SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 8, 2013 John’s preaching of repentance is not meant

1. SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 8, 2013 John’s preaching of repentance is not meant to be some finger-wagging, moralistic ultimatum by which he attempts to “scare” us into holiness. Rather, he preaches to prepare us for the One our heart has always been waiting for. “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” “The Kingdom of God means Christ himself” (CCC 2816, St. Cyprian, De Dom. orat. 13:PL 4,528A). For a thing can only be received according to the actual disposition of the one who is to receive it. So John preaches that “we might have hope” in the One who will come with “the Holy Spirit and fire,” who will tame what is savage in wild beasts, who will put a halt to harm and ruin, who will decide aright for land’s afflicted. With the sure hope of all this, there is nothing more reasonable than repentance. the entire world. // John announces that with the coming of the kingdom, a crisis is very near, a crisis which we will only be able to face through penance, the fruit of conversion. Is he not Elijah who has come back for the conversion of all things by fire? Among his hearers we find men of importance who will bring upon Jesus suffering and pain. John foresees them burning as straw after the harvest. But as the “Voice” of the Messiah he considers himself unworthy of preceding Jesus. His baptism is only of water, not of the Spirit. // We acknowledge our uneasiness before this hard and pure prophet. We must recognize that the God who is both awesome and merciful manifests His power both in the clap of thunder and in the gentile breeze. // The Baptist’s message calls Jew and Christian to the realization that we come under God’s judgment by living in God’s love. “For stern as death is love… its flames are a blazing fire” (Song of Songs 8:6). The Baptist keeps us from taking lightly God’s love for us. His Gospel is an Advent text which forces us to look toward the appearance of the King who from this day until the last day, separates the chaff from the wheat. 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 – 8:00 AM – Julia Brito (Annv) by Marge and George Homa Family 6:00 PM – For the Health of Kay Rod by Aunt, Jean Kenesky TUE – Edna Kaskie by Family WED – Mary and William Moore (Annv) by James and Evelyn Moore THU – Linda Miller by Godmother, Sylvia FRI – Donald Butler, Sr. by Aldona and Ed SAT – 4:00 PM – Paul Botek, Sr. by Wife, Joan SUN – 7:00 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners 9:00 AM – John Kubich, Rita and OttavioAgosti by Randy and Cindy Kubich 11:00 AM – Madeline and Milan Barber by Children ******************************************************************************************************************************************** THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: O people of Sion, behold,/ the Lord will come to save the nations,/ and the Lord will make the glory of his voice heard/ in the joy of your heart. (Cf. Is 30:19, 30) SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT, December 8 – 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 JOE AND JOANN AUCKER who will host the Family Prayer for Vocations this week. Sign up in the Church Vestibule or call 570-399-5056. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: Like John the Baptist, every parent “prepares the way of the Lord” in the hearts of their children. Advent is a good time to ask; “Do I help or hinder my children to know Jesus?” PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: Life is a gift that God has given us. That life is present in the pre-born; no human hand should ever end that life. Surely the cries of the babes whose lives have been extinguished before their birth reach the ears of God. STEWARDSHIP: “Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” Matthew 3:10. Do you bear good fruit for Christ? Or do you spend your time, talent and treasure constantly acquiring 0. At the time of John’s ministry there were in the desert religious groups who multiplied purification rites. John, however, preached a unique baptism before the judgment, and that baptism was a baptism of repentance. With a prophetic insight, he sees the axe which already strikes at the foundations of NATIONAL RETIRED RELIGIOUS COLLECTION: Support elderly religious. A parishioner writes, “As a Catholic school student from grades K–12, I was formed to be the person I am by many religious brothers and sisters, and I am forever grateful.” Show your appreciation for the senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who made a positive difference in so many lives. Please give generously to today’s collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. more toys, clutter and junk. As we are immersed in the Holiday shopping season now might be a good time to evaluate what gifts do we give to God? LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $3,426; Utilities: $716; Expenses: $2,928.27.Thanks! ADVENT CHARITIES: 1) ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY – Your donation of all TYPES OF COFFE AND TEA 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: A special tree has been placed in our Church’s Sanctuary. Ornaments on the tree list items needed by mothers and children in want in our county. Please buy or make these items and return your gifts UNWRAPPED to the Church byDecember 15. Your gifts will be given to Birthright of Frackville and will be distributed during the coming Holiday Season. ADVENT VOTIVES:(1) SANCTUARY: IMO Stanley Graf, Jr. (Annv) by Wife and Daughters. (2) ALTARS: BVM: IMO Edna Kaskie by Family; For the Health of our Grandson, Evan Gober by Stan and Sally Gober; IMO Helen O’ Connor by Daughter, Helene. DIVINE MERCY: For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; IMO Linda Miller by Godmother, Sylvia; IMO Anna and Walter Snajkowski by Daughter, Ann; IMO Julia Janowski (Birthday) by Daughter, Jean and Bill. ALTAR OF SACRIFICE (2): IMO Timothy DaCosta by Sister. Mary. (3) OTHER: REREDOS NICHE: IMO Father Joseph F. Reilly by Parents. ST. ANNE: Special Intention by Helen Droskinis. ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. ST. LUCY: Happy Feast Day by Lucia. Call 570-544-2211 to memorialize Votives. ADVENT FLOWERS: Thank you for the flowers for the BVM Altar IMO Julia Brito (Annv) by Marge and George Homa Family. ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT SPAGHETTI DINNER: 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM, St. Patrick Parish Center. Cost: Adults $7.50; Children $3.00. Eat-in or take-out. Call 570-385-1031for information. NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL: 1) CHORUS CONCERT: 7:00 PM, Nativity BVM High School. 2) DEPPEN PIE SALE: Apple, blueberry, cherry, peach, strawberry, shoo-fly, pumpkin, coconut custard, lemon sponge, no-sugar apple. Cost $10 per pie. Pick-up December 18. ORDERS AND MONEY DUE TODAY! 570-622-8110 ext. 343. CHILDREN’S CHINESE AUCTION: Shop-n-Drop 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM; Auction starts at 1:00 PM. Zion Lutheran Church, Minersville. Prizes for all ages, infant through teenager. Food and refreshments available. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, St. Ambrose Parish Center. Adults $8; Children 5 to 12, $4; Children under 5 FREE. 50/50 raffle, lottery tree raffle, plenty of children’s activities. Pictures with Santa $5. Benefits 8th grade class at St. Ambrose School. ADVENT COMMUNITY CONFESSIONS: 6:00 PM, St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church. There will be four priests hearing Confessions. Prepare spiritually for Christmas by making a good Confession.

