TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME,

SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 As both Joshua and Jesus’ disciples learned,

God uses the least likely people to be his instruments of grace. Maybe he does so to uproot in us the self-righteousness and indignation that instinctively provokes. Moses asks Joshua, “Are you jealous for my sake?” A conceited, disdaining mindset, a spirit of entitlement, an attitude of ignorance can become like “stored up treasures.” But their “corrosion will be a testimony against you; it will devour your flesh like a fire.” This is why the Lord calls for such an aggressive protocol of cutting off and plucking out – true self-mortification. For Jesus’ graphic image captures how amputating and disfiguring the mutilation known as sin is. We act to murder that in us, so as to stay the temptation to murder “the righteous one.”

The authentic way to be Christian is imaged for us in the figure of the crucified Christ. In stretching out his arms on the cross, he opens himself to all humanity. Therefore, universal understanding and acceptance ought to characterize the disciple of Christ. // Joshua failed to recognize the prophetic charism of two men who did not come to the Tent of Meeting. John did not understand that one could expel demons in the name of Jesus without being among the Twelve. Under pretext of orthodoxy, we often tend to identify belonging to Jesus with some elitist option. No one can appropriate the spirit of the Risen One to any confessional, social, or even political position. The gospel stands in judgment against all ecclesiastical provincialism, all claims to monopolize the power of the Spirit which is its source. // The temptation to exclude is no more legitimate within the Church than outside it. In our assemblies, there are so many simple and devout whose religion may seem insufficiently enlightened and whose faith may appear childish. No one has the right to discount or despise them. Much less does a claim to liberty of the Spirit give any one the right to scandalize these simple believers.

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) 544-2317

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 (610-332-0442 x19)VICTIM ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR: Wendy S. Krisak (Direct:1-800-791-9209)

REQUIESCAT IN PACE: May the angels lead into paradise: MARION F. MICKEY, a former member of the former St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish, and a member of Our Parish Family, who died Friday, September 18, and was buried from our Church on Wednesday, September 23. May Mary, Mother of Mercy, obtain comfort from Jesus, her Son, for Marion’s family and friends. ***********************************************************************************************THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: All that you have done for us, O Lord, you have done with true judgment, for we have sinned against you and not obeyed your commandments. But give glory to your name and deal with us according to the bounty of your mercy. THE TWENTY-SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, SEPTEMBER 27 – 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. Thanks to RYAN AND CHRISTINA PLESNARSKI for hostingthe FPC for Vocations. Please sign up in Church Vestibule. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: The words in today’s gospel, “Whoever gives a cup of water in the name of Christ will not lose their reward” hits us at home. Asparents we gain our “reward” when we bring water to a frightened child in the middle of the night, or Kool Aid to parched five-year olds, or hold ice chips to the fevered lips of a spouse. It is that simple and that sacred. In our homes we give until it hurts “in the name of Christ.’ PRO-LIFE REFLECTION:The sperm and the egg are alive at conception; they become human life.  Any demise after that point, for any reason ends a human life.  When human life begins is not a theory, it’s scientific fact.  Pray and work to end abortion.STEWARDSHIP: “Anyone who gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, amen, I say to you, will surely not lose his reward.” (Mark 9:41). Does your life reflect the life of Jesus?  Remember, we were made in His image.  We tend to forget this.  When others see you, do they see the face of Jesus?  When you look at others, do you see the face of Jesus in them?LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIBUTED: Sunday: $3,688; General Repair: $391; Expenses: $5,926.47. Thank you for your generosity!FRATERNAL CHARITY: ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY: Your donation of CANNED VEGETABLES 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 Edward Butler at 570-544-2739 to volunteer. FORTY HOURS VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: IMO John Maletz and Lorraine Cygan by Family. (2) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN

MARY: Special Intention by Stan and Sally Gober; IMO Rev. Ignatius Szal (Annv) by M/M Dennis Frank; IMO M/M Alex Butcavage by M/M Joseph Quesada; IMO Deceased Members of Butcavage Family by M/M Joseph Quesada. DIVINE MERCY: IMO George and Stella

