Saint Matthew Catholic Church – Tyrone, PA

• • • For those that cannot attend Mass -A prayer for the Act of Spiritual Communion

      My Jesus, 
      I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. 
      I love You above all things, 
      and I desire to receive You into my soul. 
      Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, 
      come at least spiritually into my heart. 
      I embrace You as if You were already there 
      and unite myself wholly to You. 
      Never permit me to be separated from You.

      Amen.

    • Where to look in the BIBLE when you …

      – need rest and peace – Matthew 11: 28-30

      – worry – Matthew 6: 19-34

      – are lonely or fearful – Psalm 23

      – need peace of mind – John 14: 27, Philippians 4: 6-8

      – are disappointed by people – Psalm 27 

      – grow bitter or critical – 1 Corinthians 13

      – have sinned – Psalm 51, 1 John 1

      – are discouraged – Psalm 34

      – feel God seems far away – Psalm 139

      – think the world seems bigger than God – Psalm 90 

      – are sick – Psalm 41

      – feel sorrowful – John 14, Psalm 46

      – are in danger – Psalm 91

      – want courage – Joshua 1: 1-9

      – need assurance – Romans 8

      – forget your blessings – Psalm 103

      – are looking for joy – Colossians 3

      – leave home to travel – Psalm 121

      – think of investments – Mark 10: 17-31

      – need guidelines for living – Matthew 5-7, Romans 12 

      – need rules of conduct – Exodus 20: 1-17

      – need to know God’s will for your life – Proverbs 3: 1-6

    • WHY DO WE CELEBRATE MASS?

           From the opening prayer to the closing prayer, the Mass is a memorial and sacrifice; one continual offering to our good and gracious God, by making present the redeeming passion and death of his Son Jesus Christ for the salvation of all humankind through his crucifixion.  We celebrate Mass to offer our praise and thanksgiving for our redemption.  At mass we pray and worship God together in a faith filled community, we hear God’s voice in the Scripture Readings, let the message of salvation enter us and we receive Jesus truly present among us in the Holy Eucharist.

           You may ask a priest to offer a Mass for several reasons: for example, in thanksgiving, for the intentions of another person (such as on a birthday, wedding anniversary), or, as is most common, for the repose of the soul of someone who has died.  Let us never forget the infinite value and graces that flow from the Sacrifice of the Mass.  Please contact the church office if you would like to have a Mass celebrated.

    • We are updating the prayer list for our ill and homebound.  Beginning on June 1, 2024 all names will be removed.  We ask that you contact the office with the names of those who need our prayers and we will put them on our prayer list.  Names of those who have requested our prayers will remain on the list for six months.  Throughout the six months, we will always add requests.  After six months, names will be removed and we ask those who want to be added or remain on the list to please call the office. 

    • n recent days, our brothers and sisters in the southeastern part of the United Sates have endured devastation from Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.  We here in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown stand in solidarity with those individuals and families.  I invite the local faithful to join me in praying for them and asking the Lord to give them strength and healing in the challenging days ahead.  In a special way, we also remember those who have lost their lives and those who mourn them. 

           As we see the suffering of the storm victims on the news, I think I speak for everyone in expressing a great desire to help in some way.  Therefore, I am asking all parishes in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown to take a special collection to benefit hurricane victims.  All contributions to this special collection will be forwarded to agencies such as Catholic Charities USA which are assisting in the relief and rebuilding efforts.  Bishop Mark Bartchak

           Father Michael has designated that the second collection next weekend, October 19/20, 2024 will earmarked for the above.  You may place your donation in an envelope with your name and envelop number or may give an anonymous donation. 

    • Refreshment Weekend:  “The Sweet Ministry” – Sign-up sheets are currently in the Gathering Space for those willing to serve as a host for refreshment weekend.  Each Mass will need at least two hosts.  All items are set-up in advance, all you need to do is help to distribute the refreshments and clean-up.  Individuals and families are welcome so please add your name for the day and time that best suits your schedule.    

    • Christmas Request:  Our annual Angel Tree that hold Christmas gift requests for families is set-up on Thanksgiving day.  Due to the overwhelming support of our parishioners, we are able to accommodate more families than the number provided by Catholic Charities.  If you know of an area family that could use assistance this Christmas, please provide your name and contact number and the name of the family along with a contact number to the church office or Father Michael. All information will be confidential and the family name will not be made public.  Referrals are needed by November 10^th to allow for processing the information.  Contact Steve Stoner with any questions at 814-931-7964.  Thank you in advance for helping to make this Christmas truly the season of giving.   

