Spiritual Readings

Selected by Fr. Joseph McHenry

From St. Ignatius of Antioch

Try to gather together more frequently to give thanks to God and to praise him. For when you come together frequently, Satan’s powers are undermined, and the destruction that he threatens is done away with in the unanimity of your faith. Nothing is better than peace, in which all warfare between heaven and earth is brought to an end.

None of this will escape you if you have perfect faith and love toward Jesus Christ. These are the beginning and the end of life: faith the beginning, love the end. When these two are found together, there is God, and everything else concerning right living follows from them. No one professing faith sins: no one possessing love hates. A tree is known by its fruit. So those who profess to belong to Christ will be known by what they do. For the work we are about is not a matter of words here and now, but depends on the power of faith and on being found faithful to the end.

It is better to remain silent and to be than talk and not be. Teaching is good if the speaker also acts. Now there was one teacher who spoke, and it was made, and even what he did in silence is worthy of the Father. He who has the word of Jesus can truly listen also to his silence, in order to be perfect, that he may act through his speech and be known by his silence. Nothing is hidden from the Lord, but even our secrets are close to him. Let us then do everything in the knowledge that he is dwelling within us that we may be his temples, and he God within us. He is, and will reveal himself, in our sight, according to the love we bear him in holiness.

Youth Mass for Life

Youth from The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington are invited to participate in a Youth Mass of Celebration and Thanksgiving at the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C. on Friday, January 24, 2025.

• 7am Doors open
• 8am (Music—Witness Talk—Reconciliation)
• 9am (Adoration)
• 9:30am (Questions and Answers with the Cardinal)
• 10:30am (Mass)

Celebrate National Marriage week!

Celebrate the Gift of marriage and the living vocation of all couples who provide a Catholic witness to the beauty of Sacramental Matrimony. All married couples and their families are welcome, regardless of how long they have been married. This Mass will be bilingual (English and Spanish). Join us on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 10:00am at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Most Reverend Evelio Menjívar will be Principal Celebrant. Please register by January 24, 2025, to attend the Mass and/or request a certificate from Cardinal Wilton Gregory in honor of your anniversary year. If you are interested in attending, please register at St. Matthew’s by emailing Ana Triaureau, atriaureau@stmatthewscathedral.org.

Eucharistic Holy Hour with Confessions

All are welcome to adore our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament at a Eucharistic Holy Hour. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is available during the Hour.

Monday, January 27, 6-7pm.

A Heartfelt Thank You to All Our Dedicated Volunteers

As we begin a New Year, we are filled with deep gratitude for all of our volunteers who selflessly give their time and talent. Whether you serve in liturgical ministries, help with outreach, participate in faith formation, or offer your skills behind the scenes, your commitment is a vital part of our parish community’s life. The work you do—no matter how visible or hidden—is a reflection of Christ's love and an essential part of building His Kingdom on Earth. From preparing the altar for Mass to reaching out to those in need, from teaching the young, to creating a welcoming space for all who come through our doors, you make a real difference. Your contributions, both large and small, are deeply appreciated and are a testament to your faith and love for the Church. It is through your volunteerism that we grow together as a vibrant, caring, and faith-filled family. Thank you for everything you do, and may God continue to bless you abundantly in all your efforts.

This week, we hear from several of the Cathedral's Ministers of Hospitality as they share why they volunteer. Throughout 2025, we will continue to highlight the Cathedral's various ministries.

“I used to volunteer in my younger days back in my home country. After settling down in America many years later, I wanted to continue serving the Lord and joined this wonderful community!”

“One way to serve Jesus is to serve his people at the Cathedral. A benefit that is realized over time as a minister of hospitality is the opportunity to get to know the parishioners and visiting guests and build lasting friendships with others that serve the Cathedral.”

“During the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, I heeded the call for hospitality ministers.  I sprayed the hands of the parishioners with sanitizer and said, "welcome to St. Matthew’s" and they responded back "it feels good to be back again" with a smile while masks on. I have learned to appreciate more being at the Cathedral celebrating in person for this reason…”

“There’s something comforting about serving on the hospitality ministry team. You get to meet the “faithful” up close and personal: the parishioners that you greet every Sunday and the others whom you get to know a little better when you chat briefly about their week as they enter. There’s also a special thrill in lecturing: there, you’re no longer in the bleachers, but on the field!”

