21st Sunday in Ordinary Time



"For behold, some are last who will be first,

and some are first who will be last." (Luke 13:30)

___________________



August 24, 2025

Readings

Readings for the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time:

Isaiah 66:18-21 | Hebrews 12:5-7, 11-13 | Luke 13:22-30

Mass to Honor the Pope's Call for a Day of Fasting and Prayer

Friday, August 22, 2025

The Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle will celebrate a Mass for Peace throughout the world on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 5:30pm. Fr. Isaac Sagastume will be the principal celebrant. We will be praying for the victims of war in Gaza, Ukraine, Sudan, and Myanmar. This Mass will include special music to compliment the themes of peace and justice.

Online Offertory: PayPal | FaithDirect


Let us pray,


—for the sick, especially Jenny and Anastasia Ackerman, BJ Green, Allie Black, Rich Lewis, and Jill Graper.


—for the recently deceased, especially Vanessa Solano Sanson, Helen Deborah Morrow Johnson, Larry Rader, and Carolyn Diller.


To add a name to the prayer list of the sick or recently deceased, email Msgr. Jameson. If asking for prayers for a person who is sick, please first get their permission.

In this edition:


Liturgy, Community, & Ongoing Events

  • Faith Direct Donors: Introducing Our New ParishSOFT Managed Giving
  • Canonizations of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati
  • World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly
  • The Way Retreat for Women
  • Jubilee Cross in the Cathedral Sanctuary
  • St. Ann Catholic Church's St. Dymphna Ministry for those with Mental Illness
  • St. Ann Catholic Church's St. Peregrine Ministry for those with Cancer, Survivors, and their Caregivers


Faith Formation

  • Registration is Open for Children's Faith Formation 2025-2026
  • Jubilee Events
  • Meditation Group on Sundays
  • Divine Adventure Weekend Retreat
  • Mystical Word Reflection


Hispanic Ministry

  • Grupo de Oración
  • Inscripciones de catecismo en español


Social Justice

  • Adopt-a-Family Back to School Drive
  • Inscripción al Semestre de Otoño de ESL/Fall Semester English as a Second Language Classes
  • Learn About St. Matthew's Care for Creation Green Team


Music Ministry

  • Choir Openings & Summer Hiatus


Cathedral Young Adults

  • Sundays with CYA
  • No book club meeting Tuesday


Volunteer Opportunities

  • St. Matthew's Cathedral Tour Guides Needed
  • Livestreaming Volunteers Needed


& more!

Liturgy, Community, & Ongoing Events

Faith Direct Donors: Introducing our New ParishSOFT Managed Giving


We’re excited to share that our parish is upgrading our online giving platform from Faith Direct to ParishSOFT Managed Giving.


This change reflects our commitment to making generosity easier, more secure, and more impactful for every member of our faith community. ParishSOFT Giving offers all the same reliable features you’ve come to know—recurring gifts, online giving, and donor support—plus new enhancements to better serve you:


• Modern giving options: including Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, PayPal, stock, and crypto.

• Anonymous Giving

• Mobile-friendly experience: give online, through the app, or by text.

• Option to cover processing fees to maximize the impact of your generosity.

• Donors can give based on your preferred schedule, with support for weekly contributions rather than once-a-month processing.


We are confident that ParishSOFT Managed Giving will make your giving experience more convenient and meaningful. All your existing information, recurring gifts, and donation history will transfer automatically—no action is needed unless otherwise notified.


Thank you for continuing to support St. Matthew's Cathedral with such generous hearts.

Canonizations of Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati


On Sunday, September 7, 2025, Pope Leo XIV will canonize Blesseds Carlo Acutis (left) and Pier Giorgio Frassati (right). These modern day holy men have inspired the faith of many due to their zeal for the Catholic Church.


For more information on each saint-to-be, check out this page.

World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly

Sunday, September 7, 2025



“Blessed are those who have not lost hope.” This scripture passage from Sirach 14:2 proclaims hope in the Lord as the companion for those who grow in relationship with God as they grow older in years. Grandparents are cherished members of our family. They offer wisdom and love, and they share their faith and tell stories of God’s merciful presence in their lives. We thank God for their example and ask that he bless them with happiness and good health.


