Then I said, “Here am I, Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 GREETERS: St. Matthews parish seeks additional “Greeters”, for Sun. masses. We welcome people who are able to extend a warm welcome to those arriving for Mass. Your friendly smile and enthusiasm for the Church of St. Matthew are all that is needed. To help, contact: , or the parish office. Sharing & Caring Hands is looking for volunteers to help with the Reading Program for Children which is held at Mary’s Place in Mpls. This program pairs volunteers one-on-one with the Mary’s Place children, many … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 7-10-2022
Reflection from Father Steve – July 3, 2022
This weekend we celebrate our citizenship, our independence. Pundits, politicians, commentators and Monday morning quarterbacks all seek to grab our attention and tell us what this day is all about. It is pretty simple. Today we commemorate that moment in July of 1776 when a rag-tag group of people took a stand and declared they and their neighbors to be free and self-determining. July 4th marks the birth of the nation. That Declaration confirmed us as a people, a United States. Individual freedoms were affirmed, the rights and value of the individual were asserted. These rights and values … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – July 3, 2022
Parish Administrator’s Note – July 3, 2022
ON VACATION AND MORTALITY “Summertime, and the livin’ is easy.” At least that’s what George Gershwin et al wrote back in the 1930s, in the opera Porgy and Bess. Friends and I sang that song a couple of weeks ago. I was on vacation at a place called Danebod Family Camp, in Tyler, Minnesota. We also sang dozens of other songs, in addition to other activities such as folk dancing, crafts, games, and discussion. It was a great week! I led one of the camp discussions, guided by Oliver Burkeman’s 2021 book, Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals. Burkeman calculates that if a person … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – July 3, 2022
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 7-3-2022
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 GREETERS: St. Matthews parish seeks additional “Greeters”, for Sun. masses. We welcome People who are able to extend a warm welcome to those arriving for Mass. Your friendly smile and enthusiasm for the Church of St. Matthew are all that is needed. To help, contact: , or the parish office. OFFERTORY PROCESSION: We have returned to having an Offertory Procession at each mass. If you are willing to bring up the bread and wine occasionally, please speak to a sacristan before mass. You may also call … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 7-3-2022
Rosary in Cherokee Park 7-12-2022
All are invited to join Rosary Society members and others as we gather to pray the rosary together in Cherokee Park on Tuesday, July 12th at 10:00 AM. We will gather under the shade trees near the intersection of Chippewa and Winona. Bring a chair and rosary if you have one. There will be extras of both available. … [Read more...] about Rosary in Cherokee Park 7-12-2022
Miesville Mudhens bus trip 7-13-2022, Men’s Club invites all
St. Matthew’s Men’s Club is hosting a bus trip to Miesville, MN for Mudhens baseball game on Wednesday, July 13. We invite anyone (men, women and accompanied children) to hop on the bus with us. Refreshments will be available on the bus. Ballpark admission is $3 for age 18 and up and free under 18. We leave St. Matthew’s at 6:00 PM and arrive by 7 PM. Ballpark concessions will be open and there are 2 restaurants close to the ballpark (King’s Bar & Grill or Wiederholt’s Supper Club). Game time is 8:00 PM. Questions or to reserve a spot on the bus, contact Tim Nowak at (612) 269-9471 or … [Read more...] about Miesville Mudhens bus trip 7-13-2022, Men’s Club invites all
Reflection from Father Steve – June 26, 2022
Are you a follower of Jesus? How do you become a follower of Jesus? Fr. Gerhard Lofink says “there is no New Testament noun for followers of Jesus.” The word used is disciple. Disciple means student; and to be a disciple means that you are under the tutelage of a teacher. Jews had many opportunities to find a teacher, yet when a teacher was chosen the student pledged fidelity to the teacher. Disciples learned to see the world, and to hear words through the eyes and ears of the teacher. The teacher was a life mentor to the disciple. In the New Testament we have some incidents in which a … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – June 26, 2022
Parish Administrator’s Note – June 26, 2022
SUPPORT YOUR PARISH - EFTs Some parishes need to ask their members for extra contributions to finish their fiscal year in the black. (Our fiscal year ends June 30, along with all other Catholic churches and schools in the Archdiocese.) Fortunately, we don’t have to do that at St. Matt’s this year. That’s because of the consistent, solid operating support many parishioners provide. Thank you! Electronic Fund Transfers (EFTs) are a convenient way to contribute regularly. Over the phone or in person, I can set up an EFT for you. I’ll need your bank’s name, routing number, and your bank account … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – June 26, 2022
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 6-26-2022
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 GREETERS: St. Matthews parish seeks additional “Greeters”, for Sun. masses. We welcome People who are able to extend a warm welcome to those arriving for Mass. Your friendly smile and enthusiasm for the Church of St. Matthew are all that is needed. To help, contact: , or the parish office. OFFERTORY PROCESSION: We are returning to having an Offertory Procession at each mass. If you are willing to bring up the bread and wine occasionally, please speak to a sacristan before mass. You may also call … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 6-26-2022
