OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST,KING OF THE UNIVERSE

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2013 “Jesus of Nazareth… is so intrinsically king that the title ‘King’ has actually become his name. By calling ourselves Christians, we label ourselves as followers of the king… God did not intend Israel to have a kingdom. The kingdom was a result of Israel’s rebellion against God… The law was to be Israel’s king, and, through the law, God himself… God yielded to Israel’s obstinacy and so devised a new kind of kingship for them.. The King is Jesus; in him God entered humanity and espoused it to himself. This is the usualform of the divine activity in relation to mankind. God does not have a fixed plan that he must carry out; on the contrary, he has many different ways of finding man and even of turning his wrong ways into right ways… The feast of Christ the King is therefore not a feast of those who are subjugated, but a feast of those who know that they are in the hands of the one who writes straight on crooked lines.” – Pope Benedict XVI.

spectacle of the helpless crucified, between

the salvation which some expected from him and the reality of this condemned man incapable of saving himself! // For Luke, Jesus on the cross, enduring mockeries and insults, is the type of the persecuted just one, martyred by the impious who hurl

theirdefiance at him: “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” Highlighting the reactions of the two criminals who

surroundJesus, Luke shows two possible attitudestoward the Messiah. One man condemns himself by blaspheming this laughable

king,the other turns to him through whom “we have redemption, the forgiveness of our sins” (Col 1:14). Jesus who, since his temptation in the desert, has refused any demonstration of power for his own advantage, claims that he can save the one who trusts him, “this day you will be with me in paradise.” “This day” is the time of the kingdom already present in the person of Jesus. Here, at the foot of the cross, thelordship of Christ takes root.

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(610-289-8900x222)VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR: Wendy S. Krisak (1-800-791-9209)

WEEKDAY MASS AT 8:00 AMMON – John Andruchek and Peter and Genevieve FerenchickTUE – Santarelli and Sullivan Families by Alphonse and Dolores SantarelliWED – Eddie Walasavage, Jr. by Bernie and Margie WalasavageTHU – In Thanksgiving and Julia and Anibal Brito Family by GrandchildrenFRI – Harold Thomas by Sisters, Sylvia and MarySAT – 4:00 PM – Anna Dobles by Daughter, CarolSUN – 7:00 AM – Living and Deceased of Homa-Brito Family by Marge and George Homa Family 9:00 AM – Ottavio and Rita Agosti and John Kubich

by Rita, Greg and Gregory Tatusko11:00 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners********************************************************************************************************************************************

REQUIESCANT IN PACE: May Christ, our King, receive into His heavenly kingdom: MILDRED YUPCAVAGE, a former member of the former St.Stanislaus Kotska Parish, and a member of our Parish family, who died Wednesday, November 20, and will be buried from our Parish on Monday, November 25; LEONA DONLEN, a former member of the former St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish, and a member of our Parish family, who diedFriday, November 22, and will be buried from our Parish on Tuesday, November 26. May Mary, Queen of All Saints, obtain comfort from Jesus,her risen son, for their families and friends. ********************************************************************************************************************************************

THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: How worthy is the Lamb who was slain,/ to receivepower and divinity,/ and wisdom and strength and honor./ To him belongglory and power for ever and ever. (Rv 5:12; 1:6) OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST,KING OF THE UNIVERSE,SUNDAY, November 17– SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30 AM and 10:45 AM.

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 ROSE KUEHN who will host the Family Prayer for Vocations this week. Sign up in the Church Vestibule. Volunteers needed for January 26, 2014.FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: Today’s gospel reminds us the Kingdom of Heaven is not like Disney’s Magic Kingdom. Admission to Christ’s Kingdom is paid with the currency of acceptance, forgiveness, attention to the poor and love of one’s enemy.

PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: What can I do to help stop abortion?  Pray daily.  Read!  Be more informed about abortion. Wear the precious feet pins, use pro-life bumper stickers, decals, use stickers on envelopes, wear pro-life T-shirts, take part in Life Chains,

conduct prayer vigils, distribute pro-life literature in church and elsewhere, picket an abortuary, get involved in sidewalk counseling. STEWARDSHIP: “He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son...” Colossians 1:13. If we recognize Jesus as our King, then we must also recognize ourselves as His loyal subjects. As members of God’s kingdom

we have an abundance of wonderful blessings. But we also have responsibilities. We must always use our gifts to help build up the

kingdom. We must never forget that we are truly blessed to be called to serve the Greatest of Kings. LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED:

Sunday:$2,743; General Repair: $462; Expenses: $7,884.03 (ordinary); $7,842 (Diocesan Assessments). FRATERNAL CHARITY: ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY– Your donation of all TYPES OF CANNED AND BOXED SOUPSwill allow the SVDP Society to aid the needy of our area. Volunteer for our SVDP Society Outreach and God’s Bountiful Table.

