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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
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:
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.
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!
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: (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.
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