Saint Matthew Catholic Church...a community of faith and love

Transcription

1 November 18, 2018 Saint Matthew Catholic Church...a community of faith and love Mission Statement With the Word of God as our foundation, the people of St. Matthew Catholic Parish strive to be the presence of God in our community. We do so through joyful worship, fellowship among our members, a welcoming spirit to visitors and seekers, an increasing willingness to give our time, talent and treasure to serve God s people and a desire to spread our faith through ongoing spiritual sharing. Invite a friend and come celebrate the many blessings we have, together as a Parish Community, this Thanksgiving Day. Our Mass will be at 9:00 AM. Pastor Mass Times St. Matthew Catholic Church Very Reverend Thomas J. Anastasia, V.F. Saturday Vigil: 4:00pm Sunday:7:30am, 9:00am and 11:00am Priests Assisting this week: Rev. James Bucaria Fr. Paul McLaughlin Holy Days: Will be announced Monday Saturday Rosary: Monday Saturday 8:00am th Avenue North Largo, FL Phone (727) Fax (727) Website Info@stmat.org Sacrament of Penance Deacons Deacon Tony Quattrocki Deacon Anthony Kijonka - Retired Saturdays 3:00pm 3:45pm or by appointment through the parish office. Parish Office Hours Monday-Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm Friday 9:00am-12:00pm

2 Pastor s Column Dear Friends in Christ, 11/18/18 This week is the penultimate week of our liturgical year. The Thirty-third Sunday of Ordinary Time brings with it apocalyptic readings because while the turkeys are running for their lives and begging for Presidential Pardons this Thanksgiving Season, we Christians know that all of it will one day come to an end. So, what do we do? Do we panic? No. Do we worry? No. We celebrate! This weekend we celebrate the dedicated service of our behind the scenes sacristan Rosie Streifel. She is the St. Jude Medal Award Recipient for St. Matthew Parish this year. Every year the bishop honors one person or couple from each parish who have demonstrated dedication and commitment above and beyond the call of duty. If you re only here on Sunday, you may not be familiar with her but if you re here any other day of the week, I m certain you might have seen her. Say Thank You to Rosie if you get a chance as she represents a proper way to respond to the scariness of the end of the world type readings: we get to work, perhaps quietly and behind the scenes, and we give thanks to God for the opportunity to serve in His vineyard. While I will be at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle this afternoon for the Annual St. Jude Medal Award, our Women s Ministry will be honoring the Veterans with a Dinner that they hold every year. The proceeds raised from the Chili Fest have been utilized to support this effort to thank those who have served to keep us safe and free. We have many reasons to gives thanks to God. It will be a joy this weekend, the 28th Anniversary of my Diaconate Ordination, to preside at the 9am liturgy in particular. Why? Well, Deacon Tony is scheduled to baptize the youngest child from the Erico family. If you re present for that liturgy, I ll tell you why that is significant to me personally. We anticipate Thanksgiving this week with a prayer service celebration that will take place on Wednesday evening, 11/21 at 7pm, include beautiful reflective music, candle light, an opportunity to Thank God for our Freedom to Worship Him and to ask for Healing for the Church and the World from the horrible scourge of the sex abuse crisis. As this service will not be a Eucharistic celebration I encourage you to invite all of your non-catholic and those who used to be Catholic friends to join us. It s a great time of year for people to be in town who would normally not be here, and we need your help in getting the word to them that the place to be on Wednesday evening, is right here at St. Matthew, especially if they feel a need to heal from a broken relationship or estrangement with the church in any way. If you prefer to celebrate with a Mass, we will have that opportunity on Thanksgiving morning at 9:00am. Peace in Christ, Fr. Tom J. Anastasia, Pastor Readings for the week November 18-25, 2018 Sunday, November 18 Thirty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time Dn 12:1-3 Heb 10:11-14, 18 Mk 13:24-32 Monday, November 19 Rv 1:1-4, 2:1-5 Lk 18:35-43 Tuesday, November 20 Rv 3:1-6, Lk 19:1-10 Wednesday, November 21 Rv 4:1-11 Lk 19:11-28 Thursday, November 22 Rv 5:1-10 Lk 19:41-44 Friday, November 23 Rv 10:8-11 Lk 19:45-48 Saturday, November 24 Rv 11:4-12 Lk 20:27-40 Sunday, November 25 Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Dn 7:13-14 Rv 1:5-8 Jn 18:33b-37 All Souls Envelopes The All Souls Envelopes are available in the pews and in the narthex. These envelopes are for the names of our loved ones whom we want to lift up in prayer during the month of November at Mass, when the priest prays for all who have gone before us.