Call ourSVDPS President, Edward Butler (570-544-2739).VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: John Andruchek and Peter and Genevieve Ferenchick. (2) ALTARS: BVM: IMO Anna Dobles by Daughter, Carol; For the Health of our Grandson, Evan Gober by Stan and Sally Gober; IMO Michael J. Warhola by Family. DIVINE MERCY: IMO Harold Thomas by Sisters, Sylvia and Mary; IMO Father Joseph F. Reilly by Parents; IMO Francis O’ Connor by

Daughter, Helene. (3) BEFORE: REREDOS NICHE: IMO Gerrie Ann Walker by Sister, Gloria. ST. ANNE: Special Intention by Helen

Droskinis. ST. FRANCIS: IMO Francis O’ Connor (Birthday) by Daughter, Mollie and Family. ST. THERESA: IMO Elizabeth Pukas by Helen,

CoCo,Angela and Allison. ST. ANTHONY: For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family. Call 570-544-2211.

MONDAY, November 25 – THE HOLY SACRIFICE OF THE MASS: 5:00 PM, Our Lady’s Chapel of St. Patrick Church. Veneration of the

first class relic of St. Pauline Visintainer. Call 570-622-1802 with questions.

EMERGENCY COLLECTION FOR THE PHILIPPINES: Havingwitnessed the extreme devastation as a result of the typhoon

in the Philippines, the Unites States Conference of Catholic Bishops has called for a time-sensitive collection to be taken

up throughout the United States. His Excellency, Bishop

Barres, has authorized a free-will second collection at this

weekend's Masses. Late donations can be made in a plain white

envelope with your name, envelope number, and PHILIPPINES written

on It. Place it in the Collection Basket. Due to the urgent need,

please be as generous as your circumstances permit.

“This is the King of the Jews”. In Luke this is a simple inscrip-tion, in Mark and Matthew a cause for condem-nation, in John an affirmation disputed by the chief priests. What a contrast there is between the inscription and the

TUESDAY, November 26 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, the Good Shepherd School Building. Contact our Coordinator of Religious Education, Rosalie Novack (570-544-2211) for more information.

WEDNESDAY, November 27 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass. Ask St. Peregrine to help cancer patients / caregivers.PADRE PIO HEALING MINISTRY HEALING MASS: 7:00 PM, Annunciation BVM Church, Shenandoah. Light refreshments to follow. Call 570-462-1916 for information.

THURSDAY, November 28 – THANKSGIVING DAY: Mass will be offered at 8:00 AM. What better way to show our gratitude to Almighty God for His countless blessings bestowed upon us and our country than by attending Mass today! PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW! A THANKSGIVING DAY PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we praise and thank You today for Your gift of Creation and the bountiful harvest You have provided. Just as this Thanksgiving feast nourishes our bodies, You nourish our souls through Your gift of the Eucharist. We ask You to bless those who have prepared this food and gathered us together today. For our brothers and sisters who will go without; may they be blessed with the richness of faith and filled with your Spirit of hope. Strengthen us now through this meal, so that we may go forward today and every day thereafter to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Amen. PASTORAL NOTE: The Rectory will be closed Thanksgiving Day and Friday.“SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR REHEARSAL: None this week. THANKSGIVING DAY MEALS: The Knights of Columbus, Council 431, in conjunction with other Schuylkill County Councils, will provide free, in-home delivered meals to those in need in Schuylkill County. To be placed on the list, call 570-691-1429 or 570-628-3333 with your name, address, phone number, and number of meals needed. Leave a message. Meals will be delivered on Thanksgiving between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. You must be at home. Meals will not be left on the door-step.

FRIDAY, November 29 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.

SATURDAY, November 30 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM.

