CATHEDRAL OF SAINT MATTHEW THE APOSTLE, WASHINGTON, D.C. December 1, 2013

TODAY’S READINGS

tay awake! (Matthew 24:42) It seems that everywhere you look these days you’re being urged to be prepared for something. It could be as practical

as our retirement or natural disasters or as outlandish as Armageddon or the so-called zombie apocalypse. And of course, we need to get ready for the holidays—which is probably a mixture of both the practical and the outlandish!

And yet in the midst of all the chatter, a quieter, gentler voice invites us, “Prepare the way of the Lord!” Ready your heart and your mind. Fix your eyes on the child in the manger. Step aside from the onslaught of materialism for a bit, and prepare to receive the good gifts God has for you this Advent.

That’s right. God, your heavenly Father, has many gifts stored up for you. He wants to give you his support and comfort as you walk through your day. He wants to give you peace in the midst of trials. He wants to give you a joy that is based not on fulfilled desires but on his constant presence. He even wants to give you hope and energy when your stamina flags!

If you have a hard time imagining this, just think about your own heart. You know how to give gifts to the people you love. It’s almost instinctual! Well, God loves you completely. He has a real affection for you, warts and all, and he wants to show you his love in tangible, concrete ways. Like you, he can’t help himself. He just wants to show you how much you mean to him.

So make this Advent a time of eager expectation. Set aside time to talk—and listen—to God every day. Quiet your heart, and wait for his still small voice to whisper to you. He has good things to say. Go ahead and let yourself be surprised or caught unaware by what he does as you prepare for Jesus’ birth. Believe that he really does want to delight you!

“Father, I want to receive all that you have for me this Advent.

Help me to stay close to you, to be expectant, and to welcome your

gifts.” Taken from The Word Among Us, December 2013, Vol. 33, Number 1: Used with

permission.

THIS WEEK’S READINGS

Sunday 1 Is 2:1-5 / Rom 13:11-14 / Mt 24:37-44 First Sunday of Advent

Monday 2 Is 2:2-6 / Mt 8:5-11 Tuesday 3 Is 11:1-10 / Lk 10:21-24 St. Francis Xavier

Wednesday 4 Is 25:6-10 / Mt 15:29-37 St. John Damascene

Thursday 5 Is 26:1-6 / Mt 7:21,24-27 Friday 6 Is 29:17-44 / Mt 9:27-31 St. Nicholas

Saturday 7 Is 30:19-21,23-26 / Mt 9:27-31 St. Ambrose Sunday 8 Is 11:1-10 / Rom 15:4-9 / Mt 3:1-12 Second Sunday of Advent

LAS LECTURAS DE HOY

l Adviento es un tiempo de gracia abundante, una época en la que Dios extiende una invitación especial a sus

hijos a despojarse del pecado que los tiene atrapados y entrar en su morada con gozo y esperanza. Si diariamente leemos la Palabra de Dios, hacemos oración y servimos generosa y cordialmente a nuestros semejantes, el Señor se hará presente en nuestra vida y podremos disfrutar de una buena comunicación con nuestro Salvador.

Es preciso mantenerse despiertos y alertas porque el Señor dijo que “a la hora en que menos lo piensen, vendrá el Hijo del hombre” (Mateo 24, 44). A todos se nos pide reconocer nuestros pecados y arrepentirnos, pero las palabras del Señor deben provocar en nosotros un sentido de entusiasmo y expectativa, como el de la madre que va a dar a luz sabe que tendrá dolores del parto, pero está segura que al ver a su hijito se llenará de amor y gozo. Del mismo modo, en el Adviento surge la esperanza de la nueva vida que Jesús quiere darnos cuando rechazamos el pecado y aceptamos su amor.

