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Social Justice and Community Service Committee

Mission

The Social Justice and Community Service Committee mobilizes the parish community by promoting opportunities to serve those in need and to give witness of our faith in Jesus Christ through concrete acts of love and service that overcome our selfishness and indifference.

Committee Chairmen

Chairman: Phil Downey
Vice chairman: Chris Maher

Staff Liaisons: 

Fr. John Benson and Norma Canedo.

Meetings:

Interested parishioners are invited to attend committee meetings on the last Monday of each month at 6:45pm in the East Conference room. 

Ministries:

Newsletter:

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Social Justice Prayer Group

In response to requests from our volunteers, the Social Justice Ministry is hosting a new series focusing on Catholic Social Teaching and prayer as the foundations of our “good works.” Starting on Thursday February 13, we will meet from 6:00pm-6:45pm in the St. Francis Chapel of the Cathedral for group reflection and prayer. The prayer group will meet monthly, with meeting dates being announced on the website and other Cathedral means of announcements. 

As noted by Archbishop Wilton Gregory, we are the Lord’s and we serve each other in order to serve the Lord. Whether you have been involved in Catholic faith-based service or in secular groups, we hope our meetings will reveal the power of prayer as the foundation of service. Our time will be evenly divided between a lesson on Catholic social teaching and time in prayer. We will use the book “A Concise Guide to Catholic Social Teaching” by Kevin E. McKenna to guide our reflections. 

We invite all parishioners--families, high-schoolers, university and graduate students in service projects, parents, retirees, people wanting to deepen the meaning of service in their lives and those feeling burned-out in service or too busy to stretch yet further. Please note, children must be accompanied by a parent.

  • Next Meeting: Thursday, March 12, 6:00pm - 6:45pm
  • Where: Saint Francis of Assisi Chapel, Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle (the St. Francis Chapel is located to the right as one enters the Cathedral from Rhode Island Ave.)
  • Questions? Email Phil Downey at socialjusticestmatthew@gmail.com. You may also call Fr. John Benson or Norma Canedo at the rectory, 202-347-3215 or socialjustice@stmatthewscathedral.org.

Make a Donation to the Social Justice Ministry

Your gift to the Social Justice Ministry at St. Matthew's Cathedral will help to bring God's mercy to our brothers and sisters in greatest need. By giving your time, talent, and treasure, you are helping to build the Kingdom of God here in Washington, DC. Please follow the directions below to make a gift to the Social Justice Ministry.

 

  1. Choose “Donate” to the right.
  2. After filling out the form with your address and credit card information, click “Review Donation and Continue.”
  3. Choose “Comments” and in the comments window, indicate how you would like your gift to be used. For example, you may choose the following:
    • Adopt a Family Program (Specify: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or Back to School Drive)
    • Emergency Assistance Fund (utilities, rent)
    • Homeless Ministry
    • Respect Life Ministry
    • Social Justice Advocacy and Education Ministry
    • Special Projects (specify project)
  4. If you wish your gift to remain anonymous, please indicate that as well.

Many thanks for your support!