THIRD SUNDAY OF LENTMARCH 8, 2015

Jesus “did not need anyone to testify about human nature. He himself understood it well.” Fallen human nature always attempts to define the meaning of life with something we can measure. That is what the presence of the moneychangers at the temple symbolizes.Their atrocious activity in this most sacred place betrays their bankrupt position toward the meaning of life. They prefer the riches of God over a relationship with God. But the commandments of the Lord “are more precious than a heap of purest gold.” They save us from such foolishness and bless us with “the foolishness of God.”

In today’s gospel,Jesus chases the merchants

and the money-changers from the temple. He throws their money on the ground, drives outthe animals, turns over their tables. “Stop turning my Father’s house into a market-place!” Why this destructive violence? Johngives us the key in a psalm verse: “Zeal for your house consumes me” (Psalm 69:10). Jesus’ actions express this zeal. He cannot bear to see the house where God meets his people diverted from its purpose. // The religious leaders are indignant. A simple layman claims to put the sanctuary in order. What does he think he is doing? If God has sent him, let him prove it by a miracle! “Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up.”This saying was incomprehensibleat the time, but John explains it for his Christian readers. This “temple” is the body of Jesus. His adversaries will destroy it, but three days later, the resurrection will

establishit as the definitive dwelling of God’s presence.// An hour after the cleansing, the merchants had probably resumed business in the temple. However, we cannot deny the repercussions of Jesus’ prophetic gesture. Inthe light of Easter, this incident reveals theplace of meeting between God and humanityto be the person of the Risen One.

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 – Edward Raczka by Frank Raczka and FamilyTUE – Ann Huntzinger by Anna LeshkoWED – Frances Sumoski by Daughter, BerthaTHU – Msgr. John S. Baruch (Estate)FRI – Arthur Morten, Sr. by M/M Frank SaviniSAT – 4:00 PM – Charles Stablum by FamilySUN – 8:30 AM – Patricia Wiscount by Husband, Harry 10:30 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners*******************************************************************************************************************************************

REQUIESCANT IN PACE: May Jesus, our Merciful Savior, take unto Himself: JOHN. J. LUTSKY, a former member of the former St. Francis of Assisi Parish,and a member of our Parish Family, who died Monday, March 2, and was buried Thursday, March 5; JAMES. C. KOMOROSKY, a former member of theformer St. Francis of Assisi Parish, who died Tuesday, March 3, and will be buried from our Church Tuesday, March 10. May Mary, Mother of Divine Mercy, comfort their families and friends. ET LUX PERPETUA LUCEAT EIS!********************************************************************************************************************************************

THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: When I prove my holiness among you,/ I will gather you from all the foreign lands;/ and I will pour clean water upon you/ and cleanse you from all your impurities,/ and I will give you a new spirit, says the Lord (Cf. Ez 36:23-26). THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT,MARCH 8–SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION:8:00 AM and 10:15 AM. (Make a good Confession for Lent)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 RYAN AND CHRISTINA PLESNARSKI for hostingthe FPC for Vocations this week. Please sign up in Church. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: Today’s gospel says Jesus chased the merchants out of the temple, it doesn’t say He was angry. Jesus teaches us to act from conviction and not from anger. He didn’t condemn the merchants, only their business practice. Attack the behavior and not the person.PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: “Even if abortion were made easy or painless for everyone, it wouldn’t change the bottom-line problem that abortion kills children.”  And it destroys God’s plan for that child in this world.  It wounds families and the future of our nation.–Randy Alcorn.STEWARDSHIP: “You shall not carve idols for yourselves in the shape of anything…”  – Exodus 20:4. How many “gods” do you put before God?  “Idols” do not always take the shape of physical things, things we can touch and feel.  Those are easy to recognize.  Many times they take the form of things we cannot touch and are much harder to spot - pride, power, ego, comfort or health. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $3,395; Utilities: $429; Expenses: $9,423.91. Thank you for your generosity! LENTEN CHARITIES: (1) ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY – Your donation of all TYPES OF CANNED FISH 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 570-544-2739. (2) CATHOILC RELIEF SERVICES RICE BOWL: HUNGERING FOR A SEASON OF HOPE – The next stop on our CRS Rice Bowl journey is the African nation, Niger, where we’re reminded that life’s joys and challenges are often seasonal. This week

we pray for people who struggle to feed their families during the hungry season—when food is in short supply—and we commit to acting for

