T C C S . M S , F 28, 2021

For all Parish emails, add ™ stmatthias.net Pastor: Rev Abraham Orapankal, abraham Parochial Vicar: Rev. Msgr. Joseph Curry, jcurry

Pastoral Staff Deacon Russell Demkovitz, rdemkovitz Ana V Kelly, Marketing & Development, akelly Dolores R. Nann, Faith Formation, dnann Mary Beth Oria, Business Administrator, moria Deacon John Radvanski, deaconjohn Joan Best Seamon, Music Ministry jseamon Sr Marie Therese Sherwood, OSF, Social Concerns, msherwood Phyllis Stone, Liturgy/RCIA and Administrative Assistant to the Pastor, pstone

St. Matthias School (add @stmatthiasnj.org) Elena Malinconico, Principal. emalinconico Joseph Gidaro, Vice Principal, jgidaro

Parish Office Staff Kelly Counts, Receptionist Nathalie Godet, Formation/Parish Support Sec. Leslie Guillen, Bulletin Editor Amy Hanna, Parish Support Secretary Vinnie Natale, Bookkeeper Trish Stumper, Parish Support Secretary Mike Lanyi, Sacristan

Maintenance Staff Julio Montero, Maintenance Supervisor Conroy Davis, Custodian Juan Diaz Flores, Custodian Silvia Nizama, Housekeeper

St. Matthias Parish Office: Open 8:30-6:00PM Mon-Fri 168 JFK Boulevard, Somerset, NJ 08873, 732-828-1400, fax: 732-828-0866, www.stmatthias.net

Mass Schedule (in person): Sat—5PM, Sun-10 AM & 12 noon M/T/W/Th/F at 8:00AM And also on our YouTube channel youtube.com/c/StMatthiasSomersetNJ

St. Matthias School (SMS): 170 JFK Boulevard, Somerset, NJ 08873 732-828-1402; www.stmatthias.info

T C C S . M S , F 28, 2021 –

Second Sunday of Lent

This weekend is the SMYLE Youth

Project. Bring donations to the Cry Room.

Lenten Day of Reflection is THIS Sat., 2/27. See below.

Confirmation Service WorX—Today Sat., 2/27. See calendar on pg.2

Second Collection for Snow

Removal at St. Matthias—this weekend. See details below.

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Lenten Day of Reflection on Racial Justice in the Catholic Church: Creating a Culture of Life — THIS Saturday, Feb. 27

Don’t miss this Lenten retreat from 10 am till 11:30 am, via Zoom., featuring Deacon Melvin Tardy, President of the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus. The presentation will be followed by questions and answers. The Zoom link is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9702883550 Meeting ID: 970 288 3550

8 AM Sunday Mass in March

Good News! The 8:00 AM Sunday Mass will return during the month of March. See page 7 for details. Second Collection for Snow Removal - Feb 27/28

Due to the number of snow & ice storms this winter, the diocese has authorized parishes to have a special collection to help cover the significant extra costs of snow removal this year, which included new equipment for us when our old snowblower reached its end-of-life, supplies such as salt, etc. All of the funds collected will be used at St. Matthias. We have been asked to hold this second collection THIS weekend, February 27/28.

And if you run into any of our Maintenance staff in the near future, please thank them for their tireless work, putting in extra hours (while most of us were sleeping!) to clear our parking lots, roads, and sidewalks for the safety of our faculty, staff, students, parents and parishioners, on top of doing their regular work!

This Week at St. Matthias From the Pastor & the Pastoral Staff

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All Masses will be celebrated in-person (overflow in the cafeteria). Masses will also be livestreamed on our YouTube channel: youtube.com/c/StMatthiasSomersetNJ

The Church is open for individual prayer Sun-Fri from 7:30 am to 7pm & Sat from 9 am to 7pm, unless another event is taking place (Mass, Funeral, Wedding, etc.)

Women’s History Month Sunday, Feb 28, 2021 2nd Sunday of Lent Sunday LiveLent Groups via Zoom 9:45AM SMYLE Youth Project Collection Cry Room 10:00AM Mass Church 10:30AM Communion outside front doors 12:00PM Mass Church 12:30PM Communion outside front doors 2:00PM RCIA Sessions Zoom Monday, Mar 1, 2021 1st Day of Women’s History Month Monday LiveLent Groups via Zoom 8:00AM Mass Church 6:15PM HSA Exec. Bd. Mtg. On-Line 6:30PM Dee’s Small Grp. Zoom

Tuesday, Mar 2, 2021 Tuesday LiveLent Groups via Zoom 8:00AM Mass Church 6:30PM SAC Mtg. On-Line 7:30PM SVDP Mtg. Zoom

Wednesday, Mar 3, 2021 Wednesday LiveLent Groups via Zoom 8:00AM Daily Mass Church 8:30AM St. Joseph’s Intercession Prayer Church 7:00PM RCIA Sessions Zoom

