St. Matthew Parish. 19 Dora Lane, Limerick, Maine

Transcription

1 St. Matthew Parish 19 Dora Lane, Limerick, Maine Tel website: Diocese of Portland Diocesan website: We welcome you to the Catholic Community of St. Matthew and the celebration of the Eucharist. ST. MATTHEW PARISH STAFF: Very Rev. Philip A. Tracy, V. F. Pastor address: Rev. Jack Dickinson, Parochial Vicar address: Deacon Paul Lissandrello, Pastoral Associate address: Heather Silva, Secretary/Bookkeeper address: Deacon Paul Lissandrello, P.C.L. Deacon Paul Lissandrello Altar Server Coord. Gail Libby, Music Director, FINANCE COMMISSION: Henry McKeown Kevin LaFreniere Theresa Harrigan KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS: Jon DiCentes, Grand Knight, BIRTHPLACE HELPLINE: Abortion Alternatives/Project Rachel, WEEKEND MASSES: Saturday at 4:00 p.m. Sunday at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. WEEKDAY MASSES: 9:00 a.m. - Monday, 8:00 a.m. - Tuesday*, Thursday*, Friday* *Check weekly bulletin for possible time changes. BAPTISMS: Parents who want to have their child(ren) baptized are asked to please call the parish office ( ). WEDDINGS: Anyone planning to get married must call the parish office at least SIX MONTHS PRIOR to the proposed wedding date. CONFESSIONS: Saturday at 3:00 p.m., AND ANYTIME BY APPOINTMENT. NEW PARISHIONERS: Welcome to St. Matthew Parish. Please fill out the Parish Membership Form below and drop it in the collection basket or mail to the parish office. DOMESTIC ABUSE HOTLINE: or PROTECTING GOD S CHILDREN: We joyfully welcome back to the Church any of our brothers and sisters who may have been away. PARISH MEMBERSHIP: Name Address City Zip Code Phone No. Address Check New Registration Updating Info. Change of Address Moving out of Parish

2 ST. MATTHEW CHURCH TODAY IS THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT. THE READINGS BEGIN ON PAGE 61 OF THE MISSALETTE. MASS INTENTIONS THIS WEEKEND Saturday 4:00 p.m. Anita McKeown by the McKeown Family Sunday 8:00 a.m. Todd Roberge By Mark & Debbie Francis 10:30 a.m. Carol Webb on her 70th Birthday By her Family MASSES FOR THE WEEK Monday 9:00 a.m. Souls in Purgatory Tuesday 8:00 a.m. Souls in Purgatory MIRACULOUS MEDAL NOVENA Wednesday 8:00 a.m. Communion Service LIMERICK Please include the following priests serving in our diocese in your daily prayers this week: Feb. 18 Bishop Joseph J. Gerry OSB Feb. 19 Rev. Roger Chabot/Rev. Rudolph Leveille Feb. 20 Rev. James Roy MM/V. Rev. Louis Phillips Feb. 21 Rev. Robert Lariviere/Rev. Thanh Nguyen Feb. 22 Our Holy Father Feb. 23 Rev. Paul Coughlin/Rev. Augustine Nellery Feb. 24 Rev. Mark Nolette/Rev. Michael Seavey Our priests speak to the faithful with their hearts and their faith. Fill them, Lord, with burning zeal for the conversion of sinners. Ven. Mother Catherine Aurelia, Foundress Thursday 8:00 a.m. Souls in Purgatory Friday 8:00 a.m. Virginia Marr MASS INTENTIONS NEXT WEEKEND (Feb 24 & 25) Saturday 4:00 p.m. Intentions of the Parishioners Sunday 8:00 a.m. Todd Roberge By Deacon Paul & Pat Lissandrello 10:30 a.m. Toni-Ray Michaud by Doug & Carolyn Preston Readings for the Week of February 18, 2018 After John had been arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the gospel of God: This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel. - Mk 1:14-15 VOCATION VIEW Christ suffered for sins once and for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, in order to bring you to God. Is He prompting you to suffer with Him, bringing others to God as a priest, sister or brother? Contact Father S e a m u s G r i e s b a c h a t ; o r e m a i l : seamus.griesbach@portlanddiocese.org; Website: vocations; Facebook: VocationsME. Sunday: Monday: Tuesday: Gn 9:8-15/Ps 25:4-5, 6-7, 8-9 [cf. 10]/1 Pt 3:18-22/Mk 1:12-15 Lv 19:1-2, 11-18/Ps 19:8, 9, 10, 15 [Jn 6:63b]/ Mt 25:31-46 Is 