Second Collection for Cathedral Maintenance

— Sunday, June 7, 2026 —

In this edition:

Liturgy, Community, & Ongoing Events

• Catholic Social Thought in the News: Pope Leo Warns of Risks From A.I. in 42,300-Word Encyclical
• Eucharistic Procession for Immigrants - Feast of Corpus Christi
• Join us in person or via livestream for the 2026 Mass of Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate
• Cathedral Book Club
• Fr. Joe's Homilies: Corpus Christi
• New Online Exhibit: Papal Visits to St. Matthew's Cathedral
• A Note from Monsignor Jameson on ParishSOFT eGiving
• Be the Light: The 2026 Annual Catholic Services Appeal

Faith Formation

• Baptism Prep Class
• The unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God: The Letter to the Ephesians
• The Mystics
• Meditation Group on Sundays
• Save the Date for the Annual Cathedral Weekend Retreat!
• Mystical Word

Hispanic Ministry

• Grupo de Oración
• Las Primeras Comuniones
• Misa de despedida del obispo Evelio Menjivar
• La clase de bautismo en español

Social Justice

• DuPont Prayer Witness
• Stand with Our Unhoused Neighbors during America250
• Catholic Social Thought in the News
• Catholic Social Teaching Fellowship Series
• Summer ESL Classes
• Feast of Mercy
• Creation Care Corner

Music Ministry

• Schola Cantorum and Summer Choir

Cathedral Young Adults

• Sunday Meeting
• CYA Happy Hour
• CYA Book Club

Eucharistic Procession for Immigrants –
Feast of Corpus Christi

On June 7, 2026 there will be a Noon Mass with procession at 1:30pm for the Feast of Corpus Christi. The Mass will be celebrated by Bishop Evelio Menjivar at the Shrine of the Sacred Heart (3211 Sacred Heart Way NW Washington, DC), and afterward we will process to the Cathedral of Saint Matthew the Apostle.

Use this sign-up form for additional volunteer opportunities to assist our immigrant neighbors, including legal support, direct material support, accompaniment to immigration court, public witness, and information sharing on the Church’s teaching on migration. 

For more information about this event click here.

Cathedral Book Club

The discussion will take place Thursday, June 4, from 7pm to 8:15pm in the West Conference Room.

Next comes the popular mainstay of spiritual life, THE PRESENCE OF GOD, by Father Anselm Moynihan, O.P. His fellow Dominican, Vatican 2 scholar Austin Flannery, sums it all up when he notes, "People still continue to read and re-read and to recommend this booklet which has endured and will continue to endure."

Join us in person or via livestream for the 2026 Mass of Ordination to the Transitional Diaconate

His Eminence, Cardinal Robert McElroy, Archbishop of Washington will serve as Principal Celebrant and Homilist for this Mass on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 10am at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle.

An Ordination is a sacramental ceremony in which a man becomes a deacon, priest, or bishop and is enabled to minister in Christ’s name and that of the Church. A deacon is an ordained minister of the Catholic Church. A transitional deacon is a seminarian en route to the priesthood.


All the faithful are invited to attend this event to celebrate this Ordination, or watch the livestream here!

Fr. Joe's Homilies

Corpus Christi

A few years ago I came across a phrase that's stuck: reverse metabolism.

Normally when we eat something, our bodies absorb it and turn it into us. You eat a piece of bread, and eventually that bread becomes part of your body. It becomes you.

But the Church has always said something astonishing about the Eucharist. When we receive Christ, the opposite happens. We do not absorb him into ourselves. He absorbs us into himself. That's reverse metabolism.

St. Augustine put it this way. Imagine Christ saying to us: "You will not change me into yourself like ordinary food. Rather, you will be changed into me." Or, in today's Gospel, Jesus says, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him." Communion is not simply receiving something from Jesus. It is being drawn into the very life of Jesus.

We Catholics profess something extraordinary. We believe that what looks like bread is no longer bread. It is truly the Body of Christ. But if the bread changes and we don't, then we've missed part of the miracle. The miracle on the altar is meant to become a miracle in us. His life is meant to become our life.

