st-matts-archive.org is an archive of our old WordPress website retired in March of 2025. Please visit our new website at st-matts.org.

Church of St. Matthew

A visible expression of God's love

General News

See all blog articles: st-matts.org/blog

Order Christmas wreaths from Boy Scout Troop 288

The Scouts of Troop 288 (Chartered by COS – Community of Saints Regional Catholic School) will be taking orders for Christmas wreaths, garland and other Christmas greenery & will be selling Gourmet Popcorn after Masses THIS WEEKEND; Saturday, October 6th &  Sunday, October 7th. If you want to place a direct order, please call Joan Smith at 651.271.3236. This fundraiser helps the troop raise money for equipment and camping trips. … [Read more...] about Order Christmas wreaths from Boy Scout Troop 288

St. Ludmila volunteers paint our church doors

Many thanks to the volunteer team from St. Ludmila in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, who painted doors and door systems on the St. Matthew's church building: main doors, inside and out; chapel doors; Robie Street door; and the new doors for the Social Hall entrance! In the picture: back row l-r: Bob Gardner, youth director, Kyle, Brody, Carson, Leo, Zach; front: Mackenzie, Kerrigan, Maddie, Dylan. Special thanks to Mary Leibl and Tim Dalzell for providing hospitality and assistance; and to Greg Lothenbach for pre-organization. … [Read more...] about St. Ludmila volunteers paint our church doors

Deacon John Murphy Funeral Notice

Beloved Husband, Father, and Minister to many, Deacon John Lewis Murphy, age 86, of Mendota Heights, passed away peacefully surrounded by his beloved family on Friday, August 3. He was born in Millarton, North Dakota on November 22, 1931 to Leo and Mamie (nee Lilley) Murphy. Deacon John is survived by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Carol Ann (nee Tschida); sons, Patrick Michael and John James (Jeanne) Murphy; grandchildren, Kallie and Jess (Jackie) Murphy; great-grandchildren, Ella Grace and Avery Clare Murphy; sisters, Patricia (late Dave) Orlady, and Bette Jo (Frank) Lang; brother, James … [Read more...] about Deacon John Murphy Funeral Notice

August 18 – Annual Mass & Picnic in Cherokee Park

Church of Saint Matthew Annual Mass & Picnic in the Park When: August 18, 2018 Where: Cherokee Park Time: Mass begins at 4:15 p.m. What Else: Men's Club will be at the grill, serving up burgers and hot dogs. You: bring a salad, casserole or dessert to share. We will provide: plates, napkins and cutlery. Bring along a cooler filled with your favorite beverages, a comfy lawn chair or two, perhaps a blanket to sit on and come enjoy the afternoon and evening with your parish family. Yes, yard games are welcome too!! … [Read more...] about August 18 – Annual Mass & Picnic in Cherokee Park

Neighborhood House Food Shelf Donations

THANK YOU, NEIGHBOR On June 16 & 17 Saint Matthew’s parishioners donated 373 pounds of non-perishable food and personal care items to the food shelf at Neighborhood House.  The next collection will be July 21 & 22 . Please be as generous as you are able to be.  Your donations make it possible for friends and neighbors of our area to feed themselves and their families.  Thank you for helping to feed the hungry.  … [Read more...] about Neighborhood House Food Shelf Donations

New Social Hall lights and Scrip profits

Social Hall lighting rebate When we contracted with Premier Lighting for the new lights in the Social Hall we were told the amount of the rebate. The process entailed St. Matt's paying the entire invoice and then waiting for a rebate check from Xcel Energy. A check for $3,150 arrived last week. The net cost was $9,856. Special thanks to the Men's Club who paid $7,000 of that amount. And how much brighter it is! Scrip fundraising A note from parish administrator John Riehle: Thanks to all Scrip purchasers. Tim Nowak, who has shepherded our Scrip program for 20+ years, has given a check for … [Read more...] about New Social Hall lights and Scrip profits

