Church of St. Matthew - Bulletin Insert November 12, 2023 32nd Sunday in Ordinary Time Download insert as a PDF: St. Matthew bulletin insert November 12, 2023 ISAAC’S BLESSING BAGS Greetings, Fall is finally here! I hope everyone gets a chance to walk outside and enjoy the colorful leaves. My family and I are already getting ready to accept donations. Last Holiday season was a record breaker for Isaac's Blessing Bags. We hand delivered over 250 bags! I couldn't have done it without the heartfelt donations that were donated by St. Matthew's Parishioners and families. I delivered … [Read more...] about News and Events November 12, 2023
Liturgy and Hospitality
LITURGY & HOSPITALITY Last Saturday, St. Matthew’s hosted a very successful Liturgy Workshop. Many enthusiastic ministers attended the morning. Thank you to all who attended. For those of you who were unable to make it, Moya McGinn Matthews, liturgical director at Christ the King in Minneapolis, was invited to return and share her thoughts on Liturgy as an act of hospitality. Every minister of the liturgy is first and foremost a minister of hospitality, “for Christ will say, ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me’” (Rule of Benedict, 53:1; Matthew 25:35) Moya presented a thoughtful … [Read more...] about Liturgy and Hospitality
Thanksgiving dinner from Casper’s of Eagan 2023
The wonderful tradition of free Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings will continue this year! All meals will be curbside pick-up only. Meals will be available for pick up on Thanksgiving Day, November 23 at the Church of Saint Joseph parking lot, 1138 Seminole Avenue, West Saint Paul. There are two time slots for pick up: 11:00 AM or 2:00 PM. Meal delivery is available for the morning pick-up time only. Tickets are needed for the meal and they are available at the parish office. You can call the parish office at (651) 224-9793 to reserve your ticket. Please provide your name, phone … [Read more...] about Thanksgiving dinner from Casper’s of Eagan 2023
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 11-12-2023
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 SNOWBLOWING: Looking for volunteer(s) to clean snow off sidewalks of the square block of church property. This would be Hall Avenue, Winifred Street, Humboldt Avenue, Robie Street as well as walks leading up to buildings. Parish snowblower is available for use. If interested, please call the parish office at 651-224-9793. MONEY COUNTERS NEEDED: We are looking for a volunteer to join the collection money counters. You would count the weekend collections after the Sunday 10:15 AM Mass, twice each month. Training will be provided. If you are … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 11-12-2023
Reflection from Father Steve – November 12, 2023
The Psalms are the prayer book both for Jews and Christians. Praying with the psalms has been a part of my daily life for more than sixty years. Some psalms are prayers for forgiveness, some are praise of God, some are the lament of one in trouble or conflict. As I pray some of those psalms, I am united in spirit with people suffering the ravages of war. An example: Psalm 37 I If you trust in the Lord and do good, then you will live in the land and be secure. If you find your delight in the Lord, he will grant your heart's desire. Commit your life to the Lord, trust in him and he will … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – November 12, 2023
Parish Administrator’s Note – November 12, 2023
LITURGY & HOSPITALITY I’m still thinking about last Saturday’s liturgy training workshop. Our presenter, Moya McGinn Mathews, had plenty of thought-provoking material for our ministers of Word and Table. (We more often use the terms “lector” and “Eucharistic minister”.) Hospitality was a key theme throughout the workshop. It’s important, whether we’re welcoming someone at the door to the church, proclaiming God’s word, or sharing our holy meal. As Jesus said, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Some ways to be hospitable are more visible than others. It’s worth remembering the many … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – November 12, 2023
Isaac’s Blessing Bags 2023
Greetings, Fall is finally here! I hope everyone gets a chance to walk outside and enjoy the colorful leaves. My family and I are already getting ready to accept donations. Last Holiday season was a record breaker for Isaac's Blessing Bags. We hand delivered over 250 bags! I couldn't have done it without the heartfelt donations that were donated by St. Matthew's Parishioners and families. I delivered all over the Twin Cities. It was important to me that people had warm clothing and warm food. So my mom and I made Wild Rice Soup for so many people downtown Saint Paul and Minneapolis. They … [Read more...] about Isaac’s Blessing Bags 2023
