The parish is the place where Jesus touches our lives through the sacraments, especially through the Eucharist which we receive weekly, while some receive daily. Jesus is the center of our life and in the Sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation we meet the loving and forgiving God. 

As you will see, our parish is involved with the activities of many people and we try to share the responsibility of stewardship by committing our time, talents and treasure.  Please consider one or two areas of service in which you will be able to serve.  In this way, you will be serving the Church and making this parish your own.  Remember the familiar saying, "Many hands make light work."

Thank you for visiting our parish and I hope you have many years as a member of our special community.

Sincerely in Christ,

The parish community of St. Matthew

Our Mission

St. Matthew Mission Statement:    
We, the members of the St. Matthew Parish community being many parts but one sacramental body, are sent by the love of God to make Christ present in the world. 

Declaración de la Misión de la Parroquia San Mateo:  
 Nosotros, los miembros de la comunidad parroquial de San Mateo, siendo muchas partes, pero un solo cuerpo sacramental, somos enviados por el amor de Dios para hacer presente a Cristo en el mundo.




From Our Pastor:


This has been a violent week.  Although I mentioned it in Sunday’s homily, we probably should go a little deeper.  I’m calling to mind these specific events: the shooting down of a civilian jet, increased missile attacks in the Middle East, concerns over our own national border, and another violent weekend in Chicago.  We probably all crave safety, yet these violent incidents strike to our very hearts.
 
Sometimes we think proper security would make us ultimately safe.  Iron defense domes to protect our country, higher fences to protect our borders, and even deadbolts and guns to protect our houses.  Yet even with what we might think would be perfect protection, we would be left isolated, peering into our own hearts.  And violence rises up there, too, doesn’t it?  Many people struggle with suicidal tendencies or self-abusive behavior.  At least now we’ve pin-pointed the source of violence: the human heart.  “From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”  With these words, Jesus reminded us what a dangerous battle field the human heart is (Mark 7:21-23).
 
What is shocking to me is that Christ does not destroy the human heart, but comes to save it.  In fact, he takes upon himself his own human heart.  His is a Sacred Heart, entering into the violence of the world, yet offering it peace.  When he offers peace, it is an offer given personally to you, and waiting to be embraced by all.  We see then the deep need not only to embrace the Heart of Christ, but to bring the good news of his peace to all we meet.  Sometimes we think evangelizing is something additional to our Christian life, that it would be something ‘nice’ to bring others to Jesus, but that it is not essential.  Look around your violent world—its very peace depends on you bringing the peace of Christ to all those around you.  It is essential that we bring the peace of the Heart of Christ to the world.
 
So continue to be safe.  Take reasonable measures to insure your safety, at home, in our nation, and in the world.  This safety is necessary, but limited.  You need faith in Christ—and you need to share it.  Realize that the true and deep and lasting and ultimate peace we crave can only be found in the Heart of Christ. Let the peace of Christ control your heart (Colossians 3:15)
 
With my prayers,
 
Fr. Jerome