Epiphany of Our Lord January 3rd 2016

January 3, 2016
Saturday, January 2
4:30PM Bernard J. Murray III
Sunday, January 3
7:30AM Mark Cardes
Philomena D’Orazio
9:30AM Joseph S. Baranowski (3rd Anniv)
Doris Leister
11:30AM William A. & Betty Moore.
Monday, January 4
8:15AM Howard Silcox
Tuesday, January 5
8:15AM Patricia Dallas
Wednesday, January 6
8:15AM Kazmir Jaworowski
Thursday, January 7
8:15PM Penrose Hall
Friday, January 8
8:15AM Rose Savani
Saturday, January 9
4:30PM Michael Tobin
Sunday, January 10
7:30AM Michael Tobin
9:30AM Joseph Fritz
11:30AM J. S. Felix
Tom Tone, David Talone, JoAnn
LaSorsa, Marie Carney, Greg Atkinson, Sophie Grabowski,
Msgr. Robert Grudowski, Anthony Bonanno, Joanne Toth,
Theresa Lenczewski, Luke Birkhead, Erik Kozlowski,
Marlene Salkowski, Roselie Partenheimer, John Walski,
Carl Reiff, Joseph Blaszczak, Patrick Kelly, Sean
McGonagle, Mary Pierce, Brian Dunlevy, Sr. Jean Streibig,
Stephanie Hathaway, Charles Streibig, Theresa McGrath,
Kylie Reiff, Nikki Dolan, Joseph Rozecki, Betty DiCola,
Brother James Riley, Shawn Gallen, Eduardo Gloria, Molly
Glick, Deb Smith, Ann Campbell, Francina Capolingua,
Cathy Pierlott, Lynn Bowman, James Sousa, James
Gauger, Emilia Bello Jones, Rita Van Buskirk, Joan
Nasielski, Stephen Greene, Caroline Smerecki, Joan
Pierce, Kevin Miller, Mike Ancin, Cynthia Allen, Rylan
Borys, Susan Minnick, Ann Greco, Denise Kavanaugh,
Ralph Manappello, Jessica Jara, Leanne Purcell, Joe
Lotito, Matt McNamee, Kendall Soltys, Concezio Lelii,
William McGrath, Madge Swift, Theresa Swetkowski, Carl
Pierce, Ursula Kozlowski, Benedetto McDaniels, Carolyn
Hogan.
Deceased:Alfred Zisk, Rita O’Donnell, Elizabeth Piergrossi
Staff Sgt Daniel Furtak, Lt. Michelle R. McNally, SSKC
Terence J. McNally Jr., Sgt. Robert
Bonneau, Andrew Midgett, Jonathan Staats,
th
Col. Shawn McGinley, 108 Wing McGuire
AFB, Matthew Horning, 1st Lt. Stanley J.
Reimer III, SR Brett Pellicciotti, LCPL
Thomas Mazzochetti, Staff Sgt. Michael
st
Alfonse, Robert Catapano U.S. Army 101
Airborne, Paul Brown, Marines, Corporal Andrew Teitjen,
Tech Sgt Eric Zweiback
CELEBRANTS MASS SCHEDULE
1/2 4:30 Fr. Toole
1/3 7:30 Fr. Heron 9:30 Msgr. Owens 11:30 Fr. Heron
1/3 3:00 Fr. Heron – Mass at St. Gertrude’s Church
1/9 4:30 Fr. Ryan
1/10 7:30 Fr. Ryan 9:30 Fr. Heron 11:30 Msgr. Owens
1/16 4:30 Fr. Genovese
1/17 7:30 Msgr. Owens 9:30 Fr.Heron11:30 Fr. Heron
1/23 4:30 Fr. Genovese
1/24 7:30 Fr. Heron 9:30 Fr. Ryan 11:30 Msgr. Owens
1/30 4:30 Fr. Ryan
1/31 7:30 Fr. Ryan 9:30 Msgr. Owens 11:30 Fr. Heron
Pre-Jordan Instructions: The
Sacrament of Baptism is
administered in church on the
first three Sundays of each
month following the 11:30 A.M.