“For me, I enjoy volunteering as I get to share some of the amazing history of the Cathedral with visitors including the marker of President Kennedy's requiem Mass and red hats of the former Archbishops.”

Paris & Lourdes Pilgrimage April 30 - May 8, 2025, with Spiritual Director Rev. Msgr. W. Ronald Jameson

We are excited to announce that we will be visiting Paris and Lourdes, departing from Washington-Dulles on Weds April 30 and returning on Thurs May 8. Join us on visits to The Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacre Coeur Basilica and the Sainte Chapelle! We will also visit the Louvre Museum and see many of the most famous sites of the City of Light! Pilgrims will also have free time to explore Paris on their own! In Lourdes we will visit the site of Our Lady's apparitions at the Grotto of Massabielle! We will also have the opportunity to be blessed by water from the miraculous Spring, attend the daily candlelit procession and pray the Rosary, just to name a few activities.

For more information and to sign up to travel with us, please visit this LINK. Should you have any questions, please e-mail: Maria Menacho, mariamenacho@yahoo.com with a copy to Msgr Jameson, rjameson@stmatthewscathedral.org and to Fatima Aybar, faybar@stmatthewscathedral.org. We look forward to hearing from you!

Jubilee Events Led by St. Matthew's Faith Formation Director

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. These special gatherings are designed to renew our hearts, strengthen our community, and draw us closer to Christ through reflection, prayer, and fellowship. Embrace this opportunity to grow in your faith. To learn more about these events, click HERE—we look forward to sharing this journey with you.

The Knights of Columbus

Cathedral men's breakfast social and Sunday reading discussion will be held on Saturday, January 18, at 9am, in the East Conference Room.

Adult Catechesis | The First Letter to the Corinthians

St. Paul's most well-known passages come from the First Letter to the Corinthians, the chapter on love, in particular. In this series of four classes, we will experience the transforming message of divine love and divine knowing given in Jesus Christ. To know God is to love God and radiate that love to all. Each class will have a lecture combined with dynamic conversation. Come experience the liberating message of the cross! Join us for the first class on Wednesday, January 22, 7-8:30pm, in the Great Hall.

The Mystics

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, lectures on the mystics, a communal meal, and time for solitude and reflection. Read more HERE. Saturday, February 8, 9am-2pm. For more information, contact L.J. Milone.

CYA Blood Drive

St. Matthew's CYA is hosting a Blood Drive at the Cathedral. Join us in donating blood and make a difference in someone’s life. All eligible donors are encouraged to participate, and your donation can help save more than one life. If you donated during our last blood drive in July, thank you for your generosity! If you missed it, now is the perfect opportunity to give. We look forward to seeing you there! Please use the sign-up HERE.

Sunday, February 9, 10am-4pm, in the North Conference Room.

Always God's Children

Always God's Children, the Cathedral ministry to persons who are gay, lesbian, or bisexual and their friends and family members.

Sunday, February 9, at 3:30pm, in the West Conference Room.

Cathedral Book Club

Join us for an engaging evening of thoughtful conversation with Fr. Jack. This month, we will discuss the book Conclave by Robert Harris, a compelling thriller set within the walls of the Vatican. Thursday, February 20, from 7-8:15pm, in the West Conference Room.

Schola Cantorum: Winter Hiatus and Choir Openings

The Schola Cantorum is on winter hiatus until Ash Wednesday, March 5, and the First Sunday of Lent, March 9.

There are a limited number of openings for the Spring in the Schola Cantorum in all voice parts for experienced choral singers. Prospective singers must have significant adult choral experience, good sight-reading skills, and a pleasant, agile voice. The commitment of time and focused energy is significant, particularly at Christmas and during Holy Week. 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 Parish community in this very special way, please contact the Director of Music Ministries, Tom Stehle, at tstehle@stmatthewscathedral.org

We are seeking a volunteer to assist at the Rectory once a week, from 9:30am to 12:30pm, on either Monday or Wednesday. If you are available to offer your time in service, please contact Ana Triaureau, Assistant to the Rector or call 202-587-5143. We are grateful for your prayerful consideration of this opportunity to serve.