Announcements
Christmas Greeting from Father Roy
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
As we celebrate this holy season, let us remember that even at Christmas, Jesus is often hardly greeted. This is nothing new over 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph found no place in the inn. The Messiah entered human history quietly, unnoticed, and unwanted, yet Heaven had come to earth.
How often does this story repeat in our own lives? During Christmas, our days are filled with celebrations, shopping, decorations, parties, and travel. None of these are wrong but when they crowd out Christ, we too, leave Him “no room in the inn.”Jesus is not surprised. He knows the world may give Him no place but the question is whether we will make room for Him. We are Christians, and the very name “Christian” contains the name Christ.
If He could not find a place in Bethlehem, then it is our responsibility to make room for Him in our homes, hearts, and lives. Making room for Jesus does not require perfection or luxury. The stable was simple, poor, and humble but it was open. Jesus asks the same of us: hearts that pause to pray, homes where His name is spoken with love, and families that place Him at the center of Christmas rather than at the margins.
This Christmas, ask yourself:
• Is there room for Jesus in my home?
• Is there room for Jesus in my schedule?
• Is there room for Jesus in my heart?
Let us welcome Him with faith, humility, and love. When we do, Christmas will not simply be a
celebration it will be an encounter with the living Christ, filling us with His peace, joy, and love.
On behalf of our parish family, I wish you and your loved ones a Christmas overflowing with God’s
blessings, abundant grace, and the profound joy that comes from making room for Christ in our lives.
With love, prayers, and gratitude,
Fr. Roy Kurakula
January 2026 Events
• There will be First Friday Adoration on January 2 at 6:00PM at St. Matthew.
• Ladies Guild will meet after Mass on Sunday , January 11, 2026.
The Knights will meet on Monday, January 12 with the Rosary at 6:30PM followed by their meeting.
• Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers schedules will be available this weekend on the table in the vestibule.
• Volunteers are needed to fix the water damage to the wall of the ladies rest room in the Parish Hall. See Mark Kidder for more information.
•As we celebrate the Epiphany of the Lord, families are invited to continue in the beautiful tradition of Chalking the Door with blessed chalk. Blessed chalk will be distributed at Mass this Saturday and Sunday. Blessed chalk for the Epiphany is a Catholic tradition where priests bless chalk on the feast of the Epiphany for families to use in blessing their homes, writing 20 + C + M + B + 26 above their front door, symbolizing the Magi (Caspar, Melchior, Balthazar)and the Latin phrase “Christus Mansionem Benedicat” (“May Christ bless this house”) inviting Jesus’ presence and protection for the year. Afterwards, say a prayer for the home, such as: “The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star of God’s Son who became human. May Christ bless our home and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen.”. Why It’s Done: Commemorates the Magi: It recalls the journey of the Magi to visit Jesus, acknowledging Jesus as the light of the world. It’s an invitation for Jesus to be a daily guest in the home, blessing its activities, joys, and sorrows. The blessed chalk is a sacramental, a holy sign that brings spiritual benefit and protection.
Have you experienced the loss of a loved one? Please join Father Roy and Deacon John for a five week bereavement experience called “Grieving with Great Hope”. Join with others who have suffered loss as we learn together in the love of Christ how to grieve with great hope. Sign up sheet and more information in the vestibule.
The new Lectors books are now available in the vestibule of the church. Your name is on the front cover.
Michael Sayre is planning to attend the 2026 Boy Scout National Jamboree in July. The event only occurs once every three years at the Summit Bechtel Reserve near Beckley, WV. The two week camping experience is attended by Scouts from all over the country. The cost is $1950. Michael wants to raise part of the money himself to pay for his trip. He wants to do odd jobs around the county. Raking leaves, shovel snow, mow grass, carry heavy loads, wash dogs and any other odd jobs you may need done. Call him at 304-440-0100 or Catherine Sayre at 304-512-9151.
Our Initiation Ministry (OCIA) meets every Thursday at 6:30 in the Parish Hall. If you know someone who is interested in becoming a Catholic or just learning more about the Catholic church give Deacon John a call 304-531-2196. Please keep those who are studying and those who are helping them in your prayers as they begin their faith journey.
New Storage Shed – 2025
As you noticed the construction of the storage shed has begun. A meeting was held August 27 after the Knights and Ladies Guild Holy Rosary service. The meeting notice was announced with the “WhatsApp”. (This was mentioned after Mass this past Sunday as a way Father Roy can communicate with the parishioners.) Approximately 16 parishioner’s attended. The key points summarizing the discussion was that the building size is 18 x 24 ft. with a 9 ft. garage door and a 3 ft. side or back door. The roof will use the extra roofing from the parish hall construction. City building permits have been issued and the foundation will be scheduled to be poured. The building is to be completed by years end.
Additional storage was discussed and it was suggested that the church kitchen, no longer used, could be revised for for storage but include a sink for church flower maintenance. The extra chairs and alter in the storage closets could be removed to provide addition storage or a confessional booth.
Catholics in Recovery
A program for Catholics suffering from addictions has been started in the Parkersburg area. Catholics in Recovery for the Mid-Ohio Valley holds weekly, general recovery meetings on Mondays at 7pm in the St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church parish hall. For more information, please contact John B. at: CatholicInRecoveryMOV12@gmail.com or call (681) 229-7220.
Sign-up and Use Formed
To sign-up and use Formed go to www.formed.org and click on sign-up. Under “Create a New Account” type in St. Matthew Parish 600 Crooks Ave Ravenswood. Then click on our parish and click on NEXT. Fill in you name and email address and click on Sign UP. You have now created you own account and the next time you go in you only have to click on “Sign in”.
Evangelization Plan
The Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston’s Evangelization Plan is now available. Check your email or visit the parish website for detailed information. The Plan focuses on: Formation, infrastructure, and Parish Renewal. Please continue to pray for our parish, the diocese, and the success of this plan as we commit to Christ’s Great Commission to go make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Check your email or visit https://dwc.org/06-03-25-diocese-of-wheeling-charleston-releases-a-new-evangelization-plan/ for more information regarding the Evangelization Plan.
Pray the Rosary
The Knights and Ladies Guild will pray the Rosary every Wednesday at 6:00PM. All are welcome to come and join in prayer.
Eucharistic Minister or Reader Trade
If you trade with someone for Eucharistic Minister or Reader, let Deacon John know with a quick text so we know who is who on Saturday evening & Sunday morning.
Safe Environment Recertification
Those who have not completed the Safe Environment recertification 4.0 should do so as soon as possible please. Volunteers make a parish run smoothly. Go to virtusonline.org .