Mass. In preparation for having
a child Baptized, parents are required to attend “Pre-Jordan
st
Instructions.” Classes are the 1 Tuesday of each month.
th
The next class will be Tuesday, January 5 at 7PM in
church. You will be required to attend a class if this is the
Baptism of your first child. To schedule your Baptism go to
www.stmatthewparish.com or call the rectory 610-8280424 press 4 for the office to register.
Today on the Feast of
the Epiphany a Mass
will be celebrated at St.
Gertrude’s Church at 3
PM.
Head Angel – Gracelyn Clark
Angels:
Eliana Galleo
Kara Murray
Trinity Jaramillo
Malina Marcucci
Sheep
Shane and Tom Brescia
Erin Ashton
Faith Jones
Jamie Wolf
Phoebe Balkiewicz
CCD/PREP
A heart-felt thank you to all the children who helped to
usher in the Christmas spirit as shepherds , sheep,
angels, the Holy Family led by a donkey and an ox in
the manger scene. Many thanks to several youth
group members who assisted “backstage” and led our
special guest, Santa Claus to the tree lighting handing
out candy canes for all. Our heralds of scripture did
indeed reveal the true meaning of Christmas amidst
the excitement of presents, Santa, stockings, candy
canes and more presents. At last our leader of song,
“May We Have A Christmas Tree” convinced Father
to once again bless the Nativity and the Tree.
The presentation Saturday evening brought joy not
only to St. Matthew parish, but to all of
Conshohocken. The Advent Tree Lighting Ceremony
manifests that “a child will lead” (Isaiah 11:6) all of us
to the Light of Christ!
Your willing participation, sacrifice of time to rehearse
and marvelous display touched the hearts of all in the
congregation.
Scripture Readers:
Billy Kopf
Katie Lukens
Bennet Kavalow –Huie
Morgan Bakula
Speakers:
Catherine Balkiewicz
Isabella Galleo
Bridget Fullerton
Alexandra Gallo
Jessica Cabibbo
Song Leader: Azzareya Crumpton
Shepherds:
Matt McTamney
Tommy Baranowski
Sam and Matt Foster
Joseph: Patrick Flynn
Mary: Sarah Balkewicz
Donkey: Ian Brady
Oxen: Cody Sutcliffe
Youth Group Assistants
John Baranowski
Colin Mash
Leah Ingram
Emalita Marcucci
Grace Maguire
Santa Claus Helper: Mr. Joe Miller
REMINDER
PREP/CCD
JANUARY 4, 2016
CLASSES
BEGIN
St. Matthew Book Club: Our book
selections are works of fiction with a
“Christian twist”. On January 13 we
will discuss the novel Atonement by
Ian McEwan; on February 24 the
novel selected is This House of Brede by Rumer
Godden; and on March 23 the discussion will center
on The Heart of the Matter by Graham Greene. New
members are welcome as we begin the year 2016. To
register
contact
Msgr.
Owens
(stmatt2014@gmail.com). If you need assistance in
purchasing books, Monsignor will do that for you
through amazon.com.
Corporal Works of Mercy: Did you know that Goya has
donated 50,000 pounds of food to the
nutritional development services – an
office of the archdiocese? That
information came to the Rectory by
way of CatholicPhilly.com. This is an
electronic newsletter that comes to
your email address after you register,
twice a week. It is filled with photographs and articles on
many topics important to the modern Catholic. At this point
it comes free of charge. It is important to be well informed
so that you can speak knowledgeably of the many
concerns of the church in our society.
December 27, 2015
WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL FOR
YOUR OFFERTORY
GIFTS LAST WEEKEND:
$15,816.00
Electronic giving $2,169.00 + 13,647.00 $ = $15,816.00
ELECTRONIC GIVING: Parish Giving is
convenient for you and there is NO COST
for you to participate. Contact Deacon Mike
Kubiak at deacon.mike.kubiak@comcast.net to register
www.parishgiving.org or www.stmatthewparish.com
St. Matthew Prayer Shawl Ministry: We most ‘warmly’
invite you to be a part of this Ministry by
meeting with us in the St. Vincent DePaul room
Tuesday, January 12 at 7PM. If you know of
someone who might like to receive a shawl,
please let us know-or make one yourself for someone
special to you. Contact Alice O’Connor acaoc@verizon.net
St. Matthew's Young Adult Group, The Mustard
Seeds:
Please join the new young adult group of St.