Si renunciamos al egoísmo en nuestra forma de pensar y no contrariamos las verdades del Señor, Dios puede entrar en esa parte interior de nuestro ser que anhela conocer su presencia y llenarla de su gracia. Así le entregamos nuestro pecado y recibimos su gracia, le damos nuestros miedos y recibimos su seguridad. ¿Hubo alguna ocasión en que la vida del mundo nos haya dado una paz duradera? ¿Hemos logrado vivir contentos y satisfechos cuando hemos dado rienda suelta a la cólera, la falsedad o el deseo de placer ilícito? No. Dios está en la puerta de nuestro corazón y espera que lo invitemos a entrar y concedernos su gracia.

¡Alégrate, querido hermano y confía en que el Señor te prodigará sus gracias en el Adviento y la Navidad, porque “nuestra salvación está más cerca que cuando empezamos a creer” (Romanos 13, 11).

“Padre eterno, acepto tu generosa invitación

de acercarme a ti en este Adviento. Te doy

gracias por invitarme a vivir contigo para

siempre. Que este tiempo sea un período de

verdadera gracias y bendición.” Escogida con el permiso de La Palabra Entre Nosotros,

Vol. 33, Número 1: diciembre 2013.

S E

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

NEWS AND NOTES

FRIENDS OF THE CATHEDRAL CHRISTMAS MAILING – Mark your calendars for a fun evening of refreshments and envelope stuffing for our annual fundraising mailing to the Friends of the Cathedral. We will gather in the North Conference Room on Thursday, December 5 at 6pm. If you can give an hour or two to support this critical appeal to our donors across the country, contact us at 202-587-5143 or Reply@ stmatthewscathedral.org or. Fellowship and refreshments for all! CATHOLIC BUSINESS NETWORK – Are you a professional or business owner looking to build substantive connections, grow your business or network? Are you looking for fresh, new connections to the Catholic community and the opportunity to support Catholic causes? The Catholic Business Network of Washington D.C. (CBN-D.C.) is an independent organization bringing together businesses and individual professionals to create valuable networking opportunities through monthly networking receptions and an annual gala. All CBN-D.C. fundraising efforts support Catholic schools in Washington D.C. through scholarship and grant opportunities. If you are interested in CBN-DC, please join us for a reception on Thursday, December 5 from 6 to 8pm in the Great Hall of the Rectory. RSVP to Justin Silvers at 202-957-5188 or jsilvers@cbndc.org. FIRST FRIDAY AND FIRST SATURDAY – First Friday Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be held on December 6 after the 12:10pm Mass until 5pm in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel, to the left of the sanctuary. All are welcome to come and adore Our Lord. On Saturday, December 7 all are welcome to First Saturday Devotions after the 12:10pm Mass, followed by Hospitality in the West Conference Room. ALWAYS GOD’S CHILDREN – Always God's Children, the Cathedral parish's gay and lesbian ministry, will meet Sunday, December 8 in the West Conference Room at 3:30pm. SOLEMNITY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION – Monday, December 9 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The regular schedule of Masses will be observed, as this year the Solemnity is not a Holy Day of Obligation. CHRISTMAS FLOWER OFFERING – Each year every effort is made to decorate the Cathedral for Christmas in a way that truly reflects the noble simplicity of that holy season. To do so again, your generous support is needed. You may mail your Christmas flower offering to the rectory, drop it in the offertory, or donate online or via Faith Direct. We know that many requests are made this season and so truly appreciate all gifts. CHRISTMAS DECORATING – On Monday evening, December 23, after the 5:30pm Mass, we will decorate the Cathedral for Christmas in one session. We need volunteers to unwrap, prepare and place poinsettias, put lights on the trees, and assemble the crèche. To volunteer, contact Pam Erwin at 202-347-3215 x537 or perwin@stmatthewscathedral.org.

PARISH CALENDAR December 1 – 8

SUNDAY 1— First Sunday of Advent A second collection for Cathedral maintenance is taken at all Masses. Las clases de Catequesis, Catecumenado y Catequesis Familiar continúan a las 11:00 de la mañana. A prayer vigil for Word Aids Day is held after the 5:30pm Mass, followed by refreshments in the North Conference Room.

