FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY OFJESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH

DECEMBER 29, 2013 The family is the privileged setting where every person learns to give and receive love…The family is an intermediate institution between individuals and society, and nothing can completely take its place… The family is a necessary good for peoples, an indispensable foundation for society and a great and lifelong treasure for couples. It is a unique good for children, who are meant to bethe fruit of the love, of the total and generousself-giving of their parents… The family is also a school which enables men and women to grow to the full measure of their humanity… “O God, who in the Holy Family left us a perfect model of family life lived in faith and obedience to your will, help us to be examples of faith and love for your commandments.” (Pope Benedict XVI)

indispensible condition of mind, revive in us… a lesson on family life. May Nazareth teach us what family life is, its communion of love, its austere and simple beauty, and its sacred and inviolable character… A lesson of work. Nazareth, home of the ‘Carpenter’s Son,’ in you I would choose to understand and proclaim the severe and redeeming law of human work… To con-clude, I want to greet all the workers of

the world,holding up to them their great

pattern,their brother who is God” (CCC 533).

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 ALL

No 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(610-289-8900x222)VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR: Wendy S. Krisak (1-800-791-9209)

WEEKDAY MASS AT 8:00 AMMON – William and Catherine Sweitzer by Jack HudockTUE – 4:00 PM – Walter Pogirski by Rose, Michael, Maura and MichaelWED – 9:00 AM – Joseph and Elizabeth Gucwa by Daughter, Catherine 11:00 AM – Living and Deceased ParishionersTHU – Timothy DaCosta by Sister, MaryFRI – Living and Deceased Members of the Parish Memorial SocietySAT – 4:00 PM – Jean Doran (Annv) by Ellen Doran and FamilySUN – 7:00 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners 9:00 AM – Travis Newton (1st Annv) by Mom and Dad11:00 AM – Elizabeth Pukas by Helen, CoCo, Angela and Allison********************************************************************************************************************************************

THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: The shepherds went in a haste,/ and found Mary and Joseph and the infant lying in a manger. (Lk 2:16) FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY, AND JOSEPH, SUNDAY, December 29 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30AM and 10:45AM.HOLY FAMILY SUNDAY: Today’s feast gives us a chance to celebrate another aspect of the incarnation of Christ: His sharing in the life of a human family. Plan on honoring the Holy Family of Nazareth, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, by attending Mass throughout this coming year as a Family. A special family blessing will be imparted to families at mass today. God bless you, yourfamily, and our entire Parish Family!FAMILY BLESSING: O God, you have created us in love and saved us in mercy, and through the bond of marriage you have established the family and willed that it should become a sign of Christ’s love for his Church. // Shower your blessings on the families of our Parish who gather each Sunday in your name. Enable those who are joined by one love to support one another bytheir fervor of spirit and devotion to prayer. Make them responsive to the needs of others and witnesses to the faith in all they say and do. We ask this blessing through Christ our Lord. AMEN!SACRAMENT OF BAPTISM: May Jesus, the Word made flesh, accept as His own MOLLY ELIZABETH OGG, daughter of Malcolm and Elizabeth Ogg, who will be Baptized in our Church after today’s 11:00 AM Mass, with thepermission of St. Edward Church, Spring, Texas. God Bless Molly Elizabeth and her Family! May they be a Holy Family!THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS(FPC): Jesus told us to ask the Harvest Master to send laborers into his harvest. We hope the prayers of our participating families will bear fruit. May God be attentive to VINCE AND DARLA FABIANI who will host the Family Prayer Chalice for Vocationsthis week. Sign up Church Vestibule or call 570-399-5056. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: Today’s gospel says Joseph “made his home in Nazareth.” A “home” is built on the foundation of love, commitment and a shared history and is decorated with forgiveness, acceptance, rituals, discipline and mutual support. The Holy Family challenges us today: Don’t live ‘anyplace’, live at HOME!PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: Every pregnancy regardless of the circum-stances is part of God’s divine plan. In order to do His will that pregnancy needs to be lovingly allowed to come to full term. Abortion is saying no to God.  STEWARDSHIP: “Over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts.” Colossians 3:14-15.Jesus is God’s ultimate gift of love to us. The countless other blessings that God showers upon us are nothing compared to the gift of His only Son. And the only appropriate way for us to respond to such generous love is with our own generous love. When we dedicate our lives to sharing all the many gifts that God has placed within our hands, the peace of Christ truly will control our hearts. We will know Christmas joy every day. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $4,382; General Repair: $500; Expenses: $2,230.48. Thank you for your generosity! CHRISTMAS SEASON CHARITY: ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY – Your donation of all TYPES OF MEALS IN A BOX 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 544-2739.