2. MONDAY, December 9 – SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: Mass will be celebrated at 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM and 5:45 PM. 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) . TUESDAY, December 10 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, the Good Shepherd School Building.Contactour C.R.E.,RosalieNovack (570-544-2211) for information. 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. WEDNESDAY, December 11 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients / caregivers. THURSDAY, December 12 –“SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR REHEARSAL: Call 570-544-2355 for rehearsal times. MONTHLY ROSARY: 6:15 PM, our Church. Come pray the Rosary with us. FRIDAY, December 13 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM. MINERSVILLE AREA HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE: For the needy in our area. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED today for packing and distribution at the Father Anthony J. Ricapito Annex. Call Edward Butler (570-544-2739) to help out. Helping the disadvantaged is truly the spirit of the season! SATURDAY, December 14 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:15 PM. 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 will be receiving a request letter in the mail sometime soon. 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 FOOD SALE PICK-UP: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Parish Center (570-544-5485). POINSETTIA SALE ORDER DEADLINE: Proceeds go to Parish Renovation Fund. Two colors; red or white, 6” foiled pot. $9.00 per plant. Payment due with order. Call 570-385-0248 (10:00 AM to 3:00 PM). Thanks! HOLIDAY CALENDAR WINNERS December 1 – Liz Dorazo December 2 – Shirley Kostek December 3 – Pat Evitts December 4 – Annie Eckert December 5 – Vince Dunleavy December 6 – Ed Goblick December 7 – Verna Bosack ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH 50/50 DRAWING: $2.00 each or three for $5.00. Call Joe 570-544- 9062 for tickets. Leave message. Benefits Parish Center renovation. Thanks for your support! THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, December 15 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30 AM and 10:45 AM. THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): THE KELLY FAMILY will host the FPC this week. Call 570- 399-5056 or Sign-Up in the Church Vestibule. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY! SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) GENERAL REPAIR: Your contribution will help defray the cost of general maintenance. (2) Please catch up with any missed envelopes. Thank you for your generosity! **************************************************************************************************************************************************************** MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT OFF. PROC.LECTORS EUCH. MIN.ALTAR SERVERS SAT 4:00 PM Botek Family Rosalie NovackElaine Davis Fletcher Eades Frank Melenchick SUN 7:00 AM Parishioners Nick Quinn Eric Andruchek Michael Perzel 9:00 AM KubichFamily Elaine Stine Dave Fogarty Killian Clark Max Wigoda 11:00 AM Barber Family Marge Walasavage Mary Ann Harrison Jesse Stickell Jade Stickell **************************************************************************************************************************************************************** 2014 CHURCH CALENDARS: They are a gift to our Parish from the Butler Funeral Home. Our sincerest thanks to donald, peggy and christopher! They are in the Church Vestibule. One per family. CHRISTMAS WAFERS / PLOTKELES / OPLATKI: Are available in the Church Vestibule to help you observe the custom of the Christmas Eve Holy Supper. Offering per pack is $3.00. Preserve this beautiful Holiday Tradition! CHRISTMAS FLOWERS AND VOTIVES: We need your Floral Memorials ($10) and Votive Memorials ($5) to adorn our Church this coming Christmas Season. Flower Envelopes can be found in your Sunday Envelope boxes. Return them and make arrangements for Vigils at your earliest convenience. Call 570-544-2211. Thanks for your help! 2014 ADULT CHURCH OFFERING ENVELOPES: All 2014 adult envelopes can be found in the last center aisle pews of the church. Please take yours and help us deliver those of our shut-in parishioners. If there are any difficulties with your envelopes, please call 570-544-2211. Children’s Envelopes will be coming soon! CHRISTMAS MAILING: A Christmas schedule of Masses and Confessions has been sent to all PARISHIONERS. Please review the enclosed materials as we prepare for the birth of our Lord. ASSUMPTION BVM SCHOOL NEWS: The newly formed Rosary Club has been very busy making and distributing rosaries to various community organizations as a service project. We have been praying the Rosary for world peace. If you have a family member, friend, or neighbor that you would like us to pray for, call the Assumption BVM office at 570-622-0106 or e-mail tbahm@assumptionbvmschool.net with your prayer request. We will gladly pray for your loved ones and friends. GIFT CARDS TO SUPPORT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: Both Assumption BVM and Nativity BVM sell gift cards to purchase groceries in Giant, Weis, BG’s, and Boyer’s, to eat in local restaurants and chain restaurants outside the area, and to shop in major and small department stores. These participating stores, eateries, grocery stores, and gas stations donate a percentage of their sales back to the school. Call Assumption BVM (570-622- 0106) or Nativity BVM (570-622-8110) for more information. POINSETTIA SALE PICK-UP AND BAKE SALE: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM today; December 15, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Donations of baked goods are needed AND APPRECIATED. BRING THEM directly to the Parish Center BOTH dayS. Place your name on these items. Thanks!