MONDAY 2—The Parish Pastoral Council meets at 6:45pm in the East Conference Room.

TUESDAY 3—El Grupo de oración continúa con las reflexiones en este Año de la Fe a las 7:00 de la tarde en el salón de conferencias del Oeste.

WEDNESDAY 4—Breaking Open the Word meets at 7pm in the West Conference Room.

THURSDAY 5—Legión de María se reunirá a las 6:30 de la tarde en el salón de conferencias del Este. A Catholic Business Network-DC Reception is held from 6 to 8pm in the Great Hall.

The Social Justice Ministry Prayer & Fellowship gathering is held at 6:30pm in the Cathedral.

FRIDAY 6— First Friday Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is held after the 12:10pm Mass till 5pm.

SATURDAY 7—First Saturday Devotions are held after the 12:10pm Mass, followed by Hospitality in the West Conference Room.

SUNDAY 8—Second Sunday of Advent Hospitality receptions are held after all Masses except 7am in the North Conference Room. Las clases de Catequesis, Catecumenado y Catequesis Familiar continúan a las 11:00 de la mañana. The Cathedral Club will not meet. The Young Adults’ Advent Afternoon Reflection is held at 3:30m in the Cathedral. Always God’s Children meets in the West Conference Room at 3:30pm.

CATHEDRAL OF SAINT MATTHEW THE APOSTLE, WASHINGTON, D.C. December 1, 2013

Infant Jesus of Prague

Czech Republic

City Hall, Vienna, Austria

FAITH FORMATION

THE BOOK CLUB RETURNS! – All are welcome to join the Book Club on Monday, December 9 when we will discuss Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives by Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI. We will meet in the West Conference Room at 6:45pm. BECOMING CATHOLIC – Throughout the year, adults come forward seeking to learn about the Catholic faith. For those who are interested in learning about the Catholic faith or thinking about becoming Catholic, St. Matthew’s offers Inquiry, a casual, ongoing conversation about the Catholic faith, once a month. Inquiry is the first step in the process of discerning one’s commitment to full initiation in the Catholic Church. Inquiry meets on the second Wednesday of the month from 6:30 to 7:30pm in the East Conference Room. A brief overview of the entire adult initiation process (RCIA), which begins formally in June each year, can be presented after Inquiry for those who are interested. The next Inquiry will be held Wednesday, December 11. For more information, contact Heather Kinney at hkinney@stmatthewscathedral.org. GREAT ORGAN COMPLETION UPDATE – 175th ANNIVERSARY CAMPAIGN – We are thrilled that 146 households have contributed more than $50,000 to our campaign to complete our wonderful organ in time for the 175th Anniversary of the Parish. We still have quite a ways to go, but we are confident that we will achieve our goal. This month we are hoping you will consider making a donation to this worthy effort or adding to your existing contribution.

If you are 70 ½ or older, you may wish to take advantage of a Charitable IRA Rollover, which allows you to make charitable distributions from you IRA accounts directly to the Organ Completion Fund. Gifts can be made up to $100,000 and can be used to offset your minimum required distribution. Your charitable distribution must be arranged through your IRA plan administrator no later than December 31, 2013, at which time the law governing Charitable IRA Rollovers will expire.

Making a gift of appreciated stock is another tax-friendly way to make a year-end gift. With the stock market at an all-time high, this is the perfect time to consider transferring highly appreciated stocks to the St. Matthew’s Organ Completion Fund. You will avoid capital gains tax, and will get a charitable deduction equal to the full value of the donated stock. Most importantly you will be helping us to complete this last project that remains from the Cathedral Restoration.

Please consult your tax or financial advisor before making a gift. For more information, please contact Tom Stehle at tstehle@stmatthewscathedral.org.

