SYNODALITY “The only authority in the Church is the authority of service.” So said Pope Francis in 2015, marking the 50th anniversary of the re-establishment of the Synod of Bishops. That re-establishment was one of the fruits of the Second Vatican Council. The idea is that bishops aren’t merely branch officers of the Vatican. Rather, bishops are to “walk together” with the whole People of God. Indeed, walking together is the foundational meaning of “synod.” My column today is based on a recent article by Bishop John Stowe in Commonweal magazine. Stowe suggested that each recent pope has … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – June 18, 2023
Reflection from Father Steve – June 18, 2023
This Monday, June 19th, we observe the newest national holiday – Juneteenth. This federal holiday commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. It commemorates the anniversary of the order on June 19, 1854 proclaiming freedom for the slaves of Texas. This holiday is an important step in the education of our citizenry. So much has been done recently to rewrite the history of American slavery; to deny the truth that our nation was built on the backs of African slaves. The denial of the principal of white supremacy as the underlying support for slavery is fostered in many places … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – June 18, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 6-18-2023
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 MONEY COUNTER: We are looking for 2 or 3 more volunteers to count the collection money. You will work with a team of 2 to 3 other volunteers. Counting will take place after the 10:15am mass on the last 2 Sundays of the month. Training will be provided. If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity contact Mary at or call the Parish Center - 651-224-9793 PRAYER LINE: We are looking for volunteers who are willing to pray for the intentions of those who leave messages on our Prayer Line. When a prayer request is called … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 6-18-2023
Listening Session No. 2: Tuesday, June 13, 2023
St. Matt’s is hosting another listening session for our West Side community. We’ll start at 6:30 p.m. this Tuesday, June 13. All are welcome. (Anyone who wishes may come at 5:30 p.m. for a Loaves & Fishes supper and socializing.) At our initial listening session on May 2, we discussed our community’s needs. Two themes emerged: (1) youth and (2) community building. This Tuesday, our conversation will focus on resources—available or needed. This will be the last such listening session until September. For more information, call or email the parish office. Phil Grant Pastoral … [Read more...] about Listening Session No. 2: Tuesday, June 13, 2023
News and Events June 11, 2023
ROSARY IN CHEROKEE PARK Once again the Saint Matt's Rosary Society will be hosting the praying of the Rosary in Cherokee Park, the second Tuesday of the month this summer. All are invited. We will gather at 10:00 AM on June 13 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 … [Read more...] about News and Events June 11, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 6-11-2023
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 MONEY COUNTER: We are looking for a volunteer to count the collection money. You will work with a team of 3 to 4 other volunteers. Counting will take place after the 10:15am mass on the last 2 Sundays of the month. Training will be provided. If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity contact Mary at or call the Parish Center - 651-224-9793 PRAYER LINE: We are looking for volunteers who are willing to pray for the intentions of those who leave messages on our Prayer Line. When a prayer request is called in, the … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 6-11-2023
Parish Administrator’s Note – June 11, 2023
LISTENING & SYNODALITY I’ve been reading Rafael Luciani’s 2022 book Synodality: A New Way of Proceeding in the Church. One of his main themes is the importance of listening. The very first page of the Foreward refers to Pope Francis’s teaching that “the bishops are obliged to listen carefully to the people of God, just as the people of God are obliged to listen to the voice of the bishops.” Luciani extends this idea in many chapters, noting how often hierarchical structures get in the way of listening, or make it one-sided. If any of this reminds you of Fr. Steve’s homilies of late, … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – June 11, 2023
Reflection from Father Steve – June 11, 2023
An Open Letter to Graduates Congratulations! You have arrived at a change moment in your life—whether you are graduating from high school, trade school or college. In ancient times, students were pictured as camels. These civilizations saw education as a time to provide what the student needs to be a good worker, a dedicated citizen and a person of ethical values. These values were to be borne by the student as the camel bears precious loads. In ways appropriate to your age and development, you have been provided with the following: You have learned to think critically; to seek the very … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – June 11, 2023
Men’s Club News June 2023
Wednesday, June 14th General Meeting: 8:00 pm Menu – Coneys and Chips The July board and general meetings will be held in Miesville on 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 Rock the Barn The event was a successful fund-raising event for the club, Tim will provide the financials at the meeting. Thanks to those who helped make it a success! Meat Raffles This is one of our most … [Read more...] about Men’s Club News June 2023
Prayer requests
