Richard Schletty | Page 12 | Church of St. Matthew

Reading and math tutors needed for COS and Holy Trinity

We are looking for tutors to help in our local Catholic Schools. Dick McGuire, the president of Catholic Tutor Corps, has contacted our parish asking for volunteers who would be willing to help bring students up to grade level proficiency in reading and/or math. A couple tutors are needed at Community of Saints Regional Catholic School (COS) for Reading and also for Upper-Level Math. There is also a need at Holy Trinity in So. St. Paul for tutors in all grade levels. Simple lesson plans are provided. Our parishioners have a history of reaching out to students who need one on one tutoring. In … [Read more...] about Reading and math tutors needed for COS and Holy Trinity

Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 8-13-2023

Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 BLOOD PRESSURE CHECKS: As we continue to return to pre-COVID “normalcy” we would like to again offer blood pressure checks once a month. As in the past, blood pressure will be checked after Masses on the third weekend of the month. If you are trained and qualified to check blood pressures, and would be willing to offer this service to our parishioners, please contact Mary at or contact the parish office at 651-224-9793. The parish has all the equipment needed to offer this service. SUPPORT GROUPS: Dealing with the sickness … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 8-13-2023

Parish Administrator’s Note – August 13, 2023

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT (NNO) On Tuesday, August 1, St. Matt’s hosted its second annual neighborhood get-together. Over the course of a couple of hours, many friends and neighbors stopped by to greet, meet and eat. Thank you to everyone who helped make the evening such a success! (I’m thinking especially of bubbles and sidewalk chalk for the kids.) Near the end of the evening, we were visited by firefighters and police officers. The fire department showed up to check out a fire alarm in the school building. We learned that some kids had broken a window in the school, messed around, and pulled … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – August 13, 2023

Reflection from Father Steve – August 13, 2023

Aging is an invitation to go deeper into life. It is the shift from doing to being. Often our adult life was so busy. We ran here and there just to make sure that everything got done, all the bases were covered, and nothing was left out. Success was finishing it all on time. Today I don’t accomplish as much as I used to. There are many empty spaces in my appointment book. I have more time to reflect. Early in my life as a priest, Father John Malone and I had the pleasure of working with Fr. Fred Mertz. Fred could never keep his schedule straight, he never carried an appointment book and … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – August 13, 2023

Rosary in Cherokee Park, Tuesday, August 8, 2023

ROSARY IN CHEROKEE PARK Saint Matt's Rosary Society is hosting the praying of the Rosary in Cherokee Park, the second Tuesday of the month this summer. All women, men and youth are invited. We will gather at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, August 8 by the large Picnic Pavilion at Cherokee Park. This is the same location as the annual Saint Matt's Mass and Picnic in Cherokee Park. Please bring a chair if you want, plus a rosary. There will be extra rosaries if you're unable to bring one. There is a new paved path from the street to the pavilion, which makes walking from parking on the street much … [Read more...] about Rosary in Cherokee Park, Tuesday, August 8, 2023

Liturgical ministry scheduling for Fall 2023

Ministry scheduling We will be writing the new ministry schedule the week of August 7. This schedule will begin Labor Day, Monday, September 4 and run through Sunday, November 26. This will include Thanksgiving Day. Please let Mary Leibl know by Sunday, August 6 as to what Masses you would be available, and/or which Masses you cannot serve. Also, send us the following information: Are you primarily either a lector or eucharistic minister? Would like to serve in both ministries? Would you be willing to read the welcome announcements before Mass? You can contact Mary at … [Read more...] about Liturgical ministry scheduling for Fall 2023

Reflection from Father Steve – August 6, 2023

SUNDAY MASS IN CHEROKEE PARK Next Sunday, August 13, the annual Saint Matthew Sunday Mass in Cherokee Park takes place. This event is long standing, and has come to be seen as an important part of parish life. The gathering is informal; bring a blanket to sit on the grass or a summer folding chair. Bring family and friends and neighbors. This event is a good opportunity to introduce others to Saint Matthew in less than the formal setting of the church. The warmth and acceptance, the hospitality and welcome of Saint Matthew are strong invitations to others. And the “Mass in the Grass” is a … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – August 6, 2023

Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 8-6-2023

Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 CHURCH DISCUSSION GROUPS: Some parishioners have expressed an interest in having a study group(s) in the parish. Would you be interested in taking part in a study group? Do you have a certain topic you would like to address? Perhaps the Synod Process & Results? A certain Book of the Bible? If interested in being involved, call the parish office at 651-224-9793 and leave your name and contact information. SUPPORT GROUPS: Dealing with the sickness and death of family members and friends can be daunting. We have received requests to begin a … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 8-6-2023