Matthews --The Mustard Seeds-- as we
come together to support Cradles to Crayons
on Tuesday, January 12th here in
Conshohoken! Registration is limited to 25
people, so please reserve your spot today!
Email
Chris
Farley
at
farleyfilms@gmail.com if you are interested in attending
you can register via Facebook. See you there! Join our
Facebook group The Mustard Seeds for updates!
PRE-CANA: St. Matthew Parish is offering a one day preCana program on Saturday, January 23,
2016 (snow date January 30) from 8:30am –
4 pm followed by Mass at 4:30PM. Cost
$200 per couple. Couples from all parishes
are welcomed. Contact Deacon Mike
Kubiak:
610-828- 0424 X
5 or
deacon.mike.kubiak@comcast.net
ST. MARY’S GOLDEN AGE CLUB: Meets every Thursday
at St. Mary’s Church Hall. Three dollar fee. Play Cards 9:00
AM Snacks 10 AM Lunch 11 AM Play Bingo 12 – 2:30 PM.
Dues for members due 2015 is $10.00 for the year.
Casino Trips: are scheduled for the second Tuesday of
each month: January 12 & February 9. Bus leaves 9:00
th
AM from 11 & Fayette, 9:15 AM from 3rd & Fayette, and
at 9:30 AM from St. Mary’s. Call Joe (610-825-4596).
Part-Time Job Opportunity - Housekeeping Position
A part-time (19 hours a week) position is available at Saint
Charles Borromeo Seminary. Responsibilities include
washing, ironing and general cleaning of residence rooms.
Interested parties should contact Randy Rushton, 610-7856239, or e-mail rrushton@scs.edu. Pastor’s reference
requested.
FOOD CUPBOARD WILL BE OPEN EVERY WEEK
STARTING IN JANUARY ON FRIDAYS AT 1PM.
22nd Annual MOM-Heart of the Home Day of Renewal
Registration is OPEN! Calling
moms of all ages and types:
new moms, seasoned moms,
grandmothers, step-mothers.
Even if you're not a mom, you
are still welcome! Start your
Lenten
season
by
replenishing
your
spirit.
Come listen to two amazing, inspirational morning and
afternoon speakers Renee Eells and Kathi Clapham.
February 13, 2016 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Sts. Simon and Jude
Meehan Center, West Chester. See our registration form
for all details at www.mom-heartofthehome.org/events.html
or call 484-798-7368.
MOM registration form: http://www.phillyevang.org/wpcontent/uploads/2015/10/Feb-13-MOM-Heart-of-Home.pdf
MOTHER BONIFACE SPIRITUALITY CENTER, 3501
Solly Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia is offering a “Day of
Reflection on God’s Merciful Love” on Saturday, January 9,
2016 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Open your heart to
receive the blessings of Pope Francis’ Extraordinary
Jubilee Year! It’s a time to ponder God’s mercy, know and
receive it ourselves, and resolve to be “missionaries of
mercy” to others. The program will include two Bible
studies, theological reflection, and a refresher course on
the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Day concludes
with Eucharistic Adoration and an opportunity for the
sacrament of Reconciliation.
Presenter: Sr. Sara Butler, MSBT, STL, PhD, seminary
professor of theology for over 25 years and consultant to
the Pontifical Council for Promoting the New
Evangelization.
Fee: $40* (includes a $10 non-refundable deposit).
Please call 267-350-1830 to register or for more
information.
*$30 for those whose registration w/deposit is received by
January 4th
IMMACULATA UNIVERSITY OFFERS NEW TWO GRANTS
Be Mighty Grant:
Immaculata's Be Mighty grant is awarded to students in
recognition of their service and engagement during high
school. Up to 40 full-time freshman or transfer students
may apply. Students must have participated in two or more
clubs, extracurricular or service activities within their school
or community during their four years in high school.
