We ask that parishioners please continue to make a regular offertory gift. At Sunday Mass, you may place your donation in one of the collection baskets at the exits. If you're not attending Mass in person, please use one of the online donation options above or mail your donation to the rectory office. Thank you for your critically needed support.

Prayer from 2020 Introductory Letter to "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship"

The U. S. Bishops in February of this election year reissued their 2015 teaching document on political responsibility for Catholics, "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship." They write:

" ... we bishops do not intend to tell Catholics for whom or against whom to vote. Our purpose is to help Catholics form their consciences in accordance with God’s truth. We recognize that the responsibility to make choices in political life rests with each individual in light of a properly formed conscience, and that participation goes well beyond casting a vote in a particular election."

Included is a new Introductory Letter citing the serious challenges facing the nation and the Church today. The bishops identify the threat of abortion as "our preeminent priority," and acknowledge racism, the environmental crisis, poverty and the death penalty as serious threats to human life and dignity.

They urge: "At all levels of society, we are aware of a great need for leadership that models love for righteousness (Wisdom 1:1) as well as the virtues of justice, prudence, courage, and temperance. Our commitment as people of faith to imitate Christ’s love and compassion should challenge us to serve as models of civil dialogue, especially in a context where discourse is eroding at all levels of society."

Read "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship."

Msgr. Jameson shares a recent video reflection by Fr. Louis J. Cameli, Cardinal Blase Cupich's Delegate for Formation and Mission for the Archdiocese of Chicago, on how to approach the 2020 election as a Catholic.

Fratelli Tutti, a New Encyclical by Pope Francis

On Saturday, October 3, the eve of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis signed his third encyclical, “Fratelli Tutti” ("Brothers All" or "Brothers and Sisters All"). Archbishop Gregory writes that this encyclical "comes to us at precisely the right time."

Read "Fratelli Tutti" and Archbishop Gregory's related statement.

Save the date (November 24) for Fr. Tom Ryan, CSP on "Fratelli Tutti."

Join us online for A Conversation with Jem Sullivan, Ph.D. on Tuesday evening, October 20. Theresa Prymuszewski, Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation, speaks with Dr. Sullivan on the New Directory for Catechesis. Read more and find out how to connect.

Rita Ferrone leads a virtual parish retreat on a fundamental aspect of our Christian identity - "What It Means to Be a Eucharistic Community" - at 9:30am on Saturday, October 24. All parishioners are welcome, particularly those serving in a liturgical ministry. Register with Tom Stehle by Tuesday, October 20. View the flier.

St. Matthew's will host a new fall Bible Study by Little Rock Scripture Study on The Gospel According to Mark. Register now for either of two groups that will meet virtually - one on Sunday afternoons beginning October 25, and one on Monday evenings beginning October 26. Read more.

Want to help with our Monday morning ministry to the homeless (open even on rainy Mondays!)? Donate gently worn men’s clothing items: cargo shorts, casual pants, jeans, t-shirts, hoodies, sneakers, and work boots. Please contact Norma Canedo for more information or to schedule a drop-off. 

Respect Life Activities 

October Rosary for Life

Join the Respect Life Ministry on Saturday, October 24 for a Rosary for Life and litanies to Our Lady and Saint Joseph by phone. To join at 12:30pm, call in at: +1 469-965-2556 | Conference ID: 690 592 656#. Read about the Respect Life Ministry.

You are invited to join in prayer and fasting for an end to abortion during the 40 Days for Life campaign that runs through Sunday, November 1. If you are able to safely join while maintaining social distancing, consider signing up for a vigil hour of prayer outside Planned Parenthood at 1225 4th Street NE (corner of Florida Avenue & 4th St NE) by clicking here.

Organist Sandro Russo gives a recital on organ and piano at 3:30pm on Sunday, October 25. Come, bring a friend, and enjoy this 50-minute program in person, or watch on YouTube live or later. Social distancing and face masks are required in the Cathedral. Admission is free. Read more.

Always God's Children, the Cathedral's ministry to gay and lesbian persons and their families and friends, will host an online video chat using Zoom at 3:30pm on Sunday, October 25. Please email Eve Tushnet or Steve Yoder for details on how to connect. Read more about AGC.

Join the Cathedral Book Club's virtual discussion on Tuesday, October 20 from 7 to 8pm of "The Overstory," the Pulitzer Prize winner by Richard Powers. To find out how to connect, contact the Zoom meeting host, Fr. Jack Hurley.

Click here for reflections for the coming week.

Monday, October 19 (St. John de Brébeuf and St. Isaac Jogues)

Ephesians 2:1-10; Luke 12:13-21

Tuesday, October 20 (St. Paul of the Cross)

Thursday, October 22 (St. John Paul II)

Friday, October 23 (St. John of Capistrano)

Ephesians 4:1-6; Luke 12:54-59

Saturday, October 24 (St. Anthony Mary Claret)

What's New on YouTube?

Plan to join us for the Eucharist on these special days of November remembrance.

7am | *10am (Archbishop Gregory) | 1pm (Spanish) | 5:30pm

*12:10pm (Archbishop Gregory)

*Both Masses with Archbishop Gregory, as well as the 1pm Spanish Mass on November 1, will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

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