1. SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT DECEMBER 7, 2014 “The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ” is not a book, but a presence: the presence of the Son of God in human flesh. The beginning of the Gospel promises a new beginning for those aching to hear someone “speak tenderly.” Comfort will come; truth that is meaning which never decays will “spring out of the earth” – out of what we see and touch every day. We hasten that day by awaiting this presence eagerly. “Repentance” means changing to please the one who loves us into happiness. swallowed up in fire. Deutero-Isaiah envisions a glorious return from exile. When the Lord comes, the earth will be renewed. John the Baptist holds the key to the paradox. When the Lord comes, he will pour out upon the earth the baptism of the Holy Spirit. // In the purifying fire of conversion the world as we have known it in its sin passes away; from the ashes of its evil emerge the new heavens and the new earth, the promised kingdom of God. We are right to anticipate its coming with joy and yet with dread. We are the world to be transformed in the fire of the Spirit. // Yet the Lord whom we anticipate has already come among us. The power of the Spirit has been unleashed upon the world. The waters of baptism are being poured out. The work of transformation is at hand. It commits us both to exile and to promise. We must continually leave behind the former earth, the former society, the former self marked by sin, dear though they may be in their familiarity. We must continually look forward to the kingdom “where the justice of God will reside” as it comes into being to fulfill our every hope. // It is uncomfortable to be an Advent people, caught between a world that is dying and a world being born. Yet we may not stand idle between history and promise. We have work to do. There are valleys of want to be filled in, mountains of injustice to be brought low. We have a highway to build for our God through the wilderness of our hearts and our societies. To us it is given to make ready the new heavens and the new earth so that the message of the Lord’s coming may indeed be good news to all the world. 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) 544-2317 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 (610-866-0581x19) VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR: Wendy S. Krisak (1-800-791-9209) WEEKDAY MASS AT 8:00 AM MON – 8:00 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners 7:00 PM – Stanley Graf, Jr. by Wife and Daughters TUE – Mary and William Barton by Jerry and Al WED – Edna Kaskie by Family THU – Living and Deceased Parishioners FRI – Deceased of the William and Mary Moore Family by Jim and Evelyn Moore SAT – 4:00 PM – Joseph M. Maletz by Katherine Chelak SUN – 8:30 AM – Leo Kolenick, Sr. by Leo and Sharon 10:30 AM – Frank and Gladys Rose by Rose Kuehn ******************************************************************************************************************************************** REQUIESCAT IN PACE: May Jesus, creations’ Lord and Judge, take unto Himself: JOHN GRODIS, a former member of the former St. Francis of Assisi Parish, and a member of our Parish Family, who died Saturday, November 29, and was buried Thursday, December 4. May Mary, Mother of Mercy, obtain comfort from Jesus, her risen son, for John’s family and friends. ************************************************************************************************************************* 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 7 – 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 into his harvest. May the prayers of our participating families bear fruit. Our thanks to MILLIE MAGIC (4:00 PM) for hosting the FPC for Vocations this week. Please sign up in Church for February. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: Why is it so hard to forgive, yet so easy to get even? Listen to John the Baptist in today’s gospel and repent of the anger and ugly feelings which block your ability to forgive. This Christmas give a gift which makes a difference. Give forgiveness. PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: Let all of us who profess to be Christian open our hearts to God’s grace, that we will have the courage to speak out in defense of all life, the pre-born, the sick and elderly who are in danger of abortion, and euthanasia. May God have mercy on us. STEWARDSHIP: “Prepare the way of the Lord…” - Mark 1:3. We are all called to live a holy life. We are all called to invite others to live holy lives. Living a stewardship lifestyle, being grateful and generous with our gifts, does just that – it puts us on the path to holiness and it invites others to be holy, too. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $3,331; Expenses: $5,042.84. Thank you for your generosity! ADVENT CHARITIES: 1) ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY – Your donation of all TYPES OF CANNED VEGETABLES 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 by December 15. Your gifts will be given to Birthright of Frackville and will be distributed during the coming Holiday Season. ADVENT VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: IMO Edna Kaskie by Family. (2) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: IMO Mary and William Barton by Jerry and Al; IMO Linda Miller by Mother, Mary; For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; Special Intention by Stan and Sally Gober. DIVINE MERCY: For the Health of Aldona Butler; IMO Estell and Walt Peters by Larry. (3) BEFORE: ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. ST. 0. 0. FRANCIS: IMO Helen and Paul Gelches by Larry. ST. ANNE: IMO Sophie Olechna Wentz by Granddaughter. POPE JOHN PAUL II: IMO Ambrose and Sophie Wentz by Granddaughter. SACRED HEART: For the Health of Jason Davis by Helen, CoCo, Ang, Allison and Billy. Call 570-544-2211 to memorialize votives. ADVENT FLOWERS: We gratefully acknowledge the flowers adorning the Divine Mercy Altar IMO Julia and Anibal Brito and Marie Brito Dale by Marge and George Homa Family. To arrange flowers for the Altar just call 570-544-2211. RECREATIONAL VOLLEYBALL: Students in grades 6-12 interested in participating in a volleyball program sponsored by St. Matthew’s CYO please join us on Sunday evenings from 6:00pm to 8:00pm in the Good Shepherd Building Gymnasium. Instruction will be provided from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM and then free play from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon, St. Ambrose School Parish Center. Adults $8; Children 6 to 12 $4; Children 5 and under free. Raffles and activities for the children. Proceeds benefit the 8 th Grade Class Trip. HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION OF LIGHT: 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM, Covenant Home Care, Pottsville. $10 per ornament in Today’s readings proclaim the great promise of Advent: the Lord will come. The message is double- edged. It offers both threat and comfort. The Second Letter of Peter fore- sees a terrible holocaust. When the Lord comes, the earth will be BLESSING OF CHOCOLATES: Chocolates for our Parish children will be blessed at all weekend Masses to honor St. Nicholas, the Patron Saint of Children, whose Feast Day is December 6. GOOD ST. NICHOLAS PROTECT OUR CHILDREN!

2. advance; $15 day of. Each lighted ornament on outdoor Christmas tree will reflect the life of those who have illuminated our lives with love and well-being. Call Vince at 1-800-726-8761 ext. 4519 for more information. 3 RD ANNUAL MURPHY JEWELERS BINGO: Doors open 11:00 AM; Bingo starts 1:00 PM. St. Nicholas Hall, Primrose. Admission $25. Call 570-544-5767 or 570-544-4581 for tickets. All proceeds benefit St. Nicholas School. MONDAY, DECEMBER 8 – SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION: Mass on this Holy Day of Obligation is at 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of H.C. are needed! SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM and 6:45 PM. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9 – ST. MATTHEW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. RESCHEDULED ANNUAL CHILDRENS’ ST. NICHOLAS DAY PARTY: 6:15 PM, Good Shepherd Cafeteria. All Parish children and Parish volunteer workers’ grandchildren are welcome to meet St. Nicholas! There will be a magic show and refreshments! WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients/caregivers. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11 – “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR REHEARSAL: Call Greg Senich at 570-544-2355 to join and for rehearsal times. New members are needed and welcome! ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ SANDS CASINO AND BETHLEHEM LIGHTS BUS TRIP: Pay $25; Rebate $30. Bus leaves R&J 9:30 AM; Quandel’s in Minersville 10:00 AM. Bus departs casino 5:30 PM. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413). FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT, DECEMBER 14 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM. THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): DAVE AND BARB SINCAVAGE (4:00 PM) will host the FPC this week. Call 570-399-5056 or sign-up in the Church Vestibule. We also need host families for February! CHRISTMAS CONCERT: 2:00 PM, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Minersville. Service of Lessons and Carols presented by Zion Adult Choir. Free-will offering accepted. Refreshments and fellowship to follow. SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) FUEL: Your support helps defray the cost of heating all parish buildings. (2) Please catch up with any missed envelopes. Consistent, generous support helps your church meet its financial obligations and serve you! Thanks! ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************* MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT OFF. PROC. LECTORS E. M. of H. C. ALTAR SERVERS SAT 4:00 PM Chelak Family Theresa KroznuskiJack Ruscavage Anthony Forte Nathan Tropp SUN 8:30 AM Kolenick Family Sharon Kolenick Rosalie Novack Anthony Lutchkus Michael Perzel 10:30 AM Kuehn Family Frank Melenchick Al Boris Frank Melenchick Jade Stickell ************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************* COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar! DECEMBER 15 – NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT: 6:30 PM. Includes information about academics, financial aid, guidance services. No pre-registration required. All are welcome. Call 570-622-8110 for more information. DECEMBER 21 – NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL AND FEEDER SCHOOL BAND AND CHORUS CONCERT: 7:00 PM, Nativity BVM High School Gym. The Nativity Jazz Band will also perform. Call 570-622-8110 for information. JANUARY 14 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Ricapito Annex. Call 570-544-2739. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ 2015 ADULT CHURCH OFFERING ENVELOPES: All 2015 adult and children 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. CHRISTMAS WAFERS / PLOTKELES / OPLATKI: Are available in the Church Vestibule to help you preserve the cus- tom of the Christmas Eve Holy Supper. The offering per pack is $4.00. Preserve this beautiful Holiday Tradition! CHRISTMAS FLOWERS AND VOTIVES: We would appreciate your Floral Memorials ($10) and Votive Memorials ($5) to help adorn our Church during the coming Christmas Season. Flower Envelopes can be found in your Envelope boxes. Please return them and arrange Votive Candles at your earliest convenience. Call 570-544-2211. GIFT CARDS TO SUPPORT CATHOLIC SCHOOLS: Assumption BVM and Nativity BVM sell gift cards for Giant, Weis, BG’s, Boyer’s, and local and chain restaurants, and for 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). DECEMBER 21 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH ANNUAL “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT CONTEMPORARY CHOIR HOLIDAY CONCERT”: 6:00 PM in our Church. A Free- Will Offering will be accepted. Come and experience the “Spirit of the Season” in song! DECEMBER 17 – HOLIDAY FOOD SALE: Homemade pierogi ($7.00 per dozen) and kielbasa ($9.00 per 2lb link). Pick-up 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM today at the Parish Center. PRE- ORDER ONLY. Call the Rectory (570-544-2211) to order. NATIONAL RETIRED RELIGIOUS COLLECTION: Give thanks for religious. A parishioner writes, “We thank God today and every day for every religious sister who taught us in school, not only our ABC’s, but also to love God.” Share your gratitude for the senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who made a positive difference in so many lives. Use the special envelope found in your envelope box. Please give generously to today’s collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious. REQUIESCAT IN PACE: May God reward our deceased parishioner, STELLA CHICORA, for her generous bequest of $2,000 for the good of the Parish! May Stella enjoy the rewards of the Blessed in eternity and may He mercifully watch over her beloved family! DECEMBER 19 – MINERSVILLE AREA HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE: VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED today at the Fr. A. J. Ricapito Annex to pack and distribute food to our area’s needy. Call 570-544-5604 to help. Helping the disadvantaged is truly the spirit of the season! ADVENT COMMUNITY CONFESSIONS: 6:00 PM, our Church. Five Priests will hear Confessions. Prepare spiritually for Christmas by making a good Confession! MONTHLY ROSARY: 6:15 PM, our Church. Join us in honoring Mary, whose Immaculate Conception was celebrated on December 8 th, and who will be honored as Patroness of the Americas on December 12 th, The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Pray the rosary because Jesus’ Mother, Mary has asked us to. 2015 CHURCH CALENDARS: They are a gift to our Parish from THE BUTLER FUNERAL HOME. They are in the Church Vestibule. One per family. OUR SINCEREST THANKS TO DONALD, PEGGY AND CHRISTOPHER!