28TH SUNDAYIN ORDINARY TIME

OCTOBER 12, 2014 One of the most terrifying aspects about the gift of freedom is that it leaves us the option of rejecting God. God prepares an irresistiblewedding feast and invites us to it… but so often we refuse. This is the phenomenon of impenetrability: the refusal to let ourselves be struck even by the most beautiful thing that is put before us. We prefer instead to let ourselves remain all closed – we do not let our “I” be touched by anything, even the “You” of God. Nonetheless, God will never cease providing for all peoples this rich feast of his Son. For true happiness comes when I realize that “I can do all things in him who strengthens me.” Let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us.”

king must send out twice for the guests to come to his son’s wedding. The people respond to the royal invitation with indifference or overt hostility. Festivity suddenly gives way to punishment. New guests are gathered at random from the byroads to fill the banquet hall. One poor man is cast into the night, because he had neither the time nor the means to dress for the wedding feast. // The strange narrative discloses deeper meaning. The parable sketches in bold strokes the feast of joy and communion to which Israel was first invited. Israel refused to accept the invitation of the prophets and the just ones, even this last invitation offered by Jesus and the apostles. Their city of Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A.D. by the Romans. The first Christian community took this as the definitive sign that the invitation should be extended to all humanity. // But if “the invited are the many, the elect are few.” We can be Christian in name, and yet avoid conversion. We can believe that we are invited to the feast of the kingdom, and yet remain indifferent to the empty plates set before so many of the world’s children. It is the baptismal life which counts, not the baptismal certificate. That life is the clothing of which Paul speaks. “You must put on that new man created in God’s image whose justice and holiness are born of truth” (Ephesians 4:24). Without that wedding garment, the wedding invitation counts for nothing in the eyes of the king.

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 (610-866-0581x19)VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR: Wendy S. Krisak (1-800-791-9209)

WEEKDAY MASS AT 8:00 AMMON – Violet Gayesky by Sylvia MaugerTUE – John Morgalis by Sisters of St. CasimirWED – Louise Kishel by Daughter, Joan RobertsTHU – Mary Carroll by Lewis CarrollFRI – Frank and Anna Walasavage by Bernie and Margie WalasavageSAT – 4:00 PM – Tony and Rose Phillips by ChildrenSUN – 8:30 AM – M/M James Genovese by Daughter, Maryanne and Son, Vincent 10:30 AM – William Laudeman, Sr. by Scott and Patrice Schwalm and Family********************************************************************************************************************************************

REQUIESCANT IN PACE: May Jesus, the Lord of the Harvest, take unto Himself:BEATRICE WATSON, who died Sunday, October 5, and will be buried from our Parish Monday, October 13; and VIOLET GAYESKY, a former member of the former St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, and a member of our Parish family, who died Tuesday, October 7, and whose burial service was Friday, October 10. May Mary, Mother of Mercy, obtain comfort from Jesus, her risen son, for their family and friends. ET LUX PERPETUA LUCEAT EIS!********************************************************************************************************************************************

THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities,/ Lord, who could stand?/ But with you is found forgiveness,/ O God of Israel. (Ps 130 (129):3-4)SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12 –TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME: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 intohis harvest. May the prayers of our participating families bear fruit. Our thanks to JOSEPH AND LINDA BUTCAVAGE for Hosting the FPC for Vocations this week. Sign up in Church.FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: Today’s gospel speaks about “unworthy wedding guests.” What makes a “worthy” guest? Presence and presents are not enough. The greatest gift we can give is support to the couple as they voyage through life together because marriage naturally contains within it the fields of disappointment. Think of the weddings you have attended. Have you been a “worthy guest?” PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: The war on the pre-born is the only war in which America is involved where the casualties are 100%; the baby always dies.  The moms, dads, and close family members suffer physical, mental, and spiritual wounds.  Pray to end this holocaust. STEWARDSHIP: “And my God will supply every need of yours…” – Philippians 4:19. God really does provide for those that are grateful and generous. This is very difficult for people that don’t live a stewardship lifestyle to believe. People are skeptical and say it’s just coincidence. If you are skeptical, try living a stewardship lifestyle for just one month – be generous with your gifts of time, talent and treasure and see how God provides for your needs. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $2,943; Utilities: $554; Expenses: $3,715.30. Thank you for your generosity! FRATERNAL CHARITY: ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY– Your donation of ALL TYPES OF PASTA AND SAUCES will allow us to help the needy. Volunteer to help our SVDP Society Outreach and God’s Bountiful Table by calling Edward Butler (570-544-2739).VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: IMO Bernard and Edith Lescavage by Children, Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren. (2) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: For the Health of Aldona Butler by The Andruchek Family; For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; Special Intention by Stan and Sally Gober; For the Health of Aldona Butler. ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. Call 570-544-2211 to memorialize votives.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 13 – RED CROSS BLOODMOBILE: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, St. Patrick Parish Center, Pottsville. Donate your blood, give life!