    • Healing Mass:  Holy Spirit Ministry will hold a special healing Mass on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 7 pm at St. Michael Church, Hollidaysburg.  This powerful night of hope and healing is for all who are suffering physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  Fr. Brad Baldwin, TOR, Fr. David Doff, TOR, Fr. Jeremy Mohler, and other priests con-celebrating.  Praise and worship will precede the Mass at 6:30 pm and prayer ministry will follow the Mass.  If you are suffering physically, or from an addiction, or hurting or struggling in any way, come and experience the healing power of Jesus and be set free!  All are welcome! 

    • Parish Mission Presents Fr. Greg Bramlage from Missionaries of the New Evangelization at   St. Benedict Parish, 2310 Bedford, Johnstown.  Built Upon the Rock is a three-night event to be held at 7 pm on October 21, 22, and 23, 2024.  Each evening you will worship God in “Spirit and Truth” as you pray for God’s healing in your lives.  Please come with an open heart ready to be awed by the extravagant love of God.  Open to adults and children in the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese.  Tickets are not required.  A love offering will be taken.  For more information contact Deacon Michael Russo at 814-288-3036 or by email at michael.russo@atlanticbb.net.

    • Visitation Parish in Johnstown will sponsor Game Night Fundraiser to help cover the post-liver transplant bills for its pastor, Fr. John Slovikovski on October 20^th from 4 – 7 pm in the Parish Hall.  The cost is $5.00 and will include admission and registration for games, pizza, popcorn, soda, water, and beer.  You may register as individuals or as groups and you can reserve games.  Games include Monopoly, Pictionary, Trivial Pursuit, Bamboozled, Scattergories, Family Feud, Johnstownopoly, CLUE, LIFE Right, Left, Center, Corn hole, Poker, Uno and many more.  To register, please call or email:  Visitation Parish 814-536-6110, Kristyn Amendola 814-248-2942 or kamendola528@gmail.com, Debbie Magro 814-243-9028 or ddmagro1958@gmail.com.  Thank you for your support and kindness.      

    • Healing Mass:  Holy Spirit Ministry will hold a special healing Mass on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 at 7 pm at St. Michael Church, Hollidaysburg.  This powerful night of hope and healing is for all who are suffering physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  Fr. Brad Baldwin, TOR, Fr. David Doff, TOR, Fr. Jeremy Mohler, and other priests con-celebrating.  Praise and worship will precede the Mass at 6:30 pm and prayer ministry will follow the Mass.  If you are suffering physically, or from an addiction, or hurting or struggling in any way, come and experience the healing power of Jesus and be set free!  All are welcome!
      
      

    • Proclaim:  Please check out the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown’s Proclaim Sunday Drive series in which Father Michael and our parish are featured. 

      https://dioceseaj.flocknote.com/note/27179413/video/548867351

    • On Saturday, October 12^th , All Saints Parish in Boswell will be hosting a performance by the famed Tamburitzan folk ensemble from Pittsburgh at North Star High School in Boswelll (about 90 minutes from Tyrone).  The Tamburitzans help to preserve venerable ethnic cultures from around the world through lively dances, authentic instruments, vibrant costumes, and a variety of languages.  The event begins at 2 pm on Oct 12^th, cost is $25 for seniors, $30 general admission, $10 for students.  Reception after the program at the parish hall is $20 for all you can eat food from around the world.  For tickets please phone the parish office, 814-629-5551 or email the parish secretary Emily Marsh at emarsh@dioceseaj.org.  

      Also On Tuesday, October 22^nd at 6:30 pm the parish will host Fr. Czeslaw Krysa from Buffalo, NY to present Polish Easter Customs at their parish hall at 505 Center Street, Boswell.  The event includes refreshment and is free of charge.  You are asked to register by contacting the parish office 814-629-5551 or email Emily March at emarsh@dioceseaj.org.

    • Fatima Devotions: The monthly Fatima Devotions will take place at 6:30 pm on the 13th of each month up to October at the Immaculate Conception Chapel on the campus of St. Francis University.