The Good News Summer 2022
The Good News from Alums, Friends and Families providing tuition assistance to Community of Saints Regional Catholic School Download PDF: The Good News Summer 2022 Our Biggest Challenge Ever! $80,000 Challenge Grant from Hugh & Melissa Cullen. This alum-sponsored match is in honor of Fr. Steve Adrian’s 80th birthday. Message from Father Steve. "It was 15 years ago that Alums & Friends & Families came to be. The cost of Catholic education was making it difficult for many West Side families to see Catholic school as an option for their children. I invited a handful of people … [Read more...] about The Good News Summer 2022
Parish Administrator’s Note – June 19, 2022
SUPPORT YOUR PARISH I’m continually impressed at everyone’s generous support of St. Matt’s mission, whether it be through gifts of time, treasure or talent—or some combination of the three. Mary Leibl’s column regularly addresses time and talent, so I won’t go into those here. Rather, I want to continue talking about money. Last week, I reported that contributions per month are ahead of what we projected last summer. We are on track to finish our fiscal year in the black. We’ve paid all of our regular bills. We’ve even managed a few small, overdue building projects. Monetary contributions … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – June 19, 2022
Reflection from Father Steve – June 19, 2022
Today, June 19th is Juneteenth, sometimes known as Jubilee Day or Emancipation Day or Freedom Day. Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It is the anniversary of the date of June 19th 1865 on which union Army General Gordon Granger proclaimed freedom for enslaved people of Texas, which was the last state of the Confederacy with institutional slavery. For a short time after the fall of the Confederacy, slavery remained legal in two of the Union boarder states – Delaware and Kentucky. It was on June 17, 2021 that Juneteenth was named a federal … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – June 19, 2022
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 6-19-2022
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 GREETERS: St. Matthews parish seeks additional “Greeters”, for Sun. masses. We welcome People who are able to extend a warm welcome to those arriving for Mass. Your friendly smile and enthusiasm for the Church of St. Matthew are all that is needed. To help, contact: , or the parish office. OFFERTORY PROCESSION: We are returning to having an Offertory Procession at each mass. If you are willing to bring up the bread and wine occasionally, please speak to a sacristan before mass. You may also call … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 6-19-2022
Reflection from Father Steve – June 12, 2022
The celebration of the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick will take place during the Mass on Saturday and Sunday, June 18th and 19th. The Sacrament of the Sick is not what we used to call “Extreme Unction” or “Last Rites”. The Sacrament of the Sick provides a healing remedy for persons struggling with serious illness or issues related to advanced age. Illness and advanced age bring not only physical pain and suffering, but illness also can bring with it a sense of isolation, and disconnection from what use to be my life. There can be inner turmoil of regrets, fears, angers, frustrations and … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – June 12, 2022
Anointing of the Sick – June 18 and 19, 2022
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be celebrated during Mass on June 18 and 19, 2022. This is the time to pray for and with those in our community who are struggling with illness or other difficulties. People of all ages who are in need of healing of body and soul are welcome to come forward and take part. … [Read more...] about Anointing of the Sick – June 18 and 19, 2022
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 6-12-2022
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 GREETERS: St. Matthews parish seeks additional “Greeters”, for Sun. masses. We welcome People who are able to extend a warm welcome to those arriving for Mass. Your friendly smile and enthusiasm for the Church of St. Matthew are all that is needed. To help, contact: , or the parish office. OFFERTORY PROCESSION: We are returning to having an Offertory Procession at each mass. If you are willing to bring up the bread and wine occasionally, please speak to a sacristan before mass. You may also call … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 6-12-2022
Rosary in Cherokee Park 6-14-2022
All are invited to join members of the Rosary Society and others as we gather together on Tuesday, June 14th at 10:00 AM in Cherokee Park to pray the rosary. We will meet by the intersection of Chippewa and Winona. Bring your own chair and rosary if you have them. Extra rosaries will be available. We will meet in the large picnic shelter if the weather is bad. Future Rosary in Cherokee Park dates are Tuesday, July 12th at 10:00 AM and Tuesday, August 9th at 10:00 AM. … [Read more...] about Rosary in Cherokee Park 6-14-2022
Parish Administrator’s Note – June 12, 2022
PARISH FINANCES I’ve been promising to provide more financial reporting for a few months. Here’s a start, based on our monthly financial reports from our accountant at PASC (Parish Accounting Service Center). Total April contributions were $40,646.56. That’s well over our monthly budget projection of $20,133.33, largely because of Easter season contributions. Compare those results* with the other months since the beginning of the calendar year, January 1: Month Contributions ($) Budgeted ($)** April … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – June 12, 2022