Learn more about this day here!

The Way Retreat

The Way is a free, 3-day guided meditation and prayer program for men and women who are survivors of abuse. It is an opportunity for healing and prayer and for survivors to reflect on God’s plan for their lives.


The Way Women’s Retreat

September 19-21, 2025

Please register by contacting Deborah McDonald at mcdonaldd@adw.org.

Jubilee Cross & Jubilee Prayer

At St. Matthew’s Cathedral, the cross in the sanctuary has been specially designated as the Jubilee Cross for the Jubilee 2025 Pilgrims of Hope. This sacred cross serves as a symbol of Christ’s love and the hope that guides us through this Jubilee Year. It stands as a focal point for our community, inviting pilgrims to reflect on the significance of this special time of grace and renewal. Next to the cross, the Jubilee Cross Prayer is displayed, providing a spiritual guide for all who come to pray and reflect. We invite you to visit the Jubilee Cross in the sanctuary, where you can recite the Jubilee Cross Prayer or take a moment for personal reflection. You may read the Jubilee Cross Prayer HERE and/or the Jubilee Prayer by Pope Francis HERE. La oración de la Cruz Jubilar en español se puede encontrar AQUÍ.

St. Ann Catholic Church's St. Dymphna Ministry for those with Mental Illness

St. Ann Catholic Church in Tenley Circle is starting a new ministry for those with mental illness.


The St. Dymphna Ministry meets on Wednesdays at 6:30pm, beginning on September 3, 2025. Meeting will be held at St. Ann Catholic Church, in the Malta Library facility, in the basement of the church. 

St. Ann Catholic Church's

St. Peregrine Ministry for those with Cancer, Survivors, and their Caregivers

St. Ann Catholic Church in Tenley Circle is starting a new ministry for those with Cancer, Survivors, and their Caregivers.


The St. Peregrine Ministry meets on Thursdays at 6:30pm, beginning on September 4, 2025. Meeting will be held at St. Ann Catholic Church, in the Malta Library facility, in the basement of the church. 

Faith Formation

Registration Now Open for the 2025-2026 Children’s Faith Formation Program at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle

We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the 2025-2026 year of the Children’s Faith Formation program at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle.


Please click on the links below to register or to get more information:


Please contact Faith Formation Director, L.J. Milone, if you have any questions. (ljmilone@stmatthewscathedral.org or call 202-587-5139.)


Jubilee Events Led by St. Matthew's Faith Formation Director - All are Welcome!

Celebrate the grace of this Jubilee year! Join us for a series of meaningful and prayerful events, led by St. Matthew’s Faith Formation Director, L.J. Milone. Embrace this opportunity to grow in your faith. To learn more about these events, please contact L.J. Milone at ljmilone@stmatthewscathedral.org. We look forward to sharing this journey with you. LEARN MORE

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. Sundays, 1:30 – 2:30pm on Zoom. See the cathedral website for the Zoom link HERE, or email L.J. Milone for the link.

The Divine Adventure Weekend Retreat

All are welcome to join us for a weekend retreat on living our faith as an adventure, a journey involving tests, an exploration of the unknown, moments of transformation, and a joyful acceptance of the Mystery of God. The retreat will be held at Loyola Retreat House in Faulkner, MD. The retreat will include talks, silence for prayer, Adoration, confession, and ample social time. Come and experience the joys and thrills of the Divine Adventure! Registration link is HERE. Please email L.J. Milone if you have questions. Join us, August 29 - 31, 2025.

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.

Hispanic Ministry

Grupo de Oración

El Grupo de Oración en español se reúne en el salón de conferencias del oeste con el Padre Isaac a las 7pm para rezar el Rosario, el martes 26 de agosto.


Santo Rosario por teléfono en español

Todos los días a las 3pm. (347-378-0694, PIN 283 201 937#).


¡Inscripciones de catecismo en español!