Thursday, Mar 4, 2021 Thursday LiveLent Groups via Zoom 8:00AM Mass Church 3:30PM Children’s Choir 3rd & 4th gr. Church 4:15PM Children’s Choir 5th-8th gr. Church

Friday, Mar 5, 2021 Friday LiveLent Groups via Zoom 8:00AM Daily Mass Church 8:30AM 1st Friday Holy Hour w/Benediction Church 7:00PM Stations of the Cross YouTube & Church

Saturday, Mar 6, 2021 3rd Sunday of Lent Saturday LiveLent Groups via Zoom 8:30AM Lenten Day of Reflection Zoom 9:00AM Confirmation Service WorX make-up Café 3:30-4:30PM Confessions Church 5:00PM Mass Church

Sunday, Mar 7, 2021 3rd Sunday of Lent Sunday LiveLent Groups via Zoom 9:45AM SMYLE Youth Project Collection Cry Room 10:00AM Mass Church 10:30AM Communion outside front doors 10:30AM RCIA Session Zoom 12:00PM Mass Church 12:30PM Communion outside front doors 2:00PM RCIA Sessions Zoom

We have all heard that life will be different after the pandemic. There will be a new normal. What that is remains to be seen. Fortunately, we have the ability to shape our future. Who do we want to be, as a society, after the pandemic?

To help contribute to this dialogue, the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy for Life and the Dicastery for Integral Human Development released a joint statement on Feb. 2, 2021, titled “Old Age: Our Future – The Elderly after the Pandemic”. The full text is available at: http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_academies/acdlife/documents/rc_pont-acd_life_doc_20210202_vecchiaia-nostrofuturo_en.html

The document invites us to consider our societal approaches to caring for our elders and challenges us to shape our society for the future. It is “very appropriate to begin immediately a careful, far-sighted, and honest reflection about how contemporary society should become ‘close’ to the elderly population, especially the weakest. . . What we need is a new vision, a new paradigm that helps society as a whole to care for the elderly…” Given changing demographics and increased lifespans, how do we “make our cities inclusive and welcoming for the elderly, and, in general, for fragility in all its manifestations?”

“Being elderly is a gift from God and a huge resource, an achievement to be safeguarded with care, even in case of disabling illnesses when the need emerges for integrated care and high-quality assistance. And it is undeniable that the pandemic has given strength to our awareness that the ‘wealth of years’ is a treasure to be valued and protected.”

When shaping our future society, the starting point must be “the centrality of the elderly person, knowing that all elderly individuals are different one from the other, as are their stories, and singularity cannot be overlooked. ”

Housing adapted to physical needs, increased importance given to the role of the caregiver, and implementation of new technologies are all important. “A careful and imaginative alliance in support of our elderly among families, the health and social system, volunteers, and...others… can make it possible to keep the elderly in their homes.” Ultimately, “we need an alliance between generations that becomes a force in the time of weakness.”

The statement recommends that “nursing homes should be redeveloped into a socio-health ‘continuum’, ... [that] offer some of their services directly in the home of the elderly: hospitalization at home, taking care of the single person with low or high-intensity assistance responses based on personal needs, where integrated social and health care and home care services are the pivot of a new and modern paradigm.” Critically important is “the need to support families” as they care for their loved ones.

Old age must be understood within a spiritual framework. “It is the ideal age for abandonment to God… The elderly thus teach everyone -- with their frailty and dependence -- to reset their relationship with God.” This challenge “invites younger people to accept dependence on others as a lifestyle, as a way of life.” In the “open and welcoming encounter between young and old,... young people see their mission and the elderly realize their dreams… The future opens up surprising possibilities only if we cultivate it together. It is only thanks to the elderly that young people can rediscover their roots and it is only thanks to young people that the elderly regain their ability to dream.” Ana V. Kelly

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Monday: Dn 9:4b-10; Ps 79:8, 9, 11, 13; Lk 6:36-38

Tuesday: Is 1:10, 16-20; Ps 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21, 23; Mt 23:1-12

Wednesday: Jer 18:18-20; Ps 31:5-6, 14, 15-16; Mt 20:17-28

Thursday: Jer 17:5-10; Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4, 6; Lk 16:19-31

Friday: Gn 37:3-4, 12-13a, 17b-28a; Ps 105:16-17, 18-19, 20-21; Mt 21:33-43, 45-46

Saturday: Mi 7:14-15, 18-20; Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 9-10, 11-12; Lk 15:1-3, 11-32

Sunday: Ex 20:1-17 or Ex 20:1-3, 7-8, 12-17; Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 11; 1 Cor 1:22-25; Jn 2:13-25

Readings for the Week

Pray for those who are sick... If you or a family member are sick, please email Kelly Counts at [email protected] to add the name to this list. Names will be listed in the bulletin for 6 weeks. Please let us know if this time period needs to be extended. We want to know how you are doing and want to offer you the support of our prayers.

