Regular Devotions

Holy Rosary

20 minutes before daily Mass

Divine Mercy Tuesday after the 7 PM Mass

Our Lady of Fatima 3rd Monday of the month 6:30-7 PM

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Saturday after the 9 AM Mass

First Friday After the 8 AM Mass -

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament 12:00 noon Benediction

6:25 PM—Holy Rosary

Sunday, December 1, 2019

PARISH OFFICE

Rev. Tien Tran, Pastor ttran@rcav.org; frtran@hotmail.com

Rev. Lucio Choi, Asst. Pastor lchoi@rcav.org

604-589-2083 Rectory

Office Hours: Tuesday to Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM

604-589-2448 office@saintmatthews.ca

Parish Admin: Ms. Caroline P. Mrazek Mrs. Stephanie Chessell Mrs. Anna G. De Leon Bookkeeper: Mrs. Melanie A. Narvaez P.R.E.P.: Mrs. Trish Van Vliet prep@saintmatthews.ca Maintenance: Mr. Lorne Ward lorne@saintmatthews.ca

Elementary School: 604-589-7545 www.stmatthewselementary.ca Preschool: 604-589-1222

REGULAR MASS TIMES SUNDAY: English Masses - 8:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 7:30 PM; Vietnamese Mass 5 PM; African: Last Sunday 12:30 PM (Mass in English with African Choir)

SATURDAY: 9:00 AM / Anticipated Mass at 5:30 PM

WEEKDAYS: Monday to Friday (except TUESDAY) 8:00 AM Tuesday 7:00 PM Friday Night—Mass at 7:00 PM (Vietnamese) ***except First Friday (in English)

CONFESSIONS Weekend & Daily Masses: half an hour before each Mass

UPCOMING EVENTS Tue. Dec. 3 Seniors’ Christmas Lunch Wed. Dec. 11 St. Matthew’s Advent Penitential Service Thu. Dec. 12 St. Matthew’s Elem. Christmas Concert Sat. Dec. 14 St. Matthew’s Choir Concert

(see details inside)

St. Matthew’s R.C. Parish 16079 88 Avenue, Surrey, B.C. V4N 1G3 Tel: (604) 589-2448 Fax: (604) 589-2344

Website: www.saintmatthews.ca

APPEAL TO OUR PARISHIONERS: Please be mindful that the hymn books in the pews are not toys. Please take a minute to restore them in the right order in the pews. Garbage should be disposed of in receptacles provided.

THANK YOU!!! Thank you to everyone who sold and returned back the raffle tickets in support of our Parish Centre construction. May God bless you more for your generosity! A big Thank You as well goes to Bill Bouwman, Renato Brotto and Richard Thomp-son for a great job in putting up the Christmas decors outside the Church!

ATTENTION NEWCOMERS AND NON-REGISTERED PARISHIONERS: Please take the time to fill out our Parish Registration Form found behind the counter by the Parish Office, if you have not done so yet. Thank you.

By appointment with a minimum of 2 months’ notice (during pregnan-cy) so that instructions can be given to parents and godparents about the duties and responsibilities assumed in this Sacrament.

A minimum of 6 months’ notice with one of the parties registered in the parish and practicing his/her faith. The Marriage Preparation course is mandatory. Please ask for “Guidelines for the Celebration of Marriage”.

Please call the parish office before making arrangements.

BAPTISM:

MARRIAGE:

FUNERALS:

7 2

Stewardship Reflection

Wide-Open Eyes

Most parents know the newness of what the first-born brings with it, so much

emotion that you are compelled to spend countless hours preparing. When the

next children are born, you are certainly excited, but you act differently and with

a little more reserve.

For most readers, this is not your first Advent. It probably won’t be your last. If

you approach these December days simply as a way to prepare for Christmas,

you may find yourself just doing the same old thing as last year. However, if

you spend this time reflecting on the time when Jesus returns or when you shall see

Him face-to-face, you might be able to stir up some of that emotion of anticipa-

tion within you. Jesus is coming again. When people of all ages understand that reality, it can be a cause for large, wide-

open eyes indeed.

-Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS

“I’m never getting enough rest! How can I pos-sibly be ‘asleep’?” In a world of jam-packed schedules and high anxiety levels, physical rest may be hard to come by. Yet relentless pursuit of our to-do lists and social calendars may keep our minds off of the things that real-ly matter. Jesus knows all too well a pattern of busy, harried ignorance.“ In those days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, mar-rying and giving in marriage … they did not know until the flood came and carried them all away … two men will be out in the field … two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left.” When it comes to the spiritual life, we can be at work or at relaxation and still be spiritually asleep.

