FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTERMay 11, 2014

Peter stands up with the Eleven and preachesabout Jesus, our “Lord and Christ.” When the people hear that it is by Christ’s wounds that they have been healed, they themselves are “cut to the heart.” They beg, “What are we to do, brothers?” They have found in the witness of the apostles an authority they are eager to follow. This is what Jesus means when he says that the Good Shepherd walks ahead of his sheep and that the sheep follow him “because they recognize his voice.” Good Shepherd Sunday celebrates the correspondence between the longing of the human heart and “the promise made to us” that God will send a Shepherd who will give us life “more abundantly.”

forbidding. They kept the animals safe from wild predators and human marauders, sometimes at the cost of their lives. If the shepherds were unfaithful, the sheep could not long survive. It is no wonder that the people of the Old Testament cast God himself in the image of the good shepherd, sustainerand protector of the flock of Israel. // The Church found the perfect fulfillment of this image in the risen Christ, who had laid down his own life to become the very source of life for his people. He nourishes his flock with the word and the bread of life. In the mixed metaphors of today’s gospel, he is the gate through which they pass to the safety of the sheepfold and the shepherd who defends them from all threats of evil. // In the first letter of Peter, Christ the shepherd is called the “Guardian of your souls.” The Greek word used is episkopos, more commonly translated “bishop”. Although Christ is no longer visibly present to us as he was to his first hearers, he continues to nourish and to preserve his people through the Church’s ministers. On Good Shepherd Sunday, then, we

givethanks for the gift of all the good and faithful shepherds who lay down their lives in daily service to the Lord’s flock.

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) 54-2317

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 (610-866-0581x19)VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR: Wendy S. Krisak (1-800-791-9209)WEEKDAY MASS AT 8:00 AMMON – Anna Dobles by Daughter, Carol MatuskyTUE – 8:00 AM – Helen D. Maletz, Julia Malec, Jozefa Smiszek, and Living and Deceased Wives and Mothers of Our Parish by Father Leo 6:30 PM – Sophie Kuchta by Genevieve RushananWED – George Visocka Family by Al and JerryTHU – Elizabeth Holland by FamilyFRI – Helen Maletz (9th Annv) by Son, Father LeoSAT – 4:00 PM – Andrew Botek by Wife, BerthaSUN – 8:30 AM – Fritz Doran (15th Annv) by Ellen Doran and Family 10:30 AM – Violet and Edward Skibiel by Frank and Theresa Grigalonis********************************************************************************************************************************************I BANNS OF MARRIAGE: David S. Humenansky (St. Ambrose Parish) and Kriston L. McHugh (St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish).******************************************************************************************************************************************** THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: The merciful love of the Lord fills the earth;/ by the word of the Lord the heavens were made, alleluia. (Cf. Ps 33(32):5-6)FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, May 11 – 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 into his harvest. May the prayers of our participating families bear fruit. Our thanks to TONI AND BOB PLESNARSKI (10:30 AM) for hosting the Family Prayer Chalice for Vocations this week. Sign up in Church Vestibule. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: In today’s gospel Jesus tells us, HE IS THE GATE and warns anyone who offers “another way” to happiness is “a thief anda bandit.” Strong words! Don’t listen to the sales pitch of society for happiness. Look to yourself where God is present and “calls you by name and leads you to abundant life.” PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: If a baby is not safe in his/her mother’s womb, no one is safe anymore.  Terror in the womb gives birth to terror in the world. Until we stop abortion, no place in America is safe; not in our homes, schools, malls, or our churches.  Pray/work to end abortion now.STEWARDSHIP: “And Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ…”  Acts 2:38. The word “repent” means to turn from sin, to change our actions. When it comes to change, do we take responsibility for change or do we think that others have to change instead? Change that is permanent comes from within, we must take control and be disciplined. Remember though that we are not alone, Jesus is there to help lighten the load. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $3,137; Utilities: $664; Expenses: $7,046.85. Thank you for your generosity!EASTER SEASON CHARITY:ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY– Your donation of all TYPES OF DRINK MIXES 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 for information.