Parish Administrator’s Note – August 6, 2023

PACE & PRISM (P&P) Well, it’s in. Last Tuesday, I submitted our annual P&P application to Catholic Mutual, the insurance company that insures all Catholic entities in the Archdiocese. We entered the P&P program a year ago, and it led to our receiving a $4,400 rebate on our annual insurance costs. Not a bad return for following good practices in personnel matters and facilities maintenance. This year’s application was far easier than last year, for some parts of the program are required only every two or three years. Some parts, however, are required every year. A prime … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – August 6, 2023

Annual Mass and Picnic 8-13-2023 at Cherokee Park (If it rains go to church and social hall)

Cherokee Park Large Picnic Shelter Sunday, August 13, 10:30 am Mass Picnic follows If you can, please bring a dish to share. The Men’s Club will provide the meats & buns, and the Rosary Society the paper products and silverware. All are welcome. Invite your family and friends! In case of inclement weather, the Mass and Picnic will take place at Saint Matthew’s Church and Social Hall. Download flyer: 2023 Picnic Flyer St. Matthew … [Read more...] about Annual Mass and Picnic 8-13-2023 at Cherokee Park (If it rains go to church and social hall)

Men’s Club news – board meeting time changed

For the months of August and September, the board meeting will be held on the same day as the general meeting. The board meeting will start at 7:15 pm and the general meeting will be at the usual 8 pm start time. Everyone is welcome to attend the board meeting, it is open to all members. Thank You! Bob Creamer … [Read more...] about Men’s Club news – board meeting time changed

Reflection from Father Steve – July 30, 2023

Regret is the ghost of aging. It prods me to look back and to question everything I have done. It awakens the “life of should” – I should have… Regret nibbles around the edges of the mind and we feel weary, listless and with no desire to do anything. It is not only the past that disappoints us when regret gets a foothold. The brooding slips over into the present. It sours the immediate, the here-and-now. The thought of what could have been eats at the center of the heart and dampens the glow of what we did do. Regret is not insight; it fails to recognize that there are many ways to the … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – July 30, 2023

Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 7-30-2023

Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 FAITH FORMATION TEACHERS: The St. Matthew Faith Formation program for public school students in grades 1 to 10 will resume September 20, and we have openings for teachers for the 2023-2024 school year. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:45 PM between September and early May. Volunteers should enjoy helping children learn more about their Catholic faith and do not need to be experienced teachers. Training and support are provided, in addition to supplies and curriculum that includes a lesson plan for each week. If a weekly … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 7-30-2023

Parish Administrator’s Note – July 30, 2023

Patience I enjoyed Fr. Rodger Baumann’s homily on patience last weekend. I certainly need patience in my work, as some facilities projects can take a long time to plan and execute. Case in point: we began the school roof replacement project over a year ago. After such a long process, I was pleased to hear the roofing company’s crane this past week. The crane was used to lift materials to the school roof. Workers—up to 14 at some points—climbed a very long ladder to get up there. Oh—the first thing the crane lifted last week? A Porta-Potty. It’s Clean Out Time We’ve scheduled this coming … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – July 30, 2023

Reflection from Father Steve – July 23, 2023

BEING AN ELDER We are a youth obsessed people. Elders don’t count for much, rarely thought of as a resource. In the East and in the Southern hemisphere, there is a role for the elder; there is recognition that the elder has much to offer. We do recognize what it is to mentor, and in a sense mentors are elders; they see the opportunity to pass on to the next generation wisdom and experience. In the Adrian household there was a special day in the Christmas Season, New Year Day – it was sacrosanct, and required a command performance: bath, good clothes and manners. On that evening the best … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – July 23, 2023

Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 7-23-2023

Parish Administrator’s Note – July 23, 2023

WELCOMING THE STRANGER I recently invited a stranger to Mass. That was after she stopped by the Parish Center early one morning, and we talked a bit. First, I mentioned Loaves & Fishes suppers, Mondays through Fridays from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Then I gave her the address for Neighborhood House. These are among our most common ways of helping people, either on site or by referral. What else do we do here at St. Matt’s? We gather on Saturdays and Sundays to worship God. I know that if the young woman came to Mass here, she’d be welcomed by good people. She’d hear God’s Word, a good homily, and … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – July 23, 2023