I think of a man who cared for his wife through a long illness. He told me there were mornings when he came to Mass after spending half the night helping her move from the bed to a chair and back again. He was exhausted. Worried. Unsure how much longer he could keep doing it. He never spoke about doing anything heroic. He was just trying to love the person in front of him. But over the years something happened. He became gentler. More patient. Less concerned about himself. He didn't notice it at first. His wife did. Then other people did. The Eucharist had slowly turned him into the kind of person who could lay down his life for someone else. For anybody else.

That's reverse metabolism. That is what the Body of Christ looks like when it leaves the church building. The miracle on the altar becomes a miracle in ordinary people. People who forgive when it would be easier to stay angry. People who stay when it would be easier to leave. People who keep loving when nobody applauds. The question isn't only, "Do I believe this is the Body of Christ?" The question is also, "Am I becoming the Body of Christ?" Do people encounter more patience because I received Communion? More mercy? More kindness? More courage? More love?

The good news is that Christ is patient. Week after week he gives himself to us. He keeps feeding us with his own life. He never stops drawing us into himself. And little by little, if only we let him, he does what ordinary food can never do. He transforms us into himself. That's the miracle of Corpus Christi. Not only that bread becomes Christ. But that, by receiving Christ, ordinary people like us can begin to look a little more like him.

New Online Exhibit: Papal Visits to St. Matthew's Cathedral

A new online exhibit is now available, highlighting the history and significance of the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle. It features key moments connected to papal visits to the Cathedral and to Washington, D.C., including those of Pope John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVI, and Pope Francis—whose 2015 visit coincided with his address to Congress, which is also available to view through a link in the exhibit.

We invite you to view the exhibit online and learn more about the Cathedral’s role in the life of the Church in Washington HERE.

A Note from Monsignor Jameson on ParishSOFT eGiving

As summer begins, many of us look forward to time with family, travel, and a change in routine. Even in these busy months, our faith remains at the heart of all we do, and the mission of our parish continues each day through worship, ministry, outreach, and service to those in need.

This summer, I invite you to make stewardship part of your plans by signing up for eGiving through our parish's partnership with ParishSOFT. It is a simple and secure way to continue supporting the life of our parish, helping ministries grow, programs continue, and outreach remain strong no matter the season.

Consistent giving helps our parish plan confidently and sustain the services that support our community all summer long. Even if vacations or changing schedules keep you away from Mass, your faithful support through eGiving ensures our parish can continue serving others and allows your generosity to remain an active expression of your faith.

You can sign up anytime by completing the secure online enrollment form here, or by calling ParishSOFT at 866-930-4774 to speak with someone directly.

If you are already enrolled in the ParishSOFT eGiving program, thank you! It has proven to be the most effective way for our parish to receive gifts and sustain our mission.

Thank you for being a part of the Cathedral Parish and for helping us share the gifts of Christ this season.

In his name,

Be the Light: The 2026 Annual Catholic Services Appeal

We have been asked prayerfully to consider making a gift to the 2026 Annual Catholic Services Appeal. Please complete or take a commitment form from the Cathedral (they are in the pews and placed in the back) or make your gift at give.adw.org. Visit appeal.adw.org to learn more about how the Annual Catholic Services Appeal benefits our parish and serves people in need throughout our community. 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 2026 Annual Catholic Services Appeal.

The unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God:
The Letter to the Ephesians

Join a series of classes on the Letter to the Ephesians.

Jesus tells us that eternal life is knowing God. How can any of us say we know God? Do you know God? And, do we know God like we know our loved ones? Knowing God is much more than our normal ways of knowing. We know by our senses, by reason, and by experience. Scripture holds out a deeper reality: knowing by identity. It involves God lavishing the divine love upon us. It is Divine Knowledge and gratuitous grace, and it is the message of the Letter to the Ephesians.

We will reflect on the Letter to the Ephesians chapter by chapter. Each class will have a lecture combined with dynamic conversation. Come experience the liberating grace of Christ!

Tuesday evenings: June 16/23/30 7pm – 8:30pm in the East Conference Room. For more information, email the Director of Faith Formation, L.J. Milone here.

