THE FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD

FEBRUARY 2, 2014 Mary and Joseph desire to unite their newborn child with the divine presence dwelling in the Temple – the privileged place of encounter with God. By that Presentation, Jesus is shown to be the firstborn Son who belongs to the Lord. This revelation transforms the way that we belong. Christ’s visits to the Temple later in life re-presented his Presentation by intensifying this infant encounter with his Father. Ultimately, Christ identifies himself with the Temple:he is God’sdwelling-place among people. As today Mary carries her baby to the Temple, she is leading Jesus and us to our own true self.

Presentation of the Lord

The feast was first observed in the Eastern Church as "The Encounter." In the sixth century, it began to be observed in the West: in Rome with a more penitential character and in Gaul (France) with solemn blessings and processions of candles, popularly known as "Candlemas." The Presentation of the Lord concludes the celebration of the Nativity and with the offerings of the Virgin Mother and the prophecy of Simeon, the events now point toward Easter. // "In obedience to the Old Law, the Lord Jesus, the first-born, was presented in the Temple by his Blessed Mother and his foster father. This is another 'epiphany' celebration insofar as the Christ Child is revealed as the Messiah through the canticle and words of Simeon and the testimony of Anna the prophetess. Christ is the light of the nations, hence the blessing and procession of candles on this day. In the Middle Ages this feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or 'Candlemas,' was of great importance. // "The specific liturgy of this Candlemas feast, the blessing of candles, is not as widely celebrated as it should be, except of course whenever February 2 falls on a Sunday and thus takes precedence. There are two ways of celebrating the ceremony, either the Procession, which begins at a 'gathering place' outside church, or the Solemn Entrance, within the church."

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 – 8:00 AM – Dr. Albert G. Santarelli by M/M Alphonse Santarelli 5:00 PM – Anthony Vicic by M/M Bernie LescavageTUE – Scott Renninger by FamilyWED – Margaret Sorokach (Estate)THU – Stephen Chelak (Annv) by KatherineFRI – Living and Deceased Members of the Parish Memorial SocietySAT – 4:00 PM – Andrew Botek by Wife, BerthaSUN – 7:00 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners 9:00 AM – Betty Pukas by Ann Marie11:00 AM – Grigalonis Family by Frank and Theresa Grigalonis********************************************************************************************************************************************

REQUIESCANT IN PACE: May Jesus, our Loving Savior, welcome into His eternal Realm: His priest and servant, REV. LAWRENCE J. VICTOR, a priest of the Camden Diocese, who died Saturday, January 25, and whose funeral service was held on Thursday, January 30; and ALICE DORAN MURPHY, a former member of the former St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish, and a member of our Parish Family, who died Saturday, January 25, and was buried from our Parish on Saturday, February 1. May Mary, Mother of Mercy, obtain comfort from Jesus, Her Son, for their Families and friends! ET LUX PERPETUA EIS!*******************************************************************************************************************************************

THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: Your merciful love, O God,/ we have received in the midst of your temple./ Your praise, O God, like your name,/ reaches the ends of the earth;/ your right hand is filled with saving justice. FEAST OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE LORD, SUNDAY, February 2 – In accordance with Jewish Law, Jesus was presented in the Temple forty days after His birth, and two doves were sacrificed. The Prophets Simeon and Anna recognized the Christ-Child as the long-awaited Messiah. On this day, also called Candlemas, candles are blessed to acclaim Christ as the light of the world. Candles for home use will be blessed within weekend Masses. These candles can be found in our Sanctuary and the offering per box is $5.00.SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30AM and 10:45AM.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 THE QUINN FAMILYwho will host the Family Prayer Chalice for Vocations this week. Sign up in Church Vestibule or call 570-399-5056. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: It is in our family where we learn to be merciful and comforting to others. The Beatitudes of the Kingdom of God begin at home and depend on you. Parents lead the way.PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: Christians, like all people of good will, are not tocooperate in any practices, even if permitted by civil law, which are contrary to God’s law.  Each individual in fact has a moral responsibility to inform their own individual moral conscience to what is evil and how to fight against it.  Abortion is evil.  (Pope John Paul II) STEWARDSHIP: “…they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.” Luke 2:22. Do we give the Lord the first fruits of our time every weekby attending Mass? Do we set an example for our children and grandchildren by attending Mass and joyously participating in the celebration of Mass each week? How do we know what God wants us to do unless we communicate with Him? LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $2,665; Capital Improvement: $379; Expenses: $3,782.04. Thank you for your generosity!