We are blessed to be a part of a parish where we care and pray for one another. Our parish has four ways in which we can pray for others: We include names of those who need our prayers in our bulletin. A name can be in the bulletin indefinitely. We include names of those who need our prayers in the Prayers of the Faithful during Mass. Due to a long list of names, the names are divided into groups and rotated weekly. You can include names in the Book of Intentions, found in the back of the church. You can call the parish prayer line (651-424-6677) and leave your information anonymously. A … [Read more...] about Prayer requests
Reflection from Father Steve – June 4, 2023
Today I offer for your reflection the four and fifth priority submitted by the Church of North America – the Catholic Church of the United States and Canada – to the agenda of the Roman Synod of October 2023. Priority Four: Addressing the unity and communion of the Church in the midst of various kinds of polarization and division. Some of the polarization arises within the Church, other originates in the wider society and are transposed into the Church. How do local churches promote a unity, rooted in Baptism and nourished by the Eucharist? How do we grow into seeing ourselves as “people of … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – June 4, 2023
Parish Administrator’s Note – June 4, 2023
CAPITAL NEEDS UPDATE Here’s very good news: we’ve raised $55,065 thus far this fiscal year (July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023). By far, the majority of contributions came since the beginning of Lent. Many thanks to all contributors! That $55K is just what we needed for the 50% deposit on replacing our main electric panel. Looking ahead, we already have pledges for additional thousands of dollars. Some of those pledges are for specific one-time donations; others are for steady monthly giving through an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). Both methods work well. Let me know if you’d like more … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – June 4, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 6-4-2023
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 MONEY COUNTER: We are looking for a volunteer to count the collection money. You will work with a team of 3 to 4 other volunteers. Counting will take place after the 10:15am mass on the last 2 Sundays of the month. Training will be provided. If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity contact Mary at or call the Parish Center - 651-224-9793 PRAYER LINE: We are looking for volunteers who are willing to pray for the intentions of those who leave messages on our Prayer Line. When a prayer request is called in, the … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 6-4-2023
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 5-28-2023
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 MONEY COUNTER: We are looking for a volunteer to count the collection money. You will work with a team of 3 to 4 other volunteers. Counting will take place after the 10:15am mass on the last 2 Sundays of the month. Training will be provided. If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity contact Mary at or call the Parish Center - 651-224-9793 PRAYER LINE: We are looking for volunteers who are willing to pray for the intentions of those who leave messages on our Prayer Line. When a prayer request is called in, the … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 5-28-2023
Reflection from Father Steve – May 28, 2023
The North American Catholic Church – Catholics from the United States and Canada – offer five priorities to be discussed at the October Roman Synod. Last week I wrote about the first of the five. The second priority: The Church has the challenge of welcoming those who feel excluded from participation in the life of the Church, and to do so in a manner that is authentic and faithful to the Gospel. Often this tension was obvious in the words of individuals and communities. People believe that welcoming and serving the wounded and isolated in the world and in the Church is an essential aspect … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – May 28, 2023
Parish Administrator’s Note – May 28, 2023
“I WISH I COULD BE A MEMBER OF YOUR PARISH.” I recently heard that compliment from a volunteer medical professional, as she was leaving St. Mary’s Health Clinic. She’s among the many who volunteer here every Wednesday. She went on, “You’re always helping people.” She was referring not only to St. Mary’s free clinic, but also to Loaves and Fishes, Casa Guadalupana, the free mental health clinic starting up at St. Matt’s, and other ministries here. In talking to this dedicated volunteer, I learned that she belongs to a suburban Catholic parish. She’s an active, supportive member of that … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – May 28, 2023
Sacrament of First Communion, May 2023
Pictured here are many of the children whose First Communions were celebrated on May 14, May 20, and May 21. The Church of St Matthew celebrated 36 First Communions this spring. Nineteen of the students attend Community of Saints Regional Catholic School, and 17 of the students attend area public elementary and middle schools and were prepared through the St Matthew Faith Formation program. Thank you to First Communion teachers and helpers: Valerie Gerlich, Autumn Koch, Janelle Rohr, Mary Bejblik, Myrna Beltran, Kathleen Thompson, and Julius Valentin. Thank you to Community of Saints teachers … [Read more...] about Sacrament of First Communion, May 2023
Gifted and Belonging meeting: Sunday, May 21, 2023
Gifted and Belonging will hold their next meeting on May 21 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at St. Matthew Social Hall. Gifted and Belonging (GAB), a Catholic social club for young adults with disabilities seen and unseen, welcomes all young adults to come and celebrate the month of Mary. Please contact Megan at for more information. … [Read more...] about Gifted and Belonging meeting: Sunday, May 21, 2023
