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

March 17, 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. Saint Patrick and Saint Joseph Viva San Giuseppe! Everyone is invited, not just Italian descendants, to come and experience our St. Joseph Altar. Please join us immediately after the 11:00am Mass, today Sunday, March 17 th in Bethany Hall. See inside for more details! Pastor Very Reverend Thomas J. Anastasia, V.F. Priests Assisting this week: Rev. James Bucaria Rev. Tony Fortunato 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 9111 90th Avenue North Largo, FL 33777 Phone (727) 393-1288 Fax (727) 398-2683 Website www.stmat.org E-Mail: Info@stmat.org Parish Office Hours Monday-Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm Friday 9:00am-12:00pm

Pastor s Column 3/17/19 Dear Friends in Christ, Simon Peter recognized that It is good for us to be here! If you are reading this, there s a good chance that your Spiritual journey is such that you too recognize that it is good for us to be here. When we come to our parish of St. Matthew we should recognize it as our spiritual home, a place where we come to celebrate the Sacraments of the Church, maybe we even have our regular seats in the church as we human beings tend to be creatures of habit, we have a comfort zone and we like to stay in that comfort zone. Lent calls us to move beyond our comfort zone. Peter wanted to make three tents to honor our Lord, Moses, and Elijah but the Scriptures say that he didn t know what he was talking about. Even when Peter gets it wrong, you have to admire his enthusiasm. Moving from Tabor to Calvary was not a trip that Peter wanted to take but it was necessary for him so that he could truly experience the afterglow of the resurrection. This weekend we will have the opportunity to experience our third annual St. Joseph s table. The Solemnity of St. Joseph falls during Lent every year and the Italian neighborhoods that were a part of my experience and Deacon Tony s experience growing up Catholic typically had strong devotions to the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph. As a 50% Irish, 50% Italian, 100% American Catholic I kind of like what they do at the Seminary with their Joe Patty Festival where both Ethnicities are recognized while they raise money for the school with a high end fund raising dinner. When I expressed concerns to my 100% Irish classmate Msgr. Michael Carruthers that we re celebrating St. Joseph s Table on St. Patrick s Day, he said that the Irish won t mind as long as there s a party. Nevertheless, what was started here three years ago on St. Joseph s Day was amazing and I am so happy that Deacon Tony has brought this wonderful and truly blessed opportunity for our family of faith to life. While it is Good for us to be here we are on a pilgrimage during this season of Lent to grow in our faith and in our relationship with our LORD. The many people who came to meet Bishop Parkes last week at the Cathedral for the Rite of Election were encouraged to not let their faith stay as a seedling. Lent makes room for Prayer Fasting and Almsgiving. Justice Ministry Network Members of St. Matthew who work with FAST are reminded that we have the Annual Rally tomorrow night, Monday March 18 th at 7pm at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church. I hope to see you all there. The prayer experience that we had last week with images from Catholic Relief Service inspired me to offer a traditional 40 hours of Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament with the specific purpose of praying for the fruitfulness of our Annual Nehemiah Action Assembly. The 40 Hours of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament will take place following the Lenten Soup Supper on Friday April 5 th and set up in the library with at least two committed prayer partners every hour signed up to keep vigil with the LORD till the conclusion with benediction in the church at the conclusion of the 11am Mass on Sunday April 7 th. Sign up soon! Peace in Christ, Fr. Tom J. Anastasia Pastor Readings for the week March 17-24, 2019 Sunday, March 17 Second Sunday of Lent Gn 15:5-12, 17-18 Phil 3:17-4:1 or 3:20-4:1 Lk 9:28b-36 Monday, March 18 Dn 9:4b-10 Lk 6:36-38 Tuesday, March 19 St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary 2 Sm 7:4a-5, 12-14a, 16 Rom 4:13, 16-18 Mt 1:16, 18-21 or Lk 2:41-51a Wednesday, March 20 Jer 18:18-20 Mt 20:17-28 Thursday, March 21 Jer 17:5-10 Lk 16:19-31 Friday, March 22 Gn 37:3-4,2-13a,7b-28a Mt 21:33-43, 45-46 Saturday, March 23 Mi 7:14-15, 18-20 Lk 15:1-3, 11-32 Sunday, March 24 Third Sunday of Lent Ex 3:1-8a, 13-15 1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12 Lk 13:1-9 OUR LENTEN PRAYER Adapted from Matthew Kelly s book, The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity Lord, please, I beg you, never let me forget that holiness is possible, and give me the grace and courage to go out into the world and create with you as many Holy Moments as possible. Amen.

