The Matthian:
We’re Still Here
Public Masses Have Been Suspended — Live Streaming Continues.
Some ministries have resumed and we are adjusting to virtual meetings.
Welcome to the latest issue of The Matthian.
A nod to the founding members of the parish community, utilizing a new way to communicate and stay in touch.
Mass Update
Because San Mateo County was added to the State of California’s Watch List for COVID-19, additional restrictions were ordered for houses of worship.
Starting the weekend of August 1-2nd, St. Matthias will offer one Mass per weekend, Saturday at 5:00 pm which will be live-streamed to our YouTube channel “Live Streams from St. Matthias in Redwood City.” Please subscribe to the channel as you will receive email notifications when the stream begins.
St. Charles will offer one Mass per weekend, Sunday 8:30 am outdoors in the parking lot between the Parish Center and Church. Folks are invited to bring their own chairs. This Mass will also be live streamed to St. Charles’ Facebook page.
Scripture Reflection – Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Is 55: 1-3; Ps 145: 8-9, 15-18; Rom 8: 35, 37-39; Mt 14: 13-21
The first part of every Mass is the Liturgy of the Word. We listen to several Scripture readings and reflect on implications for our day to day lives. In our readings for this Sunday, God speaks to us about His love, His invitation to serve others and the need for strengthening our relationship with our Lord. Click here to read more.
Subscribe to the St. Matthias Bulletin
Due to the restrictions in place because of the global pandemic, all worship aids were removed from Church except the weekly bulletin. This now contains the readings for Sunday Mass, prayer requests and Mass Intentions. You can receive this resource to your email inbox by subscribing or at Mass. Subscribe to the bulletin by clicking here https://ebulletins.jspaluch.com/#/
An Update from the Finance Council
The Finance Council met to review the accounting books for the fiscal year which just ended in June. Due to the generosity of parishioners and reductions in spending, the year closed with an extra $19,000. We were concerned with the lack of in-person masses, the small Easter masses and the cancelled spring fundraiser, but the continuation of your donations has been key to the success.
For the next year, your contributions, program and expense reductions, and reduced staff hours should keep St. Matthias operating. We cannot fully predict the virus’ trajectory and economic impacts but for now we have a plan for the next 12 months for St. Matthias to be here for all.
Annual Archdiocesan Appeal
The Annual Archdiocesan Appeal has passed it’s halfway fulfilled mark. While the pace is similar to past years, Fr. Dave would sleep much better if St. Matthias were closer to finishing it’s goal!
St. Matthias Preschool
The preschool closed for in person services back in March when the shelter in place orders were announced. By April 1st, teachers shifted to distance learning. It attempted to reopen in July but only a small fraction of the needed children committed to attend. As a result the preschool has remained closed and teachers and administrative staff have been furloughed. A parent committee has been convened to create a viable reopening plan for the fall.
Adult Faith Formation Survey
St. Matthias Adult Faith Formation Survey
Like you, we are finding that all things are new and unfamiliar. Plans are in development for our faith formation programs, so we’ve put this survey together to collect some feedback from our St. Matthias parishioners. In order to aid in our planning, we’d like to hear from you! Please complete the following survey by August 15th. Click here to read more.
For Parents: Small Faith Sharing Group
“When I first received the email from Sabrina on May 1 inviting me to the small Faith Sharing Group, I knew that this was something that I had to do. I had been let go from my job that very same day so I took this as a sign from God … read more.
Survey Results from GIFT Family Survey
Thank you to the 20 families who completed the GIFT Family Survey recently. The purpose of this survey was to determine which program model was preferred by families. Two models were offered: Option A: Altogether Live Gatherings and Option B: OnDemand Gatherings.
Based on responses received, approximately 50% of families indicated a preference for Option A, while the other 50% indicated preference for Option B. So, both models will be available to families. Click here to read more.
NEW: GIFT Begins Sept 13th!
Do you have school-aged children that you’d like to enroll in faith formation? Do you have a child who has not received First Holy Communion yet? Do you have an incoming high school student who is interested in the sacrament of Confirmation? If so, our GIFT program is for your family! Generations in Faith Together, or GIFT, is our family-based faith formation (aka religious education) program at St. Matthias. Registration will begin in mid-August. Read more.
Here are some Family Faith Formation Ideas for August!
Self Care During Uncertain Times
Self care is vital. I know I am feeling the pressure to move ahead, get things done, have the answers…and it goes on and on. So here are some things you can do for yourself and to suggest to others. I am trying to practice this myself. Click here to read more.
Dear PMC Friends,