Each year, we are called back to remember the essential things. God comes to save His people. He becomes flesh to dwell among us. Supernatural light pierces the world’s darkness and our own. Advent wakes us up. “Stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” Every Advent, we prepare to cele-brate Christ’s first coming at Christmas, and we anticipate His second coming at the end of time. “At an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” There’s another hour, too, both known and unknown. It’s the present moment. Whether it’s a lazy Sa-turday morning or a major business proposal, whether it’s attending a kindergar-ten play or an elderly relative’s bedside, at every moment the Lord wants to en-ter into our hearts. This Advent, let’s pray for the grace to stay alert. Christ is coming soon.

PREP (Parish Religious Education Program) Schedule Change Student Jesse Tree Mass will be held December 4th @6:30. Please meet in designated areas for Mass. Dismissal will be from the church! Yellow notice went home Wed. Christmas Pageant: If you are interested in participating in the Christmas Children’s Mass Pa-geant on Christmas Eve December 24th @ 5:30 please contact the PREP office for more infor-mation and practice schedule. We are looking for approximately 25 actors & actresses from Gr. 2 -7 and some parent helpers from PREP and SME.

Many Blessings to you all. Trish Van Vliet—prep@saintmatthews.ca or call 604-589-2448 ext. 233

50+ Seniors Seniors’ Christmas Lunch on Tuesday, December 3rd at 12 noon in the Jubilee Hall. Everyone is welcome to attend. Tickets available after Mass at the Welcome Centre, or on Tuesday at our meeting. Paid up Members $7.00 and Guests $12.00. Tickets to be bought in advance. Last day for sales is Sunday, December 1st. Stay to play cards or games after and socialize.

LIVE THE LITURGY

Stay awake! With so many things competing for our attention and so many details to attend to, it is very easy to fall into a slumber. We can find ourselves simply going through the motions of life and losing a sense of purpose and direction. Busy with many things, we lose touch with the things of God, especially the gentle stirrings of His presence. Advent calls us to the challenge of living a wakeful life. Awake from the sleep that life’s demands can put on us, and allow God’s word to transform our hearts. Being ready for the coming of the Lord is life’s priority for the Christian. Let us walk in the light of the Lord!

Holy land with Egypt and Jordan - 4 Countries Feb. 10, 2020 $3900 CAD per person all inclusive with tips. Beautiful East Europe with Oberammergau Add on …. 7 countries (17 days) Sept 8, 2020. Cost is $5300 CAD per person excluding tips + 600 Euros for Oberammergau. Western Europe. Visit the Shrines of Our Lady of Lourdes and Fatima with Oberammergau addon …. 8 countries (17 days) Aug 18, 2020. Cost $5,400 CAD per person excluding tips + 600 Euros for Oberammergau Holyland with Egypt and Jordan and Petra…. 4 Countries Feb. 10, March 9, April 20, May 4, Oct 19, Nov 23, 2020 $4300 CAD per person all inclusive with tips. The tours include your return flights to Vancouver, accommo-dation, transportation, taxes, sightseeing, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Contact Brian or Deon Tel: Vancouver 1-778-999-4599 / 1-778-866-8118 Email: Royaleorchid@shaw.ca and Website: www.Royaleorchidtours.com

CWL Corner The 5 R’s of ZERO Waste… Refuse to Use Reduce ReUse ReCycle ROT! Caring for Our Common Home starts with these. Every little effort we make will help. At the November 16th General meeting, St. Matthew’s CWL members vo-ted to use proceeds from our Funeral Receptions to sponsor the Parish’s purchase of inside

waste management bins! Congratulations ladies on supporting the Going Greener initiatives in St. Matthew's Parish!

St. Matthew's Youth Retreat Weekend 2020: Pursuit Young people age 14-19 are invited to attend St. Matthew’s Youth Retreat Weekend: "Pursuit", taking place at Loon Lake Lodge and Retreat Centre on February 14-16, 2020. Talks, testimonies and discussion that will allow you to encounter God in a new and personal way. Celebrate the Eucharist and en-

counter Jesus in the sacraments. Hang out, laugh and play games. Showcase your abilities with a talent show - pyjama edition. Enjoy five hearty, fresh and delicious meals among friends. More info and registration can be found at saintmatthews.ca.

