All women are invited to the next Rosary Society meeting, which is Tuesday, February 14 from 1:30 to 3:00 PM in the lower level meeting room of the Parish Center. Come and enjoy as we celebrate Valentine’s Day by sharing memories, playing games and enjoying refreshments. You do not need to be a member to attend the meetings. … [Read more...] about Rosary Society meeting 2/14/23, 1:30pm
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 2-5-2023
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 PRAYER LINE: We are seeking a volunteer to monitor the Parish Prayer Line. In this role, your phone number would be published, without your name, in the parish bulletin under Prayer Line. People will call, asking to have the names of people in need of prayers placed on the Prayer Line. You will then call volunteers who have already offered their time to pray for those requests. Having an answering system will be helpful. If willing to volunteer, please contact Mary Leibl – or the parish office. MASS RESPONSE MINISTRY St. … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 2-5-2023
Men’s Club News February 2023
Wednesday, February 8, 2023 Board Meeting: 7:30 pm General Meeting: 8:00 pm Menu – Chili Fund Raising Opportunity The club will provide concessions at the Dodge Nature Center Winter Fun Fest on Saturday February 18th, 2023, from 2pm – 5pm. We will be selling food items and adult beverages. We can use some help that day. We will meet at the social hall at around 9am to prepare food and get organized. We will also need help on site to sell products. This should be a very profitable fund-raising event for the club. Fish Fries Fish fries will start on Friday February 24th and run through … [Read more...] about Men’s Club News February 2023
Parish Administrator’s Note – January 29, 2023
“I BELIEVE IN WHAT YOU’RE DOING HERE” Pop quiz: what comes to mind when I say, “What is St. Matt’s about?” Take a moment. I’ll wait. Ready? OK, for me, several things come to mind. First, we have a strong emphasis on social justice. That’s apparent when you start naming our ministries, such as Loaves & Fishes, Casa Guadalupana, St. Mary’s Free Clinic, Gifted and Belonging, and AA support groups. Another part of our identity is that “we’re a Vatican II parish.” Among other things, that means we take seriously the Second Vatican Council’s teachings on the importance of all the baptized. … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – January 29, 2023
Reflection from Father Steve – January 29, 2023
I am writing this while shut down by the Christmas freeze and blizzard. Like the shelter in place of the pandemic, being stranded because of weather is frustrating and advantageous. Frustrating because you are stuck and cannot go where you want to go; advantageous because you have time and opportunity to do things around the house that you normally wouldn’t get done. Finally, you have the chance to simply be quiet, read, reflect and pray. It enabled me, in the middle of winter, to reflect on the difference of not merely surviving, but thriving. What’s the recipe for this. What follows is a … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – January 29, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 1-29-2023
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. When a prayer request is called in, the moderator of the Prayer Line will call those “Prayer Volunteers”, inform them of the “Prayer Request” and these volunteers will take some time to pray for the person requesting prayers as well at the intention mentioned in the request. This ministry is done from your home and at your convenience! There is strength in numbers! Can you devote some time during the day to pray … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 1-29-2023
Lector Workshop: Proclaiming the Good News! February 4, 2023
Saturday, February 4, 2023 9:30-11:00 AM Church of St. Matthew How to prayerfully prepare to share the Word of God. How to proclaim the Good News for greatest effect. Learn how to do “lectio divina” (Latin for “divine reading’) This workshop is for experienced lectors and new lectors 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. No cost to attend. Present lectors, please bring your 2023 Lector Workbook. Coffee and light … [Read more...] about Lector Workshop: Proclaiming the Good News! February 4, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 1-22-2023
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. When a prayer request is called in, the moderator of the Prayer Line will call those “Prayer Volunteers”, inform them of the “Prayer Request” and those volunteers will take some time to pray for the person requesting prayers as well at the intention mentioned in the request. This ministry can be done from your home and at your convenience! If you feel you can devote some time during the day to pray for those in … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 1-22-2023
Faith Formation News, January 22, 2023
FAITH FORMATION, FIRST COMMUNION UPDATE On Wednesday, January 25, ONLY students who are preparing for First Communion should attend Faith Formation. All other Faith Formation students have the evening off. For those preparing for First Communion, we meet in the church from 6:30 to 7:45 PM. Parents also need to attend; they will have a parent meeting in the church. Community of Saints families who have children registered for First Communion with St. Matthew this May should also attend class and the meeting on January 25 — both the students and at least one parent. January 25 is a required … [Read more...] about Faith Formation News, January 22, 2023
Liturgical ministry scheduling for Ash Wednesday – May 28
