March 25, 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. Holy Week Schedule Chrism Mass Tuesday, March 27 11:30am (Cathedral of St. Jude) Holy Thursday/Mass of the Lord s Supper March 29 7:00pm, Adoration after Mass Good Friday, March 30 3:00pm Veneration of the Cross 7:00pm Living Stations of the Cross Holy Saturday, March 31 Blessing of the Easter Foods 10:00am Solemn Easter Vigil Mass 8:00pm Easter Sunday/The Resurrection of the Lord Masses: April 1 7:00am - Weather permitting Sunrise Mass at the St. James Prayer Pavilion, (remember to bring your lawn chairs) 9:00am and 11:00am (in the church) Notations: No 8:30am Masses on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday No 4:00pm Vigil Mass Holy Saturday Pastor Very Reverend Thomas J. Anastasia, V.F. Priest Assisting Rev. James Bucaria Rev. Terry Fleming Rev. Paul McLaughlin 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 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 Registrations are available in the church for the Light of the World Retreat. Retreat Weekend April 6-9, 2018.
St. Matthew Catholic Church Pastor s Column Dear Friends in Christ, 3/25/18 In Jesus' day, the Passover was as much a time of civil unrest as it was a religious festival. Passover was the annual celebration that recalled how the Jewish people, when they were in slavery in Egypt, were helped by God to break free from their oppressors. At the time of Jesus, the Jewish people were enslaved by the Roman Empire. Historians say that riots would break out in the streets of Jerusalem during the Passover. And for that reason, the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, made it a practice to move an extra battalion of soldiers into Jerusalem just before Passover to keep the peace until the festival was over. Pilate himself would lead the march from Caesarea, fifty miles to the west. It was political theatre at its best. A staged display of Rome's power designed to send a message to the restless crowds of religious pilgrims. Jesus must have known about Pilate coming into town to intimidate the children of God during Passover. So he carefully planned and staged a parade of his own. A counter-demonstration. Pilate would be riding a war horse; that's what bullies do. So Jesus, remembering the words of the prophet Zechariah, rode into town on the colt of a donkey. Because that's what peacemakers do. Pilate would come from the West with a battalion of soldiers, raised swords in their hands. That's why Jesus came into town from the East with a bunch of helpless peasants, armed only with tree branches. As Jesus rode into the city, he was presenting an alternative to everything Pilate and Rome represented - wealth, violence, power, and privilege; a system that favored the rich and well-connected at the expense of the poor and marginalized. The words and actions of Jesus on Palm/Passion Sunday make it very clear that the faith that bears His name is not supposed to be "just a spiritual thing" that happens in an individual's heart. It must be a social and yes a political thing that happens in the heart of the community. This Monday we begin our Holy Week with a celebration of a Seder at 6:30pm. Come, see and experience something of the historical roots of our faith. On Tuesday the annual celebration of the Chrism Mass will take place at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle at 11:30am. Spy Wednesday is a dark day when Jesus was betrayed by Judas in the liturgical readings this week. The office will be closed on Holy Thursday and Good Friday. We begin the Triduum on Holy Thursday at 7pm with the Evening Mass of the Lord s Supper including the washing of Feet. If the weather is nice enough we will again process with the Blessed Sacrament to the Altar of Repose set up in St. James Prayer Pavilion. The second part of the three part liturgy takes place on Good Friday at 3pm with the Veneration of the Cross. The reading of the Passion according to St. John and yes, the reception of Holy Communion will take place at this liturgy even though it remains the only day of the year where Mass is forbidden. The mother of all vigils, the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday, will begin with the new fire at 8:00pm in St. James Prayer Pavilion. This joyous and glorious celebration of Easter is where we will welcome our Elect as fully initiated Catholics and members of our Parish Family. Again weather permitting; our Sunrise Mass on Easter Sunday next weekend will begin at 7am, right around civil twilight. The 9am and 11am Masses on Easter Sunday will probably be well attended so please be good ministers of hospitality and gracious hosts for visitors and seekers alike. Readings March 25-April 1 Sunday, March 25 Palm Sunday Mk 11:1-10 or Jn 12:12-16 Is 50:4-7 Phil 2:6-11 Mk 14:1 15:1-39 Monday, March 26 Is 42:1-7 Jn 12:1-11 Tuesday, March 27 Is 49:1-6 Jn 13:21-33, 36-38 Wednesday, March 28 Is 50:4-9a Mt 26:14-25 Thursday, March 29 Holy Thursday Ex 12:1-8, 11-14 1 Cor 11:23-26 Jn 13:1-15 Friday, March 30 Good Friday Is 52:13 53:12 Heb 4:14-16, 5:7-9 Jn 18:1 19:42 Saturday, March 31 Holy Saturday Vigil: Gn 1:1 2:2 or 1:1, 26-31a; Gn 22:1-18 or 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18 Ex 14:15 15:1; Is 54:5-14 Is 55:1-11; Bar 3:9-15, 32 4:4; Ez 36:16-17a, 18-28; Rom 6:3-11 Mk 16:1-7 Sunday, April 1 Easter Acts 10:34a, 37-43 Col 3:1-4 or 1 Cor 5:6b-8 Jn 20:1-9 or Mk 16:1-7 Peace in Christ, Fr. Tom J. Anastasia, Pastor
