Adopt-a-Family
Program
The Adopt-a-Family Program provides support to
St. Matthew’s parish families who need
assistance at any time during the year. During
the holidays, the program provides holiday meals
and gifts. Volunteers and donors can help us
bring cheer to adults and children in need.
Adult
Formation
The Cathedral seeks to meet the spiritual and
educational needs of parishioners and local
business people who strive to live their faith
commitments in their workplaces and day-to-day
lives. Among these efforts are Fall and Lenten lecture series featuring
noted guest lecturers.
The lectures are presented in both English and
Spanish in the evenings and in English at
lunchtime.
In Advent and Lent parishioners
are invited to attend a Day of Recollection to
enter into the season. The days include
spiritual talks, scripture reflections, time for
quite reflection, and conclude with a Mass.
Regular courses in Catholic teaching and
Scripture are also available (throughout the
year). In addition, Scripture reflection groups
meet weekly in the parish to pray and reflect on
the Word of God.
For
more information or to register for Adult
Faith Formation
Activities, please contact Maureen Evers,
Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation, (202) 347-3215,
ext. 530, or email
mevers@stmatthewscathedral.org.
Altar
Servers
Altar servers help the priest and the people
assembled at liturgy praise God as fully and
joyfully as possible. Responsibilities include
assisting the priests and deacons at Mass and
other services. They also assist in the entrance
and closing processions, carrying incense, the
cross and candles.
Always Our Children
Always Our Children, named after the pastoral
message issued by the National Conference of
Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Marriage and
Family, is a support group for families who love
their gay, lesbian and bisexual members.
Inquiries about Always Our
Children can be sent to Msgr. Jameson at the
Rectory.
Cathedral
Club
The Cathedral Club is a social and spiritual
growth organization for adults. Meetings are
held after the 11:30 a.m. Mass on the second
Sunday of the month in the West Conference Room.
With the support of the Cathedral religious
staff, members provide spiritual support to one
another. Discussion topics range from religious
experiences to a member’s latest vacation
trip. The Club occasionally organizes retreats
and trips to the beach.
Extraordinary
Ministers of Holy Communion
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
assist priests and deacons with the distribution
of the Holy Eucharist at Mass and to the sick
and home-bound. By distributing the Holy
Eucharist—at Mass, in a hospital or at a
residence—the Extraordinary Minister
communicates the Father’s great love for us
through the Body of Christ. What greater gift
could one human provide to another?
The
Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion has an interesting and relatively recent
history in the Roman Catholic Church. In 1973,
Pope Paul VI promulgated a document known as
Immensae Caritatis (Immense Love) which provided
instruction designed to facilitate Sacramental
Communion in special circumstances. The following
is a direct quote:
Present-day
conditions demand that greater access to Holy
Communion should be made possible so that the
faithful, by sharing more fully in the fruits of
the sacrifice of the Mass, might dedicate
themselves more readily and effectively to God,
and to the good of the Church.…
In
order that the faithful…may share in the
Sacred Banquet and not be deprived of this
sacramental help and consolation, it has seemed
appropriate to the Holy Father to establish
Extraordinary Ministers.
Hispanic
Apostolate
Catechesis: To ensure that the children of the
Hispanic community receive the proper training
to become strong Catholics, the Cathedral
provides programs to prepare children for the
sacraments of Eucharist and Confirmation.
Classes in Spanish begin toward the end of
September and run until the middle of June.
First Eucharist classes for children are held
from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Confirmation classes for children are held from
10:30 a.m. until 12 noon on Sunday.
Prayer
Group: The Charismatic Prayer Group known as
"God is With Us" reflects on the Bible,
sings praise to God and shares refreshments.
Anyone who wishes to participate should simply
attend a prayer group meeting held from 7:00
p.m. to 10:00 p.m. every Tuesday in the West
Conference Room.
Lectors:
This ministry provides lectors for the 1:00
p.m. Spanish Mass on Sunday and any other special
events where their services are required. Lectors
prepare to proclaim the Word of God at home
prior to Sunday Mass so that they may know by
heart what they are imparting to the assembly.
Anyone interested in becoming a lector must
be willing to grow in the Scripture and devote
the time to attend regular meetings.
Extraordinary
Ministers of Holy Communion: Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion administer the
Holy Eucharist at the 1:00 p.m. Sunday Mass and
to the sick and shut-in. They also visit the
sick and encourage them to trust in the Lord by
reading to them and reflecting on God’s Word.
Bible
Study: The Bible Study Group discusses the major
parts of the Bible and related themes during
three sessions conducted in the spring, summer
and autumn. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. to 8:30
p.m. on Thursdays in the West Conference Room.
Homeless
Services Project
On Monday mornings the Homeless Services Project
begins with an hour of prayer and scripture
lessons, accompanied by a light breakfast.
Clothing donated by parishioners is then
distributed. Those who have time available on
Mondays are most welcome to assist; others might
volunteer by soliciting clothing donations or by
making brown bag lunches for clients to take
with them. For more information, please call the
rectory.
Lectors
Lectors are liturgical ministers whose principal
duty is to serve the community in its worship.