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 11-5-2023
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 EUCHARISTIC MINISTER - CERENITY: Cerenity Nursing facility has asked if we have someone in the parish who would be willing to bring the Eucharist to Cerenity residents. You do not need to be a parish Eucharistic minister. We are looking for a volunteer who would be willing to bring Communion to some of the residents at least once a week. Preferably the same day and time each week. If more than one person volunteers, the visit could be once or twice each month. If you are willing to take on this Corporal Work of Mercy, please contact Mary at the … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 11-5-2023
Faith Formation News 11-5-2023
FAITH FORMATION UPDATE: On Wednesday, November 8, Faith Formation students preparing for sacraments have class. Students in the program who are not in a sacrament year do NOT have class on November 8. Confirmation candidates have class in the Parish Center on November 8 from 6:45 until 7:50 PM. Children preparing for First Reconciliation and First Communion have class in the church on November 8 from 6:30 until 7:45 PM. Parents of First Communion children need to also attend the meeting held in church that evening. On November 15, all Faith Formation students have class in the Parish … [Read more...] about Faith Formation News 11-5-2023
Reflection from Father Steve – November 5, 2023
There is no such thing as a good war. War, by its very nature, is a testimony to human failure to resolve differences. More often than not innocent people, what we call non-combatants, are who pay the price of war —displacement, separation of families, torture, hunger, etc. To date, more than 1,500 Israeli and over 6,000 Palestinians have been killed — many of them elderly and children. A first step in resolving the conflicts in Israel and Gaza, as well as Ukraine and Russia, is a cease-fire. This allows for humanitarian aid to come to civilians caught in the middle of the conflict. Both … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – November 5, 2023
Parish Administrator’s Note – November 5, 2023
My columns often focus on operational matters here at St. Matt’s. This week’s no exception; the focus is on financial matters rather than facilities. APFR stands for Annual Parish Financial Report. This is required by the end of October each year. It provides the Archdiocese with an accounting of our parish revenues and expenses for FY23 (Fiscal Year 2023, which ended June 30). Thanks to our contract with PASC (Parish Accounting Service Center), the APFR is pretty easy for the CSM (Church of St. Matthew). We collected the necessary signatures from our PA (Parochial Administrator) Fr. Antony … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – November 5, 2023
Men’s Club News November 2023
General Meeting Wednesday November 8th, 8pm, St Matthew’s social hall Menu – Chef's Surprise Turkey Bingo Turkey bingo will be Saturday November 4th right after mass. We will play fifteen games, twelve for turkeys, and three for half the pot. We will be serving Mrs. Keglers world-famous turkey wild rice hot dish, other food items, beverages, and snacks. Invite family, friends, and neighbors. Meat Raffles This is one of our most consistent fund raisers, we can always use help, sign-up sheet will be at the meeting. Thanks to those who help! Christmas Auction The Christmas auction will … [Read more...] about Men’s Club News November 2023
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 10-29-2023
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 SNOWBLOWING: Looking for volunteer(s) to clean snow off sidewalks of the square block of church property. This would be Hall Avenue, Winifred Street, Humboldt Avenue, Robie Street as well as walks leading up to buildings. Parish snowblower is available for use. If interested, please call the parish office at 651-224-9793. MONEY COUNTERS NEEDED: We are looking for two volunteers to join the collection money counters. You would count the weekend collections after the Sunday 10:15 AM Mass, twice each month. Training will be provided. If you are … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 10-29-2023
Faith Formation News 10-29-2023
FAITH FORMATION UPDATE: Wednesday, November 1, is the Feast of All Saints, a holy day of obligation. All Faith Formation students in grades K to 10 start class that evening at 6:45 PM, and they should come to the church with their families to celebrate Mass. Drop off and pick up are from church that evening. On Wednesday, November 8, students preparing for First Communion have class in church and their parents will meet with Father Adrian in church. Confirmation candidates have class in the Parish Center. Students in Faith Formation who are NOT preparing for a sacrament do NOT have class on … [Read more...] about Faith Formation News 10-29-2023
