1. 0. ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH MINERSVILLE, PA
Rectory Office Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Phone: (570) Fax: (570)
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 ( x19)
VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR: Wendy S. Krisak ( )
WEEKDAY MASS AT 8:00 AM
MON – Elizabeth Holland by Family
TUE – John Sokola by Family
WED – 8:00 AM – Helen and Dorothy Maletz by Family
12:00 Noon – Anna Huntzinger by Aldona and Edward Butler
6:00 PM – Dante Cola by Gloria Paltanavage
THU – Stiney Sarnosky by Family
FRI – Donald Butler, Sr. by Aldona and Edward Butler
SAT – 4:00 PM – Stephen Rada (22nd Annv) by Phyllis Rada and Family
SUN – 8:30 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners
10:30 AM – George and Doris Yannaccone by Daughter, Cheryl
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THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: Be my protector, O God,/ a mighty
stronghold to save me./ For you are my rock, my stronghold!/
Lead me, guide me, for the sake of your name. (Cf. Ps 31 (30):3-4)
SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, FEBRUARY 15 – 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. Thanks to BEVERLY, KRISTIN and ALEXIS HUTZEL for
hosting the FPC for Vocations this week. Sign up in Church.
FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: Family life is about decisions. The leper in
today’s gospel knew this when he said to Jesus. “If you will, you can make me
clean.” Jesus knew this when he said, “I do will it.” Love is not an emotion. It is
a decision to be with and for another person in “good times and bad,” even
when we don’t feel like it.
PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: “Abortion is the only surgery for which the
surgeon is not obligated to inform the patient of the possible risks of the
procedure, or even the exact nature of the procedure.  Indeed, abortion
providers are the only medical personnel who have a ‘constitutional right’ to
withhold information, even when directly questioned by the patient.” –David
Reardon, Aborted Women: Silent No More.
STEWARDSHIP: “Brothers and sisters, whether you eat or drink, or
whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Do a quick check of your priorities. Where does God rank in that list? If He’s
not first, you have some work to do. Putting God first in everything helps
develop the attitude of “ I am grateful for the gifts God gave me” instead of “I
want more”. For most people gratitude leads to generosity. LAST WEEK YOU
CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $3,239; Fuel: $578; Expenses: $4, Thanks!
FRATERNAL CHARITY: ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY –
Your donation of all TYPES OF CANNED FRUITS will allow our SVDP Society
SIXTH SUNDAY
IN ORDINARY TIME
FEBRUARY 15, 2015
Jesus “stretched out his hand [and] touched
him.” This was probably the first time the
leper had ever been touched. That contact
was just as compelling as his cure. The leper
perceives in Jesus a compassion, a “pity”;
like nothing else, the personal experience of
sickness and suffering can make one acutely
aware of the tenderness and goodness of
another. Most likely the leper never would
have begged Jesus in this way if he had not
been afflicted in the first place. “I turn to you,
Lord, in time of trouble.” The leper presents
himself to the Great High Priest who “fills him
with the joy of salvation.”
Isaiah depicts the sinful people. It is under
the same image that he describes a mysteri-
ous Servant who expiates Israel’s sin. // In
this context, Jesus’ face-to-face meeting with
the leper takes on its full meaning. We see
the unclean before the Holy One, the outcast
before the Servant who will be cast out, the
leper who is impure before the pure one who
will be disfigured like a leper. It is the sinful
world that the Savior touches and purifies.
The Messiah has arrived. In him, the banished
of society, the living dead are restored. // In
different degrees, under different forms,
leprosy still creates barriers between people.
Today’s lepers are the very ill forgotten in
hospitals, the marginal poor shut up in
unhealthy tenements, the addicts shunned by
high-minded societies, the HIV infected.
Before all these lepers, we ourselves must
take part in the simple story of the encounter
between Jesus and the leper. For we too
must recognize that we are all lepers.We must
disclose the sins that we keep hidden. We
must cry out in acknowledgement of our
moral frailty. Thus we regain life and take our
places in the community of the redeemed.
Once touched and healed, we can in turn
proclaim the Word. Rejoicing in health
regained, we can welcome the outcast and the
rejected,acknowledged in their human dignity. 0.
In Jesus’ Day, leprosy meant not only incur-able physical disintegration, but also social and cultural death. It was the supreme “plague” which God inflicted on sinners. It is under the image of a leper that
CATHOLIC HOME MISSIONS APPEAL INCLUDING
BLACK AND INDIAN MISSIONS: Many dioceses right
here in the United States do not have enough priests
and trained lay ministers to serve their parishes.
