; Expenses:$11,098.23. Thanks! FRATERNAL CHARITY: ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY– Your donation of all TYPES OF CEREAL will allow the SVDP Society to aid the needy of our area. Volunteer for our SVDP Society Outreach and God’s Bountiful Table. Call 570-544-2739. 0. This reading from Luke’s gospel is the passage most often proclaimed at the dedication of a church building or at the annual celebration of that event. Catholics have traditionally termed their worship spaces the “house of God”. The story of Zacchaeus teaches us the authentic VOTIVES:(1) SANCTUARY: IMO Jon Malec by Family. Call 570-544-2211 to memorialize votives. ADDITIONAL ALL SOULS VOTIVES:(1) ALTARS: DIVINE MERCY: IMO Fr. Joseph F. Reilly by Parents. (2) BEFORE: NAVE: IMO Stiney and Anna Gober by Stan and Sally Gober; IMO Francis and Sallie Tracey by Stan and Sally Gober; IMO Father Joseph F. Reilly by Stan and Sally Gober; IMO Charlotte Parry by Stan and Sally Gober; IMO Vera Petkaitis by Stan and Sally Gober; IMO Donald Starr, Sr. by Dolores Starr. HOLY OILS: IMO Donald Starr, Sr. by Donald Starr, Jr.; Special Intention. ST. BARBARA MURAL: IMO Travis Newton by Mom and Dad; For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; For the Health of Our Grandson, Evan Gober, by Stan and Sally Gober. Call 570-544-2211 to memorialize votives. DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME: Ended at 2:00 AM this morning. Spring forward, fall back. MONDAY, November 4 – ANNUAL MASS OF REMEMBRANCE: 6:00 PM Mass. Family members of the deceased have been invited to a hot dinner in our Parish Center after mass which the women of the Parish will prepare. REQUIESCANT IN PACE! NOVEMBER COMMUNION CALLS: Will be completed today. Call 570-544-2211 to have someone added to our sick list. THANKSGIVING NUT ROLL SALE: St. Stephen Church, Port Carbon. $14 per roll. DEADLINE TO ORDER IS TODAY!. Pick-up is November 20th. Call 570-622-6600 to place your order. TUESDAY, November 5 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, the Good Shepherd School Building. Contact our Coordinator of Religious Education, Rosalie Novack (570-544-2211) for more information. DIOCESAN WORKSHOP: Father Maletz will be attending a mandatory workshop beginning today until Friday. Father Michael Shea, C. M., will be saying daily Mass in his absence. N.B. The daily Mass times for Tuesday and Wednesday! ANNUAL TURKEY BINGO: Doors open at 12:00 Noon; Bingo starts at 2:00 PM. Good Shepherd Cafeteria. Admission $3.00. Donations of baked goods would be appreciated and should be brought directly to the Cafeteria today. Just place your name on these items. Food and refreshments will be available. For more information, call Theresa (570-544-4316) or Rose Ann (570-544-5304).