Volunteer Spotlight: Karen Thompson

KAREN THOMPSON is a life-long member of St. Matthew Parish. For 40+ years she has been involved in numerous volunteer positions within our parish community. She has served on the St. Matthew Parish Council, holding various offices.  She is a Parish Trustee where she works and reviews contracts with any renters of parish facilities. She serves on the Finance Council and is a liaison with Loaves and Fishes and West Side Summit School. Probably her most visible volunteer position has been that of chairing our Parish Festival. This is how Karen describes that experience: “I have enjoyed chairing … [Read more...] about Volunteer Spotlight: Karen Thompson

Scrip Program: Gift Cards that Benefit Our Parish

Great time to use Scrip for Grads and Dads! Support Saint Matthew’s Scrip Program by purchasing gift cards for those things you use regularly; gas, we have Holiday and Super America. Groceries; we have Cub, Walmart and Target. Gift giving and dining out; Kohls, Applebees, Bakers Square and there are dozens of others to choose from and many more that can be ordered within a few days time.  Proceeds earned from this program help to support the needs of our parish.  Thank you for using Scrip.  You will find Scrip available at the back of church following weekend Masses. … [Read more...] about Scrip Program: Gift Cards that Benefit Our Parish

West Side Farmers Market: New “Community Chef” Program

Where: Icy Cup parking lot, 63 W. George Street, St. Paul, MN 55107 When: Saturdays 8:30 am - 12:30 pm Produce from local farmers, jams, hot sauces, condiments, popcorn, various crafts, CSA drop-off site for baked bread, hot coffee, donuts, breakfast burritos, music, activities & more!  New: Weekly Community Chef Table Demos! The West Side Famers Market is looking for West Siders to share one of their favorite recipes with their neighbors by doing a cooking demonstration as a Community Chef at a Saturday market this summer. We are looking for people who love to cook and have a desire … [Read more...] about West Side Farmers Market: New “Community Chef” Program

Stewardship – Another Option For Giving

Electronic Giving might be the answer for Stewardship for your household.  With some simple arrangements, your donation can be transferred from your bank account to the church bank account at BankCherokee. Thanks to those who give in this manner: five families on a weekly basis; three families on a semi-monthly basis; and 20 families on a monthly basis. Please contact John Riehle at the parish center to make those arrangements.  … [Read more...] about Stewardship – Another Option For Giving

Thanks to All: Blazing Forward: 50th Anniversary of Church Fire

Thank you: To the volunteers who helped plan and execute our “Blazing Forward” Church Fire 50th Anniversary event last weekend. For the wonderful displays on the history of St. Matthew’s – Jan Lackner For the history information – Catherine Fee and Sister Anne Becker For the food preparation and serving – Steve and Josie Mike, Kathy and Al Schowalter, Becky Montgomery and Dave Haley, Greg Arrigoni, and Andrew Robinette For the artwork and design of the flyer for our event, the announcements on our website, Facebook, etc. – Rich Schletty For additional signs – Marian Wolters For … [Read more...] about Thanks to All: Blazing Forward: 50th Anniversary of Church Fire

Blazing Forward: 50th Anniversary of 1968 Church Fire, April 28-29, 2018

The 50th Fire Anniversary event was rescheduled to April 28-29. The April 14-15 activities were postponed due to a spring blizzard.  Download revised flyer: St Matt's Blazing Forward Poster Rescheduled Join us in the Social Hall to reminisce about the church fire fifty years ago.    Watch a short video of the church burning, view newspaper clippings and photos, read a personal account of the fire and see memorabilia. Saturday evening, April 28th – 5 to 7 p.m.  – Snacks will be served Sunday morning, April 29th – 11:00 am to 1:00 pm – Breakfast Brunch – Free will offering. We are also … [Read more...] about Blazing Forward: 50th Anniversary of 1968 Church Fire, April 28-29, 2018