They do this by proclaiming the readings from
Scripture, except the Gospel, during Mass. At
Masses without a cantor, they lead the community
in the Entrance and Communion Songs, the
Responsorial Psalm and the Lamb of God. At
Sunday Masses without a deacon, they read the
petitions in the General Intercessions and the
announcements.
Lectors
at the Cathedral are assigned to read at all
regularly scheduled Masses. They also may read
at other liturgical services.
The
documents of the Second Vatican Council remind
us that "in the readings, explained by
the homily, God is speaking to his people, opening
them up to the mystery of redemption and salvation,
and nourishing their spirit; Christ is present
to the faithful through his own word."
God is, as it were, using the voices of ministers
so that his people may hear him. A thoughtful
and prayerful presentation opens the hearts
of the community so that the Holy Spirit may
speak to each one, enlightening, comforting
or challenging them.
Ministers
of Hospitality
We are community and family. To extend these
feelings, ministers of hospitality greet,
welcome and make comfortable every person
entering our parish community. This is achieved
by a welcoming smile and handshake to anyone who
enters the Cathedral. They also prepare the
Cathedral for worship. Preparation for liturgy
and assistance to related ministries ensure the
proper atmosphere for the celebration of God’s
Word. At Mass, these ministers distribute the
parish bulletin, music leaflet and other
material; assist in seating visitors; select
gift-bearers; and gather the collection. They
are available for all liturgies.
Ministry to the Sick
"I
was sick and you visited me."
Matthew 25:36
Members
of this ministry bring the Eucharistic presence
of Christ and his Church to those unable to join
us at the Cathedral. This is a visible sign of
God’s redemptive grace and the unity of all
who share the one bread and one cup.
"In
the sacraments, Christ continues to ‘touch’
us in order to heal us," says the Catechism
of the Catholic Church. The Divine Physician
told his disciples to "heal the sick"
(Matthew 10:8). The Catechism replies: "The
Church has received this charge from the Lord
and strives to carry it out by taking care of
the sick as well as by accompanying them with
the prayer of intercession. She believes in the
life-giving presence of Christ, the physician of
souls and bodies."
"By
his passion and death on the cross," the
Catechism states, "Christ has given a new
meaning to suffering: it can henceforth
configure us to him and unite us with his
redemptive Passion." In service to others,
the Ministry to the Sick obeys Christ’s
commandment "that you should love one
another as I have loved you."
Music Ministry
Music is a vital part of any Catholic parish,
and is considered to be one of the most important
ministries of a Cathedral.
The
Cathedral enjoys several choirs, led by the
Schola Cantorum which specializes in the golden
treasury of Catholic Church Music. The Schola
is the Cathedral’s resident professional choir
that sings on Sunday mornings at the 10 a.m.
and the 11:30 a.m. Masses. The Gregorian Scholars
are members of the Schola who specialize in
chant. Their emphasis is on the deeper spirituality
of chant through history, tradition and performance
practice. The Contemporary Choir brings great
expertise and versatility to the 5:30 p.m. Sunday
Mass. Their music is intergenerational, and
fully inclusive of various styles and traditions.
A
valued extension of the music ministry is Capilla Musical Iberoamericana. This growing ensemble leads the 1 p.m.
Spanish Mass in prayer with spirited and vigorous
singing. Their music is a broad mix of traditional,
contemporary and folk music from Central America
and the Southwestern United States.
Please
call the Music Office if you are interested
in this ministry.
Parish Pastoral Council
The council
advises and assists the rector on ministries, programs and other activities of
the parish. Its recommendations are given strong consideration by the rector in
his decision-making. The council is composed of 18 voting members, 12 of whom are
elected and six of whom are appointed by the rector. An election to choose new
council members is held in November. New council members begin their three-year
term in December.
The council maintains six
permanent committees.
The Liturgy Committee strives
to bring the Cathedral parish community closer to God in the celebration of
God’s presence through liturgy including sacraments. Activities include
participating in the planning of special liturgies for holidays, special groups
or occasions; working with the parish music director to improve the integration
of music into liturgy; and planning special programs to promote the
understanding of liturgy.
The Faith Formation
Committee seeks to provide Christian education and spiritual formation of
parish. Overall goals include fostering workplace spirituality, helping us to
live the Gospel message in our daily lives, and suggesting useful ways to put
our faith into practice. Among its programs are multi-week lecture series, and
occasional special lectures by noted speakers. The committee also sponsors
Scripture study groups and parish days of recollection in Advent and Lent.
Courses in Scripture and Catholic tradition are offered periodically.
The Social Justice and
Community Services Committee mobilizes the people and resources of the parish
in a mission of service to one another. Activities include identifying the
needs of parishioners and the local community, along with establishing projects
which will provide opportunities to meet their material and spiritual needs.
The Communications
Committee assists the Cathedral Rector, clergy and staff in disseminating information
about Cathedral activities and programs. It also helps communicate information
to the public about the Cathedral's special events, programs and history. This
serves to enhance public understanding of the importance of the Cathedral in
the life of the Archdiocese and of Washington,
D.C. Activities include the
preparation and distribution of brochures and pamphlets to hotels and tour
organizations, and establishing relationships with local media.