CHRISTMAS SEASON VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: IMO Debbie Dutcavich by Family.(2) ALTARS: BVM: Special Intention by Helen Droskinis; For the Health of Evan Gober by Grandparents, Stan and Sally; In Thanksgiving by Katherine. DIVINE MERCY: IMO David Moore by Jim and Evelyn Moore; Intention of Gary Pominville Family by Rose and Jim Land; IMO Stiney and Anna Gober by Stan and Sally Gober; IMO Francis and Sallie Tracey by Stan and Sally Gober. (3) OTHER: ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. ST. ANTHONY: For the Health of John Sokola. ST. ANNE: IMO Fr. Joseph Reilly by Stan and Sally Gober. ST. THERESA: IMO Charlotte Parry by Stan and Sally Gober. ST. PETER: IMO Vera Petkaitis by Stan and Sally Gober; IMO Henry Albertini by Jean. ST. PAUL: IMO Brother, Al Tobin (Birthday) by Jean; For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family. REREDOS NICHE: IMO Fr. Joseph F. Reilly by Parents. Call 570-544-2211. TUESDAY, NEW YEAR’S EVE, December 31 – THE VIGIL OF THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY, MOTHER OF GOD: Mass will be

celebrated at4:00 PM. Pastoral Note: There is no better way of ushering in the New year than by honoring our Blessed Lady for accepting God’s call

tobe the mother of His son and by attending mass.

“The hidden life of Nazareth allows everyone to enter into fellowship with Jesus by the most ordinary events of daily life: The home of Nazareth is the school where we begin to understand the life of Jesus – the school of the Gospel. First, then, a lesson of silence. May esteem for silence, that admirable and

THE ENDOWMENT FOR THE CARE OF RETIRED

PRIESTS“St. John Vianney said, “The priest is not a priest for himself, he is a priest for you.” As we think about the many blessings we receive every day from our priests, surely we will agree. Our priests are priests for us. I am truly blessed to share in the ministry of the priesthood of the Diocese of Allentown.” – Bishop John O. Barres++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

DECEMBER 1 – 31 – ENDOWMENT FOR THE CARE OF RETIRED PRIESTS ANNUAL FUND: The Diocese of Allentown is conducting an annual fund called, “Chosen, Blessed, Shared,” to support our Retired Priests. All gifts received will be used to support the rising cost of retirement care for those priests in good standing who have faithfully served, and the many retired who continue to serve, in our Diocese. Please consider making this fund a part of your yearly Christmas giving. Do not confuse this yearly collection with the “National Appeal for Retired Religious” taken up on December 7 and 8. You have received a request letter in the mail. You may return your gift in the mail or drop it in the collection basket at Mass. Thank you in advance for your generous support.

SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM.PASTORAL NOTE: The Rectory will be closed Tuesday, Wednesday in observance of the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.WEDNESDAY, NEW YEAR’S DAY, January 1, 2014 –THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY,MOTHER OF GOD: The Blessed Virgin Mary is born to be Mother. The supreme consolation that Our Lady receives at the cross of her Son is the assurance that her vocation as Mother does not end with Christ’s death. The Lord commands the world, “Behold your Mother.” The resurrection begins for Mary – and for us – with these words. The blessed Virgin’s womb remains forever faithful. Mary leads us to Christ, but Christ leads us back to his Mother, for without Mary’s maternity, Jesus would become a mere abstraction to us. The Lord wills to “let his face shine upon” us through the face of the Mother of God. We “serve a Mother who seems to grow morebeautiful as new generations rise up and call her blessed” (G.K. Chesterton). We will honor Mary, Mother of God, at today’s 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM Masses.NEW YEAR’S GREETINGS: Best wishes are extended to all parishioners, friends, and benefactors of our Parish for a happy, healthy, and God-filledNew Year. May you emulate Mary, Mother of God, in giving Jesus, God’s Son, a dwelling place within yourself by always seeking to do God’s will.SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: INITIAL OFFERING: Your donation of $5.00will help defray the cost of 2014 envelopes, which amounted to $2,076.72!NEW YEARS’ VOTIVES: (1) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: IMO Edward Siminitus byFamily.(2) BEFORE: ST. ANTHONY: For the Health of John Sokola by Tom and Pauline Eltringham. Call 570-544-2211 to memorialize votives. THURSDAY, January 2 – FEAST OF SS. BASIL THE GREAT AND GREGORY NAZIANZENFRIDAY, January 3 – FEAST OF THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUSSACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.EUCHARISTIC HOLY HOUR: Immediately following today’s 8:00 AM Mass, there willbe Eucharistic Exposition, Adoration, and Benediction. Come and pray for vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Life from our Parish and Diocese.SATURDAY, January 4 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM.SUNDAY, January 5 – THE SOLEMNITY OF THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD: “The Magi set out because of a deep desire which prompted them to leave everything and begin a journey. It was as though they had always been waiting for that star. It was as if the journeyhad always been a part of their destiny, and was finally about to begin.” (Pope Benedict XVI). Their gifts to the Christ Child, Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh (and chalk for the traditional Epiphany Home Blessing) will be blessed at all masses. Packets of these gifts will be available for home use. The offering is $1.00 per pack.SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30 AM and 10:45 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 ChurchVestibule. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR FEBRUARY! HELP US!ST. PATRICK’S ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT SPAGHETTI DINNER: 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM. Adults $7.50; Children $3.00.SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) UTILITIES: Your donation will help pay for light, water, sewer, heating tapes, and the maintenance of all parish heating units, air conditioning, etc. Thank you for your generosity! (2) END OF THE YEAR GIVING: 2013 has come to an end. We encourage you to check your Sunday Church Envelope Boxes for the envelopes you might have missed returning due to illness, vacation, inclement weather, etc. We sincerely ask you to catch up as soon as possible. Your Church needs your consistent and generous support to meet all of its financial obligations and to serve you. Any 2013 envelopes returned by January 26, 2014 will be credited for the fiscal year 2013.************************************************************************************************************* MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE SOLEMNITY OF MARY AND THE EPIPHANY OF THE LORD