3 6

Legacy Brick Campaign Be a part of building our “Parish Centre” and leave a legacy donation that will live on past your lifetime, in memory of your support. We have a Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze Brick board where your contri-butions will be placed. Platinum is worth $2,000 and up, Gold is $1,200.00;

Silver is $600.00; and Bronze is $300.00. A donation can be a one-time donation or monthly payments through Pre-Authorized Offering Payment e.g. 12 monthly payments of $25.00 is a $300.00 Bronze Donation. When you make a donation, you will receive a “brick” to go onto one of 4 Brick Legacy boards. When the building is complete, these Brick Legacy boards will be placed along the wall so you can see who the builders are. The “brick” can be “in memory of” a loved one or simply a contribution from your fami-ly, organization or ministry. All donations stay in the Parish. Contact the Parish Office to make your Legacy Brick Donation and be part of the church builders.

SCHEDULE OF SIMBANG GABI MASSES

Sunday December 15 7:30PM Friday December 20 7:00PM Monday December 16 7:00PM Saturday December 21 5:30PM Tuesday December 17 7:00PM Sunday December 22 7:30PM Wednesday December 18 7:00PM Monday December 23 7:00PM Thursday December 19 7:00PM

Pro-Life Ministry We will finish off 2019 with a Potluck Dinner, at 5:30, December 6th , in the Upper room. All are welcome, but we especially hope our knitters will join us. Your efforts throughout the year are really appreciated. If you know anyone going through illness, loneliness , loss of a loved one, who

would benefit from the comfort of a visit from our ministry & a prayer shawl please con-tact Neil Penalosa profnotes@yahoo.ca. Archdiocesan First Saturday Mass will be 9:00 am, December 7, 2019, at Our Lady of Mercy Parish, 7455 10th Ave, Burnaby. Call Teresa @ 604 582-2085 to carpool.

St. Vincent De Paul Society The Society of St. Vincent de Paul thanks you for all your continued support in our mission: “To live the Gospel message by serving Christ in the poor with love, respect, justice and joy.”

Our Christmas Hamper appeal is now in full swing. So, if you know of anyone who is in need of some assistance this Christmas ,please drop by the parish office to fill out a request form. Please make sure to give us all the required information. Our Jesse tree will be at the front of the church for the first three weeks of Advent beginning the weekend of Nov. 30/Dec.1. The attached tags help us to prepare Christmas hampers for many families. PLEASE FILL ONE OF THE TAG REQUESTS. The absolute deadline to return the items to the office is Tuesday, December 17. Thank you.

CHRISTMAS MUSICAL: All parishioners are most welcome to attend our school's annual Christmas Musical Concert on Thursday, December 12, 2019 in

the School Gym. The Legend of the Christmas King will be performed at two showings: a 1:30 pm matinee and a 7:00 pm evening show. Admission is by donation of a non-perishable item for our St. Matthew's St. Vincent de Paul Society. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact our school office at office@stmatthewselementary.ca or 604-589-7545. Thank you. NEW APPLICANTS: Any family wishing for their child to attend St. Matthew's Elementary School for the 2020-2021 school year can pick up an application form at the school office starting Tuesday, January 7, 2019. If you have any questions please contact our school office at office@stmatthewselementary.ca or 604-589-7545. Thank you.

ADVENT PENITENTIAL SERVICES

Wednesday December 11 St. Matthew’s Parish 7:00PM Thursday December 12 Immaculate Conception Parish 7:00PM Friday December 13 Precious Blood Parish 7:00PM Tuesday December 17 Good Shepherd Parish 7:00PM Thursday December 19 St. Bernadette Parish 7:00PM

Holy Cross High School Christmas Basketball Shooting Camp Who: Boys and Girls in Gr. 4-7 When: Dec 30/31- Jan 2/3 each day 9am-12pm Where : St. Matthew’s Elementary Gymnasium, Surrey Cost: $100.00 includes daily prizes and gatorade. How: Email Head Coach/Teacher Matthew LeChasseur

(hcboysbasketball@gmail.com) to confirm a spot in the camp. There is limited space and first come first served. Download and fill out a registration form at www.hcboysbasketball.com and bring a cheque and form on the first day of the camp. Cheques made out to Crusader Basket-ball Club.

5 4

Desiree Pino; Ryker Slaney; Veronica Wong; Carol Ward; Liz Da Costa; Annemarie Belgardt; Tommy Contreras; Cathie Gasler; Amelia Real; Dom-inic Celio; Ester Maceda; Walter Slaney; Pinky Castillo; Victor Miller; Gerry Della Mattia; Maria Jean Pereira; Daisy Rodriguez; Thea Luyten; Raymond Wittrock; Mrs. Clavero; Margaret Irvine; Sueann Zore; Basil Paigan; Ste-phen Letourneau; Erwin Belgardt; Juanito & Jovita Lim; Nora Bawasanta;

Judy Ibao; Virgilio Pino; Julie Cunningham; Helen Stote; Rosa Villarama; Elmer Kachur; Horst & Elsa Seliger; Teresa Kelly; Romualdo Nicdao; Claire Looi; Ivan Gervasio; Filemon Duna; Denis Benjamin Thomas; Josefina & Teodulfo Hosain; Nita Cabilan; Dr. Demetrio Tamparia; Loida Tobias; Juanita Ostrom; Angelita Correa; Edgardo Olivares Priority on this list is given to parishioners, as space permits. Names will be removed from time to time. If you submit a name to the Prayer List, it is your responsibility to in-form the office should his/her circumstances change.