How To Get Your Child Baptized At St. Matthew
The Church of St. Matthew welcomes a child and his or her parents for the Sacrament of Baptism. We invite you to be a living part of our faith community. If you have a child you would like baptized, please complete the baptism registration form and submit it to the St. Matthew parish office. You can find the baptism registration form and additional information online at https://st-matts-archive.org/baptism or by calling the parish office at (651) 224-9793. If you have children making First Communion in the next year or two who have not been baptized, it is important to begin taking steps … [Read more...] about How To Get Your Child Baptized At St. Matthew
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 5-21-2023
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 MONEY COUNTER: We are looking for a volunteer to count the collection money. You will work with a team of 3 to 4 other volunteers. Counting will take place after the 10:15am mass on the last 2 Sundays of the month. Training will be provided. If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity contact Mary at or call 651-227-9793 PRAYER LINE: We are looking for volunteers who are willing to pray for the intentions of those who leave messages on our Prayer Line. When a prayer request is called in, the moderator of the Prayer … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 5-21-2023
Faith Formation News, May 21, 2023
FIRST COMMUNION THANK YOU: As we finish our celebration of 36 First Communions this May, we thank those who helped them register and prepare for the sacrament. Thanks to teachers Autumn Koch, Valerie Gerlich, and Janelle Rohr. Thanks to Myrna Beltran, Mary Bejblik, and Kathleen Thompson for their help with the program. Thanks to Community of Saints teachers and administration. Thanks to Angela Rakow and Linda Rivera for sacramental records work and preparation of First Communion certificates. Thanks to Father Adrian, John Riehle, Joanne Smith, and Jeanne Maanum for help with First Communion … [Read more...] about Faith Formation News, May 21, 2023
Parish Administrator’s Note – May 21, 2023
PARISH COLLABORATION MEETING On Thursday, May 11, parishioners from St. Matt’s hosted counterparts from St. Stan’s. The purpose was to get to know one another. We did. It was a good meeting! Details: I’m grateful to our Council members who came, including Kathy Goldenstein, Becky Montgomery, Janelle Rohr, and Ellen Schneider. Also present were our trustees, John Del Vecchio and Karen Thompson. Our guests from St. Stan’s included trustees and staff—including my counterpart, Kim Myers. Kim and I see each other monthly, at parish administrator meetings. I’ve found it useful to share … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – May 21, 2023
Reflection from Father Steve – May 21 2023
Beginning in 2021, Pope Francis called the universal church to prepare for a Synod, a month long meeting in Rome during October 2023. Synods have been gatherings of selected bishops, representing the whole church, coming together, and with the Pope, undertaking a reflection on current issues facing the Church; and discerning what the response to the issue should be. A process to implement the plan is then established. He asked that each diocese undertake a process inviting all to reflect, discuss and conclude what it is that the Church of the 3rd millennium must undertake to be a renewed … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – May 21 2023
Faith Formation News, May 14, 2023
CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD This Sunday, May 14, is the last day of In-Person Children’s Liturgy of the Word. It will be on break during the summer months. Two types of Children’s Liturgy packets will still be available near the doors of the church during the summer month. The Seeds packet contains a lesson connected to the week’s Gospel, a parent teaching page, and extra 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 available at all Masses and can be taken home after the … [Read more...] about Faith Formation News, May 14, 2023
Reflection from Father Steve – May 14, 2023
For many centuries in the West, Christianity has to a large extent determined and shaped culture and society. Culture is the way a person inhabits his/her world. Culture structures all the components and dimensions of human existence. All people live on this earth, but they do not inhabit the earth in the same way. Thus, there are a plurality of cultures. At a time, all cultures were religious cultures; in religious cultures, religion plays a decisive role. Religion is not only one of the components in a culture, it is the determining factor in a culture. Religion is the frame of … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – May 14, 2023
Parish Administrator’s Note – May 14, 2023
SYNODALITY Have you ever noticed that when you learn a new word, you suddenly see it everywhere? I recall this happening to me a lot when I was in school. It’s happening again, with the word “synodality”. I first started reading about it a year or two ago, in the pages of Commonweal. (A great Catholic magazine, by the way. I recommend it.) Commonweal articles described the synodal processes begun by Pope Francis, noting the emphasis on listening to everyone in our church, not just bishops and priests. More recently, I was reading a recent copy of Pastoral Music, a national journal for music … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – May 14, 2023
Strawberry Cleaning for Minnesota State Fair, August 23 to September 3, 2023