3 Thirty-Third Sunday of Ordinary Time Mass Intentions Saturday, November 17 Donald M. Covas 4:00pm Rosalina M. Bell Healing Prayer Reflection Service Wednesday Evening November 21st 7:00 PM All Are Welcome Invite a Friend! Sunday, November 18 7:30am People of the Parish 9:00am Helen Mueller 11:00am Eduardo Maisonet Monday, November 19 Bill Montbleau Tuesday, November 20 Joan Reid Butler Wednesday, November 21 Richard Leahy, Jr. Thursday, November 22 Thanksgiving Day 9:00am Clara Chubinge Friday, November 23 Clayton Morrison Saturday, November 24 Willaim Telford(father) William Telford (son) Thomas Telford (son) 4:00pm Shirley DurkaO Connor Sunday, November 25 7:30am People of the Parish 9:00am Jack Garside *Fr. Terry Fleming 11:00am Betty & Cel Conrad *Priest schedule subject to change. The beautiful flowers in front of the Altar are in loving memory of Rosalina M. Bell Honoring Our thveterans Sunday, November 18 at 4:00pm St. Matthew Catholic Church, Bethany Hall The Women s Ministry invites all men and women, who have served in the military (past or present) and a guest for dinner. This evening will be a time for friendship and appreciation for your service. We have invited fellow veteran, Fr. Tom Kirchhoefer, as our guest speaker. No RSVP Necessary Prayer for Priests and Future Priests Eternal Father, we lift up to you these and all the priests of the world. Sanctify them, heal and guide them. Mold them into the likeness and holiness of your Son Jesus, the Eternal High Priest. May their lives be pleasing to you. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen. 11/19 Rev. Eric Peters 11/20 Rev. Justin P. Paskert 11/21 For Vocations to the Priesthood & Religious Life 11/22 Rev. Kyle Smith 11/23 Rev. Michael R. Smith 11/24 For All Priests on Leave 11/25 Rev. James Ruhlin God Bless Our Troops!

4 Building a caring community that serves others. Catholic Campaign for Human Development Stewardship of Treasure Parish Sacrificial Giving Summary In gratitude for the gifts we received from God, we thank all Parishioners and visitors who made a joyful return to the Lord this weekend. November 10-11, 2018 Offertory Totals Envelopes Loose Donations Online Giving Total $5, $3, $1, $10, Project Hunger 242 Pounds Thank You for Supporting Our Parish Annual Pastoral Appeal as of November 9, 2018 Goal $104, Pledged $ 82,146.50* Paid $ 78, *Pledges are from 278 of our 647 families. Thank you! U R G E NT.If you still have your baby bottle, please return it as soon as possible to our par ish office even if it is not full of coins, dollars or checks. We need to return the bottles for another parish to use. All monies raised will go to the Kimberly Home Maternity Center in Clearwater to support newborn babies. Please be generous in this week s second collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. In the United States, one in seven people lives in poverty. With this collection you support programs that address the causes of poverty and provide a sustainable future for those who are struggling across the country. In addition, 25 percent of funds collected remains in our diocese to fund local anti-poverty projects. Please prayerfully consider how you can support this collection and work on the margins. More information about the Catholic Campaign for Human Development can be found at Stewardship News Donate Your RMD to St Matthew Are you over the age of 70 1/2 and subject to taking a Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from your IRA or 401K? If you are in the fortunate position of not needing your full distribution for living expenses, you can avoid income tax on your RMD withdrawal by donating all or a portion of your distribution directly to St Matthew Parish. This is a little known provision of our tax laws that many do not take advantage of. There are some restrictions so consult your tax advisor to learn more about charitable RMD giving. We thank you for your ongoing support of our parish so we can continue to fulfill God s plan for our parish family and community. St. Vincent de Paul The Gospel predicts end times; our challenge through, is to live faithfully now. When we live in conformity to the Word, hearing Jesus words and living them out, the future holds no fear for us. When you help the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, we know that you are hearing the words of Jesus and living them out. Jesse Tree ornaments will be available in the back of the church this week before and after Masses. Please help our clients celebrate Christmas. With the holidays not far off, many hungry people in our community are in need of meals and NOT just on Thanksgiving, but often each day of the week. Each of us are called to care for our sisters and brothers in need. But HOW? Why not bring an extra bag of food to our St Vincent DePaul food donation box or visit the local food bank and volunteer. Come out on Monday evenings and help JOY Ministry serve food to the homeless or sign up to help our Pinellas Hope Ministry team. If you can t physically assist, donate a food gift card or earmark a donation for our Outreach team to use. Most important of all, pray that individuals in our community find meaningful employment to become self-sustained for themselves and their families. Together, we can make a difference!

