St. Matthew Parish

Bulletin:

 

219 Fayette Street

Conshohocken, Pennsylvania 19428

(610)-828-0424

FAX (610)-825-5168

stmatthewrectory@verizon.net

 

 

 

TITHING: God’s plan for giving

 

 

TITHING: GOD’S PLAN FOR GIVING

For March 7, 2010

Number of envelopes mailed................................. 1329

Number of envelopes returned................................ 321

Offertory for this week.................................... $9,892.00

Offertory last year........................................... $8,682.50

Children’s Offering.............................................. $17.00

 

 

 

MASS INTENTIONS

 

Fourth Sunday of Lent

        March 14, 2010

Saturday, March 13

    5:15PM    Brigie Lenihan

Sunday, March 14

    7:30AM    Robert & Bertha Zaleski (3 Anniversary)

    9 :30AM    Patricia Barr (2nd Anniversary)

  11:30AM    Leon Gormley (5th Anniversary)

Monday, March 15

     8:15AM    William & Sarah O’Rourke

Tuesday, March 16

    8:15AM     Marion & Henry Sauter

Wednesday, March 17

    8:15AM     Martin Brady

Thursday, March 18

    8:15AM      Philip Dippolito

Friday, March 19

    8:15AM      Mary Maloney (28th Anniversary)

Saturday, March 20

    5:15PM     John Tiernan (18th Anniversary)

Sunday, March 21

    7:30AM    Marilyn Looker

    9 :30AM    Harry Connor

 11:30AM     Maria Grazia Bello

                                                

James Fritz III, Emily Kelly, Claire Muldoon, Michael McGinnis, Jeffrey Ryan Brown, Virginia Otty, Gabriella Baldwin, Karen Hill Brown, Helen Bogle, Daniel Horulko, Roselie Partenheimer, Luke Fochtman, Theresa Lacoff, Joe Pierce, Geraldine Jacquot, Barbara Salvia, Pauline Daley, Celene Ingram, Deidra Miller, Paul McGuigan, Lorraine Sirianni, George DiCiurcio, Rita Borkowski, Marge Stillman, Doug Tracey, Robert Janifer & Edmund Opielski.

 

Keep in your prayers Erin Bradley, Danny Cianci, Brian Furtak, Daniel Furtak, Robert Bonneau II and all of our Armed Forces on active duty in Afghanistan & Iraq.

 

PRAY FOR THE DECEASED:

PARISH NEWS

 

LITURGY OF THE WORD WITH CHILDREN:

We celebrate Liturgy with Children at the 9:30 AM Mass every Sunday all year long.  All are welcome.

 

CHILDREN’S SUNDAY BULLETINS:

Are available in the vestibules of the church.  Look for them each week.

 

BAPTISM:   Baptismal classes are Monday at 6:30 PM in our St. Vincent de Paul Room. Our next class is Monday, April 5, 2010.  Please call the rectory to register for the class. To schedule a Baptism please go to the Rectory Office after the 9:30 AM Mass on Sunday or call Father Donlon for an appointment to fill out the required paperwork. Baptisms are held the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month after the 11:30AM Mass.

 

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION:   Adoration is on Monday, March 15, 2010. Following the 8:15AM Mass, the Blessed Sacrament will be exposed on the altar for our prayer and adoration. At 7:00 PM we will close with our Lenten Retreat till 8 PM.

“God Is Love” (1 Jn 4:16)

Eucharistic Adoration: Take a Holy Card- available on table in center aisle- as a way of communicating to those for whom you have prayed that you have lifted up their wellbeing and intentions to Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament.

 

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE CLASS: will meet on Thursday, March  25th at 7:00 PM in the St. Vincent de Paul room.

 

MASS BOOK 2011: The 2011 Mass Book is open.  To make it convenient for you we suggest coming to the rectory or you may call the rectory for your request (610-828-0424). Masses $10 weekdays, $20 weekends.