Parish Administrator’s Note – October 29, 2023
CORPORAL (BODILY) WORKS OF MERCY Last weekend, we celebrated World Mission Sunday. Thank you for your support of Pope Francis’ mission work throughout the world. For me, it was a providential coincidence that the fall issue of Mission magazine crossed my desk a few days ago. That’s because I always enjoy seeing pictures and articles about our church’s work in other countries. They bring back fond memories of my years in Bogotá (Colombia) and São Paulo (Brazil), since the priests serving the Catholic chaplaincies in those cities were missionary priests. (Note to self: place these magazines in … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – October 29, 2023
Reflection from Father Steve – October 29, 2023
The current Roman Synod strives to enshrine and apply the classical medieval principle: what affects everyone must be discussed and approved by everyone. This principle demands a process and an open and civil atmosphere. The process is a reciprocal listening in which everyone has something to learn. Each one listening to others and all listening to the Holy Spirit, the “Spirit of truth,” in order to know what the Spirit is saying to the Church. This process demands a listening, not only through traditional ways – the Scripture, prayer, meditation, etc.— but also, and above all, through a … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – October 29, 2023
Parish financial reports – October 2023
Our annual St. Matthew's financial report was mailed out in early October. It summarizes our parish finances for the fiscal year 2023, which ended June 30. If you did not receive this mailing, please notify the parish office. Optionally, you can download PDFs of Parish Pastoral Council reports, notes and agendas at st-matts.org/parish-pastoral-council For your convenience, here are links to recent files: Financial Report-Letter to Parish October 2023 Financial Report-charts-St. Matthew 9-25-2023 Church of St Matthew fiscal year budget 2023-2024 Parish Council Agenda October 26, … [Read more...] about Parish financial reports – October 2023
Faith Formation News 10-22-2023
FAITH FORMATION CLASSES RESUME: Faith Formation students have class this Wednesday, October 25. Students in Grades K to 5 begin class at 6:30 PM and students in Grades 6 to 10 begin class at 6:45 PM. Parents and guardians, mark your calendars for November 1 when Faith Formation families should come to church at 6:45 PM for Mass to celebrate the Feast of All Saints. Students attend Mass that evening with their parents/guardians. … [Read more...] about Faith Formation News 10-22-2023
News and Events October 22, 2023
LECTOR & EUCHARISTIC MINISTER WORKSHOP Saturday, November 4 Breakfast, 8:30 AM Training, 9:30 - 11:00 AM Church of St. Matthew This workshop is for experienced and new lectors and eucharistic ministers to brush up or learn new skills. Confirmation candidates are welcome. Our workshop clinician will be Moya McGinn Mathews, Director of Music and Liturgy at Christ the King Parish in Minneapolis. There is no cost to attend. Current lectors, please bring your 2023 Lector Workbook. Breakfast will be provided at 8:30 AM. The workshop will begin at 9:30 AM. Sign-up sheets are in … [Read more...] about News and Events October 22, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 10-22-2023
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 SNOWBLOWING: Looking for volunteer(s) to clean snow off sidewalks of the square block of church property. This would be Hall Avenue, Winifred Street, Humboldt Avenue, Robie Street as well as walks leading up to buildings. Parish snowblower is available for use. If interested please call the parish office at 651-224-9793. MONEY COUNTERS NEEDED: We are looking for two volunteers to join the collection money counters. You would count the weekend collections after the Sunday 10:15 AM Mass, twice each month. Training will be provided. If you are … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 10-22-2023
Parish Administrator’s Note – October 22, 2023
CHURCH CEILING Did you notice that we moved the altar back several feet, starting last weekend? That’s because pieces of the ceiling have flaked off from directly above the altar, no doubt because of continued leakage from the roof. Recent heavy rains have confirmed there’s still work to do on the church roof. There was also some water that leaked directly onto the altar itself, as well as in the familiar spot by the front door. We are investigating our options with the company that put the roof on in 2019. We’re also talking to a couple of additional roofing consultants. CONCERNS & … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – October 22, 2023
Reflection from Father Steve – October 22, 2023