Pray for those who have died... Mary O’Donnell Skip Simons “His mercy endures forever.” Chronicles

Elbren, Sr. & Natalia Agdeppa Kristy Alexander Robert Bachman Barbara Branham Marie Brody Baby Isla-Rose Callahan Sadie Callender Tara Capatosto Ellen Catalina Frank Catalina Wes Coddington Adoracion & Cenon DeGuzman Mary Ellen Delaney Alaina Derecola Nancy Diaz Jim Dolan Mary Dolan William Dolphin Dorothy Domenici Emma Gergely Rose Gessner

Mary Gidaro Emma Himey Michael Kirugi Taylor LaCort Al & Rose Larangeira William Lecorchick Alice Leong Pat Leposa The Litrakis Family Al Maglio Sue Maglio-Alese Shirley Mahoney Steve McGovern Margaret Menendez Elizabeth Miller Linda Misuraca Dave Moynihan John Mulholland Baby Ezran Natural Patricia Nese Julianne Opydike

Mary Beth Oria Jim Pettit Christina Pietrowiak Anthony & Andrew Referente Kathleen & Mannix Referente Samantha Renaud Aubree Rezac Diane Rice Nina Ripley Datius Rutashobya Maria Schwenzer Sr. Mary Amata Shina, OSF Sr. Rosaria Shina, OSF Encarnacion (Gina) So Alessandro Spagnolo Dennis Stuewe Fred & Carolyn Vanmiddlesworth Carmencita Ventura Eulalia Villanueva Mark T. Worthington Kenneth Yacavino

Everyone who is ill with Covid-19 ...and for all who are homebound, elderly, in nursing care, or living with chronic illness

Mass Intentions for the Week Saturday, Feb 27 5:00PM Rose Marie LaTorre, by Arthur & MaryAnn Kriegsman

Sunday, Feb 28 8:00AM Intention of Parishioners 10:00AM Birthday Blessings for Sr. Amata, by Vinnie,

Ethel & Mary 12:00PM Spiritual Intention for Fatama Stone, by

Phyllis Stone

5:30PM George Suarez, by Mayra Berros

Monday, Mar 1 8:00AM Miguel & Petra Andrade, by The Gavilanes Family

Tuesday, Mar 2 8:00AM Rose Marie LaTorre, by The Schrancz Faamily

Wednesday, Mar 3 8:00AM Nancy Collins, by Marty

Thursday, Mar 4 8:00AM Raquel Fishbach, by Jean & Rick Goetz Friday, Mar 5 8:00AM Mathai Joseph, by Sr. Marie Therese & Sr. Maria

Saturday, Mar 6 5:00PM Intention of Parishioners Sunday, Mar 7 8:00AM Prospero Lopez, by Mayra Berros

10:00AM Rose Marie LaTorre, by John & Susan Young

12:00PM Happy 40th Anniversary for Tom & Angie Dupras, by The Family

5:30PM Mario Gomez Mirandilla, by The Nonaillada Family

Sunday Mass Intentions

Mass Intentions for the 8AM Mass will be com-bined with that at the10AM Mass, and the 5:30PM intention will be combined with that at 12PM.

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Marriage Tune-Up

Two Principles for honoring your spouse: First: The Golden Rule - Treat your partner the same way you want to be treated.

Second: No Double Standards - Be as considerate to your spouse as you are to coworkers or strangers.

Parenting Tune-Up

God said to Abraham, "because you did not with-hold from me your beloved son, I will bless you." (Genesis 22: 16) Parenting can be hard. It comes with a lot of sacrifices. Believe that God will provide even if the way is not clear right now.

Sunday Reflections Smile with Your Family

A man in a bar sees a friend at a table, drinking by himself. Approaching the friend, he comments, "You look terrible. What's the problem?" "My mother died in August," he said, "and left me $25,000." "Gee, that's tough," he replied. "Then in September," the friend continued, "my father died, leaving me $90,000." "Wow. Two parents gone in two months. No wonder you're depressed." "Then last month, my aunt died and left me $15,000." "Three close family members lost in three months? How sad." "Then this month," continued the friend, "absolutely nothing!"

Husband: “What’s for breakfast?” Wife’s reply: “I thought I’d surprise you with something different this morning. It’s “John the Baptist Oatmeal.” I’ve wanted to make it for some time, but you wouldn’t believe how hard it is to find locusts!”

I gave up cookies for Lent. But oh my God! I just ordered 4 boxes of Girl scout cookies which will probably arrive in the middle of Lent. There goes my resolution!!

Funny quotes: “If it wasn’t for the last minute, nothing would get done.” “To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism. To steal from many is research.”

