Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 Greeter: We have an opening for one or two greeters at the Saturday 4:15 pm Mass. Duties include: greeting people as they enter from the Robie Street door, offering a book and a worship aid, and answering any questions people may have. Duties would be from 3:50 pm until Mass begins at 4:15 pm. If you enjoy making people feel welcome, please call the parish office at 651-224-9793. Money Counters: We are looking for volunteers to help count the weekly collection twice a month. You would work with a team of 3 or 4 other volunteers. If you feel … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 6-16-2024
Reflection from Father Steve – June 16, 2024
PILGRIMS OF HOPE Pope Francis chose these three words to describe the theme of the 2025 Jubilee year and the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council. The Council chose similes, metaphors, and images to describe the Church. Chapter VII of the Dogmatic Constitution on the Church speaks of the Church as a Pilgrim Church. Pilgrims set out on a journey, perhaps a quest. Pilgrims are people with a goal. Pilgrims desire an end that brings some completeness, fulfillment, perfection. Prior to the Council, the image of the Church was as a static institution. The Church was … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – June 16, 2024
Parish Administrator’s Note – June 16, 2024
It’s a Lot Meaning #1: our newest Capital Needs effort is focused on our parking lot, long overdue for replacement. As Fr. Thomas said last weekend, our parking lot’s many trip hazards pose a risk. Our insurance company (Catholic Mutual) insists we deal with it. Meaning #2: we seek to raise a lot of money: around $100K depending on final scope of work. As we learn more about the project details from our potential contractors, we’ll have a more precise number. Here’s what I ask: please contribute what you can. Whether that’s a dollar, $1,000, or some other amount—thank you. We know that many … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – June 16, 2024
The Good News Summer 2024
The Good News Newsletter is a periodic publication that provides updates on the Community of Saints Regional Catholic School. We currently distribute to over 3000 alums, families and friends. We would like to continually increase our distribution. So, if you know of any alums, families or friends of St. Matthew's who are not currently receiving The Good News, please contact us with their mailing information. Download PDF file: The Good News Summer 2024.pdf COS 8th Grade Class of ‘24: Pablo Martinez Hernandez, Marco Silva, Jorge España, Simon Cortez-Orme, Connor Myran, Alonzo Doby, … [Read more...] about The Good News Summer 2024
Scheduled power outage June 18 until complete
Update: As of June 19, power is back on and we are resuming normal operations. All three buildings on the St. Matthew campus (church, school and Parish Center) will be without power, starting Tuesday, June 18 at 8:00 am, and continuing intermittently until Friday afternoon, June 21. This is due to scheduled maintenance and repair work. Our parish office will be closed and most staff will work remotely. An emergency phone number has been set up during the parish office closure. Call 651-321-4721 in case of emergency or if you need to reach someone at the office immediately. Thank you for … [Read more...] about Scheduled power outage June 18 until complete
Parish Administrator’s Note – June 9, 2024
Parking Lot Project - Please Help Two weeks ago, I wrote about our parking lot. It’s very old, looks terrible, and has unsafe potholes. We want to fix it, not just patch it. We now have two bids, one for $89,000 and one for $99,000. Our Facilities Committee and I are analyzing them, to understand the differences. Redoing the lot is a once in a generation project. We want to do the lot well, and then take good care of it. That’s good stewardship. Last week, I wrote about how we’re paying for big projects, using a combination of funds: general collections, Capital Needs contributions, rental … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – June 9, 2024
Reflection from Father Steve – June 9, 2024
2025 has been declared a Jubilee year by Pope Francis. The Jubilee year has a long history, beginning in Old Testament times. Then, it was every 70 years that a Jubilee took place. Now, it is every 25 years. Pope Francis has named the theme of this Jubilee “Pilgrims of Hope.” The Jubilee is a time of new beginnings, the advent of a new generation, and the opportunity to start fresh — a need that individuals and communities have. One cannot carry yesterday on one’s shoulders forever. There has to be a fresh opportunity for today and tomorrow; thus the Jubilee. 2025 is also the 60th … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – June 9, 2024
Parish Administrator’s Note – June 2, 2024
Paying for Things (Capital Needs) Question: What do the following facilities projects have in common? 1. 2016 million dollar elevator & boiler projects 2. 2023 roof replacements (school and Parish Center buildings) 3. 2023-24 electric panel replacement project 4. 2024 solar panel installation 5. Parking lot project (hopefully this summer) Answers: a. They’re necessary to maintain our facilities b. They’re desirable, to help the earth c. Most of them have been financed in whole or in part by Catholic Finance Corporation (CFC) d. All of the above The correct answer is d. CFC … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – June 2, 2024
Parish Administrator’s Note – May 26, 2024
Our Parking Lot I recently learned from a long-time parishioner that our parking lot hasn’t been redone in the 45 years she’s aware of. That’s a long time! And it helps me understand why it’s in such bad shape. (Our Catholic Mutual insurance inspectors regularly tell us to get it done, so as to reduce trip hazards.) As I understand it, we’ve been patching it and patching it and patching it. That’s better than nothing, but it’s time to redo the whole thing. That’s the consensus of our Facilities Committee and Finance Council. Right now, we’re still researching asphalt contractors. We have … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – May 26, 2024