The new ministry schedule will run from Ash Wednesday, February 22 through Sunday, May 28. Holy Week, Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday will be written separately at a later date. Let Mary Leibl know any weeks you will not be available and any dates you prefer to serve by February 5. If you have requests for Holy Week, you can also include that information at this time. … [Read more...] about Liturgical ministry scheduling for Ash Wednesday – May 28
Parish Administrator’s Note – January 22, 2023
WHERE WE WORSHIP: A HOUSE OF WELCOME “Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.” (Hebrews 13:1-2) Hospitality. It’s one of the many things I’ve appreciated about St. Matt’s since I began work here in 2021. I notice it when greeters by our entry doors offer a smile, hymnal and list of music for each Mass. Hospitality is also apparent in the way people socialize before and after Mass, and at Coffee Sunday, or when office staff and volunteers help visitors. I could go on, but I expect you get the idea. Let us welcome … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – January 22, 2023
Reflection from Father Steve – January 22, 2023
Since the time of the First Vatican Council the practice in the church has been to see the leadership in the faith resting with the pope and through him with the bishops. Dioceses were seen as “branch offices” of the Vatican and bishops were the local “branch managers”, the representation of the pope. Meanwhile voices were heard in the Church, such as the voice of Saint John Henry Newman, which insisted that the laity must be consulted in any Church decision regarding faith and/or morals. Little, if any, attention was paid to the role of the believing community of the baptized as possessing … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – January 22, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 1-15-2023
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. When a prayer request is called in, the moderator of the Prayer Line will call those “Prayer Volunteers”, inform them of the “Prayer Request” and those volunteers will take some time to pray for the person requesting prayers as well at the intention mentioned in the request. If you feel you can devote some time during the day to pray for those in need, please call … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 1-15-2023
Isaac’s Blessing Bags 2022 – Thank You
We would like to express our gratitude to all of the donors who felt moved to donate to Isaac's Blessing Bags again this winter season. Every year Isaac prepares to sort and deliver as many blessing bags as possible. This year, he decided to ask a few friends from Cretin Derham Hall to join in on his mission. They put together and delivered blessing bags in downtown Saint Paul. Isaac and his friends will continue to make deliveries throughout the year, to anyone who may be in need. We could not fulfill the needs of our community without the ongoing support from St. Matthew's Church. We are … [Read more...] about Isaac’s Blessing Bags 2022 – Thank You
Parish Administrator’s Note – January 15, 2023
WHERE WE WORSHIP: A HOUSE OF PRAYER I recently ran across a great line from the prophet Isaiah (56:7): “For my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.” There are two main reasons I like the line. The first is that Isaiah clearly supports wide ranging hospitality. That works for me. And it certainly fits with St. Matt’s tradition of hospitality to all peoples. The other reason is more prosaic. It’s that the bricks, mortar, and other concrete aspects of our house of prayer need constant attention. Buildings are expensive. We have to take care of them, however, so that we can … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – January 15, 2023
Faith Formation News, January 15, 2023
FAITH FORMATION, CONFIRMATION CLASSES: Students in grades K to 10 who attend public school have Faith Formation class this Wednesday, January 18. Grades K to 7 start at 6:30 PM and most children finish at 7:40 PM. Grades 8 to 10 have class from 6:45 to 7:50 PM. Community of Saints 8th graders who are preparing to be confirmed with our St Matthew group should also attend class on January 18. Classes are held in the Parish Center. FIRST COMMUNION PREPARATION: On Wednesday, January 25, students from Faith Formation and Community of Saints who are preparing for First Communion with St. Matthew … [Read more...] about Faith Formation News, January 15, 2023
Reflection from Father Steve – January 15, 2023
This Monday, January 16th, marks the annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it is known as MLK Day. Those younger than 65 years old have no personal recollection of Dr. King and the dynamic force he brought to the “cry for civil rights.” Dr. King was not a politician, neither was he a journalist nor a television personality. Dr. King succeeded his father as pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia. He framed the call for justice in the teaching of the Scriptures, the prophetic teaching of the Old Testament and the teaching of Jesus in the New Testament. King … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – January 15, 2023
The New Hymnals Are Here!
We will begin using the new Gather 4 hymnals for our liturgical celebrations the weekend of January 14-15. The new hymnals include the ritual order and prayers spoken by the whole assembly as we have been saying them since 2010. You may recall that in 2010, the Roman Missal, Third Edition was adopted by Diocese of the United States. The Roman Missal, Third Edition changed the language of many of the prayers we had been saying since 1975. The change made many of the Mass responses found in our maroon hymnals obsolete. Since 2010 our parish has continued using the maroon hymnal for sung prayer … [Read more...] about The New Hymnals Are Here!