Sunday Reflection on Transformation

Jesus was transfigured before them, and his clothes became dazzling white, such as no fuller on earth could bleach them . . . Mark 9: 2-10

The word “transfiguration” is not often part of our vocabulary today. I can’t image a mother coming to the table with a beautifully done casse-

role proclaiming that she had “transformed” the macaroni into this exotic dish. We might use it if someone goes to the beauty shop and gets a daring haircut. “Look how transformed she is!” we might say. Or we might use it in telling fairy tales to our children - someone was transformed into a prin-cess-like Cinderella or a frog was transformed into a Prince. But despite the fact that it isn’t a common word to use, what the word signifies does hap-pen pretty often. Something is changed into something more beautiful or altered in some way, making it more “awesome” to use today’s cliché. Lent is a transformational season in the Church. This is, of course, why we hear the story of the Transfiguration read to us today. We share the “mountain-top experience” of Peter, James and John when we spend extra time in prayer during Lent. Fasting for one day will help the body to store up spiritual energy. This spiritual energy can help us have thoughts that are far higher and nobler than our usual mundane thinking. The hunger we experience puts us more closely in touch with God and makes us more willing to help the hungry. The crosses of our daily lives also can lead us to the glory of transfiguration and resurrection.

How to Listen to Jesus?

Perhaps you have heard of the man who wanted to test his wife’s hearing. He stood some distance behind her and said, “Honey, can you hear me?” Having received no answer, he moved closer and again whispered, “Honey, can you hear me?” Again, having received no answer he moved right up behind her and softly said, “Honey can you hear me?” She replied, “For the third time, yes!”

– In some ways this story could be analo-gous of our communication with God. We constantly check to see if He is listening, in hopes that He will respond to our needs. In reality, He hears us, but He has asked us to listen to Him as well. Lent should be a listen-ing time for each of us. When we learn to listen, our lives become obedient lives. At the close of the transfiguration scene de-scribed in today’s Gospel the three apostles hear the word of God from the cloud, “This is my beloved Son, listen to him.”

Sunday Reflections

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A Different Approach to Fasting!

Lenten fasts have a tendency to be oriented toward things like giving up food or television. But there are many other creative ways we can welcome Jesus’ heal-ing touch this Lent. Below are some suggestions you may want to consider.

Fast from anger and hatred. Give your family an extra dose of love each day.

Fast from judging others. Before making judgments, recall how Jesus overlooks our faults.

Fast from discouragement. Hold on to Jesus’ promise that he has a perfect plan for your life (Jer. 29:11).

Fast from complaining. When you find yourself about to complain, close your eyes and recall some of the little moments of joy Jesus has given you.

Fast from resentment or bitterness. Work on forgiving those who may have hurt you.

Fast from spending too much money. Try to reduce your spending by ten percent and give these savings to the poor.

Do You Believe in “The March of the Ducks?”

On the side of the Peabody Hotel in Orlando, Florida, there is a cut-out of a large duck symbolizing what came to be known as "The March of the Ducks." Each day at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., the hotel peo-ple lay down a dazzling red carpet across the lobby. Then one of John Phillip Sousa's famous marches is played over the inter-com. Whereupon, ten ducks, in single file, march down the red carpet in perfect harmony with the Sousa march. The ducks take a dip in the hotel fountain and then march out again in single file, down the red carpet, keeping perfectly in step with the beat of the music. For those who have witnessed "The March of the Ducks," it is an event so vivid and real and uplift-ing and fun-filled that it's difficult to find the right words to describe the wonder and the beauty of it -- much less try to convince someone that it is true.

Today's Gospel Lesson describes an event called “transfiguration of Jesus” so wondrous and so beautiful as to defy all description. But it teaches us that we need transfor-mation in our lives so that we may seek reconciliation instead of revenge, love our enemies, pray for those who hate us, give to the needy without expecting a reward, refuse to judge oth-ers and make friends with those we don’t naturally like. This transformation will also enable us to hold back on harsh words and let love rule so that we may seek reconciliation rather than revenge, pray for those who give us a hard time, avoid bad-mouthing those we don’t agree with, forgive those who hurt us and love those who hate us.

A little boy asked his mother, "Marriage makes you have ba-bies, doesn't it, Mom?" The mother reluctantly answered her son, "Well, not exactly. Just because you are married does not mean that you have a baby." The boy continued his in-quiry: "Then how do you have babies?" His mother, not very enthusiastic about continuing, answered, "It's kind of hard to explain." The boy paused and thought for a moment. He then moved closer to Mom, looked her right in eye, and carefully said, "You don't really know how it works, do you, Mom?" Believe it or not, this is one of the most dreaded Sundays in the Christian year for folks who use the Lectionary for their preaching. Why? Because it deals with the Transfiguration of Jesus. Generally, this is one of those "What does that mean and how am I supposed to explain that?" sort of passages. Hence without going into all aspects of this passage, here’s just the objective: The primary purpose of Jesus’ Transfigura-tion was to allow him to consult his Heavenly Father and as-certain His plan for His Son’s suffering, death and Resurrec-

tion. God’s secondary aim was to make Jesus’ chosen disci-ples aware of his Divine glory so that they might discard their worldly ambitions and dreams of a conquering political Messi-ah and might be strengthened in their time of trial. The Transfiguration also established Jesus’ glorious identity as the beloved Son of God, and placed his Divine Sonship in the con-text of Jewish expectations about the kingdom and the resur-rection. The event took place in late summer, just prior to the Feast of the Tabernacles. Hence, the Orthodox Church cele-brates the Transfiguration at about the time of the year when it actually occurred, in order to con-nect it with the Old Testament Feast of the Tabernacles. The Western tradition recalls the Transfiguration at the beginning of Lent, then celebrates the for-mal feast on August 6.