55:10-11/Ps 34:4-5, 6-7, 16-17, [18b]/ Mt 6:7-15 Wednesday: Jon 3:1-10/Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, [19b]/Lk 11:29-32 Thursday: 1 Pt 5:1-4/Ps 23:1-3a, 4, 5, 6 [1]/Mt 16:13-19 Friday: Ez 18:21-28/Ps 130:1-2, 3-4, 5-7a, 7bc-8 [3]/ Mt 5:20-26 Saturday: Dt 26:16-19/Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8 [1b]/Mt 5:43-48 Next Sunday: Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18/Ps 116:10, 15, 16-17, [9]/Rom 8:31b-34/Mk 9:2-10 The Presence Radio Network Week of Sunday, February 18, 2018 CATHOLIC ANSWERS LIVE Inspiring programs for your Lenten Journey How to Read the Bible w/ Mary Healy Monday, 2/19, 6pm The Why s of Catholic Belief w/ Karlo Broussard Wednesday, 2/21, 6pm The Chaplain Is In w/ Fr. Hugh Barbour, O. Praem. Friday, 2/23, 6pm The Church in the News w/ Matthew Bunson Friday, 2/23, 7pm The Presence Radio is your listener-supported Catholic radio FM in Greater Portland, 90.3 FM in Greater Bangor, 89.7 FM Mid-Coast, 89.5 FM Augusta, 97.5 Fort Kent, 1390AM Northern Maine, FM in Springvale & Sanford Listen online Download the free Presence Radio smartphone app or dial and listen on your cell phone or T-Mobile users dial

3 PARISH FINANCES Amount needed weekly to operate parish $ 3, Offertory 2/11/18 $ 2, WESHARE Online Giving 2/11/18 $ FEBRUARY OFFERTORY AS OF 2/11/18 $ 5, Capital Improvement 2/11/18 $ WHAT SHALL I BRING TO THE LORD, THE GOD OF HEAVEN, WHEN I COME TO WORSHIP HIM? - Micah 6:6 IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROGRAM PROTECTING GOD S CHILDREN In the interest of children s safety, we ask that children not be allowed to leave Mass to use the restrooms downstairs, unless they are accompanied by an adult. Because we are a public building, doors are required to be unlocked, allowing entrance to all. SECOND COLLECTION: Native American & Black Missions. This national collection returns $50,000 annually to the Diocese of Portland for direct ministry to the Native American reservations at St. Ann at Indian Island, St. Ann at Indian Township/Peter Dana Point, St. Ann at Perry/Pleasant Point, and for ministry with African immigrants at Sacred Heart/St. Dominic Parish and Cathedral Parish in Portland. PUBLIC BAKED BEAN SUPPER: Parishioners of Waterboro, East Waterboro, Newfield and West Newfield will host a public Baked Bean Supper in the parish hall this Saturday, Feb. 17th, from 4:30-6:00 p.m. Join us after Mass. MENU: Baked Beans, Ham, Hot Dogs, American Chop Suey, Cole Slaw, Assorted Casseroles, Bread, Beverage and Dessert. PRICE: Adults $8.00; Children 6-12 $3.00; Children 5 and under are free. FUNSHINE FAIR MEETING: The new Co-Chairs of the Funshine Committee would like to have a brief meeting with all of the team members about the upcoming fair. The meeting will be held on Sunday, February 18th after the 8AM Mass in the 2nd grade classroom. Questions? Please feel free to call the office OFFICE CLOSED: The office will be closed Monday, February 19 in observance of President s Day. WINGS Lenten Program: Will be meeting Tuesday, February 20 from 7-9 in the Kindergarten room. For more information please contact Debbie Wentworth by phone at or by at wentworth80@verizon.net KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS 4TH DEGREE: There will be a 3rd Degree Officers meeting at 6:30pm on Thursday, February 22. THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT Pastor s Pondering We have become accustomed to hearing that Lent is a journey, but a journey to what? The simple answer obviously is, to Easter. But what does that mean? One spiritual writer has categorized Lent as a journey from no to yes. On Ash Wednesday, we are signed with the ashes of last year s palms. They represent death, the dirtiness of sin, the betrayal of Christ by the crowds. We are marked as an acknowledgement of our participation in the