TWENTIETH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

AUGUST 17, 2014 Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI says that faith makes us light enabling us to escape our owngravity which drags us down. The terrible trial of a chronically ill child could have wrecked the Canaanite woman’s spirit, weighing her down with despondency and defeat. But faith lifts her from the heavinessof hopelessness and carries her to the “holymountain” who is Christ. The promise proclaimed by Saint Paul – that God desiresto have mercy on all – moves the woman beyond the burden of fatalism and doubt. Before the Answer who is Christ she will not take no for an answer. Even Christ’s silence does not dissuade her. Instead, it serves to steel her belief, showing her a new tact by which to beg for what God is eager to give her. “My God, your silence replies better than the many fervors of my love for you” (M. Robin).

he shared the arrogant particularism of the Jews toward these“dogs of the Gentiles”. He seems to hesitate and when he decides to answer the woman, he does so in shocking terms. He wishes to do the will of God who desires that the lost sheep of Israel be gathered together. Only then, from the

baseof this renewed people, he will welcome the Gentiles, in accordance with their belief into the great family of Abraham. What is this woman’s problem? She does not believe that she has any right to demand the bread of divine friendship reserved primarily for the Jews. All she can ask for are crumbs. But she asks with such faith and humility that she will receive the fullness of salvation for which she hopes. In the welcome Jesus gives this foreigner, the Christians of the first century saw a prophetic model for their own attitude toward the Gentile believers. They had to go beyond the

limits of an elitist religion, one based on race alone, in order to preach a universal salvation grounded in faith. // Can we transcend the frontiers of our prejudices? Many whom we consider in fact teach us the meaning of faith.

ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH

MINERSVILLE, PAwww.StMatthewTheEvangelistParish.org

Rectory Office Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 3:30 PMPhone: (570) 544-2211 Fax: (570) 54-2317

SAINT MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST WELCOMES ALLNo matter what your present status in the Catholic Church; no matter what your current family or marital situation; no matter what your past or present religious affiliation; no matter what your personal history, age, background, race, ethnicity, etc.; you are Invited, Welcomed, Accepted, Loved and Respected at Saint Matthew the Evangelist Parish!SAFE ENVIRONMENT COORDINATOR: Sr. Meg Cole (610-866-0581x19)VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR: Wendy S. Krisak (1-800-791-9209)

WEEKDAY MASS AT 8:00 AMMON – Living and Deceased ParishionersTUE – Elizabeth Hoover by Jack HudockWED – Jennie Gut by Millie, Barb and DaveTHU – Agnes Sincavage by Son, DavidFRI – Anna Kanapitsky by Millie, Barb and DaveSAT – 4:00 PM – George Pytko, Sr. (Birthday) by Son, George and Daughter, Joann PanakSUN – 8:30 AM – John Kubich and Rita Ottavio Agosti by Julie Kubich 10:30 AM – Patricia Wiscount by Husband, Harry********************************************************************************************************************************************

THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: Turn your eyes, O God, our shield;/ and look on the face of your anointed one;/ one day within your courts/ is better than a thousand elsewhere. (Ps 78 (83):10-11)SUNDAY, AUGUST 17 – TWENTIETH 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 M/M BERNIE WALASVAG(10:30 AM) for host- ing the FPC for Vocations this week. Sign up in rear of ChurchFAMILY PERSPECTIVE: The mother in today’s gospel persisted, even when she was ignored and insulted. She would do whatever was necessary to bring relief to her child. Parenting is more than bringing life into the world; it is also about sacrificing daily for your children. PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: We have suffered with abortion on demand for forty-one years.  We must realize that what one generation tolerates, the nextgeneration embraces.  This has proved to be so true since we continue to abort babies with little or no remorse.  It is true; every day babies die from abortion and as a nation a bit more of our moral conscience dies as well.STEWARDSHIP: “For the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable.” – Romans 11:29. God has a special mission in mind for each of us. He has given us the gifts we need to accomplish that mission. We are called to be good stewards by using those gifts to do the work that He has planned for each of us. If we deny our gifts or fail to use them as God calls us to use them, then

Jesus withdraws to the Gentile districts of Tyre and Sidon to get away from the adversaries who taunt him for breaking the Jewish rituals of purifica-tion. Here he will redefine the limits of clean and unclean. Through the supplication of a Canaan-ite woman, he will deal with the question of salvation for the Gentiles. // Strangely enough, Jesus remains silent as if

some part of His work will be left undone. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $2,985; Insurance: $459; Expenses: $5,140.94. Thank you for your generosity! FRATERNAL CHARITY: ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY– Your donation of ALL TYPES OF HEARTY STEWS will allow the SVDP Society to help the needy. Volunteer to help our SVDP Society Outreach and God’s Bountiful Table. Call 570-544-2739.VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: IMO Fr. Francis J. Opps. (2) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: IMO Vaughn and Frances Ludwig; IMO John and Julia Tenaschok; IMO Joseph and Adelia Andruchek; Special Intention by Stan and Sally Gober. DIVINE MERCY: For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; For the Intention of John; IMO Leonard Yurkonis by Wife and Daughters. BEFORE: ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. REREDOS NICHE: IMO Rev. Joseph F. Reilly by Parents. ST. FRANCIS: IMOWilliam Lesky; IMO Joanne Tuson by Dallago Family. Call the Rectory (570-544-2211) to memorialize votives.

