St. Matthew Parish 19 Dora Lane, Limerick, Maine 04048-3527

Tel. 207-793-2244

website: www.stmatthewlimerick.org

Diocese of Portland Diocesan website: www.portlanddiocese.org

We welcome you to the Catholic Community of

St. Matthew and the celebration of the Eucharist.

ST. MATTHEW PARISH STAFF:

Very Rev. Philip A. Tracy, V. F. Pastor

E-mail address: philip.tracy@portlanddiocese.org

Rev. Jack Dickinson, Parochial Vicar

E-mail address: jack.dickinson@portlanddiocese.org

Deacon Paul Lissandrello, Pastoral Associate

E-mail address: paul.lissandrello@portlanddiocese.org

Heather Silva, Secretary/Bookkeeper

E-mail address: heather.silva@portlanddiocese.org

Deacon Paul Lissandrello, P.C.L.

Deacon Paul Lissandrello Altar Server Coord.

Gail Libby, Music Director, 207-423-5998

FINANCE COMMISSION:

Kevin LaFreniere Theressa Harrigan

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS:

Jon DiCentes, Grand Knight, 247-8875

BIRTHPLACE HELPLINE:

Abortion Alternatives/Project Rachel, 1-800-227-3002

WEEKEND MASSES:

Saturday at 4:00 p.m. Sunday at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m.

WEEKDAY MASSES:

9:00 a.m. - Monday*, 8:00 a.m. - Tuesday*, Thursday*, Friday* *Check weekly bulletin for possible time changes.

BAPTISMS: Parents who want to have their child(ren) baptized are

asked to please call the parish office (793-2244).

WEDDINGS: Anyone planning to get married must call the parish

office at least SIX MONTHS PRIOR to the proposed wedding date.

CONFESSIONS: Saturday at 3:00 p.m., AND ANYTIME BY APPOINTMENT.

NEW PARISHIONERS: Welcome to St. Matthew Parish. Please fill out the Par-

ish Membership Form below and drop it in the collec-tion basket or mail to the parish office.

DOMESTIC ABUSE HOTLINE: 324-1802 or 1-800-239-7298

PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN: www.portlanddiocese.org/protecting-gods-children

We joyfully welcome back to the Church any of our brothers and

sisters who may have been away.

PARISH MEMBERSHIP:

Name ______________________________________________

Address ___________________________________________

City _______________________________________________

Zip Code ___________________________________________

Phone No.___________________________________________

Email Address________________________________________

Check

_____New Registration _____Updating Info.

_____Change of Address _____Moving out of Parish

MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEKEND

Saturday 4:00 p.m. Larry Latulip by Alberta Robinson

Sunday 8:00 a.m. Thomas & Kathleen Hennessey by the Family

10:30 a.m. Intentions of the Parishioners

MASSES FOR THE WEEK

Monday 9:00 a.m. Soul of Mother Angelica by Constance Cote

Tuesday 8:00 a.m. Our Lady of the Rosary by Constance Cote Wednesday

8:00 a.m. Miraculous Medal Novena &

Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament

Thursday 8:00 a.m. Tracy & Fasulo Families Friday 8:00 a.m. Our Lady of the Rosary by Constance Cote

MASS INTENTIONS NEXT WEEKEND (October 13 & 14)

Saturday 4:00 p.m. Donna Brown by Deacon Paul & Pat Lissandrello

Sunday 8:00 a.m. Larry Latulip by Knights of Columbus Council #8868

10:30 a.m. Jo-Ann Silva by the Silva Family

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH LIMERICK

TODAY IS THE 27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME. THE READINGS BEGIN ON PAGE 68 OF THE MISSALETTE.

