The Presentation of the Lord

February 2, 2025

Readings

Malachi 3:1-4 | Hebrews 2:14-18 | Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22-32

"I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me..." (Mal 3)

Weekend Mass Times


Saturday, February 1, at 5:30pm (Vigil)

Sunday, February 2, 7am, 9am, 11am, 1pm (en español) & 5:30pm

Online Offertory: PayPal | Faith Direct


Let us pray:


—for the sick, especially Norma BirkeDeacon Juan Cayrampoma, and Richard Barnes.


—for the recently deceased, especially Jeanette Milone, Cecilia Keller, Delfina Rico, William Driscoll, and Christopher Rader. And for the victims of the air disaster over the Potomac River last night. May they rest in peace.


To add a name to the prayer list of the sick or recently deceased, email Msgr. Jameson. If asking for prayers for a person who is sick, please first get their permission.

In this edition:


Liturgy, Community, & Other Events

  • Spiritual Reading
  • Catholic Church Responds to Executive Orders
  • Jubilee Cross & Jubilee Prayer in the Cathedral Sanctuary
  • First Saturday Devotions
  • Feast of the Presentation of the Lord & Blessing of Candles
  • Social Gathering
  • Men's Discernment Retreat
  • First Friday
  • Eucharistic Holy Hour
  • Pilgrimage to Paris & Lourdes
  • Contribution Statements Mailed


Faith Formation

  • Jubilee Events
  • Adult Catechesis
  • The Mystics
  • Knights of Columbus
  • Cathedral Book Club


Hispanic Ministry

  • Clases de Inglés
  • Unción de los Enfermos


Social Justice

  • Social Justice Community Service
  • Blood Drive
  • Always God's Children


Music Ministry

  • Choir Openings


Young Adults

  • Happy Hour


Volunteer Opportunities

  • Livestreaming Volunteers Needed


& more!

Liturgy, Community, & Ongoing Events

Spiritual Readings

Selected by Fr. Joseph McHenry


From St. Irenaeus


The Word of God became man, the Son of God became the Son of Man, in order to unite man with himself and make him, by adoption, a son of God. Only by being united to one who is himself immune could we be preserved from corruption and death, and how else could this union have been achieved if he had not first become what we are? How else could what is corruptible and mortal in us have been swallowed up in his incorruptibility and immortality, to enable us to receive adoptive sonship? Therefore, the Son of God, our Lord, the Word of the Father, is also the Son of Man; he became the Son of Man by a human birth from Mary, a member of the human race.


The Lord himself has given us a sign here below and in the heights of heaven, a sign that man did not ask for because he never dreamt that such a thing would be possible. A virgin was with a child and she bore a son who is called Emmanuel, which means “God with us.” He came down to the earth here below in search of the sheep that was lost, the sheep that was in fact his own creature, and then ascended into the heights of heaven to offer to the Father and entrust to his care the human race that he had found again. The Lord himself became the firstfruits of the resurrection of mankind, and when its time of punishment for disobedience is over the rest of the body, to which the whole human race belongs, will rise from the grave as the head has done. By God’s aid it will grow and be strengthened in all its joints and ligaments, each member having its own proper place in the body. There are many rooms in the Father’s house because the body has many members.


God bore with man patiently when he fell because he foresaw the victory that would be his through the Word. Weakness allowed strength its full play, and so revealed God’s kindness and great power.

Brothers and sisters, in light of recent orders given to Immigration Enforcement, the Maryland Catholic Conference convened this past week and issued a statement. A brief excerpt from their statement reads:


“We want you to know that you are not alone. We stand with you, journeying alongside you in solidarity and accompaniment. We are here to offer compassionate care, to listen to your needs, and to advocate for justice on your behalf. The Church has always been a home for those in search of refuge and peace, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to welcome the stranger and embrace the vulnerable.”


Upholding this message from our bishops, the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle is committed to upholding your rights and dignity as our brothers and sisters in Christ. We are continuously working to stay informed and make our cathedral parish a space for worship and community for everyone who accompanies us.