“It’s Kind of Hard to Explain!”

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Sunday Reflections


“I Have Seen the Face of the Captain!”

Robert Louis Stevenson tells the story about a ship that was in serious trou-ble in a storm. A passenger on that ship, defying orders, made his way to

the captain, who seeing the fear on the passenger's face gave him a smile of assurance. Relieved, the traveler returned to his cabin and said, "I have seen the face of the captain. He was smil-ing and so all is well." There are times in life when we need to see our captain face-to-face. That's what happened in this mystical story that the Church calls the Transfiguration of Christ. Three disciples - Peter, James and John - were there. Moses and Elijah showed up from the past. They had an experience that was mysti-cal and out of this world. "Turn your eyes upon Jesus/Look full in his wonderful face," sings the hymn. What would a glimpse of Christ himself mean to you today?

Transfiguration has a message of encouragement and hope: In moments of doubt and during our dark moments of despair and hopelessness, the thought of our transformation in Heaven will help us to reach out to God and to listen to His consoling words: "This is my beloved son." Let us offer our Lenten sacrifices to our Lord so that, through these practices of Lent and through the acceptance of our daily crosses, we may become closer to him in his suffering, may share in the carrying of his cross and may finally share the glory of his final “transfiguration,” his Resurrection.

“Lord, Give me the Grace for Transformation!”

The word transfiguration means a change in form or appearance. Biolo-gists call it metamorphosis (derived from the Greek word metamorphoo-mai used in Matthew’s Gospel), to describe the change that occurs

when a caterpillar becomes a butterfly. As children we might have curiously watched the process of the cater-pillar turning into a chrysalis and then bursting into a beautiful Monarch butterfly.

Fr. Anthony De Mello tells the story of such a metamor-phosis in the prayer life of an old man. “I was a revolu-tionary when I was young and all my prayer to God was: ‘Lord, give me the grace to change the world.’ As I approached middle age and realized that half of my life was gone without changing a single soul, I changed my prayer to: ‘Lord, give me the grace to change all those who come in contact with me; just my family and friends and I shall be satisfied.’ Now that I am old and my days are numbered, I have begun to see how fool-ish I have been. My one prayer now is: ’Lord, give me the grace to change myself.’ If I had prayed for this right from the start, I should not have wasted my life.”

Former American hostage Terry Anderson recalls the autumn before he was captured. For some reason he felt drawn to an old church. It was 1984. Terry and his fiancée, Madeleine, were visiting her father in Sunder-land, England. Terry looked forward to some peace and quiet from his hectic career as a

journalist. He was so dispirited that it took him some days to settle down, even in the pleasant atmosphere of this English hamlet. As he walked through the streets with Madeleine, inhaling the crisp air, he noticed a church steeple outlined against the pale blue sky. Terry had been brought up in the church but had drifted far from God and, in his own words, considered himself an agnostic. That afternoon he wondered why that church had captured his attention. After a few days, he decided to walk over to the church. He opened the heavy oaken door, stepped in and sat down in a worn pew. Looking up at the altar and cross gleaming in the shadows, he sud-denly had a strong sense of coming home. He knew that was where he belonged. Terry reaffirmed his Faith that day. For the next six months Terry wondered why he had been drawn to that church. He thought perhaps God was calling him to

do something, "but what?" he wondered. He was beginning to sense a closer relationship with God, when one morning on a street in Beirut he was shoved at gunpoint into the back of a green Mercedes. His face was pressed to the floor and a blanket thrown over him as the car accelerated. The date was March 16, 1985. While in captivity Terry began reading the Bible. The Bible characters came to life! He came to know them as living beings. Terry Anderson found the strength to endure years of captivity because God was with him. The “mountain-top experience” in the little English church was preparation for what lay ahead.

We need “mountain-top experiences” in our lives: We share the “mountain-top experience” of Peter, James and John when we spend extra time in prayer during Lent. Fasting for one day will help the body to store up spiritual energy. This spiritual energy can help us have thoughts that are far higher and nobler than our usual mundane thinking. The hunger we experience puts us more closely in touch with God and makes us more willing to help the hungry. The crosses of our daily lives also can lead us to the glory of transfiguration and resurrection.