Baptism Prep Class

The baptism prep class is held on the first Thursday of the month from 7pm to 8:30pm on Zoom. Registration for the class is required. A registration link for the class is sent upon the completion of the main baptism application/registration, which is a link given by the priest.

The next class will be on June 4, 2026.

Learn more about baptism classes here.

The Mystics: An Intentional Community

A mystic is someone who prays and experiences God deeply. Then, they share their experience. The Church has a rich history of mystics inviting us to know God and so be free and happy. 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 and lectures on the mystics, sharing, a meal, and time for solitude and reflection.

We meet every second Saturday of the month. Spiritual practice, study, and community will form the heart of these meetings. Join if you want to grow closer to God, be a part of a dynamic spiritual community, and learn more about the mystical tradition.

The next meeting is on Saturday, June 13, from 9am to 2pm, in the East Conference Room.

For more information, email L.J. Milone here.

Meditation Group

Are you looking for a way to explore or deepen your relationship with God? Come to the Meditation Group. You will discover a centuries-old prayer method that consists of simply sitting in silence with God - beyond thoughts, words, and emotions - and opening our mind, heart and whole being to the Ultimate Mystery.

If you are new, you will learn the basics of Centering Prayer, a Christian contemplative practice first described in The Cloud of Unknowing, written in the latter half of the 14th Century. It calls one to abandon all thinking and to surrender to God within.

It is a very personal prayer practice but is often practiced in groups. It opens one to God's infinite love and power to heal, and opens the door to other related prayer practices around forgiveness, and dealing with painful situations and emotions.

Meeting Times:

Sundays, 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM on Zoom

See the cathedral website for the Zoom link HERE, or email L.J. Milone here for the link.

Save the Date for the Annual Cathedral Weekend Retreat!

Register by clicking here.

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.

DuPont Prayer Witness

Join us in an hour of prayer and witness for mothers and babies at risk of abortion violence in DC! Every first Saturday of the month at 10:30am we will gather outside the Cathedral and walk together to DuPont Clinic for an hour of prayer. We’ll head to For Five Coffee for fellowship after. DuPont Clinic is only a 6 minute walk from the Cathedral, and they are aborting babies through 32 weeks. These parents need our prayers, and these children deserve our solidarity!

Stand with Our Unhoused Neighbors during America250

Our unhoused neighbors are living in fear and uncertainty this summer. But you can do something to help. Because of the federal activity around America250 events, we anticipate more attacks on people who are living on the streets. Do you remember last summer when the federal surge began? During the encampment sweeps that ensued, many lost their scant possessions, including documents such as ID. Worse, many people lost touch with links to healthcare, community, and other lifelines. 

Join the Washington Interfaith Network (WIN) and an ad hoc group of service providers and advocates in faith communities who are joining together to address the impending crisis for those who are unhoused. 

You and your community can make a difference by contributing one or all of the following:

• DONATE MONEY HERE (below the donation amount, select “Partnership to end homelessness” and leave a comment that this is for community protection)
• PROVIDE SPACE FOR A VARIETY OF NEEDS
• VOLUNTEER
• ADVOCATE

For more information, complete our form here or email Celeste here, Holy Redeemer parishioner and WIN leader.

Start today by signing the petition at this link. We are asking that the DC government reduce the barriers to IDs so that people can access services and spaces necessary for their survival.

Catholic Social Thought in the News

In 'Magnifica Humanitas,' Pope Leo delivers on a people-first vision for AI

"From the beginning of his papacy, Leo has signaled his commitment to addressing the AI revolution, choosing his name in direct reference to Leo XIII, the pope who during the industrial revolution insisted that people must come first, even in the face of economic transformation."

"Leo appealed to AI developers and political leaders responsible for regulating them to slow down and reflect on what they are doing. He urged them to use ethical and spiritual guidelines to make the choice to work not for their own profit or power, but the betterment of humanity."

