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

Transcription

1 March 3, 2019 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. Pastor Very Reverend Thomas J. Anastasia, V.F. Ash Wednesday March 6, 2019 Priests Assisting this week: Rev. James Bucaria Rev. Terry Fleming Deacon Deacon Tony Quattrocki 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 Ashes will be distributed at the 8:30am Mass 12:00 Noon Lenten Prayer Service 4:00pm Mass 7:00pm Mass Everyone invited Free Simple Supper in Bethany Hall from 5:15pm 6:45pm

2 Pastor s Column 3/3/19 Dear Friends in Christ, We conclude the first part of our Ordinary Time Season this weekend with some powerful readings that will help us with the designation of this Sunday as Safe Haven Sunday. In our daily mass cycle of readings we recently had the stories from the book of Genesis where the fall of our first parents was highlighted. I asked everyone present when they thought childhood innocence was lost? When I think back to my own childhood and my father who was the Grand Knight of the local K of C council I remember a man who was more playful than stern, more dutiful than devout, perhaps he might even be considered Spiritual but not Religious. Of course he was a faithful participant at Mass but he seemed to prefer hanging out in the back with the ushers than kneeling devoutly next to mom in the pew. Growing up in the era when TV had rabbit ears and watching what happened when cable TV came into our home, I remember my father s response was helped by the K of C with a simple cardboard plaque that read: Would God watch this program with you? which he strategically set on top of the TV set, next to the cable box. As a hormonal teen I don t know how many times that little picture of Jesus and bold faced question prevented me from late night HBO binge watching. It is our hope that this weekend s celebration of Safe Haven Sunday will give families, especially families that have small children at home the tools that are necessary in this very high tech and complex culture to protect the most innocent from the dangers of pornography. The materials are abundant and available at with a personal invitation from our bishop to go deeper in making ourselves aware of the challenges that such addictions bring. When we were on pilgrimage in the Holy Land in January the deadline for the hard copy materials passed. Thankfully, my contacts at the Pastoral Center were able to get us 240 copies of the books recommended for this weekend and 1000 of the prayer cards. This Wednesday we begin our Lenten journey with Ash Wednesday and the opportunity to receive ashes at 7am (for those who have to go to work no Mass just ashes following the gospel reading) 8:30am, 12 noon (again for those on their lunch break from work, Dn. Tony will do a para-liturgy without mass), 4pm, 7pm. Additionally we have a community building effort between the 4pm and 7pm Masses, a Lenten Simple Spaghetti Supper. Peace in Christ, Fr. Tom J. Anastasia. Pastor Readings for the week March 3-10, 2019 Sunday, March 3 Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time Sir 27:15: Cor 15:54-58 Lk 6:39-45 Monday, March 4 Sir 17:20-24 Mk 10:17-27 Tuesday, March 5 Sir 35: 1-12 MK 10:28-31 Wednesday, March 6 Jl 2: Cor 5:20 6:2 Mt 6:1-6, Thursday, March 7 Dt 30:15-20 Lk 9:22-25 Friday, March 8 Is 58:1-9a Mt 9:14-15 Saturday, March 9 Is 58:9b-14 Lk 5:27-32 Sunday, March 10 First Sunday of Lent Dt 26:4-10 Rom 10:8-13 Lk 4:1-13 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.