“Mountain-Top Experience” of Terry Anderson

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If You Test Positive for Covid & Attended Church,

Please Let Us Know

If you attend church and then test posi-tive for Covid, please call the Parish Office, 732-828-1400, as soon as possi-ble. We request your: 1) Name (we will NOT release this); 6) Phone number; 7) Dates you attended Mass; 4) Where in church you were sitting; 5) Date you tested positive. This will help us ensure that we can let others know, as well as keep our church building as safe as pos-sible. Please also let us know if there is anything we can do to help and if you would like to be added to the Prayer List.

The Lenten Season

Palm Sunday Passion of the Lord: Procession - Sat, March 27, 5 pm. Sunday, March 28, 10 am, 12pm

Last Opportunity for Reconciliation Before Easter: Confessions - Sat, Mar 27, 3:30-4:30 pm; Reconciliation Service and Confessions - Sunday, Mar. 28, 6:30pm

Discovering God: Formation Catholic School 2021-2022 Tuition Assistance

Families interested in applying for tuition assistance to attend an eligible Diocese of Metuchen elementary or high school may apply online now through FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment at https://online.factsmgt.com/aid.

Online applications are due by March 31, 2021. Applications are available in English and Spanish. If you need assistance com-pleting the online application or need access to a computer, please contact the School at 732-828-1402.

Celebrating Our Faith: Liturgy Ministry-Led Stations of the Cross

Stations of the Cross - 7 PM (Fridays): March 5, 12, 19, 26

In person and live-streamed on our St. Matthias YouTube Channel, youtube.com/c/StMatthiasSomersetNJ

We pray for faith and courage...our youth... the suffering, ill and disabled...our seniors…

and end to racisms and other evil -isms…

At the foot of The Cross we stand. Fridays during Lent - 7:00 pm

Please pray for our RCIA Elect and Candidates who will receive the Sacraments of Initiation at the Easter Vigil and at Pentecost

To Be Baptized Nalini Malik, Dashawn Durden, Danielle Gille

To Be Received in Full Communion with the Church Loren Long, Shannon Long, Maritza Alimonte, Waid Barfield, Ava Ortman, Nicholas Chodl, Luis Cuevas, and Rosana Garon

To Receive the Sacrament of Confirmation Jodie Scalon, Nathalie Ortman, Michael Chodl, Vanessa DiRocco, Michael DiRocco, Kristen Camerino, Nichols Recine, Helena Cassutt, Udenna Ebii Okonkwo,

Domique Marchie, and Michael Marchie

Return of the 8:00 AM Sunday Mass

Good News! The 8:00 AM Mass will return on a trial basis for all Lenten Sundays in March - March 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th. It has always been the intention of restoring the other weekend Masses as the pandemic lightens and with expected increased attendance at Mass during the Lenten Season, adding the 8:00 AM Mass will provide opportunities for more parishioners to worship in-person safely. The 8:00 AM Mass will be live-streamed on our parish YouTube channel like the other weekend Masses. Throughout the month of March, we will evaluate the feasibility of maintaining the 8:00 AM mass past Easter Sun-day. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call the Parish Office.

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Stewardship Reflection Feb 28, 2021 2nd Sunday of Lent

“’Here I am!’ he answered.”- Genesis 22:11

It is easy to say, “Here I am, Lord,” when we are kneeling in church. But how easy is it to say “Here I am, Lord,” when a neighbor needs our help, when we are in-vited to join a parish ministry, or when we are asked to provide financial support? Often times we are called when it’s not convenient for us. Discipleship is not always easy, most of the time it will make us uncomfortable and vulnerable.

Reflexiónese — 28 de febrero de 2021 2do. Domingo de Cuaresma

"él respondió Aquí estoy!"- Génesis 22:11

Es fácil decir, “Aquí estoy, Señor” cuando nos arrodillamos en la iglesia, pero ¿qué tan fácil es decir “aquí estoy Señor” cuando un vecino necesita nuestra ayuda, cuando somos invitados a unirnos a un ministerio en la parroquia, o cuando se nos pide ayuda financiera? A menudo somos llamados cuando no es con-veniente para nosotros. Él discipulado no siempre es fácil, la mayor parte del tiempo nos va a hacer sentir incómodos y vul-nerables.

Being Good Stewards


Ministry Spotlight: Ministry Spotlight: The Parish Pastoral Council

The Pastoral Council is a ministry of service, drawing upon the diverse backgrounds, talents, and cultural experiences of the St. Matthias Catholic Community. Under the direction of the Pastor, the Council is a forum for prayerful consultation, and encourages the spiritual growth of the Parish.

The Pastoral Council concept developed from Vatican II. It is “a consultative organ in which the faithful, expressing their baptismal responsibility can assist the parish priest, who presides at the council, by offering their advice on pastoral matters” (source: The Priest, Pastor and Leader, Instruction of 2002).

At our meetings we break open the scriptures, prayerfully reading and reflecting on the Word of God. We discuss the scripture and Father Abraham also shares his thoughts with us.

