September 30, 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. Pastor Mass Times St. Matthew Catholic Church Very Reverend Thomas J. Anastasia, V.F. Saturday Vigil: 4:00pm Sunday:7:30am, 9:00am and 11:00am Priest Assisting Rev. James Bucaria Rev. Terry Fleming Rev. Paul McLaughlin Deacons Deacon Tony Quattrocki Deacon Anthony Kijonka - Retired Holy Days: Will be announced Monday Saturday 8:30am Rosary: Monday Saturday 8:00am 9111 90th Avenue North Largo, FL 33777 Phone (727) 393-1288 Fax (727) 398-2683 Website www.stmat.org E-Mail: Info@stmat.org Sacrament of Penance Saturdays 3:00pm 3:45pm or by appointment through the parish office. Parish Office Hours Monday-Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm Friday 9:00am-12:00pm
Pastor s Column Dear Friends in Christ, 9/30/18 Lately I have been doing a lot of catch up on a TV documentary series that has caught my attention. Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath presented on the A & E channel has been a real eye-opener on the damage and devastation that cults in general and Scientology in particular reap. When I mentioned that I was watching this series to the chair of our Parish Pastoral Council, she told me that Leah Remini had Catholic roots. That was a surprise because in the series she presents herself as growing up Scientologist. When I did a little investigation I discovered that she was 9 when her mother joined Scientology and brought her along. She mentions in the show that she felt like she had failed Scientology because she was not able to get Kevin James, a practicing Catholic and the star of King of Queens into Scientology. He simply was not interested. The gospel for this weekend presents for us a scenario that is relatively common in our pluralistic world with many groups calling themselves Christian. Jesus advise whoever is not against us is for us. Although you can find extremes everywhere, the experiences I have had within our Catholic Church have lead me to the conclusion that most of us Catholics take a live and let live approach to our faith which is reflected in today s gospel. The challenge is that the gospel quickly goes on to warn us about being too passive when it comes to allowing sin to wreak havoc on the lives of little ones. Perhaps the havoc wreaked in the Remini family because of the evils of Scientology might have been averted if a more zealous Catholic had been around when Leah was a child. Then again, without her painful journey, she would not be in a position now to do the work she is doing to shed light on an organization which might come tumbling down because of her efforts. Having a passion to root out evil and shine the light of faith where there is no hope is where our Christian gospel comes in to play. Our secular world is in such great need of Catholics that are not afraid to speak the truth and not shy away because of the human weaknesses of a few within a Church that is guided by the Holy Spirit. We sinners are all called to be saints and on days when we are faithful to our baptismal calling, we are in fact leading lives that are more like the lives of the saints than those of sinners. A book by Matthew Kelly that I am considering for this year s Christmas gift, titled The Biggest Lie in the History of Christianity points out that we too often do not believe that we can be holy. The saints themselves in many cases did not set out to be saints. They simply experienced a deeper relationship with God through Jesus and in some cases with a devotion to Mary as they matured in the Spiritual life. The sinfulness of our founding fathers when all save John the beloved abandoned our Lord in His hour of need is well documented. The sinfulness of human institutions is a reality but what gives us hope is that our God has chosen us frail human beings to rise above all of that and with His grace to share Christ s light with the world. This week all of the priests on active duty will be at the Annual Convocation with Bishop Parkes at the Bethany Center in Lutz. Our theme this year is Church of Today, Hope of Tomorrow: 21 st Century Youth Ministry with Mark Hart (Exec. VP of Life Teen) and Joel Stepanik (Dir. of Resource Dvlpmt Life Teen) as the keynote speakers. It s a blessing to have this topic as our Diocesan Vision Courageously Living the Gospel has a major emphasis on Youth and Young Adult Ministry. We begin our third Light of the World Evangelization Ministry Retreat next weekend. If you are not yet registered it might be too late so please pray for the participants and the team and make sure you can make the next one. Readings for the week September 30 October 7, 2018 Sunday, September 30 Twenty Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Nm 11:25-29 Jas 5:1-6 Mk 9:38-43, 45, 47-48 Monday, October 1 Jb 1:6-22 Lk 9:46-50 Tuesday, October 2 Jb 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23 Mt 18:1-5, 10 Wednesday, October 3 Jb 9:1-12, 14-16 Lk 9:57-62 Thursday, October 4 Jb 19:21-27 Lk 10:1-12 Friday, October 5 Jb 38:1, 12-21, 40:3-5 Lk 10:13-16 Saturday, October 6 Jb 42:1-3, 5-6, 12-17 Lk 10:17-24 Sunday, October 7 Twenty Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Gn 2:18-24 Heb 2:9-11 Mk 10:2-16 or 10:2-12 Peace in Christ, Fr. Tom J. Anastasia, Pastor God Bless Our Troops!