2. WEDNESDAY, November 6 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 6:30 PM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients / caregivers. 2014 MASS BOOK: Opens today at 11:00 AM. GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex. GIRLS NIGHT OUT: 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Luther Ridge at Seiders Hill, Pottsville. An evening of stress free shopping with many vendors on site. Music, hors d’oeuvres, raffles, wine tasting and more! Call 570-621-7200 for more information. THURSDAY,, November 7 – “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR REHEARSAL: Call 570-544-2355 for rehearsal times. FRIDAY, November 8 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: No Confessions will be heard today. SATURDAY, November 9 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST CHURCH POTTSVILLE CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM (Sunday, November 10th, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM). Various crafts, Christmas ornaments, jewelry, decorations, bargain table, theme baskets, baked goods stand and much more! Food available including hot roast beef platters, hot dogs, hamburgers, and more! Call 622-5470 for information. SPAGHETTI DINNER: 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, St. Ambrose Church. Call 570-385-1031. HELPERS OF GOD’S PRECIOUS INFANTS PRAYER PILGRIMAGE: 8:00 AM Mass at Notre Dame Church, Bethlehem. Rosary at Allentown Women’s Center. Be part of the call to let your prayer and presence bring God’s everlasting, unconditional love to all those involved in abortion. Meetings are every second Saturday of the month. THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, November 10 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30 AM and 10:45 AM. THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): ST. JOSEPH CENTER (JEN ANDRUCHEK-7:00 AM) will host the FPC this week. Call 570-399-5056 or Sign-Up in the Church Vestibule. BREAKFAST: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, St. Ambrose Church. Call 570-385-1031. SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) FUEL: Your contribution will help defray the cost of heating oil for all parish buildings. (2) Please catch up with any missed envelopes. Thanks! ***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE THIRTY-SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OFF. PROC.LECTORS EUCH. MIN.ALTAR SERVERS SAT 4:00 PM Roshannon Rosalie Novack Elaine Davis Daniel Dougherty Family Anthony Forte SUN 7:00 AM Parishioners Frank Melenchick Eli Nabholz 9:00 AM Newton Family Tom Mundy Dave Fogarty Anthony Lutchkus Emily Purcell 11:00 AM Wentz Family Mary Jo Nabholz Mary Ann Harrison Alexandra Eades Theresa Kroznuski Olivia Osborne Jamie Kuehn ***************************************************************************************************************************************************************************** COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar! NOVEMBER 11 – FOOD PREPARATION: 9:00 AM, Parish Center, to help chop vegetables and make noodles for soup. We would appreciate your help! NOVEMBER 12 – PROTECTORS OF THE UNBORN PRECIOUS SOULS’ PRO-LIFE GROUP MONTHLY MEETING: Everyone welcome – both men and women. Come join us and become the voice for these “Precious Souls” which God has created. Together we can make a difference. Meetings are second Tuesday of each month. Call 570-345-4619 for location and time. NOVEMBER 13 – COMMUNITY HEALTH AWARENESS TALKS: 6:00 PM, Wall Auditorium, 700 East Norwegian Street, Pottsville. Topic this month: “Healthy Holidays: Recipes and Samples”. Program is free of charge with refreshments being served. Call 570-621-5108 to register. NOVEMBER 14 – RED CROSS BLOODMOBILE: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Good Shepherd Building Cafeteria. Donate blood, give life! May all the deceased rest in God's eternal peace! Pauline M. Parry (11/14/12) Rose Motuk (11/26/12) Lillian A. Thur (12/26/12) Irma P. Roscoe (1/1/13) Virginia Doran (1/4/13) Travis E. Newton (1/5/13) Theresa McGann (2/5/13) Mary Saurazas (2/7/13) Helen Marazas (2/12/13) Mary T. Gretsky (2/16/13) Louis N. Tarantino (2/19/13) Mary Weachock (2/28/13) James B. Sipes (3/9/13) Michael J. Lucas, Jr. (3/19/13) Elizabeth A. Renninger (4/4/13) George P. Sutcavage (4/11/13) Jill A. Kuehn (4/12/13) Margaret Conway (4/23/13) Betty J. Venckauskas (4/28/13) Stella Komorosky (5/10/13) Violet Skibiel (5/23/13) Avery Lynn Kralick (6/8/13) Veronica Orlosky (6/18/13) Rose G. Shatus (6/22/13) Verna Raczka (7/1/13) Florence