Awardees will receive $2,000 per year for four years,
$8,000 total.
Catholic School Grant: This grant is awarded to graduates
of Catholic high schools and is open to first-time, full-time
freshman students. Awardees will receive $2,000 per year
for four years, $8,000 total. The two new grants are
available for the fall 2016 class.
For more information, please email Financial Aid at
finaid@immaculata.edu, call 484-323-3028, or visit
http://www.immaculata.edu/FinAid/SandG/Academic
Fr. Tom Heron’s Weekly Reflection
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord
Lord Jesus,
Welcome!
I rejoice in your presence with the Saint Matthew faith
worshiping community as we participate
participate in the Liturgy
Liturgy for
the Epiphany of the Lord.
Lord. We are blessed by your desire to
give thanks to Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, both
parishioners and
and guests. May you be renewed in mind, heart
and spirit through the Word and Eucharist we share.
Thanks for joining us!
Isaiah 60:1-6 Psalm 72 Ephesians 3:2-3,5-6 Matthew 2:1-12
Welcome to Epiphany Sunday – the first Sunday of 2016.
How many New Years resolutions have you kept in the first
three days of this year? I heard of one poor fellow who
decided to make resolutions this year he could keep. He
resolved:
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
to gain weight
to stop exercising
to read less
to watch more TV
to procrastinate more
to quit giving money and time to charity
and never to make a New Year’s resolution
again!
Poets have interpreted the gifts as symbols of the Magi’s
inner dispositions. Gold means that they offer their virtues,
frankincense shows them to be people of prayer, and myrrh
represents their willingness to sacrifice. The outer gifts tell
of their inner reality. What is hidden is revealed. Their
gifts are perfect because they allow communication
between two interiors; the hearts of the Magi reach the
heart of the child. The perfect gift is one that carries one
person into another person.
The definition of the word WISDOM means a taste for the
right things - goodness, truth, beauty, communion with
God, self and others.
St. Augustine’s divine restlessness, “Our hearts are restless
until they rest in you.”
The poet Rilke’s famous quote, “Be patient toward all that
is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions
themselves.”
The word “Epiphany” means to make manifest, reveal, or
bring out of concealment. Epiphany is the manifestation
and revelation of God in the lives and hearts of all people.
We are to continue the revelation of God by our daily
witness of love, forgiveness, faith, compassion, courage and
hope. By letting God continue to reveal His grace through
us, others will come to praise God. What we present to the
Christ-child this day is not gold, frankincense or myrrh.
God wants something much more precious. He wants our
hearts! How shall we respond?
A star inspires a search. A search begets a journey. A
journey involves risk, hope and the expectation of
something new. They found not a learned book or a
political or economic system or a sociological theory or a
technological gadget but a person. The wise men
encountered Jesus and their lives were never the same. Not
only did they return home by a different route, but more
importantly, they were different. They wisely intuited that
Jesus was a “Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Prince of
Peace, the Savior of the world.”
On this great Feast we need to ask ourselves whether we are
bright stars or dim stars or no stars at all. When it comes to
bringing others to, or back to, Jesus, to pay Him homage in
some way, do we guide people to Jesus by the example of
our lives?
Do we lead people to Jesus by our
encouragement?
Epiphany, a feast of awe, wonder, adoration and glory.
I realize my weakness before this mysterious God-child
in the manger and all I can do is be still and silent.
Epiphany reminds me that we are all on a quest. We
are on the same journey as the Magi, and it is long and
wearisome. The price is high, but the treasure to be
found is worth it. Epiphany celebrates splendor and
squandering; we venture out, "hitching our hopes on a
star", and squander ourselves searching for the Christ.
Let us pray today that we will always be alert, ready to
listen, with hearts and minds open to the stars God sends
into our lives to guide us on an exciting spiritual journey
where we will find the One we always sought and discover
happily that He, the Christ, was always in search of us.
End of Bulletin