Fratelli Tutti, a New Encyclical by Pope Francis

On Saturday, October 3, the eve of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis in Assisi signed his third encyclical, titled “Fratelli Tutti” ("Brothers All"), encouraging fraternity amid challenge. In it he describes a "way of life marked by the flavor of the Gospel" - words borrowed from St. Francis himself.

Archbishop Gregory last Sunday issued a statement on this new papal writing, describing it as "an encyclical about the human family, our belonging to each other and our need for each other."

He writes, "I believe that this document has come to us at precisely the right time. ... Many have spoken about 'a new normal' when the virus will have abated. Rather I think that we should make this tragic pandemic an opportunity to think about 'a new different' in terms of what we value, who we value and that we are all in this together. Pope Francis repeatedly speaks to the renewal of 'common good' language and 'common good' actions."

"The pope .... invites us to build a 'culture of encounter' with pride in expressing how we are Catholics and also how we are enriched by dialogue with all people of good will."

Save the date - Tuesday, November 24 at 7pm - to join us online with Paulist Father Tom Ryan as he shares his insights on Pope Francis' new encylical. Read more.

What's New on YouTube?

On Columbus Day, Monday, October 12, Mass will be celebrated at 12:10pm. The Cathedral will open at 11:40am and close immediately after the 12:10pm Mass.

St. Matthew's rectory office phone (202-347-3215) is answered Monday through Friday from 10am to 3pm, though not on Monday, October 12 due to the federal holiday. Please leave a message if you call outside these hours.

Click here to find reflections for the coming week.

Galatians 4:22-24, 26-27, 31—5:1; Luke 11:29-32

Galatians 5:1-6; Luke 11:37-41

Wednesday, October 14 (St. Callistus I)

Galatians 5:18-25; Luke 11:42-46

Thursday, October 15 (St. Teresa of Jesus)

Ephesians 1:1-10; Luke 11:47-54

Friday, October 16 (St. Hedwig & St. Margaret Mary Alacoque)

Ephesians 1:11-14; Luke 12:1-7

Saturday, October 17 (St. Ignatius of Antioch)

Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 12:8-12 

Join us online for A Conversation with Jem Sullivan, Ph.D. on Tuesday evening, October 20. Theresa Prymuszewski, St. Matthew's Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation, speaks with Dr. Sullivan on the New Directory for Catechesis. Read more.

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.

Music events are open to the public and livestreamed on the Cathedral YouTube Channel. Social distancing and face masks are required in the Cathedral.

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 live or later. Read more.

Plan to be downtown on Wednesday, October 28? Please join us for Mass at 12:10pm and stay as we welcome to the Cathedral organist Matthew Cates for a 40-minute organ recital at 12:40pm, also livestreamed. Read more.

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

Join the Young Adult Slack Group for Coffeehouse Link

Cathedral Young Adult Coffeehouse is a peer ministry for those in their 20s and 30s that meets virtually on Sundays at 7:30pm. Want to join in, catch up with one another, and reflect on the Sunday Gospel? Click here to download and join the CYA Slack group where there's always a conversation. A link to join the Google Meet or Zoom session is sent out via Slack each Sunday.

The Cathedral Book Club resumes with a virtual discussion on Tuesday, October 20 from 7 to 8pm of "The Overstory," the popular Pulitzer Prize winner by Richard Powers. It's a fascinating look at how several strangers with their own stories are brought together by trees, in an effort to save the continent’s decreasing virgin forest. To join, contact the Zoom meeting host, Fr. Jack Hurley.

Look for occasional video reflections by Fr. Hurley on the saint of the day.

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