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 – Walter T. Logan by Brother, Joseph and Wife, Rita
TUE – Clara Parnell (8th Annv) by Nephew, Father Leo
WED – 4:00 PM – Donald Butler, Sr. by Joanne Bobby
9:00 PM – Living and Deceased Parishioners
THU – 8:30 AM – Living and Deceased of Malec and Smiszek Families
10:30 AM – Travis Newton by Mom and Dad
FRI – Eleanor Stoppi by Family
SAT – 8:00 AM – Stella Pytko by the Carr Family
4:00 PM – Louise Kishel by Daughter, Joan Roberts
SUN – 8:30 AM – Andrew and Mary Consugar by Family
10:30 AM – Anna Colitz by Family
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REQUIESCAT IN PACE: May Jesus, creations’ Lord and Judge, take unto Himself:
RICHARD HUNTZINGER, a former member of the former St. Stanislaus
Kostka Parish, and a member of our Parish Family, who died Thursday,
December 18, and will be buried from our Church Monday, December 22.
May Mary, Mother of Our Redeemer, comfort Rich’s family and friends.
************************************************************************************************************************* 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 21 – 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 THE CORY FAMILY (10:30 AM) for hosting the
FPC for Vocations this week. Please sign up in Church.
FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: QUESTION: What do you call a family which
began with an unmarried pregnant teen and had a twelve year old son who ran
away from home and was eventually executed as a criminal? ANSWER:HOLY!
Two lessons in today’s gospel: (1) No matter what is happening in your family,
“The Lord is with you.”(2) “Do not be afraid” for “nothing is impossible with God.
PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: As we celebrate Christ coming into the world as
a child let us pray that all women who are pregnant this Christmas season will
be open to God’s gift of life so that he/she can be born into this world and thus
be able to know Christ and help build His kingdom here on earth.
STEWARDSHIP: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!” – Luke 1:28.
Faith is a gift from God. During this Christmas season take time in silence and
pray to God. Thank Him for all the gifts He has given you. Try to set aside any
anger or resentment you have and really open your heart to receive the gift of
God’s grace. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $3,130; Fuel:
$520; Expenses: $4, Thank you for your generosity! N.B.: Without
our savings and the profits from our fundraising, this parish
would not be able to meet its ordinary expenses!
ADVENT CHARITIES: 1) ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY –
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
DECEMBER 21, 2014
When “the revelation of the mystery kept
secret for long ages” is manifested to Mary,
the Virgin believes it because it corresponds
completely to what her perfect human heart
is yearning for. God will continue to be with
us wherever we go – but now in the flesh.
And since Mary was betrothed to Joseph, she
knew that what God had long ago promised
King David – “I will raise up your heir after
you” – would come true through her yes, for
Joseph was “of the house of David.”
It seems to surprise Christians that God’s
flesh taking in Christ should have to come to
pass in such simplicity and quiet. We are still
tempted to read the gospel accounts for
concrete details which will reveal spectacular
manifestations of divine power in the life of a
homespun maiden of Israel. If the story does
reveal anything of the extraordinary, it is
because it lies in the tradition of other stories
from Israel’s history, stories which recount
the birth of great heroes of the people. //
Mary’s “yes” is the hinge of human-divine
history. The God who created all makes the
fulfillment of his promise dependent upon
one of the most dispossessed and powerless
of his children. The fact that God so ordains
the working out of his plan shows the
powerlessness of our might and the
relentlessness of his surprising love. As we
rush about making wars or dazzling loved
ones with the brightness and size of our gifts,
it serves us well to pause in silence and to let
our imagination enter into the humble setting
of hearth and heart where God’s almighty
Word waited upon the “yes” of a woman. 0.
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 ) 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 (8th Annv) by Father Leo. (2) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY:
Special Intention by Stan and Sally Gober; For the Health of Jason Davis by Helen, CoCo, Ang, Allison and Billy; For the Health of George
Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; IMO Michael J. Warhola by Family. DIVINE MERCY: For the Health of Aldona Butler; IMO
Aaron Mitchell (12th Annv) by Ed and Janet Rada Mitchell, Jonathan and Jessica. (3) BEFORE: ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. ST.
ANTHONY: IMO John Sokola by Family. ST. ANNE: IMO Anna and Michael Postick and Daughters by Katherine. Call
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 for information.
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.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM and 6:00 PM.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM and 6:00 PM.
ST. MATTHEW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: None this week. Classes resume January 6.
DECORATION OF CHURCH FOR CHRISTMAS: We could use some volunteer help at 6:00 PM in our Church. Please lend a hand!