Spring Cleaning on Saturday, April 28

Spring Cleaning of St. Matt's Church is scheduled for Saturday, April 28, beginning at 9:00am.  Everyone is welcome to help.  Bring your favorite cleaning supplies (there will be some at church also) and join in spiffing/swiffering up the church by sweeping, vacuuming, washing windows, dusting, plus much more.  There are sit down jobs, walking jobs, bending and stooping jobs, something for everyone jobs.  We want your help to bring in the spring fresh clean feeling all over the church.  Your attendance is very much appreciated. See you there. … [Read more...] about Spring Cleaning on Saturday, April 28

St. Matthew’s School sports trophies available to take home

Below is a list of various St. Matthew's School sports trophies. Any former school student who wants to claim one can come and get it. We will keep them at the parish center until May when remaining trophies will be recycled.  This was done when St. Michael's School closed and many former students came and took them home. Hopefully that will be the case here as well.  We appreciate your help.    A PDF version of the list can be downloaded: St. Matthew trophies.pdf   1960s 1964 Baseball - Junior League Champions 1967 Basketball - Class E Tournament Champions 1968 Baseball - West … [Read more...] about St. Matthew’s School sports trophies available to take home

The Good News Spring 2018

Download PDF: The Good News Spring 2018 Isaac’s Wish — To Help Homeless Message from Fr. Steve 50 Years Later…We Remember the Fire.  April 15: Remember St. Matthew’s old church and the fire that destroyed it. 10 a.m. Mass followed by brunch in the Social Hall (free will offering). RSVP to Linda Rivera at the Parish Center — 651-224-9793. Also see The Good News Special Edition - 40th Anniversary of the Church Fire  (2008) St. Matthew’s Class of ’68 50 Year Reunion First Girls Basketball Team Lunch Monitor and the Firecracker Collecting Green Stamps For The Nuns’ First … [Read more...] about The Good News Spring 2018

First Communion Dresses Available

The Silent Auction Committee has been given two new First Communion Dresses. Since this is the time of year when girls need these dresses we are making them available for purchase now. The new dresses are one size 7 and one size 10. We are asking $30.00 for each. There is also a size 12 vintage dress if someone is in need of a dress. If you are interested in seeing the dresses please contact the parish office. All proceeds go to St. Matthew's Church. … [Read more...] about First Communion Dresses Available

2017 in Review

Parish Life in 2017: Worship, Faith Formation, Finances and Outreach Download full letter from Fr. Bob: January 2018 Letter from Fr. Bob   Church of Saint Matthew 510 Hall Avenue - St. Paul, Minnesota 55107 Mailing Address: 490 Hall Avenue - St. Paul, Minnesota 55107 st-matts.org 651.224.9793 January 2018 Dear Church of St. Matthew Parishioner, With the grace of God, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and your support, the Church of St. Matthew did great things in 2017. With the grace of God, the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the support of each member the Church of St. … [Read more...] about 2017 in Review

Coffee Sunday Hosts Needed

Hospitality and community are two characteristics of our Saint Matt's community, and Coffee Sunday is one way we demonstrate both.  However, in order for us to provide this hospitality and community building activity, we need people to step forward and help host Coffee Sunday.  Hosting consists of preparing and setting out the coffee, providing refreshments and cleaning up afterwards, which is minimal.  The coffee and paper supplies are provided, and you will be taught how to make coffee in the coffee machine.  Free will donations are encouraged and those donations can be used to reimburse the … [Read more...] about Coffee Sunday Hosts Needed

January 22 Prayer Service for Life

Join us at the Cathedral of Saint Paul, Monday, January 22, at 10:30 a.m. for the Annual Prayer Service for Life, followed by MCCL’s March for Life at the State Capitol. This prayer service commemorates the millions of lives lost to abortion and the many women and men wounded by abortion’s aftermath. All are invited and welcome. Please consider carpooling or utilizing buses as parking and street access are limited. For more information, please contact the Office for Marriage, Family & Life at 651.291.4488 or visit at www.archspm.org/events. Please join us and Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda … [Read more...] about January 22 Prayer Service for Life