sin of the world, our failures to follow the Lord and his ways. In other words, we are mindful of the ways that we have said no to God. When Easter comes, we are presented with the Living Waters of God s love. We are called to renew our baptismal promises, to say yes to the Lord and his ways. This is not the kind of journey where we dare place our lives on autopilot. We need to discern how to let go of our sins to embrace God s grace and blessing. Hopefully by now you have come up with a plan of sacrifice or service to make this a fruitful Lent. If not, here are some suggestions. Lessen the time spent watching television, surfing the internet, chatting nonstop on social media. Much of these activities endorse values that are against the Gospel, deaden our sensitivity to virtue and may cause us to buy things we don t need, engage in gossip and other sinful behavior. Flowing from this idea, make some time for spiritual reading. Try to read a book of the Gospels reflectively. Pick up a book from our reading racks, the library, or the FORMED website. (go to use parish code Y9ZJTP to set up an account free.) Try to do something for those in need. Since I am one of the few people that I know who still use cash regularly, I throw my daily change into a rice bowl or another container to be given to a charity. If I am fasting from something specific, I use the money I would have spent on that in the same way. Finally, consider being a bringer of peace. Spend some more intentional time as family; reach out to someone who may be alienated from you; actively look for a way to help someone who is going through a tough time. I sometimes remind myself of this by renaming the Fridays of Lent Fr. Phil Fridays. This encourages me to focus on this day as a time to engage in the work of peace, wherever that can be found. How will you move from your specific no s in life to a vibrant YES this Easter? I am still trying to finalize some dates to have discussions on Mathew Kelly s book, Perfectly Yourself. If some parishioners would like to have some conversation about the book or ask questions via , please feel free to do that also. I hope to have specific days, times and places by next week s bulletin. LENTEN PROGRAM: Saying Yes: What is God s Will for Me? This is the focus of the new DVD series we are offering for Lent, which features Father Albert Haase, O.F.M., a scholar of Christian spirituality and spiritual mentor to hundreds. It is a follow-up to Father Haase s Catching Fire, Becoming Flame (Lent, 2014) and Keeping the Fire Alive (Lent, 2017). Sessions will be held in the Parish Hall on Thursdays, from 8:45 to 10:15 A.M. All are welcome to come to one or more sessions. Sign-up in the Narthex or contact Deacon Paul at As you may have gathered, I am an avid reader and learner of many things. If you have read something, listened to a talk or podcast, or in general experienced some form of media that has strengthened your faith, answered your questions, or stimulated your response to the Lord, please feel free to share them with me. In addition to my personal edification, it may be that I can be a conduit to share these resources with others. February 15 February 22 March 1 March 8 March 15 March 22 Session 1 - God s Dream of the Kingdom Session 2 - Ten Attitudes of Discernment Session 3 - Listening: The Heart of Discernment Session 4 - A Discerning Lifestyle Session 5 - Discerning the Designs of the Devil Session 6 - Wrestling with God THE SANFORD KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS will be holding their annual free throw championship On Feb.25th at St. Ignatius gym. Registration will start at 11:00 a.m., competition will start at noon, followed by awards to all winners, with the day ending with pizza and refreshments for all. All children between the ages of 9 to 14 are welcomed to participate.