Reflection from Fr. John Muir – June 2, 2024
LPi is our bulletin publisher. Each week, LPi has additional resources including weekly Gospel meditation. Below is the Gospel meditation for June 2, 2024. The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ The best way to understand the Eucharist is to recall God’s long, careful teaching process beginning in the Old Testament. This week in Exodus 24, we learn the basic pattern. Moses reads the dictates of God’s law to the people, who profess their allegiance to it. Then Moses takes representatives of Israel’s twelve tribes and splashes the sacrificed blood of animals in two directions: on the altar … [Read more...] about Reflection from Fr. John Muir – June 2, 2024
Reflection from Father Steve – May 26, 2024
Below is a reflection from the May 29, 2022 bulletin by Fr. Steve Adrian, retired pastor and sacramental minister of St. Matthew. 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 … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – May 26, 2024
Reflection from Father Steve – May 19, 2024
Saint Columba (7 December 521 – 9 June 597) was an Irish abbot and missionary credited with spreading Christianity in present-day Scotland. He founded the abbey on Iona, which became a dominant religious institution in the region for centuries. Around 563, Columba and his twelve companions crossed to Dunaverty before settling in Iona in Scotland. There, they founded the abbey as a base for spreading Christianity among the northern kingdoms who were pagan. Legend has it that from the time of Columba to the present day, in these northern lands, the Holy Spirit has been symbolized by the wild … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – May 19, 2024
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 5-19-2024
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 Office Receptionist: We are looking for a volunteer to answer phones and greet visitors on Tuesday mornings from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Volunteer will occasionally help with parish mailings and other clerical jobs. Typing is helpful but not a requirement! If you are able to donate 4 hours/week on Tuesdays, please contact the parish office at 651-224-9793. Money Counters: We are looking for volunteers to help count the weekly collection twice a month. You would work with a team of 3 or 4 other volunteers. If you feel you have the talent or … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 5-19-2024
Parish Administrator’s Note – May 19, 2024
“A Dazzling Tapestry” We celebrated the Ascension of our Lord last week. Among Jesus’s last words to his followers was this commission: “Go into the whole world and proclaim the gospel to every creature.” Shortly after that, the visible Jesus ascended. However, He’s still with us—in other ways. As Fr. Thomas said last weekend, we ourselves are now the Body of Christ. Jesus now acts in the world through our voices, hearts and hands. I’ve found it interesting to hear Fr. Thomas’s observations about St. Matt’s parish, given that he’s pretty new here. I note what he’s noticing about how we live … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – May 19, 2024
News and Events May 12, 2024
Coffee Sunday Our last Coffee Sunday of the year is May 12 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 May Meeting All women of the community are invited and encouraged to attend the May 14th Rosary Society meeting, which will be from 6:00 to 7:30 pm in the Parish Center Lower Level meeting room. Please enter the Parish Center lower level door, which is off of the church parking lot. We will be reviewing our activities for the past year and discussing … [Read more...] about News and Events May 12, 2024
Parish Administrator’s Note – May 12, 2024
Transition: Sacramental Minister “It’s like they’re Vatican III priests!” That was a friend’s comment to me several weeks ago, comparing Fr. Steve Adrian with Fr. Thomas Kommers. What my friend was pointing at was similarities between these two excellent priest-pastors. Both of them celebrate the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), with its teachings about the importance of everyone in the church—not just clerics. Both are committed to social justice. Both are skilled preachers and presiders. And now we are in a time of transition from one sacramental minister to another: Archbishop Hebda … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – May 12, 2024
Rosary Society Meeting May 14, 2024
All women of the community are invited and encouraged to attend the May 14th Rosary Society meeting, which will be from 6:00 to 7:30 pm in the Parish Center Lower Level meeting room. Please enter the Parish Center lower level door, which is off of the church parking lot. We will be reviewing our activities for the past year and discussing activities for the next year. In addition, we will be choosing the officers for next year. There will be refreshments and time to socialize with one another. You do not need to be a member of the Rosary Society to attend and participate in the meetings. … [Read more...] about Rosary Society Meeting May 14, 2024
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 5-12-2024
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 Office Receptionist: We are looking for a volunteer to answer phones and greet visitors on Tuesday mornings from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm. Volunteer will occasionally help with parish mailings and other clerical jobs. Typing is helpful but not a requirement! If you are able to donate 4 hours/week on Tuesdays please contact the parish office at 651-224-9793. Money Counters: We are looking for volunteers to help count the weekly collection twice a month. You would work with a team of 3 or 4 other volunteers. If you feel you have the talent or … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 5-12-2024