Kotansky (7/7/13) Mary E. Smith (7/26/13) Rosina Donnangelo (8/13/13) Veronica Darosh (9/19/13) Edith Lescavage (9/24/13) Catherine A. Voytas (10/7/13) Anna T. Chesonis (10/14/13) Jennie T. Wentz (10/14/13) MONTHLY ROSARY: 6:15 PM, our Church. Come and pray the Rosary with us. NOVEMBER 15, 16, 17 – SOUP AND BAKE SALE: Parish Center: Friday, November 15, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Saturday, November 16, 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM; Sunday, November 17, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Soups include: Chicken Pot Pie, Chili Con Carne, Minestrone, Split Pea. $7 per quart (cold). Baked goods available for purchase. See you there! NOVEMBER 20 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex. NOVEMBER 22-24 – ST. FRANCIS RETREAT HOUSE WEEKEND RETREAT: Topic is: “I’ve Suffered a Great Loss.” The retreat is Intended for widows and widowers who can benefit from support knowing that they are not alone. Offering is $165. 610-258-3053 ex 10. NOVEMBER 27 – PADRE PIO HEALING MINISTRY HEALING MASS: 7:00 PM, Annunciation BVM Church, Shenandoah. Light refreshments to follow. Call 570-462-1916 for information. NOVEMBER 28 – THANKSGIVING DAY MEALS: The Knights of Columbus, Schuylkill Council 431, in conjunction with other councils in Schuylkill County, will again be providing free, in-home delivered meals to all those in need living in Schuylkill County. To be placed on the list, please call one of the following numbers with your name, address, phone number, and number of meals needed. If no answer leave a message and someone will call you back to confirm the information. The numbers to call are 570-691-1429 or 570-628-3333. Meals will be delivered on Thanksgiving Day between the hours of 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Parties must be at home as meals will not be left on the door-step and we can not guarantee we will be able to get back to you. December 1 – 31 – SMTE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CALENDAR: 31 Days of prizes, cash and gifts, donated by parishioners and local businesses. One winner each day. Winners eligible to win every day of the month! Cost $5 each. Call the Rectory (570-544-2211) or Julie Kubich (570-544-5231) for your calendar. What a great early holiday gift! Get yours as soon as possible! DECEMBER 5 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR BUS TRIP: 11:00 AM Matinee. 2nd Mezzanine seating.$95 per person includes show and bus. Leaves Minersville 6:30 AM; Departs New York 6:00 PM. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or the Rectory (570-544-2211). Your payment is your reservation. DECEMBER 9 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ MOHEGAN SUN CASINO BUS TRIP: Cost: $23; Rebate: $25 to play. Leaves R&J at 8:00 AM; Quandel’s at 8:30 AM. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Helen (570-544-5465) to reserve your spot. DECEMBER 11 – HOLIDAY FOOD SALE: Homemade pierogi by the dozen ($6.00) and kielbasa 2 lb links ($7.00). Pick-up is from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM today at the Parish Center. PRE-ORDER ONLY. Call Sophie Kuchta (570-624-3619) or the Rectory (570- 544-2211) to order. ORDER DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 6. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ PARISH MEMORIAL SOCIETY:We gratefully acknowledge the following donation: IMO EDITH LESCAVAGE:$50 from Jo Ann Korzenaskie. ST. JOSEPH CENTER FOR SPECIAL LEARNING COLLECTION: The Knights of Columbus Council 431 extend their thanks to our parishioners who contributed to this special collection. $261 was collected. Thank you for caring! ANNOUNCED MASSES: The following Mass Intentions to be said were given to: REV. LEO J. MALETZ: IMO Frances R. Pleva requested by Rayos Family, Rosary Society (2); IMO Michael Brito requested by George and Marge Homa and Family; IMO Victor Bassininsky requested by Anna Mae Winisko; IMO Gerald Malusky requested by MyrlCherrybon, John and Elaine Reno; IMO Felix Costic requested by Mary Menchinsky; IMO Mary Miller requested by Bob Pincavage; IMO Charles Radziewiczrequested by Gail and Jack Brennan; IMO Stella Poslosky Doyle requested by Paul and Julia Vinansky; IMO Stanley Urban requested by Frank and Kathy Bazyk and Family, Mrs. Frances Conshue; IMO Margaret Laurinaitisrequested by Bob Heffner Family; IMO Kenneth Barnes requested by Mariann L. Davis; IMO Joseph Lamneckrequested by M/M William Caruso; IMO William Paulosky requested by Joseph G. Capparell; IMO Anna Balulis requested by Mary Ann Strokelitus.