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Church of St. Matthew

A visible expression of God's love

Parish Administrator’s Note – March 31, 2024

Happy Easter! Alleluia! He is risen! I wish you, your family and your friends a joyful Easter Day and Easter season. It’s time to celebrate our Risen Lord! Many thanks to our staff and volunteers for all they did to plan, prepare and do the many, complicated liturgies of Holy Week and Triduum. Thanks as well to everyone who worshiped with us during these days. We’re glad you’re here! Acts of the Apostles and Us Now that we’re in the Easter season, we’re going to hear significant readings from the Acts of the Apostles. My framework for understanding my Catholic religion is the through … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – March 31, 2024

Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 3-31-2024

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. Thank You: To the Scouts and to the students from Community of Saints Regional Catholic School who helped take orders and deliver meals to the tables and to the outside drive-up line during the annual Fish Fry. To all who helped with afternoon prep work, worked in … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 3-31-2024

Rosary Society Spring Tea, April 13th, 2024

Download flyer: Spring Tea Rosary Society 4-13-2024.pdf Saint Matthew’s Rosary Society’s SPRING TEA Saturday, April 13th, 2:00 to 4:00 pm Church of Saint Matthew Social Hall (Door 5) 510 Hall Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55107 Tea, Coffee and Lemonade will be served, along with an assortment of treats, including gluten free upon request. Advance tickets required. Tickets available after weekend Masses or by calling the Parish Center at 651-224-9793 Prices: Adults (ages 11 to 64) – $15.00 Seniors (age 65+) – $12.00 Children (ages 10 and under) – $ 7.00 Please bring your favorite china … [Read more...] about Rosary Society Spring Tea, April 13th, 2024

Reflection from Father Steve – March 24, 2024

In the week of March 11, after x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, biopsies and many blood draws, I received word that I have cancer. I am beginning to work with radiation and oncology as well as compassionate care. I don’t know much else. Now, the important stuff: For forty-six years, I have been privileged to be an active member of our parish and also play a role in the civic life of the West Side. For this I am so grateful. You have allowed me to be with you at some of the most intimate moments in life. You have been an occasion of grace for me. I have been fortunate to have young people as part of … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – March 24, 2024

The Good News Spring 2024

The Good News from Alums, Friends and Families providing tuition assistance to Community of Saints Regional Catholic School Download PDF: The Good News Spring 2024.pdf COS Graduate Fulfills Wish to Help Homeless People – Six years ago, we shared the story of 11-year-old Isaac Garcia, then a 6th grade student at COS, whose Christmas wish was to help homeless people in his neighborhood. With his family’s help, he started Isaac’s Blessing Bags. Now a senior at Cretin-Derham Hall High School, Isaac has expanded his ministry. Here’s an update to his story. Message from Father Steve – COS … [Read more...] about The Good News Spring 2024

Lenten and Easter Worship Schedule 2024

Download PDF flyer: Lenten and Easter worship schedule 2024 Church of St. Matthew  510 Hall Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55107 www.st-matts.org • (651) 224-9793 Here the love of Christ shall end divisions. All are welcome. Weekend Masses are celebrated on: Saturdays - 4:15 pm Sundays - 10:15 am Ash Wednesday-February 14 Ash and Communion Service - 7:00 am Mass and Ashes - 7:00 pm Stations of the Cross Mondays during Lent - 7:00 pm Tuesdays during Lent - 12:30 pm Saint Matthew's Fabulous Fish Fry Dine-in or Take-out ALL Fridays during Lent 4:30 - 7:30 pm Communal … [Read more...] about Lenten and Easter Worship Schedule 2024

Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 3-24-2024

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. Easter Triduum Choir: If you like to sing, you are invited to join the choir during the Easter Triduum! Choir rehearsals take place on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 PM in the church. The playlist can be found on the parish website at st-matts.org/music-ministry and on … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 3-24-2024

Parish Administrator’s Note – March 24, 2024

Gifts & Ministries Remember last week’s Gospel, about the grain of wheat? Jesus said a grain has to die in order to bring forth abundance. And then, Fr. Thomas preached on how we have to die—so to speak—to our fears, feelings of inadequacy, resistance to change, and reluctance to share gifts? I know I’ve struggled with those feelings. I imagine you have, too. They’re common, understandable aspects of being human. Which is another reason to value our St. Matt’s community, and the way members overcome their reluctance. I’ve seen how members share their gifts and strengths. We often say, … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – March 24, 2024

Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 3-17-2024

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. Easter Triduum Choir: If you like to sing, you are invited to join the choir during the Easter Triduum! Choir rehearsals take place on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm in the church. The playlist can be found on the parish website at st-matts.org/music-ministry and on … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 3-17-2024

Faith Formation News 3-17-2024

Faith Formation Class Evening: On Wednesday, March 20, Faith Formation students in grades K to 10 have class in the Parish Center. Grades K to 5 have class from 6:30 to 7:45 pm, and Grades 6 to 10 have class from 6:45 until 7:50 pm. Note that there is no class on March 27, due to spring break at area public schools. Janelle Rohr … [Read more...] about Faith Formation News 3-17-2024

A Reflection on Washing of the Feet, 3-17-2024

The tradition of the Washing of the Feet on Holy Thursday tends to make people anxious. People don’t seem to have a problem with washing another person’s feet. The problem is having their own feet washed. Even at the Last Supper, Peter says, “Lord, you will never wash my feet.” Lent is a time when we are called to acts of service and alms giving. But it’s not often that we stop to reflect on what it means to receive someone else’s act of service. It requires vulnerability, courage and grace. You have to allow your own weaknesses to be exposed. You have to say out loud that you have a need, … [Read more...] about A Reflection on Washing of the Feet, 3-17-2024

Reflection from Father Steve – March 17, 2024

This week we enter the final stage of the Season of Lent, a season called Passiontide. In the Scripture readings, the stage is set, the lines are drawn, there is no going back. Jesus will die! If you have not been involved in Lent thus far, it is not too late to make a new beginning. You might take some quiet time and read the story of the Passion and Death of Jesus according to the Gospel of Saint Mark. This is the Passion story that will be read next Sunday, Palm Sunday. The devotion of the Stations of the Cross is an ancient way of reflecting on the suffering and death of Jesus. The … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – March 17, 2024

Parish Administrator’s Note – March 17, 2024

Holy Week & Triduum (the Three Days) Do you recall when you first heard the term, “Triduum”? I don’t, exactly. I just know that in my lifetime, that term has become more commonly used. We’re now more focused on the Three Days of Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday, with the Easter Vigil as the culminating liturgical experience of the entire year. As Catholics, we’re still assimilating the liturgical renewal made possible by the Second Vatican Council in the early 1960s. The restoration of the Easter Vigil was among the most noteworthy elements of the renewal. Fun fact: the … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – March 17, 2024

Parish Council Agenda 3-21-2024

Download Parish Council Agenda March 21 2024.pdf More Parish Council info here: st-matts.org/parish-pastoral-council Church of St. Matthew Parish Council March 21, 2024, AGENDA 6:30 p.m. In-Person Meeting Parish Center Garden Room  Council Members:  Jerald Dosch, Kathy Goldenstein, Phil Grant (ex-officio), Maggie Lee, Anthony Minus, Tiffany Monita, Tara Perron, Ellen Schneider, Katie Shetka, Karen Thompson (trustee) Facilitator: Maggie Lee   Note taker: Kathy Goldenstein Reflections/Treats   Ellen Share an event, thought, or experienced that happened … [Read more...] about Parish Council Agenda 3-21-2024

Reflection from Father Steve – March 10, 2024

This weekend we hear the story of “The Man Born Blind.” The early Church often called the journey to faith an “enlightenment.” The image is the casting off of the darkness of disbelief and the putting on the light of faith. The coming to faith is indeed a journey and people make that journey at differing times and in different ways in their life’s journey. Often the journey involves some twists and turns; taking one step backward and two steps forward. This Gospel is a story about enlightenment, a story about the journey of faith, a story about the gradual coming to know Jesus. Jesus … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – March 10, 2024

Parish Administrator’s Note – March 10, 2024

Money I heard yet another talk about money recently. It was at the February 28 annual Investment Conference put on by the Catholic Community Foundation of Minnesota (CCF). I attended on behalf of St. Matt’s. Also in attendance were other business administrators, clergy, and finance council members from numerous parishes throughout the Archdiocese. In her opening remarks, CCF President Anne Cullen Miller reminded us that donors give through, not to, CCF. Whether it be through an endowment, a donor advised fund, a trust, or another mechanism, CCF is a Catholic steward of donor dollars. Its … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – March 10, 2024