MOTHERS’ DAY VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: IMO Michael Novack by Children. (2) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: IMO Helen Maletz by Son, Father Leo; IMO Anna and Michael Orlosky; IMO Anna Dobles by Daughter, Carol Matusky; For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family. DIVINE MERCY: Special Intention by Stan and Sally Gober; IMO George Visocka Family by Al and Jerry; IMO Vera Petkaitis by Stan and Sally Gober; IMO Rev. Joseph Reilly by Stan and Sally Gober . ALTAR OF SACRIFICE: IMO Mrs. Stella Pytko by Son, George and Daughter, Joanne; IHO First Communicants by Their Teacher, Ms. Novack. (3) BEFORE: ST. ANNE: IMO Annie Socko by Daughter, Ann Marie. ST. ANTHONY: IMO Anna Sznajkowski by Daughter, Ann. REREDOS NICHE: IMO Rev. Joseph F. Reilly by Parents. RISEN CHRIST: IMO Frances Sumoski by Daughter, Bertha; IMO Catherine Wolinsky by Daughter, Catherine. ST. BARBARA: IMO Edith Land by Carolyn and Butch; IMO Anna Postick (Birthday) by Sister, Katherine. ST. FRANCIS: IMO Albenia Hoover by Granddaughter, Linda; Special Intention of Our Daughter, Kelly and Todd Wheeler by Joe and Judy Sabados; IMO Edna Leister by Francis and Dolores Leister. ST. THERESA: IMO Mary Szekeres by Ann Marie; IMO Dorothy Valentine by Stan and Sally Gober. ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. ST. PETER: IMO Anna Homa by George Homa and Family; IMO Julia Brito by Marge Homa and Family. ST. PAUL: IMO Helen Pytko by Francis and Dolores Leister. Call the Rectory (570-544-2211) to memorialize votives.MOTHERS’ DAY FLOWERS: We gratefully acknowledge these noted, each donation is $10): IMO Josephine Costic by Family; IMO

Stiney and Anna Gober, IMO Charlotte Parry, IMO Francis and Sallie Tracey by Stan and Sally Gober ($30); IMO Anna Rothermel by Linda, Mitra and Meggi; IMO Frances Sumoski by Daughter, Bertha; IMO Annie Socko by Daughter, Ann Marie; IMO Mary Szekeres

by Ann Marie; IMO Anna Homa and Julia Brito by George and Marge Homa; IMO Helen O’Connor by Daughter, Helene; IMO Helen O’

Connor by Daughter, Mollie and Family; IMO Jean Cola by Daughter, Jeanine; IMO Rose Phillips by Children; IMO Catherine Gober by

Daughter, Katherine; IMO Lisa Spirko Shaak by Family.

The image of the good shepherd has nothing to do with saccharine sentimentality. Shepherds were important figures in the Palestinian landscape. They bore total responsibility for the flocks on which their people depended. They saw to it that the sheep found adequate grazing and water in a land that could be harsh and

2014 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL: On this Mother’s Day weekend please remember those Mothers who give tirelessly of themselves but have fallen upon hard times and have come to our Diocese and the Bishop’s Annual Appeal for assistance. Next weekend is Commitment Sunday. If you have not done so already, please bring your pledge form to Mass next weekend. We need the support of all of our parish families to reach our parish BAA goal . To make your gift, please return the pledge form that you received in the mail, drop it in the Sunday collection basket, visit the Appeal’s website at www.2014baa.org, call 800-831-4443.

MAY CALENDAR WINNERS: May 4 – Helen and CoCo; May 5 – B. Costic; May 6 – Lynn Schier; May 7 – Keith Graeff; May 8 – Denise Adams; May 9 – John Montisso; May 10 – Vince Fabiani

MOTHER’S DAY CARNATION SALE: Before and after Masses. Donation $1.00 each. Proceeds benefit our St.Vincent dePaul

Society.

TUESDAY, May 13 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, the Good Shepherd Building. CLOSING MASS and MAY CROWNING 6:30 PM. EVERYONE WELCOME! Dismissal from Church. WEDNESDAY, May 14 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients and their caregivers.GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex.COMMUNITY HEALTH AWARENESS TALKS: 6:00 PM, Schuylkill Medical Center East, Wall Auditorium, 3rd Floor. Topic is: “The ABC’s of Hepatitis C”. Program is free; refreshments served. Call 570-621-5108 to register.

THURSDAY, MAY 15 – “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR REHEARSAL: 7:00 PM, Church Loft. Call 570-544-2355.

FRIDAY, MAY 16 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM. ST. JOSEPH CENTER 23RD ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT AND DINNER: Registration begins at 11:00 AM. Mountain Valley Golf Course. All golf fees include lunch and dinner. Call 570-622-4638 for more information and to register.SATURDAY, MAY 17 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. MONTHLY ROSARY: 6:15 PM, our Church. Please join us!

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER, May 18 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM.THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): LUCY BARNETSKY (10:30 AM) will host the FPC this weekCall 570-399-5056 or sign-up in the Church Vestibule. We need host families for June.