Palm Sunday of the Lord s Passion Mass Intentions Sunday, March 25 7:30am People of the Parish 9:00am Charles Chuck Henry 11:00am Seth Robert Bremer Monday, March 26 8:30am Beatrice Bugeja and Special Intentions of Joseph Bugeja Tuesday, March 27 8:30am Special Intentions of Rebecca Ritch Wednesday, March 28 8:30am Mary Holcumb Thursday, March 29 Holy Thursday 7:00pm Mass of the Lords Supper Friday, March 30 Good Friday 3:00pm Veneration of the Cross 7:00pm Stations of the Cross Saturday, March 31 10:00am Blessing of the Easter Food 8:00pm Easter Vigil *Fr. Tom Anastasia Sunday, April 1 Easter 7:00am People of the Parish *Fr. Tom Anastasia 9:00am Mary Holcumb *Fr. Terry Fleming 11:00am Paul Knupke, Jr. and Members of the Knupke and Kinder Families *Fr. Tom Anastasia *Priest schedule subject to change. The Deacon s Corner Many of us have been praying the Stations of the Cross throughout Lent and you can t help but feeling that you are right in the middle of each station, living, participating and actively interacting with Christ at each station. For some Catholics Lent would not be Lent without participating in the Stations of the Cross. It is our way of encountering Jesus. I wonder when we come up to the altar to receive Christ do we really believe we are encountering the living Christ. Do we believe that the Eucharist is alive? Do our personal actions, as we approach the altar reflect our encounter with Jesus Christ, true God and true man? Here is a reflection we all could use as we personally reflect on our relationship with Christ. Ask Yourself I wonder how many times have I forgotten that the Eucharist is the real presence of Jesus. I ask myself if I realize as I receive Christ that I am the one who is being received into the loving arms of Jesus. I need to ask if I embrace you Lord or am going through the motions, being preoccupied with myself and what I will be doing the rest of the day? As Lent is coming to a close, I can t help but ask myself (ask yourself) some hard questions including how many times when receiving the Eucharist do I receive you without any recognition of your love? Do I take for granted your love, your sacrifice, your precious gift to me? Do I realize you are alive and walking with me throughout my daily life? ( Not only the best of times but also when we are experience the worst of times) When Holy Thursday and Good Friday comes this year will I be not only be able but also eager and willing to stay awake in prayer with you as you surrender yourself for the love of me? Peace & Blessing, Deac T The Blessing of Easter Baskets Holy Saturday at 10:00am Everyone is invited to experience this cherished Catholic ritual. Bring your decorated baskets full food to church to be blessed. This is a great way to share your faith with your children. The Feast of Divine Mercy will be observed and celebrated on Sunday, April 8, 2018. The celebration will begin at 3:00 pm with Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament and praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet. All are invited to attend and participate in this event. "If you are what you are meant to be, you will set the world on fire." ~St. Catherine of Siena
www.stmat.org 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. March 17-18, 2017 Offertory Totals Envelopes $4,892.00 Loose Donations $3,228.91 Online Giving $2,352.50 Total $10,473.41 Debt Reduction Envelopes $959.00 Loose Donations $533.32 Online Giving $ 60.00 Total $1,552.32 Project Hunger 403 Pounds Our God is a Generous God! Thank You for your generosity in supporting the mission and ministries of our parish community. Thank You for Supporting Our Parish Annual Pastoral Appeal as of March 15, 2018 Goal $104,520.00 Pledged $ 60,787.00 Paid $ 34,156.10 Renewing Parish Life through Love, Service and Generosity! Pilate again said to them, Then what shall I do with the man whom you call the King of the Jews? And they cried out again, Crucify him. MARK 15:12-13 Jesus told us whatever you do for the least of my brothers, you do for me. Every day we can choose to help or harm someone. Every day we have opportunities to help someone. Every day we can share kindness with someone. Every day we have the opportunity to see the face of Jesus in others and be the face of Jesus to others. Pray every day for the strength and courage to stand up for those in need of our help. Lenten Reflection on Life: Lent is a season in which we prepare to celebrate Christ s total victory over death, and our share in his life by baptism. Death was not part of God s original plan for us. Scripture says that God created all things that they may have life, and that he does not rejoice in the destruction of the living. Standing with Christ in his new life, means standing against whatever destroys life.