5 November START THE NEW YEAR WITH PRAYER! SAVE THE DATE! January 11-12, 2019 Women s Weekend Retreat Friday 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Saturday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Continental Breakfast and Lunch served on Saturday!! Blessed Sacrament Parish Hall th Avenue N., Seminole, FL Join us for a Spirit-filled weekend with Barbara Alderfer, author of Stop Drop and Pray. Barbara will share with us a simple and exciting way to Pray with Power! Experience presentations, song, meditation, and prayer followed by a closing Vigil Mass on Saturday. Tickets are FREE but are required. Seating is limited so plan now for this retreat! Distribution of St. Matthew s tickets will be on December 1-2 and December after all Masses.

6 Sunday, November 18 Debt Reduction Collection Catholic Campaign for Human Development 9:15am Youth Ministry 9:30am Children s Faith Formation 12:15pm RCIA 4:00pm Veteran s Dinner Monday, November 19 6:50pm SEASONS Tuesday, November 20 9:00am Miraculous Medal Novena Wednesday, November 21 9:00am Faith Share 9:30am Griefshare 7:00pm Centering Prayer Thursday, November 22 Happy Thanksgiving Parish Office Closed Friday, November 23 Parish Office Closed 9:00am Divine Mercy Chaplet Saturday, November 24 Sunday, November 25 9:15am Youth Ministry In the Wildflowers Retreat for women who have suffered childhood sexual abuse This 10-week private retreat will be held in Tampa on Saturdays beginning in January. If you are interested in participating in this Retreat, please contact Cathy at ; wildflowersretreats@gmail.com or visit our website If you or someone close to you has been a victim of abuse by Church personnel: For recent or current abuse, please contact Law Enforcement and/or call the Florida Abuse hotline at ABUSE. The Diocese of St. Petersburg Victim Assistance Program will help with counseling and assist you with the reporting process. You can reach the Victim Assistance Minister, John Lambert LCSW, by phone at or by at jl@dosp.org. For abuse in the past in this diocese, please contact John Lambert, LCSW at or jl@dosp.org. If the abuse happened in another diocese, the Diocese of St. Petersburg Victim Assistance Program will help you through the steps of reporting the abuse and provide counseling and spiritual support as you prefer. The Marriage Minute Building Stronger Christian Marriages We have all heard the expression Father (Mother) knows best. Wisdom is a precious gift and a blessing to husbands and wives, fathers and mothers. We receive wisdom when we humble ourselves and allow God to be our guide. As married couples we need to pray to the Holy Spirit for wisdom and guidance as we grow in Holy union with God. Remember. Marriage takes Three! Cities for Life/Cities against the Death Penalty. Friday, November 30 th. On this date, cities across the world mobilize to renounce the death penalty and work for a more civil form of justice. Join us at the Franciscan Center (3010 N. Perry Ave., Tampa) for an Ecumenical Service beginning at 7PM. Speakers include Bishop Gregory Parkes, Derrick Jamison (Death Row Exoneree) Rev. Kim Wells and Allison Ferber Miller (Sr. Public Defender). Light reception and opportunity to meet some of the speakers at 6PM. Contact Sabrina with questions: sab@dosp.org; *5325 GriefShare sessions will be held Wednesdays in the Trinity Room from 9:30 to 11 AM. GriefShare is a faith-based program to provide education, support and hope after the loss of a spouse, family member or friend. No cost, no commitment; just come and see! For information or to register, please contact Dr. Lori Puterbaugh at drloriputerbaugh@earthlink.net or

