today's readings

Welcome! Learn about the Welcome Ministry

welcome-min

In recent years beginning with Pope John Paul II’s call to a New Evangelization in the Church our Diocese of Paterson has set evangelization as one of our major priorities in this time of the Church.

 Evangelization literally means to “share the Good News” to invite men and women to welcome the good news of the message and person of Jesus Christ. Statistics tell us that the second largest religious group in the USA is “fallen away” Catholics. This is a challenge for all of us who are passionate about our faith and Christ and committed to His Church.

 One of the ways the parishioners of St. Matthew’s can be about this “new evangelization” is to reach out to our visitors and to Catholics on the fringe as we strive to become a more welcoming and engaging community.   Continue reading Welcome! Learn about the Welcome Ministry

Prayer for the Gulf

oil-soaked-bird

Lord, we pray that the waters of the Gulf of Mexico may be kept pure as you created them. We pray for all who work on the waters that they be safe from harm; for all who have been injured, for all who have died, and for all who mourn; for all who receive [...]

A Family Perspective

The gospel today is clear: Peace comes to a “household if a peaceful person lives there.” Peace starts with your ability to forgive, to correct without attacking, to accept the ways of others and to recognize a different opinion is not a personal rejection. It is actually your own peace which you give to [...]

Baptism Preparation Program Announced

St Matthew’s has recently instituted a Baptism Preparation Program. This program has been established to ensure a greater outreach and opportunity for evangelization of our young parents. A team of very faithful and committed young couples welcomes Baptism parents into their homes in a two-hour session to better grasp the authentic meaning of the sacrament and their role as Catholic parents. Continue reading Baptism Preparation Program Announced

The Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ

eucharist

From the Mass of the Lord’s Supper to Corpus Christi

The institution of the Eucharist has a special memorial the mass of the Lord’s Supper, when Christ the Lord shared a meal with his disciples and gave them the sacrament of his Body and Blood to be celebrated in the church. The solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi) further proposes the honoring of the Blessed Sacrament to the faithful so that they may celebrate the wonderful works of God, signified by the sacrament and accomplished by the paschal mystery of Christ. This solemnity is also intended to teach the faithful how to share in the Eucharistic sacrifice and to have it more profoundly influence their life, to revere the presence of Christ the Lord in this sacrament, and to offer the thanks due to God’s gifts. Continue reading The Feast of the Body and Blood of Christ

Haiti Relief Update

  • A camp has been established in the town of Fond Parisien, West Department along the Haiti–Dominican Republic border, to accommodate the repatriation of an estimated 14,000 Haitians who crossed the border following the earthquake. WHO notes the need for additional humanitarian services at the site. 
  • On January 30, the Government of Haiti’s National Direction for Potable Water and Sanitation (DINEPA) communicated a plan for transitioning from water tankering to increased on-site water access, including through utilization of boreholes in low-lying to areas and support for water storage and disinfection. DINEPA also recommended that the WASH Cluster provide funding to re-establish water distribution by local vendors, with a conversion to market prices over time.   Continue reading Haiti Relief Update

New Singles Group

St Matthew’s Solo Ministry is a faith based singles group. The ministry is open to adult singles, unmarried, separated, divorced or widowed. Meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month starting at 7:30 PM. Our next meeting is scheduled for February 23rd. Be assured that this ministry is not a dating or counseling service. Continue reading New Singles Ministry – Solo

Welcome to New Families

“For I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (mt 25:35)

Several families have recently joined The St. Matthew’s parish community. We extend our warmest welcome to the Conti family, the Forward family, the George family, the Kneafsey family, the Luke family, the O’Donnell family, the Olive family, the Podell family and the Padula family. Continue reading Welcome to New Families