Keep Wednesday, August 23 – Sunday, September 3 open! Our parish has again been asked to do strawberry cleaning for the Strawberries and Creme booth at the Minnesota State Fair! We begin cleaning each day at about 8:00 AM and are usually finished about noon. The amount of berries to be cleaned depends on the weather and crowd size at the fair. Many of our volunteers look forward to this project and have already signed up to let us know they will help clean berries! They enjoy being together and socializing with fellow parishioners. If you haven’t yet signed up or if you have never taken part … [Read more...] about Strawberry Cleaning for Minnesota State Fair, August 23 to September 3, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 5-14-2023
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 GRASS MOWING: We are looking for volunteers to take care of the grass mowing on the parish campus. The parish lawn mower is available for use. This would entail the boulevards surrounding the church, parish center and school. Also, the grassy areas around the parish center and along the Humboldt side of the school. Does not include the Guadalapana property. Normally the grass only needs to be mowed once a week. If we have more than 1 volunteer, they can alternate weeks. If interested in helping your parish in this way, contact Mary at … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 5-14-2023
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 5-7-2023
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 GRASS MOWING: We are looking for volunteers to take care of the grass mowing on the parish campus. The parish lawn mower is available for use. This would entail the boulevards surrounding the church, parish center and school. Also, the grassy areas around the parish center and along the Humboldt side of the school. Does not include the Guadalapana property. Normally the grass only needs to be mowed once a week. If we have more than 1 volunteer, they can alternate weeks. If interested in helping your parish in this way, contact Mary at … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 5-7-2023
SPCO West Side free concert, May 11, 2023, Humboldt High School
Beach, Dvořák and Straus Special Offer — West Side Residents Get Free Tickets! Delight in this concert of chamber music featuring three quintets of winds and strings, including Dvořák’s American Quintet as well as works by Beach and Straus. On May 11, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra will be joined by the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS) Harmony program. This El Sistema-inspired program currently serves 60 2nd–5th graders from Riverview West Side School of Excellence, where they learn cello and violin as well as valuable life and artistic skills. Students from the Harmony … [Read more...] about SPCO West Side free concert, May 11, 2023, Humboldt High School
News and Events May 7, 2023
COFFEE SUNDAY - Sunday, May 7, 2023 Our last Coffee Sunday of the year is May 7 after the 10:15 AM Mass. Come down to the Social Hall after Mass and visit with your fellow parishioners. Coffee Sunday will be on break during the summer months. ROSARY SOCIETY MEETING All women are invited to the next Rosary Society meeting, which is Tuesday, May 9, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. This meeting is our annual Funeral Lunch Volunteers and Members Appreciation Dinner. The meeting will be in the lower level of the Parish Center. Come and join us as we show our appreciation to the women and men who have been … [Read more...] about News and Events May 7, 2023
Parish Administrator’s Note – May 7, 2023
FACILITIES NEWS Technicians from All City Elevator began repair work on the school elevator this past week. Recall that a combination of an aging school roof and bad weather contributed to a major leak in the school elevator shaft, back in February. Total cost to repair is about $29,000. All but $1,000 is covered by insurance. About that aging flat school roof: that replacement project will happen in the next few months, depending on our roofing company’s schedule. Cost is roughly $221,000. We plan to cover that cost initially with our Line of Credit from Catholic Finance Corporation. … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – May 7, 2023
Reflection from Father Steve – May 7, 2023
In the face of a culture of secularism, consumerism, economic inequality, diminishment of the value of human beings – especially those who are different from me - and the list goes on, the stance of the Church must not be preaching about or idealizing a bygone past – the golden age of a Church of yesterday – a time that we can never expect to regain. Such an approach risks separating the Church even more than it is from a culture that is on the move and doesn’t wait. We live in a culture of nihilism – a culture in which there is nothing. There is no such reality as value, truth, faith, life … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – May 7, 2023
Men’s Club News May 2023
Wednesday, May 10th Board Meeting: 7:30 pm General Meeting: 8:00 pm Menu – Chef's Suprise Men's Club Fundraising Opportunity The Men’s Club has been asked to provide a concession stand at the event below. We will be selling food and beverages. We will be looking for help, Tim will discuss it at the general meeting. Dodge Nature Center Rock the Barn Saturday, May 20, 3pm – 6pm Main property, farm entrance 3, 1701 Charlton St, West St Paul, MN 55118 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 … [Read more...] about Men’s Club News May 2023
Faith Formation News, April 30, 2023
FAITH FORMATION CLASSES FINISH FOR THIS SCHOOL YEAR: Our final Faith Formation session for the 2022-2023 school year is on Wednesday, May 3. All Faith Formation students and families are invited to the church for a prayer service that will start at 6:30 PM. The prayer service will be followed by bingo games and refreshments. Students can be picked up at 7:45 PM on May 3. FIRST COMMUNION PRACTICE: Faith Formation and Community of Saints students preparing for First Holy Communion need to attend a final class and practice on Wednesday, May 10, at 6:30 PM in St. Matthew Church. Parents or … [Read more...] about Faith Formation News, April 30, 2023