ANNUAL SUMMER FESTIVAL: Come enjoy great ethnic foods, refreshments, games, activities. It’s not too late to volunteer or to help with the take down. Just see any worker at the grounds. This will make our festival a success! Remember to keep your activity commitments! Hope to see you! Thanks for caring!

2014 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL: Walk With Christ: Our goal is $18,950. 55.We’ve raised $15,580 from 144 donors. $3370. 55 is needed from the potential 468 more donors within our parish. Please help! Show we are a parish that cares!

MONDAY, AUGUST 18 – PICNIC CLEAN-UP: 9:00 AM, S. Cass Fire Company Grounds totear down and take back equipment and supplies to the Parish Center. The use ofpick-up trucks and any and all help would be greatly appreciated. Please help!

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19 – PICNIC CLEAN-UP: 9:30 AM, Parish Center. We need volun-teers to organize things and get our Parish Center back in shape. Please help!

SEPTEMBER 11 – MONTHLY ROSARY 6:15 PM in our Church. Please join us!SEPTEMBER 13 – HELPERS OF GOD’S PRECIOUS INFANTS PRAYER PILGRIMAGE: Prayer Pilgrimage followed by lunch beginning with8:00 AM Mass at Notre Dame Church, Bethlehem with Father Allen Hoffa. Call 610-674-4624 or email hogpi@hotmail.com for information.SEPTEMBER 20 – FIFTH ANNUAL NUN RUN/FUN WALK: 10:00 AM start, Sacred Heart Villa, Reading. Visit www.mscreading.org or call 610-929-2802 to sponsor and to register. Benefits the Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus. SEPTEMBER 21 – 23 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST ANNUAL 40 HOURS DEVOTIONS: Memorializations of Vigils ($5 each) and Flowers ($10 each can be made by contacting the Rectory (544-2211). We would appreciate your help in adorning our Church’s Altars with Vigils and Flowers during this special time when Jesus is present on our Altar. Thank you! Please make time on these days to be with our Eucharistic Lord!SEPTEMBER 24 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ HOLLYWOOD CASINO BUS TRIP: Pay $25; 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 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 24 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH OKTOBERFEST: 11:00 AM to Sellout. Parish Center. Traditional ethnic foodswill be available for purchase. Come and enjoy!NOVEMBER 2 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH ANNUAL TURKEY BINGO: More information to follow. NOVEMBER 13 – RED CROSS BLOODMOBILE: 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Good Shepherd Building Cafeteria. Donate your blood, give life!*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************DRE POSITION OPENING: The Parish of St. Clare of Assisi is looking to hire a part-time, paid Director of Religious Education to coordinate and administer a religious education program (CCD) that is vibrant, creative, age appropriate, and youth friendly. The DRE must be cordial, work closely with the pastor, be willing to obtain Diocesan Master Catechist certification. Fr. Bill (570-429-0701 or 570-429-0370) to apply.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 19 – ST. MATTHEW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 2014-2015 REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW DUE. Additional Registration Forms can be found in the Church Vestibule. N.B. Classes will resume September 9. There are still families unregistered!SEPTEMBER VISITATION OF THE SICK: Begins today!ALZHEIMER’S CARE GIVER’S SUPPORT GROUP: 6:00 PM Presentation, Providence Place, Pottsville. Topic this month: “Coping with Caregivers Stress”. Light Refreshments will be served. Call 570-628-6950.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE:8:00 AM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients and their caregivers.ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ MT. AIRY CASINO BUS TRIP: Pay $25; Rebate $25, free buffet. Bus leaves R&J 7:45 AM; Quandel’s in Minersville 8:15 AM. Bus departs casino 4:00 PM. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413) for information.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 21 –“SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARYCHOIR: Call 570-544-2355 to join and for rehearsal times.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 22 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION:3:30 PM.Bring your children to Confession during the summer months.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 24 – TWENTY-FIRST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM. THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): ROSE KUEHN (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 September and October. SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT: Your contribution will help defray the cost of improvements for all Parish buildings. (2) Please catch up with any Church envelopes you havemissed. Your Church needs your support to better serve you! *******************************************************************************************

MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE 21ST SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OFF. PROC. LECTORS E. MINISTERS ACOLYTES

SAT 4:00 PM Pytko Nicole Gloria Anthony LutchkusFamily Forney Paltanavage Frank Melenchick