PARISH PILGRIMAGE

Join Msgr. Jameson and fellow parishioners and friends on a pilgrimage to Vienna, Salzburg and Prague in April 2014! Visit Prague, one of the most beautifully preserved cities in Europe. Attend Mass in the Loreto Shrine, and pray before the renowned statue of the Infant Jesus of Prague.

Cruise the Vlata River with its picturesque views of the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. Experience Salzburg and Vienna, visiting Marian shrines, Mozart’s house,

the Imperial Palace of Schoenbrunn and more. The

group will leave Washington on April 23, 2014 and return on May 4, 2014. Enroll by February 1, 2014. For more information and a full itinerary, see the brochure on our website, pick one up at the rectory or call Msgr. Jameson.

FAITH IN ACTION

CHRISTMAS DRIVE REMINDER – We are very grateful to all who are participating in this year’s Christmas Drive. If you have taken a gift tag, please be sure to bring your new, wrapped gift to St. Matthew’s by Sunday, December 8, or by Tuesday, December 10 if dropping off on a weekday. If you have questions, contact Pam Quinn at pquinn505@aol.com, or call Fr. Rafael or Norma Canedo at 202-347-3215. Thank you for your generosity in helping those in need! SOCIAL JUSTICE MINISTRY PRAYER & FELLOWSHIP – The Social Justice & Community Service Committee warmly invites you to a Social/Open House on Thursday, December 5. The purpose of this gathering is simply to offer volunteers and interested parishioners a chance to socialize and to learn more about ongoing and upcoming Social Justice activities. The evening will begin with a joint prayer with the Community of Sant'Egidio at 6:30pm in the Chapel of St. Anthony. Light refreshments and snacks will follow in the West Conference Room at 7pm. If you have questions, contact Fr. Rafael or Norma Canedo at 202-347-3215.

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

NOTICIAS DE LA PARROQUIA

¡GRACIAS! – COLECTA DEL DÍA DE ACCIÓN DE GRACIAS – ¡Les agradecemos a todos quienes ayudaron con nuestra exitosa colecta del Día de Acción de Gracias para el programa de Adopte-una-Familia! Estamos muy agradecidos a todos quienes contribuyeron con tarjetas de regalo o dinero que se usó para comprar tarjetas adicionales. Las donaciones que sobren se usarán para ayudar a las familias necesitadas durante todo el año. También queremos reconocer a todos los voluntarios quienes ayudaron a organizar la colecta y a ayudar a recoger las donaciones. Por su generosidad, 56 familias podrán experimentar una cena nutritiva con sus seres queridos.

REFLEXIONES DE ADVIENTO – El martes 3 de diciembre, empezaremos las reflexiones de Adviento. Estas reflexiones se ofrecen en el salón del Oeste, durante el Grupo de Oración a las 7:30 de la noche. MINISTERIO DE JUSTICIA SOCIAL, ORACIÓN Y FRATERNIDAD – El comité de Justicia Social y Servicio Comunitario cordialmente les invita a una reunión social, el jueves, 5 de diciembre. El propósito de esta reunión es simplemente para ofrecer información a los voluntarios sobre actividades actuales y futuras del ministerio de Justicia Social; feligreses interesados tendrán la oportunidad de socializar. La tarde comenzará con una oración conjunta con la comunidad de San Egidio a las 6:30 de la tarde en la capilla de San Antonio. Aperitivos y refrescos seguirán en el salón de conferencia del Oeste a las 7 de la noche. Si tienen alguna pregunta, pónganse en contacto con el padre Rafael o Norma Canedo en la rectoría al 202-347-3215.

LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA

Domingo 1 Is 2:1-5 / Rom 13:11-14 / Lc 23:35-43 Primer Domingo de Adviento Lunes 2 Is 4:2-6 / Mt 8:5-11 Martes 3 Is 11:1-10 / Lc 10:21-24 San Francisco Javier Miércoles 4 Is 25:6-10 / Mt 15:29-37 San Juan Damasceno Jueves 5 Is 26:1-6 / Mt 7:21,24-27 Viernes 6 Is 29:17-24 / Mt 9:27-31 San Nicolás

Sábado 7 Is 30:19-21,23-26 / Mt 9:35—10:1,6-8 San Ambrosio Domingo 8 Is 11:1-0 / Rom 15:4-9 / Mt 3:1-12 Segundo Domingo de Adviento

PRIMER VIERNES Y PRIMER SABADO – Primer viernes de exposición y adoración del Santísimo Sacramento se celebrará después de la misa 12:10 del mediodía hasta 5:00 de la tarde este viernes 6 de diciembre en la Capilla del Santísimo Sacramento, situada a la izquierda del santuario. Todos son bienvenidos a venir y adorar a nuestro Señor. El sábado 7 de diciembre todos son bienvenidos a participar en las devociones del primer sábado después de la misa de 12:10 mediodía, seguida de hospitalidad en el salón de conferencia del Oeste. RECORDÁNDOLES PARA LA COLECTA DE REGALOS NAVIDEÑOS – Agradecemos a todos quienes están participando en la colecta navideña de este año. Si usted ha recogido una etiqueta de regalo, por favor no se olvide de traer su regalo nuevo, envuelto en papel de regalo a San Mateo para el domingo, 8 de diciembre. Para entregar su regalo durante la semana, por favor de traerlo hasta el martes, 10 de diciembre. Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre la colecta navideña, por favor póngase en contacto con la rectoría y pregunte por el padre Rafael o Norma Canedo al número 202-347-3215. ¡Muchas gracias por su generosidad en ayudar a los necesitados! SOLEMNIDAD DE LA INMACULADA CONCEPCION – El lunes 9 de diciembre es la Solemnidad de la Inmaculada Concepción, no es día de precepto. Horario regular de misas en inglés. FIESTA DE NUESTRA SEÑORA DE GUADALUPE Venga y únase a nosotros a la celebración de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe aquí en la Catedral en la misa de español a la 1 de la tarde el domingo 15 de diciembre. Después de la misa habrá refrescos y música en el salón de conferencias del Oeste. ¡Todos están invitados! También la misa anual en honor a la Virgen de Guadalupe será el sábado 14 de diciembre a las 2:30 de la tarde en las Basílica del Santuario Nacional de la Inmaculada Concepción (400 Michigan Ave, NE). La procesión anual saldrá del Santuario del Sagrado Corazón (3211 Pine St., NW) a las 12 del mediodía hacia la Basílica. El Obispo Francisco González, FS será el celebrante principal. Todos estamos invitados. Para más información, llamar al 301-853-4561 o correo electrónico events@adw.org.

CATHEDRAL OF SAINT MATTHEW THE APOSTLE, WASHINGTON, D.C. December 1, 2013

THANK YOU! – Thank you to all who participated in our successful Adopt-A-Family Thanksgiving Drive! We are very grateful to donors and volunteers alike. Thanks to your generosity, 56 families will enjoy a wholesome dinner with their loved ones. Any remaining donations will be used to help families in need throughout the year.

MUSIC

SAINT MATTHEW’S FESTIVAL SINGERS AUDITIONS – Each year, we invite experienced singers of the parish to join the Schola Cantorum for our Advent

Lessons and Carols and Christmas

Eve Choral Prelude and Mass at the Cathedral. Singers must be able to attend all rehearsals but are not obligated to sing on both dates. We are looking for singers with an ability to read music, a pleasant voice, previous choral experience, and a commitment to work diligently and cooperative-ly. The schedule of rehearsals includes most Mondays and Wednesdays of December. Lessons and Carols

Mondays, December 2 and 9, 6:45-8:45pm: Rehearsal

Wednesdays, December 4 and 11, 7:45-8:45pm: Rehearsal

Sunday, December 15, 7:30–9pm: Advent Lessons and Carols (6:30pm arrival)

Christmas Eve Monday, December 16, 7:15-

8:45pm: Rehearsal Wednesday, December 18,

7:15-8:45pm: Rehearsal Monday, December 23, 6:45-

8:45pm: Rehearsal Tuesday, December 24:

9:15pm Prelude; 10pm Mass (8pm arrival)

To schedule an audition, contact Tom Stehle at 202-587-5141 or tstehle@stmatthewscathedral.org.