Men’s Club News January 2023
Wednesday January 11, 2023 Board Meeting: 7:30pm General Meeting: 8pm Menu – Tim’s surprise I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We postponed the January board meeting due to the weather. We will hold the board meeting before the general meeting, everyone is welcome to attend. January will be time to look at 2022, regroup and get ready for 2023. We will start planning this year’s fFish Fries and discuss other fund-raising opportunities. Manger Setup 2022 Snow and cold weather didn’t get in the way of putting up the manger scene. This project has been a long … [Read more...] about Men’s Club News January 2023
Bowling Party for COS Youth Choir, sponsored by St. Matt’s
What better way to usher in the New Year than with a bowling party? On 12/31/2022, members of the Youth Choir of Community of Saints Regional Catholic School (COS) were treated to two hours of bowling and snacks at the Bowling Center of St. Francis de Sales Church in the West Seventh neighborhood of Saint Paul. The event was organized and funded by the Church of Saint Matthew. … [Read more...] about Bowling Party for COS Youth Choir, sponsored by St. Matt’s
Children’s Liturgy starts Sunday, January 8, 2023
Faith Formation news 1-8-2023 Young children who attend the Sunday Mass with their family are invited to the chapel during Mass to hear the Gospel and do crafts and activities related to the Gospel, led by a catechist. They are returned to the main church shortly after the homily. … [Read more...] about Children’s Liturgy starts Sunday, January 8, 2023
Reflection from Father Steve: Examination of Conscience – January 8, 2023
Some have asked for a copy of the examination of conscience at the Penance Service on the Fourth Sunday of Advent. It is found below. Fr. Steve Adrian Examination of Conscience Can you set aside your need to be in control? Can you stop being judgmental, intolerant, and self-righteous? Can you let go of the grudges you have been holding onto? Can you be generous with your love and attention? Are you strengthening your faith through worship? Are you using your talents at the service of the common good? Are you faithful and honest in your relationships? Are you honoring … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve: Examination of Conscience – January 8, 2023
Parish Administrator’s Note – January 8, 2023
WHERE WE WORSHIP I was delighted to see so many people at Mass during the Christmas season! I like the feeling of solidarity with fellow believers. We’re strengthened by everyone’s presence. It also helped that our church building, where we worship together, was wonderfully beautiful during the past few weeks. Many thanks to all those who decorated the church for the season--especially Mary and Bob Bejblik. Thanks also to our younger volunteers from our parish Faith Formation program, coordinated by Janelle Rohr. 2023 – IT’S AN ODD YEAR Retired Pope Benedict recently died. It was very … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – January 8, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 1-8-2023
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. When a prayer request is called in, the moderator of the Prayer Line will call those “Prayer Volunteers”, inform them of the “Prayer Request” and those volunteers will take some time to pray for the person requesting prayers as well at the intention mentioned in the request. If you feel you can devote some time during the day to pray for those in need, please call … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 1-8-2023
Volunteer Opportunity: Communion to Homebound
We are looking for a volunteer to take the Eucharist to a homebound parishioner. Either after the Sat. 4:15pm mass or Sun 10:15am mass. Whatever is best for the volunteer. The parishioner lives within a half mile of St. Matthew Church. If you are able to volunteer for this ministry, please contact Mary Leibl at or call the parish Center (651-224-9793). … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunity: Communion to Homebound
Parish Administrator’s Note – January 1, 2023
HAPPY NEW YEAR! (AND CONTINUED CHRISTMAS WISHES) I hope your Christmas season has been splendid, with many opportunities for time with loved ones. I know I’ve enjoyed worshipping at St. Matt’s, spending time with friends and family, and having my daughter in town for Christmas vacation. Special thanks to music director Jill Kilzer, our choir members, and all the musicians who’ve enhanced our worship during this season. I’ve heard many compliments! My hope for 2023 is that all of us are a light for others, as Fr. Steve said in a recent homily. In my short time here, I’ve repeatedly seen St. … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – January 1, 2023
Reflection from Father Steve – January 1, 2023
We say “goodbye” to 2022 and “hello” to 2023. The past year has been a difficult year for many; it has also been a time of joy for some. I know I can learn something about living in 23 from my experiences of 22. I keep a notebook, a kind of daily diary—just a few sentences each day which describe the day, events, people, thoughts, ideas, etc. Mostly I jot down the names of people with whom I had connection that day. This daily exercise began when I heard from one of my teachers that he kept such a list; he called the notebook “People I have Breathed On Today”. Each New Year’s Eve I settle … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – January 1, 2023
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 1-1-2023
