Second Collection for Cathedral Maintenance

— September 7, 2025 —

In this edition:

Liturgy, Community, & Ongoing Events

• Faith Direct Donors: Introducing Our New ParishSOFT Managed Giving
• Cardinal Wilton Gregory to celebrate Mass for the Ladies of Charity
• Bishop Evelio's Labor Day Homily
• Fr. Joe's Selection: St. Andrew of Crete on the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary 
• Mass for the Solemnity of St. Matthew the Apostle
• 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

Faith Formation

• Registration is Open for Children's Faith Formation 2025-2026
• The Mystics: An Intentional Community
• The Little Poor Man: The Life and Radical Mystery of St. Francis of Assisi
• Jubilee Events
• Meditation Group on Sundays
• Mystical Word Reflection

Hispanic Ministry

• Grupo de Oración

Social Justice

• Washington Interfaith Network (WIN) Listening Session
• St. Matthew's Annual Health Fair
• Deportations and Assaults on Human Dignity Dialogue
• Always God's Children
• Learn About St. Matthew's Care for Creation Green Team
• 2025 Season of Creation
• Paddling on the Anacostia River

Music Ministry

• Summer Hiatus

Cathedral Young Adults

• Sundays with CYA

Volunteer Opportunities

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

& more!

Cardinal to Celebrate Mass for the Ladies of Charity

The Ladies of Charity (LCUSA) will have their National Assembly "Choose Hope" closing Mass at the Cathedral on Saturday, September 13, at the 5:30pm Vigil Mass. Cardinal Wilton Gregory will be the celebrant of this Mass. All are welcome!

Learn more about the LCUSA and the National Assembly here.

Bishop Evelio's Labor Day Homily

The Catholic Standard reviewed Auxiliary Bishop Evelio Menjivar's Labor Day homily, noting his overall theme, "the dignity of workers." The article is an insightful piece that highlights Evelio's emphasis on the impact machines are making in the workforce, as well as his passion for human dignity. Read the full article here.

Selection from Fr. Joe:

St. Andrew of Crete on the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (September 8)

"The present festival, the birth of the Mother of God, is the prelude, while the final act is the fore-ordained union of the Word with flesh. Today the Virgin is born, tended and formed and prepared for her role as Mother of God, who is the universal King of the ages.

Justly, then, do we celebrate this mystery since it signifies for us a double grace. We are led toward the truth, and we are led away from our condition of slavery to the letter of the law. How can this be? Darkness yields before the coming of the light, and grace exchanges legalism for freedom. But midway between the two stands today’s mystery, at the frontier where types and symbols give way to reality, and the old is replaced by the new.

Therefore, let all creation sing and dance and unite to make worthy contribution to the celebration of this day. Let there be one common festival for saints in heaven and men on earth. Let everything, mundane things and those above, join in festive celebration. Today this created world is raised to the dignity of a holy place for him who made all things. The creature is newly prepared to be a divine dwelling place for the Creator."

Learn about the history of the image above.

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.

There will be a special blessing for grandparents after the intercessions.

Learn more about this day here!

The Mystics: An Intentional Community

Join a small intentional community that meets to experience the Christian mystical tradition. We 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.

Join if you want to grow closer to God and be a part of a dynamic spiritual community.

The first of four meetings will be on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 9am to 2pm in the North Conference Room.

All are welcome! Email L.J. Milone before coming.

The Little Poor Man: The Life and Radical Mystery of St. Francis of Assisi

In this course, we will experience the life and radical mysticism of St Francis of Assisi who was known in his lifetime as “Il Poverello,” the little poor man. Stories of his life capture the imagination and make holiness real, vivid, and deeply attractive. His teachings open us to a deeper living of the Gospel.



The first of four meetings will be on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 7 to 8:30pm in the North Conference Room.

To learn more about any class or to join any group email L.J. Milone.

Cathedral Book Club

Next on the calendar is a book providing insight into the influence of St. Augustine by an Augustinian: AS ONE STRUGGLING CHRISTIAN TO ANOTHER: AUGUSTINE'S CHRISTIAN IDEAL FOR TODAY, by Fr. Theodore E. Tack, O.S.A.

Written before the election of Leo XIV to the papacy, this provides a view of another Augustinian, Father Theodore E. Tack , O.S.A. The book is described as "an excellent readable reflection on the application of Augustine's spirituality to the problems of today."

Discussion will be Thursday, October 9th, 7–8:15 pm, in the West Conference Room.

Washington Interfaith Network (WIN) Listening Session

As part of its ongoing membership in the Washington Interfaith Network (WIN), a DC-focused, faith-based advocacy organization, St. Matthew’s and WIN will be hosting a Listening Session on Sunday, September 14. The Listening Session is intended to enable parishioners to get to know both WIN and the broader Social Justice community at the Cathedral, and for St. Matthew’s and WIN to learn about the Social Justice concerns that most interest parishioners, with an eye to fostering ongoing engagement by the parish community as a Catholic voice for social justice in DC civil society. If you’re interested in getting involved and making a difference right here in our home city, we hope you’ll join us on September 14 at 12:30pm in the Cathedral West Conference Room!

St. Matthew's Annual Health Fair

Join us on for St. Matthew’s Annual Health Fair, sponsored by the Social Justice Committee. Take advantage of the opportunity for blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, dental, and more screenings by professionals. The Health Fair will be Sunday, September 28, from 10:30am-3pm in the North Conference Room.

Deportations and Assaults on Human Dignity

A Special Initiative Roundtable on Catholic Principles, Human Costs, and Pastoral Challenge 

Georgetown University Initiative on Catholic Social Thought and Public Life is hosting a dialogue with various Catholic leaders, including the Archdiocese’s Bishop Evelio Menjivar, on the topic of the various immigration issues happening around the nation today, on Thursday, September 11 from 6-7:30pm at Healy Hall. To learn more or to register for the event, click here.

Always God's Children

Always God's Children is the Cathedral ministry to persons who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual, and their friends and family members. The first meeting of the season will be Sunday, September 7, at 3:30pm, in the West Conference Room.

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, September 7, after the 5:30pm Mass, in the North Conference Room.

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!