FRATERNAL CHARITY: ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY – Your donation of all TYPES OF HEARTY SOUPS will allow the SVDP Society to feed the needy of our area. Volunteer to help our SVDP Society Outreach and God’s Bountiful Table. 570-544-2739. VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: IMO Jean Cola by Daughter, Jeanine. (Available Dates: April 20, July 6, August 3, 10,17, September 7, October 12, 19, November 16, 23, December 28) (2) ALTARS: BVM: For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; Special Intention of John. (3) OTHER: ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. REREDOS NICHE: IMO Fr. JosephF. Reilly by Parents. Call 570-544-2211 to memorialize Votives. ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT SPAGHETTI DINNER: St. Patrick, Pottsville. $7.50 Adults; $3.00 Children. Take-out available.

MONDAY, February 3 – THE FEAST OF ST. BLAISE: In honor of St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, Patron Saint of those afflicted with ailments

of the throat, the blessing of throats will take place within today’s 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Masses! FEBRUARY VISITATION OF THE SICK: Beginning today and continuing until completed. Call 570-544-2211 to add a new person.

TUESDAY, February 4 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, the Good Shepherd Building. Contact our C.R.E., Rosalie Novack (570-544-2211).

WEDNESDAY, February 5 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients / caregivers.

THURSDAY, February 6 – “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR REHEARSAL: Call 570-544-2355 for rehearsal times.

FRIDAY, February 7 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.

EUCHARISTIC HOLY HOUR: Immediately following today’s 8:00 AM Mass, there will be Eucharistic Exposition, Adoration, and Benediction. Come and pray for vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Life from our Parish and Diocese.

SATURDAY, February 8 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM.

FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, February 9 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30 AM and 10:45 AM. THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): THE MUNDY FAMILY will host the FPC this week. Call

570-399-5056 or Sign-Up in the Church Vestibule.WE NEED VOLUNTEERS FOR MARCH AND APRIL! PLEASE HELP US!NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL SOPHY JEWELER/UGG BOOT/COACH PURSE BINGO: Doors open 11:00 AM; Bingo starts 1:00 PM. $25 for 15 regular games, 4 specials. Jackpot, homemade food, desserts, beverages. Call 570-294-0551 for information.HALUPKI DINNER: 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM, St. Nicholas Hall Primrose. Cost $9 per platter includes Halupki, Mashed Potatoes, Filling, Green Beans, roll and butter, beverage. Eat-in or take-out. Advance tickets only by calling 570-544-4581.SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) FUEL: Your contribution will help defray the cost of heating oil for all parish buildings. (2) Please catch up with any missed envelopes. Thank you for your generosity!**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

*******MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

OFF. PROCESSION LECTORS EUCH. MINISTERS ALTAR SERVERSSAT 4:00 PM Botek Family Mary Ann Harrison Jack Ruscavage

Anthony Forte Alexandra Eades

SUN 7:00 AM Parishioners John Hudock Eli Nabholz

9:00 AM Pukas Family Sharon Kolenick Mary Regina Mundy

Olivia Osborne Abby Schoffstall

11:00 AM Grigalonis Family Theresa Kroznuski Marian Rhoads Gabriel Kuehn

Bella Kuehn**********************************************************************************************************************************************************

*********COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar!FEBRUARY 10 – CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS: Eighth grade parishioners attending Catholic, public or private

elementary or middle school are invited to apply for a one-year $1000 scholarship to attend Nativity BVM High School, Diocese of Allentown.

Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic achievement; involvement in extracurricular activities; service to school, parish and

community; and pastor and principal recommendations. Application forms are available at the Rectory or through the parish religious education program. Completed applications must be submitted to the Rectory or the Parish C.R.E. TODAY.FEBRUARY 11 – WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE SICK: A) In commemoration of The Feast of Our Lady of

Lourdes, we will have Communal Anointing of the Sick within today’s 11:00 AM Mass. REQUIREMENTS FOR RECEIVING THE SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK: (1) You must be a baptized Catholic in the state of grace who has attained the use of reason (children who have not made their first Communion and infants are generally not anointed). (2) Your health must be impaired by sickness or advancing age. Practically speaking, you can and should be anointed: (a)

If you are suffering from a chronic (long lasting) illness. (b) If you are about to undergo major surgery. (c) If you are

suffering from depression or any form of mental illness. Call 544-2211. THIS IS A MUST! B) Holy Mass will be celebrated and

thepatients anointed at 1:30 PM at Golden Living Center, York Terrace.FEBRUARY 12 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex.FEBRUARY 15 – SPORTSMAN’S NIGHT OUT GAME DINNER AND RAFFLE: Doors open 5:30 PM; Dinner at 6:30 PM. St.

Michael the Archangel Parish Center. $25 per person includes Dinner and Door Prize Chance. Dinner includes: Salad, entrée of Wild Boar Loin Medallions and Smoked Duck Breast, dessert and beverage. Super 10 Sportsman Raffle Tickets are $10 per ticket or 5 for $40.

