The Ascension of the Lord
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.”
-- Mark 16:16
S
eparation is something none of us like to experience. While we may look forward to a few of them, like when a school child is excited about leaving their old class behind to enter a new grade level or when we want a break from the ordinary routine of life and take a vacation to get away from it all, most separations are painful – difficult yet necessary for personal and spiritual growth. This is the season of graduations that mostly harbor mixed feelings. A graduation from high school to the world of college or the workplace brings sorrow in knowing certain friendships will probably fade yet excitement of new adventures ahead. A change in career or a move across the country bring mixed feelings as well. Of course the greatest separation feared is death . . . .
In this Solemnity of the Ascension the disciples had already gone through the heart wrenching crucifixion and death of their beloved friend, Jesus. Then there was the joy of the empty tomb and the unbelievable postresurrection appearances where even Thomas’ doubts were forever satisfied. Did the disciples, in those precious weeks, grow too accustomed to his appearances? When they witnessed him ascending back to the Father, they then had to have the same bitter-sweet feeling all separations bring no longer able to physically see and behold the Master yet soon to be empowered by the subtle yet sure presence of the Holy Spirit. Peter could not have grown into his full stature without Christ being ascended; the Church could not have been fueled for growth but for the fire of the Spirit. This same Spirit guides us in our efforts to evangelize others in the faith. May the Holy Spirit and Jesus’ divine presence guide us through all of life’s challenging moments of transition and separation.
In this Solemnity of the Ascension the disciples had already gone through the heart wrenching crucifixion and death of their beloved friend, Jesus. Then there was the joy of the empty tomb and the unbelievable postresurrection appearances where even Thomas’ doubts were forever satisfied. Did the disciples, in those precious weeks, grow too accustomed to his appearances? When they witnessed him ascending back to the Father, they then had to have the same bitter-sweet feeling all separations bring no longer able to physically see and behold the Master yet soon to be empowered by the subtle yet sure presence of the Holy Spirit. Peter could not have grown into his full stature without Christ being ascended; the Church could not have been fueled for growth but for the fire of the Spirit. This same Spirit guides us in our efforts to evangelize others in the faith. May the Holy Spirit and Jesus’ divine presence guide us through all of life’s challenging moments of transition and separation.
Fr. Dennis
SPECIAL ARCHDIOCESAN PENTECOST VIGIL MASS AT ST. MATTHEW
The Archdiocese will be celebrating a special Mass for the Vigil of the Feast of Pentecost at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 26th here at St. Matthew. The presider will be Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller, and Auxiliary Bishop Oscar Cantu will concelebrate. This Mass will use special additional readings for this feast day and will probably be bilingual since there will be parishioners from all across our archdiocese. Parishioners and anyone who belongs to our archdiocese are welcome to attend the Mass. On May 26th The Saturday, 5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass will be at 5:00 p.m., but it will have to be shortened (i.e. shorter homily and less music) so we can clear the parking lot in time for the 6:30 p.m. Mass. That same afternoon Confesstion will start at 4:00 p.m. and end at 5:00 p.m. This is the only time I as pastor will encourage you to leave the church once the final blessing has been given!
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WORSHIP SCHEDULE AT ST. MATTHEW CATHOLIC CHURCH
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WEEKEND MASSES: |
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| Saturday: | 5:30 PM |
| Sunday: |
7:30 AM, 9:15 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:45 PM (Spanish Liturgy) & 6:00 PM |
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THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY MASS IS IN THE MCDONALD CENTER: |
| Sunday: | 11:15 AM (Children's Liturgy) |
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DAILY MASSES: |
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| Monday - Friday: | 6:00 AM, 8:15 AM, 12:05 PM & 6:00 PM |
| Saturday: | 8:15 AM |
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PENANCE / ANOINTING: |
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| Penance: |
Saturday 4:15 - 5:15 PM Church (Or you may make an appointment with one of the parish priests) |
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Anointing of the Sick: |
Second Sunday 2:00 PM |
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PRAYER GROUPS: |
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| English: | Thursday 7:00 PM |
| Espanol: | Monday 8:00 PM |
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Novena to Miraculous Medal: |
Tuesday 7:30 PM |
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ADORATION: |
Eucharistic Adoration (Parish Hall) 7 am—11 pm Monday-Saturday; Sunday 2:15-5:30 p.m. & 7:30-10:00 p.m. |
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SENIOR CENTER: |
The Senior Center will be moved to Room 106 in the McDonald Center. |
HOLYDAYS OF OBLIGATION
A reminder: We have five holydays in the United States:
Mary Mother of God: January 1st
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 Fr. Dennis.
SOCIAL SUNDAYS 2012
Social Sunday Schedule for 2012 is completed. Here are the hosting organizations for Social Sunday in 2012:
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January – Knights of Columbus |
July – Mission Group |
| February – Boy Scouts | August – Youth Ministry |
| March – ACTS | September – Altar Society |
| April – Guadalupanas | October – Respect Life |
| May – Catholic Daughters | November – Open |
| June – Cafe Group | There is no Social Sunday in December |
ST MATTHEW HOURS OF OPERATION
| OFFICE | HOURS | PHONE |
| PARISH ADMINISTRATION | Mon-Fri: 8am to 8pm Sat: 9am-12 Noon | 478-5000 |
| SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION | Mon-Fri: 8am to 4pm | 478-5099 |
| SENIOR NUTRITION CENTER | Mon-Fri: 8:30am - 12:30pm | 478-5024 |
| SOCIETY OF ST VINCENT DE PAUL | Tues-Sat: 9:00am to 12:00 Noon | 478-5020 |
| Quick Message/Information: Dial (210) 478-5098 | Please Press |
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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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| WHERE IS ST. MATTHEW CATHOLIC CHURCH? |
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 Pastor: Fr. Dennis D. Aréchiga |
Latest Events
May
- BACCALAUREATE MASS
May 20, 2012 (11:00 am)Baccalaureate Mass for High School Graduates, 11:00 a.m. - CHURCH PRACTICE FOR HIGH SCHOOL CONFIRMATION
May 20, 2012 (7:15 pm)Church Practice for High School Confirmation, 7:15 p.m. Church - HIGH SCHOOL CONFIRMATION
May 24, 2012 (7:00 pm)High School Confirmation, Archbishop Gustavo, 7:00 p.m. — 9:00 p.m. Church - ST. MATTHEW SCHOOL KINDER PROMOTION
May 25, 2012 (10:30 am)St. Matthew School Kinder Promotion, 10:30 — 11:30 a.m. Church - SPANISH CCD END OF YEAR MASS
May 25, 2012 (5:00 pm)Spanish CCD End of Year Mass, 5:00 — 5:30 p.m. Church - ST. MATTHEW SCHOOL 8TH GRADE GRADUATION
May 26, 2012 (9:00 am)St. Matthew School 8th Grade Graduation, 9:00 a.m. — 12 Noon Church - PENTECOST VIGIL MASS
May 26, 2012 (6:30 pm)PENTECOST VIGIL MASS with Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller 6:30 p.m.
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