    • Fr. John Slovikovski Pastor of Visitation parish in Johnstown, as part of the celebration of the Jubilee 2025, is promoting and coordinating a pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi, and Orvieto, Italy, which is open to the entire diocese in the month of June 2025.  This pilgrimage will include visitations to the 4 Major Basilicas of Rome (The Vatican {with an audience with the Pope}, Saint Mary Major, Saint John Lateran, and Saint Paul outside the Walls.) We will also visit the Spanish Steps, the Catacombs, Trevi Fountain, and the Coliseum as well as the basilicas of St. Francis and Saint Clare in Assisi.  All of our tour will be guided by a native who is fluent in Italian.  If you are considering joining our group, you are asked to contact the Visitation Parish office @814-536-6110.  There is no obligation (financial or otherwise) before we make our commitment with the pilgrimage tour company in early 2024 when we will meet with our Pilgrimage tour company.  2025 is an exceptional time to be in Rome since it will be during a Jubilee Year which is a very special time for a Jubilee occurs only once every 25 years. 

    • PCGG (Prison Christian Growth Group) is seeking volunteers interested in ministering to inmates at Benner and Rockview prisons.  Twice a month, PCGG members visit Rockview and one a month, Benner.  A fulfilling and inspiring ministry, members are answering Jesus’s call to visit the prisoners.  Anyone interested in more information may contact Teresa Jeffries at 814-381-1317 or jeffriesteresa2@gmail.com

    • Father Jozef Kovacik and Deacon Jack Orlandi invite you to join them on the Journeys of St. Paul in Greece Pilgrimage May 12-19, 2025 as we visit Amphipolis, Philippi Neapoli, Thessalonica Veria, Meteora, Delphi, Corinth, and Athens.  If you are interested, please sign up on the Good Shepherd website for further information.  https://www.goodshepherd-sc.org/ or contact Deacon Jack at jorlandi@dioceseaj.org

    • GARVEY MANOR CONFRATERNITY OF THE BROWN SCAPULAR This faith-filled group meets on the first Saturday of each month in the Chapel at Garvey Manor. We begin the rosary at 9:30 a.m. attend the 10 a.m. Mass, followed by spiritual reflection led by Sister Jacinta under the loving protection of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in the Hall. Membership is open to any Catholic who would find it spiritually beneficial to be united with others in pursuit of holiness. If interested call Sister Jacinta (814) 695-5571.

    • Monica’s Tears:  Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Altoona, hosts an hour of adoration with the recitation of the rosary every Thursday night from 6 pm to 7 pm to pray for our loved ones who have left the practice of the Catholic faith.  Everyone is welcome, please join us. 

    • Family Ritual Some people love the heat, and some people hate it, but in Pennsylvania, the warm days seem to come and go too quickly. 

           Make sure you and your family get out to experience the sun on your face and the warm breezes while you have the opportunity.

           Like St. Francis, praise God for the beauty of creation as found in his Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon, because in praising and worshiping God, all the trials and errands of life get put in their proper place.  And while it is important to “get things done”, don’t forget to just be.  Taking time to stop from all the busyness of life will open us to what is truly important. 

  • Mass Scheduling for 2024  Mass requests are being accepted.  Each family is limited to 3 Mass request per year with one being on a Sunday.  All Mass requests for the recently deceased will be placed in the Mass schedule as received. 

  • Adoration Chapel at Saint Mary’s, 712 Allegheny Street, Hollidaysburg, PA  is open every Monday through Thursday from 7 am to 11 pm and Friday 7 am to 5 pm for Adoration.  Tabernacled Jesus available outside these hours and on holidays and First Friday.  First Fridays join us in St. Mary Church next door for Adoration 8;15 am until 6 pm.  Come spend time with Jesus!

  • Catholic Ministries Drive (CMD)   Our parish goal for 2024 is $29,219.

      The annual CMD directly supports 14 ministries through which people are accompanied in their journey (100% of your gift does directly to these ministries).  There are many gifted and generous laypersons in our diocese who share their time and talent to support our Catholic ministries.

      This year, more so than others, our world, our nation, our communities, our parishes, and our families need tangible expression of hope.   

  • Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will occur every Friday after Mass from 8:30 am to 9:30 am.   This is great opportunity for spiritual nourishment.  Come and spend an hour with Jesus!  NOTE:  During Holy week Eucharistic Adoration will take place after Holy Thursday Mass until midnight.
    

  • Did you know 100% of your PA tax money can be sent to our local catholic school?   Look for brochures by the exit doors or contact RedefinED to enroll in EITC, a local company hired by the Diocese to manage enrollments, at 814-419-5505 or www.redefiningeducation.com. 

  • Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown is establishing a prayer ministry and we are seeking prayer partners.  Every Friday we pray for those who ask for special intentions, for the marginalized, the vulnerable and all clients seeking assistance from Catholic Charities. 

         Prayer is one of the gifts we can give to each other at no extra cost.  To request prayers, please visit our website:  www.catholiccharitiesaj.org.  

         For more information on how to participate and spend time in prayer for those in need, please contact Lisa Fellabaum, Outreach Liaison at 814-505-1106 or by email at lfellabaum@dioceseaj.org

  • Looking for a rewarding career in a faith-filled environment?  Locations throughout the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese have current openings in a variety of fields.  For a complete listing  go to https://www.dioceseaj.org/employment  

  • Parishioners are encouraged to recite the rosary daily, gather together in the church on Wednesdays after the daily Mass at 8 am  and come before the daily and weekend Masses for the recitation of the Rosary. This is a special way of praying for individual and special intentions in a group to provide you  comfort and support.

  • Scholarship-  Any student from the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown who is attending or will attend Franciscan University of Steubenville is eligible to apply for the John Paul II Scholarship.  For more information about the St. Pope John Paul II Scholarship at www.franciscan.edu, call 800-783-6220, or email admissions@franciscan.edu

  • Apply at Saint Joseph Academy  The Saint Joseph’s high school community and educational experience is strong, balanced, and most importantly, firmly founded in Jesus Christ. Applications are now being accepted at all grade levels. To learn more or begin the online application process go to www.stjoeacad.org. You may also contact Ms. Maryann Lingenfelter, Director of Admissions, at mlingenfelter@sjcacademy.org or 814-808-6118 to arrange a tour or discuss any questions you may have.  We are looking forward to having you as part of the Saint Joseph’s community!
    

  •      If you are in need of counseling, Catholic Counselors of America LLC is open by appointment at St. Aloysius Faith Education and Community Center. By calling Leorosie Trexler at 814-505-7178.

         May God Our Father, through Our Lord Jesus Christ, bless you and your family, and may Our Blessed Mother Mary cover you in her mantle of protection!

  • The Family Life Office of the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese has a ministry, Heaven’s Treasure.  The ministry attempts to reach out to families who have experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage or early fetal death by providing them with spiritual tools to help them to grieve their child through the care of the Catholic Church.  Please call the office at 814-695-5579 or email familylife@dioceseaj.org for more information.
    

  • MASS INTENTION SCHEDULING: Mass intentions will now be accepted.   Mass intention or requests will be  limited to 3 masses for each family per year (only one Mass can be for the weekend or Holy Day).    We schedule as we receive mass intentions and will do our best to honor your requests. Please keep in mind to be kind and considerate of others and this will allow as many as possible in our parish family to be able to request a celebration of Mass.  Remember that the value of a Mass is infinite no matter when it is celebrated.

  • Please note that the annual collection of religious articles takes place once a year in February. You are asked to please keep items to exchange/donate until that time.  The gathering space is not a drop off for old or not used items throughout the year.  If an item is not blessed you may discard of it on your own.
  • Try Catholic Radio – WJVM 90.3 FM the Voice of Divine Mercy
  • PROJECT RACHEL:  Would you like to find peace in your heart with your aborted child, with God, with the Church?  Don’t be afraid, the door is open.  For women, men, anyone wounded by abortion.  Contact Project Rachel 814-884-8000.  ProjectRachel@dioceseaj.org.  All calls are confidential.
  • Please remember our local Tyrone Food Bank.  Canned soups, peanut butter, cereal, jelly, and personal care items are always needed.  The Food Bank requests that dates on all donations be current.  Expired items cannot be accepted.

    Prayer for Peace in Ukraine

         Bishop Mark is requesting that  the faithful throughout the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown to join him in praying for peace in Ukraine as Russian forces invade the Eastern European country.

