PLEASE SUPPORT OUR RETIRED RELIGIOUS Our second collection today supports religious sisters, brothers and order priests. They devoted their lives to prayer, service, and works of mercy. Most ministered for little or no pay. Their religious communities do not have enough retirement savings. Your gift helps to furnish medications, nursing care, and other necessities. Please use the special envelopes for this collection. Make checks out to the Church of St. Matthew and put “Religious Retirement Fund” in the memo line.  You may also contribute to the Religious Retirement Fund next weekend, if … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – December 11, 2022

HAVE A BLESSED ADVENT Happy New Liturgical Year! The season of Advent starts our church calendar anew; sorry I missed greeting you in last week’s bulletin. One reason I look forward to Advent each year is that we have the opportunity to sing special hymns of the season: Advent season, that is—with its hymns of anticipation and longing. I also like Advent’s gradual build up to the full glory of Christmas, as opposed to skipping straight from Thanksgiving to Dec. 24-25. In that spirit: if you stop by the parish office in the next couple of weeks, please admire the Advent wreaths, among other … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – December 4, 2022

SIGNS OF THE TIMES In a recent homily, Fr. Steve talked about the signs of the times. As he said, it is wise to pay attention to them. It is prudent to act on them. He went on to compare the early 1960s with today. In response to the signs of the times in the 60s, Pope John XXIII called the Second Vatican Council into session. He knew that our Church needed to engage—not retreat—from everything that was happening. How might we read today’s signs? How can we respond, locally and beyond? I’m glad that part of our parish’s continuing response involves feeding the hungry (Loaves & Fishes), … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – November 27, 2022

ON SYNODS AND SYNODALITY Perhaps you’ve heard of the worldwide synod process initiated by Pope Francis? Or not? After all, most media don’t pay much attention to synods, admittedly a somewhat obscure topic. So, let’s review. In Roman Catholicism, a synod is basically a type of meeting, or a series of meetings. Our local Archdiocese actually began its synod process before Pope Francis did. You may be among those who attended various sorts of local synod meetings over the past three years, whether here at St. Matt’s or regionally. Those meetings involved listening, preparation and engagement … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – November 20, 2022

WAIT, WHAT, WHICH COLLECTION? I occasionally imagine Old Testament religious leaders saying something like this: “This week’s special collection of goats supports the poor people living on the north end of Jerusalem. Please be generous.” More to the point, our faith tradition from ancient times has asked for support through prayer, time, and treasure—whether our treasure be in goats or dollars. I trust that everyone prays for our parish on a regular basis. I also know that we have many and great volunteers donating their time and talent. (For example: thank you, Men’s Club, for an enjoyable … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – November 13, 2022

THE BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE It’s November. Traditionally, this is the month when we Catholics collectively remember our deceased family and friends. How do we do that here at St. Matt’s? One of our traditions is to write their names in our Book of Remembrance. Look for that book near the front entrance of the church, before Mass begins. Who comes to mind? Write their names in the book. Throughout this month, we’ll place the book in the sanctuary. (The Book of Intentions is placed there for the other 11 months of the year.) The Book of Remembrance tangibly reminds us of an important reality: … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – November 6, 2022