Reflection from Father Steve – May 12, 2024
Open Letter to 2024 Graduates: Your graduation marks a significant milestone in life. You are completing a course of learning, and beginning the next stage of life. You have acquired a set of skills that outfit you for particular life challenges. It is these skills and capacities that so often form the definition of your successes. I suggest to you that there are qualities or strengths that you have which mark and reflect who you are. I speak of character. A person’s character has to do with acquired values, strengths, virtues—being a virtuous person. You have learned to collaborate with … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – May 12, 2024
Sacrament of First Communion, April-May 2024
The Church of St Matthew and Father Thomas Kommers celebrated First Eucharist with 31 students on April 27, April 28, and May 5. Eleven students attend weekly Faith Formation classes at St Matthew, and twenty students attend Community of Saints Regional Catholic School. These students are in grades 2 through 7. Congratulations to Vera, Valeria S., Valeria H., Tori, Timothy, Raymond, Miguel, Melanie, Mateo, Mason M., Mason L., Malcolm, Linda, Jozelyn, Josiah, Joel, Jeonni, Jenson, Jayden, Iliana, Gyzelle, Francisco, Dylan, Dulce, Daniela, Bonita, Asher, Anya, Anthony, Angie, Abigail, and their … [Read more...] about Sacrament of First Communion, April-May 2024
Reflection from Father Steve – May 5, 2024
During Fr. Steve Adrian’s break from active ministry, we will look back at his previous reflections. Below is his reflection from the August 21, 2022 bulletin. In the 27th chapter of the rule Saint Benedict wrote for his monks, he writes about the need for the Abbot to care for the weakest. He wrote: “They (Church leaders) are to imitate the loving example of Jesus, the Good Shepherd who left the ninety-nine sheep in the mountains and went in search of the one sheep that had strayed. So great was Jesus’ compassion for its weakness that “he mercifully put it on his shoulders and carried it … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – May 5, 2024
St. Matthew’s Parish Council: Are You Called to Serve?
Download bulletin insert: St. Matthew bulletin insert April 28 2024.pdf In June, four of ten Parish Council seats will become available. We are asking members of our faith community to consider whether they are being called to help lead our parish community. The Parish Council is made up of individuals who combine their diverse gifts, experiences, knowledge, and perspectives to form a team that supports our entire community and advances the mission of St. Matthew. What is the role of the Parish Council at the Church of St. Matthew? The Parish Council represents the voice of the parish … [Read more...] about St. Matthew’s Parish Council: Are You Called to Serve?
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 4-28-2024
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 Money Counters: We are looking for volunteers to help count the weekly collection twice a month. You would work with a team of 3 or 4 other volunteers. If you feel you have the talent or experience to help with this volunteer opportunity, please call the parish office, 651-224-9793. Sanctuary Carpet: Thank you to the parishioners who bought and installed the new sanctuary carpet. The former carpet went missing and for safety purposes, needed to be replaced. The new carpet brightens up the sanctuary and highlights the alter! Thank You to All … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 4-28-2024
Reflection from Father Steve – April 28, 2024
During Fr. Steve Adrian’s break from active ministry, we will look back at his previous reflections. Below is his reflection from the June 26, 2022 bulletin. 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 … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – April 28, 2024
Parish Administrator’s Note – April 28, 2024
Trees I’ve been thinking about trees lately. They’re beginning to bud, and that’s a lovely sight. In addition, last Monday was Earth Day and last Friday was Arbor Day. I note that both days honor ways of caring for the earth, our common home. One of the articles I read recently argued for the importance of preserving mature trees as well as planting new trees. (You might have noticed we have two new trees near the Parish Center. The city replaced two old, dying trees last year.) It’s not like we have a lot of trees on our campus. We have a few, though, and plans are to keep them when … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – April 28, 2024
Reflection from Father Steve – April 21, 2024
During Fr. Steve Adrian’s break from active ministry, we will look back at his previous reflections. Below is his reflection from the April 24, 2022 bulletin. I grew up at a time the Church taught much about meriting the grace of God; my good works would result in God’s favor toward me. It was a kind of spirituality where much was placed on the shoulders of the individual. Only as I grew older did I come to realize that the grace of God is total gift – there is nothing I can do to achieve or merit God’s favor. There is much I can do to show gratitude to God for the many ways He has blessed … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – April 21, 2024
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 4-21-2024
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 Money Counters: We are looking for volunteers to help count the weekly collection twice a month. You would work with a team of 3 or 4 other volunteers. If you feel you have the talent or experience to help with this volunteer opportunity, please call the parish office, 651-224-9793. Fr. Adrian’s Birthday Celebration: Thank you to the Kegler Family who prepared the spaghetti dinner and to all those who helped in the kitchen. Thank you to the Men’s Club, Rosary Society, Youth Group and the many parishioners who served the food and cleaned up at … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 4-21-2024