Para niños, adolescentes, adultos y matrimonios.

24 de agosto de 10:30am hasta 12pm y después de la Misa en español, en el salón del norte (al fondo, junto al elevador).

Traer partida de bautizo.


Para más información, envíe un email a Fátima Aybar o llame a la oficina de la rectoría al 202-347-3215.

Social Justice

Adopt-a-Family Back to School Drive

Donations are being accepted for the Adopt-a-Family Back to School Drive. Scan the QR code on the flyer above, or click on this LINK to donate online or see one of our Social Justice Committee Volunteers at the back of the Cathedral after all Sunday Masses on the weekends of August 23/24 and 30/31. Thank you for your generosity and for helping out our families in need!

Inscripción al Semestre de Otoño de ESL


Únase a nosotros para un semestre de 14 semanas para clases de inglés como lengua secundaria, que se llevará a cabo desde el martes 2 de septiembre hasta el miércoles 3 de diciembre de 2025. Durante el semestre, las clases se ofrecerán los martes y miércoles de 6:30 p.m. a 8:30 p.m., con tutoría opcional antes de clase de 6:00 a 6:30 p.m. en 1726 N St., 20036. La instrucción del idioma se ofrecerá desde el Nivel 1 (Principiante) hasta el Nivel 5 (Avanzado). Si desea inscribirse, aquí está el formulario de inscripción en línea por un costo de $35 por todo el semestre.

 

Si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud, comuníquese con el Sr. Anthony Arreaga al correo electrónico: aarreaga@stmatthewscathedral.org.



Register for Fall Semester English as a Second Language Classes!


Join us for a 14-week Fall semester of English as a Second Language Classes that will run from Tuesday, September 2 to Wednesday, December 3, 2025. Throughout the semester, classes will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm to 8:30pm, with optional pre-class tutoring between 6 and 6:30pm at 1726 N St., 20036. Language instruction will be provided at Level 1 (Beginner) through Level 5 (Advanced). If you would like to register, here is the online registration form for a cost of $35 for the semester.

 

If you are interested in being a Teacher, Tutor, or Substitute for the Fall semester, there is still time! Register HERE!

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Anthony Arreaga at aarreaga@stmatthewscathedral.org

Care for Creation Green Team

Our Mission: To encourage a deeper awareness of our duties to God’s creation and to take action at the individual, state, national and global level with a focus on prayer, ecological conversion, energy efficiency, conservation, and advocacy efforts. Learn more HERE.


Music Ministry

Schola Cantorum

The principal choir (11am) is on its summer hiatus. It resumes on the Feast of St Matthew, September 21. For those with significant adult choral experience, it is a tremendously rewarding ministry. There will be openings in the Schola Cantorum in the Fall. Prospective singers should have some sight-reading skills and a pleasant, agile voice. The commitment of time and focused energy is significant. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings, 7-8:30pm, in the weeks when the choir is singing. If you have the appropriate experience and a desire to serve our Cathedral community in this very special way, please contact the Director of Music Ministries, Tom Stehle, at tstehle@stmatthewscathedral.org.

Cathedral Young Adults

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, August 24, after the 5:30pm Mass, in the North Conference Room.


No Book Club Tuesday

Tuesday, August 26, there will be no book club meeting.


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!

Volunteer Opportunities

Tour Guide Volunteers Needed

Do you love the beautiful art and architecture of the Cathedral? Would you enjoy sharing the Cathedral with others? Consider becoming a volunteer St. Matthew’s tour guide. We provide guided tours for visitors and pilgrims from around the country and the world, and we need more guides. There are no fixed commitments as to either days and times or number of tours per year. Training will be provided. To learn more, contact Dan Evans (202-587-5138).

Volunteer with Cathedral Livestreaming Team

Do you have experience operating livestreaming equipment, or are you interested in being trained to assist with St. Matthew’s livestreaming of Sunday Masses? Contact Msgr. Jameson for more information or to volunteer. 

Liturgies & Events Calendar

Check out upcoming events on our website calendar or view the event listing.

See you 'round the Cathedral!

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