WINE Catholic Women’s Conference February 10

WINE: WOMEN IN THE NEW EVANGELIZATION invites women of all ages to the WINE: Catholic Women’s Conference. It will be held 9:30AM-3:30PM on Saturday, February 10, at Mary, Mother of the Church in Burnsville. The theme, Hope: An Anchor for the Soul, is inspired by Saint Philomena’s example and Pope Francis’ invitation to fight against enemies of hope (like discouragement and negativity) in order to shine as beacons of hope to those we encounter.  The day includes inspirational talks by Sr. Ann Shield; Bible Study Evangelista Sonja Corbitt; and Catholic musician and storyteller Jaime Thirteen. … [Read more...] about WINE Catholic Women’s Conference February 10

End-of-Year Giving

There are benefits to making a stock donation or a direct transfer to the church. If you make a direct transfer from your IRA to Saint Matthew's, you get to count that money toward your required minimum distribution – but because it’s not actually distributed to you, it won’t increase your adjusted gross income. This option is particularly beneficial if you don’t itemize deductions on your tax return. Gifts of stock can provide you with DOUBLE TAX BENEFITS. First, you may be able to claim a charitable contribution donation in the amount of the current market value of the stock (original … [Read more...] about End-of-Year Giving

Pie Fundraiser for Christmas

Let Perkins do your Christmas baking. Once again, we are taking orders for pies and gift cards from Perkins on South Robert Street. Perkins will give the Church of Saint Matthew’s $3.00 for every pie ordered through Saint Matt’s. The proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards Social Hall improvements.  The more pies ordered, the more money raised for Saint Matt’s. Please share the order form with family and friends, and encourage them to order their Thanksgiving and Christmas pies through Saint Matt’s!  > Download the Christmas Pie Order Form Order Form Instructions  1. Complete … [Read more...] about Pie Fundraiser for Christmas

Oktoberfest 2017 helped pay for new clerestory windows

The profits for Oktoberfest 2017 put us 'over the top' for the purchase of new clerestory windows for the perimeter of the worship space. Download the financial report for Oktoberfest 2017 here: Oktoberfest 2017 Financial Thank you to each and every person and company who: came and enjoyed themselves volunteered a little or a lot sponsored or contributed to the success prayed for good weather … [Read more...] about Oktoberfest 2017 helped pay for new clerestory windows

Choir members needed

The choir is looking to add new members; also needed are instrumentalists. We are looking for members of all ages, teens as well as adults. Perhaps you sing in the school choir, or theater. We would love to have you bring your talent to St. Matthew’s Choir!  Do you play the violin, guitar or other musical instrument? We welcome you, too.  Contact Jill Kilzer, Choir Director at or stop and see her before or after Mass. … [Read more...] about Choir members needed

Cherokee Tavern Thanksgiving Day Dinner 2017

The new owners of the Cherokee Tavern, Brian and Michelle, are going to carry on the wonderful Casper family Thanksgiving Day tradition of a free meal to those in need. If you or someone you know cannot provide a meal for yourself or would be alone on Thanksgiving Day and would like to enjoy a meal at the Cherokee Tavern, call the St. Matthew's parish office for tickets at 651-224-9793.  You also can pick up your meal if you would rather not dine in at the restaurant. Would you like to volunteer your time at the Cherokee Tavern? Servers, line prep, and other helpers are needed on … [Read more...] about Cherokee Tavern Thanksgiving Day Dinner 2017

Pie Fundraiser

We are taking orders for pies and gift cards from Perkins on South Robert Street. Perkins will give the Church of Saint Matthew’s $3.00 for every pie ordered through Saint Matt’s. The proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards Social Hall improvements.  The more pies ordered, the more money raised for Saint Matt’s. Please share the order form with family and friends, and encourage them to order their Thanksgiving and Christmas pies through Saint Matt’s!  > Download the St Matthew Pie Order Form Order Form Instructions  1. Complete both sections of the form. Keep the top section as … [Read more...] about Pie Fundraiser

Joanne Miller estate sale: thank you!