 —Kim Daniels, Religion News Service, May 25, 2026

Catholic Social Teaching Fellowship Series

“Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good.” – Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2288

As part of our ongoing Catholic Social Teaching fellowship series, join us in the North Conference Room on Sunday, June 28 after the 11am Mass to discuss this and other Church teachings on Public Health and Mental Health with guest speaker Christian Bentley of the Society of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart. All are welcome.

“La vida y la salud física son bienes preciosos confiados por Dios. Debemos cuidar de ellos racionalmente teniendo en cuenta las necesidades de los demás y el bien común.” – Catecismo de la Iglesia Católica, 2288

¿Le interesa el tema? Como parte de nuestra serie de convivios sobre la Doctrina Social de la Iglesia, los invitamos a la sala de conferencias norte el domingo 28 de junio al mediodía para una charla y discusión sobre las enseñanzas de la iglesia sobre la salud pública y salud mental con el ponente invitado Christian Bentley de la Sociedad de San José del Sagrado Corazón. Sean todos bienvenidos! 

Summer ESL Classes

St. Matthew’s will continue our English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes for a 9 week Summer Semester. Classes began on Tuesday, June 2, and are held through Wednesday, July 29. All classes are held every Tuesday and Wednesday from 6:30pm-8:30pm in the St. Matthew’s Education Building at 1726 N St. NW, 20036. Language instruction will be provided at Level 1 (Beginner) through Level 4 (Advanced).

If you would like to register, fill out our online registration form HERE!

Interested in volunteering as a teacher, substitute, or tutor? Fill out our interest form HERE.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mr. Anthony Arreaga.

San Mateo continuará ofreciendo nuestras clases de inglés como segundo idioma (ESL) durante un semestre de verano de 9 semanas. Las clases comenzarán el martes 2 de junio y continuarán hasta el miércoles 29 de julio. Todas las clases se llevarán a cabo todos los martes y miércoles de 6:30pm a 8:30pm en el Edificio de Educación de San Mateo, ubicado en 1726 N St. NW, 20036. La instrucción del idioma se ofrecerá desde el Nivel 1 (Principiante) hasta el Nivel 4 (Avanzado).

Si desea inscribirse, complete nuestro formulario de inscripción en línea AQUÍ.

¿Le interesa ser voluntario como maestro, suplente o tutor? Complete nuestro formulario de interés AQUÍ.

 Si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud, comuníquese con el Sr. Anthony Arreaga.

Feast of Mercy

On Sunday, June 14, from 12:30pm to 5pm, join the Social Justice Committee for its Feast of Mercy, an afternoon of food, fellowship, and hospitality for our neighbors who are homeless, hungry, or otherwise in need. This afternoon event brings the community together to prepare and serve a welcoming meal with dignity and care, with many ways to help. That includes:

• Prepare or donate a main dish, salad, dessert, fruit, bread, or other meal items
• Volunteer with setup, meal service, or cleanup
• Make a financial donation to support supplies, drinks, and guest care items

Click here for the volunteer and donation sign-up link.

Schola Cantorum and a Summer Choir

The Schola Cantorum, the Cathedral’s semi-professional choir will begin its summer hiatus June 14. It will resume September 20, for the feast of St Matthew the Apostle.

Assuming we have a good response, we plan to form a Summer Choir of auditioned volunteers who will sing occasionally throughout the summer, principally at the 11am Mass. If you have significant adult choral experience and would like to participate in the summer choir, please contact Tom Stehle here or call 202-587-5141 to set up an audition.

The Cathedral Young Adult ministry (C†YA) serves the community of Catholic adults ages 21 - 39 who live and work in DC, supporting them in the continued growth of their faith, discernment of their vocations, and development as stewards of the Church through opportunities for socializing, community service, and spiritual reflection.

Sundays with CYA

Sunday, June 7, after the 5:30pm Mass, join us in the North Conference Room.

CYA Happy Hour

CYA will be having its bi-weekly happy hour on Tuesday, June 9 at Aslin Beer Company on 14th Street.

CYA Book Club

Join the CYA Book Club to discuss The Inferno by Dante, Tuesday, June 30, at 7pm in the West Conference Room, as part of our plan to read the whole Divine Comedy over the next 3 months.

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