School parking lot restrictions July 19 – August 2, 2023

Starting Wednesday, July 19, there is no parking on the school side of the parking lot. A crew from Englund Roofing is using that space while replacing the school's flat (north end) roof. Estimated completion date for this project is August 2. This roof project is made possible because of your support for our Capital Needs. Thank you! Phil Grant, Administrator … [Read more...] about School parking lot restrictions July 19 – August 2, 2023

Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 7-16-2023

Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 FAITH FORMATION TEACHERS NEEDED: The St. Matthew Faith Formation program for public school students in grades 1 to 10 will resume September 20, and we have openings for teachers for the 2023-2024 school year. Classes are held on Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 7:45 PM between September and early May. Volunteers should enjoy helping children learn more about their Catholic faith and do not need to be experienced teachers. Training and support are provided, in addition to supplies and curriculum that includes a lesson plan for each week. If a … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 7-16-2023

Reflection from Father Steve – July 16, 2023

TIME marks every aspect of life: “Too much time”, “Not enough time”, “How much time will it take?”, “Who’s got the time?”, “I want to see how much time I can spend working this raspberry patch.” The events of our lives give focus and shape to activities. They do not define them. As I grow older, time takes on a different perspective. Eight hours doesn’t seem like eight hours anymore. It seems less. When I was a child, the summer seemed sooo long; now the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day passes with the twinkle of an eye. Time is no longer that rippling pond of youth, the pond in … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – July 16, 2023

Parish Administrator’s Note – July 16, 2023

FACILITIES UPDATE • One of our goals this summer is to reduce, reuse or recycle items stored in our various storage rooms. We’re currently focused on the school building, which still has things left over from St. Matt’s School and the previous charter school tenant. (I’m offering tours to alumni and other interested parties. There is no charge, but know I’m looking for help in clearing things out.) We’re trying to avoid putting things in landfills. Let me know if you’re interested. • We’ve met again with our main electric panel (E-Box) contractor, Apadana Technology. Panel design work is a … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – July 16, 2023

Men’s Club News July 2023

Combined Board and General Meeting at the Miesville Mudhens Game, Wednesday July 12th Tickets are $3.00 for adults, 18 and under free. Free bus ride to the game. Your family and friends are welcome to attend! Questions on event contact Tim Nowak at 612-269-9471, email Mass and Picnic in the Park St. Matthew’s annual Mass and Picnic in the Park will be on Sunday, August 13 at the Cherokee Regional Park in St. Paul. The men’s club will be grilling that day. Meat Raffles This is one of our most consistent fund raisers, we can always use help, sign-up … [Read more...] about Men’s Club News July 2023

Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 7-9-2023

Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 PRAYER LINE: We are looking for volunteers who are willing to pray for the intentions of those who leave messages on our Prayer Line. The moderator of the Prayer Line will call “Prayer Volunteers” to inform them the “Prayer Request” and those volunteers will take some time to pray for the person requesting prayers as well as the intention mentioned in the request. If you can devote some time to pray for those in need, please contact Mary Leibl or the parish office. The names of those who call the Prayer Line and of those volunteering to pray are … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 7-9-2023

Parish Administrator’s Note – July 9, 2023

SECURITY Our ad hoc task force on security met recently. The purpose was to review progress to date. We’ve learned a lot. We have more to learn, before we buy any equipment. Our starter thinking last fall was to install some cameras. Cameras are one component of a comprehensive security plan. After talking to several vendors, we have a better idea where we will put them. Camera vendors have recommended we consider door access controls. To learn enough to make a good choice, we will have door access vendors walk through our campus with us. Training of and support for parishioners is … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – July 9, 2023

Reflection from Father Steve – July 9, 2023

GRATITUDE becomes the starting point for spiritual awareness. It is with and through gratitude that I am allowed to wonder at the riches of life. Once again Thomas Merton tells me: “Gratitude takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awaking to the new wonder and to the praise of the goodness of God.” Gratitude is the habit that fosters in me the courage to live the last act, the final inning, as completely as possible. Gratitude is a habit that insists that one be alert, alive, looking, listening and eager to receive, it is nourished by wonder. With the counselor and … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – July 9, 2023

Children’s Liturgy of the Word Packets, July 2, 2023

This summer, the Church of St. Matthew offers two types of Children’s Liturgy packets for young worshipers ages 3 to 7. The Seeds packet contains a lesson and coloring page, worksheets, crafts, and craft supplies. The Promise packet has the same materials, but the Promise lesson is designed for children in first grade. The packets are near the hymnals and on a table in the back of church. They are available at all Masses and can be taken home after Mass. … [Read more...] about Children’s Liturgy of the Word Packets, July 2, 2023