OFF. PROCESSION LECTORS EUCH. MINISTERS ALTAR SERVERSTUE 4:00 PM Pogirski Family Michael Novack Barbara Sincavage Jordan Berdanier

Nathan TroppWED 9:00 AM Gucwa Family Elaine Stine Al Boris Anthony Lutchkus

Jonathan Kriston 11:00 AM Parishioners Marge Jack Carter Melochick

Walasavage Ruscavage Alex ReppertSAT 4:00 PM Doran Family Nicole Forney Dave Fogarty Jordan Berdanier

Nathan TroppSUN 7:00 AM Parishioners Nick Quinn Gabriella Quinn Nicholas Quinn 9:00 AM Newton Family Al Boris Ed Davis Anthony Lutchkus

Jonathan Kriston 11:00 AM Pukas Family Linda Butensky Jason Clark Carter Melochick

Alex Reppert*************************************************************************************************************COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar!JANUARY 12 – NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Meet faculty, staff, students, parents, advisors, coaches and board members; take a tour of our campus; learn about tuition assistance opportunities. Call Jenn (570-622-8110).JANUARY 26 – ASSUMPTION BVM OPEN HOUSE AND EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION: 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM at Assumption BVM School. Faculty members and administration will be available to answer questions you might have. For new registrations, please bring your child’s birth certificate, baptismal record, and immunization records. Register before April 1, 2014 and receive a $15 discount on the new students registration fee. Students transferring from other schools in grades 2 through 7 are eligible for a $1,500 transfer grant:$1,000 for the 2014-2015 school year and $500 for the 2015-2016 school year.570-622-0106.MARCH 3 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW BUS TRIP: Cost $55. Bus leaves Quandel’s Parking Lot at 8:00 AM; Departs Philadelphia at 5:00 PM. This year’s Flower Show, “ARTiculture”, will be inspired by the sculptures and style of Alexander Calder, a member of Philadelphia’s historic family of artists, and will feature a remarkable aerial dance troupe who will perform above, on and within the multi-dimensional display. For reservations, call Julie (570-544-5231) or the Rectory (570-544-2211).APRIL 17 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH 50/50 DRAWING: $2.00 each or three for $5.00. Call the Rectory at 570-544-2211for tickets. Benefits Parish Center renovation. Thanks for your support!

CHRISTMAS THANKS: (1) Our sincerest thanks for the generosity and kindness of the Leonard Family for donating our Advent Giving Tree and all the Christmas trees surrounding our Nativity Scene IN MEMORY OF THERESA LEONARD. Your trees greatly enhanced the beauty of our Church for the Christmas Holidays! Thank you for your goodness to our Parish! (2) Our volunteer church decorators did a grand job! We could not have done the church Decorating without the gift of their time and talent. Thank you! (3) Our heartfelt gratitude is extended to all Liturgical Ministers (Ushers, Servers, Lectors, Special Ministers of the Eucharist, Choir, Organists, Musicians, Tableau Participants, and Organizers) whose service added solemnity and beauty to our Christmas Masses. We are especially grateful to the Liturgical Ministers who re-arranged their personal schedules to help their Parish at Christmas. (4) Our sincerest thanks for all floral and vigil memorials which helped adorn our church at Christmas! (5) We additionally thank parishioners present and past, friends, visitors, and benefactors whose generosity and presence enriched our parish’s celebration of The Mystery of the Incarnation. THANK YOU!