These dioceses are known as home missions. Today’s
second collection supports these dioceses by funding
essential ministries, including seminary education and
lay ministry training. Please be generous in this appeal
and share your resources to strengthen the Church at
home. Use the Home Mission Envelope found in
your envelope boxes. Place it in the Second Collection.
to aid the needy in our area. Volunteer to help our SVDP Society Outreach and God’s Bountiful Table.Call
VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: IMO Dorothy Maletz by Family (Available Dates: March 15, 29, April 26, October 4, 18) (2)
ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: Special Intention by Stan and Sally Gober; IMO Helen Maletz (Birthday) by Son, Father Leo; IMO
Irene and Leo Stock by Katherine; IMO Travis Newton by Lynn (Lescavage) Dudash and Family. DIVINE MERCY: For the Health of
George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; IMO Donald Butler, Sr. by Aldy Butler; IMO Gerard Brennan by Aldy and Edward
Butler. (3) BEFORE: ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. Call to memorialize votives.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 – ST. MATTHEW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 6:00 PM in the Good Shepherd Building. Any
questions, contact our Coordinator of Religious Education, Rosalie Novack ( ). Absences call
LENTEN FOOD SALE FOOD PREPARATION SCHEDULE
Sunday, February 15 – 9:30 AM – Peel and Slice Onions
Monday, February 16 – 9:00 AM – Prepare Vegetables and Cabbage
Wednesday, February 18 – 9:00 AM – Make Halushki
Thursday, February 19 – 5:00 PM – Make Bleenie Batter
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR LENTEN FOOD SALES! LEND US A HAND!

2. MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 – ALZHEIMER’S CARE GIVER’S SUPPORT GROUP: 6:00 PM Presentation, Providence Place, Pottsville.
Topic this month: “Coping with Caregivers Stress”. Light Refreshments will be served. Call
BRANCHDALE CITIZENS FIRE COMPANY FISH DINNER: Cost $11 includes choice of Broiled Haddock or Crabcake. Dessert
included. For tickets call Pick-up and tickets are also available at Anne’s Bakery.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19 – STATIONS OF THE CROSS AND BENEDICTION: 3:00 PM, THIS WEEK ONLY.
“SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” C ONTEMPORARY CHOIR: New members are needed! Call
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.
DAY OF ABSTINENCE: All who have reached their 14th year are bound to abstain totally from eating meat
today and every Friday of Lent.
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST LENTEN DINNERS: Every Friday in Lent in the Russell Building, Pottsville. Full course includes New
England Clam Chowder, Full Salad Bar, choice of Macaroni and Cheese, Baked or Mashed Potatoes, Choice of Vegetables, Homemade
Dessert, Beverage, and your choice of Fish or Crab Cake. Prices, $8 to $16. Call
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. Prepare for Easter by making a good Confession!
SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, FEBRUARY 15 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): PHYLLIS RADA will host the FPC this week. Call
5056 or sign-up in the Church Vestibule. We need host families for March and April!
SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT: Your contribution will help defray the cost of improvements for
all Parish buildings. (2) OPERATION RICE BOWL: Please place your ORB envelope in the Second Collection all Lenten Sunday’s
including Easter Sunday. All other Parish and Diocesan envelopes should be placed in the First Collection. Thank you! (3) Please check
your Sunday Church Envelope Boxes for the envelopes you might have missed. Kindly catch up as soon as possible. (4) Please write
the amount of your donation on your envelope. Do not staple or scotch tape it shut. Simply seal it with a lick.Thanks!
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MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT
OFF. PROC LECTORS E. M. of H. C ALTAR SERVERS
SAT 4:00 PM Rada Family Nicole Forney Dave Fogarty Alexandra Eades
Fletcher Eades
SUN 8:30 AM Parishioners John Andruchek Mary Regina Mundy Emily Purcell
Abby Schoffstall
10:30 AM Yannaccone Mary Ann Harrison Sister Margaret Moore Bella Kuehn Family Gabriel Kuehn
COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar!
FEBRUARY 25 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Ricapito Annex ( ).
FEBRUARY 26 – PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN WORKSHOP: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Nativity BVM H.S.Call Margie Young ( ).
MARCH 7 – CONFIRMATION RETREAT: 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM at St. Michael Parish Center. Parent Session: 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM.
MARCH 18 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ MT. AIRY CASINO BUS TRIP: Pay $29; Rebate $30. Bus leaves R&J 8:00 AM; Quandel’s in
Minersville 8:30 AM. Bus departs casino 4:30 PM. Call Julie ( ) or Millie ( ) for information.
MARCH 22 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST ANNUAL HAM BINGO: 2:00 PM, Good Shepherd Cafeteria. More information to follow.
APRIL 8 – CONFIRMATION: 4:30 PM, St. Michael the Archangel Church, for St, Michael, St. Matthew, Most Blessed Trinity Parishes. Bishop
Cullen will be Confirming our children.
APRIL 12 – St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish Divine Mercy Devotions: 3:00 PM.
