Saint Matthew the Apostle Parish » Uncategorized

Volunteers Needed for Hope House

admin — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:52:00 +0000

Hope house is in need of volunteers for a telephone outreach program for senior citizens. If you are interested please call Ann Togna at 973-361-5555, Ext. 145.

November is All Souls Month

admin — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:09:52 +0000

The month of November is the traditional time for us as Catholics to remember in prayer and thoughts our deceased loved ones. As we see the fall turns to winter we are reminded of the pain and loss of death around us. However, as nature proclaims, in the midst of the falling leaves and the earlier darkness there is hope that spring and life will return; so it is with our faith in the Resurrection and eternal life. In spite of the pain of loss we know and trust in Christ’s’ promise of eternal life. Please be sure to inscribe the names of your deceased loved ones in the Book of Remembrance during the month of November. It can be found in the entry area of the church by the baptismal font.

30th Sunday in Ordinary Time

admin — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:20:25 +0000

‘Every high priest is taken from among men and made their representative before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness, and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people. No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God…’ ‘Take courage, get up, Jesus is calling you.’”

May we adapt the words of Hebrews today, to reflect upon God’s call of all to be disciples, and in particular, the call He has made for some to the ordained priesthood.

We all know many priests. We remember the priests from our youth in parishes, teaching in school, present at family celebrations and moments of sorrow. Some had a special charism of friendliness, others were somewhat shy and retiring. Regardless, those called by God to the priesthood had one particular goal, to become holy and lead others to God. The priest who was present at a special moment of joy, celebrating a sacrament as baptism or marriage, or a priest gathered with a family in a hospital or hospice setting, probably made a lasting impression. Each one was called to make Christ present at a special moment.

The post Vatican II church has seen a drastic change in the number of priests who serve our families. Our society does not support the values that a priestly vocation requires. We sometimes fail to affirm or understand our priests or support just the idea of one responding to God’s call to His service. Sure, we have our priest today, but what about tomorrow. Have I encouraged someone discerning his vocation? Do I spend time in prayer asking the Lord that others will respond to His call to serve? Do I walk with my priest sharing in His ministry and expressing appreciation for that which he alone can do, celebrating the sacraments and making Christ present to His people who are hungry and in need?

Please pause and pray for the priests who have touched your life. Pray for the priests of your past life who have died. Ask God to raise up strong people to His service for the church of tomorrow. Listen in your heart to see if God speaking to you, as the people said to Bartimaeus ‘Take courage, get up, Jesus is calling you.’

A Note from Deacon Jim and Lisa Hackett

admin — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 02:30:53 +0000

My heartfelt thanks go out to all of the parishioners of St. Matthew’s, the staff, my “fellow” Deacons and of course, Fr. Dave, for all of the prayer, support and encouragement over the past 5 years of my discernment and formation to the Diaconate.

From the moment that Lisa and I first came into our church in the fall of 2000 we knew that we were meant to be here. We began our “return” to the Church when Lisa enrolled in the RCIA process under the guidance of Deacon Ed Keegan and was confirmed in 2001. It was during the following year that I first heard the “calling” to the Diaconate.

These past 5 years have included training in Christology, the Synoptic Gospels (the Gospels of Matthew, Mark & John), Church History, Canon Law, Social Justice, Liturgy & the Sacraments, Homiletics and many more areas. It also included summer practicum in Social Services and Hospital Ministry. Along the way I was taught by many wonderful instructors, many of whom also teach at Immaculate Heart Seminary. We were led under the direction of Msgr. Robert M. Diachek, Director of the Diaconate) and Deacons Richard Pinto (Class Mentor) and Frank Para (Class Advisor) with Fr. John Andrew Connell leading us in Spiritual Formation. In addition, Fr. P. Christopher Muldoon served as my Spiritual Director.

We had a lot of highs and lows – and personal challenges – over these past five years but we always knew that when we needed you the most that you were always there for us. You were all a constant source of love, energy and support as you continue to be. We were so touched by those of you who came out to the Cathedral for the ordination and then to see so many of you who were in attendance as I served at my first Mass that night. And then having my family, friends and fellow parishioners being treated to such a spectacular dinner that evening prepared by our “in-house Chef”, Charles DiGisco with “5 star” service led by Kim Healey, Dan Farley and “crew” that evening truly topped off a PERFECT day!

St. Matthew’s has been blessed by other Deacons before me beginning with the late Mike Yukas, our first Deacon, as well as Tom Raymond, Pat Sheehan and Steve Gunther.

I will have the pleasure of working along side of Ed Keegan, Rich Brady and Jack Dugger as well as many of you who are involved in of our wonderful ministries, all under the pastoral leadership of Fr. Dave.

There is much to do and I promise that I will keep you all in my prayers and I ask that you all do the same for Lisa and I. My work has now begun but we will only be successful with the continued love and support of you all.

“if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to bear witness to the gospel of God’s grace.” – Acts of the Apostle 20:24

God’s love and blessings to you all,

Deacon Jim and Lisa Hackett

Bookclub

admin — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 02:28:24 +0000

The non-fiction winner of at least twenty-one awards, Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand is the Book Group pick for its Sunday, June 28 meeting in the library (no meeting on Father’s Day). “A captivating story…with the detail of good history, the blistering pace of Seabiscuit himself, and the charm of grand legend.” — The New York Times Book Review. To add to the excitement, during the 1:00 p.m. meeting, the four-star Academy-award-nominated movie based on the book will be shown. During the gathering a light pick-up brunch will be available. As the movie is feature-film length, the meeting time is moved forward for this session only from 1:30 to 1 p.m. This meeting brings to a flying finish the Book Group meetings for this year. All are welcome to attend whether you have read Seabiscuit or not. For further information: Jack and Julia Dugger, juliadugger [a-t] verizon [dot] net, 973-895-5191.

Discuss Peace Like a River – Book Group

admin — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 00:07:11 +0000

Belong to the St. Matthew’s book group? Discuss the latest book, Peace Lilke a River here.

“A rich mixture of adventure, tragedy, and healing,” Peace Like a River is “a collage of legends from sources sacred and profane — from the Old Testament to the Old West, from the Gospels to police dramas.”

Book Group at St. Matthews

admin — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 00:05:14 +0000

No more driving in the dark! For the convenience of our members, our Book Group is moving to the third Sunday of each month from 1:30-3 p.m. Meetings will still be held in the library of the church. Peace Like a River by Leif Enger will be our first selection at our new time on Sunday, May 17 (the first Sunday after Mother’s Day). Hailed as one of the year’s top five novels by Time, and selected as one of the best books of the year by nearly all major newspapers, national bestseller Peace Like a River captured the hearts of a nation in need of comfort. “A rich mixture of adventure, tragedy, and healing,” Peace Like a River is “a collage of legends from sources sacred and profane — from the Old Testament to the Old West, from the Gospels to police dramas.” (Ron Charles, The Christian Science Monitor). Please join us for books and a pick-up brunch. You do not have to read the book to enjoy and participate in the discussion. For further information: Jack and Julia Dugger, jdugger [a-t] optonline [dot] net, 973-895-5191.

St. Matthew’s Food Bank

admin — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 18:22:57 +0000

The St. Matthew’s Foodbank that is. The first Sunday of each month bring a (some) non-perishable food items in a plastic bag to Mass with you and help us feed the hungry. With more and more people feeling the pain of hunger each day, your help is deaperately needed. No donation too small.