WEDNESDAY, 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
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!

2. MINISTERS AT MASS FOR CHRISTMAS AND HOLY FAMILY SUNDAY
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 Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week in observance of Christmas.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: No Confessions heard today.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 – CHRISTMAS DAY: THE SOLEMNITY OF THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR JESUS
CHRIST: We will honor our Incarnate Savior at 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM Masses today. No Confessions will be heard today.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: No Confessions heard today.
CHRISTMAS VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: IMO John Magic by Wife, Mildred. (2) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: IMO Leo and Helen D. Maletz by Son, Father Leo; IMO
Frank S. Brozana by Wife, Josephine and Daughter, Joanne and Donald Doyne; IMO Andrew Botek by Wife, Bertha; IMO Diane Warcola by Mother, Bertha. DIVINE MERCY: IMO John
Socko by Daughter, Ann Marie; IMO John Szekeres by Ann Marie; IMO Aunt Anna Jergovich by Mary Ann and Michael; IMO Joseph Sumoski by Daughter, Bertha. REREDOS NICHE: IMO
Annie Socko by Daughter, Ann Marie. (3) BEFORE: INFANT OF PRAGUE: IMO Frances Sumoski by Daughter, Bertha; IMO John Sokola by Family. ST. ANNE: IMO Grandmother, Anna
Ciesla by Mary Ann and Michael. ST. ANTHONY: IMO Felix and Josephine Costic by Family. ST.BARBARA: IMO Ryan Wiscount by Moore Family; IMO George and Stella Pytko by Son,
George and Daughter, Joanne. ST. FRANCIS: IMO John and Anna Dobles by Daughter, Carol Matusky; IMO Anthony T. Warcola by Wife, Bertha; IMO Charles and Pauline Butensky by Joe
and LuAnn. ST. THERESA: IMO Aunt Dorothy Liddick by Mary Ann and Michael; IMO Mary Szekeres by Ann Marie. ST. LUCY: IMO Anna Kanapitski by Magic-Sincavage Family; IMO
Agnes Sincavage by Magic-Sincavage Family. ST. JOSEPH: IMO Son-In-Law Charles Dietrick by Mary Ann and Michael; IMO Leonard Yurkonis by Wife and Daughters. SACRED HEART:
IMO Grandmother Mary Weldon by Mary Ann and Michael; IMO Michael Yurkonis by Mom and Sisters. POPE JOHN PAUL II: IMO John Sokola by Family. ST. PETER: IMO Rita Bistronish
by Daughter, Michele (2). ST. PAUL: IMO David Moore by Family; IMO Brito-Budresky Family by Marge and George Homa Family. HOLY OILS: IMO Homa-Sweet Family by Marge and
George Homa Family; IMO John Magic by Magic-Sincavage Family. (4) NAVE: IMO Albenia Hoover by Granddaughter, Linda; IMO Stiney and Anna Gober, IMO Clista Hudock, IMO Vera
Petkaitis by Stan and Sally Gober; For the Health of Martha Rodgers by Family; IMO Sr. M. Alphonsa, S.S.C. by Gloria Dutcavich; IMO Msgr. C.J. Klevence by Gloria Dutcavich; IMO Russell
and Ann Rothermel by Linda, Mitra and Meggi; IMO Carol Huntzinger by Linda, Mitra and Meggi; IMO My Grandparents, IMO My Deceased Uncles and Aunts, IMO My Deceased Relatives,
Friends and Benefactors by Father Leo. ST. STANISLAUS BISHOP AND MARTYR MURAL: IMO Tom and Margaret Pleva by Donna; IMO Edward and Elizabeth Siminitus by Family; IMO
Edward and Sophia Burke by Dolores Starr and Son. ST. BARBARA MURAL: IMO Donald Starr, Sr. by Dolores Starr; IMO Donald Starr, Sr. by Donald Starr, Jr.; IMO Nevin and Thelma
Starr by Dolores Starr and Son. BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE: IMO Jennie Gut by Magic-Sincavage Family; IMO Peter Washinsky, Sr. by Magic-Sincavage Family. ALTAR OF SACRIFICE
CANDELABRAS: IMO Connie Bluis and Tim Stine by Joe and LuAnn; IMO Patricia Wiscount by Joe and LuAnn; IMO Genevieve and Peter Ferenchick, IMO John Andruchek, Sr., IMO
Joseph Senawaitis, IMO Nancy, Matthew and Mark, IMO Jennie Gut by John and Carol Andruchek; IMO Dutcavich Family, IMO Montello Family, IMO Supsinskas Family by Gloria Dutcavich.
