Saint Matthew Catholic Church – Tyrone, PA

• • • Communal Penance Services – During the season of Advent, Catholics are encouraged to seek God’s healing and forgiveness through the Sacrament of reconciliation.  The following is a schedule of Communal Penance Services at various parishes throughout the Diocese. 

      Sunday, December 8

      Saint Mary Parish, Hollidaysburg – 4:00 pm

      Tuesday, December 10

      Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel, Loretto – 7:00 pm

      Wednesday, December 11

      Saint Rose of Lima Parish, Altoona – 7:00 pm

      Thursday, December 12

      Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, Altoona – 5:30 pm

      Saturday, December 14

      Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Parish, Altoona–10:00 am

      Sunday, December 15

      Saint Joseph Parish, Bellwood – 5:00 pm

      Monday, December 16

      Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Altoona – 7:00 pm

      Tuesday, December 17

      Good Shepherd Parish, Port Matilda – 7:00 pm

      Wednesday, December 18

      Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament, Altoona – 6:00 pm

      Friday, December 20

      Our Lady of Victory Parish, State College- 6:00 pm

      Monday, December 23

      Our Lady of the Alleghenies Parish, Lilly – 6:00 pm

    • Dates of Importance:

      December 8^th – Angel Tree and Saint Nicholas Tree items due. Submission to the Proclaim magazine for the Jubilee due.  Christmas Altar Flower orders due.

      December 10^th – Allegheny Chorale Christmas Concert at 7 pm at the Presbyterian Church

      December 15^th – St. Matthew Family Christmas Tree ready to receive your family decoration.  

      December 15^th – Reconciliation Service at St. Joseph in Bellwood at 5 pm.  There will not be a reconciliation service at St. Matthew.

      December 22^nd – Church decorating at 11:30 am.  All ages are welcome and lunch will be provided. 

    • 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 December 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.

    • Pro-Life Christmas Cards Available!   Citizens Concerned for Human Life (CCHL), Blair County Chapter, has Christmas cards for sale.   Several designs are offered this year.  Packages of 11 cards are available for $9.  Your purchase helps support the pro-life work of CCHL in Blair County.  To order, please call Chris Stoner at 814-931-8088.

    •   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

    • 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

  • 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.

  • 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

Sister Jane Miller is in residence at St. Joseph parish in Bellwood. Here is her contact information.

Address:  394 Bem Road, Gallitzin, PA 16641

Sr. Jane Cell:     814-931-1120

Sr. Jane Email:  jmseashell@msn.com

Prayer for Vocations: God our Father, You made each of us to use our gifts in the Body of Christ.We ask that You inspire young people whom You call to the priesthood and consecrated life to courageously follow Your will.

Send workers into Your great harvest so that the Gospel is preached, the poor are served with love, the suffering are comforted, and Your people are strengthened by the sacraments. We ask this through Christ our Lord.  Amen