The Second Week of Lent The Deacon s Corner As we continue our Lenten experience and focus inwardly, we should keep in mind that our journey is a lifelong adventure. We sometimes try and accomplish too much in a short period of time and when we fail or don t accomplish all we imagine we can do, we get discouraged or apathetic to every try again. Mass Intentions Saturday, March 16 4:00pm Barry Newsome Sunday, March 17 7:30am People of the Parish 9:00am John Gaio 11:00am Sean Thomas Conroy Monday, March 18 8:30am Special Intentions of Helen McCabe Tuesday, March 19 8:30am Wednesday, March 20 8:30am Thursday, March 21 8:30am Dcn Tony Kijonka Friday, March 22 8:30am Paul Coe 6:00pm Stations of the Cross Saturday, March 23 8:30am Special Intentions of Bob Safransky 4:00pm Linda Burke Sunday, March 24 7:30am People of the Parish 9:00am Dcn Tony Kijonka 11:00am Edward Matyka *Fr. Terry Fleming *Priest schedule subject to change. God Bless Our Troops! The path we take started with one simple step; then another and another. Before long, we will go a great distance but it will take time, patience and great effort. Our life paths are all different for each of us but the final destination will be the same. We all return from where it all began. We all return to the Creator. We are all Hobo s. We are ALL HOmeward BOund. Remember that we all struggle to do the will of God. That is why we need to focus on the life of Jesus. He too, had to struggle to do the will of His Father. His victory was no easy one. It was achieved through prayer, fasting, and reflection on and obedience to the Word of God. The Holy Spirit was with Jesus during his struggle. And he is with us too in our struggles. It is a great consolation to know that God is not outside our struggle, but is with us during it. As our journey continues, Stay on the Path Keep taking one step at a time. Let s travel together, assisting and supporting each other on the way home. We are a gifted people, a gifted church. Peace & Blessing, 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. 03/18 Rev. Jose Tejada 03/19 Israel Hernandez, Seminarian 03/20 For Vocations to the Priesthood & Religious Life 03/21 Rev. Damin V. Amantia, TOR 03/22 Rev. David T. DeJulio 03/23 Rev. Carl J. Melchior 03/24 Rev. William J. Swengros Viva San Giuseppe! Sample Spaghetti with Milanese Sauce, Breads, Salad, Desserts, Coffee, Tea, Lemonade. Learn some facts about the patron saint of the Catholic Church Freewill Donations Encouraged All proceeds will be donated to our Outreach Ministry