Guest speaker is Tom Coe on Game Calling. Seating is limited! Call 570-544-4741 for tickets and more information.FEBRUARY 19 – NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL TUITION ASSISTANCE PRESENTATION: 6:30 PM. Members of the Nativity

community will be available to answer your questions. No pre-registration is required. All are welcome! Call 570-622-8110 with questions.

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CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIALS: We gratefully acknowledge your kindness and generosity which allowed us to decorate our church so

beautifully during the Christmas Holidays (Unless otherwise noted each donation was $10): IMO Stan Kosinski, Malenich Family, Ann and

Mike Kosinski, Ann and John Malenich by Helen Kosinski; IMO Helen and Alphonse Kozluskey, Sally and Andrew Ceganic, Magdalene

and Anthony Kazlauskas by Ed Kozluskey ($30); IMO Deceased of the Kuchta, Sinkovich and Yakobosky Families by Family ($30); IMO

George Gussick, John and Victoria Marzinsky, Dr. A.J. Land, Edith and Pat by Rose and Jim Land; IMO John W. Lauck by Jean Lauck

and Children; IMO Francis and Helen O’Connor by Daughter, Mollie and Family; IMO William C. Laudeman, Sr. by Son, William C., Jr. and

Family; IMO Leister and Pytko Families by M/M Francis Leister; IMO William Lesky by Betty; IMO Helen and Sam Lipko by M/M Robert

Lipko; IMO James Lopez,Sr. Ann Marie Hydock,Anna Kirkauskas,Catherine Hydock by M/M James Lopez,Jr.($40);IMO Agnes Sincavage,

Jennie Gut by Mildred Magic; IMO Thomas and Leona Donlen, Helen Maley by Rose Ann Maley ($20); Intentions of Carolyn Marzinsky

($50); IMO Gayeski and Micklo Families by M/M Joseph Gayeski; IMO David Moore by M/M James Moore, Sr.; IMO Francis and Helen

O’Connor by Daughter, Helene ($20); IMO Mary Ondisco, Adele Hatter, John Ondisco by Mary Ann Ondisco; IMO M/M Nicholas Pritz by

the Osborne Family; IMO Padelksy and Vesseliza Families by Arlene Padelsky ($20); IMO M/M Joseph Gauntlett, Stanley Palokas, M/M

Andrew Palokas, M/M Eugene McGuire by E and C Palokas; IMO Marlene Pogash, Anna Drye by M/M Robert Pogash ($20); IMO Andrew

Pukas by Ann Marie, Carol and Adam; IMO Enoch and Anna Purcell by Joe and Janet Purcell; IMO Leo Campion, Eleanore Forney, Burton Forney, Msgr. James J. McHale by Nicole and Lisa Forney ($20); IMO John Slish, Sr. by M/M Keith Purcell; IMO Alex and Flo Butcavage and Family, Bolich Family by Quesada Family ($50); IMO Lipsky and Raczka Families by M/M Edward Raczka; IMO

Joseph and Adella Melenchick, Leonard Rhoads by Gary and Marian Rhoads ($25); IMO Russ Rothermel by Linda, Mitra and Meggi; IMO

Vincent Pothering by Daughter, Linda; IMO Elizabeth, Anthony Trotsky, Frank,Helen Ruscavage, Stanley, Helen Zitka by Ruscavage Family

($30).

MARCH 3 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW BUS TRIP: Cost $55. Bus leaves Quandel’sParking Lot 8:00 AM; Departs Philadelphia 5:00 PM. This year’s Flower Show, “ARTiculture”, inspired by the sculptures and style of Alexander Calder, a member of Philadelphia’s historic family of artists, will feature a remarkable aerial dancetroupe who will perform above, on and within the multi-dimensional display. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or the Rectory.

APRIL 17 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH 50/50 DRAWING: $2.00 each or three for $5.00. Call theRectory at 570-544-2211 for tickets. Benefits Parish Center renovation. Thanks for your support!

APRIL 1 – 30 – SPRING FLING CALENDAR DRAWINGS: 30 Days of prizes, cash and gifts. One winner per day. Winners eligible to win every day of the month. DONATIONS FROM PARISHIONERS ANDBUSINESSES ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!Call Julie (570-544-5231) for information and to donate.

CATHOLIC SCHOOL REGISTRATION: Assumption BVM, and other local Catholic Schools, are now accepting registrations for the 2014-2015 school year. Students transferring to ABVM 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 2015-2016 school year. Bring your child’s birth certificate, baptismal record, and immunization records. Register before April 1, 2014 and receive 1 $15 discount on the new student registration fee. Applications are available on the school website, www.assumptionbvm school.net, or by calling the school office at 570-622-0106. Tours are also available.