Twenty-Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time Mass Intentions Sunday, September 23 7:30am José Frederico Martinez 9:00am Cathy Schwartz 11:00am Living and Deceased Members of the Joseph Ritch Family Monday, October 1 8:30am Special Intentions of Jeanne & Joe Gigli Tuesday, October 2 8:30am Concepcion Rosario Antonia Hernandez Wednesday, October 3 8:30am Priests of the Diocese of St. Petersburg Thursday, October 4 8:30am Liv. & Deceased Members of the Oakley and Quattrocki Family Friday, October 5 8:30am Ronald Kearney Saturday, October 6 8:30am Rosalyn Kramer 4:00pm Bell, Medeiros, Caton, & Borges Families Fr. Tom Anastasia Sunday, October 7 7:30am People of the Parish Fr. Tom Anastasia 9:00am Mary Lou Gibson Fr. Tom Kirchhoefer 11:00am Eduardo Maisonet Fr. Tom Anastasia *Priest schedule subject to change. The Deacon s Corner My mother, use to tell me to Anthony, stop procrastinating! Over the years, I have taken her advice to heart, stayed focused and tried to accomplish all the tasks at hand. My family members might think otherwise but all of us work at our own pace and the jobs at hand, eventually get done. I believe most of us seem to elevate in doing the things we want to do or have interest in doing. Then, after all the excuses, internal debating, compromises we eventually do come around and focus on the other jobs in front of us. Sometime when those tasks are completed we have more pride and sense of accomplishment then in the jobs that interested us from the start. As Baptized Catholics, Courageously Living the Gospel is our life-long task and for many of us we will try to ignore, procrastinate, debate or hope we can get through life without trying to accomplish this task. However, we are commissioned by Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior to love the Lord your God and to love your neighbor as yourself. This command includes both Faith and Deeds, acted out in Love. It is not always easy to love as Christ shows us in the Gospel but don t be discouraged, There is Hope. You don t have to do this all by yourself. Our parish has been blessed with parishioners who have come together as support ministries and have taken steps to share their love of God by sharing their time, talent and resources with others. They are the beaming examples who have enriched the lives of many who live on the peripheries of society who need assistance so they may live in ways which reflect their full human dignity as God s children. The exemplary work done by many of our parishioners, (either those interacting with residence or those who contribute both funds and prayers) deserves our respect and should be encouraging to all of us to be Christ for others. Serving those in need has always been a Catholic tradition and our Catholic Social Teachings proclaims the truth contained in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We should all strive to become Catholic Social Witnesses by living lives rooted in Jesus Christ. We are forming a ministry team that will focus on educating, motivating and activating the spirit within all of us to courageously embrace the Gospel challenges to become Christian witnesses in our society. If the issues of Peace, Life Issues, Environment, Justice and Human Dignity are important to you or you want to know more than please mark your calendar and attend our next meeting of St Matthew s Dignity for Life and Social Justice Concerns on Tuesday, October 9 th at 6:45pm. Listen to my mother, Stop Procrastinating! BEE BOLD. BEE CATHOLIC. INVOLVED! 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. 10/01 Rev. Kyle Bell 10/02 Rev. José George 10/03 For Vocations to the Priesthood & Religious Life 10/04 Rev. James Johnson 10/05 Rev. Thomas Morgan 10/06 Rev. Msgr. Robert F. Morris 10/07 Bishop Gregory L. Parkes
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. September 22-23, 2018 Offertory Totals Envelopes $ 3,400.50 Loose Donations $ 1,967.70 Online Giving $ 1,909.50 Total $ 7,277.70 Thank You for Supporting Our Parish Annual Pastoral Appeal as of September 21, 2018 Goal $104,520.00 Pledged $ 80,090.00* Paid $ 72,727.80 *Pledges are from 272 of our 643 families. Thank you! Kimberly Home Pregnancy Resource Center Get your Baby Bottle today and start saving your loose change throughout October. Each cent donated will help the Kimberly Home provide helping services to mommies and their babies. Saving one life at a time. Sponsored by... St Matthew Dignity for Life and Justice Concerns Ministry. October 5, 6, 7, 8 Sign up at www.stmat.org! We appreciate you! St. Vincent de Paul In today s gospel Jesus tells his disciples: Anyone who gives you a drink of water because you belong to Christ will not, I assure you, go without his reward. On September 27, the Church celebrated the feast of St. Vincent de Paul. The members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul are on the front line in laboring for the poor, they are among the first to know their real needs. The members of our Society of St. Vincent de Paul thank you for all the help you have provided so we could serve the needy. God Bless You! THIS Monday, Oct. 1st at 6:50 p.m. SEASONS will begin their 7-week fall session in the sanctuary with a "Meet and Greet." If you have not yet registered, come and interact with our group of loving women and learn about our theme, "Finding I AM," filmed in the Holy Land. At the end of the evening you may place a book order for delivery the following week, and cost is $22. For questions or further information, e-mail Karenholtzeberts@gmail.com or call Karen at 393-0805. Spiritual Adoption Program Is taking Place TODAY September 29th and 30 th Please sign up to adopt and pray for an Unborn Baby. You have an opportunity to spiritually adopt a child who is newly conceived this month. You may adopt a child individually or as a family. Won t you please spiritually adopt and share the love of life that God has given you through daily intercessory prayer? Stop by the Respect Life table and sign up! 40 Days for Life The Fall 40 Days for Life Campaign began on September 25! Please consider signing up with fellow St Matthew s parishioners to Stand up for Life on Friday, Oct 19 and/or Friday, Nov. 2 nd. Sign-up sheets are at the church entrances. "40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life campaign with a vision to access God s power through prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil to end abortion." 40daysforlife.com.