3 The Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time The Deacon s Corner Mass Intentions Saturday, March 2 4:00pm Marie Carestia Sunday, March 3 7:30am Richie Meyer 9:00am John Rafftery 11:00am People of the Parish Monday, March 4 8:30am Marjorie Whiteford Tuesday, March 5 8:30am Dcn. Tony Kijonka Wednesday, March 6 Ash Wednesday 8:30am Tom Todd 12:00pm Prayer Service 4:00pm Beatrice Medeiros 7:00pm People of the Parish Thursday, March 7 8:30am Joseph Adams Friday, March 8 8:30am Edward Steuer 6:00pm Stations of the Cross Saturday, March 9 8:30am Special Intentions of Ray Kerker 4:00pm People of the Parish *Fr. Tom Anastasia Sunday, March 10 7:30am Pres. Donald Trump *Fr. Tom Anastasia 9:00am Frank Kordas *Fr. Tom Anastasia 11:00am Judy Safransky *Fr. Tom Kirchhoefer *Priest schedule subject to change. A few weeks ago, the St Matthew s Youth Ministry was holding a car wash to raise funds for their ministry service project. I happen to notice the line of cars waiting to get washed. There were some cars that were dirty and then there were some cars that were really dirty. As I was watching the kids washing, another car pulled in line and I could not help from thinking, that car was the dirtiest car of them all. When I noticed how dirty it was I stopped feeling guilty that my car was not washed in weeks. The couple got out of the car and stood next to me on the curb. I heard the wife tell her husband that he should be ashamed on how filthy his car was. Then he said, Dirt is dirt all cars get dirty. As we approach Ash Wednesday and the journey of Lent, we have the opportunity to do some cleaning of our own. Our lives might be messy and dirty but it is our dirt and we should not compare our filth with the filth of others. There is no question that the sin in our lives needs to be washed away and the only way we can do that is if we ask God to forgive us and cleanse our soul. The Bible doesn t praise anyone for having less sin than someone else. Filth is filth, dirt is dirt and Sin is Sin! Though your sins are as scarlet, they shall become white as snow. God s Grace is provided to all of us. So get in line, reflect on your own life, realize you have a responsibility to get clean and then as faithful Catholics take advantage of the free carwash for souls called the Sacrament of Reconciliation. You will come out of the confessional sparkling clean! Share your blessings along the Journey! 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. 03/04 Rev. John S. Hays 03/05 Paul Ciulei, Seminarian 03/06 For Vocations to the Priesthood & Religious Life 03/07 Rev. John B. Lipscomb 03/08 Rev. Michael O Brien 03/09 Rev. Sojan Punakkattu 03/10 Rev. Gilberto Quintero The beautiful flowers in front of the Altar this weekend, are in loving memory of Marie Carestia.

4 Building a caring community that serves others. Let Us Place God First in Our Lives in 2019! You are My Hands,You are My Voice, You are My Presence in this World 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. February 23-24, 2019 Offertory Totals Envelopes $ 4, Loose Donations $ 2, OnLine Giving $ 1, Total $ 8, Project Hunger 258 Pounds Serving at St. Matthew Parish is up to All of Us. Will you say YES and assist us on our Liturgical Team? We need extra people to fill in the duties of Adult Altar Servers, Altar Sacristans, Ushers, Readers and Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist at all Masses. You will be trained and coached as you learn your ministry duties. Deacon Tony at deacon.tony@stmat.org and leave him a message and he will get in contact with you. Don t Anticipate. PARTICIPATE! Thank you! St. Vincent de Paul In the Gospel today, Jesus uses images in speaking to his disciples: Can a blind man act as guide to a blind man?...why look at the speck in your brother s eye when you miss the plank in your own?...a good tree does not produce decayed fruit... It is true that donations come to the Society because a good person produces goodness from the good in their heart. Women's Ministry is collecting new & gently used baby clothes/baby items etc. for the Alpha House for Women. Donation Boxes will be placed at both entrances of parish, March 9th through March 18th. Please do not gift wrap donated items. Next Meeting: Tuesday March 7:00PM Guest Speaker: Representative from Women's Alpha House Our meeting is open to all ladies (our winter residents included!) to join us. There is no membership fee. Respect for human life means respecting all of God s creation. We must re-engage with our environment and take responsibility for it; live sustainably, live so that there are enough resources for everyone. Something Special for our friends at Pinellas Hope on Sunday, MARCH 3, 2019 If you want to help in the preparation of a special meal for the residents of Pinellas Hope from 12:30 to 2:00pm or if you wish to serve, stop by the Bethany Hall at 4:15pm and we can all drive over to Pinellas Hope together and serve a meal. Contact Deacon Tony if you would like to assist in any way at deacon.tony@stmat.org or leave him a message at ext We always need fruit or hand-held desserts to take with us. Please drop off desserts or fruit (in the kitchen on your way to Mass