 

LOOKING FOR LENTEN READING?

Visit the Parish Spiritual Lending Library in the vestibule on the Fayette St. side of the church. Great selections – Meditation, Spiritual Renewal, Lives of the Saints and more.

 

CONFESSION:  At St. Matthew Church Wednesday, March 24th and 31st at 7PM.

 

Regional Penitential Service: St. Mary Church on Monday, March 29th at 7 PM.

 

STATIONS: St. Matthew Church on Friday, March 19th, 26th and April 2nd at 7:30 PM.

 

Campaign Update!

Many thanks to all who participated in our Commitment Weekends!  The Commitment Weekend Phase is the final phase of the Heritage of Faith ~ Vision of Hope campaign here at St. Matthew’s Parish.  Many thanks to all who have participated in this historic campaign and who have responded with your prayers, patience, and support as we have engaged in this important effort!

Our committee will be wrapping up over the next several weeks with any outstanding follow-up-calls and contacts.  Pledges or one-time only gifts may still be sent to the Rectory during this time or you may contact a committee member for more information. God bless the members of St. Matthew’s Parish for your generous, giving spirit!

You can find out more about the campaign at: www.heritageoffaithvisionofhope.com

 

WE NEED YOUR HELP: Science, Art, Cooking, Martial Arts, Sports, Dance, Calligraphy & Knitting

We are looking for a few parents to run the after school club program for our children. Clubs run for 6 weeks and are held on Monday afternoons from 3:00 – 4:15 PM. Most of the instructors from last year are already on board for this year. The chairs from last year’s club committee are available for assistance should you need any. If you are able to organize clubs for our school this year please contact Carolina Qawasmy at 610-828-2772 or Iqawasmy@comcast.net . Unfortunately, if no responses are received clubs will not take place this year.

 

Support a Student Program

Give the gift of a Catholic Education!

The CCS Support a Student tuition assistance program will give much needed financial support to a student in need at Conshohocken Catholic School.  Due to the current economic conditions many families in our community have experienced economic setbacks and as a result more students than ever are in need of tuition assistance.  If you are able to help please send your tax-deductible gift to Conshohocken Catholic School, Attention: Support a Student Program, 205 Fayette St. Conshohocken, PA 19428 or call Bridget McNichol, 484-472-8419, with any questions. Thank you for all of your support.

 

Conshohocken Catholic CYO

Registration is now opened for Baseball & Softball CYO program. Please register online@ wagsdog.com

              

Conshohocken Young Adult Ministry:

We meet for our Bible Study/Faith Formation every Tuesday night from 7-9pm.  Come meet new people in the area while learning more about the Catholic faith!  Contact Katie Amrhein 610-941-5466 or e-mail conshohockenyam@gmail.com

 

Scrip PROGRAM:

Save money the SCRIP way!  Make a list of stores where you shop, estimate the amount of money you will spend, and purchase scrip cards.  It’s as easy as one, two, three.  For every $25 in scrip you spend, you will receive a $1 tuition voucher.  The savings add up!! Shop and Save!  Questions??  Call Megan at 610-834-8382 or email her at scripCCS@yahoo.com.

 

7TH GRADE PRACTICE SCHOLARSHIP TEST:

Archbishop John Carroll High School will hold a practice scholarship test for all interested seventh graders from 8:00 AM through 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 20th. Registrations for the test are now being accepted. For further information call 688-7610, ext 152.

 

HELP NEEDED: Thank you to all who generously give time to keep our church in good order. Every Tuesday, after the 8:15 AM Mass a group of volunteers spend some time “working in God’s house.” If anyone has some free time (men or women) to join the group your help will be appreciated.

 

JOKE OF THE WEEK

 

TIME TO CHUCKLE:

Why did the little cola sit by the window?  He wanted his soda pop!

 

Time to chuckle:

Pounds foolish:  the period between one diet and another is known as the pause that refleshes!

