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

Transcription

1 December 2, 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. The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Holy Day of Obligation Mass Schedule Saturday, December 8, 8:30am and Vigil Friday,December 7, 7:00pm Pastor Very Reverend Thomas J. Anastasia, V.F. Priests Assisting this week: Fr. Terry Fleming Rev. James Bucaria Deacons Deacon Tony Quattrocki Deacon Anthony Kijonka - Retired Mass Times Saturday Vigil: 4:00pm Sunday:7:30am, 9:00am and 11:00am Holy Days: Will be announced Monday Saturday 8:30am Rosary: Monday Saturday 8:00am Sacrament of Penance Saturdays 3:00pm 3:45pm or by appointment through the parish office. St. Matthew Catholic Church th Avenue North Largo, FL Phone (727) Fax (727) Website Info@stmat.org Parish Office Hours Monday-Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm Friday 9:00am-12:00pm

2 Pastor s Column Dear Friends in Christ, 12/2/18 Happy New Year! I love the fact that we celebrate the Liturgical New Year a good month before our secular world celebrates a new calendar year. Our ancestors in the faith, our Jewish friends and neighbors had their New Year's celebration back in October so why not have ours now? Consider greeting each other out in the public arena this weekend, with salutations of Happy New Year! just to see the reaction of others. You never know, it might make for an opportunity to share your faith. Our New Year begins with Advent and the Church calls us to slow down and prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord. On this First Sunday of Advent we are encouraged to Wait, Watch, and enter fully into this Season of Joyful Expectation. From beginning to end,the Sacred Scriptures present us with stories of people who are compelled to wait. The patriarch Abraham received the promise that he would become, despite his old age, the father of a son, and through that son the father of descendants more numerous than the stars in the night sky. Many years passed before the promise came to fruition. Did he doubt? Did his faith waver? Abraham s great-grandson Joseph, saw in a dream that he would be a powerful man and that his brothers would one day bow down to him in homage. But the realization of that dream came only after a long and terrible wait. His wait included seven years in prison, torture and hopelessness but in a most unexpected way his dream eventually came true. If you are like me and hate waiting in doctor s offices, use it as a time to learn the lesson of Advent waiting. Theologian Richard Rohr summed up the spiritual life in the phrase your life is not about you, and this insight is particularly important in terms of the present question. Why isn t God acting how I want and when I want? Perhaps because your life is part of a complex whole, the fullness of which only God can properly grasp and fittingly order. Author G.K. Chesterton said that if you are on the wrong road, the very worst thing you can do is move quickly. The first reading is clearly calling the people of God to works of justice. After hearing much about our Justice Ministry, you may wish to consider working on a Research team. The research kick-off training will take place on Monday evening at the 1 st Baptist Church on Gandy Blvd. at 6:45pm. This Friday you are invited to join me for the Vigil Mass of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Patronal Feastday of our Nation. The time of the Mass will be 7pm so that folks who are working or attending school during the day can attend. The other option is to come in the morning on Saturday at 8:30am. Peace in Christ, Fr. Tom J. Anastasia, Pastor Readings for the week November 25 December 2, 2018 Sunday, December 2 First Sunday of Advent Jer 33: Thes 3:12 4:2 Lk 21:25-28, Monday, December 3 Is 2:1-5 Mt 8:5-11 Tuesday, December 4 Is 11:1-10 Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday, December 5 Is 25:6-10a Mt 15:29-37 Thursday, December 6 Is 26:1-6 Mt 7:21, Friday, December 7 Is 29:17-24 Mt Saturday, December 8 Immaculate Conception Gn 3:9-15, 20 Eph 1:3-6, Lk 1:26-38 Sunday, December 9 Second Sunday of Advent Bar 5:1-9 Phil 1:4-6, 8-11 Lk 3:1-6 Christmas Flower Offering If you would like to make an offering in honor or in memory of a loved one, please fill out and drop a Flower envelope in our offertory basket or in the parish office. We will be printing the names in upcoming bulletins. Your gift will help decorate our church to the Glory of God this Christmas season.