Men’s Club News June 2022
St. Matthew's Men's Club information Men’s Club General Meeting: Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at 8pm. Menu – Chef's surprise Save the date: Miesville Mudhens The Men’s Club will be attending the Miesville Mudhens versus the St Paul Mudhens (this is not a typo, St Paul now has a Mudhens team, they play at Dunning Field). The game will be in lieu of the July general meeting. The game starts at 8pm, more information in the July newsletter. If you have any questions email Tim Nowak at or call him at 612-269-9471. Rock the Barn The Rock the Barn event on Saturday May … [Read more...] about Men’s Club News June 2022
Parish Administrator’s Note – June 5, 2022
SYNOD AND SYNODALITY Synod is a word derived from synodus, a Greek word meaning assembly. In our Catholic tradition, it’s used to refer to special assemblies—such as the consultative series of gatherings currently underway in our Archdiocese. You might recall kickoff meetings about three years ago, dialed back during the start of the pandemic, and resuming last fall with parish-based events. This weekend—Pentecost, the “birthday of the Church”—marks the latest stage in our local synod process. Over 500 people from throughout the Archdiocese are gathering at Cretin-Derham Hall for lengthy … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – June 5, 2022
Reflection from Father Steve – June 5, 2022
June 5, 70 AD was the day Titus breached the middle wall of the city of Jerusalem and destroyed the Temple – a date and event that would forever alter the religious life of Jews. The Temple and temple worship was at the very heart of Jewish religious life. Three times a year a Jew was required to come to Jerusalem and offering sacrifice at the Temple. The priesthood of Israel, from the time of Moses, was the guarantor of the Temple worship of God’s people. The Jerusalem Temple was the second largest building in the world – second only to the Temple of Karnack in Alexandria, Egypt. The … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – June 5, 2022
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 6-5-2022
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 GREETERS: St. Matthews parish seeks additional “Greeters”, for Sun. masses. We welcome People who are able to extend a warm welcome to those arriving for Mass. Your friendly smile and enthusiasm for the Church of St. Matthew are all that is needed. To help, contact: , or the parish office. MINISTRY OF COMPASSION: Each week, we have several parishioners, listed in the bulletin and included in the Intercessions at mass, who need our prayers as they deal with health issues. We are looking for a … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 6-5-2022
Sacrament of First Communion, May 2022
Congratulations to the students who made their First Holy Communion at the Church of St Matthew in May! Thirteen students attend weekly Faith Formation classes at St Matthew. Eight students attend Community of Saints Regional Catholic School. Father Steve Adrian, sacramental minister at the Church of St Matthew, presided at the Masses. See July's First Communion recipient. Above: Adrian, Annalese, Antonio, Brielle, Elijah, Isael, Jaysen, Laila, Maya, Niya, Nora, Samara, Sofia, and William received First Holy Communion at the Church of St Matthew May 14-15, 2022. (Not pictured: Antonio and … [Read more...] about Sacrament of First Communion, May 2022
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 5-29-2022
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 GREETERS: St. Matthews parish seeks additional “Greeters”, for Sun. masses. We welcome People who are able to extend a warm welcome to those arriving for Mass. Your friendly smile and enthusiasm for the Church of St. Matthew are all that is needed. To help, contact: , or the parish office. OFFERTORY PROCESSION: We are returning to having an Offertory Procession at each mass. If you are willing to bring up the bread and wine occasionally, please speak to a sacristan before mass. You may also call … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 5-29-2022
Parish Administrator’s Note – May 29, 2022
APBA, etc. There are several ways St. Matt’s stays connected to the larger church of which we’re a part, i.e., the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. For example, we’ve been participating as a parish in the current synod process—the next step being next weekend, June 3-5. More on that in next week’s bulletin. For my part, I meet regularly with my administrator colleagues—sometimes online, sometimes for breakfast. Back on May 19, I traveled to St. Gerard Majella in Brooklyn Park, for an APBA meeting and lunch. (APBA = Association of Parish Business Administrators) I find these … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – May 29, 2022
Reflection from Father Steve – May 29, 2022
May 29, 2022 Seventh Sunday of Easter Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in service of their country. It's difficult to prove the origins of this day as over two dozen towns and cities lay claim to be the birthplace. Regardless of the location of origins or the exact date, one thing is crystal clear – Memorial Day was borne out of the Civil War and a desire to honor our dead. On the 5th of May in 1868, General John Logan who was the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic, officially proclaimed it in his General Order … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – May 29, 2022
New liturgical ministry schedule: June 4 – Sept 4, 2022