MINERSVILLE ROTARY CLUB 4TH ANNUAL CAR SHOW: Registration, 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM; Awards, 3:00 PM. McCann Schoolof Business, Pottsville. Food sales, basket auctions, 50/50, ultimate grill drawing. Registrations, available at www.minersvillerotary.org.SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) GENERAL REPAIR: Your contribution will help defray the cost of general maintenance.(2) Please check your Sunday Church Envelope Boxes for the envelopes you might have missed. Kindly catch up! (3) Please write theamount of your donation on your envelope. Do not staple, scotch tape it shut. SIMPLY SEAL IT WITH A LICK.Thanks!

*****************************************************************************************************************************************************************MINISTERS AT MASS FOR FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

OFF. PROCESSION LECTORS EUCH. MINISTERS ALTAR SERVERSSAT 4:00 PM Botek Family Nicole Forney Gloria Paltanavage Nathan Tropp

Alex ReppertSUN 8:30 AM Doran Family Sharon Kolenick Jack Ruscavage Nicholas

Quinn Gabriella Quinn

10:30 AM Grigalonis Family Tom Mundy Al Boris Jordan Berdanier Jason Clark Anthony Forte

Ed Davis*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar!MAY 20 – PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN WORKSHOP: 6:00 PM, Annunciation BVM Parish, Frackville. Call 570-874-0610 to register.

MAY 25 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS: 6:00 PM Prayer Service. Vigils (offering $6 each) can be memorialized in memory/honor of a loved one by calling 570-544-2739.MAY 28 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex.MAY 29 – THE SOLEMNITY OF THE ASCENSION OF OUR LORD: Today is a Holy Day of Obligation for all Catholics. Mass will be celebrated at 7:00 PM (evening before), 8:00 AM and 7:00 PM.JUNE 1 – HERITAGE DAY IN THE VALLEY: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Clover Fire Company Grounds, Heckscherville. Performance by “Finnigan’s Wake”, Irish Music by “The Troubles”, Genealogy, History, Food and Beverages. Call Jim (570-544-4929) for information.JUNE 15 – 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 our Parish. The Offering for Flowers is $10; Vigils $5. Call the Rectory (570-544-2211) to make arrangements. Thanks for your anticipated help!JUNE 16 – 20 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ CAPE COD, MA INCLUDING MARTHA’S VINEYARD AND NANTUCKET BUS TRIP: $650per person (double occupancy) includes: 4 nights lodging, 4 breakfasts, 4 dinners, visit to Mystic Seaport en route to Cape Cod, Fully escorted tours of Hyannis area, including Kennedy Memorial and Main Street, Chatham, ferry ride to Martha’s Vineyard with tour, ferry ride to Nantucket Island with tour, Hyannis Harbor Cruise with view of Kennedy Compound, visit to Foxwoods Casino en route home, souvenir gift, luggage handling, all taxes and meal gratuities, Motorcoach transportation. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413).JULY 28 – AUGUST 1 – NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE ARTS CAMP: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Daily. Performance August 1st at

7:30 PM. Open to students entering grades 7 through college. Instruction from college level professors. Equivalent to college course of 3 credithours. Cost $495. Call 570-622-8110 to register.AUGUST 17 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST ANNUAL SUMMER FESTIVAL: 12:00 Noon to 9:00 PM, South Cass Fire Co. Picnic Grounds, Primrose. Come and enjoy All the ethnic foods you love! Call 570-544-2211 for more information. SEPTEMBER 8 – 11– ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ OUTER BANKS, NORTH CAROLINA BUS TRIP:$539 per person (double

occupancy)includes: 3 nights lodging, 3 breakfasts, 3 full course dinners, guided tour of Cape Hatteras, Roanoke Island Festival Park, Graveyard of the Alantic, Wright Brothers National Memorial, Elizabethan Gardens, Bodie Island Lighthouse, souvenir gift, luggage handling, all taxes and meal gratuities, Motorcoach transportation. Your payment is your reservation. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413).++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