Music Ministry: Come Sing with Us this Easter Triduum

The St. Matthew's choir meets Wednesday evenings from 7:30-9:00 PM from September through May in the church. All voices and instrumentalists are welcome!  Download flyer: Easter Music Playlist - Church of St Matthew Want to know what we are singing for the Easter Triduum? Here’s a playlist. There are 32 songs. To select a specific song, click on the "hamburger" icon in the top right corner of the YouTube player. The playlist appears in a dropdown menu. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVnYzZEZeFuuMtXHPn2UFw4vPIv-OYy5p&si=c5dp_W5g5ERA3LU0 List of songs: 1. Glory in the Cross 2. … [Read more...] about Music Ministry: Come Sing with Us this Easter Triduum

Men’s Club News March 2024

General Meeting Wednesday March 13th at 8pm in the St Matt’s Social Hall Menu – Lenten Snack Ham Bingo St. Matthew's Social Hall Saturday March 9th, 2024 5pm to 8pm $50 or Half the Pot Coverall on Final Game Fish Fries Fish Fries are well under way. They started on Friday February 16th and will run through Friday March 29th. The price for adults is $15.00, non-fish dinner $13.00, kids’ dinner $7.00 and children under 5 years old will be free. Larry Smith Larry has moved to the Southview Senior Living facility, 1984 Oakdale Ave, West St Paul, room # 416. His phone number is … [Read more...] about Men’s Club News March 2024

Rosary Society Meeting, Tuesday, March 12th, 2024

All women of the community are invited to the March 12th Rosary Society meeting, which will be from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. We will begin our meeting at 12:30 pm in the Church, with the Stations of the Cross. Afterwards we will move to the Parish Center lower level meeting room, and learn more about the origins of the Stations of the Cross. 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, Tuesday, March 12th, 2024

Faith Formation News 3-3-2024

Faith Formation, First Communion and Confirmation Class: On Wednesday, March 6, only Faith Formation students preparing for sacraments have class. Community of Saints students preparing for sacraments with the Church of St. Matthew have class, too. Children in grades 2 to 7 preparing for First Communion should report to the church building at 6:15 PM (note the early start time). Parents are invited to attend but are not required. First Communion students will finish at 7:45 PM and can be picked up from the Social Hall doors off the parking lot between the school and church buildings. … [Read more...] about Faith Formation News 3-3-2024

Parish Administrator’s Note – March 3, 2024

Online Masses Online Masses have been on hold since last Easter. We intend to bring them back as soon as we solve some technical issues. One issue is the video feed. The new security camera system is useful for security purposes. It’s insufficient for online Masses, however, so we will be adding a different type of camera—one that enables closeups of the altar area. Another technical issue is the audio feed. We’ve consulted church sound specialists in support of that component, as it involves specialized microphones. It also involves the precise placement of those microphones. Our worship … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – March 3, 2024

Reflection from Father Steve – March 3, 2024

On this weekend and the weekends of March 10 and 17, the Gospel texts are taken from the Gospel according to John. The three texts are unique in that, along with the passion story, they are narratives - they have a plot and the plot develops. There is character development and there is a style unique to John in that he seeks to draw the reader into the story. In each story, Jesus lays out a teaching in symbolic image and language - water, light, and resurrection. The main character is slow to understand Jesus’ message - this person keeps going off track. Some have suggested that the staging … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – March 3, 2024

Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 3-3-2024

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. Thank You: To Maggie, Janelle, Kathleen, Ellen, Josie and Joe who are now bringing the Blessed Sacrament to residents at Cerenity. Prior to the pandemic, this was a regular ministry in our parish. As a parish, we thank them for ministering to our neighbors. Thank … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 3-3-2024

Parish Administrator’s Note – February 25, 2024

APBA, Community & Institution I was thinking about community and institution at a recent meeting of the Association of Parish Business Administrators (APBA, the professional association for Catholic church administrators in our Archdiocese). Community and institution are two major ways to think about our church. When APBA meets, church feels rather institutional to me. Officials of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis often come to make announcements. There’s a lot of talk of systems: financial, human relations, schools, insurance, pensions, communications and more. Systems are … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – February 25, 2024

