THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF SAINT MATTHEW & OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP

The Week of November 24, 2019 - Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

If you would like to bring the gifts up during the offertory procession,

please see an usher before Mass begins.

ST. MATTHEW’S CHURCH

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 REQUESTED BY: 5:00 pm Ann Mitchell Family SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24

8:30 am Aidan Hernandez Mary Rice 11:00 am Daniel Callahan Marianne Stecich MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25

9:00 am Antoniette Sarfaty Bryan Healy TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26

9:00 am Ann Mitchell Family WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27

9:00 am William Lisio Wife Barbara THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28

9:00 am Donald Christopher Kenny & Joan Liva FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29 9:00 am Katherine Oslica Utchel Family

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 9:00 am Matthew Pike Mary Rice 5:00 pm Elizabeth Costanzo Paul, Irene & Brian Gifford SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1

8:30 am Rosemarie Distelhurst Family 11:00 am Elizabeth Costanzo Febles Family

OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP CHURCH

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 REQUESTED BY: 5:00 pm Mary Shields Powers Family SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24

8:30 am Nicola Cantatore Rosalie & Sylvia 10:30 am Jane Hart Lin Reyes MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25 8:00 am Raul Ramos Maria Kelly TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26

8:00 am Sal Campoli Wife Dora WEDNESDAY , NOVEMBER 27

8:00 am Mulvey & Rosenkampff Rita THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28

8:00 am Thomas Zupanick Maria Kelly FRIDAY NOVEMBER 29 8:00 am Special Intention Harkin Family Harkin Family SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 8:00 am Special Intention Harkin Family Harkin Family 5:00 pm Evelyn Waters Ann Cafferty SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1

8:30 am InThanksgiving George Powell Vera 10:30 am Rose & Luigj Vidhja Daughter Vera

First Reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-3 Samuel describes how all the tribes of Israel went to David in Hebron and said they were his bone and his flesh and it was he who led them back to Israel. The Lord told David he would be a shepherd to His people. David made an agreement with the elders and was anointed king.

Second Reading: Colossians 1:12-20 Paul explains to the Colossians that God has made them fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light and that through the Son we have redemption and forgiveness of sin. He describes Jesus as the image of the invisible God, the head of the church and in Him all things hold together.

Gospel: Luke 23:35-43 Jesus is mocked by the crowd as he hung on the cross. Above him was an inscription that read “This is the king of the Jews.” One of the men being crucified with Jesus tells Him to save them and Himself, while the other asks that he be remembered when Jesus is in his kingdom. Jesus said in reply, “Amen I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

November 24, 2019 - OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE

A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON THE SUNDAY READINGS HIS WORD TODAY by Rev. William J. Reilly

Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe November 24, 2019

“As they approached to offer him wine they called out, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’ Above him there was an inscription, ‘This is the King of the Jews...’…Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ He replied to him, ‘Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in paradise.’”

The unforgettable word of forgiveness spoken on Calvary is a response for everyone who repents. As eyes close in death, may they open to the glory of His eternal kingdom.

How often people ask about the INRI written on the top of the cross. They are the artist’s gift to remind us that it was Jesus who died, that He established the kingdom, the church, and that He is savior for all humankind.

Jesus taught us to pray ‘your kingdom come’. We find that kingdom on earth in the church, and one day the fullness of His kingdom in glory. Today I am part of that kingdom, as I too have been anointed on the day of my baptism with Jesus - priest, prophet and king.

Please keep in your prayers the ill of our parish especially: Kristin Harkin, Susan Sullivan Manuel, Maribeth Groth, Fred Wolff, Tom Donohoe, Dan Devoy, John Wazeter, Stephen Childs, Joy

Childs, Edison Blanco Perez, BJK

And for those who have died marked by the sign of faith, especially:

If you know of any parishioners who are ill and would like to be visited by a priest, please contact the rectory at 914-478-2822. Please feel free to call the rectory to add names of immediate family members at any time.

We are very grateful to those in the military who have dedicated themselves to protect our liberty and freedom. Please keep our

troops in your prayers, especially: Brian Dunne-Navy, Christopher Gaulin-Army, George Moore-Navy, Nicholas Sestito-Marine, Michael Germain-Navy, Brandon King-Army, Michael Parton-Navy, Peter Dillon-Coast Guard, Chris Minozzi-Marines, Sean Roth-Army If you would like to add a name to our Military List, please call the rectory office.

WEEKLY COLLECTIONS - Thank You!

Weekend 2019 Includes Parish giving 2018 November 17 $5,649 $743 $6,086 Maint & Repairs $2,100 — $1,724 There are 2 collections this weekend. The second collection is the Archdiocesan campaign for Charity & Justice. REQUEST: When you write out your checks for the Sunday collection, please use only BLACK or BLUE ink. When the collection gets processed, the check scanner does not pick up other colors, ie: red, aqua, pink, turquoise, etc.

The Mass Book for January - June 2020

will open on December 2nd

THANKSGIVING RECESS

NO CLASSES on

NOVEMBER 27 &

DECEMBER 1

Religious Education Classes resume on:

Wednesday, December 4 & Sunday, December 8

Our Lady of Perpetual Help:

Mandatory rehearsals on Wednesdays:

December 4th

December 11th

4:30 - 5:30 p.m. at OLPH School.

The Pageant will be held on Sunday, December 15th at the 10:30am Mass.