New Liturgical Ministry schedule for June 4, 2022 - Sept 4, 2022: Ministry Schedule June 4, 2022 - Sept 4, 2022.pdf Mary Leibl … [Read more...] about New liturgical ministry schedule: June 4 – Sept 4, 2022
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 5-22-2022
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 Offertory Procession: We are again inviting parishioners to bring the bread and wine forward at the Offertory. If you would like to take an active part in the mass by carrying up the gifts, please contact Mary at or call the parish office. Please mention at what mass you would be available. THANK YOU Thank You: As Faith Formation completes another season we wish to thank all those who help to make the program a success! Director Janelle who spends countless hours preparing lesson plans for each week as well as sacramental … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 5-22-2022
Parish Administrator’s Note – May 22, 2022
COUNCILS This is a “Listening Weekend”. That means that members of our Parish Council stay after both Masses and, well, listen to parishioners. Feel free to say hello to the members, share your perspective on the parish, and ask any questions on your mind. I think these listening sessions are a great way to stay in touch with Council members. Open communication helps our parish live up to Pope Francis’s 2013 call for parishes to be “’the Church living in the midst of the homes of her sons and daughters.’ This presumes that it really is in contact with the homes and lives of its people, and … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – May 22, 2022
Reflection from Father Steve – May 22, 2022
May 22, 2022 Sixth Sunday of Easter The month of May is traditionally dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. May is a month of growth, when nature is reborn. This month is a fitting time to reflect on the Virgin Mary’s role in salvation and to honor her as the Mother of God. The tradition of dedicating May to Our Lady is centuries old, dating back at least 700 years. The reason is associated with the particular season of the year. May is certainly known for its springtime beauty. It is associated with flowers and blossoms, with trees that spring back to life, and grass which sprouts. It … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – May 22, 2022
Faith Formation news: May 15, 2022
First Communion Masses at St. Matthew Twenty children from the Faith Formation program and Community of Saints Catholic School will be celebrating their First Communions in May. Some children are making their First Communion at a 2 PM Mass on Saturday, May 14. Others are making their First Communion at the 10:15 AM Mass on Sunday, May 15. Another group of children are making their First Communion at the 10:15 AM Mass on Sunday, May 22. Please keep these children and their families in your prayers as they enter the last weeks of preparation to receive the Lord in Eucharist. Thank you, Faith … [Read more...] about Faith Formation news: May 15, 2022
Parish Administrator’s Note – May 15, 2022
More Council Reports Our Finance and Parish councils last met on Thursday, April 28. (Councils meet almost every month, normally on the 4th Thursday of each month.) Last week, I wrote a bit about the Finance Council, noting that our finances are generally in good shape. We are paying our bills. Thank you for your financial support, for you make it possible for St. Matt’s to be the Good Samaritan on the banks of the Mississippi. As for the Parish Council, I want to thank members leaving the council this June. I also want to welcome new members coming on to the Council in June. Old and new, … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – May 15, 2022
Reflection from Father Steve – May 15, 2022
May 15, 2022 Fifth Sunday of Easter This is the 131st anniversary of Rerum Novarum. May 15, 1891 Pope Leo XIII defends workers’ rights and property rights in the encyclical letter Rerum Novarum, the beginning of modern Catholic social teaching. Rerum Novarum is the Latin opening words and the title of the letter and means “On the Condition of Labor”. Although the Encyclical follows the church’s traditional teaching concerning the rights and duties of property and the relations of employer and employee, it applies the teaching to modern conditions. It opens with a description of the … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – May 15, 2022
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 5-15-2022
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 GREETERS: St. Matthews parish seeks additional “Greeters”, for Sun. masses. We welcome People who are able to extend a warm welcome to those arriving for Mass. Your friendly smile and enthusiasm for the Church of St. Matthew are all that is needed. To help, contact: , or the parish office. THANK YOU: To the 146 people who attended the Sat mass & 90 people who worshipped on Sunday. Thank You to, Fr. Adrian, who through his homilies helps us to see how the readings pertain to our own lives. To … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 5-15-2022
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 5-8-2022
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 GREETERS: St. Matthews parish seeks additional “Greeters”, for Sun. masses. We welcome People who are able to extend a warm welcome to those arriving for Mass. Your friendly smile and enthusiasm for the Church of St. Matthew are all that is needed. To help, contact: , or the parish office. THANK YOU: To Andre, Innocent & Jason who have volunteered to mow the parish lawn this summer! THANK YOU: To Mary who donated a vacuum to be used in the church & chapel. THANK YOU: To the 126 people who … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 5-8-2022
