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.

Dear Parish Family,

The turning of the calendar to February means the Annual Catholic Services Appeal is at hand. On behalf of Cardinal Gregory, thank you to all our families who made a contribution in 2024 to help the archdiocese reach its goal. VEA EN ESPAÑOL

Now, I ask you to prayerfully consider your gift to the 2025 Annual Catholic Services Appeal. If you are not familiar with the Appeal, you may wonder how it is different and separate from your offertory giving to the parish. First, the Appeal unites us with our archbishop in serving the many charitable needs of the Church of Washington. Second, the Appeal funds ministries that our parish could not sustain on our own, such as seminarian formation, campus ministry programs and Deaf and disabilities ministries. Third, the Appeal supports our parish ministerial life, from schools and catechesis, to family and pro-life ministries, to many more in between.

The Annual Catholic Services Appeal is a call to stewardship. It is not mandatory. This means that the many vibrant ministries we have in the archdiocese are the result of families such as your own who have responded generously each year with your free will offering. I am particularly grateful for your contribution which helps to inspire new vocations and form our new generations of priests.

I am also asked to remind you that, as in every year, 100% of your gift to the Appeal is restricted to the ministries that are a part of the Appeal and cannot be used for any other purpose. Furthermore, your gift will be credited towards our parish goal. You can read more about the Spirit of Hope: 2025 Annual Catholic Services Appeal at appeal.adw.org.

Next weekend will be our commitment weekend. Thank you in advance for your prayerful commitment to the 2025 Annual Catholic Appeal. Your steadfast generosity not only is a source of inspiration for me but a force for good in our Church today.

Sincerely Yours in Christ,

LETTER OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS TO THE BISHOPS OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 

February 10, 2025

Read the letter HERE.

Leer la carta en español AQUÍ.

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!

What’s a “Vocations Tree?” Shortly before Ash Wednesday, you’ll find a “tree” in the church narthex covered with cards. Each card in the display features a seminarian of The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington. We invite you to choose one card (or more than one) and commit to praying a short prayer for that seminarian each day during Lent. This is a great activity for families, too!

Spiritual Reading

Selected by Fr. Joseph McHenry

From St. Ambrose



We must always meditate on God’s wisdom, keeping it in our hearts and on our lips. Your tongue must speak justice, the law of God must be in your heart. Hence Scripture tells you: You shall speak of these commandments when you sit in your house, and when you walk along the way, and when you lie down, and when you get up. Let us then speak of the Lord Jesus, for he is wisdom, he is the word, the Word indeed of God.

It is also written: Open your lips, and let God’s word be heard. God’s word is uttered by those who repeat Christ’s teaching and meditate on his sayings. Let us always speak this word. When we speak about wisdom, we are speaking of Christ. When we speak about justice, we are speaking of Christ. When we speak about peace, we are speaking of Christ. When we speak about truth and life and redemption, we are speaking of Christ.

Open your lips, says Scripture, and let God’s word be heard. It is for you to open, it is for him to be heard. So David said: I shall hear what the Lord says in me. The very Son of God says: Open your lips, and I will fill them. Not all can attain to the perfection of wisdom as Solomon or Daniel did, but the spirit of wisdom is poured out on all according to their capacity, that is, on all the faithful. If you believe, you have the spirit of wisdom.

Meditate, then, at all times on the things of God, and speak the things of God, when you sit in your house. By house we can understand the Church, or the secret place within us, so that we are to speak within ourselves. Speak with prudence, so as to avoid falling into sin, as by excess of talking. When you sit in your house, speak to yourself as if you were a judge. When you walk along the way, speak so as to never be idle. You speak along the way if you speak in Christ, for Christ is the way. When you walk along the way, speak to yourself, speak to Christ. Hear him say to you: I desire that in every place men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling. When you lie down, speak so that the sleep of death may not steal upon you. Listen and learn how you are to speak as you lie down; I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids until I find a place for the Lord, a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.

When you get up or rise again, speak of Christ, so as to fulfill what you are commanded. Listen and learn how Christ is to awaken you from sleep. Your soul says: I hear my brother knocking at the door. Then Christ says to you: Open the door to me, my sister, my spouse. Listen and learn how you are to awaken Christ. Your soul says: I charge you, daughters of Jerusalem, awaken or reawaken the love of my heart. Christ is that love. (Image: Fresco of Ambrose baptizing Saint Augustine, by Benozzo Gozzoli.)

Each year, the Holy Father asks for our prayers for a specific intention each month. You are invited to answer the Holy Father's request and to join with many people worldwide in praying for this 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.

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.

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

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.

Black History Month Film

Celebrate Black History Month with the Social Justice Committee as we present a special screening of Amazing Grace. This film is inspired by the true story behind the iconic hymn, Amazing Grace, and focuses on the lives of William Wilberforce, a British politician who fought tirelessly to end the transatlantic slave trade, and John Newton, a former slave trader turned Christian minister who wrote the hymn. The movie beautifully intertwines their stories, showing the transformation of both men and their crucial roles in the fight for justice. Join us for an evening of reflection, inspiration, and a deeper understanding of this powerful history. Sunday, February 16th, 2-4pm, in the North Conference room.

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.