Pytkoby Son, George and Daughter, Joanne; IMO Jack Consugar by Family; IMO Andrew Consugar by Family; For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family.(3)BEFORE: ST. ANTHONY: IMO Marguerite Murphy by Family. ST. ANNE: IMO Thomas Murphy by Family. ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention; Michael Gober by Daughter, Katherine. ST. BARBARA: IMO Gerald Murphy by Family; IMO Marguerite McTear by Family. ST. PETER: IMO Renninger and Holland Families; IMO Sophie Kuchta by Family. REREDOS NICHE: Special Intention by Pat Consugar. POPE JOHN PAUL II: IMO Mary Consugar by Family. ST. THERESA: IMO Elaine Hooper

2015 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL: 186 parishioners (34.07% of our registered families) have contributed $19,467 (94% of our goal of $20,726). REMEMBER, EVERY GIFT COUNTS, NO MATTER HOW SMALL. You can make your gift online at www.2015baa.org or drop your pledge form in the collection basket. Please show we are a Parish that cares by making your donation as soon as you possibly can!

WEEKDAY MASS AT 8:00 AM (unless indicated otherwise)MON – John Logan by Brother, Joseph and Wife, Rita 6:00 PM – Veronica Darosh by Betty UpdegraveTUE – John and Louise Kishel by Daughter, Joan Roberts 6:15 PM – For the Intentions of Gregory Tatusko by Father LeoWED – Rev. Ignatius Szal (Estate)THU – John Maletz and Lorraine Cygan by FamilyFRI – Living and Deceased Members of the Parish Memorial SocietySAT – 4:00 PM – Helen DiSarro by Five ChildrenSUN – 8:30 AM – James and Sophie Genovese by Genovese Family 10:30 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners

SUNDAY,SEPTEMBER 27–ANNUAL FORTY HOURS CELEBRATIONDAY I: (1) Eucharistic Exposition immediately after 10:30Mass to 7:00 PM. Benediction of the Most Blessed Sacrament At 7:00 PM. (2) Late Memorializations of Vigils ($5 each) and Flowers ($10 each) can still be made to help defray the cost by contacting the Rectory (570-544-2211). We would be grateful for your help in adorning our Church’s Altars with Vigils and Flowers. They will be acknowledged in next week’sbulletin. Thanks for caring! (3) Eucharistic Adoration Sign-UpSheets are in the Vestibule of the Church. THERE ARE STILLOPEN SLOTS. We need at least 2 people for each half-hour interval of Adoration. Please honor our Eucharistic Lord by your presence! (4) The Parish Forty Hours Offering Envelope can be found with your September envelopes. We would be grateful for your support of this spiritual endeavor. Thank you!

by Aunt, Katherine; IMO Scott Renninger by Family. ST. FRANCIS: IMO/IHO All Priests and Religious who served at St. Francis Church and School by Gloria Dutcavich; IMO Deceased of Montello Family by Gloria Dutcavich; Special Intention. ALTAR OF SACRIFICE: IMO Deceased of Supsinskas Family by Gloria Dutcavich; IMO Frank Kuchta by Family. ST. PAUL: Special Intention (2). SACRED HEART: IMO John Sokola by Family; Intentions of Anna Warhola. ST. LUCY: IMO Deceased of Pytko Family by Family; IMO Deceased of Leister Family by Family. BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE: Thank You Pope Francis, Special Intention by Jim and Rose. Call 570-544-2211. FORTY HOURS FLOWERS: We gratefully acknowledge these Floral Memorializations: IMO Deceased Members of Butcavage Family, IMO M/M Alex Butcavage by M/M Joseph Quesada; IMO Francis and Helen O’Connor by Daughter, Helene; IMO Consugar and Murphy Families by Pat Consugar; In Thanksgiving by Katherine; IMO Deceased of Dutcavich, Supsinskas, and Montello Families by

Gloria Dutcavich; IMO Russ Rothermel by Linda, Mitra and Meggi; IMO Frank and Sophie Kuchta by Family; IMO Dante and Jean Cola by Daughter, Jeanine Cola; Intentions of Anna Warhola; IMO Deceased of Pytko and Leister Families.

OCTOBER VISITATION OF THE SICK: Beginning this week until completed. Call 570-544-2211 to add someone to our list.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE:8:00 AM Mass. St. Peregrine, help cancer patients and caregivers!

FOOD PREPARATION: 9:00 AM, Parish Center, Prepare vegetables for soups. PLEASE LEND A HAND!THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1 – “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR REHEARSAL: Call Greg at 570-544-2355 to

join.FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.EUCHARISTIC HOLY HOUR: Immediately following today’s 8:00 AM Mass, there will be Eucharistic Exposition, Adoration, and Reposition. Come and pray for vocations to the Priesthood and Consecrated Life from our Parish and Diocese. PASTORAL NOTE: We encourage parishioners to spend time in Eucharistic Adoration to pray for this worthwhile intention so God’s vineyard would not be left untended!

ST. MICHAEL’S FISH/CRAB DINNER: Advanced tickets only ( $10). Haddock or crab cake, french fries, green beans, cole slaw, roll,beverage and dessert. Call 570 544-4407 or SMTA Parish Office at 570-544-4741.HARVEST FEST: St. Mary Church, Hamburg. today, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM (Polka Mass at 4:30 PM); tomorrow, 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Food, fun and activities for all ages! Lots of indoor and outdoor activities. Located in Tilden Township (only 2 miles from Cabela’s). Fordirections or more information call 610-562-7657 (www.rc.net/allentown/stmaryhamburg).ST. JOHN’S CURIOSITY SHOP/YARD SALE: Today, 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and tomorrow, 8:00 AM to12:00 Noon, Russell Building. Various items, toys and games, jewelry, kitchen items, books, candles, vases, craft items, and much more. Food and refreshmentsavailable. Call 570-622-5470 for more information.SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30PM. Do your children go to Confession REGULARLY?THE TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, OCTOBER 4 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM,10:15

AM.THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): DENNIS AND DIANE FRANK will host the FPC thisweek. Call 570-399-5056 or sign-up in the Church Vestibule for November and December! FIRST PENANCE/FIRST COMMUNION AND CONFIRMATION ENROLLMENT MASS: 10:30 AM.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 check your Sunday Church Envelope Boxes for the envelopes you might have missed. Kindly catch up! (3) Please write the amount of your donation on your envelope. Thanks!***************************************************************************************************************************************************************

**** MINISTERS AT MASS FOR THE TWENTY-SEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

OFF. PROC. LECTORS E. M. of H. C. ALTAR SERVERSSAT 4:00 PM DiSarro Family Nicole Forney Gloria Paltanavage Nathan

Tropp Killian Clark

SUN 8:30 AM Genovese Family Jack Hudock Mary Regina Mundy Eric Andruchek Anthony Forte

10:30 AM Parishioners Mary Ann Harrison Marian Rhoads Carter Melochick Kieran Plesnarski

******************************************************************************************************************************************************************* COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar!

OCTOBER 5 – FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS: 8:00 AM Mass in the former St. Francis of Assisi Church. BLESSING OF ANIMALS: 6:00 PM. OCTOBER 7 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Ricapito Annex (570-544-6484). Please volunteer your help!OCTOBER 8 – ST. PATRICK’S SENIORS DINNER THEATER TRIP TO PENN’S PEAK IN MAUCH CHUNK: See and hear the music of the Glenn Miller Band. Cost

$75 includes transportation, a dinner consisting of their signature roast beef, baked chicken breast, veggies, dessert and beverage, and the show! Call Joan (570-622-7229). OCTOBER 10 – 3rd ANNUAL TRAVIS NEWTON MEMORIAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, New Minersville Fire Company. Cost $5.00. Call 570-617-

0974. OCTOBER 11 – SPAGHETTI DINNER: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, St. Nicholas Hall, Primrose. Cost $8.50 includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, Italian bread. Eat-in or take-

out. Advance tickets only. Call 570-544-4581.3rd ANNUAL TRAVIS NEWTON MEMORIAL CHINESE AUCTION: Doors open 9:00 AM; Auction starts 1:00 PM. Good Shepherd Cafeteria. (Shop-N-Drop October 9th, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM and October 10, 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM). Call 570-617-0974 for information.OCTOBER 14 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ “VATICAN SPLENDORS” AT FRANKLIN INSTITUTE PHILADELPHIA BUS TRIP: Cost $60. See more than 200