Advancing the call of the Second Vatican Council to “reform” the Church, Pope Francis has made clear that “Christ calls the pilgrim church to perennial reform”. The Church always needs to be renewed because its members are all sinners and in need of conversion; and any permanent reform of the Church calls for the conversion of the “whole Church.” In reflecting on the unhealthy elements of the Church that cry out for reform, Pope Francis lists: excessive planning and functionalism, loss of community among the members of the Church, a clergy enmeshed in extravagant garments, honors, careerism … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – October 22, 2023
Giving Thanks in November Fundraiser 2023
Download entry form: Giving Thanks in November Fundraiser 2023 letter and entry form (PDF file) Dear Friends of Saint Matthew’s Community, Here is your opportunity to win $1,000! Donate by 1:00 PM, Tuesday, October 24, 2023 for our fourth annual “Giving Thanks in November Fundraiser”. Each $20 donation gives you a daily opportunity to win. That’s 30 chances per donation, with a grand prize of $1,000! For other prize amounts, see the calendar below. Your donation ensures that we will be able to continue improving our parish facilities. All proceeds are designated for door security … [Read more...] about Giving Thanks in November Fundraiser 2023
Faith Formation News 10-15-2023
FAITH FORMATION FALL BREAK: Faith Formation students do NOT have class this Wednesday, October 18, due to the Education Minnesota fall break. Weekly classes resume on October 25. Students in Grades K to 5 begin class at 6:30 PM and students in Grades 6 to 10 begin class at 6:45 PM. Parents and guardians, mark your calendars for November 1 when Faith Formation families should come to church at 6:45 PM for Mass to celebrate the Feast of All Saints. FIRST COMMUNION FOR COS STUDENTS: Community of Saints students in Grades 2 and up who would like to make their First Communion may do so through the … [Read more...] about Faith Formation News 10-15-2023
Reflection from Father Steve – October 15, 2023
The synod that has convened in Rome is undertaken by Pope Francis to address the unfinished work of the Second Vatican Council. He is proposing a renewed model of Church—a Church that listens – a listening that is more than simply hearing. In this model, listening characterizes the entire way of interacting and connecting that occurs among the whole “People of God”—bishops, pastor and all the baptized. This model of Church proposes that bishops and pastors must be at the service of the rest of the faithful, being and acting as one of the faithful within the whole People of God. In the … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – October 15, 2023
Parish Administrator’s Note – October 15, 2023
WHO’S IN CHARGE? One reason I like being here at St. Matt’s is that we’re a “Vatican II” church. Note Fr. Steve’s columns and homilies on the topic of Vatican II and the current Roman synod. What I find interesting from a church history standpoint is how the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) echoed topics brought up at the Council of Constance (1414-1418). One of my church history courses, back in my seminary days, talked about that Council as dealing with the question of “Who’s in charge?” Some say, “The Pope”. Others say, “The Council.” We refer to the council-oriented as conciliarists, … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – October 15, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 10-15-2023
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 MONEY COUNTERS NEEDED: We are looking for two volunteers to join the collection money counters. You would count the weekend collections after the Sunday 10:15 AM Mass, twice each month. Training will be provided. If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, call the parish office at 651-224-9793. LIBRARY MINISTRY: We are in the process of organizing a parish library. This library will be in the SE corner of the main church. We already have a large number of books that are being cataloged and prepared to go onto the shelves that are … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 10-15-2023
Men’s Club News October 2023
General Meeting Wednesday October 11th, 8pm, St Matthew’s social hall Menu – Hot Dogs, Corn dogs, Chips, etc. Turkey Bingo Turkey bingo will be Saturday November 4th right after mass. We will play fifteen games, twelve for turkeys, and three for half the pot. We will be serving Mrs. Keglers world-famous turkey wild rice hot dish, other food items, beverages, and snacks. Invite family, friends, and neighbors. Meat Raffles This is one of our most consistent fund raisers, we can always use help, sign-up sheet will be at the meeting. Thanks to those who help! Christmas Auction The … [Read more...] about Men’s Club News October 2023
