The Matthian:
We’re Still Here
Volume 4, Issue 4: Sunday, July 26, 2020
Masses have resumed and the Church is still alive and well.
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.

All Are Welcome at Mass!

A new page on the parish website has been created for COVID-19 updates. Please check frequently to stay up to date. https://www.stmatthiasparish.org/covid-19-updates/

NEW: Click here to read more.

St. Matthias 10:30 am Mass will be Live streamed on YouTube

St. Matthias’ 10:30 am Sunday Mass will be live streamed. We have established a YouTube channel for parishioners to access this Mass each weekend. Click here to learn more.

Scripture Reflection – The Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Throughout our country, dioceses and school districts are debating how and when to open our schools.  Parents are anxious about sending their children back to school.  Teachers are concerned for their own safety.  I can’t imagine what it is like to be a principal with so many uncertainties. Read more. 

Mass Intentions for August 1-2

Due to the pandemic and the limitations to worship services, we have not been able to celebrate the lives of loved ones and friends who have passed away. For this reason, we are recognizing those members of our parish family who have returned home to our Lord at Masses each week. So that others can participate in prayer or by attending Mass, we will announce Mass Intentions one week prior to the celebration.

Next weekend’s Mass Intentions are:

Saturday, August 1 at 5:00 pm — Kathleen Russell (+)
Sunday, August 2 at 10:30 am — Barbara Yanacek (+)

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.

Faith Formation Ideas for Adults and Families

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.

For Families with Children:
Check out St. Matthias’ Pinterest Page for faith formation ideas for families for the month of July. https://www.pinterest.com/smff2013/july-family-faith-ideas/

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. 

Peninsula Multifaith Coalition: An Interfaith Discussion about Race

Dear PMC Friends,
Talking about Racism is difficult for many people. Working to end racism in our institutions and systems is even harder.  At times we feel alone and discouraged. As a partner in the PMC, we know that sharing and working together is powerful.  We get so much accomplished together.
The PMC is facilitating an event called, “An Interfaith Discussion About Racism” on Monday, August 3rd at 7:00 pm. Here is the Flyer.
This event will be an important avenue to listen to people talking about racism and to share how we have been working for justice for all people.
THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO ALL PEOPLE, not just us in the PMC.   Please share this flyer with your congregants, friends, family and neighbors.   This is a unique opportunity to discuss race in an interfaith environment.
Pastor Connie Winter-Eulberg,
President of the Board of the Peninsula Multifaith Coalition

BACAR Hosts a Conversation About Race

BACAR, the Bay Area Conference of Associates and Religious is hosting a conversation about race on Wednesday, August 5th at 10:00 am. Click here to read more. 

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops have reminded all people to good will to pray for an end to the pandemic of racism in our country and world. Prayer to Overcome Racism

Special Thanks to Our Donors