Reflection from Father Steve – February 25, 2024

In part, the Preface of the Mass during the Season of Lent includes: Lord, each year you give us this joyful season when we prepare to celebrate the Easter mystery with mind and heart renewed. You give us a spirit of loving reverence for you, our Father, and of willing service to our neighbor. It is in the prayer of the Church that we find the mystery of the Christian life revealed. Here, in this Lenten Preface, the meaning of Lent is succinctly stated. Lent is a time for the whole person to be renewed, and this renewal finds its source in the love of God and the service to our … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – February 25, 2024

Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 2-25-2024

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. Thank You: To Anthony and Tim who lead Stations of the Cross on Monday evenings and to Kathy and Mary who lead the Stations of the Cross on Tuesday afternoons. Monday evening Stations begin at 7:00 pm and are the traditional stations that have been used in past … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 2-25-2024

Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 2-18-2024

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. Thank You: To Kathy and Al who weekly take care of the vigil lights. They take out the old candles, clean the glass holder and put in new candles. They do this before and after each weekend Mass! Their dedication to this ministry makes it possible for there to be a … [Read more...] about Volunteer Opportunities and Parish Needs for the week of 2-18-2024

Parish Administrator’s Note – February 18, 2024

Politics OK, what’s your first reaction when you see the word, “Politics”? What comes to mind? I suspect many people have a negative reaction. After all, there’s a lot of negativity in today’s politics. And yet—our faith calls us to do things that involve, well, politics. Our democratic system presumes that citizens vote, hold office, and make decisions. I find it remarkable that so much of current political discourse holds that it’s OK to bully others. Or that it’s a good thing to ignore the poor. I see nothing in the Bible that supports such views. To the contrary, as Fr. Steve has … [Read more...] about Parish Administrator’s Note – February 18, 2024

Reflection from Father Steve – February 18, 2024

Since I was in third grade, the Season of Lent has played a part in my life. This annual observance was marked by special meals, special devotions, practices of mortification and the expectation of Easter. Prior to Ash Wednesday, my father would drive out to Rice Street to the Pioneer Sausage Company and there he would buy a foot long hard salami. This salami was hung from the light fixture in the kitchen and served as an olfactory announcement that Lent was a time to abstain. At noon on Holy Saturday (in those days Lent ended at noon on Holy Saturday), he would climb on a kitchen chair with … [Read more...] about Reflection from Father Steve – February 18, 2024

Men’s Club News February 2024

General Meeting Wednesday February 14th at 8pm in the St Matt’s Social Hall Menu – Chef's Surprise Fish Fries Fish Fries will start this Friday February 16th at 4:30 pm and run through Friday March 29th. This year’s price for adults will be $15.00, non-fish dinner $13.00, kids’ dinner $7.00 and children under 5 years old will be free. Larry Smith Larry has moved to the Southview Senior Living facility, 1984 Oakdale Ave, West St Paul, room # 416. His phone number is 651-356-2329. Larry would love a call or a visit. Men’s Club Shirts The Men’s Club will be buying member’s t-shirts, … [Read more...] about Men’s Club News February 2024

Rosary Society Meeting, Tuesday, February 13th, 2024

Rosary Society February Meeting: All women of our parish community are invited to the Tuesday, February 13th Rosary Society meeting. This month we will be meeting from 12:30 to 2:00 pm in the lower level of the Parish Center. Please note the new start time. In addition to celebrating Mardi Gras and Valentine's Day, we will be joined by Cristina Czaia, our new Director of Music and Liturgy. Come and enjoy holiday treats, socialize and learn about Cristina’s work.  … [Read more...] about Rosary Society Meeting, Tuesday, February 13th, 2024

Faith Formation News 2-11-2024

Faith Formation This Week On Wednesday, February 14, all Faith Formation students will attend Mass in church, and students will sit with their parents/guardians. Families should come to church by 6:45 PM and check-in with their children’s teachers. Students whose parents cannot attend will sit with their Faith Formation teacher for the Ash Wednesday Mass. On February 21, students have class in the Parish Center. Janelle Rohr … [Read more...] about Faith Formation News 2-11-2024