THE SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

SUNDAY, JUNE 7, 2015 Saint John Paul II reminded us that in commemorating the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, the Church “does not only celebrate the Eucharist but solemnly bears it in procession, publicly pro-claiming that the sacrifice of Christ is for the salvation of the whole world.” We rejoice in this post-Easter expression of our Eucharisticaffection in order to deepen our attachment to the unique and unending Event that trans-forms our lives. As the Sequence of CorpusChristi begs: “Jesu, of your love befriend us,/ You refresh us, you defend us,/ Your eternal goodness send us/ In the land of life to see.”

these groups. // Jesus and his Church have akeen grasp of this reality in the celebrations we call sacraments. Sacraments address themselves to the Church which is Christ’s Body and to individual members of that Body. The source and summit of all the Church’s life is professed to be the celebration of the Eucharist where the body of Christ partakes of what it is. // On this Sunday we celebrate our identity as Christ’s Body. On this Sunday we profess our belief that the life-giving and life supporting blood which flows among us is Christ’s very life. On this Sunday we direct our attention to the symbol which makes all other symbols possible. // The earthly language of bodies and blood fills the scriptures. But those same scriptures proclaim that the pouring forth ofblood is unto the nourishment of God’s people. Flesh, blood, bread and wine are the products of destructive processes which bring them to human tables as food to sustain a family. Christ immersedhimself in those processes which brought him to the table of the human family as the one food and drink which changes the eater into the eaten. In him we truly become what we eat and drink.

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)

WEEKDAY MASS AT 8:00 AMMON – Stiney and Anna Gober by Anna Mae and Dan ClarkTUE – Leo J. Maletz, Sr., Jan Smiszek, Jan Malec and Living and Deceased Husbands and Fathers of Our Parish by Father LeoWED – Michael and Mary Butler Family by Aldona and Edward ButlerTHU – M/M Otimpio Santarelli by Al and Dolores FRI – Stella Pytko by Son, George and Daughter, JoanneSAT – 4:00 PM – Andrew Pukas by Ann MarieSUN – 8:30 AM – Pauline Butensky (Annv) by Family 10:30 AM – Living and Deceased Parishioners*******************************************************************************************************************************************THE WEEKLY CALENDAR: He fed them with the finest wheat and satisfied them with honey from the rock (Cf. Ps 81 (80):17). THE SOLEMNITY OF THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST, SUNDAY, JUNE 7 – CORPUS CHRISTI: O Sacrament MostHoly, O Sacrament Divine, All Praise and All Thanksgiving, Be Every Moment Thine. SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM only. Bring your children to Confession during the summer months.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 JACK HUDOCK (8:30 AM) for hosting the FPC for Vocations this week. Sign up in Church vestibule. FAMILY PERSPECTIVE: One gets the impression there was always a lot of sharing, discussion and learning during the many meals Jesus and the disciples ate together. How does this compare to the meals in your home? Today’s gospel challenges us to make our meals more than physical functions and more a time for sharing.PRO-LIFE REFLECTION: “Nothing we do to defend the human person, no matter how small, is ever unfruitful or forgotten. Our actions touch other lives and move other hearts in ways we can never fully understand in this world. Don’t ever underestimate the beauty and power of the witness you give in your pro-life work.”   Archbishop Charles Chaput.  Pray for an end to abortion and euthanasia.STEWARDSHIP: “Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them and they all drank from it.”  - Mark 14:23. Jesus, the perfect steward, gave thanks, just before He gave Himself to us completely for our salvation.  He offers us the chance to drink from His cup.  In the Eucharist, we meet Christ personally and, if we listen to Him, we know what drinking from His cup means for each of us.  Often, it means our own sacrifice – giving up some of our time, talent and treasure to do His work on earth.  LAST WEEK YOU CONTRIB-UTED: Sunday: $3,099; Expenses: $9,284.55. Thanks for your generosity!FRATERNAL CHARITY: ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD PANTRY– Your donation of all TYPES OF DRINK MIXES 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. VOTIVES: (1) SANCTUARY: IMO John Dutcavich by Family.(2) ALTARS: BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: For the Health of George Homa and Special Intention by Wife and Family; Special Intention by Stan and Sally Gober; Special Intention; Special Intention by Tom and Mary Ann Kline. DIVINE MERCY: IMO Mae H. Swartz by Ed Butler; IMO Mae H. Swartz by Aldona Butler; IMO Mae H. Swartz by Daughter, Jeanne. (3) BEFORE: ST. JOSEPH: Special Intention. Call 570-544-2211 to memorialize votives.

2015 BISHOP’S ANNUAL APPEAL: As of today, our parish has raised $13,578 from 103 parishioners representing 18.86% of our total number of regis-tered families. We need the support of each parish family to reach our goal ($20,726) and 100% participation. REMEMBER, EVERY GIFT COUNTS, NO MATTER HOW SMALL. You can make your gift online at www.2015baa. org or drop off your pledge form in the collection basket at church. We hope our Parishioners will demonstrate that we are a Parish that cares by making their donation to the Appeal!

