In this edition:

Liturgy, Community, & Ongoing Events

• 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence – Mass of Thanksgiving
• New encyclical on AI: Leo XIV describes a path forward by Father Louis J. Cameli in Chicago Catholic
• Cathedral Book Club
• New Online Exhibit: Papal Visits to St. Matthew's Cathedral
• ParishSOFT eGiving
• Be the Light: The 2026 Annual Catholic Services Appeal

Faith Formation

• The unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God: The Letter to the Ephesians
• Baptism Prep Class
• The Mystics
• Meditation Group on Sundays
• Save the Date for the Annual Cathedral Weekend Retreat!
• Mystical Word

Hispanic Ministry

• Grupo de Oración
• La clase de bautismo en español

Social Justice

• Catholic Social Thought in the News
• Catholic Social Teaching Fellowship Series
• Care for Creation Green Team Meeting
• Summer in the City Food Drive
• Summer ESL Classes
• Creation Care Corner

Music Ministry

• Schola Cantorum and Summer Choir

Cathedral Young Adults

• Sunday Meeting
• CYA Happy Hour
• CYA Book Club

250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence –

Mass of Thanksgiving

As Catholics and Americans, our patriotism is built upon the glory of the aspirations that have brought immigrants from every land, race, and people to form a more perfect union among us. We have the opportunity to celebrate with joy this legacy, this challenge, this dream for our nation.

Cardinal McElroy will celebrate a Mass dedicated to the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence at Saint Matthew’s Cathedral on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at 11am. Please join us at Mass, in person or via livestream here, to mark a day of Thanksgiving and Renewal for our country.

Click here for more information.

Image taken from the Archdiocese of Washington.

New encyclical on AI: Leo XIV describes a path forward by Father Louis J. Cameli in Chicago Catholic

Here, Fr. Cameli offers background reflections for the encyclical that might help to situate it and underscore some of its important directions. We will be adding his reflections in the eLetter over the next few weeks, though you may read the entire article here.

Human Dignity (part 1)

If we follow the news, we clearly know how fragile human dignity is and how often it is violated. Those who have power — in any of its forms — can build up or, alternatively, tear down human dignity.

AI is a form of power. It can be exercised in a constructive way, especially when people are in respectful dialogue that recognizes the inherent goodness of a human being. When individuals willfully exercise that power, for example, for their profit, that damages human dignity by marginalizing, excluding and even dominating others. Obviously, the stakes are high.

It is no exaggeration to compare the development of AI to the discovery of fire. Both moments have forced humanity to make consequential decisions.

Fire had the capacity to warm, to give light, to cook. Fire also had the capacity to threaten and to destroy. Only a culture of encounter, mutual respect and dialogue enable that power to work for the good. As with fire, so it is with AI.

Human history from the discovery of fire to the discovery of nuclear fission provides a cautionary tale about power and an invitation to move carefully in this time of AI. Pope Leo’s encyclical does not allow us to evade the important choices we need to make.

Read the encyclical here.

Cathedral Book Club

The next book for discussion is RELIGION AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, ed. by Yuval Levin, et al. It offers a good background for the decisions leading up to the Revolution and July 4.

The book is part of a series of AEI (American Enterprise Institute). Each of the 5 essays are informative and provides a different approach, so it will be good to determine which we preferred.

The discussion will be held on Thursday, July 30, from 7pm to 8:15pm in the West Conference Room.

New Online Exhibit: Papal Visits to St. Matthew's Cathedral

A new online exhibit is now available, highlighting the history and significance of the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle. It features key moments connected to papal visits to the Cathedral and to Washington, D.C., including those of Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis—whose 2015 visit coincided with his address to Congress, which is also available to view through a link in the exhibit.

We invite you to view the exhibit online and learn more about the Cathedral’s role in the life of the Church in Washington HERE.

Be the Light: The 2026 Annual Catholic Services Appeal

We have been asked prayerfully to consider making a gift to the 2026 Annual Catholic Services Appeal. Please complete or take a commitment form from the Cathedral (they are in the pews and placed in the back) or make your gift at give.adw.org. Visit appeal.adw.org to learn more about how the Annual Catholic Services Appeal benefits our parish and serves people in need throughout our community. It is our goal that every parish family will participate this year. All gifts will be credited towards our parish goal. Thank you in advance for your generous response to the 2026 Annual Catholic Services Appeal.

The unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God:
The Letter to the Ephesians

Join a series of classes on the Letter to the Ephesians.

Jesus tells us that eternal life is knowing God. How can any of us say we know God? Do you know God? And, do we know God like we know our loved ones? Knowing God is much more than our normal ways of knowing. We know by our senses, by reason, and by experience. Scripture holds out a deeper reality: knowing by identity. It involves God lavishing the divine love upon us. It is Divine Knowledge and gratuitous grace, and it is the message of the Letter to the Ephesians.

We will reflect on the Letter to the Ephesians chapter by chapter. Each class will have a lecture combined with dynamic conversation. Come experience the liberating grace of Christ!

Final Meeting: June 30, from 7pm to 8:30pm in the East Conference Room. For more information, email the Director of Faith Formation, L.J. Milone here.

Baptism Prep Class

The baptism prep class is held on the first Thursday of the month from 7pm to 8:30pm on Zoom. Registration for the class is required. A registration link for the class is sent upon the completion of the main baptism application/registration, which is a link given by the priest.

The next class will be on July 2, 2026.

Learn more about baptism classes here.

The Mystics: An Intentional Community

A mystic is someone who prays and experiences God deeply. Then, they share their experience. The Church has a rich history of mystics inviting us to know God and so be free and happy. Join a small intentional community that meets to experience the Christian mystical tradition. We will learn how to be mystics in our daily lives through silent prayer, readings and lectures on the mystics, sharing, a meal, and time for solitude and reflection.

We meet every second Saturday of the month. Spiritual practice, study, and community will form the heart of these meetings. Join if you want to grow closer to God, be a part of a dynamic spiritual community, and learn more about the mystical tradition.

The next meeting is on Saturday, July 11, from 9am to 2pm, in the North Conference Room.

For more information, email L.J. Milone here.

Meditation Group

Are you looking for a way to explore or deepen your relationship with God? Come to the Meditation Group. You will discover a centuries-old prayer method that consists of simply sitting in silence with God - beyond thoughts, words, and emotions - and opening our mind, heart and whole being to the Ultimate Mystery.

If you are new, you will learn the basics of Centering Prayer, a Christian contemplative practice first described in The Cloud of Unknowing, written in the latter half of the 14th Century. It calls one to abandon all thinking and to surrender to God within.

It is a very personal prayer practice but is often practiced in groups. It opens one to God's infinite love and power to heal, and opens the door to other related prayer practices around forgiveness, and dealing with painful situations and emotions.

Meeting Times:

Sundays, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM on Zoom

See the cathedral website for the Zoom link HERE, or email L.J. Milone here for the link.

Save the Date for the Annual Cathedral Weekend Retreat!

Register by clicking here.

Mystical Word

A weekly reflection based on the Sunday Gospel reading, written by L.J. Milone, Director of Faith Formation at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle. Read this week's reflection HERE.

Catholic Social Thought in the News

Archbishop Hicks of New York: 'Magnifica humanitas' to shape future generations

"And I think people want to ask those questions: Are we just going to let AI drive itself? Are we just going to let it be controlled by a few people only to be profit driven? OR can it be used for the good of the world, for the good of humanity?" (Archbishop Ronald Hicks)

"He has a part there about how is AI going to affect the job market. I listened to our young adults, our young people, and this topic of AI is very, very much at the center of their concerns, of what they're thinking about, what they're worrying." (Archbishop Ronald Hicks)

 —Deborah Castellano Lubov, Vatican News, May 29, 2026

Catholic Social Teaching Fellowship Series

"The conditions of life that are the result of political, social and environmental choices have an impact on the health of human beings." 

—Pope Francis, 2021, address to participants in the Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life

As part of our ongoing Catholic Social Teaching fellowship series, join us in the North Conference Room on Sunday, June 28 after the 11am Mass to discuss this and other Church teachings on Public Health and Mental Health with guest speaker Christian Bentley of the Society of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart. All are welcome.

"Las condiciones de vida, que son el resultado de políticas, sociales y medioambientales, tienen un impacto en la salud de los seres humanos."

—Papa Francisco, 2021, Discurso a la Asamblea Plenaria de la Pontificia Academia Para La Vida

¿Le interesa el tema? Como parte de nuestra serie de convivios sobre la Doctrina Social de la Iglesia, los invitamos a la sala de conferencias norte el domingo 28 de junio al mediodía para una charla y discusión sobre las enseñanzas de la iglesia sobre la salud pública y salud mental con el ponente invitado Christian Bentley de la Sociedad de San José del Sagrado Corazón. Sean todos bienvenidos! 

