PENTECOST SUNDAYMAY 24, 2015

By the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, Christ’s paschal mystery was brought to its completion. The Holy Spirit prepares us with his grace in order to draw us to Christ. He manifests the risen Lord to us, opening our minds. He makes present the mystery of Christ. And he reconciles us, bringing us into commission with God. Saint Thomas Aquinas says that the Holy Spirit interiorly perfects our spirit, communicating to it a new dynamism so that it refrains from evil for love. With the Holy Spirit within us “it is quite natural for people who had been absorbed by the things of this world to become entirely other-worldly in outlook, and for cowards to become people ofgreat courage” (Saint Cyril of Alexandria).

and it supplants the Jewish feast of Pentecost, which took place 50 days after the Passover andcelebrated the sealing of the Old Covenant on Mount Sinai. The Acts of the Apostles recountsthe story of the original Pentecost (Acts 2). Jewsfrom all over were gathered in Jerusalem tocelebrate the Jewish feast. On that Sunday, ten days after the Ascension of Our Lord, theApostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary weregathered in the Upper Room, where they had seen Christ after His Resurrection: And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a mighty wind coming, and it filled the whole house wherethey were sitting. And there appeared to them parted tongues as it were of fire, and it sat upon every one of them: And they were all filled withthe Holy Spirit, and they began to speak withdivers tongues, according as the Holy Spirit gavethem to speak. [Acts 2:2-4] Christ had promised His Apostles that He would send His Holy Spirit, and, on Pentecost, they were granted the gifts of the Spirit. The Apostles began to preach theGospel in all of the languages that the Jews whowere gathered there spoke, and about 3,000 people were converted and baptized that day. That is why Pentecost is often called "the birthday of the Church." On this day, with the descent ofthe Holy Spirit, Christ's mission is completed, and the New Covenant is inaugurated. It's interestingto note that St. Peter, the first pope, was already the leader and spokesman for the Apostles on Pentecost Sunday (see Acts 2:14ff). // In years past, Pentecost was celebrated with greater solemnity than it is today. In fact, the entire period between Easter and Pentecost Sunday was known as Pentecost (and it still is called Pentecost in the Eastern churches, both Catholic and Orthodox). During those 50 days, both fasting and kneeling were strictly forbidden, because this period was supposed to give us a foretaste of the life of Heaven.

ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH

MINERSVILLE, PAwww.StMatthewTheEvangelistParish.org

Rectory Office Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 3:30 PMPhone: (570) 544-2211 Fax: (570) 544-2317

SAINT MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST WELCOMES ALLNo 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 (610-332-04421x19)VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR: Wendy S. Krisak (1-800-791-9209)

WEEKDAY MASS AT 8:00 AMMON – IHO Karen by Mother, SylviaTUE – John J. Hudock by Jack HudockWED – Dr. Albert G. and Anthony Santarelli by Al and DoloresTHU – Sophie Borrell (3rd Annv) by Betty, Lori and MikeFRI – John Andruchek and Peter and Genevieve FerenchickSAT – 4:00 PM – Tony Straiges by Ken and Maryann EichenbergSUN – 8:30 AM – Patricia Wiscount by Husband, Harry 10:30 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners*******************************************************************************************************************************************THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: The Spirit of the Lord has filled the wholeworld and that which contains all things understands what is said, alleluia. (Wis 1:7)PENTECOST SUNDAY, MAY 24 – 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 intohis harvest. May the prayers of our participating families bear fruit. Thanks to THE CARPENITO FAMILY (10:30 AM) for hosting the FPC for Vocations this week. Sign up in Church vestibule. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: Today, on Pentecost, we remember Christ has given us the Holy Spirit to assist us in raising our family and he expects us to use this personal gift. Let’s turn-off the noise, apps and distractions in our lives and let the Holy Spirit “guide us to the truth.”PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: “Abraham Lincoln recognized that we could not survive as a free land when some men could decide that others were not fit to be free and should therefore be slaves. Likewise, we cannot survive as a free nation when some men decide that others are not fit to live and should be abandoned to abortion or infanticide.”    Join the fight to end abortion and euthanasia.  President Ronald Reagan.STEWARDSHIP: “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.” - 1 Corinthians 12:4-6. By giving each of us different gifts, God made sure that theChurch would have the right combination of time, talent and treasure that was needed to do His work.  However, if one of us does not utilize our gifts, God’s plan goes unfulfilled.  Some important work is left undone. LAST WEEK YOUCONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $2,797; General Repair: $373; Expenses: $2,761.16. Thanks for your generosity!EASTER SEASON CHARITY: ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY– Your donation of all TYPES OF HEARTY STEWS will allow the SVDP Societyto aid the needy of our area. Volunteer to help our SVDP Society Outreach and God’s Bountiful Table. Call Edward Butler at 570-544-2739. EASTER SEASON VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: IMO Fr. Walter Ciszek. (2) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; Special Intention by Stan and Sally Gober; IHO Karen by Mother, Sylvia. (3) BEFORE: ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. Call 570-544-2211 to memorialize votives. EASTER SEASON FLOWERS: We gratefully acknowledge the floral decorations adorning the BVM Altar IMO Sami Stripe by the Nevada Boys.