3 First Sunday of Advent The Deacon s Corner Mass Intentions Saturday, December 1 4:00pm People of the Parish Sunday, December 2 7:30am Julio C. Portales 9:00am Lyn Kirman 11:00am Jesus Torio Monday, December 3 8:30am Terry Harrison Tuesday, December 4 8:30am Mary Joyce Fresch Wednesday, December 5 8:30am Mary Frances Shanley Thursday, December 6 8:30am Annmarie Molloy Friday, December 7 8:30am Mary Anita Jansen Vigil Mass Immaculate Conception 7:00pm Phyllis Schaffer Saturday, December 8 Immaculate Conception Holy Day 8:30am Conception Guillen 4:00pm Donna Vaz-Medeiros *Fr Bernie MacAdam Sunday, December 9 7:30am Kay Reilly 9:00am *Fr. Tom Anastasia People of the Parish *Fr. Paul McLaughlin 11:00am Michael Kinder, Jr. *Fr. Tom Anastasia *Priest schedule subject to change. Pray for our Military We pray that God will protect and watch over those we love and care for as they bravely serve our country. By the intercession of the patron saints of soldiers, St. George and St. Joan of Arc; may they all return home safely. My friends, let me be the first to wish you all a Happy New Year! Yes, I know it is not January 1 st, but as Catholic Christians, today we celebrate a new church year with the first Sunday in Advent. Today would be a great opportunity to press the pause button on our busy lives and reflect on our lifestyle and the way we act and treat others and ourselves. For some of us, we treat others better than we treat ourselves while others think only of themselves and not of their neighbor. For most of us, there is a void in our lives, an empty feeling, something missing or a longing of being accepted and loved. Jesus can make all things new within us - and then continues His work of making all things new through us. Even though our human freedom was fractured by sin, the wood of the Cross is the lasting and life changing remedy which brings healing to our personal wounds. Have Faith that Our Lord loves you and wants you to become the best person you can be. When we ask Jesus for help, He will provide what is best for us. We must believe that He and He alone is the One who makes all things new! GK Chesterton once wrote: "The object of a New Y ear is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes. Unless a particular man/woman made New Year resolutions, he/she would make no resolutions. Unless a man/woman starts afresh about things, he/she will certainly do nothing effective. Unless a man/woman starts on the strange assumption that he/she has never existed before, it is quite certain that he/she will never exist afterwards. Unless a man/woman be born again, he/she shall by no means enter into the Kingdom of Heaven." My Friends, it is never too late to allow Jesus to create a new you. Happy New Year! May the Lord Bless you and your family in the Year of Our Lord, 2019! Deac T 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. 12/03 Rev. Krzysztof Gazdowicz, 12/04 Rev. Msgr. Robert C. Gibbons 12/05 For Vocations to the Priesthood & Religious Life 12/06 Rev. Dennis Hughes, 12/07 Rev. Joel Kovanis 12/08 Rev. Francis Lubowa, 12/09 Msgr. Michael Muhr The beautiful flowers in front of the altar this weekend are in loving memory of Elizabeth Ann Heagy.

4 Building a caring community that serves others. 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 17-18, 2018 Offertory Totals Envelopes $3, Loose Donations $2, OnLine Giving $2, Total $9, Catholic Campaign for Human Development, $ Debt Reduction Envelopes $ Loose Donations $ OnLine Giving $ Total $1, Thanksgiving $ November 24-25, 2018 Offertory Totals Envelopes $4, Loose Donations $2, OnLine Giving $1, Total $8, Thank You for Supporting Our Parish Annual Pastoral Appeal as of November 20, 2018 Goal $104, Pledged $ 82,179.00* Paid $ 78, *Pledges are from 279 of our 649 families. Thank you! Are you a St Matt s Busy Bee? She may bee big, she may bee small, so look carefully throughout these pages and see if you can find where she may bee landing. Retirement for Religious Aging religious need your help. Senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests ministered for years for little to no pay. Their sacrifices now leave their religious communities without adequate retirement savings. Your gift to the annual collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious on December 8 & 9 helps to provide medications, nursing care, and more for tens of thousands of elderly religious. Please be generous. St. Vincent de Paul As we begin Advent we are called to wait in joyful anticipation for the brace of Christmas to once again bless our lives. Wherever you live in our parish, there are poor families within walking distance of your home. When in need, they ring the rectory bell. They are, in effect, ringing your doorbell. A gift in the provided envelopes to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul will help the poor celebrate the grace of God s love this Christmas. Please remember to return your wrapped Jesse Tree gifts so we can sort them into family bags this week. 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. This is the Vision of the Diocese of St Petersburg Florida. As we live lives of faith by proclaiming the Good News, inviting all people to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ. Vision s three priorities: Proclaiming knowing and sharing the Gospel of Jesus, Inviting welcoming and accompanying others as Jesus did, Encountering growing in relationship to Jesus and one another.

5 December 2, 2018

6 This Week... Sunday, December 2 9:30am Children s Faith Formation 12:15pm Pinellas Hope 12:15pm RCIA Monday, December 3 7:00pm Knights of Columbus Council Meeting Tuesday, December 4 9:00am Miraculous Medal Novena Wednesday, December 5 9:00am Faith Share 9:30am Griefshare 7:00pm Centering Prayer St. Matthew Catholic Church - Financial Statement For 3 Months Ending Sept 30, 2018 (First Quarter of Fiscal Year) 3 Months 3 Months Ending Ending 9/30/2018 9/30/2017 Revenue: Offertory Revenue $128,715 $120,483 Other Operating Revenue 8,898 13,734 Faith Formation 2,091 3,215 APA Collections 73,402 74,041 Total Parish Revenue $213,106 $211,473 Parish Expenses: Pastoral Leadership $ 15,074 $ 15,471 Worship and Music 11,535 14,048 Faith Formation Expenses 20,347 15,017 APA Assessment 73,403 74,041 Catholic School Support 5,070 3,790 Administration 59,414 54,982 Facilities 34,417 37,587 Total Parish Expenses $219,261 $214,936 DEFICIT $ (6,154) $ (3,463) Thursday, December 6 6:00pm Band 6:30pm Adult Programs 7:20pm Choir Friday, December 7 9:00am Adoration 7:00pm Immaculate Conception Vigil Mass Saturday, December 8 Immaculate Conception 8:30am Holy Day Mass Sunday, December 9 Pancake Breakfast 9:15am Youth Ministry 9:30am Children s Faith Formation 12:15pm RCIA Advent begins this weekend. Why not add an Advent Wreath to your Deck The Halls - Invite to All Parishioners We will be decorating the church on Friday, December 14th. Time 9:30am - 1:00pm. All are invited to come and assist as we welcome in the Holiday Season dinner table? Light the first candle each evening this week and share a simple prayer with those gathered. Share how you brought light into the world today or how you could have done things differently. End by saying the Lord s Prayer or Glory Be. We have printed up a weekly prayer card for you to use.

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 third 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