 

Time to Chuckle:

Why was the bee mad?  You’d be mad too if someone stole your honey and nectar!

 

 

COMMUNITY NEWS

 

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL FOOD BANK:

The St. Vincent de Paul food bank is in need of the following items:  cereal, broth and sloppy joes.  Thank you for your generosity.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT:

A parishioner needs some administrative assistance for phone calls, typing and emails, Outlook scheduling, and filing. Most of the work can be done from your own computer at home and would only take 4 to 5 hours a week. Person will be paid. Call Nellie at 610-941-0674.

 

PERSONAL HELPER: Need help with cleaning, cooking, shopping, running errands? Call Donna Sheehan at 610-256-6396 or 610-203-6989 for more information.

 

CHILDCARE:  We are looking for an experienced, responsible babysitter to watch our baby on weekend evenings.  Please call Susan at (215) 704-1056.
 

CENSUS JOBS: Apply now! Temporary, part-time jobs that offer good pay, flexible hours, and are close to home. For more information call 1-866-861-2010 or www.2010censusjobs.gov 

 

WANTED:

Full time Telemarketer for an Insurance Office. Experience preferred but not required. Serious inquires please call John at 484-674-3116.

 

ST. JOSEPH VILLA NEEDS YOU:

St. Joseph Villa, Flourtown, PA is a long-term nursing facility and retirement home, primarily for Sisters of St. Joseph. Each year we appeal to your generosity and ask you to assist with activities, visiting patients and many more. Would you consider helping us? If so, please call Sister Victoria DeSante at 215-248-7844 Monday – Friday 8:00 – 4:30.

 

16TH ANNUAL SPAGHETTI DINNER:

St. Augustine Church, Hurst St., Bridgeport, PA is having a Spaghetti Dinner sponsored by the Ladies Guild on Sunday, March 21st from 12 PM to 5 PM. Adults - $9.00 – Under 12 $4.00 – Under 3 – Free. Menu: Spaghetti & Meatballs, Salad, Bread and Butter, Beverage and Desert. Take-Out Available. Tickets available in advance or at the door.

 

ROBOTICS:

FIRST (For the Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) robotics is an organization in which students in high schools all over the world participate in a competition with and against each other. This year, the competition consists of a soccer-like game. Additionally, each year, Dean Kamen, the founder of FIRST gives all participants homework. This year, the homework is to help make robotics competition a spectator activity. Therefore, Brittany Palac, a member of the Mount St. Joseph Academy Firebirds Team 433 robotics team, located in Flourtown, a member of St. Mary’s Parish, and graduate of Conshohocken Catholic School, is doing her homework for this robotics season. She is inviting all interested persons to attend the Philadelphia Regional which will be held at Drexel Univ. Gym located on the corner of 34th & Market Sts., from Friday, March 26 to Saturday March 27. The competitions begin at 8 AM and end at 5 PM each day and admission is free. If you decide to attend these events show your support for the Firebirds by wearing blue and orange the team colors. Thank you for your support.

 

BISHOP KENRICK CLASS OF ’60 ALUMNI:

Are planning a golf outing on Monday May 10, 2010 being held at The Club at Shannondell, Audubon the cost is $100. Shotgun scramble with lunch, dinner and prizes. All are welcome! Contact: Tony Borzillo – 610-539-6494, Spike DeStefano – 610-277-1417 and Frank Sessa – 610-246-9552. Hole sponsors needed.

 

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL CLOTHING DRIVE:

 The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is collecting donations of usable men’s, women’s and children’s clothing. We will also be accepting small household goods We also accept small appliances in good working order. No baby equipment only clothing. Take your donations on Saturday, March 27th from 9:00 AM to 2 PM to our truck located at the following location: Sacred Heart, 120 Jefferson St., Swedesburg, PA.

Wednesday, April 14th, from 9:00 AM to 2 PM to our truck located at the following location: Mother of Divine Providence, 333 Allendale Rd, King of Prussia.