www.stmat.org 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. March 9-10, 2019 Offertory Totals Envelopes $ 5,164.35 Loose Donations $ 3,464.75 Online Giving & 2,275.50 Total $ 10,904.60 Ash Wednesday Envelopes $ 1,104.35 Loose Donations $ 1,131.00 Total $ 2,235.35 Thank You for Supporting Our Parish 2019 Annual Pastoral Appeal March 11, 2019 Goal $107,613.00 Pledged $ 35,930.00 * Paid $ 13,814.55 *Pledges are from 122 of our 657 families. Thank you! The Marriage Minute Building Stronger Christian Marriages St Matthew Married Couples, have you resolved to pray together during Lent? End each evening by praying together, thanking God for your spouse and the blessings of the day. Remember. Marriage takes Three! 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. Email 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 Lent is a call not just to give up something but more important to give something for the poor. Wherever you live in the 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. Is there a family you know living within our parish boundaries who needs assistance? Please call the Society of St. Vincent de Paul so that together we can help the suffering and poor. Thank you for your prayers! I m 6 months old now. I just opened my eyes- Before today they were sealed shut for protection. I wonder what you look like. I can hear sounds, too! It s great to have someone praying for me. St Matthew Spiritual Adoption Parents We are now at the end of the second trimester! Your spiritually adopted baby now weighs almost two pounds. She sits up straight now to accommodate her internal organs which have moved into their final place in her little body. Babies born prematurely at this time have a very good chance of surviving. Please keep up your prayers! 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 19th @ 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.

March 17, 2019 Fridays in Lent at 6:00pm 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 22 March 29 April 5 April 12 Women s Ministry St. Vincent de Paul Knights of Columbus Seasons

www.stmat.org This Week... Sunday, March 17 Debt Reduction Collection Blood Drive 9:15am Youth Ministry 12:15pm RCIA 12:15pm Confirmation Learning Sessions 12:15pm St Joseph s Table Monday, March 18 F.A.S.T. Rally 6:30pm Knights of Columbus Officers Meeting 6:50pm SEASONS Tuesday, March 19 9:00am Miraculous Medal Novena 7:00pm Women s Ministry 7:00pm Prayer Shawl Wednesday, March 20 9:00am Faith Share 9:30am Griefshare 9:30am LOTW 7:00pm Centering Prayer Thursday, March 21 6:00pm Band 6:30pm Adult Programs 7:20pm Choir Friday, March 22 9:00am Divine Mercy Chaplet 6:00pm Stations of the Cross Soup Supper Saturday, March 23 9:00am Lenten Series #3 9:00am First Reconciliation Workshop Sunday, March 24 9:15am Youth Ministry 9:30am Children s Faith Formation 12:15pm RCIA St. Matthew s Griefshare program meets Wednesday mornings, 9:30-11:30am, in Trinity Hall. For information please email Dr. Lori Puterbaugh at drloriputerbaugh@earthlink.net or call at 727-559-0863. PLEASE DONATE BLOOD TODAY! Please share the very best that s in you by donating blood on the Big Red Bus in front of St. Matthew Church before 1 pm today. All donors will receive a special St. Patrick s Day T-shirt and a wellness check-up of blood pressure, pulse, temperature and iron count, including a cholesterol screening, plus the chance to save lives and families!! We would like to extend a hearty welcome to those who have recently moved to our parish. We certainly hope you feel at home. We consider our parish community as a Family of Faithful Friends. You are encouraged to register and to participate in our ministries, Pick up a Welcome Folder or talk to one of our Hospitality ministers. If you were involved in a ministry in your previous parish, why not continue that ministry here at Matthew s? We can always use another Minister of Hospitality, Eucharistic Minister, or Catechist! If you are a member of the Knights of Columbus or your parish Women s Ministry, join us! If you are interested in starting a new ministry, let us know! Don t hesitate to become involved, you will be glad you did! Again, Welcome to the Family of St Matthew s! Fr. Tom & Deacon Tony

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) 393-1288. 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) 393-1288, ext. 204. SACRAMENTS FOR TEENS: CONFIRMATION for baptized teens wanting to complete their Sacraments. Please contact Youth Ministry, Faith Formation at (727) 393-1288, ext. SACRAMENTS FOR CHILDREN: First Communion and Reconciliation for baptized children ages 7 and older. Please contact the Office of Faith Formation at (727) 393-1288, ext. 204. 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 727-418-4071. ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY: Assistance to the needy. Calls are monitored and returned daily. Phone 592-1960. 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 727-399-2306 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) 345-3452 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 www.stmat.org. 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) 393-1288 Email: 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