Longtime St. Matthew's parishioner Joanne Miller passed away recently and left the contents of her home, located on Ruby Drive in West St. Paul, to the Church of St. Matthew. An estate sale took place October 26-29, 2017. Thanks to all for a successful estate sale. Proceeds of the sale were more than $2700.  Thanks to Joanne's daughters, Lynne and Chris, who helped this happen.  Thanks to Joanne Smith, her executrix, for hosting.  Thanks to so many parishioners who helped:  Al, Barb, Cathy, Chris, David, Doris, Florida, Hope, Jan, Jeff, Joanne, Kathy, Pat, and Tony. … [Read more...] about Joanne Miller estate sale: thank you!

The WolfGang in concert

Come and hear music of Mozart, C.P.E. Bach, Haydn and Giordani presented by the Twin-Cities based ensemble, the WolfGang on Saturday evening, November 18, 7:30 PM, in the Church of St. Matthew Worship Space. The WolfGang performs instrumental chamber music from the time of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, playing on musical instruments of the type used during Mozart’s life. The WolfGang has been performing, recording, and touring for over 22 years in a style that “fits” the Mozart era. Save the date: Saturday, November 18, 7:30 PM, at the Church of St. Matthew Suggested free will offering $15 … [Read more...] about The WolfGang in concert

4th Annual Fix It Fundraiser Dinner

4th Annual St. Matthew's Church Fix It Fundraiser Dinner 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Saturday November 11, 2017 Show up and enjoy food and fellowship. Bring a dish to share: dessert or side. Rotini pasta with Italian sausage in red sauce with salad, bread and coffee provided. ++ FREE WILL OFFERING ++ Double it up for St. Matts! The Catholic Order of Foresters matches $1 for each $1 raised up to $1000, and 50¢ for every $2 raised on the next $1000.  Proceeds help pay our building repair costs. Download event flyer: 4th Annual St Matts Fix It Fundraiser Dinner 2017 … [Read more...] about 4th Annual Fix It Fundraiser Dinner

Estate Sale Benefit Alert

Many of you may have known longtime parishioner Joanne Miller. Mrs. Miller passed away recently and left the contents of her home, located at 340 Ruby Drive, West St. Paul MN 55118, to the Church of St. Matthew. An Estate Sale will take place on the following dates: Thursday, October 26th  9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, October 27th  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, October 28th  9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 29th  9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please keep in mind all proceeds go to the Church of St. Matthew. … [Read more...] about Estate Sale Benefit Alert

Christmas Wreath Orders from Boy Scouts

Would you like to order a wreath, but missed the Boy Scouts from Troop 288 when they were here at St. Matthew’s taking orders? It isn’t too late to place an order. Call Joan at 651.227.6167 by Sunday, October 29th and your order will be delivered just in time for Thanksgiving. Thank you for supporting scouting.  … [Read more...] about Christmas Wreath Orders from Boy Scouts

Fr. Bob’s Time Away

From Monday, October 9 until Saturday, October 21, I will be in Colorado with my family. The 8 am weekday Masses will not be celebrated. Below you will find weekday Mass times at nearby parishes and the Community of Saints School: ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH – Monday thru Friday 7am & 12 pm CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH – Monday thru Friday 7:30 am & Tuesday thru Thursday 5:30 pm COMMUNITY OF SAINTS – Thursday 9:30 am OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE – Tuesday 6:00 pm. ST. JOHN VIANNEY – Tuesday thru Friday 7:30 am. Fr. Patrick Tobin, OP will celebrate weekend Masses on … [Read more...] about Fr. Bob’s Time Away