Parish Administrator’s Note – April 21, 2024
Safe Environment The phrase “safe environment” points to a couple of important things here at St. Matt’s. One aspect is making sure our facilities are safe. Are there trip hazards anywhere, e.g., extension cords, heaving sidewalks, or other problems? Are electrical systems up to code? (I will be so glad when the main electric panel is finally replaced in June.) What can we do to reduce risk to all persons who come to St. Matt’s? Catholic Mutual (CM), our insurance company, is incredibly focused on risk reduction. CM sends an inspector here each year, most recently in February. I was pleased … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – April 21, 2024
Reflection from Father Steve – April 14, 2024
During Fr. Steve Adrian’s break from active ministry, we will look back at his previous reflections. Below is his reflection from the May 1, 2022 bulletin. I was ordained a priest on December 8, 1968. Two days later, Thomas Merton, author and spiritual master from the Trappist Monastery of Gethsemane, died. He was participating in an international meeting of monks from various religious traditions in Bangkok. He was electrocuted when he touched a badly wired electric fan. I was introduced to him in the reading of his memoir, The Seven Storey Mountain. Then, through my college and … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – April 14, 2024
Parish Administrator’s Note – April 14, 2024
Congratulations and Thanks! Congratulations to ourselves--and thank you to everyone who contributed to our “E-Box” Fundraiser. We’ve reached our $109,000 goal! To review the history: over a year ago, we identified a critical need to replace our main electric panel. It’s in the boiler room of the church, downstairs from the Social Hall. That panel serves all three buildings on our campus. After consulting a couple of electric contractors, we chose Apadana to replace the panel. They had the low bid, at just under $109,000. You might recall that at the beginning of Lent in 2023, we asked for … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – April 14, 2024
Reflection from Father Steve – April 7, 2024
Adults often ask a child, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Aunts, uncles, neighbors, etc. asked that of me when I was very young. I didn’t have much to say, I hadn’t thought about it. Monday is the Feast of the Annunciation. The proper day for the feast is March 25th—nine months before Christmas. However, this year the day fell in Holy Week and the feast had to be relocated. I am not sure that Mary had any thought about what she wanted to be. Yet, there was a plan for her from all eternity, and the same is true for you and me. Mary came to know the plan through the message of an … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – April 7, 2024
Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 4-7-2024
Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8 Thank You: To all who made the Easter Triduum services special for everyone who attended. To Fr. Thomas Kommers, who led us through the Triduum and Easter services - through his generosity, he made it possible for us to experience the most holy liturgies of the church year. To Cristina and the Liturgy Committee Members who planned the liturgies and had everything that is physically needed in place. To Cristina, the choir and all musicians - through their musical talent we were able to feel all the emotions of the Triduum, from Holy Thursday, … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 4-7-2024
Parish Administrator’s Note – April 7, 2024
Happy Easter Season! Alleluia! He is risen! I wish you, your family and your friends a joyful Easter season. We had wonderful liturgical celebrations during Holy Week and the Triduum*, because many, many people stepped up to help. Thank you to all who contributed their time, knowledge and skills to our many liturgical ministries. It was a lot of work, done well! (In fact, the word “liturgy” refers to “the work of the people.”) Thanks as well to everyone in the assembly, the entire group of worshipers coming together. There’s a classic line from a liturgical document: “The most important … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – April 7, 2024
Men’s Club News April 2024
General Meeting Wednesday April 10 at 8pm in the St Matt’s Social Hall Menu – White Castle Fish Fries We had another successful year of Men’s Club Fish Fries. Tim will review the final numbers at the general meeting. Thank you to all that helped make it a success! Men’s Club Fundraising Opportunity The Men’s Club has been asked again to provide a concession stand at the Dodge Nature Center Rock the Barn event on Saturday, May 18th from 3pm – 6pm. We will be selling food and beverages. We will be looking for help, Tim will discuss it at the general meeting. Sick and Vigil Father Steve is … [Read more...] about Men’s Club News April 2024
Reflection from Father Steve – March 31, 2024
(I intended this to be my homily at the beginning of Lent. This did not happen, for obvious reasons. I offer the outline of that homily now.) The Gospel according to Mark is the oldest, and used as reference by both Matthew and Luke. Mark’s Gospel story is the story of Jesus seeking to enlighten his followers about his identity and the destiny that is his. No one understands. The only character in the Gospel who witnesses to Jesus’ divinity is the Centurion at the foot of the cross: “Truly, this man was the Son of God.” The oldest form of Mark’s Gospel ends in Chapter 16:1- 8. Later on, a … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – March 31, 2024
