Spiritual Readings

Selected by Fr. Joseph McHenry

From St. Bernard

Where can the weak find a place of firm security and peace, except in the wounds of the Savior? Indeed, the more secure is my place there, the more he can do to help me. The world rages, the flesh is heavy, and the devil lays his snares, but I do not fall, for my feet are planted on firm rock. I may have sinned gravely. My conscience would be distressed, but it would not be in turmoil, for I would recall the wounds of the Lord: he was wounded for our iniquities. What sin is there so deadly that it cannot be pardoned by the death of Christ? And so if I bear in mind this strong, effective remedy, I can never again be terrified by the malignancy of sin.

Surely the man who said: My sin is too great to merit pardon, was wrong. He was speaking as though he were not a member of Christ and had no share in his merits, so that he could claim them as his own, as a member of the body can claim what belongs to the head. As for me, what can I appropriate that I lack from the heart of the Lord who abounds in mercy? They pierced his hands and feet and opened his side with a spear. Through the openings of these wounds I may drink honey from the rock and oil from the hardest stone: that is, I may taste and see that the Lord is sweet.

He was thinking thoughts of peace, and I did not know it, for who knows the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor? But the piercing nail has become a key to unlock the door, that I may see the good will of the Lord. And what can I see as I look through the hole? Both the nail and the wound cry out that God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself. The sword pierced his soul and came close to his heart, so that he might be able to feel compassion for me in my weaknesses. (Image: Christ Embracing St. Bernard by Francisco Ribalta.)

The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18–25, 2025) An annual ecumenical observance that invites Christians to come together in prayer for unity. The 2025 observance holds special significance as it marks the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea (325 CE), a pivotal moment in Christian history. This council produced the Nicene Creed, a declaration of shared Christian faith, and its anniversary offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the common beliefs that unite Christians across denominations. The week serves as a powerful reminder of the Church’s mission to heal divisions and build a stronger witness to the Gospel. Read more HERE.

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. Watch the ADW livestream HERE.

• 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.

On Saturday, January 25, we observe the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul, a gentle reminder of God’s infinite mercy and transformative grace. St. Paul’s journey from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle highlights the depth of God’s love, showing that no one is beyond His reach. Blinded by pride, Saul encountered Christ on the road to Damascus, and in that moment, his heart was changed. As we reflect on his story, let us ask for the courage to follow Christ with the same faith and humility, becoming instruments of His love and sharing the message of salvation with others. Let us pray for the grace to be open to God’s transformative power in our own lives, and for the strength to share His love with those around us.

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. The U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops made a video (HERE) that includes short testimonies by people on why they participate in Eucharistic Adoration. (You may recognize the Adoration Chapel at St. Agnes in Arlington, VA.) Monday, January 27, 6-7pm.

Feast of the Presentation of the Lord & Blessing of Candles

Sunday, February 2, is the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, a joyful event told in the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke. “Led by the Spirit, Simeon and Anna came to the temple, recognized Christ as their Lord, and proclaimed him with joy.” On this feast celebrating Christ, the light to the nations, enough candles are blessed to last the whole year.

At St. Matthew’s, candles will be blessed with words that remind us that Jesus’ presentation fulfilled the law of Moses and at the same time signified his going out to meet his faithful people. Let us be like Simeon and Anna, recognizing Christ’s presence and carrying His light to every corner of our lives! (Image above: Presentation in the Temple, 1296-1300, Mosaic, Santa Maria in Trastevere, Rome, by Pietro Cavallini)

Come join fellow middle-aged Catholics for social time!

Monday, February 3, 5-6:30pm at City Tap House on Connecticut Avenue.

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, please contact L.J. Milone, ljmilone@stmatthewscathedral.org. We look forward to sharing this journey with you.

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 second class on Wednesday, January 29, 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.

The Knights of Columbus

Cathedral men's breakfast social and Sunday reading discussion will be held on Saturday, February 15, at 9am, in the East Conference Room.

Social Justice Committee Meeting

Interested parishioners are invited to attend a meeting of the Social Justice and Community Service Committee. 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.

Monday, January 27, 6:30-7:30pm, in the North Conference Room.

• Join St. Matthew's on Friday, January 24, 2025, as we gather to partake in this year's March for Life. We will meet in the St. Anthony de Padua Chapel following the Mass for the Youth, which commences at 10:30am.
• Join us for Monday Morning Ministry. Volunteers gather at 7:30am in the West Conference Room (enter through the alleyway) to serve the homeless in our local community. Any questions or concerns contact Anthony Arreaga, aarreaga@stmatthewscathedral.org.
• If you or anyone you know is interested in English as a Second Language Classes (ESL), it is not too late to register. Classes meet on Tuesday and Wednesday from 6:30-8:30pm from January 21-April 9. Contact Anthony Arreaga aarreaga@stmatthewscathedral.org or call the rectory if you are interested or have any questions.

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. Next 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