MONDAY, MAY 25 – MEMORIAL DAY: This National Holiday is a day of remembrance for those who died in defense of our country and a day of remembrance for all the dead. We encourage you to visit our Parish’s cemeteries and to pray for the departed who rest in them. R.I.P.FYI: The Rectory Office is closed today in observance of the Memorial Day Holiday.RECITATION OF THE ROSARY: 10:00 AM, St. Mary Star of the Sea Cemetery. You are invited to pray for the deceased buried in St. Mary Star of the Sea Cemetery. May God grant them eternal light and peace!THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS: 5:00 PM, last Monday of each month, Our Lady’s Chapel of St. Patrick Church, Pottsville. Veneration of a First-Class Relic of Saint Pauline Visintainer to follow. Call 570-622-1802. NOTRE DAME CLUB OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY “ANNUAL POTTSVILLE MILE”: Benefits St. Joseph Center for Special Learning, Pottsville. For more information or to register or to become a sponsor, please email Bill Kern at williamnkern@comcast.net.

2015 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL: As of today, our parish has raised $9,500 from 73 parishioners representing 13.37% of our total number of regis-tered families. We need the support of each parish family to reach our goal ($20,726) and 100% participation. REMEMBER, EVERY GIFT COUNTS, NO MATTER HOW SMALL. You can make your gift online at www.2015baa. org or drop off your pledge form in the collection basket at church. We hope our Parishioners will demonstrate that we are a Parish that cares by making their donation to the Appeal!

ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: Prayer Serviceat 6:00 PM. Late memorializations of Vigils ($6 each) can be made BEFORE THE SERVICE. Join us in praying for the Faithful Departed, especially those who served in the military. Hon. Ralph Butera LTC, twenty-nine year veteran of the military, and thirty-two year veteran of the US Postal Service, will be our guest speaker.

Pentecost Sunday is one of the most ancient feasts of the Church, celebrated early enough to be mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles (20:16) and St. Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians (16:8). It is the 50th day after Easter (if we count both Easter and Pentecost),

TUESDAY, MAY 26 – ST. MATTHEW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 2015-2016 REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW DUE. $65 FOR FIRST CHILD WITH A $5 DISCOUNT BEFORE EARLY REGISTARTION DEADLINE ON JUNE 30. ADDITIONAL REGISTRATION FORMS CAN BE FOUND IN THE CHURCH VESTIBULE.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass. St. Peregrine, help cancer patients and their caregivers!GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Ricapito Annex (570-544-6484).

THURSDAY, MAY 28 – “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR REHEARSAL: Call Greg at 570-544-2355 to join.MONTHLY ROSARY: 6:15 PM, Church. The Patriotic Rosary is a powerful prayer for divine protection and mercy for our nation andits rebirth. Please join us in praying the Rosary during Mary’s month of May!

FRIDAY, MAY 29 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.

SATURDAY, MAY 30 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. EASTERN EUROPEAN FOOD FESTIVAL: 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM, Slovak Catholic Social Hall, Reading. Food, beer, wines and other delights in the tradition of Slovak, Ukrainian and Polish. Eat-in or take-out. Call Kathi at 484-525-7861 for information.

SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY TRINITY, SUNDAY, MAY 31 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM.

THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): LINDA AND JOSEPH BUTCAVAGE will host the FPC this week. Call 570-399-5056 or sign-up in the Church Vestibule for July and August!

SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: No Special Parish Second Collection Envelope this week. Check your Sunday Envelope Boxes for any envelopes you might have missed. Please catch up. Your Church needs your consistent and generous support. Thank you! *******************************************************************************************************************************************************************

MINISTERS AT MASS FOR TRINITY SUNDAY OFF. PROC. LECTORS E. M. of H. C. ALTAR SERVERSSAT 4:00 PM Straiges Family Theresa Kroznuski Rosalie Novack Fletcher Eades

Max WigodaSUN 8:30 AM Wiscount Family Jack Hudock Marian Rhoads Emily Purcell

Abby Schoffstall 10:30 AM Parishioners Sharon Kolenick Mary Regina Mundy Bella Kuehn

Gabriel Kuehn*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar!

JUNE 10 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Ricapito Annex (570-544-6484). JUNE 12 – BLESSING OF CARS: It is a custom on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to bless automobiles. We will do so at 6:00

PM in the Church parking lot (across from the Rectory). We ask that you call to register (570-544-2211).JUNE 13 – ST. JOHN’S CURIOSITY SHOP: 8:00 AM to12:00 Noon, Russell Building. Various items, toys and games, jewelry, kitchen items, books, candles, vases, craft items, and much more. Food and refreshments available. Call 570-622-5470 for more information.JUNE 14 – PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN CLASS: After 11:30 AM in the rectory education room, Most Blessed Trinity Parish, Tremont. For any volunteers who need to take the class. Call 570-695-3648 to register.JUNE 15 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ SANDS CASINO BUS TRIP: Cost $25; Rebate $25. Bus leaves R&J 8:00 AM; Quandel’s in Minersville 8:30 AM. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413).