Miesville Mudhens baseball, July 12, 2023, sponsored by Men’s Club

The Men’s Club is paying for a bus to attend a Miesville Mudhens baseball game on Wednesday, July 12. We have room for 46 people to ride on the bus. Anyone is welcome to ride with us. The bus will leave St. Matthew at 6:00 PM. The game starts at 8:00 PM and we return after the game. Estimated arrival back at St. Matthew is 11:00-11:30 PM. Your only cost is the $3 admission (under 18 are free) to the game and purchases that you might want from the concession stand. The Men’s Club will be providing refreshments on the bus. Contact Tim Nowak at or 612-269-9471 to … [Read more...] about Miesville Mudhens baseball, July 12, 2023, sponsored by Men’s Club

Rosary in Cherokee Park, Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Once again this summer, the Saint Matt's Rosary Society is hosting the praying of the Rosary in Cherokee Park, the second Tuesday of the month. All are invited. We will gather at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 11 by the large picnic pavilion at Cherokee Park. This is the same location as the annual Saint Matt's Mass and Picnic in Cherokee Park. Please bring a chair if you can, plus a rosary. There will be extra rosaries and chairs if you're unable to bring either of these. There is a new paved path from the street to the pavilion, which makes walking from parking on the street much easier for … [Read more...] about Rosary in Cherokee Park, Tuesday, July 11, 2023

Reflection from Father Steve – July 2, 2023

What we wrestle with is that final stage of life; and what I am invited to do with it. Growing older can be a spiritual exercise –a window onto God’s love and mercy. All spirituality is a process, a process by which we identify ourselves within God’s plan for creation and the human family; it is a journey into the very heart of God. Now, in the final stage of life, I am called to the deepest center of who I am, to make the journey, to undertake the quest. Thomas Merton says: “We cannot become ourselves unless we know ourselves” No Man is an Island. He speaks of this journey or quest as … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – July 2, 2023

Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 7-2-2023

Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 BIBLE STUDY: Some parishioners have expressed an interest in having a study group(s) in the parish. Would you be interested in taking part in a study group? Do you have a certain topic you would like to address? Perhaps the Synod Process & Results? A certain Book of the Bible? If interested in being involved, call the parish office at (651) 224-9793 and leave your name and contact information. STRAWBERRIES: As you plan your summer calendar, keep August 23 – September 3 open. Our parish has again been asked to clean strawberries for the … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 7-2-2023

Parish Administrator’s Note – July 2, 2023

I was out of the office the week of June 19, attending Danebod Family Camp in Tyler, Minnesota. I’ve enjoyed this camp for many years, as it features many of my favorite things: friends, food, conversation, singing, dancing, games and crafts. (Check out the sampler in my office, if you get a chance.) While at Danebod, I couldn’t help but compare that camp experience with St. Matt’s. What do they have in common? To start with, we live in community at Danebod; we’re in a faith community here at St. Matt’s. Both Danebod and St. Matt’s are very intergenerational. That’s different from many … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – July 2, 2023

Reflection from Father Steve – June 25, 2023

In April of 2012 I turned 70 years old and retired from “active ministry” – major responsibility for a church institution. I was not sure what retirement was all about. The diocese had provided seminars on financial planning relating to retirement; they also offered assistance regarding Social Security and Medicare. All of this was very helpful, yet no one sat down with me to explore what the next stage of life might be for me. For the first time I am in a place on which I will never look back; I will not grow out of this place as I grew out of childhood, adolescence, middle age, etc. I … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – June 25, 2023

Parish Administrator’s Note – June 25, 2023

LOCAL LISTENING – SESSION 2 On Tuesday, June 13, St. Matt’s hosted a second West Side listening session. You might recall that our first listening session was on May 2. At the May 2 meeting, we focused on needs of the West Side. Two main themes emerged: needs of Youth, and the need for Community Building. At our second session on the 13th, we continued the conversation we began in May. Two questions framed our discussion: What resources are available to us? What resources are needed? The group worked together to list, post and group the resources identified, whether existing or desired. … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – June 25, 2023

Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 6-25-2023

The Good News Summer 2023

The Good News from Alums, Friends and Families providing tuition assistance to Community of Saints Regional Catholic School Download PDF: The Good News Summer 2023 COS Student Wins Flaherty Family Scholarship – Student spotlight on Amari who will attend Cretin-Derham Hall High School with the help of the Flaherty Family Foundation scholarship awarded to high-achieving students. Message from Father Steve – This issue tells the stories of our graduates "Such stories of the power of COS can be told over and over again... Each time you and I make a gift, we make an investment. We make an … [Read more...] about The Good News Summer 2023