Our agendas include updates from parish ministries, the PRROP initiative, the Youth Initiative, the Reopening Task Force, and similar matters. Before the meetings, members may add items to the agenda. All new items are considered prayerfully and respectfully using the “Shared Wisdom” model.

Father Abraham also raises topics on which he would like our input. The final decision is the pastor’s because he is responsible for the spiritual wellbeing of the parish, but he values our advice and support.

We are a diverse group. Some have been in the parish for many years, but some have not. Some are older; some are younger. Some have children in the school. All are active in church ministries. We have a diversity of talents and life experiences. We each bring a perspective that is valuable, and together we invoke the Holy Spirit to help us to better serve the parish and assist the pastor.

Council members are a group of at least nine, appointed by the pastor, following a process of discernment, for three-year terms. Each year we seek new members, as a third of the group moves on. We are seeking new members now. We invite you to prayerfully consider if this ministry is in your future. If you are interested in learning more about the Pastoral Council, we encourage you to contact any of our members, including Chair Nick Grippo, [email protected] and Co-Chair Lisa Robinson, [email protected].

St. Matthias Has Become an Amazon Associate!

St. Matthias has become an Amazon Associate. This is different from Amazon Smile. As an Amazon Asso-ciate we have the opportunity to earn a larger commission than through the Amazon Smile program.

How does this work? Any time you want to shop on Amazon, please start by going to our website, www.stmatthias.net/Amazon and click on an Amazon link. Then shop as you normally would. There is no cost to you, and we earn a commission.

Everyone can use this link. Whether you use Amazon Prime or don’t, the link still works.

Please bookmark the above link and use it every time you shop! It only takes a few seconds to do this, and it can help our finances if many people participate every time they shop. Questions? Contact Ana Kelly at [email protected] Thank you for helping St. Matthias!


(Cont’d on next page

Being Good Stewards

The St. Martin de Porres Society Celebrates Black History Month

In this last bulletin submission to celebrate Black History Month at St. Matthias, The St. Martin de Porres Society (SMDP) is providing for you a few resources relevant for our time today – because today starts history in the making. We look forward to the day when Black history truly becomes the history of us all. Until such time, there are some ways to collectively educate and better understand the Black experience in our faith community.

Building Community

One way is to study and understand the US Black Catholic experience since it has relevance to our faith. Some of the best references on US Black Catholic history are by Fr. Cyprian Davis, now de-ceased. Fr. Cyprian states that “…too often the presence of Black Catholics through the centuries has been a muted one, a silent witness, and unspoken testi-mony; thus the “history of the Black Catholic community in the US has never really been told.”. Fr. Cyprian tells the story well and he begins his book, The History of Black Catholics in the United States, by stating that all Black history starts in Africa in one way or another, and that American Blacks, Protestant and Catholic, find their roots in the Black Africans who appeared in the pages of the scriptures, both in the Old Testament and the New, and most particularly in the many references to Ethiopia in the Psalms and the Prophets. But rather than reaching back beyond US shores, Fr. Davis in his book concentrates on the story of Black American Catholics in the historical context of the Roman Catholic Church, even though the story truly be-gins with the story of the Catholic Church in Africa. I am particularly drawn to Fr. Cyprian’s work because as a young

adult I was student of his during his time as a monk at St. Meinrad Archabbey, a Monastery in Spencer County, Indiana. Hopefully, many of you were able to join us for the Zoom talk this weekend by Deacon Mel Tardy on Racial Justice and the Catholic Church. Deacon Mel is the President of the National Black Catholic Clergy Caucus (and my cousin I might add). If you missed it, one of the newest resources is a February 2021 presenta-tion on Racism in the Church from the Klau Center for Civil and Human Rights at the University of Notre Dame. The Klau Center is running a lecture series entitled “building an anti-racist vocabulary.” This educational initiative which began last summer is “designed to provide intellec-tual and moral building blocks to begin the transformative work of anti-racism” in Notre Dame students, on their cam-pus, and in their broader communi-ties.” So far a series of experts, includ-ing the recently appointed first African American Cardinal – Wilton Gregory - have presented talks aimed at under-standing systemic racism, and commit-ting to the daily work of anti-racism. Included among these talks is the most recent lecture on Racism in the

Catholic Church by Fr. Bryan Massingale from Fordham University. (Fr Bryan Massingale on Vimeo). In Fr. Massin-gale’s talk the focus starts with the signs of the times in the present day and age – COVID, George Floyd and insurrection of January 6th of this year. (Remember to-day starts history in the making). In large part, the focus of his talk is on the Church’s complicity in American racism as demonstrated by its silence, avoid-ance, consent and position as an inno-cent bystander in white nationalism and white supremacy. He further posits that this complicity stems from the Church not wanting to make white people feel uncomfortable. I highly recommend Fr. Massingale as a starting point for discus-sion on racism in the US Catholic Church. Some of what he says may be hard to hear but enduring the pain is a great way to start a process towards justice and healing. And is not this sea-son of Lent “a journey to call out and name what we have seen heard, and a “call to sow justice in the lives of those we serve?” Resources: Cyprian Davis The History of Black Catholics in the Unit-

Tuition Angels Committee

Our sincere thanks to the parishioners who have continued to contribute to the Tuition Angel Fund over these past months.