7 myparishapp.com / Sacraments and Ministries BAPTISM of INFANTS: The Sacrament of Baptism celebrates God s love and initiates us into the community of believers called the Church. We are the Church, and each baptism we perform or witness is a sign of our faith in Christ s power to renew the face of the earth. Baptisms are celebrated during the Mass. For Baptism preparation classes for parents, contact the parish office: (727) We recommend attending before the birth of your child. SACRAMENT OF THE SICK: Call the office at any time in case of serious sickness. If you are hospitalized, the priest assigned to the hospital will administer the sacrament. SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE: Call the office a minimum of six months in advance. Participation in Journey to Matrimony or Pre-Cana program is required. SACRAMENTS FOR ADULTS: R.C.I.A. is for adults and unbaptized teens wanting to be Catholic Christians. Please contact the office of Faith Formation at (727) , ext SACRAMENTS FOR TEENS: CONFIRMATION for baptized teens wanting to complete their Sacraments. Please contact Youth Ministry, Faith Formation at (727) , ext. SACRAMENTS FOR CHILDREN: First Communion and Reconciliation for baptized children ages 7 and older. Please contact the Office of Faith Formation at (727) , ext KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: The Knights of Columbus St. Matthew Council #11226, extends an invitation to all Catholic men to join our council. The council meets the First Monday of the month. If you are interested in hearing more about the Knights of Columbus, please contact Jack Hughes- Grand Knight at ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY: Assistance to the needy. Calls are monitored and returned daily. Phone PROJECT HUNGER: On the thir d Sunday of every month, donations of food for our food pantry are collected. CENTERING PRAYER: Centering Prayer is a form of silent contemplation practiced both as a part of a group and in our daily lives. We meet Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm for approximately one and a half hour. Please feel free to come join us. Call Judi Valori at or jvalori@tampabay.rr.com if you have any questions. WOMEN S MINISTRY: Meet at 7:00pm the third Tuesday of every month August through May. New members are always welcome! SICK OR INCAPACITATED: Please contact the parish office if you, or a family member, would like to be included in our monthly prayer list. If you are unable to attend Mass, let us know if you would like to schedule a visit from an Eucharistic Minister. VOCATIONS: Contact Fr. Melchior for more information at (727) or spvocation@dosp.org. Welcome New Members We invite everyone interested in joining our faith community to take a welcome packet, which is located in the two entryways and register to be part of our faith community. Registering allows us to serve your needs more fully. Please come by the office during the work week or fill out the registration from and place in the collection basket. You can also register online at Children over the age of eighteen, please register separately from your parents. PILGRIMAGE TO POLAND AND EASTERN EUROPE 12 Days: September 9-20, 2019 Warsaw * Krakow * Budapest * Vienna * Prague Hosted By Fr. Tom Anastasia ONLY $3899 from Tampa or Miami (Air/land price is $3479 plus $420 gov t taxes/ airline surcharges) GERMANY, PRAGUE & AUSTRIA Featuring the Passion Play of Oberammergau! 12 Days: August 25 to September 5, 2020 ONLY $ 4799 from Tampa or Miami (Air/Land price is $ 4349 plus $ 450 gov t taxes/ airline surcharges) Tour Includes: Roundtrip Airfare from Tampa or Miami, First Class/Select Hotels, Most Meals, Professional Tour Director, Comprehensive Sightseeing and more!! FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT FR. ANASTASIA Tel: (727) godrays@stmat.org Parish Staff Pastor: Very Rev. Tom Anastasia, V.F. (ext. 205) Deacon: Deacon Tony Quattrocki (ext. 203) Deacon.Tony@stmat.org Faith Formation Ministries: Phil Coit (ext. 204) Youth Ministries: Lisa Limberger Music Ministry: Chantal Ward (ext. 202) Parish Secretary: Anne Koster (ext. 201) Maintenance Staff: Jim Murray Joe LaFrazia Don Koster