September 30, 2018
www.stmat.org The annual Mass of the Angels for children (born or unborn) who have gone to be with the Lord. will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2018, at 11:00am in the St. James Chapel at Bethany Center (18150 Bethany Center Drive Lutz). Families are invited to bring a picture of their lost child/ ren to be displayed at the reception following Mass. For RSVP's, information, or to have a child's name added to the program, please contact Diane at 727-344-1611 *5308; dcs@dosp.org. Sunday, September 30 9:15am Youth Ministry 9:30am Children s Faith Formation 12:15pm RCIA Monday, October 1 6:50pm SEASONS 7:00pm Knights of Columbus Officers Meeting Tuesday, October 2 9:00am Miraculous Medal Novena Wednesday, October 3 9:00am Faith Share 9:30am Griefshare 7:00pm St. Vincent de Paul 7:00pm Centering Prayer Thursday, October 4 6:00pm Band 6:30pm Adult Programs 7:20pm Choir Friday, October 5 LOTW Retreat 9:00am Adoration Saturday, October 6 LOTW Retreat 10:00am Blessing of the Animals Sunday, October 7 LOTW Retreat 9:15am Youth Ministry 9:30am Children s Faith Formation 12:15pm RCIA Griefshare is coming to St. Matthew! Beginning October 3, GriefShare sessions will be held Wednesdays in the Trinity Room from 9:30 to 11 AM. GriefShare is a faith-based program to provide education, support and hope after the loss of a spouse, family member or friend. No cost, no commitment; just come and see! For information or to register, please contact Dr. Lori Puterbaugh at drloriputerbaugh@earthlink.net or 727-559-0863. Don t Forget to pick up a copy of the Reflection Questions about today s readings. They are a great way of reviewing Holy Scriptures and reflect on what God is asking of you. 40 Days for Life The Fall 40 Days for Life Campaign began on September 25! Please consider signing up with fellow St Matthew s parishioners to Stand up for Life on Friday, Oct 19 and/or Friday, Nov. 2 nd. Sign-up sheets are at the church entrances. "40 Days for Life is a focused pro-life campaign with a vision to access God s power through prayer, fasting, and peaceful vigil to end abortion." 40daysforlife.com. 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. Family Faith Fest Saturday, Oct. 27, 10 AM 6 PM Collection for the Homeless We will brighten the lives of our area homeless population by collecting new packaged undergarments in assorted sizes for adult men (boxer shorts) and women. These will be distributed during the Christmas holidays. Collection boxes will be located in both entryways of the church. Thank you for your generosity from the Joy of the Gospel Ministry. Mark your calendars for the upcoming Women s Ministry Chili Fest, scheduled for Fr iday, October 26 in Bethany Hall. The evening will include delicious chili, dancing and entertainment. Jeremy Camp, one of today s biggest and most popular contemporary Christian artists, will headline the Family Faith Fest at Tampa s Al Lopez Park. Other performers include nationally known artists Colton Dixon, Sarah Hart, Ivan Diaz and ValLimar Jansen. People of all ages will enjoy the street performers, face painters, carnival games, DJ, gift & food vendors, Health Village, Ministry Village and Faith Village. Bishop Parkes will celebrate Mass at 4 PM.
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. GERMANY, PRAGUE & AUSTRIA Featuring the Passion Play of Oberammergau! 12 Days: August 25 September 5, 2020 Hosted by Fr. Tom Anastasia $4,799 per person from Miami or Tampa (Air/land tour price is $4,349 plus $450 government taxes/airline surcharges) Visiting Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Český Krumlov, Vienna, Salzburg and Munich. For a brochure and more information please contact Fr. Tom Anastasia: 727-393-1288 or email godrays@stmat.org Space is limited Book now to avoid disappointment! This is your last chance to experience the world-famous Passion Play of Oberammergau until 2030! 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