TUESDAY, JUNE 9 – ST. MATTHEW RELIGIOUS EDUCATION PROGRAM: 2015-2016 Registrations are now due. $65 for first childwith a $5 discount before EARLY REGISTARTION DEADLINE on June 30. Additional Registration Forms can be found inthe Church Vestibule. Call 570-544-2211 for more information.WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10 – DEVOTIONS TO ST. PEREGRINE: 8:00 AM Mass. St. Peregrine, help cancer patients and their caregivers!GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Ricapito Annex (570-544-6484).

THURSDAY, JUNE 11 – “SOUNDS OF THE SPIRIT” CONTEMPORARY CHOIR REHEARSAL: Call Greg at 570-544-2355 to join.HOLY CROSS KITCHEN: 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Thursday’s in June, Parish Center, New Philadelphia . Various specials and a regular weekly menu including Kugelie, cheeseburgers, stewed onions, barbecue, halushkie, pierogies, fish sandwich, french fries, cake and much more! Call 570-640-8750 for a menu and more information.

FRIDAY, JUNE 12 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 7:45 AM.

ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST SPAGHETTI DINNER: 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Parish Center, 120 Oak Street. Spaghetti with Homemade Sauce and Meatballswith a Full Salad Bar. Adults $8.50; Children $4.50. Eat-in or take-out. Tickets available at the door. Donations of Baked Goods would be greatly appreciated and can be brought to

theParish Center between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM. See you

there!

Human beings are so essentially physical that even our language of the spirit derives from our bodies. To be a member of an organization requires that we be incorporated in to that organization. Publications of societies are said to be organs of

SATURDAY, JUNE 13 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 3:30 PM. ST. JOHN’S CURIOSITY SHOP: 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 refreshments available. Call 570-622-5470 for more information.

THE ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, JUNE 14 – SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION: 8:00 AM and 10:15 AM.THE FAMILY PRAYER CHALICE FOR VOCATIONS (FPC): GENE AND JEAN WALACAVAGE (10:30 AM) will hostthe FPC this week. Call 570-399-5056 or sign-up in the Church Vestibule for July and August!PROTECTING GOD’S CHILDREN CLASS: After 11:30 AM in the rectory education room, Most Blessed Trinity Parish, Tremont. For any volunteers who need to take the class. Call 570-695-3648 to register.SECOND COLLECTION ENVELOPE: (1) INSURANCE: Your contribution will help us pay the premiums to insure all Parish buildings.(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. Thank you!*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************

MINISTERS AT MASS FOR ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME OFF. PROC. LECTORS E. M. of H. C. ALTAR SERVERSSAT 4:00 PM Pukas Family Rosalie Novack Jason Clark Alexandra Eades

Frank MelenchickSUN 8:30 AM Butensky Family Elaine Stine Al Boris Eric Andruchek

Michael Perzel 10:30 AM Parishioners Marge Walasavage Maria Bartush Olivia Osborne

Anthony Lutchkus*******************************************************************************************************************************************************************COMING EVENTS: Please be sure to mark your calendar!JUNE 15 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ SANDS CASINO BUS TRIP: Cost $25; Rebate $25. Bus leaves R&J 8:00 AM; Quandel’s in Minersville 8:30 AM. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413).

JUNE 16 – PRO-LIFE MEETING: 6:00 PM, Simon Kramer Cancer Institute, New Philadelphia. Free presentation. Learn what can be done in Schuylkill and Carbon Counties to promote life. Hosted by the Pennsylvania Pro-Life Federation. All are welcome! Call 570-277-6218.JUNE 19, 20 – ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL 7TH ANNUAL BLOCK PARTY: 5:00 PM TO 11:00 PM both days, Lewis Street Parking Lot.Live entertainment 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM by “One Last Rider” (Friday) and “Sapphire” (Saturday). Homemade ethnic foods, refreshments, baked goods, kids games inside, money wheel, Chinese Auction, money drawing, and more! Eat inside or out. Call 570-544-4741 for moreinformation. Please support our sister parish!

JUNE 24 – GOD’S BOUNTIFUL TABLE: 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM, Fr. Ricapito Annex (570-544-6484). JUNE 25 – MONTHLY ROSARY: 6:15 PM, our Church. Please join us!