BAPTISMAL FONT: IMO Deceased Priest Friends, For Vocations by Father Leo
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!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26 – FEAST OF ST. STEPHEN: To honor the Proto-Martyr, walnuts will be blessed within today’s 8:00 AM Mass.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27–FEAST OF ST. JOHN, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST:Wine will be blessed at 8:00 AM Mass to honor St. John.
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM.
FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT, DECEMBER 28 – 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: 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM.
THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): Francis Kuchta will host the FPC this week. Call
5056 or sign-up in the Church Vestibule. We also need host families for February!
SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT: Your contribution will help defray the cost of improvements
for all Parish Buildings. . (2) Please catch up with any missed envelopes. Consistent and generous support helps your church meet its
financial obligations and serve you! Catch up deadline for 2014 envelopes is January 31, 2015.
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MINISTERS AT MASS FOR CHRISTMAS AND HOLY FAMILY SUNDAY
OFF. PROC LECTORS E. M. of H. C ALTAR SERVERS
WED 4:00 PM Butler Family Michael Novack Ed Davis Anthony Forte
Elaine Davis Nathan Tropp
9:00 PM Parishioners John Andruchek Theresa Kroznuski Fletcher Eades
Alexandria Eades
THU 8:30 AM Parishioners Rosalie Novack Lori Hoffman Anthony Lutchkus
Volunteer
10:30 AM Newton Family Linda Butensky Teresa Miller Frank Melenchick
SAT 4:00 PM Parishioners Nicole Forney Dave Fogarty Anthony Forte
Nathan Tropp
SUN 8:30 AM Consugar Family Al Boris Sharon Kolenick Anthony Lutchkus
Michael Perzel
10:30 AM Colitz Family Mary Ann Harrison Jamie Kuehn Frank Melenchick
COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar!
JANUARY 11 – NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 1:00 PM. Meet faculty, staff, students, parents, advisors, coaches and board
members; take a tour of our campus; learn about tuition assistance opportunities. Call Jenn ( ) with questions.
JANUARY 14 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Ricapito Annex. Call
JANUARY 21 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ HOLLYWOOD CASINO BUS TRIP: Pay $23; Rebate $30. Bus leaves R&J 8:30 AM;
Quandel’s in Minersville 9:00 AM. Bus departs casino 4:00 PM. Call Julie ( ) or Millie ( ) for information.
2015 SUNDAY MISSALS: Are in the Church Vestibule. The cost per Missal is $5.00.
2015 ADULT CHURCH OFFERING ENVELOPES: The remaining 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 discrepancies with your envelopes, please call
2015 CHURCH CALENDARS: Can be found in the Church vestibule. Thanks to The Butler Funeral Home!
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 $ Preserve this beautiful Holiday Tradition!
ANNOUNCED MASSES: The following Mass Intentions to be said as soon as possible were given to: MSGR. WILLIAM HANDGES: IMO
Frances R. Pleva requested by Regina Heffron; IMO Frances E. Pleva requested by John Laicha and Family (4); IMO Gerald Malusky
requested by M/M Lester King, John Konapelsky, Robert Panak; IMO Charles Radziewicz requested by M/M Al Mikatavage; IMO Stella
Poslosky Doyle requested by John Stefanick, Candy and Sandy Goldwell; IMO Lee E. Gottschall requested by Peter Kadingo; IMO
Stephen Marchock requested by Helen Sunday; IMO Anna Zulick requested by Marge and George Homa; IMO Forgotten Souls in
Purgatory requested by Special Request. REQUIESCANT IN PACE!
PARISH MEMORIAL SOCIETY: We gratefully acknowledge the following donations: IMO JOHN F. SOKOLA: $100 from Vince, Paulette,
Melissa and Matthew Murphy; $50 each from Ann Marie Socko, Tom and Pauline Eltringham, Raymond and Lena Sokola; $30 from Mary
Bowers; $25 each from Ann Marie Pukas, George and Rose Smith, Regina and Jack Wiyda, Mary Ellen Kralick; $20 each from Dolores
Gahres, Jack Hudock, Frank and Annie Serina, Katherine Chelak, Jack and Betty Ruscavage; $10 each from Rose and Jim Land, William
and Rose Ann Sep,Bertha Warcola,George and Marge Homa Family,Robert Pincavage and Mary Lou Schappe,Barbara Graf,Jeanine Cola.
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!