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 MASS RESPONSE MINISTRY: St. Matt’s needs someone to read the Mass responses and prayers into a microphone for pre-recorded Masses. You would say the prayers and responses you always say, but into a microphone to share with online Mass participants. Online viewers do not hear the assembly’s responses and prayers unless they are spoken into a microphone for recording. Your assistance will help our online viewers to participate more completely in the Masses. Several Mass Response Ministers are needed. If interested, please contact the parish … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 1-1-2023
Christmas 2022 flower donations
Thank you, Saint Matthew’s families and friends, for your contributions to the 2022 Christmas environment fund. Your gifts in memory or in honor of your loved ones are greatly appreciated. Download list of flower donations (PDF): 20220122-Christmas-Flowers-Insert IN MEMORY OF Val and Dolores Blenkush by Marge Blenkush Mary Joanne Roubik, Simpson, Berlandi and Roubik Family Members by Bill and Rita Roubik Jacob and Lucille Dosch by Jerald Dosch Mary Scanlan, my wife of almost 49 1/2 years by James Scanlan Bill Brengman, John and Catherine Brengman, Louise Heinrich, Mae Brow, … [Read more...] about Christmas 2022 flower donations
Parish Administrator’s Note – December 25, 2022
MERRY CHRISTMAS! Welcome, one and all, to St. Matt’s for Christmas 2022. We’re glad you’re here, celebrating Christ’s birth with us! Christmas is a season that involves the giving of gifts. I’ve often been reminded of that lately, every time I see the many gifts this community has given to Isaac’s Blessing Bags. There’s another type of gift I notice every time we gather for worship: your presence, here in church or online. It is good to be together. Thanks(?) to the pandemic, I’ve grown to appreciate togetherness ever more. One more thought on gifts: I see St. Matt’s as a gift to the West … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – December 25, 2022
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 12-25-2022
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 FUNERAL MINISTRY: We are looking for 3 to 4 volunteers to form a 2nd team of Funeral Ministers. Included in the duties: Having church open to meet the Funeral Directors when they arrive at the church. Offer hospitality to families and guests. Be sure that everything needed for funeral service is in proper place. Help the Readers and Gift Bearers to feel comfortable in their roles. See to it that the church is returned to normal set-up after the funeral. Training will be provided. If you are interested in serving this important ministry, contact … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 12-25-2022
Reflection from Father Steve – December 25, 2022
Years ago when people talked of simple living and ecology they championed “Small Is Beautiful”. In some ways the Feast and Season of Christmas celebrates God’s dwelling among us in the small and the beautiful – in a condition a busy and commercial driven world at best disregards and at worst doesn’t even see. How to celebrate the immensity and at the same time the smallness of this Divine Mystery – the mystery of Emmanuel, “God with us”? The Christmas Event is not something to grasp intellectually – you can’t get your mind around it. This mystery is to be experienced; and the experience … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – December 25, 2022
Parish Administrator’s Note – December 18, 2022
WHAT DO YOU SEE IN THE WORLD? One of the hallmarks of our parish is our respect for people as they are. I see evidence of that on a regular basis. Visitors and new members often comment on our hospitality, and our willingness to accommodate requests for sacraments. We also offer opportunities for change and growth. I’m reminded of John the Baptist, challenged his listeners to repent, to change, to see the world in new ways. Fr. Steve often preaches on such themes, e.g., by recalling Vatican II’s teachings on respect for conscience. That was a change from pre-Vatican II approaches. It’s been … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – December 18, 2022
Reflection from Father Steve – December 18, 2022
Next Sunday, December 25th is Christmas Day, the Feast of the Birth of the Son of God. Christmas worship will take place on Christmas Eve, December 24th at 4:15 PM. A service of carols takes place before Mass. On Christmas Day, December 25th the Mass of Christmas is at 10:15 AM, preceded by a service of carols. Even though some people have little church participation in their lives, the Feast and Season of Christmas is often the time when they will once again come to church. I invite you to encourage family members and friends and co-workers to join you for Christmas worship. Sometimes … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – December 18, 2022
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 12-18-2022
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 FUNERAL MINISTRY: We are looking for 3 to 4 volunteers to form a 2nd team of Funeral Ministers. Included in the duties: Having church open to meet the Funeral Directors when they arrive at the church. Offer hospitality to families and guests. Be sure that everything needed for funeral service is in proper place. Help the Readers and Gift Bearers to feel comfortable in their roles. See to it that the church is returned to normal set-up after the funeral. Training will be provided. If you are interested in serving this important ministry, contact … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 12-18-2022