MASS INTENTIONS December 1– 8

Sunday, December 1 7am – All Parishioners 8:30am – Raymond Hermida 10am – Walter & Mary Orzechowski 11:30am – Laura Slasinski 1pm – Gabriela Sotelo 5:30pm – Marjorie Wiley Britton

Monday, December 2 7am – Janet Bushman 8am – Berta Desorcy 12:10pm – Mr. & Mrs. Apolonio

Mora & family 5:30pm – Deacon George L’Heureux

Tuesday, December 3 7am – Jairo A. Vargas 8am – Clarisabel Billini 12:10pm – Moises Lopez 5:30pm – Brooksie, Myrtle & Bessie

Banks

Wednesday, December 4 7am – Melgre O. Granada 8am – Lawrence McCarten 12:10pm – Felix Castellon 5:30pm – Deceased members of

Manga family

Thursday, December 5 7am – Margaret Curwen 8am – Audre McLauglin 12:10pm – Mary & Bill Burgan

(living) 5:30pm – Jean Alexander (living)

Friday, December 6 7am – Teresa Cundin 8am – Carolina Sulbaran 12:10pm – All Souls in Purgatory 5:30pm –jack Kelly

Saturday, December 7 8am – Joanne Bowen Kaler 12:10pm – Jose Elmer Hernandez &

family (living) 5:30pm – Julio Cesar Villatoro

Sunday, December 8 7am – Brooksie, Myrtle & Bessie

Banks 8:30am – All Parishioners 10am – Peter Baier 11:30am – Clara Van Hissenhoven 1pm – Aura & Lola Benavides 5:30pm – Mary Ellen Terenzio

Alecci

YOUNG ADULTS

C†YA at Mass – Weekly on Sundays – 5:30pm – Cathedral – Don’t sit alone at Mass! Instead, celebrate with other young adult parishioners. Join us in the first few rows in front of the pulpit near the choir – look for the “reserved” signs on the pews. Contact: Lara at lara.ericson@gmail.com Theology on Tap – Tuesdays through December 10 – 6pm (happy hour) / 7pm (talk) – Buffalo Billiards (1330 19th Street NW / Dupont) – This Fall’s Theology on Tap series tackles real stories and real struggles with speakers on finding hope, peace, purpose, and fulfillment. Events include food, drinks, and fellowship with young adults from around the city! Visit Facebook.com/ DCYoungAdult. Contact: Jonathan at dccatholic@adw.org C†YA for a Discussion: Who Is God?

–Thursday, December 5 – 7pm – Uptown Tap House (3412 Connecticut Avenue NW / Cleveland Park) – Over the course of the next year, we’ll seek fresh answers to the most fundamental question: Who is God? This month, Br. Gabriel will help to answer our questions on the essence of God the Father and Creator. No question is off limits, and all are welcome to challenge, discuss, or just listen. Contact: Mike at m.owens810@gmail.com C†YA for Hospitality: Christmas Party – Sunday, December 8 – after 5:30pm Mass – Cathedral North Conference Room – Join parishioners after Mass as the Young Adults host a Christmas party featuring holiday treats, gift wrapping for the Adopt-a-Family program, and Christmas-card making for nursing home residents.

Contact: Natalie at natalieloureiro@gmail.com

Stay up to date with C†YA events – check out our website at stmatthewscathedral.org/cya, and join our listserv. To learn more, email stmattsyam@gmail.com.