+EASTER FLOWER MEMORIALS: We gratefully acknowledge your kindness and generosity which allowed us to decorate our church so beautifully during this past Easter Season (Unless otherwise noted each donation was $10): IMO Ann Marie Hydock, James Lopez, Sr., Anna Kirkauskas, Catherine Hydock by M/M James Lopez ($40); IMO John Cazonie and Norma Olenick by Henry Cazonie; IMO Ryan Wiscount by Gram and Pop; IMO Elizabeth Reed, Mary Walters, Joe Butcavage by M/M Joe Butcavage; IMO John, Anna, Richard and Keith Butcavage, Thomas J, Clara, Thomas R. and Margaret by John and Elaine Butcavage ($20); IMO Kulpcavage and Buglia Family Members by Bob and Ann Buglia; IMO William Barton, Charles Pukas, Deceased of Plesnarski and Barton Families by Diane Barton; IMODavid and Anna Brennan, Andrew and Elizabeth Lucas, Mercedes Essler, Diane Warcola by Gail Brennan; IMO Stanley Brilla by Catherine Brilla; IMO My Husband, Henry, Our Parents, Brother, Al, Wife and Daughter by Jean Albertini; IMO Andruchek and Orlosky Families by Catherine Andruchek ($15); Intentions of M/M John Andruchek; IMO Joseph and Betty Wentz, Clarence and Madeline Aucker, Clarence Aucker, Jr., Nancy Ditzler, Raymond Aucker by Joe and JoAnn Aucker; IMO Thomas W. Barr by M/M Michael Barr; IMO Anna and Stiney Gober by Jason, Beth and Killian Clark; IMO Dante and Jean Cola by Daughter, Jeanine; IMO John Consugar, Marguerite McTear, Gerald Murphy by Pat Consugar ($25); IMO Andrew and Mary Consugar, Thomas and Marguerite Murphy by Mary Consugar ($25); IMO Stanley and Tessie Costick by Stephen Costick; IMO Mickey and Dolores Pritz by M/M Craig Osborne; Intentions of Dougherty Family; Intentions of Amy Eades; IMO Shirley A. Reed, Robert W. Reed, Joseph A. Fabiani by M/M Vincent Fabiani; IMO John Leshko by Eisenhart Family; IMOJoseph Gottschall, John Brennan Family, Sr. M. Lucretia by Helen Gottschall; IMO John J. Sabadish, Frank Kralick by Mary Ann Harrison; IMO Ricky Helman, Rose Helman, Joe and Bonita Bluis, Harold and Emma Helman by M/M Richard Helman; IMO M/M George Bossick by Marilyn Homa; IHO Ken and Deb Klotunowitch’s 35th Wedding Anniversary; IMO Rose and Joe Karmazin, Helen and Mario Stablum, Ryan and Pat Wiscount by Joe and Beth Karmazin and Sons; IMO Dr. A.J. Land, Edith and Pat Land, Souls in Purgatory by Rose and Jim Land; IMO M/M Walter Logan, Sr., Brothers, Robert, Johnny and Walter Logan by M/M Joseph Logan; IMO William J. Lesky by Wife, Betty; IMO Girard and Sylvia Holley by M/M Christopher Marx; IMO Marzinsky and Gussick Families by M/M John Marzinsky ($50); IMO Ruth and Vincent Murphy, Dan Polansky, Mary and Pat McGovern, Joseph McGovern by M/M Thomas McGovern; IMO Nicola and Theresa Quinqui, Nicholas DeQuinqui, Joseph DeQuinqui, Angelo and Philomena Merlino by M/M Anthony Merlino ($20); IMO Bill Stock by Wife and Children; IMO M/M Albert Gavalis by M/M John Mickoseff; IMO Estelle Savage by M/M John Mickoseff; IMO David Moore by M/M James Moore, Sr.; Intentions of Lawrence Murphy; IMO Francis and Helen O’Connor by Daughter, Helene ($20); IMO Padelsky and Vesseliza Families by Arlene Padelsky ($25); IMO Tony and Rose Phillips, Tom Paltanavage by Gloria Paltanavage ($20) (TBC).

ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST SPAGHETTI DINNER: 11:00 AM TO 3:00 PM, Parish Center. $8.50 Adults; Children $4.50. Donationsof Baked Goods would be greatly appreciated and can be brought to the Parish Center between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Please purchase your

one50/50 chance. Kindly make all returns to the Rectory (570-544-2211) as soon as possible. WALK-INS AVAILABLE WHILE SUPPLY LASTS!

MAY 21 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ MOUNT AIRY CASINO BUS TRIP: Pay $25; Rebate $25.Includes free buffet. Bus leaves R&J 7:45 AM; Quandel’s in Minersville 8:15 AM. Bus departs casino 4:00 PM. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413).

SPAGHETTI DINNER FOOD PREPARATION: 9:00 AM, Parish Center, prepare and peel parsley and garlic for meatballs.

SPAGHETTI DINNER FOOD PREPARATION: 9:00 AM, Parish Center, making and cooking meatballs. Please lend us a hand!

SPAGHETTI DINNER FOOD PREPARATION: 9:00 AM, Parish Center, prepare salad ingredients. All help is welcome!