JULY 6 – 8 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ PITTSBURG EXPRESS BUS TRIP: Cancelled!JULY 13 – 16 – NATIVITY LITTLE GIRLS VOLLEYBALL CAMP: Camp is for girls entering 3rd through 8th grade. Cost $40 includes individual instruction, team concepts, competitions. Instruction by Nativity coaching staff, former and current players. 570-622-8110 for information.JULY 20 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ HOLLYWOOD CASINO BUS TRIP: Cost $25; Rebate $30! Bus leaves R&J 8:00 AM; Quandel’s in Minersville 8:30 AM. Call Julie (570-544-5231) or Millie (570-628-5413).JULY 24, 25, 26 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST PARISH ANNUAL TRIDUUM IN HONOR OF GOOD ST. ANNE: DAY 1 and DAY II: Triduum prayers and Veneration of St. Anne’s Relic after 8:00 AM Mass and 4:00 PM Mass. DAY III: Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne, Parents of our Lady, Grandparents of our Lord. This day is the conclusion of our Triduum in Honor of St. Anne. We will have a special Healing Service within which the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be celebrated at 3:00 PM. Call the Rectory (570-544-2211) to register for Anointing.SEPTEMBER 21- 24 – ST. MATTHEW’S TRAVELERS’ WILDWOOD SEAFOOD FEAST BUS TRIP: $399 per person, double occupancy. 3 nights motel accommodations, 3 full breakfasts, 3 dinners including all-you-can-eat seafood buffet featuring a DJ and over 50 different buffet items, one $20 meal credit valid for a 3 course price-fixed meal at Breadsticks in Resorts Casino, one dinner at a local restaurant, trip to Atlantic City casino with a bonus package, visit to Washington Street Mall, Cape May, visit Smithville Village, Wildwoods' famous beach and boardwalk. Motorcoach transportation. Baggage handling, meal gratuities and hotel taxes included. YOUR PAYMENT IS YOUR RESERVATION! Call 570-544-5231 or 570-628-5413.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

+SCHOOL NEWS: 1) NATIVITY BVM HIGH SCHOOL: Students in grades 10 and 11 transferring from a public, private, or charter school will receive up to $3,000 in grants - $2,000 in year one and $1,000 in year two. Call Jen at 570-622-8110 or by email at jdaubert@nativitybvm.net for more information. 2) ASSUMPTION BVM GRADE SCHOOL: Now accepting registrations for the 2015-2016 school year. For newregistrations, please bring your child’s birth certificate and baptismal and immunization records. Applications and school tours can be obtained by calling the school office at 570-622-0106 or by email at www.AssumptionBVMschool.net. Students in grades 1 through 7 transferring from a public, private, or charter school are eligible for $1,500 in grants - $1,000 in year one and $500 in year two. ABVM also offers a 2, 3, and 5 day pre-school program for 3, 4, and 5 year olds. Half-day and full-day sessions are available. Call 570-622-0106.ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR SPONSORSHIP AT BAPTISM AND CONFIRMATION: 1) You must be a fully initiated member of the Church, i.e. have received the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Eucharist. 2) You must be at least 16 years of age. 3) You must be a practicing Catholic, i.e. attending Mass weekly and receiving the Sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Penance on a regular basis.You must speak to Father Leo for approval to function in either capacity! THE XAVIER SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND: Do you know someone who has poor vision or is blind? Do you know someone who has trouble holding a magazine or a book? The Xavier Society for the Blind has religious material in Braille, large print and audio CD’s, at no charge. For more information, call (212) 473-7800 or (800) 637-9193. Visit us on the web at www.xaviersocietyfortheblind.org.CEMETERY NOTES: (1) Since it is not possible to obtain trash collection at any of our Parish cemeteries, you are responsible for the removal of any dead potted flowers or arrangements. Please, we ask your cooperation in removing all plants by June 28. (2) There have been acts of vandalism at some of our cemeteries. If you see anything strange going on, please contact the police and also call the Rectory (570-544-2211).

JUNE 15 – 18 – ST. MATTHEW THE EVANGELIST VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM,grades K to 4, at the Good Shepherd Building. Call Sr. Mary Jane Dunleavy at 570-544-2464 toregister and for more information. PROGRAM IS OPEN TO CHILDREN FROM ALL PARISHES!

JUNE 21 – FATHERS’ DAY FLOWERS AND VIGILS: Your help would be appreciated in decorating our Church with Flowers and vigils in memory of/in honor of the husbands, fathers, grandfathers, good men of our Parish. The Offering for Flowers is $10; Vigils $5. Call the Rectory (570-544-2211) to make arrangements. Thanks for your anticipated help!

JUNE 20, 21 – PETER’S PENCE DIOCESAN COLLECTION: In the second collection today, we aresupporting the Holy Father in his charitable works. The Peter’s Pence Collection is taken up worldwide to support the most disadvantaged: victims of war, oppression, natural disasters.This is an opportunity to join with our Holy Father, Pope Francis, and be a witness of charityto our suffering brothers and sisters. Please be generous to this Diocesan Collection.

FRIDAY, JUNE 12 – BLESSING OF CARS: It is a custom on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to bless automobiles. We will do so at 6:00 PM in the Church parking lot (across from the Rectory). Call to register (570-544-2211).