SAINT MATTHEW’S CATHEDRAL

World AIDS Day Candlelight Vigil Vigilia de Oración para el Día Mundial del SIDA

“I am the light of the World” - Jn 8:12 “Yo soy la luz del mundo" - Jn 8:12

In Solidarity with Those Affected by HIV/AIDS

En Solidaridad con los afectados por el VIH/SIDA

Sunday, December 1, 2013, 6:30 to 7:00pm On the Steps of the Cathedral

Domingo, 1 de diciembre de 2013, 6:30 a 7:00 de la tarde En las gradas de la Catedral

Readings, Prayers and Songs - Lecturas, Oraciones y Canciones

Refreshments will follow in the North Conference Room

Se servirán refrescos después de la Vigilia en el Salón del Norte

For more information, contact: / Para más información póngase en contacto con: Respect Life Ministry/Ministerio de Respeto a la Vida

Coordinator/Coordinador: Justin Silvers, stmatthewsrespectlife@yahoo.com Rectory/Rectoría: Fr. Rafael Barbieri or Norma Canedo at 202-347-3215

Advent Afternoon of Reflection

Sunday, December 8, 2013 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle (We will begin in the Mary Chapel on the left)

 

Join the Cathedral Young Adults for an afternoon for a guided Advent meditation, personal reflection, rosary and opportunity for confession. We will end in time for all to

attend the 5:30 pm Mass.

For further information please contact: Tiffany Waits at tiffanyawaits@yahoo.com 

Looking for a convenient way to support our parish offertory?

Faith Direct is the innovative solution that allows you to support our parish using electronic funds transfer from either a credit card or bank account. It is a hassle-free, simple solution for today’s busy families. Sign up using the enrollment form on the other side or go online to www.faithdirect.net and use our parish code DC284 to enroll today!

How does Faith Direct work?

Faith Direct is a secure system that works directly with your bank or credit card–much the same as other direct payments you may have set up for utility bills or mortgage payments.

When do transactions take place? Transactions take place once per month on the 4th or the next business day. The total amount of your gifts for that current month (both offertory & second/special collections) will be debited in one monthly total. The Cathedral will receive the funds 4 business days later.

Can I stop, increase, or decrease my payment at any time? Yes, by calling Faith Direct at 1-866-507-8757 (toll free) by emailing info@faithdirect.net, or by logging in to your account through www.faithdirect.net.

How does the Cathedral benefit from my participation with Faith Direct?

The Cathedral will see a substantial increase in net revenue, a decrease in administrative costs, and a clearer picture of cash flow for their needs.

If you have any questions about the Faith Direct program, please call 1-866-507-8757 {toll free} or send an email to info@faithdirect.net,

or contact Pam Erwin at the Rectory at 202-347-3215 x537 or perwin@stmatthewscathedral.org.

Enrollment Form

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Faith Direct . Attention: Enrollment . P.O. Box 7101 . Merrifield, VA 22116-7101 . 1-866-507-8757 {toll free} . www.faithdirect.net

If you have any questions about the Faith Direct program, please contact us at 1-866-507-8757 {toll free} or info@faithdirect.net.

For Online EnrollmentUse Church Code:

Name(s): (please print)

Street Address:

City/State/Zip Code:

Telephone: E-mail:

� Name as I/we would like it to appear on Offertory Cards:� I do not wish to receive Offertory Cards to place in the collection basket as a sign of my electronic giving.

If you choose to enroll by mail, you can contact Faith Direct at 1-866-507-8757 {toll-free} to set up online access to your account.