The Stewardship and Development
Committee identifies, analyzes and recommends strategies to develop long-term,
quality pastoral ministries and programs. Activities include advising the
rector on development projects, serving as a conduit to the rector for
recommendations from members of the parish community and engaging in
fund-raising activities when warranted.
The Hospitality Committee helps
bring the parish closer to God by creating Christian fellowship. Activities
Include assisting parish staff and organizations in coordinating social
functions and welcoming new parishioners into full participation in Cathedral
activities.
The council meets at 6:45 P.M.
on the first Monday of the month in the East Conference Room. All parishioners
are welcomed and invited to assist the council in studying issues affecting the
parish, and coordinating and assisting with parish activities.
Reparation Society of
the Immaculate Heart of Mary
The Reparation Society of the Immaculate Heart
of Mary is an association which offers public
reparation to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
saddened by sin. Through Mary’s intercession,
the Society hopes to win the conversion of
Russia, poor lost souls and world peace. The
Society was founded in 1946 by Rev. John Ryan,
S.J.
It
was organized in answer to the pleas of Our
Lady at Fatima, Portugal, in 1917 at the time
of World War I, the Bolshevik Revolution and
the beginning of atheistic Communism.
The
Society meets on the first Saturday of the month
at the 12:10 p.m. Mass followed by a Holy Hour
which includes the Rosary, prayers for our government
and country and Benediction. Refreshments are
then served in the West Conference Room.
Rite
of Christian Initiation of Adults
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
is a process of spiritual and educational formation
for adults who seek to become full members of
the Catholic Church. RCIA is open to both unbaptized
men and women as well as those baptized into
other Christian churches. Adults interested
in RCIA join a small group of inquirers that
meets throughout the year. Beginning in September,
inquirers who want to continue their faith journey
meet twice a week (on Sunday and Wednesday)
with the Coordinator of Adult Formation and
a team of parishioners to learn about and discuss
Catholicism. At Sunday Mass, they are dismissed
after the homily to reflect on the Scriptures
for that day. They reconvene on Wednesday evenings
to spend more time with the Scriptures and to
learn about Catholic teaching. Their journey
of faith normally culminates at the Easter Vigil,
when they are fully incorporated into the Church
through the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation,
and Eucharist. Parishioners are welcome to inquire
into becoming team members or sponsors for inquirers.
For
more information about the RCIA at St.
Matthew's Cathedral, please contact Maureen Evers,
Coordinator of Adult Faith Formation, (202) 347-3215,
ext. 530, or email
mevers@stmatthewscathedral.org.
St. Matthew's Volunteers
St. Matthew's Cathedral Volunteers are a team of parishioners who come together for special events and occasions to assist with projects in which the staff requires an extra hand. Volunteers typically help with large mailings, usher at special Masses and holy days, and help with other tasks, large and small. It's a great way to give time to your parish, meet other parishioners, and above all have fun! Call the rectory if you are interested in becoming part of our team.
Tour Guides
Volunteer Cathedral guides are knowledgeable
about St. Matthew’s history, architecture and
interior features. Tours are by appointment by calling the rectory,
(202) 347-3215. If you are interested in becoming a Cathedral tour guide, call the rectory and speak with Gloria Harrington or Nancy House.
Washington
Interfaith Network
The Washington Interfaith Network (WIN) is a
non-partisan, interfaith organization rooted in
local congregations committed to training and
developing congregation leaders to address
community issues. WIN acts to improve the
quality of community life by initiating
strategies to make neighborhoods safe, reform
public education, provide living wage jobs, and
provide affordable homes for working families.
Young Adults
Click here to view our newsletter
St. Matthew’s
Cathedral Young Adults (SMYA) bring together men
and women in their 20s and 30s for a Catholic
Community founded in fun and edifying social,
spiritual, and service activities to foster
development in the Catholic faith.
Each month we hold at
least one formal social, spiritual, and service
event in addition to our standard events. The
following are our standard events: Each 1st
Sunday, we hold a Hospitality event (e.g.,
pizza) in the West Conference room after the
5:30 p.m. Mass; the rest of the weeks we meet in
the back of the cathedral after the 5:30 p.m.
Mass for dinner at a local restaurant.
Every Wednesday, we host a “Breaking Open
the Word” Bible study in the West Conference
Room.
We have an electronic
newsletter, YANews, that informs its
subscribers of all our SMYA events, all other
pertinent Cathedral events, and many of the
other young adult focused events (Theology of
Tap, lectures, dances, service projects,
retreats, etc.) in the metro area.
Supplementing the newsletter is our chat
listserv, YATalk, which SMYAs use to share
information and plan informal events, such as
movie nights, card/game nights, concerts, trips,
etc.
To sign up for
our newsletter, YANews, e-mail
YANews-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or go to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/YANews/join.
To sign up for our
informal chat listserv, YATalk, which we use to
share info and plan other informal events, send an
e-mail message to
YATalk-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
or go to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/YATalk/join.
Please
Join Us!
Click
above to add
your name to our listserv and receive a weekly
e-mail containing news and upcoming events.
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