Care for Creation Committee Green Team Meeting

The St. Matthew's Cathedral Parish Care for Creation Committee ("Green Team") will have an in-person meeting on Wednesday, July 1 at 6:30pm in the North Conference Room. Come and meet the new committee co-chairs and contribute ideas for upcoming events. All are welcome. For questions, please email socialjusticestmatthew@gmail.com.

El Comité de Cuidado de la Creación de la Parroquia de la Catedral de San Mateo ("Equipo Verde") tendrá una reunión presencial el Miércoles 1 de Julio a las 6:30pm en la Sala de Conferencias del Norte. Ven a conocer a los nuevos co-presidentes del comité y aportar ideas para los próximos eventos. Todos son bienvenidos. Para más información, por favor contacta al correo electrónico: socialjusticestmatthew@gmail.com.

Summer in the City Food Drive

The Social Justice Committee invites you to participate in the 13th Annual Summer in the City Food Drive organized by the John S. Mulholland Family Foundation. The Foundation, which serves low-income individuals and families of the District of Columbia, will ensure that your gifts are distributed to those most in need at food pantries throughout Washington, DC.

Your donations of non-perishable food items will be gratefully accepted at all Masses on July 18/19, 2026. Please pick up a paper bag at Mass the weekends of July 4/5 and July 11/12.

Click here to find out more about what food items are needed, etc.

Questions? Email Willy Escobar, Social Justice Coordinator.

Summer ESL Classes

St. Matthew’s will continue our English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes for a 9 week Summer Semester. Classes began on Tuesday, June 2, and are held through Wednesday, July 29. All classes are held every Tuesday and Wednesday from 6:30pm-8:30pm in the St. Matthew’s Education Building at 1726 N St. NW, 20036. Language instruction will be provided at Level 1 (Beginner) through Level 4 (Advanced).

If you would like to register, fill out our online registration form HERE!

Interested in volunteering as a teacher, substitute, or tutor? Fill out our interest form HERE.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Willy Escobar here.

San Mateo continuará ofreciendo nuestras clases de inglés como segundo idioma (ESL) durante un semestre de verano de 9 semanas. Las clases comenzarán el martes 2 de junio y continuarán hasta el miércoles 29 de julio. Todas las clases se llevarán a cabo todos los martes y miércoles de 6:30pm a 8:30pm en el Edificio de Educación de San Mateo, ubicado en 1726 N St. NW, 20036. La instrucción del idioma se ofrecerá desde el Nivel 1 (Principiante) hasta el Nivel 4 (Avanzado).

Si desea inscribirse, complete nuestro formulario de inscripción en línea AQUÍ.

¿Le interesa ser voluntario como maestro, suplente o tutor? Complete nuestro formulario de interés AQUÍ.

 Si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud, comuníquese con el Willy Escobar.

Schola Cantorum and a Summer Choir

The Schola Cantorum, the Cathedral’s semi-professional choir began its summer hiatus June 14. It will resume September 20, for the feast of St Matthew the Apostle.

We have formed a Summer Choir of auditioned volunteers who will sing occasionally throughout the summer, principally at the 11am Mass. If you have significant adult choral experience and would like to participate in the summer choir, please contact Tom Stehle here or call 202-587-5141 to set up an audition.

The Cathedral Young Adult ministry (C†YA) serves the community of Catholic adults ages 21 - 39 who live and work in DC, supporting them in the continued growth of their faith, discernment of their vocations, and development as stewards of the Church through opportunities for socializing, community service, and spiritual reflection.

Sundays with CYA

Sunday, June 28, after the 5:30pm Mass, join us in the North Conference Room.

CYA Happy Hour

Tuesday, July 7,  CYA will be having its bi-weekly happy hour at 6:30pm (location TBD in next week's eLetter).

CYA Book Club

Join the CYA Book Club to discuss The Inferno by Dante, Tuesday, June 30, at 7pm in the West Conference Room, as part of our plan to read the whole Divine Comedy over the next 3 months.

Meet other Catholics, talk about the faith, and build friendships! C†YA uses a WhatsApp Community to plan future events, post updates, and stay in touch. Please follow the links for information about how to join and the latest details about upcoming events. You can follow C†YA on Instagram and Facebook for events and news from our community!