Readings for the Week of October 7, 2018

Sunday: Gn 2:18-24/Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6 [cf. 5]/Heb 2:9-11/

Mk 10:2-16 or 10:2-12

Monday: Gal 1:6-12/Ps 111:1b-2, 7-8, 9 and 10c [5]/Lk 10:25-

37

Tuesday: Gal 1:13-24/Ps 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15 [24b]/Lk

10:38-42

Wednesday: Gal 2:1-2, 7-14/Ps 117:1bc, 2/Lk 11:1-4

Thursday: Gal 3:1-5/Lk 1:69-70, 71-72, 73-75 [69]/Lk 11:5-13

Friday: Gal 3:7-14/Ps 111:1b-2, 3-4, 5-6 [5]/Lk 11:15-26

Saturday: Gal 3:22-29/Ps 105:2-3, 4-5, 6-7 [8a]/Lk 11:27-28

Next Sunday: Wis 7:7-11/Ps 90:12-13, 14-15, 16-17 [14]/Heb 4:12-

13/Mk 10:17-30 or 10:17-27

Pastor’s Pondering

Gregory Popcak distinguishes between Happiness and Joy. Hap-

piness is a passing condition that usually depends upon my com-

fort. It often goes for the quick fix, and many times comes at the

expense of another. “I am happy, you are not, so you must be the

problem.” Joy, is a gift of the Holy Spirit. It allows us to experi-

ence the all encompassing sense of wonder and awe at the things

of God. Joy seeks the deeper, not passing things of life. While

happiness and joy can sometimes intersect, joy is also capable of

making us uncomfortable, as we are asked to risk our comfort

zone to experience something profound and lasting. Popcak of-

fers this 10 question quiz, how many are true statements for

you? I regularly try new things. I look for ways to be playful

with the people in my life. My family and friends enjoy my sense

of humor. Throughout the day, I thank God for the little blessings

that I encounter. I enjoy learning about things I have never tried

before. I make a “happy fuss” ( as opposes to a “stressed out

fuss”) about birthdays, anniversaries, holidays and other special

occasions. I regularly make appropriately humorous comments

that lighten the mood and brighten the people around me. I regu-

larly find small ways to show the people in my life that they are

special to me. I am a physically affectionate person. Every day I

take time to meditate on and thank God for the blessings of my

life. If you have three or less, not much joy. 4-5 suggests that

you have some joy in life, but don’t cultivate it. 6-7 means that

you are making conscious effort to practice joy. If you have over

8 true statements, you are filled with joy! God Help Me. This

stress is driving me crazy pp 119-121

If you are feeling more stressed than relaxed, burned out, that

other people and situations are always the problem, perhaps you

can look to this list and think about how you can intentionally

change a not true to a way of living for you.

Pope Francis has invited all the faithful in the world to pray the rosary each day in the Marian month of October to join in communion and penitence. The Holy Father has also asked that two prayers be added after the recitation of the rosary, one to the Blessed Mother and one to Saint Michael the Archangel, both asking the Lord to protect the Church from evil. In need of a rosary? There are some that were donated by a parishioner on the bulletin board in the narthex. Please help yourself.

St. Matthew Church

Saturday: 4:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM

10:30 AM

Monday: 9:00 AM*

Tue, Thur, Fri: 8:00 AM*

*Subject to priest availability.

St. Therese Lesieux Parish

Saturday: 4:00 PM Holy Family, Sanford

Sunday: 7:30 AM Notre Dame, Springvale

9:00 AM Holy Family, Sanford 11:00 AM Holy Family, Sanford

MWF 7:30 AM During the Winter, Daily Mass is at Holy Family. The Rest of the Year, it alternates Be-tween the two Worship Sites

Would you like to have the Sanctuary Lamp burn in the

church for your loved one? There is a list in the Narthex

you can sign up for the weeks you want. Donations of $10

for 7 Days and $20 for 14 Days.

Sanctuary Lamp burning:

Oct. 01st - Oct. 07th - June & Stephen O’Dwyer

Oct. 08th - Oct. 14th - Joseph & Bella Estrella

Oct. 15th - Oct. 21st - Bella & George Stewart

Oct. 22nd - Oct. 28th - Joseph Estrella

THE 27TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

PARISH OFFICE: The parish office will be closed on Monday Oct. 8th in observance of Columbus Day.

BLOOD DRIVE: The American Red Cross will hold a Blood Drive in the parish hall in memory of Donald Vermette on Monday, October 15th, from 1-6PM If you are in good health please call 1-800-733-2767 or visit

ww.RedCrossBlood.org to schedule your appointment. Walk-ins are welcome. Give blood save lives. FMI Robin Pierce at 699-9998.