St. Matthew: Mandatory rehearsals on Sundays:

November 24th

December 2nd 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Note this is a MONDAY, (Dec. 1st No Class)

December 8th

9:30-10:45 a.m. in St. Matthew Church.

The Pageant will be held on Sunday, December 15th at the 8:30am Mass.

Christmas Pageants

Candles & Flower Dedications

St. Matthew Tabernacle Candle Special Intentions for BJK Blessed Mother Candle

Special Intentions for BJK Sacred Heart Candle

Special Intentions for BJK

OLPH Tabernacle Candle In Memory of Sal Campoli

req. by wife Dora

If you would like to reserve a candle for a loved one, please contact the rectory 914-478-2822

Circle of Love Prayer Group meets the 1st & 2nd Monday of the month to say the scripture rosary at the Atria Senior Living Residence at 1017 Saw Mill River Rd at

7:30pm. All are invited to come share in God's love. Questions call Lourdes 914-693-2959.

ALTAR SERVERS: The next altar server practice will be held on Tuesday, November 26 at 5:00pm at St. Matthew’s Church.

From the Pastor

Due to many recent medical issues I am on a medical leave and am having a complete medical assessment. When that is done my future will be decided with the archdiocese. No more information is available at this time. Fr. Thomas and Fr. Gabriel are able to manage things in my absence. Please pray for me. Fr. Henry

Congratulations to: the 10th grade JV Boys

team for winning the St. Gregory Hoops for Hope

Tournament!

The Saints 3rd grade girls team. First win in the books

16 to 10 vs. St. Ann's Ossining

Foodtown Gives Back Program A giant thank you to the 94 parishioners and friends who have signed up to participate in our Foodtown Gives Back program! We received a payment of $237.94 in the month of September. However, we could be earning an even greater sum if more of our

parishioners signed up to participate in this FREE program. All you have to do is provide your 12-digit Foodtown barcode number to the office. You find this number on the back of your Foodtown key chain.

Emails from Father Henry Last week, fraudulent emails from the address "office.stmolph@gmail.com" were received by some parishioners. These emails were signed by Father Henry; however, please note that this is not the church's email address and Father Henry did not send any such emails. At no time will the parish or any priest send an email asking for money, gift cards or any other activity. If you receive an email you think is suspicious, please call the church office at 478-2822 to confirm its veracity.

JESUS STOCKING COLLECTION Join our Religious Education Program by helping those in need by donating a “Jesus Stocking” for the

homeless who are served by the Midnight Run.

Purchase a pair of warm socks and fill them with toiletries, e.g., toothpaste and toothbrush, comb, soap, small deodorant, etc.

Jesus Stocking should be returned by December 15th (Parish Christmas Pageants) and placed in the box in the rear of the churches.

Everyone is welcome to donate a “Jesus Stocking” for the homeless.

CHRISTMAS TOY DONATIONS: Next Weekend, in EACH CHURCH you will find a CHRISTMAS TOY DONATION BOX in the back of the church. We will be

collecting toys for children of all ages as well as new winter clothing for adults & children (sweat shirts, socks, hats,

gloves, scarves, etc. in all sizes). If you would like to help the less fortunate in our area, please purchase a new gift

and return it to the box unwrapped. All toys/gifts must be returned UNWRAPPED

to the boxes by December 15th.

All foods being donated for the Thanksgiving Food Drives must be brought to the church this weekend. OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP: Sister Jane will be here Saturday, November 23 to collect donations following the 5pm Mass

ST. MATTHEW’S: Food donations will be delivered following the Sunday, November 24 Masses.

Thank you for your very generous donations this year!

Thanksgiving Food Drives

Advent Retreat The two-day retreat will be held on

December 1: 4pm at St. Matthew and December 2: 7:30pm at OLPH

The parish's Advent Retreat will be held over a two day period on December 1 & 2. Fr. Thomas Oppong-Febiri, our associate pastor,

will be conducting the retreat as we prepare spiritually for the coming of our Lord. Each session will run approximately an hour and 15 minutes..

The focus of Sunday's retreat will be 10 Steps to Encounter Jesus Like Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52).

Monday's retreat will focus on Zacchaeus' Encounter with Jesus (Luke 19:1-10).

All parishioners are encouraged to attend one or both nights! Please also invite a friend - what better gift to give this holiday season than the gift of faith?

DOMUS: Youth Ministry Program for Teenagers

Parishioners and Parish Council members Elizabeth Mullen and Irene Newman have been hard at work this year to establish a youth ministry program for teenagers in the parish. Called DOMUS, the program is administered by the Archdiocese through its parishes. To paraphrase, "This ministry is designed to help our young people deepen their relationship with God through prayer, build self-esteem, serve others in the community, develop leadership skills, make significant friendships and enjoy life. Youth ministry is not about programs; it is the entire Christian community responding to the needs of young people, helping them to develop as Catholic Christians and inviting them to participate more fully in the life, mission, and ministry of the Church. Consequently, we all have a responsibility to help our youth feel connected to the parish." In an effort to deliver the best program possible to the youth of our parish, surveys have been developed to help us find out what you need, how this program can serve you as parents and what you think is needed in our parish within the youth ministry program. Please complete the survey(s) by December 6th and share them with those you know who may be interested. Thank you!

Survey for Adults/Parents: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2N7D9P6

Survey for Teens: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2N7D9P6