the common good. Our Parish’s CRSRB Contribution: Second Sunday of Lent: $552. (3) SISTERS’ LENTEN GIVING TREE – Selecta cross and donate the suggested item. Your gift will be forwarded to elderly and retired Women Religious whose congregations have served our Diocese. Return your gifts by Palm Sunday, March 29. (4) YOUR PERSONAL LENTEN SELF-DENIAL FOR OUR PARISH – Your Lenten sacrifice for the parish will be collected during Holy Week. Remember to use the envelope in your boxes!LENTEN VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: IMO Frances Sumoski by Daughter, Bertha (Available Dates: April 26, October 4,18). (2) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: Special Intention by Stan and Sally Gober; For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; IMO Adolf and Eileen Poslosky by Children. (3) BEFORE: ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. Call 570-544-2211. “DESIGNER HANDBAG” BINGO: Opens 11:00 AM; starts 1:00 PM. St. Nicholas Hall. Admission : $25,16 regular games,4 specials. Coach, Michael Kors, Dooney & Bourke, Cole Haan, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren. Benefits St. Nicholas School. 570-544-5767 or 544-

4581.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Ricapito Annex (570-544-6484). Weather permitting!

THURSDAY, MARCH 12 – “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR: New members are needed! Call 570-544-2355.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.

TUESDAY, MARCH 10 – LENTEN DEVOTIONS: EUCHARISTIC HOLY HOUR AND CONFESSIONS FOL-LOWED BY STATIONS OF THE CROSS AND BENEDICTION: Exposition and Confessions begin at4:00 PM. Stations of the Cross at 6:00 PM. PASTORAL NOTE: Religious Education Students are toreport to Church at 6:00 PM. Any questions, contact our Coordinator of Religious Education, Rosalie Novack (570-544-2211). Absences call 570-544-3766. Tonight’s Stations of the Cross and Eucharistic Adoration and Confession take the place of those normally scheduled on Wednesday!

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 – DAY OF ABSTINENCE:Those 14 years and older are bound to abstain from eating meat today.

LENTEN ROSARY: 7:40 AM, our Church. We will pray the Sorrowful Mysteries each Friday of Lent. Join us!ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST LENTEN DINNERS: Full course: New England Clam Chowder, Full Salad Bar, Macaroni and Cheese,Bakedor Mashed Potatoes, Vegetables, Homemade Dessert, Beverage, and Fish or Crab Cake. Prices: $8 to $16. Call 570-622-5470.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. Prepare for Easter NOW!

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT, MARCH 15 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): TERESA MILLER will host the FPC this week. Call 570-399-5056 or sign-up in the Church Vestibule. We need host families for May and June!LUCK OF THE IRISH BINGO: Doors open 11:30 AM; Bingo starts at 1:00 PM. Nativity BVM High School. $20 admission includes 15regular games and 4 specials. Special Jackpot Game! Food, refreshments available. Call Diane (570-294-0551) for more information.SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) ) GENERAL REPAIR: Your contribution will help defray the cost of general maintenance.(2) CRS RICE BOWL: Place your envelope in the Second Collection all Lenten Sundays and Easter Sunday. Parish and Diocesan envelopes should be placed in the First Collection. (3) Check your Sunday Church Envelope Boxes for any missed envelopes. Catch up! (4) Write the amount of your donation on your envelope. Use no staples nor scotch tape. Seal it with a lick. Thanks!*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************

MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT OFF. PROC. LECTORS E. M. of H. C. ALTAR SERVERSSAT 4:00 PM Stablum Frank Melenchick Dave Fogarty Anthony Lutchkus

Family Frank MelenchickSUN 8:30 AM Wiscount Elaine Stine Ed Davis Michael Perzel

Family Nathan Tropp 10:30 AM Parishioners Marge Walasavage Mary Ann Harrison Jade Stickell

Olivia Osborne*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar!MARCH 16 – RED CROSS BLOODMOBILE: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Good Shepherd Building Cafeteria. Donate your blood, give life!MARCH 18 – COMMUNITY HEALTH AWARENESS TALKS: Free 16-week program for those at risk with Diabetes. Pottsville and Shenandoah locations available. Call 570-621-5020 to register.MARCH 18 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ MT. AIRY CASINO BUS TRIP: Pay $29; Rebate $30. Bus leaves R&J 8:00 AM; Quandel’s in Minersville 8:30 AM. Bus departs casino 4:30 PM. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413) for information.MARCH 19 – MONTHLY ROSARY: 6:15 PM, Church. Let us join together to pray the rosary on the feast day of St. Joseph, the Husband of Mary. “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” (Matthew 18:20) Please join us!