2014 SUNDAY MISSALS: These Liturgical aides found in the Church Vestibule are $5 each.2014 CHURCH CALENDARS: Are a gift from THE BUTLER FUNERAL HOME. OUR SINCER-EST THANKS TO DON,PEGGY AND CHRIS!They are in the Church Vestibule.One per family. 2014 ADULT AND CHILDREN CHURCH OFFERING ENVELOPES: All remaining 2014 adult and children envelopes are in the Church Vestibule. Take yours and help us deliver those of our shut-in parishioners. If you discover any irregularities, call (570-544-2211). Weneed your consistent financial support to keep our Parish’s heart beating!

Nativity BVM High SchoolLynn Sabol, Principal; Jennifer Daubert, Admissions

jdaubert@nativitybvm.net570-622-8110 www.NativityBVM.net

Why Choose Nativity BVM High School?Nativity’s close-knit, safe and disciplined community makes us a place wherestudents find themselves, uncover talents, grow academically and spiritually, andare more than ready to compete in an ever changing global community.

Academic Excellence: Nativity High School is renowned for academic excellence. Our students consistently receive high scores on national standardized tests. We offer Advanced Placement courses and Dual Credit courses through Alvernia University as well asadvanced, regular, and general level classes.Approximately 95% of our graduates pursue degrees at public and private colleges and universities. The Nativity Graduating Class of 2013 received over $1.6 million in scholarship awards toward furthering their education.Extracurricular Activities: Nativity students enjoy the benefits of a broad selection of extracurricular activities and 14 Varsity Sports to develop community commitment, social skills and physical fitness. Nativity’s dedication to the Arts can be seen through its music, drama and art programs.Community Service: Nativity BVM H.S. exemplifies the importance of living the mess-age of the Gospels by helping others. All of our students participate in community service projects. Each year Nativity students complete over 5,000 hours of community service.Spiritual and Moral Values: Nativity High School offers students a unique opportunity to nurture spiritual and moral values.This occurs and is constantly reinforced not only in classes of religious instruction but throughout the curriculum and extracurricular activities. The Gospel’s message is taught in our classrooms every day, through our liturgies and special devotions.Parental Involvement: Parental involvement is a critical part of Nativity BVM H.S. From the Green & Gold Club to the School Store, to volunteer efforts at extracurricular events, parents demonstrate leadership at Nativity.Committed Faculty: Nativity’s well-qualified, caring faculty is deeply committed to their students.They take the time to know their students as individuals and nurture their tal-ents,even sometimes unveiling new talents, in helping them realize their full potential as re-sponsible citizens,productive lifelong learners.

TRANSFER GRANTS UP TO $3,000Any public, private or charter school student who transfers will receive a Bishop’s Tuition Transfer Grant. Elementary students in grades 1-7, receive $1,500 in grants ($1,000 in year 1 and $500 in year 2). High School transfers in grades 10 and 11 will receive $3,000 in grants ($2,000 in year 1 and $1,000 in year 2). Restrictions apply. Contact Nativity BVM H.S and Assumption BVM School.

$25 MILLION IN FINANCIAL AID• The Eastern Pennsylvania Scholarship Foundation has awarded over $5 million in financial assistance.• Most Catholic schools also award additional financial assistance to families, based on need and available resources.• All families receive financial support from the school or diocese.

$20,000 IN COLLEGE GRANTS!!!Diocese of Allentown Catholic high school graduates qualify for $20,000 in extra college grants from DeSales and Alvernia Universitiy.THAT'S LIKE GETTING 70% OF YOUR HIGH SCHOOL TUITION FOR FREE!www.desales.edu • www.alvernia.eduCATHOLIC SCHOOLS PROVIDE MORE EXTRACURRICULAR, ATHLETIC, LEADER-SHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR CHILD.

PARENTSParents sacrifice to send their children to a Catholic school.They recognize how important academics and Catholic lifelong values are to their child's success in college and in life.

TEACHERSCatholic school teachers are talented, caring and dedicated to the lifelong success of eachstudent. The Diocese of Allentown requires teachers to be certified by the State of Penn-sylvania and to continue their own education to improve their knowledge and skills.

PRIESTS / RELIGIOUSOur priests and religious are present in our schools as administrators, chaplains and teachers in our classrooms.Their dedication to the Catholic faith is passed on to our students.REGISTER NOW AT NATIVITY BVM

H.S. TRANSFERS AND ALL FAITHS

WELCOMEFINANCIAL AID AVAILABLE

“Our Catholic values and morals make us who we are. They lead each of us to a purpose driven life. Learning about the traditions of our Catholic faith and how to make good moral choices all contribute tocreating successful students and adults. The reinforcement of these values in our classrooms, hallways and on our playing fields builds an unshakable moral foundation”.Bishop John O. Barres, D.D.,Bishop of Allentown.