APRIL 21 – MANDATORY PARENTS’ FIRST COMMUNION MEETING: 6:15 PM, Good Shepherd Chapel Room.
MAY – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ VIRGINIA BEACH BUS TRIP: $479 per person, double occupancy includes: 3 nights hotel
accommodations, 3 full breakfasts, 3 dinners including all-you-can-eat seafood buffet, visit to Fort Monroe Casemate Museum
Williamsburg Pottery, Yankee Candle Village, Douglas MacArthur Memorial, Norfolk Naval Base, Hampton Roads Naval Museum, beach
and boardwalk. Motorcoach transportation. Baggage handling, meal gratuities and hotel taxes included. YOUR PAYMENT IS YOUR
RESERVATION! Call Julie ( ) or Millie ( ).
JULY 6 – 8 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ PITTSBURG EXPRESS BUS TRIP: $429 per person, double occupancy includes: 2 nights
lodging, 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners including a dinner at the Grand Concourse, Duquesne Incline, Gateway Clipper cruise, Guided tour of
Pittsburgh including University of Pittsburgh’s Cathedral of Learning, Nationality Rooms, Heinz Memorial Chapel, Tour of Phipps
Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Frank Lloyd Wright’s “Fallingwater”, Visit to Flight 93 Memorial, souvenir gift. Motorcoach
transportation. Baggage handling, meal gratuities and hotel taxes included. YOUR PAYMENT IS YOUR RESERVATION! Call Julie (570-
) or Millie ( ).
SEPTEMBER – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ WILDWOOD SEAFOOD FEAST BUS TRIP: $399 per person, double occupancy
includes: 3 nights motel accommodations, 3 full breakfasts, 3 dinners including all-you-can-eat seafood buffet featuring a DJ and over 50
different buffet items, one $20 meal credit valid for a 3 course price-fixed meal at Breadsticks in Resorts Casino, one dinner at a local
restaurant, a trip to Atlantic City casino with a bonus package, visit to Washington Street Mall in Cape May, visit to Smithville Village,
Wildwoods' famous beach and boardwalk. Motorcoach transportation. Baggage handling, meal gratuities and hotel taxes included. YOUR
PAYMENT IS YOUR RESERVATION! Call Julie ( ) or Millie ( ).
PARISH MEMORIAL SOCIETY: We gratefully acknowledge the following donations: IMO ANN HUNTZINGER: $25 from Albie and Diane
Deibler; $20 from Harry and Theresa McClintock; $10 each from Bertha Warcola, Jeanine Cola.
ASH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 – Lent begins: Masses will be celebrated at 8:00 AM, 12:00 Noon
and 6:00 PM. PASTORAL NOTE: (1) Today is a day of STRICT FAST (one full meal is permitted for
everyone between the ages of 18 and 59 inclusive) AND ABSTINENCE (all who have reached their
14th year are bound to abstain totally from meat). (2) DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: After 8:00
AM Mass. St. Peregrine, help cancer patients and their caregivers! (3) EUCHARISTIC ADORATION
AND CONFESSIONS: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Next week they will be followed by Stations of the Cross.
(4) Hungering for the Journey: CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES’ OPERATION RICE BOWL: Join
our parish community—and more than 13,000 Catholic communities across the United States—in a
life-changing Lenten journey with CRS Rice Bowl, as a way to encounter Jesus through others,
especially through the most vulnerable in our world. Please use the easy and fun resources sent
you to deepen your family’s Lenten experience. Your prayers, fasting and almsgiving this Lenten
season will help Catholic Relief Services continue to provide life-saving assistance in nearly 100
countries. CRS works on our behalf to care for the poorest in our world and to end global poverty.
Please use the Rice Bowl packet sent in the Parish Mailing. Follow this simple yet powerful Lenten
practice. (5) LENTEN MAILING: Please use the enclosed materials to get the most out of Lent!
FIRST LENTEN FOOD SALE: 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM, Parish Center.
Eat-in or take-out. To place take out orders call the Parish Center (570-
) from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Friday only. Help is needed to
fry bleenies, cook pierogi, serve customers, pack orders, deliver
business orders and clean up. Your home baked goodies would be
appreciated for our dessert table and can be brought to the Parish
Center between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.NEXT SALES: MARCH 6 AND 20.
FEBRUARY 28 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH WOMEN’S LENTEN MORNING OF PRAYER: 8:30
AM Confessions; 9:00 AM Mass followed by breakfast and reflection in our Parish Center. Free-will
offering accepted. Sr. Natalya Stoczanyn, S.S.M.I., St. Nicholas Convent, Minersville, guest speaker.
Sister’s topic will be “The Value of the Charism of Consecrated Life in Today’s Church and some insights
into the Holy Season of Lent from the Eastern Church Perspective.” Please call ( ) ASAP
If you are attending to allow us to prepare adequately for the breakfast. Please join us!