March 25th, 2018
www.stmat.org St. Vincent de Paul Today is Palm Sunday and the beginning of the holiest of Christian weeks. Let us pray for the grace to take up our own cross and to follow Jesus through death to new life. During Lent, through our gifts, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul were able to bring the mercy of Jesus into the hearts of the poor. Thank you! The Marriage Minute Building Stronger Christian Marriages In marriage, we are called to lay down our lives for one another. We are called to follow our Lord, Jesus, uniting our daily disappointments and sufferings with His. One way couples can view and pray this in their daily lives and view the shadows of our Lord s 14 steps (the stations). He laid down His life for us. Are we not called to do the same for our spouse and family? Remember. Marriage takes Three! Sunday, March 25 8:00am Car Wash Monday, March 26 6:30pm Seder Dinner 6:30pm Knights of Columbus Tuesday, March 27 9:00am Miraculous Medal Novena 9:30am Merciful Love 11:30am Chrism Mass Cathedral 7:00pm LOTW Meeting Wednesday, March 28 9:00am Faith Share 9:30am LOTW Meeting 7:00pm Centering Prayer Thursday, March 29 Parish Office Closed Holy Thursday 7:00pm Mass of the Lord s Supper/Adoration Friday, March 30 Parish Office Closed Good Friday 3:00pm Veneration of the Cross 7:00pm Living Stations Saturday, March 31 Holy Saturday 8:00pm Easter Vigil Sunday, April 1 Easter 7:00am Sunrise Mass 9:00am Mass 11:00am Mass Prayer: Lord, in this Lenten season, strengthen and renew our commitment to be the People of Life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 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. 03/26 Michael Orajaka, Seminarian 03/27 Rev. Steve Pujdak, SCJ 03/28 For Vocations to the Priesthood & Religious Life 03/29 Stephen Eschenfelder, Seminarian 03/30 Rev. Joseph J. Braun, Mafr 03/31 Rev. Msgr. Colman N. Cooke 04/01 Easter! These are the names of the active priests and seminarians in our Diocese. Remember our Bishop has designated Wednesdays as Diocesan Day of Prayer for Vocations. Please continue to pray that more young people will hear and answer God s call to the Priesthood and Religious Life. Blood Donor Honor Roll Amy Johnson Dennis Gehringer Gregory Knupke-Coe James Dodson Joseph LaFrazia Lauren McGuinness Marissa Miranda Nicole Cook Paula Raspopovich Susan Serota Verna Zimmerman Zara Meadows Clarence Leger Dennis Homa Helen McCabe James Murray Karen Slinker Man Tran Michael Thompson Paul Knupke Roger Wolf Thuhuong Nguyen Veronica Dennis 33 Days to Morning Glory Group Retreat starts March 29th at 9am in the Trinity Room. We will meet once a week for 6 weeks in preparation for the May 6th Marian consecration by Bishop Parks. Please see the sign up sheets at the entrances.
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 Sunday 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 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 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 727-399-2306 or jvalori@tampabay.rr.com if you have any questions. WOMEN S CLUB: 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. 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. Welcome to St. Matthew! Pilgrimage To The Holy Land 10 Days: November 6-15, 2018 Visiting Haifa Tiberias Nazareth Bethlehem Jerusalem Hosted by Fr. Tom Anastasia $3,699 from Miami or Tampa (Air/land tour price is $2,999 plus $700 government taxes/airline surcharges.) For a brochure & more information contact: Fr. Tom Anastasia, 727-393-1288 or email godrays@stmat.org Walk in the footsteps of Jesus! Parish Staff Pastor: Very Rev. Tom Anastasia, V.F. (ext. 205) Deacon: Deacon Tony Quattrocki (ext. 203) Deacon.Tony@stmat.org Evangelization & Lifelong Faith Formation: Phil Coit (ext. 204) Youth Ministries: Lisa Limberger Music Ministry: Chantal Ward (ext. 202) Parish Secretary: Anne Koster (ext. 201) Sacristan: