Church of St. Matthew – Bulletin Insert
November 3, 2024
31st Sunday in Ordinary Time
Prayers of the Faithful
Our parish has several ways in which we can pray for others:
- We include names of those who need prayers in the weekly bulletin.
- We include names of those who need prayers in the Prayers of the Faithful during Mass.
- You can include names in the Book of Intentions, found in the back of the church.
When requesting to add a name to the Prayers of the Faithful, we kindly ask you to obtain the individual’s permission for bulletin publication and inclusion in the weekend Prayers of the Faithful.
Due to a long list of names on our prayer list, the names of sick for weekend Prayers of the Faithful are divided into groups and rotated weekly. The name will remain on the list for two months after which time it will be removed.
To keep the name on the Prayers of the Faithful and weekly bulletin for an additional times, call the parish office (651-224-9793) or email Angela ().
We ask that you contact the parish office to keep the list up to date with any changes.
Letter from Fr. Steve Adrian
Shortly after the March 10th diagnosis of stage-four lung cancer, I began a regimen of chemotherapy and following that immunotherapy. After three months, CT scans and MRIs indicated that the therapy was shrinking the cancer tumors and the therapy continued. After another three months in September, other CT scans and MRIs indicated that the cancer had started to grow again.
The oncologist took me off the therapies and enrolled me in a clinical study for a new procedure and drug that had some promising results. Over the past month, I underwent tests that allowed me to be accepted for the clinical trial. I am receiving this treatment now.
I thank you for your kind and generous prayers and ask you to continue to remember me in your prayer. I thank those who have provided wonderful nutritious meals over the past eight months and those who have so generously contributed to help meet some expenses related to the cancer treatments.
I do not seek a cure; I know that this is a chronic condition for which there is no cure. I do seek a quality of life that would allow me to be clear headed, able to communicate, spend time with loved ones and pray.
You are an occasion of grace for me. I pray for you with gratitude.
Father Steve
Pastor Emeritus
Giving Thanks in November Fundraiser Winners
- November 1 – Suzanne Clarke ($25)
- November 2 – Dan & Denise Quinlan ($75)
- November 3 – Sandy Schmitt ($100)
Congratulations to all the winners! Watch the bulletin for next set of winners.
Thanks to all who participated in our fifth annual Giving Thanks in November Fundraiser!
Join us on November 16 and 17, 2024 for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick during Mass. This is the time to pray for and with those in our community who are struggling with illness or other difficulties. People of all ages who are in need of healing of body and soul are welcome to come forward and take part.
Turkey Bingo
Saturday, November 9, 2024
Mark your calendar for Men’s Club’s annual Turkey Bingo on Saturday, November 9 in the Social Hall after the 4:15 PM Mass.
Doors open at 5:00 PM and bingo starts at 5:30 PM. There will be 12 games for turkeys (cash if there are multiple winners in a game), 3 games for cash prizes and a raffle for turkeys. Children, accompanied by an adult, are eligible to play bingo. Food, beer, wine and pop are available for purchase. Featured meal will be Turkey Wild Rice Hot Dish. Burgers and hotdogs will also available.
Book of Remembrance
During November, a book will be placed at the front entrance to the church where you may write the names of deceased family and friends. This book will then be moved to the sanctuary at the beginning of each Mass throughout the month of November.
Eternal Life
Funeral Mass for James Stanger Sr. was held at St. Matthew on Saturday, October 26 2024.
Please remember James Sr. and his family in your prayers.
Isaac’s Blessing Bags – Donations Needed
This fall, I was invited back to speak once again at the “Night of Light” Aim Higher Foundation Gala. I was honored to connect with over 700 people to highlight the importance of Catholic education. I spoke from my heart regarding my ongoing mission to help our unsheltered relatives in need.
Every year, we continue to work together to gather items for Isaac’s Blessing Bags, and every year St. Matthew’s Parish reminds me how blessed I am to be part of such a loving community!
Please consider giving again this year. Each item donated makes a huge difference in someone’s life. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for always supporting my mission!
Sincerely,
Isaac Garcia
2024 List of Items Needed
- Warm socks
- Hat
- Gloves
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Hand warmers
- Water/Drinks
- Snacks
- Deodorant
- Soap
- Travel size tissue
- Tarps
Place your donations in large bins in the back of the church by Sunday, December 1. Thank you!
Ofrenda – Offering
The month of November is a time when we honor and remember our deceased loved ones, beginning on All Saints & All Souls Day. In Spanish and Latin traditions, this is known as Dia de los Muertos. Dia de los Muertos is a celebration of both life and death, and a reminder that the dead remain alive in our hearts and community. An important part of this tradition is the Ofrenda, meaning offering. It is also the traditional altar constructed to honor departed family members. An ofrenda symbolizes the connection between the living and the dead, and that death is not the end.
During the month of November, families are invited to place framed photos of departed family and friends, items that remind you of them, or things they enjoyed on our ofrenda in the back of church.
Cristina Czaia
Director of Music and Liturgy
Baptism Preparation for Children 6 years and younger
At St. Matthew, Baptism Preparation meetings are offered on a regular basis — usually the third week of every month.
The next meetings are on:
- Tuesday, November 12 at 7:00 PM
- Saturday, November 16 at 10:30 AM
Preparation meetings are required for parents and guardians with children aged six or younger. If you have had a child baptized at St. Matt’s in the last five years, you may waive this requirement — but you’re invited to attend a meeting if you wish.
Registration is required, at least one week in advance. To register — or for more information —please contact Cristina Czaia () or call the Parish Office (651-224-9793).
Baptism Preparation for Children 7-13 Years Old
Baptism Preparation for children age 7-13 and their parents will involve three classes over the months of November through January, on the following dates:
- Wednesday, November 13 at 5:00 PM
- Wednesday, December 18 at 5:00 PM
- Wednesday, January 15 at 5:00 PM
Attendance is required for parents/guardians, and their children.
Baptisms for older children will occur in February, before Lent so that these children are prepared to make their First Communion during the Easter season with their peers.
First Communion formation is done through our Faith Formation program. Please email Janelle Rohr () for more information on First Communion preparation.
Registration for the baptism preparation classes is required by Thursday, November 7. To register – or for more information – please contact Cristina Czaia () or call the Parish Office (651-224-9793).
ECFFF Leader Training
St. Matthew is starting an ECFFF (Early Childhood Family Faith Formation) program in January 2025 for families with children birth to five years old.
To help our program succeed, we need:
1. Parent Leaders, to facilitate parent conversations. Parent leaders are expected to attend training sessions*.
2. Early Childhood Leaders, to facilitate parent/ child group time, circle time, and children’s play. Early Childhood Leaders are also expected to attend training sessions*.
3. Early Childhood Assistants, to assist the leaders. Assistants must be age 12 or older.
Training will take place at St. Matthew on Saturday, December 14 from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Training is free and sponsored by St. Matt’s and run through the Early Catholic Family Life (ECFL) program. There is no cost to you.
For more information or to sign up, please contact Cristina Czaia at
Cristina Czaia
Director of Music and Liturgy
New Ministry Schedule
The new ministry schedule will be written this week. It begins Thanksgiving Day, November 28, and runs through Sunday, March 2, 2025. It includes the 4:15 PM Christmas Vigil Mass and the 10:15 AM Christmas Day Mass.
Please let Mary Leibl () know by Monday, November 4, which days you would be available, and/or which Masses you cannot serve.
Election Day – November 5, 2024
Once again, St. Matthew Parish Center is a polling site on Tuesday, November 5. Please keep this in mind when you are coming to the Parish Center as parking may be limited.
Attention Lectors
There will be a Lector Refresh after Mass this weekend. If you are a lector and you were not able to attend Liturgy Training in September, please plan to attend this 15-minute overview.
Coffee Sunday
Our next Coffee Sunday is November 10, 2024, after the 10:15 AM Mass. Come down to the Social Hall and visit with your fellow parishioners. We hope to see you there!
See bulletins and inserts for additional news and events at the Church of Saint Matthew.
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