 

ALL CLASS REUNION:

The St. Athanasius Alumni Association is hosting its annual ALL CLASS reunion on Sunday April 18th, 2010. The celebration starts at the 11:00 AM Mass (Upper Church) followed by a Luncheon in the Auditorium.  The school will host tours from 12:45pm to 2:00pm in the afternoon. To enjoy Lunch, reservations are necessary and the cost is $35 per person. Please contact either Tim Allen at 703-477-6284 (e-mail at tallen30@csc.com), or Pat Dever at 215-659-2982 or padever@verizon.net).

 

MARRIAGE HELP: Retrouvaille is a Catholic based program to help marriages that are stressed or in trouble. Retrouvaille has helped countless married couples in all stages of disillusionment or misery in their marriage. The next program will be held at St. Joseph in the Hills Malvern Retreat Center, Malvern, PA on April 9-11, 2010. All calls are confidential. For more information 1-800-470-3944 or visit www.HelpOurMarriage.com.

 

 

 

 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT:  (Death & Life)

 

   Death is never easy; the untimed and unknown end of life is a fearsome but reliable aspect of the human experience. However, the inevitable experience of death, both by the dying and by those they leave behind, is very much determined by their perception of this great mystery. Is death the final act or curtain-call of life or is dying a rite of passage from this world to a new mode of existence? As the present liturgical year ebbs away and yields to a new season of Advent, the gathered assembly is afforded another opportunity to consider both death and life in light of the Christ-event. Jesus Christ, who became incarnate, and who lived and died in full embrace of the human experience, faced for our sake the terror of death and conquered its meaninglessness and finality on the cross. Because of God’s saving love, spoken loudly and without reserve in Jesus, death is no longer the last word but the beginning of a new and exciting conversion that will never end.

 

   Although the perception of death afforded us in Jesus, lends comfort and hope to believers, it was not always so. A consensus of scholars asserts that no discernible hope of life after death is evidenced in the Judaeo-Christian tradition before the second BC. Prior to that time, the constitution of human nature, as understood in Israelite thought, revealed no principle of survival. Neither “soul” nor “spirit” was thought to be a component entity that survived death. The human person was a body animated by the breath of God. At death, the breath returned to God and the body was no more; the body remained in Sheol, which was no more that a vast tomb where the dead lay inert (Job 10:21). Sheol  was not survival but a denial of survival for all, both good and evil.

 

   In the post-exilic times (400 BC), however, and due in part to the influences of Greek philosophy and anthropology and certain Persian doctrines, a fuller understanding of the afterlife emerged in Judaism. Daniel 12:1 (175 BC) and 2 Maccabees 7, from which todays first reading has been taken, are believed to be among the earliest references to the evolving concept of death as the door to resurrected life, wherein the just would be rewarded with joy and the wicked would receive retribution for their sins. Nearer to the Christian era, the author of Wisdom (60 BC) further developed the understanding of immortality; however, to all Jews shared his beliefs or those expressed in Daniel and 2 Maccabees.

 

   In his writing, the Jewish historian, Joseph (37-100AD) detailed the differing opinions among his contemporaries. The Sadducees, who are featured in today’s gospel, did not believe in life after death. Accepting only the written scriptures as normative, the Sadducees rejected all later development in theology, e.g. belief in angels, resurrection of the dead, etc. Therefore the question they posed to Jesus was certainly not born of a sincere desire to learn, but rather, was effort to entrap him. The Pharisees, who accepted the law, prophets, and writings, as well as the oral law as normative did believe in an immortal soul that would receive reward and retribution in the next life. These beliefs enabled many of them to accept Jesus, his teachings and resurrection as a pledge of the joy they would one day share with him in eternity.

 

   With these insights of our forerunners in the faith to inspire and guide us, we can look upon life’s hardest and most inevitable reality as a vindication, as a new birth to a living hope and as an inheritance that will never end.