works of art and historically significant objects that together form a great mosaic of the history of the Church and its impact on art, history, and culture. From the sights and sounds of the grand Basilica to a touchable cast of Saint John Paul II’s hand, embark on a journey through the ages of artistic expression and religious iconography. Includes many artifacts which have never left Vatican City. The collection is composed of renaissance art along with work from the baroque period. The 11 galleries walk you through thehistory of Christianity focusing on the Catholic Church and the amazing religious art that came out of Rome. An impressive focus in the exhibition is on the Basilica of which Michelangelo and Bernini were key contributors. Bus leaves 7:30 AM. Stop off on way home to have dinner in Douglasville. YOUR PAYMENT IS YOUR RESERVATION! Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413).OCTOBER 17 – 3rd ANNUAL TRAVIS NEWTON MEMORIAL ADULT FEST: 3:00 PM, New Minersville Fire Company. Age 21 and over. Cost $25 includes Pig Roast,

Draft, Soda, DJ Entertainment. Benefits Fire Company. Call 570-617-0974 for information.OCTOBER 17, 18 – DIOCESAN COLLECTION: WORLD MISSION SUNDAY: This year, all our parishioners are invited to act in solidarity with missionaries in India and throughout the world. Every day, faithful missionaries are reaching out in the name of Christ, offering practical, emotional and spiritual care to communities, children and families in desperate need, bringing the light of Christ to the darkest of circumstances. Use the Special Mission Sunday Envelope found in your envelope boxes. OCTOBER 19 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ SANDS CASINO BUS TRIP: Bus leaves R&J 7:45 AM; Quandel’s Lot, 8:15 AM; Bus departs casino 4:00 PM. Cost

$25; Rebate $35. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413).

NOVEMBER 11 – ANNUAL MASS OF REMEMBRANCE: 6:00 PM. God grant eternal rest to out deceased Parishioners!NOVEMBER 21 – ANNUAL DIOCESAN MEN’S CONFERENCE: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, De Sales University. Topic: “Come Follow Me.” Day will include keynote

addresses, Exhibits, Vigil Mass with Bishop Barres, continental breakfast and lunch . Cost $35; $10 for high school/college students. Call 610-289-8900 or visit www.cmfda.org.

DECEMBER 3 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR BUS TRIP: Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413).DECEMBER 16 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ HOLLYWOOD CASINO BUS TRIP: Bus leaves R&J 7:45 AM; Quandel’s Lot, 8:15 AM; Bus departs casino 4:00 PM.

Cost $25; Rebate $35. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413).

MARCH 7, 2016 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ PHILADELPHIA FLOWER SHOW BUS TRIP: Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413) for more information.

MAY 9-13, 2016 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ MONTREAL AND QUEBEC BUS TRIP: Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413) for more information.SEPTEMBER, 2016 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ SAVANNAH AND CHARLESTOWN BUS TRIP: Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413) for

information.

DECEMBER 1 – 31 – SMTE HOLIDAY CALENDAR: PLEASE MAKE A MONETARY DONATION OR OTHER GIFT IN KIND TO OUR CALENDAR! Call Julie Kubich (570-544-5231) for more information.

DECEMBER 16 – HOLIDAY FOOD SALE: Homemade pierogi and kielbasa. Pick-up 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM today at the Parish Center. PRE-ORDER ONLY.

OCTOBER 2, 3, 4 – SOUP AND BAKE SALE: Friday, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM; Saturday, after 4:00 PM Mass; Sunday,after both 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM Masses. At our Parish Center. Call 570-544-2211 for information.

NOVEMBER 8 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST TOP-YOUR-OWN-PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Parish Center. Information to follow. Call Mary (570-621-8270) or Maria (570-617-1117) to help.

MONDAY, September 28 – ANNUAL FORTY HOURS CELEBRATION DAY II: Adoration from 9:00 AM until 5:45 PM.Mass at 6:00 PM. Confessions at 7:45 AM and 5:30 PM and after Mass if needed.

TUESDAY, September 29 – ANNUAL FORTY HOURS CELEBRATION DAY III: Adoration from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.Benediction at 6:15 PM followed by Mass attended by our Religious Education children (Students report to Church at 6:00 PM; Pick-up after Mass at Church. Any questions, contact our Coordinator of Religious Education, Rosalie Novack (570-544-2211). Confessions 7:45 AM and 5:30 PM and after Mass if needed.