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14 – ST. MATTHEW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Contact our Coordinator of Religious Education, Rosalie Novack (570-544-2211).

Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Hebert request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Marie to Daniel Berne. A reception will follow. // This contemporary invitation is nothing like theone reported byMatthew. The

2014 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL: Walk With Christ: $17,488 has been raised from 176 parishioners representing 92% of our goal of $18,950.55 and 28.76% of households. I am saddened that almost three-fourths of our Parishioners cannot see the face of Christ in the needy! I hope, sincerely, they will have a change of heart. I truly believe we will be judged by these words of Christ, “Whatsoever you do to the the least of my brothers, that you do unto me!”

FOOD PREPARATION AT OUR PARISHCENTER: Pierogi Making, today 9:30 AM. Lendus a hand! We could use your help!

FOOD PREPARATION AT OUR PARISHCENTER: Pierogi Making, today 9:00 AM.Please help! Everyone welcome!

SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) GENERAL REPAIR: Your contribution will help defray the cost of general maintenance. (2) Please catch up with any missed envelopes. Your Church needs your consistent and generous support to meet all of its financial obligations and to serve you. Thank you for your generosity!*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE 29th SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OFF. PROC. LECTORS E. M. of H. C. ALTAR SERVERSSAT 4:00 PM PhillipsFamily Rosalie Novack Theresa Kroznuski Killian Clark

Frank Melenchick Max Wigoda Mary Regina Mundy

SUN 8:30 AM Genovese Family Elaine Stine Jack Ruscavage Alex ReppertEric Andruchek

10:30 AM Schwalm Family Mary Jo Nabholz Marian Rhoads Jordan Berdanier*************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar!OCTOBER 20 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ MOHEGAN SUN CASINO BUS TRIP: Pay $23; Rebate $30. 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) for information.OCTOBER 22 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex. Call 570-544-2739 to volunteer.OCTOBER 24 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH OCTOBER FOOD FEST: 12:00 Noon to Sellout. Parish Center. Traditional ethnic foods (bleenie, pierogi) and chicken pot pie, chili will be available for purchase. Come and enjoy! Support your Parish! 12:00 Noon to sellout! Donations of baked goods would be appreciated and should be brought directly to the Parish Center the day of the sale.OCTOBER 26 – CHINESE AUCTION: Doors open 9:00 AM; Kitchen open 12:00 Noon; Auction Starts 2:00 PM. Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, Mahanoy City.OCTOBER 28 – REQUIRED PARENTS’ FIRST PENANCE MEETING: 6:30 PM, Good Shepherd School Chapel. NOVEMBER 2 – ANNUAL TURKEY BINGO: Doors open at 12:00 Noon; Bingo starts at 2:00 PM. Good Shepherd Cafeteria. Admission $3.00. Donations of baked goods would be appreciated and should be brought directly to the Cafeteria today. Just place your name on these items. Food and refreshments will be available. For more information, call Theresa (570-544-4316) or Rose Ann (570-544-5304). DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME: Begins at 2:00 AM this morning. Spring forward, fall back.NOVEMBER 8 – NATIVITY BVM ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NEW YORK CITY BUS TRIP: Bus leaves from Nativity BVM High School at 7:00 AM; Departs New York City at 7:00 PM. Cost is $40. Call Greg (570-622-1859) for more information.NOVEMBER 11 – 2014 MASS BOOK: Opens today at 11:00 AM. NOVEMBER 12 – DAY OF REMEMBRANCE: Mass 6:00 PM in our Church; Reception by invitation 7:00 PM, Parish Center. NOVEMBER 13 – RED CROSS BLOODMOBILE: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Good Shepherd Building Cafeteria. Donate your blood, give life!NOVEMBER 15 – DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWN CATHOLIC MEN’S FELLOWSHIP: CHALLENGING MEN TO GROW IN FAITH: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, DeSales University, Allentown, for men high school, college and older. Spiritual conferences, Eucharistic adoration and Confession, sharing Catholic Christian fraternity. Go to www.cmfda.org to register online. NOVEMBER 17 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ MOHEGAN SUN CASINO BUS TRIP: Pay $23; Rebate $30. Bus leaves R&J 8:00 AM; Quandel’s in Minersville 8:30 AM. Bus departs casino 4:00 PM. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413) for information.DECEMBER 17 – HOLIDAY FOOD SALE: Homemade pierogi ($7.00 per dozen) and kielbasa ($9.00 per 2lb link). Pick-up is from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM today at the Parish Center. PRE-ORDER ONLY. Call the Rectory (570-544-2211) to order. ORDER DEADLINE IS DECEMBER 3.*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************