CONTACT LIST—ST. MATTHEW’S PARISH MINISTRIES African Community Ms. Tina Obiwumma aneledom@hotmail.ca Altar Servers Mrs. Teodora Suzuki teodora.suzuki@gmail.com Altar Women Ms. Marcella Garneau marcellagarneau@gmail.com BLD Community M/M Lito & Lulu Imperial jimperial324@live.com Bible Study Mrs. Gail Estrada bible_study@live.com Catholic Women’s League Mrs. Louise Klaponski klaponsk@telus.net Catholic Young Adults of Surrey (CYAS) Fr. Lucio Choi lchoi@rcav.org Choirs: Fri 7 PM Mr. Hahn Nguyen henryq.nguyen@yahoo.ca Sat 5:30 PM Mr. Danilo Bernabe dannybernabe9@gmail.com Sun 8:30 AM Mrs. Kathleen Grosjean grosjean@shaw.ca 10:30 AM Mr. Peter Luongo sluongo@telus.net 12:30 PM Mr. Homer Garcia askmymusic@rocketmail.com (last Sunday) 12:30 PM Ms. Tina Obiwuma aneledom@hotmail.ca 5 PM Mr. Vincent Nguyen vien4cdsurrey@gmail.com 7:30 PM Ms. Nannette Lenoue-Guze nannettelg@gmail.com Couples for Christ M/M Cris & Ophel Quidasol cris_quidasol@icloud.com Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion Mrs. Deborah Joel djoel@positec.com Fifty Plus Group Mr. Andre Maris anne_andre_maris@telus.net Greeters & Gift Bearers Mrs. Stella Lemos stella.lemos15@gmail.com Hospitality Committee Mrs. Maureen Fadum mgfadum@shaw.ca Knights of Columbus Mr. Richard Thompson grandknight@shaw.ca Lectors Mr. Jon Javier jon2ejavier@yahoo.com Legion of Mary Mrs. Carmen Caballero 604-589-2448 Liturgy of the Word for Children Mrs. Nenita Capili capilin@shaw.ca Our Lady of Fatima Mrs. Germana Brotto grbrotto@gmail.com Pro Life Ministry Mrs. Teresa Gares tgares@live.com Parish Education Committee Mrs. Katrina Bellosillo katrina.amurao@gmail.com Parish Pastoral Council Mr. Bill Bouwman bouwbill@gmail.com R.C.I.A. Fr. Lucio Choi lchoi@rcav.org St. Matthew’s Prayer Group Ms. Christie Castro christie1225@hotmail.com St. Matthew’s Soup Kitchen Mrs. Belle Carson bellecarson@hotmail.com St. Vincent de Paul Society Mr. Eric Andres 604-589-2448 Sports Ministry (Basketball) Mr. Marlowe Billedo marlowe25@hotmail.com Sports Ministry (Volleyball) Mr. Tot Phan totphan@gmail.com Ushers Mr. Doug Thomas dougjamesthomas@hotmail.com Vietnamese Community Mr. Hoang Minh Nguyen nhoang682@gmail.com Youth Ministry Mr. Matthew Furtado matthewfurtado@hotmail.ca

Were you married outside the Catholic Church? If you are married, but were not married in the Catholic church, we would like to offer you an opportunity to have your marriage regularized with the Church. Please make an appoint-ment with our priest to discuss having your marriage convalidated. Sacrament of the Sick. What was referred to as “Last Rites” is now called “Anointing of the Sick” administered by a priest when one is “in danger” due to sickness or old age. Please call the Parish Office to arrange. Hospital/Care Home Communion Visits. Please remember to let the Parish Office know

whenever you or a loved one is hospitalized or moved into a Fleetwood area care home.

The Parish has a dedicated group of people who will bring Holy Communion weekly to you

or yours. Please phone Deacon Raul Abella 778-512-9163 for a visit and to receive Holy

Communion.

Devotions to Our Lady of Fatima: Every third Monday of the month @ 6:30 PM. Please join us to recite

the Holy Rosary.

Please include in your prayers +Nien Dao and Scott Huynh Phung who have gone home to the Lord. May their soul rest in eternal peace.