JUNE 19, 20 – ST. MICHAEL’S SUMMER BLOCK PARTY: 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM both days. Homemade food, crafts, and games. All are welcome! Call 570-544-4741 for more information. Please support our sister Parish!

JULY 6 – 8 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ PITTSBURG EXPRESS BUS TRIP: $429 per person, double occupancy. 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 570-544-5231 or 570-628-5413.JULY 20 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ HOLLYWOOD CASINO BUS TRIP: Cost $25; Rebate $30! Bus leaves R&J 8:00 AM; Quandel’s in Minersville 8:30 AM. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413).SEPTEMBER 21- 24 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ WILDWOOD SEAFOOD FEAST BUS TRIP: $399 per person, double occupancy. 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, trip to Atlantic City casino with a bonus package, visit to Washington Street Mall, Cape May, visit Smithville Village, Wildwoods' famous beach and boardwalk. Motorcoach transportation. Baggage handling, meal gratuities and hotel taxes included. YOUR PAYMENT IS YOUR RESERVATION! Call 570-544-5231 or 570-628-5413.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

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EASTER THANKS: (1) Easter Collection: $11,533. (2) We are grateful to all our Liturgical Ministers (Altar Servers, Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers, Cantors, Choir Members, Procession Participants and their Coordinators) for fulfilling their Ministries during Holy Week and Easter. (3) We appreciate the floral and votive memorializations which allowed us to decorate our Church so fittingly for Palm Sunday and Easter. (4) We thank all those who attended Holy Week Services and Easter Sunday Masses. Your presence was the crowning glory of our Church! (5) We are grateful to everyone who financially supported their Parish in our collections. YOU ARE GOOD PEOPLE!ANNOUNCED MASSES: The following Mass Intentions to be said were given to: BISHOP RONALD GAINER: IMO Angie Siemanis requested by M/M Metro Cremo (2), M/M Michael Semanchick; IMO Stanley Frompovicz requested by M/M Stiney Michelcavage; IMO Anna Colitz requested by Matilda Kiertekles, M/M Frank Messros, Rosary Society (2); IMO Catherine Stefanosky requested by Anna Mitsock; IMO Frank Pasky and Andrew Ptaskowski requested by sister, Helen and nephew, Larry; IMO Julia Stabinsky requested by Anna Pritz, Rosary Society (2); IMO John Letko requested by Dr. and Mrs. Augustine Moffitt; IMO Eleanore Hudock requested by Kathy and George Bobbs; IMO Sandra Yeich requested by Jennie Wentz, Helen and Harold Hummel, Josephine and Tony Leonard, Mary and Anthony Michalski, Sophie Novack and son, John; IMO Joseph Gober requested by Michael and Lisa O’Mara, the Cardiff Family, M/M Albert Baldinger, Marty and Ann Renal, George Mazloom, Steve and Anna Lukacz, Pat and Dave Langton, M/M Michael Kondrack, John and Tina Smolock, Ann S. Salley.FYI: Sometime between May 10 and May 12 one of the marble steps from the entrance to the former St. Francis of Assisi Church was stolen. It seems nothing is sacred or safe anymore! Please let us know if you see anything strange happening around any of our Church properties.

JUNE 7 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST SPAGHETTI DINNER:11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Parish Center,120 Oak Street. Spaghetti with Homemade Sauce and Meatballs with a Full Salad Bar. Adults$8.50; Children $4.50. Eat-in or take-out. Benefits SMTE Parish. Call 570-544-2211.

JUNE 15 – 18 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM,grades K to 4, at the Good Shepherd Building. Call Sr. Mary Jane Dunleavy at 570-544-2464 toregister and for more information. PROGRAM IS OPEN TO CHILDREN FROM ALL PARISHES!

JUNE 21 – FATHERS’ DAY FLOWERS AND VIGILS: We would like to decorate our Church with Flowers and vigils in memory of/in honor of the husbands, fathers, grandfathers, good men of ourParish. The Offering for Flowers is $10; Vigils $5. Call the Rectory (570-544-2211) to make arrangements. Thanks for your anticipated help!

EASTER DUTY: This is the LAST day to fulfill the Easter Precept. CANON 920- #1. All the faithful after having been initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, are bound by the obligation

of receiving Communion at least once a year. #2. This precept must be fulfilled during the

Easter Season (First Sunday of Lent to Trinity Sunday) unless it is fulfilled for a just cause at some

othertime during the year. (Fulfillment of your Easter Duty requires the reception of the

Sacrament of Reconciliation if you have committed Mortal Sin, e.g. deliberately missing Sunday Mass.)

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: May God reward our deceased parishioner, ALEX VALIBUS, for his generousbequest of $11,093.87 for the good of the Parish! May Alex enjoy the rewards of the Blessed in eternity and may God mercifully watch over all those that he loved and cared for!