Because of your many sacrifices, you have enabled us to provide financial assistance to families who struggle to keep up with the tuition for St. Matthias students. Our school continues to provide an excellent Catholic Education and we have been blessed in that the school administration and staff set high standards for our children. Thank you for your gracious gifts. -- SM Amata, OSF, Committee Chair


Parish Registration — Welcome new members! Please register by calling the Parish Office.

Baptism — Baptismal Preparation Sessions are held four times a year for registered parishioners. Please contact the parish office before the baby is born. The sacrament of Baptism is celebrated on the second and fourth Sunday of each month, except during Lent.

Marriage — Registered parishioners should contact the parish office a year before the desired wedding date.

Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults The RCIA process is an opportunity for instruction and spiritual transformation for any adult seeking a deeper understanding of the Catholic tradition or full incorporation into the Catholic Church. If you are interested in becoming a Catholic or completing the Sacraments of Initiation--

Baptism/Confirmation/Eucharist, please call the Parish Office.

Stewardship — Stewardship is a way of life, a way of thanking God for all our blessings by returning a portion of the time, talent and treasure allotted to us. Whether it is clothes for the poor, food for the hungry, outreach to youth, in education, in worship, or simply arms stretched out to someone who is lonely, the Catholic Community of St. Matthias encourages everyone to become

stewards of the gifts they have been given by God, returning a portion in gratitude to God for the work of ministry here at St. Matthias and beyond our local community.

St. Matthias School is a PreK3 through 8th grade school rooted in faith,

inspired by love, and dedicated to academic excellence. Before and After School Care Programs are available. Come visit! Contact 732-828-1402 to schedule a tour.

About St. Matthias (please contact the staff members on the cover for up-to-date information)

Parish Pastoral Council:

Chair: Nick Grippo [email protected]

Co-Chair: Lisa Robinson [email protected]

Secretary: Tom Aussem

Co-Secretary: Denise Brown

Lorraine Farr Anne Marie Francis Claudine Langrin Garrett Linderoth

Joe Percoco Rose Peng Marybeth Purcell John Taylor Ana Kelly, Ex-Officio Fr. Abraham, Ex-Officio

Parish Finance Council: Joe Porter, Chair Finance council @stmatthias.net Susan Klimcsak Barry Dusault Gwen Orlowski

Audrey Francis Kester Hector Mary Beth Oria, Ex-Officio Fr. Abraham, Ex-Officio

Trustees: Isaac Peng Marge Richards

Parish Leadership

Connecting with our Local Community

Building Community

ed States Fr. Bryan Massingale’s Recommended Readings The Assumptions of Whiteness And What We Can Do About It. – article the June 1, 2020 issue of the National Catholic Reg-

ister. The New Jim Crow – Michelle Alexander I Am Not Your Negro – Raoul Beck (compares the work of James Baldwin to the BLM Movement)

DeSegregating Dixie: The Catholic Church in the South and Desegregation from 1945- 1992 - Mark Newman (what Catholics were doing and not doing in the Jim Crow era and during the Civil Rights Movement)

Mount Saint Mary House of Prayer, 1651 US Hwy. 22, Watchung, NJ 908-753-2091 www.msmhope.org

An Exploration of Pope Francis’ Fratelli Tutti Pope Francis’s third and latest papal encyclical calls for more human fraternity and solidarity and is a plea to reject wars. Rabbi Skorka will explore its roots in Francis’ theology and pre-sent perspective from Jewish sources. Fratelli Tutti (Brothers & Sisters All) is subtitled "On Fraternity and Social Friendship." Tues., Mar. 2, 7-9 p.m. ($20-$30 as you are able) Presenter: Rabbi Abraham Skorka, Ph.D.

Loyola Jesuit Center, Morristown, NJ March 19-21, 2021

Weekend Retreat — The Gift of Desperation The retreat will take place both ONSITE (20 max) and Virtual. Led by Fr. Tom Marciniak and Karen Florance.

As we look back on the year 2020, can we find something to be thankful for? Can the Gift of Desperation move our hearts to Gratitude? Do we be-lieve that every aspect of our lives and world events, even a pandemic, is “somehow” a blessing from God, a reason for gratitude? What does grati-tude look like in our time and place for the struggling disciple who truly desires to deepen his or her faith life/spirituality?

Come, join us for a weekend retreat in-person or virtually, as we ponder The Gift of Desperation which can lead us to the Grace of Radical Gratitude. Details/Registration at: https://www.loyola.org/event/march-19-21-2021-weekend-retreat-the-gift-of-desperation/

The St. Martin de Porres Society Celebrates Black History Month (cont’d from previous page)

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T C C S . M S , F 28, 2021

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