SUN 8:30 AM Kubich John Volunteer Needed Emily Purcell Family Andruchek Rosalie Novack Abby Schoffstall

Al Boris

10:30 AM Wiscount Linda Maria Jade StickellFamily Butensky Bartush Jesse Stickell

*******************************************************************************************COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar!AUGUST 27 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex. Call Edward Butler (570-544-2739).SEPTEMBER 1 – CASTLE GREEN GROTTO ANNUAL LABOR DAY MASS: 10:00 AM, 950 Valley Road, Minersville/Heckscherville Highway (Rain date:September 6). Mass is dedicated to “all who came.” Refreshments will be served after Mass. Plenty of parking is available. Bring your lawn chairs.SEPTEMBER 6 – ANNUAL FOOD FAIR AND FLEA MARKET: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, St. Clare of Assisi Church, Saint Clair. Halupkie, Halushkie, Pot Pie, BBQ, Soups, Chili, Baked Goods and more! Also, Flea Market Items, 50/50 Chances, Crafts, Religious Items. Free admission. All are welcome! SEPTEMBER 7 – MINERSVILLE ANNUAL SPIRIT DAY: St. Matthew the Evangelist will be represented by our Saint Vincent de Paul Society and the Parish itself with stands selling tradional ethnic foods. SEE YOU THERE!HALUPKI DINNER: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, St. Nicholas Hall, Primrose. $9.50 per platter includes halupki, filling, mashed potatoes, green beans and roll. Eat-in or take-out. Advance tickets only by calling (570-544-4581).SEPTEMBER 8 – 11– ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ OUTER BANKS, NORTH CAROLINA BUS TRIP: $539 per person (double occupancy)includes: 3 nights lodging, 3 breakfasts, 3 full course dinners, guided tour ofCape Hatteras, Roanoke Island Festival Park, Graveyard of the Atlantic, Wright Brothers National Memorial, Elizabethan Gardens, Bodie Island Lighthouse, souvenir gift, luggage handling, all taxes and meal gratuities, Motorcoach transportation. Your payment is your reservation. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413).

CYO VOLLEYBALL SIGN-UPSCYO VOLLEYBALL SIGN-UPS: G: Girls grades 3-8 can email Tammy Gerenda at tamger11@yahoo.com. REQUIRE- irls grades 3-8 can email Tammy Gerenda at tamger11@yahoo.com. REQUIRE- MENTS:You must: be a member of our church; attend weekly Sunday Mass; and be enrolled in R.E. classes or attend MENTS:You must: be a member of our church; attend weekly Sunday Mass; and be enrolled in R.E. classes or attend catholic school. Also, we need a volunteer coach to assist with the program. catholic school. Also, we need a volunteer coach to assist with the program.

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ANNUAL SUMMER FESTIVAL

AUGUST 17, 2014SOUTH CASS FIRE CO.

PICNIC GROUNDSPRIMROSE, PA

12:00 NOON TO 9:00 PM

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(1) Our Annual Summer Festival is finally here: A lot of work has gone into its preparation. We sincerely thank all our volunteers who worked in any capacity for what- ever you did! May God reward you for your tireless efforts on behalf of St. Matthew the Evangelist Parish! However, more volunteers are still needed throughout the course of the day, especially, in the late afternoon and evening. Please give us your time and talent to insure our Summer Festival’s success. If you have already volunteered, please keep your commitment! PLEASE VOLUNTEER! THANKS FOR CARING!(2) Late Booster Ticket, Chance, and Kitchen Returns: can STILL be made at the TICKET BOOTH! We need your support so that this wonderful Summer Festival will continue!(3) BAKED GOODS: are needed and can be brought to the Dessert/Coffee stand. Thanks!(4) STAND CHAIRPERSONS: Their invaluable help makes our Summer Festival possible! We sincerely thank them for their hard work and dedication! Please volunteer to help them at the Festival Grounds. Your help is indeed needed, wanted, and appreciated!(5) CHILDREN’S GAMES: Volunteers can report to Amy Eades at the Festival Grounds.(6)ENTERTAINMENT: Come and enjoy! 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM:Stanky and His Cadets 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM: The New Individuals(7) MAJOR FUNDRAISER: Today’s Festival is a financial boost for the Parish! We will have a wrap-up meeting and financial report once all bills are in and paid. Watch your bulletin!(8) CLEANUP: is perhaps the hardest part of our Festival after so much work before and during the Picnic. However, we need to ask for your additional help Monday and Tuesday (Check your bulletin daily calendar). PLEASE HELP! (9) Festival drawing winners: Please consult next week’s bulletin. Remember last-minute Chances can be purchased at the Grounds.(10) ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST, OUR PATRON: Intercede before God for a successful Festival. Ask Him to bless all workers, benefactors, patrons, and everyone who has worked for our Festiv- al’s success. All praise and thanks to God for all His goodness to our Parish!