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6 This Week... Sunday, March 3 9:30am Children's Faith Formation 12:15pm RCIA 12:15pm Pinellas Hope Monday, March 4 6:50pm SEASONS 7:00pm Knights of Columbus Council Meeting Tuesday, March 5 9:00am Miraculous Medal Novena Wednesday, March 6 Ash Wednesday 8:30am Mass 12:00pm Prayer Service 9:00am Faith Share 4:00pm Mass 5:15pm Empty Bowl Dinner 7:00pm Mass Thursday, March 7 6:00pm Band 6:30pm Adult Programs 7:20pm Choir Friday, March 8 9:00am Divine Mercy Chaplet 6:00pm Stations of the Cross Soup Supper Saturday, March 9 9:00am Lenten Series #1 Sunday, March 10 Pancake Breakfast 9:15am Youth Ministry 12:15pm RCIA GRIEF SHARE: Griefshare is a 13- week program that provides support, encouragement and information for those grieving the loss of a loved one. We will start a new series on Wednesday, March 13, St. Matthew s Griefshare program meets Wednesday mornings, 9:30-11:30am, in Trinity Hall. A brief meet-and-greet to learn about Griefshare will be held in Trinity Hall on Wednesday, March 6 for 30 minutes after the 8:30 Ash Wednesday Mass. For information please Dr. Lori Puterbaugh at drloriputerbaugh@earthlink.net or call at Give Life-Give Luck-Give Blood St. Matthew s & Holy Martyrs of Vietnam s Blood Donor Ministry invite you to celebrate your good health by sharing it on Sunday, March 17, 2019 between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. on The Big Red Bus. Please make an appointment on the sign-up sheet at either church door and pledge to donate your Gift of Life. If you are healthy, age 16 or older and weigh at least 110 pounds chances are you can join this vital ministry that saves lives and families. Please call Dan Eberts at if you have any questions. Fridays in Lent at 6:00pm beginning March 8 Enrich your Lenten journey with a special Lenten Friday St. Matthew tradition of praying the Stations of the Cross outside in our beautiful St. James Prayer Pavilion (weather permitting) followed by a simple soup supper. There is no cost for the supper although a donation to the Rice Bowls collection is appreciated. Each week is sponsored by one of our ministries: March 8 March 15 March 22 March 29 April 5 April 12 Pastoral Council Faith Formation Women s Ministry St. Vincent de Paul Knights of Columbus Seasons Bulletin Advertisers Needed! Jenny Lusk from Diocesan (our bulletin publishing partner) is working to secure NEW ads for our bulletin. Our bulletin needs ads, and we are grateful that this crucial communication piece is provided to our parish at no cost THANKS to the generous advertising support of our parishioners and community-minded businesses. Please let us know if you can help by advertising in the bulletin. Advertising sponsors of our bulletin recognize the tremendous value of connecting with our church family, and we ask our parishioners to support our sponsors! If you d like to advertise in the weekly bulletin, please contact Jenny at or jlusk@diocesan.com. Thank you! WEEKEND OF HEALING AND HOPE RETREAT On March 8-9, 2019, Immaculée Ilibagiza, a Rwandan genocide survivor and NY Times best- selling author, will lead a two day retreat at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, th Ave North, St. Petersburg, FL The event takes place on Friday from 5-9 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM-12:30 PM. Cost for one person is $57 or $76 for one person plus a guest. Contact and click on the St. Petersburg button to register. This event is sponsored by the Magnificat of St. Petersburg, a ministry to Catholic women, but ALL are invited.

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: Mandy Rose (ext. 201) Maintenance Staff: Jim Murray Joe LaFrazia Don Koster