“All people have a right to fulfill their duty to God without fear.” — United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Bishop Mark J. Seitz, Chairman, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Migration; Sr. Mary Haddad, RSM, President and CEO, Catholic Health Association of the United States; and Kerry Alys Robinson, President and CEO, Catholic Charities USA.


  • Read the full statement released by the Maryland Catholic Conference HERE.


  • Read the full statement released by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops HERE.


  • Resource guides from CLINIC (Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc): Know Your Rights Flyers HERE, Know Your Rights Card HERE.


As always, we are called to stand in solidarity with those in need and to be witnesses of God's love and mercy.

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. 

First Saturday

First Saturday Devotions, with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and the praying of the Rosary and other devotions, are held in the Cathedral following the 12:10pm Mass. Saturday, February 1. 

First Friday

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is held in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel (to the left of the sanctuary) following the 12:10pm Mass until 5pm. Chairs and kneelers are provided. Friday, February 7.

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. You are welcome to bring your own candles to Mass to be blessed. (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. Please contact L.J. Milone for more details, ljmilone@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. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has 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, February 17, 6-7pm.

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!

Contribution statements for the 2024 calendar year have been mailed between 1/24 and 1/28/2025. If you have any questions or concerns about your contributions, please contact Ana Triaureau by calling the rectory, 202-347-3215 or send her an email at atriaureau@stmatthewscathedral.org. Thank you for your support of St. Matthew’s!

Faith Formation

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.

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 third class on Wednesday, February 5, 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.

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.

Online Registration is Open

Our Faith Formation Office invites online registration for St. Matthew's Adult Initiation (OCIA, or Order of Christian Initiation) and for our Children's Faith Formation and Sacramental Preparation programs for the upcoming year:

Hispanic Ministry

  • Clases de Inglés, martes y miércoles, de 6:30 a 8:30 p.m. Si usted, o alguien que usted conozca, está interesado en clases de inglés, aún hay tiempo para inscribirse en las clases de este semestre. Las clases son los martes y miércoles de 6:30-8:30 p.m. desde el 21 de enero hasta el 9 de abril. Si está interesado o tiene alguna pregunta, contacte a Anthony Arreaga, aarreaga@stmatthewscathedral.org o llame a la rectoría.


  • El domingo 2 de febrero es la Fiesta de la Presentación del Señor Un evento alegre narrado en el segundo capítulo del Evangelio de Lucas. "Guiados por el Espíritu, Simeón y Ana llegaron al templo, reconocieron a Cristo como su Señor y lo proclamaron con alegría." En esta fiesta que celebra a Cristo, la luz de las naciones, se bendicen suficientes velas para durar todo el año.


  • Unción de los Enfermos, domingo, 9 de febrero, Misa a la 1pm.


  • Grupo de Oración El Grupo de Oración en español se reúne en el salón de conferencias del oeste a las 7 de la tarde para rezar el Rosario. Martes, 28 de enero.


  • Santo Rosario por teléfono en español – todos los días a las 3pm (347-378-0694, PIN 283 201 937#).


Para más información envíe un email a Fátima Aybar o llame a la oficina de la rectoría al 202-347-3215.

Social Justice

Social Justice and Community Service Committee

  • 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. For more information, please contact Anthony Arreaga at 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 at 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.

Music Ministry

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.

Cathedral Young Adults

Cathedral Young Adults Events

Happy Hour, Location TBD

Tuesday, February 4

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 link for information about how to join and detailed information about upcoming events. You can follow C†YA on Instagram and Facebook for events and news from our community!

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer with Cathedral Livestreaming Team

Do you have experience operating livestreaming equipment, or are you interested in being trained to assist with St. Matthew’s livestreaming of Sunday Masses? Contact Msgr. Jameson for more information or to volunteer. 

Liturgies & Events Calendar

Check out upcoming events on our website calendar or view the event listing.

See you 'round the Cathedral!

WEBSITE


PARISHIONER REGISTRATION


MINISTRY SIGNUP


VIRTUAL TOUR


Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Youtube  

For our registered parishioners: Have you moved? Gotten a new phone number? Been married? Had a child, or otherwise added someone to your household? IF SO, PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEND US YOUR NEW INFORMATION FOR OUR RECORDS. Thank you!

Copyright © 2017- 2024

All rights reserved