Faith Formation News 10-8-2023
FAITH FORMATION, FIRST COMMUNION, CONFIRMATION CLASSES: Wednesday evening Faith Formation classes have begun for public school students, and registration for public school students closes this week. Download the registration form from www.st-matts.org/faith-formation/ or complete a hard copy registration form when you bring your students to class on Wednesday, October 11. Students in grades K to 5 begin class at 6:30 PM and students in grades 6 to 10 begin class at 6:45 PM. There are NO Faith Formation classes on October 18, due to the Education Minnesota fall break. CONFIRMATION AND FIRST … [Read more...] about Faith Formation News 10-8-2023
Rosary Society Meeting, October 12, 2023
All adult women are invited to the next Rosary Society meeting on Tuesday, October 10 from 6:00 to 7:30 PM in the lower level of the Parish Center. You can park in and enter the lower level from the parking lot. We will be continuing our discussion about the focus of the Rosary Society, including discussing the Fall meeting programs and upcoming Fall activities. You do not need to be a member to attend meetings. Come, enjoy refreshments, socializing with one another and finding out what the Rosary Society is all about. … [Read more...] about Rosary Society Meeting, October 12, 2023
Reflection from Father Steve – October 8, 2023
Wednesday of this week, October 11th is the 61st anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council. I was a seminary student at the time, a college junior. I had just arrived at the Saint Paul Seminary in September of that year. I was just getting acclimated to a new campus and new classmates and teachers. Yet, there was no doubt about it, everyone’s attention was drawn to the opening of the Council. Classes were suspended for the day and students huddled around the black and white TV sets in the lounge of each of the residences. The high drama of 2,500 bishops processing into the … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – October 8, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 10-8-2023
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 MONEY COUNTERS NEEDED: We are looking for two volunteers to join the collection money counters. You would count the weekend collections after the Sunday 10:15 AM Mass, twice each month. Training will be provided. If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity, call the parish office at 651-224-9793. LIBRARY MINISTRY: We are in the process of organizing a parish library. This library will be in the SE corner of the main church. We already have a large number of books that are being cataloged and prepared to go onto the shelves that are … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 10-8-2023
Parish Administrator’s Note – October 8, 2023
DISCIPLES, ENGAGED I mentioned last week that I attended the September meeting of the APBA, the Association of Parish Business Administrators. In addition to learning things from colleagues, I’m fascinated by glimpses into how other parishes do things—or even talk about things. For example, one colleague mentioned that at her parish, her pastor said, “We don’t have volunteers here. We’re all disciples.” Hmmm, yes. We’re all disciples, called to follow Jesus. And— Recall the story in Luke’s gospel (10:38-42), about Jesus visiting his disciples, Martha and Mary. Martha volunteered to serve … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – October 8, 2023
Faith Formation News 10-1-2023
FAITH FORMATION, FIRST COMMUNION, CONFIRMATION CLASSES ARE OPEN: Wednesday evening Faith Formation classes have begun for public school students, and registration is open for a couple more weeks. Download the registration form from www.st-matts.org/faith-formation/ or complete a hard copy registration form when you bring your students to class on Wednesday, October 4. Students in grades K to 5 begin class at 6:30 PM and students in grades 6 to 10 begin class at 6:45 PM. On October 4 only, Father Adrian will be present to bless animals starting at 6:15 PM. Families can bring their pets for a … [Read more...] about Faith Formation News 10-1-2023
E-Box capital campaign update 10-1-2023
WE’RE ALMOST THERE! The thermometer shows that we’re 84% of the way to raising the full $109,000 cost of replacing the electric panel. That’s awesome! Many thanks to all who have contributed! Special thanks to the Men’s Club, which recently donated $20,000. Other contributions continue to arrive. Some of them come through the Capital Needs envelopes found in your envelope packets and at the back of church. Others come through monthly EFTs (Electronic Funds Transfers). Yet others come through Donorbox. However you contribute, thank you! I’m hopeful we can raise the final 16% in the next … [Read more...] about E-Box capital campaign update 10-1-2023
