Cathedral Book Club - (time change!)

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.

Watch a 2024 video about St. Peter's chair, follow link above.

Feast of the Chair of St. Peter, Saturday, February 22

When Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist, others Elijah, still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter said in reply, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus said to him in reply, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the Kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (Mt 16:13-19)

Rosary for Life

The monthly Rosary for Life is prayed in the Cathedral on the 4th Saturday of every month. This Saturday, February 22, we will pray the rosary after the 12:10pm Mass.

Spirit of Hope: The 2025 Annual Catholic Services Appeal. This weekend we have been asked prayerfully to consider making a gift to the 2025 Annual Catholic Services Appeal. Please complete or take a commitment form at Mass this weekend or make your gift at give.adw.org. Visit appeal.adw.org to learn more about how the Appeal benefits our parish and serves people in need throughout the archdiocese. 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 2025 Annual Catholic Services Appeal!

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

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 all 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. As we gather in the presence of the Jubilee Cross, we are reminded of our shared journey of faith, unity, and the call to live out Christ’s mission of hope and love. 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. 

"Vocations Tree” Coming Soon!

Next weekend, you will see a “Vocations Tree” display in the church narthex with cards hanging on it. Each card has information about a seminarian of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington. Choose a card (or more than one) and pray for that seminarian each day during Lent. Who knows—you could be praying for a future priest of our parish! 

Spiritual Reading

Selected by Fr. Joseph McHenry

St. Gregory of Nyssa

As no darkness can be seen by anyone surrounded by light, so no trivialities can capture the attention of anyone who has his eyes on Christ. The man who keeps his eyes upon the head and origin of the whole universe has them on virtue in all its perfection; he has them on truth, on justice, on immortality and on everything else that is good, for Christ is goodness itself.

The wise man, then, turns his eyes toward the One who is his head, but the fool gropes in darkness. No one who puts his lamp under a bed instead of on a lamp-stand will receive any light from it. People are often considered blind and useless when they make the supreme Good their aim and give themselves up to the contemplation of God, but Paul made a boast of this and proclaimed himself a fool for Christ’s sake. The reason he said, We are fools for Christ’s sake was that his mind was free from all earthly preoccupations. It was as though he said, “We are blind to the life here below because our eyes are raised toward the One who is our head.”

And so, without board or lodging, he traveled from place to place, destitute, naked, exhausted by hunger and thirst. When men saw him in captivity, flogged, shipwrecked, led about in chains, they could scarcely help thinking him a pitiable sight. Nevertheless, even while he suffered all this at the hands of men, he always looked toward the One who is his head and he asked: What can separate us from the love of Christ, which is in Jesus? Can affliction or distress? Can persecution, hunger, nakedness, danger or death? In other words, “What can force me to take my eyes from him who is my head and to turn them toward things that are contemptible?”

He bids us follow his example: Seek the things that are above, he says, which is only another way of saying: “Keep your eyes on Christ.”

Each year, the Holy Father asks for our prayers for a specific intention each month. February: For vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Let us pray that the ecclesial community might welcome the desires and doubts of those young people who feel a call to serve Christ's mission in the priesthood and religious life. Amen.

Meditation on Zoom

Meditation Group meetings on Zoom are led by L.J. Milone, Director of Faith Formation, each week on Sundays and Wednesdays. Join us to discover a meditation practice deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus. Immerse yourself in a space of healing and refreshing silence. READ MORE

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 at, ljmilone@stmatthewscathedral.org. We look forward to sharing this journey with you.

Happy Nothingness: A Retreat Series

Spiritual Teaching and Contemplative Silence

“Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” — Mk 6:31

Each session blends free-form contemplative teaching with ample time for silent prayer. Topics include: letting go as Jesus did, praying beyond thoughts, transforming fear and pain, the nature of faith, the Sermon on the Mount, living in the present moment, the cross as the central Christian practice, the true meaning of the end times, the parables, spiritual living in daily life, love as selflessness and tenderness, allowing God to be God, and exploring mystical nothingness. The teaching will be no longer than 45 minutes, and sometimes even shorter. Sessions always begin at 7pm. Following the teaching, the cathedral will remain open for prayer until 10pm. Participants are welcome to leave at any time. For more information, email the Director of Faith Formation: ljmilone@stmatthewscathedral.org. Monday, February 24, 7-10pm, in the Cathedral.

Women in the Old Testament

Join us as we meet women who helped establish a monarchy, defended Israel’s interest and reflected God’s image in unique ways. Explore stories of Judith, Esther and others who played important roles in salvation history. Mondays, from March 3 to March 24, 7pm via Zoom. READ MORE

The Knights of Columbus

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

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, March 17, 6-7pm.

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.

The Borgo Laudato Si’ Project

In 2025, we are all invited to become Pilgrims of HOPE. The Borgo Laudato Si’is one of the recommended stops for Jubilee 2025 pilgrims. Please join the St. Matthew's Green Team to hear about Pope Francis' Borgo Laudato Si’ Project and to learn how the New Jubilee tour of Vatican Gardens at Castel Gandolfo highlights the beauty of creation and focuses on integral ecology. In our conversation and discussion, we will also brainstorm how we, on a local level, may want to celebrate the Season of Creation with a Pilgrimage of HOPE. Join our Zoom meeting! Thursday, February 20, 6-7pm. READ MORE

Know Your Rights Immigration Information Session

Join us for a session on your rights, resources, and immigration options. Individual immigration case inquiries will not be addressed. Presented by George Washington University Law School Immigration Clinic. For questions, contact Anthony Arreaga-Cacao: aarreaga@stmatthewscathedral.org. Sunday, February 23, 2:30pm, 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, March 9, at 3:30pm, 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 currently openings in the Schola Cantorum in all voice parts for experienced choral singers. Prospective singers should have adult choral experience, some sight-reading skills, and a pleasant, agile voice. The commitment of time and focused energy is significant, particularly 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 community in this very special way, please contact the Director of Music Ministries, Tom Stehle, at tstehle@stmatthewscathedral.org.