MARCH 23 – JOINT CHOIR REHEARSAL FOR CONFIRMATION: 6:30 PM, St. Michael Church. All Choir members are welcome!MARCH 25 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Ricapito Annex (570-544-6484). Weather permitting!APRIL 3 – DIVINE MERCY NOVENA: Begins. 3:00 PM, Church.APRIL 7 – CONFIRMATION PRACTICE: 6:30 PM, St. Michael the Archangel Church.APRIL 8 – CONFIRMATION: Bishop Cullen will Confirm children from our area at 4:30 PM at St. Michael the Archangel Church.APRIL 11 – NATIVITY BVM H.S. 2015 CENTURY BENEFIT: Cocktail hour at 6:00 PM; Dinner, 7:00PM, with induction of the golden Cross Society members. Dancing follows. Schuylkill Country Club, Orwigsburg. $125 per person. Call 570-622-8110 for tickets.APRIL 12 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH DIVINE MERCY DEVOTIONS: 3:00 PM. APRIL 19 – POLKA SPRING FLING: 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM, St. Mary Catholic Church, Hamburg. Tickets are $20 each in advance and $25 at the door. Music by Polka Country Musicians. Food and beverages available for purchase. Call 610-562-7657 for tickets and information.APRIL 21 – MANDATORY PARENTS’ FIRST COMMUNION MEETING: 6:15 PM, Good Shepherd Chapel Room.MAY 1 – THE EDWARD T. MALESKAS SCHOLARSHIP FUND: Registered members of the former Saint Francis of Assisi Parish, Minersville, can request a tuition aid/scholarship application for 2015-2016 for Catholic elementary and high school students and Catholic or secular college students by writing directly to the trustee, Rev. Msgr. Daniel J. Yenushosky, Holy Trinity Rectory, 4102 S. Church St., Whitehall, PA 18052 or e-mail the request to djyen1977@gmail.com. Indicate which application is needed: elementary, high school and/or college. If possible, please e-mail the request. The application will be sent by way of an e-mail attachment. Completed applications are due Today. MAY 9 – FIRST HOLY COMMUNION: Within the 4:00 PM Mass today. MAY 11-14 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ VIRGINIA BEACH BUS TRIP: $479 per person, double occupancy includes: 3 nights hotel accommodations, 3 full breakfasts, 3 dinners including all-you-can-eat seafood buffet, visit to Fort Monroe Casemate Museum Williamsburg Pottery, Yankee Candle Village, Douglas MacArthur Memorial, Norfolk Naval Base, Hampton Roads Naval Museum, beach and boardwalk. Motorcoach transportation. Baggage handling, meal gratuities and hotel taxes included. YOUR PAYMENT IS YOUR RESERVATION! Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413).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.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, tripto Atlantic City casino with a bonus package, visit to Washington Street Mall, Cape May, visit Smithville Village, Wildwoods' famousbeach and boardwalk. Motorcoach transportation. Baggage handling, meal gratuities and hotel taxes included. YOUR PAYMENT IS YOURRESERVATION! Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413).++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

+EASTER FLOWERS AND VIGILS: Help decorate our Church and its Altars with flowers ($10 donation) and vigils ($5 offering each) for Holy Week and Easter. Flower offerings can be placed in the First Collection. Remember to write your intentions on the envelope. For Vigils call the Rectory (570-544-2211) Monday through Friday.

WINTER WEATHER: If the weather is bad, and you have qualms or fears about driving in bad weather or any misgivings about road or

sidewalk conditions, please for safety sake, refrain from attending Mass on Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning. The Good Lord will understand. You will live to attend Church another time when weather conditions permit!ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPONSORSHIP AT BAPTISM AND CONFIRMATION: 1) You must be a fully initiated member of the Church, i.e. have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. 2) You must be at least 16 years of age. 3) You must be a practicing Catholic, i.e. attending Mass weekly and receiving the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Penance on a regular basis. Do not ask for exemptions from the aforementioned requirements!

MARCH 20 – LAST LENTEN FOOD SALE: 12:00 Noon to 3:00 PM, Parish Center. Eat-in ortake-out. Place take out orders by calling the Parish Center (570-544-5485), 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, Friday only. Help is needed to fry bleenies, cook pierogi, serve customers, pack orders, deliver business orders and clean up. Home baked goods are needed! Bring them to our Parish Center from 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!

MARCH 22 – COMMUNITY CONFESSIONS: 6:00 PM, Ss. Peter and Paul Church. Pleasetake this opportunity to prepare spiritually for Easter by making a good Confession!

EASTER KIELBASA SALE: Homemade fresh kielbasa ($8.00 per 2lb link). Pick-upinformation to follow. PRE-ORDER ONLY. Call the Rectory (570-544-2211).

MARCH 22 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST ANNUAL HAM BINGO: 2:00 PM in The Good Shepherd Building Cafeteria. Tickets are $3.00 each. 20 games, specials and raffles! Food and beverages will be available. Call Theresa (570-544-4316) or Roseanne (570-544-5304). PLEASE HELP US WITH A $20 DONATION TO PURCHASE HAMS. Non-perishable Grocery Items (canned goods, paper products, household cleaning items, etc.) are also needed and can be dropped off in the boxes in the Church Vestibule. Thanks