STATIONS OF THE CROSS ON FRIDAY’S OF LENT- ST. MATTHEW’S PARK AT 4:30PM (WEATHER PERMITTING) - BLESSED SACRAMENT CHAPEL AT 7:00PM
FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK
Third Sunday of Lent
Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in kindness.
- - - Psalm 103:8
Medieval theologians argued that since a ladder leaning against a wall forms a triangle and a triangle is a symbolic reminder of the Holy Trinity, anyone who carelessly blunders through this mystical space is risking divine wrath! Even when that argument lost itself in history's confusion, condemned Englishmen about to be hanged were required to walk under the ladder that stood against the gallows for convenience of the executioner. In those circumstances, you could say the man was certainly in for a spell of very bad luck! What is luck? The dictionary defines luck as “a combination of circumstances, events, etc., operating by chance to bring good or ill to a person”. Jesus intimates in today’s gospel a sense of society’s “bad luck” as well. He gives two examples – some Galileans and eighteen people who were killed when a tower fell – of the people’s belief in “bad luck”. Jesus refutes this notion for both of them. Instead, Jesus reminds them – and us – that repentance is the key to living life. To escape the consequences of sin and death, we are called to consider what choices and decisions we are making with our lives. Are they consistent with His message? Are they bearing fruit? Or that which does not produce fruit need to be cut down and eliminated? Is there such a thing as luck or chance happenings? Or can all be seen as a result of choices made and decisions implemented in our life.
--- Msgr. Mike
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Here is our Question of the Week. The encouragement is for everyone to ponder that question or to dialogue in your family prayer time, over this particular question. Begin with prayer and then have someone pose the question. Listen with respect to those who respond and close with another short prayer, perhaps the Lord’s Prayer. This week’s reflection questions are:
- What are some “fruits” you need to cultivate more carefully in your life?
What is keeping you from being productive? - ¿Cuáles son sus algunos “frutos” que necesitas cultivar más cuidadosamente en tu vida?
¿Qué te está impidiendo ser productivo?
SOME GOOD THINGS TO KNOW...
ST MATTHEW K of C FISH DINNER
Every Friday During Lent
- FRIED FISH, FRIES, SLAW, ROLL & ICED TEA: $ 7.00
- BAKED FISH, RICE-PILAF, SLAW, ROLL & ICED TEA: $ 8.00
- KIDS PLATE: $ 5.00
- GRILLED CHEESE, FRIES: $ 3.37
- SEAFOOD GUMBO BOWL & CRACKERS: $ 4.00
Every Friday During Lent
FAST AND ABSTINENCE REGULATION
It is the divine will that we do penance. The holy season of Lent is a time of penance. We are asked to respond voluntarily to the call of penance by undertaking some good works and observing certain penitential practices. According to the law of the Church, the requirement of fasting affects all those who have celebrated their 19th birthday but have not yet celebrated their 60th birthday. The rule of fasting is that only one full meal a day may be taken. Two small meals taken “to maintain sufficient strength” are allowed, but together should not equal a full meal. Abstinence refers to refraining from eating meat. The common estimation of the community is used to determine what falls under the category of meat. That would normally include beef, poultry, lamb and pork. The rule of abstinence binds all Catholics 14 years or older. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are to be observed as both a day of fast and abstinence and all Lenten Fridays should likewise be observed as days of abstinence. There is no particular legal sanction attached to failure in observance. As a Catholic Christian you will not lightly hold yourself excused, however, from the Lenten fast.
It is the divine will that we do penance. The holy season of Lent is a time of penance. We are asked to respond voluntarily to the call of penance by undertaking some good works and observing certain penitential practices. According to the law of the Church, the requirement of fasting affects all those who have celebrated their 19th birthday but have not yet celebrated their 60th birthday. The rule of fasting is that only one full meal a day may be taken. Two small meals taken “to maintain sufficient strength” are allowed, but together should not equal a full meal. Abstinence refers to refraining from eating meat. The common estimation of the community is used to determine what falls under the category of meat. That would normally include beef, poultry, lamb and pork. The rule of abstinence binds all Catholics 14 years or older. Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are to be observed as both a day of fast and abstinence and all Lenten Fridays should likewise be observed as days of abstinence. There is no particular legal sanction attached to failure in observance. As a Catholic Christian you will not lightly hold yourself excused, however, from the Lenten fast.
HOLYDAYS OF OBLIGATION
A reminder: We have five holydays in the United States:
Mary Mother of God: January 1st Assumption: August 15th All Saints: November 1st Immaculate Conception: December 8th Nativity of Jesus (Christmas): December 25th
A reminder: We have five holydays in the United States:
Both the Immaculate Conception and Nativity of Jesus ALWAYS ARE HOLYDAYS OF OBLIGATION, regardless on what day they fall. The other three, when they are on either a Saturday or a Monday, the obligation is abrogated. Those of us who recall having six holydays which included the Ascension know that the TX bishops have moved this solemnity to the 7th Sunday of Easter. Questions, call Msgr. Mike.
SOCIAL SUNDAYS 2010
Social Sunday Schedule for 2010 is completed. Here are the hosting organizations for Social
Sunday in 2010:
Social Sunday Schedule for 2010 is completed. Here are the hosting organizations for Social
Sunday in 2010:
| January – Knights of Columbus | July – That Man Is You |
| February – Boy Scouts | August – Youth Group |
| March – ACTS Core | September – Altar Society |
| April – Guadalupanas | October – Respect Life Ministry |
| May – Catholic Daughters | November – Legion of Mary |
| June – Mission Group | There is no Social Sunday in December |
PARISH MINISTRY UPDATES
Updates for Baptism Classes, Religious Education, Senior Center, CYO, Youth Ministry and more can be viewed by selecting the "Ministry Updates" button at the top of the page to view these updates.
Updates for Baptism Classes, Religious Education, Senior Center, CYO, Youth Ministry and more can be viewed by selecting the "Ministry Updates" button at the top of the page to view these updates.
| QUICK MESSAGE-INFORMATION Dial 478-5098 | PLEASE PRESS |
| Emergency Line for Sickness/Sickness ONLY Prayer Petition Line Mass and Confession Schedule Infant Baptism "Marriage (6 Months Marriage Preparation Required)" CYO Athletic Senior Nutrition Center RCIA/Adult Confirmation |
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ST MATTHEW HOURS OF OPERATION |
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| OFFICE | HOURS |
| PARISH ADMINISTRATION | Mon-Fri 8am to 8pm Sat 9am-12 Noon |
| SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION | Mon-Fri 8am to 4pm |
| SENIOR NUTRITION CENTER | Mon-Fri 8:30 am-12:30pm |
| SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL | Tues-Sat 9:00am to 11:30am |