WINGS “At Prayer with Mary”

W.I.N.G.S. Women in God’s Spirit, is a faith enrichment group

for women of all ages who want to grow in their relationship

with God. WINGS will be meeting Tuesday from 7pm - 9pm.

Have questions or want more information? Please contact Debbie

Wentworth by phone at 978-618-1636 or by email at

wentworth80@verizon.net

ARMED FORCES OUTREACH GROUP: There will be a meeting of the AFOG on Saturday, October 13, at 2:30 P.M.

St. Thomas School will be hosting its 10th annual

5K Walk/Run on Saturday, October 13th.

Participants can register online at http://

www.saintthomas5k.org/register.html. Advance registration is $25.00,

under 18 - $15.00, 60+ $10.00. Registrations will begin at 8:00 AM the

day of the race. New this year – Pre-race stretching with Crossfit 207

and a Vendor Fair. Vendor tables for health and well-being, crafts, food

and more will be open from 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM. For more information,

contact St. Thomas School at 324-5832.

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH MINISTRY - On October 20th

we will be having our annual Pumpkin Overnight. We'll

start the night off by helping at the bean supper. Than

movies, pumpkin carving, snacks, more movies and prayers.

All high school kids are welcome. We will NOT meet on the 21st.

Next, starting on October 28th through the end of the year, we

will be meeting from 5pm-6pm to accommodate for choir practice.

After the first of the year we will resume 6pm-7:30 meetings.

Please come and join us on Sunday evenings.

Children’s/Youth Choir: Our Fall/Winter

Session will begin Sunday October 21 at 6p.m.

and continue until December 23. We will have

signups after Religious Education begins in

September. John Schneider and Maria Marchant will be returning to

direct. We look forward to seeing everyone again and hope more

children will join us and Make a Joyful Noise! Any questions please call

Gail Libby at 207-423-5998.

Parishioners of Limerick South will host a Baked Bean

Supper on Sat. Oct. 20 from 4:30-6:00PM in the parish

hall. MENU: Baked Beans, Ham, Hot Dogs, Coleslaw,

American Chop Suey, Assorted Casseroles, Bread,

Beverage & Desert. Price: Adults $8.00 -

Children 6-12 $3.00 - Children 5 and Under - free. Those who

agreed to make phone calls may pick up their list in the narthex. If you

live in this part of Limerick and don’t receive a call asking you to bake

or donate, we ask that you please do so anyway. Everyone Welcome

PARISH FINANCES

Amount needed weekly to operate parish $ 3,900.00 WESHARE Online Giving 09/30/18 $ 400.00 Offertory 09/30/18 $ 2,662.00 SEPTEMBER OFFERTORY AS OF 9/30/18 $ 17,089.00

WHAT SHALL I BRING TO THE LORD, THE GOD OF HEAVEN, WHEN I COME TO WORSHIP HIM? - Micah 6:6

SECOND COLLECTION: This weekend’s second collection is for Fuel and Heat. We spend approximately $8,000 in heating oil. Please consider helping us to cover these costs as the cold months approach us.

THE BOTTLE RELIEF FUND, sponsored by the Knights

of Columbus, has gotten even easier. While celebrating

with family and friends this summer season, please save

your bottles and cans. For the convenience of parish-

ioners, you can drop your bottles and cans off at JD’s

Package Store & Redemption, 13 Sokokis Trail, E. Water-

boro (across from Hannaford). Let them know they are

for “St. Matthew Bottle Relief Fund”. Those who wish to con-

tinue dropping off at the Bottle Shed here at church, may con-

tinue to do so. Thank you for all your support.

IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROGRAM “PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN”

In the interest of children’s safety, we ask that children not be allowed to leave Mass to use the restrooms downstairs, unless they are accom-panied by an adult. Because we are a public building, doors are required to be unlocked, allowing entrance to all.

ST. MATTHEW CHURCH FOOD PANTRY THE PANTRY SCHEDULE IS AS FOLLOWS:

1st & 3rd Tuesday 10am-12pm 1st Monday 6-7pm

2nd Friday 10am - 12pm

**Serving residents of Limerick, Newfield, Parsonsfield or parishioners.

St. Matthew Food Pantry is always in need of a few items they have a

hard time purchasing from Good Shepherd. Would you be willing to

donate these items? A collection container can be found in the

Narthex.