         The Bishop stands united in prayer with Ukrainian Catholics in that troubled part of the world and with the local Ukrainian Catholic population here in Central Pennsylvania. During this difficult time, he is inviting everyone to join him in praying the following ancient prayer.

         We fly to Your patronage, O Virgin Mother of God. Despise not our prayers in our needs, but deliver us from all dangers, since you alone are pure and blessed. O most glorious Ever Virgin Mary, the Mother of Christ our God, accept our prayers and present them to Your Son and our God, that for the sake of You, He enlighten and save our souls.

    “This prayer is a unique part of the spiritual heritage of the Catholic and Orthodox Christians of the Ukraine, dating back to the 10th or 11th century. It is quite similar to the Memorare prayer that most of us learned as children. As we watch the unfolding developments from Ukraine, it is often difficult to process our thoughts and feelings. That’s where a prayer like this can bring calm to our disturbed minds and hearts, and especially to our world.”

Pastor:  Reverend Father Michael Pleva

Phone: (814) 684-1480 (Parish Office & Rectory)

Fax:      (814) 684-7969

Website:    www.church.stmatthew-school.org

Email:   stmatthewtyrone@gmail.com

Parish Office Staff:  Financial and Administrative Assistant: Debbie Zakrzwski

Email: stmatthewtyrone@gmail.com

Office Hours: Monday 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wednesday and Friday 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

Director of Music: Leslie Estep
Call: (814) 684-4899 or email: lime458@verizon.net

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Director of Religious Education: Lauren Wright

Call: (814) 312-0969 or email: lwright@dioceseaj.org

Elementary to High School: (Grades K-8): Sunday mornings 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM

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RCIA: Susan Burkholder

Call: (814) 684-0352 or email: jsburkholder@verizon.net

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Ministry to the Homebound: TBA

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Pastoral Council – Jason Terosky (814) 692-4222
Finance Council – Dennis Rozick (814) 684-5511
School Council – TBA
Cemetery Committee – Shirley Hall (814) 931-0657

Saint Matthew Catholic School “serving our community since 1869”

Principal: Pauline Wiley

pwiley@stmatthew-school.org

School Phone: (814) 684-3510

School web-site: www.stmatthew-school.org

Below, please find the prayer intentions of the Holy Father for 2024:

January

For the gift of diversity in the Church
We pray that the Holy Spirit may help us to recognize the gift of different charisms within the Christian community and to discover the richness of different traditions and rituals in the Catholic Church.

February

For the terminally ill
We pray that those with a terminal illness, and their families, receive the necessary physical and spiritual care and accompaniment.

March

For the new martyrs
We pray that those who risk their lives for the Gospel in various parts of the world inflame the Church with their courage and missionary enthusiasm.

April

For the role of women
We pray that the dignity and immense value of women be recognized in every culture, and for the end of discrimination that they experience in different parts of the world.

May

For the formation of religious and seminarians
We pray that religious women and men, and seminarians, grow in their own vocations through their human, pastoral, spiritual and community formation, leading them to be credible witnesses to the Gospel.

June

For migrants fleeing their homes
We pray that migrants fleeing from war or hunger, forced to undertake journeys full of danger and violence, find welcome and new opportunities in the countries that receive them.

July

For the pastoral care of the sick
We pray that the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick confer to those who receive it and their loved ones the power of the Lord and become ever more a visible sign of compassion and hope for all.

August

For political leaders
We pray that political leaders be at the service of their own people, working for integral human development and for the common good, especially caring for the poor and those who have lost their jobs.

September

For the cry of the Earth
We pray that each one of us will hear and take to heart the cry of the Earth and of victims of natural disasters and climactic change, and that all will undertake to personally care for the world in which we live.

October

For a shared mission
We pray that the Church continue to sustain in all ways a Synodal lifestyle, as a sign of co-responsibility, promoting the participation, the communion and the mission shared among priests, religious and lay people.

November

For anyone who has lost a child
We pray that all parents who mourn the loss of a son or daughter find support in their community and receive peace and consolation from the Holy Spirit.

December

For pilgrims of hope
We pray that this Jubilee Year strengthen our faith, helping us to recognize the Risen Christ in our daily lives, and that it may transform us into pilgrims of Christian hope.