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT, December 1 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 6:30 & 10:45 AM. THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): KEITH AND JODI ADAMS FAMILY will host the FPC this week. Call 570-399-5056 or Sign-Up in the Church Vestibule. We need volunteers for January 26, 2014.BIRTHRIGHT’S GIVING TREE: A special tree will be placed in our Church’s Sanctuary. Ornaments on the tree list items needed by mothers and children in want in our county. Please buy or make these items and return your gifts UNWRAPPED to the Church by December 15. Your gifts will be given to Birthright of Frackville and will be distributed during the coming Holiday Season.CHRISTMAS WAFERS / PLOTKELES / OPLATKI: Will be available in the Vestibule of the Church for those families of our Parish who observe the custom of the Christmas Eve Holy Supper. The offering per pack is $3.00. Preserve this beautiful Holiday Tradition!SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) UTILITIES: Your donation will help pay for light, water, sewer, heating tapes, and the maintenance of all parish heating units, etc. (2) Please catch up with any missed envelopes. Thank you for your generosity!**************************************************************************************************************************************************************** MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT OFF. PROC. LECTORS EUCH. MIN. ALTAR SERVERSSAT 4:00 PM Dobles Family Frank Melenchick Barbara Sincavage Fletcher Eades

Frank MelenchickSUN 7:00 AM Homa Family John Hudock Eric Andruchek

Michael Perzel 9:00 AM Tatusko Family Sharon Kolenick Jack Ruscavage Killian Clark

Max Wigoda 11:00 AM Parishioners Mary Ann Harrison Marian Rhoads Jesse Stickell

Jade Stickell****************************************************************************************************************************************************************COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar!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 costof 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 Advent giving. Do not confuse this yearly collection with the “National Appeal for Retired Religious” on December 7 and 8. You will be receiving a request letter in the mail sometime soon. 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.SMTE ANNUAL CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CALENDAR DRAWINGS: 31 Days of prizes, cash and gifts, donated by Parishionersand local businesses. One winner each day. Winners eligible to win every day of the month. DECEMBER 3 – ANNUAL CHILDRENS’ ST. NICHOLAS DAY PARTY: 6:15 PM, Good Shepherd Cafeteria. All Parish children and Parish volunteer workers’ grandchildren are welcome to meet St. Nicholas! There will be a magic show and refreshments!DECEMBER 4 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Anthony Ricapito Annex. DECEMBER 5 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR BUS TRIP: 11:00 AM Matinee. 2nd Mezzanine seating.$95 per person includes show and bus. Leaves Minersville 6:30 AM; Departs New York 6:00 PM. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or the Rectory (570-544-2211). Your payment is your reservation. TICKETS ARE ALMOST GONE!DECEMBER 7 – ANNUAL “GRIEF AND LOSS DURING THE HOLIDAYS” WORKSHOP: 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM, Covenant Home Care, Pottsville. Workshop designed to teach coping strategies for this challenging time of the year. Call 1-800-726-8761 X 4519.DECEMBER 7, 8 – DIOCESAN RETIRED RELIGIOUS COLLECTION: Support elderly religious. A parishioner writes, “As a Catholic school student from grades K–12, I was formed to be the person I am by many religious brothers and sisters, and I am forever grateful.” Show your appreciation for the senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests who made a positive difference in so many lives. Please give generously to this weekend’s collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious.DECEMBER 8 – ADVENT COMMUNITY CONFESSIONS: 6:00 PM, St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church. Prepare spiritually for Christmas by making a good Confession. DECEMBER 9 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ MOHEGAN SUN CASINO BUS TRIP: Cost: $23; Rebate: $25 to play. Leaves R&J at 8:00 AM; Quandel’s at 8:30 AM. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Helen (570-544-5465) to reserve your spot.

DECEMBER 12 – MONTHLY ROSARY: 6:15 PM, our Church. Come and pray the Rosary with us.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++CHRISTMAS FLOWERS AND VOTIVES: We would appreciate your Floral Memorials ($10) and Votive Memorials ($5) for the adornment of our Church during this coming Christmas Season. Envelopes for Flowers can be found in your Sunday Envelope boxes. Please return them and make arrangements for Vigils at your earliest convenience. Call 544-2211 with any questions.

DECEMBER 11 – HOLIDAY FOOD SALE: Homemade pierogi by the dozen ($6.00) and kielbasa 2 lb links($7.00). Pick-up is from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM today at the Parish Center. PRE-ORDER ONLY. Call SophieKuchta (570-624-3619), Rectory (570-544-2211) to order. ORDER DEADLINE, DEC. 6.

DECEMBER 14 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH 50/50 DRAWING: $2.00 each or three for $5.00.DRAWING TODAY! Call Joe 570-544-9062 for tickets. Leave message. Benefits Parish Center renovation.

POINSETTIA SALE: Proceeds will go to Parish Center Renovation Fund. Two colors; red or white, 6 inch foiled pot. DEADLINE TODAY! $9.00 per plant. Payment due with order. Call 570-385-0248

(10:00AM to 3:00 PM). Pick-up December 14, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM, December 15, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.