Gravy Stuffing Cranberry Sauce

Pasta Spaghetti Sauce Chef Boyardee

Canned Meat Jelly & Jams Soups

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!

Plastic & paper bags are needed for the Food Pantry. You may leave them in the narthex.

St. Matthew Plant Sale

Garden Mums, Pumpkins, Gourds & Perennial Ornamental Grasses

AND MORE!

Time to stock up on Pingree Maple Syrup and

try some yummy Maple Sugar for the Fall and Winter season!

OCTOBER 7, 2018

VOCATION VIEW “Let the little children come to me; do not stop them.” Are you being called to bring others to Christ and His Kingdom as a priest, sister or brother? Contact Father Seamus Griesbach at 207-773-6471; or email: seamus.griesbach@portlanddiocese.org; Website: www.portlanddiocese/vocations; Facebook: VocationsME.

He said to them in reply, "What did Moses command you?" They re-

plied, “Moses permitted a husband to write a bill of divorce and dismiss

her." But Jesus told them, "Because of the hardness of your hearts he

wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, God

made them male and female." - Mk 10:3-6

Please include the following priests serving in our diocese in your daily prayers this week:

Oct 07 Bishop Paul Baltakis OFM Oct 08 Rev. John O’Hara/Rev. N. Stephen Savarayia HGN Oct 09 Rev. Lionel Choulnard/Rev. Armand Neault Oct 10 Rev. Kyle Doustou/Rev. Joseph Daniels Oct 11 Rev. Sylvio Levesque/Rev. Ramundas Bukauskas OFM Oct 12 Rev. Donald McAllister/Rev. Alfred Jacques Oct 13 Rev. Thomas Lee/Msgr. Andrew Dubois

Mary Immaculate, look upon our priests as the children of your love. Let them love you fervently and open their hearts to the dew of your grace.

Ven. Mother Catherine Aurelia, Foundress

OCTOBER 7, 2018

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception 307 Congress Street Portland, Maine

Featured speakers include: Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers, Dr. Bill Martel & Father Nathan March

Concludes with 4:00 PM mass celebrated by Bishop Deeley Register at www.portlanddiocese.org/mensconference

$30 per man (16 – 22 years old) includes lunch $50 per man (23 years or older) includes lunch

MAGNIFICAT MINISTRY CATHOLIC WOMEN’S PRAYER BREAKFAST

November 17, 2018 from 9AM -12 Noon Fireside Inn & Suites, 81 Riverside St., Portland, ME.

Guest Speaker: Donna Towle: “In the Silence of Sorrow came Joy”. Donna will share how trials in her life brought her closer to God’s Holy Will.

Donna, a Consecrated Good Shepherd Affiliate, is also the author of a prayer book entitled :

“My Spiritual Guide for Souls”. Breakfast Reservations are $22.00 payable to: Magnificat Scarborough

Mail to: Shirley Estabrooks c/o Magnificat Reservations, 109 Ridgeland Ave, Apt # 229, South Portland, ME 04106 Or email magnificatscarborough@gmail.com by 11/3/18

FMI: 207-838-8309 No tickets sold at door-limited seating

Connected Catholics is a group of single, widowed, separated, and di-vorced Catholic men and women, who gather to share their faith journey and celebrate life, who want to participate in their church, grow in faith, and build a better life in their community. The purpose of Connected Catholics is to offer a variety of programs, experiences and opportunities that enrich members socially, educationally and spiritually.

CCME: General Meeting:

Sunday October 7, 2018,

Holy Martyrs Parish Hall – Route 88, Falmouth, ME.

1:00 PM: Social Hour & Potluck Luncheon

1:30 PM: Business Meeting 2:15PM: Program: Barbara Haas – “Nursing and the Older Population” Sunday , October 14, 2018: 1:00 PM – DINING OUT Rosie’s Old World Restaurant – 690 Roosevelt Trail -- Windham, ME

Call Eileen Letiecq (829-6951) to reserve / for info.

Thanks to the amazing generosity of our Catholic community, tick-

ets are selling fast to the 2018 Harvest Ball, set for Friday, October 19, at the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland! If you plan on at-tending the ball, please register soon at www.portlanddiocese.org/harvestball or call (207) 773-6471. Thanks again for your support!