4 FEBRUARY 18, 2018 Rachel s Vineyard Retreat in Southern Maine (April 27-29) It is normal to grieve a pregnancy loss, including the loss of a child by abortion, and it is okay not to feel okay about an abortion. Come to a Rachel s Vineyard Retreat on April whether you are the mother, father, or relative of the baby. You ll have a private room for two nights and join a handful of others who also want to move beyond the pain. Come experience, through Scripture, God s profound mercy. Preregistration is needed. For general information, visit projectrachel and To discuss r e g i s t r a t i o n, c o n t a c t A n n e t t e R i o u x a t annette.rioux@portlanddiocese.org or Judy Shaw at jude23@outlook.com. STATIONS OF THE CROSS BENEDICTION SOUP AND BREAD SCHEDULE The Worship & Spirituality Commission will again sponsor Soup and Bread in the Parish Hall, following Stations of the Cross and Benediction, at 6:00 P.M. on Fridays in Lent, according to following schedule: Feb. 23 March 2 March 9 March 16 March 23 March 23 Stations*, followed by Soup and Bread conducted by members of WINGS (Women in God s Spirit). *Note NO Benediction Stations at 3:00 P.M. - No meal. Good Friday Liturgy in the Evening at 7:00 P.M. THE SEASON OF LENT Lent goes until the evening Mass of the Lord's Supper on Holy Thursday, March 29, Fast & Abstinence Ash Wednesday & Good Friday - Both February 14, 2018, and March 30, 2018, are days of fast and abstinence (from meat) in the universal Church. Every Friday of Lent - All Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence (from meat) in the Church in the United States. The Law of Abstinence - Binds Catholics aged 14 and older. The Law of Fasting - Binds Catholics aged 18 and over, until the beginning of their 60th year (through age 59). Easter Duty Easter Duty - In the dioceses of the United States, the obligation to receive Holy Communion at least once a year may be satisfied from the First Sunday of Lent (February 17/18) to Most Holy Trinity Sunday (May 26/27). For a just cause, the Easter duty may be fulfilled at some other time of the year (Canon 920).

5 FEBRUARY 18, 2018 Grades K - 8 Feb. 18 No Class Feb. 25 No Class Grade 9-12 Feb. 18 No Session Feb. 25 Session 6:00-7:30 pm PLEASE HELP SUPPORT OUR FOOD PANTRY St. Matthew Food Pantry is always need of a few items they have a hard time purchasing from Good Shepherd. Would you be willing to donate these items? A collection container can be found in the Narthex. Coffee & Tea Soups Jelly & Jams Spaghetti Sauce Plastic & paper bags are also needed for the Food Pantry. You may leave them in the narthex. THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!! **Serving residents of Limerick, Newfield, Parsonsfield or parishioners. SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FR. RICHARD A. NADEAU SCHOLARSHIP: This scholarship was established in honor of our former Pastor, Father Richard Nadeau, to help pay for education in Catholic secondary schools for deserving members of St. Matthew Parish. It is an award given annually and made in the form of a check sent directly to the Catholic secondary school attended. Application forms are available in the parish office and are due back no later than March 15, THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS announces an annual $2, scholarship to be awarded to provide financial assistance Saint Matthew's parish students attending parochial high school, secondary trade school, or undergraduate college. The objective of this scholarship is to provide financial assistance to the student who works to the best of his/her academic ability and is involved in supporting school, church, and community activities. Application forms are available in the church office or the Narthex and will be accepted until April 1st.