Signature: X Date:

I would like to enroll in the Faith Direct program. I understand that my total monthly contribution amount will be transferreddirectly from my checking account or credit card as stated above, a record of my gifts will appear on my bank or credit card state-ment, and my transfers will begin next month. I understand that I can increase, decrease or suspend my giving by contacting FaithDirect toll free at 1-866-507-8757. {All gifts provided to your Church originating as Automated Clearing House transactions comply with U.S. law.}

For Checking Account Debit: Please return this completed form and a voided check to Faith Direct Enrollment.For Credit Card Debit: Please complete the following… � VISA � MasterCard � American Express � Discover

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Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle 1725 Rhode Island Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20036 DC284 C

“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God's varied grace.” (Peter 4:10)

You may also choose to give to the following second and special collections. The amount indicated will be debited in the month listed as part of the regular monthly transaction.

COLLECTION � Cathedral Maintenance � Music Ministry � Poor Box/Outreach � Solemnity of Mary � Church Missions within the US � Churches in the Developing World � Ash Wednesday � Holy Thursday � Holy Land � Easter Flowers � Easter Sunday (In addition to regular Sunday gift) � Catholic Relief Services

AMOUNT MONTH $________ Monthly $________ Monthly $________ Monthly $________ January $________ January $________ February $________ March $________ March/April $________ March/April $________ March/April $________ March/April $________ May

COLLECTION � Holy Father � Catholic Communications & Human Development � Assumption � Catholic University � Propagation of the Faith/ World Missions � All Saints Day � All Souls Day * � Archdiocesan Priests' Retirement � Retirement Fund for Religious � Immaculate Conception � Christmas Flowers � Christmas

AMOUNT MONTH $________ June $________ August $________ August $________ September $________ October $________ November $________ November $________ November $________ December $________ December $________ December $________ December

* Please call the church at 202-347-3215 with the names of your intentions for this collection.

(Note: Total contribution amount will be debited on the 4th of the Weekly Offertory contribution: $____________ month or the next business day. The total amount will be determined by the number of Sundays in the month. Some months have 5 Sundays.)

E-GIVING ENROLLMENT FORM

I would like to enroll in the Faith Direct program for the benefit of the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle. I understand that my total monthly contribution amount will be transferred directly from my checking account or credit card as stated above, a record of my gifts will appear on my bankor credit card statement, and my transfers will begin on the 4th or next business day of the month following my enrollment. I understand that I canincrease, decrease, or suspend my giving by contacting Faith Direct toll free at 1-866-507-8757. {All gifts provided to your Church originating as Automated Clearing House transactions comply with US law.}

Join us Saturday, December 14 for our annual Advent Day of

Recollection. Father Michael Murray, an Oblate of St. Francis de

Sales, will be our leader. This retreat day will include

presentations by Father Murray, time for private reflection,

opportunities to mingle, and Mass as part of our time together.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter

every kind of evil against you [falsely] because of me.

Rejoice and be glad, for you reward will be great in heaven.

(Matthew 5:3-12)

JOIN US!

DATE: SATURDAY,

DECEMBER 14, 2013

TIME:

9:00AM – 4:00PM (includes

12:10pm Mass)

*Lunch will be provided. To

ensure we have enough food for all who attend, please be sure to RSVP!*

PLACE:

THE GREAT HALL OF THE RECTORY

ST. MATTHEW’S CATHEDRAL

1725 Rhode Island Avenue NW Washington DC 20036

202-347-3215 www.stmatthewscathedral.org

Metro:

Red Line to Farragut North or Dupont Circle

Parking:

Limited metered street parking or $5 flat fee in garage next to

Cathedral

*Please RSVP no later than

Friday, December 6 to hkinney@

stmatthewscathedral.org.

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Including

The Great O Antiphons in Latin Chant

Followed by a Christmas Carol Sing-along in the Great Hall

Sunday, December 15, 2013 7:30pm

Join us for our annual, much-anticipated evening of splendid choral music, hymns and songs and inspiring readings

presented by the Schola Cantorum and Saint Matthew’s Festival Singers and the Cathedral Lectors.

1725 Rhode Island Ave, NW Washington DC Free and open to the public. Donations will be gladly accepted.