******PARISH MEMORIAL SOCIETY: We gratefully acknowledge the following donations: IMO ANNA PETERSON: $50 from M/M Ron Rozansky. IMO HARRY HEFFRON: $10 from Rose and Jim Cleary. IMO MARGARET PLEVA: $10 from Bertha Warcola. IMO PATRICIA FURMAN: $20 from Katherine Chelak. IMO THEODORE BELLUCH: $10 from Jean Kenesky and Son. IMO EDWARD M. HALLERAN: $50 from Jean Kenesky and Son. IMO SHARON FOGARTY LEBRUN: $10 each from Francis and Dolores Leister, Marge and George Homa Family. IMO JOSEPH E. ZITKA: $50 from Jennifer Oswald, Kathy Edwards, Cathy Hassman, Laurie Walacavage, Pam Monaghan, Joe O’Melia, Judy Devlin, Nichole Welsh, Ann Lucarino, Sondra Jones; $35 from 5th Grade Regular and Special Education Teachers of Blue Mountain Elementary East School; $25 each from Katherine Chelak, James and Leanne Haeseler; $20 from Cecilia Socko; $10 each from Mrs. Justine Laychock, Catherine Bosack.

DIOCESAN COLLECTION: WORLD MISSION SUNDAY: This year, all our parishioners are

invited to act in solidarity with missionaries inIndia and throughout the world. Every day,

faithful missionaries are reaching out in the name of Christ, offering practical, emotional and

spiritual care to communities, children and families in desperate need, bringing the light of Christ to the darkest situations. Use the Special Mission Sunday Envelope found in your envelope boxes. Please be generous!

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients and their caregivers.MEATLOAF DINNER: 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, St. Nicholas Hall, Primrose. Cost $9.00, eat-in or take-out, includes: meatloaf, mashed potatoes, corn, coleslaw, roll and butter, dessert. Sponsored by St. Nicholas Church Women’s Sodality. Call 570-544-4581 for more information.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 16 – “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARYCHOIR: 7:00 PM, Church. New members are needed and welcome! Call Greg Senich at 570-544-2355 to join and for rehearsal times.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL’S 1ST ANNUAL “OKTOBERFEST”: 7:00 PM, St. Michael the Archangel Parish Center. $35.00. Authentic German cuisine,Yuengling beers, salad, soup entrée and dessert stations,entertainment by “The Egerlander German Band”. Call 570-544-4741 for tickets.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19 – TWENTY-NINTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME:SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM, 10:15 AM.THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): THE GRAEFF FAMILY (10:30 AM) will host the FPC this week. Call 570-399-5056 or sign-up in the Church Vestibule. We need host families for November and December.

CHINESE AUCTION: Doors open 12:00 Noon; Bingo starts 2:00 PM. Forestville Fire Company. Shop-n-Drop Saturday, October 18th, 6:00 Pm to 8:00 PM. Call 570-544-6930 for more information.

FOOD PREPARATION AT OUR PARISHCENTER: Today at 9:30 AM: Making noodles.

PLEASE LEND YOUR PARISH A HAND!