As we approach Thanksgiving, we are reminded of the many blessings we share as a parish family and the countless ways God calls us to grow in faith, serve one another and build community. As we enter a new liturgical year, Advent offers a beautiful opportunity for renewal and new beginnings. This year, we are especially excited to begin a new six-year pastoral plan and invite everyone to take a fresh look at how they can become more connected to parish life through prayer, community and mission.
As part of this exciting new initiative, we will be inviting parishioners to renew their commitment to St. Matthew and discover new ways to become involved in the life of our parish. Beginning the first Sunday of Advent, Nov. 29, commitment cards will be available in the narthex. More details about this initiative will be shared in the coming days, so stay tuned!
Advent is a wonderful time to slow down, make room for prayer and reflection, and find new ways to grow in faith. We hope you'll join us for some of the special opportunities planned throughout the season. Be sure to check out our Holy Hope Advent podcast series, journeying through the Sunday Gospels with guest hosts sharing their childlike wonder, trust, joy and expectations of the season. We also have family activities, small groups and special parish events planned to help you make this Advent meaningful for you and your family.
Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Thanksgiving and a joyful start to the holiday season!
As part of this exciting new initiative, we will be inviting parishioners to renew their commitment to St. Matthew and discover new ways to become involved in the life of our parish. Beginning the first Sunday of Advent, Nov. 29, commitment cards will be available in the narthex. More details about this initiative will be shared in the coming days, so stay tuned!
Advent is a wonderful time to slow down, make room for prayer and reflection, and find new ways to grow in faith. We hope you'll join us for some of the special opportunities planned throughout the season. Be sure to check out our Holy Hope Advent podcast series, journeying through the Sunday Gospels with guest hosts sharing their childlike wonder, trust, joy and expectations of the season. We also have family activities, small groups and special parish events planned to help you make this Advent meaningful for you and your family.
Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Thanksgiving and a joyful start to the holiday season!
Thanksgiving Day Masses, Thursday, Nov. 26
After preparing Thanksgiving meal bins for 125 families, Mary's Cupboard is ready to replenish its shelves! Help us restock by bringing non-perishable food items to the 9 am Mass on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26 at the Main Campus. A collection bin will be available in the narthex.
All contributions are appreciated! Please ensure food items are unopened, in their original containers, with labels attached and valid freshness dates. Mary's Cupboard also welcomes food donations year-round at the wire-rack collection shelf in the hallway inside the Parish Center.
- 7 am: Catholic Community of Waxhaw
- 9 am: Main Campus
- There will be no 7 am Masses at the Main Campus on Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27.
- The church office and gift shop will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27.
- The nursery will be closed on Sunday, Nov. 29.
- Ministries, groups and IFBL-CYO basketball teams scheduled to meet or practice on Thursday or Friday should check the calendar or contact their leader for any changes or cancellations, as buildings will be closed.
After preparing Thanksgiving meal bins for 125 families, Mary's Cupboard is ready to replenish its shelves! Help us restock by bringing non-perishable food items to the 9 am Mass on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26 at the Main Campus. A collection bin will be available in the narthex.
All contributions are appreciated! Please ensure food items are unopened, in their original containers, with labels attached and valid freshness dates. Mary's Cupboard also welcomes food donations year-round at the wire-rack collection shelf in the hallway inside the Parish Center.
The holidays can be especially difficult for those who have lost loved ones. Please join Father Cahill, Deacon Joe Becker and our parish Bereavement Ministry on Sunday, Nov. 15, from 2 - 4 pm in the New Life Center Banquet Room for our annual program on ways to cope with the upcoming holiday season. This afternoon is for anyone who has lost a loved one and would appreciate support in facing the holidays. Light refreshments will be served.
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Allyson Casingal at acasingal@stmatthewcatholic.org or 704-543-7677, ext. 1007.
For more information or to RSVP, please contact Allyson Casingal at acasingal@stmatthewcatholic.org or 704-543-7677, ext. 1007.
Take a Night Off Cooking and Join Us for Pasta and Karaoke!
Give yourself a break from the kitchen before the Thanksgiving holiday and join us for a fun-filled evening of food, music and fellowship! On Friday, Nov. 20, from 5:30–7 pm at the main campus, enjoy a delicious lasagna dinner prepared by our Knights of Columbus and served by our Girl Scouts. Then, let our wonderful choir help you find your inner rock star with a little karaoke fun!
Give yourself a break from the kitchen before the Thanksgiving holiday and join us for a fun-filled evening of food, music and fellowship! On Friday, Nov. 20, from 5:30–7 pm at the main campus, enjoy a delicious lasagna dinner prepared by our Knights of Columbus and served by our Girl Scouts. Then, let our wonderful choir help you find your inner rock star with a little karaoke fun!
It is one of our favorite parish traditions, Family Advent Wreath Making! Join us on Sunday, Nov. 29, following the 9 and 10:45 am Masses at the main campus, as we gather with family and friends to begin the season of Advent with creativity, community and prayer.
Together, you’ll craft a beautiful wreath to bring the light of Christ into your home this Advent. Children especially love rolling up their sleeves and helping create their family’s wreath. It’s a fun and faith-filled way to begin this special season!
Supplies are available by registration only (link below):
Together, you’ll craft a beautiful wreath to bring the light of Christ into your home this Advent. Children especially love rolling up their sleeves and helping create their family’s wreath. It’s a fun and faith-filled way to begin this special season!
Supplies are available by registration only (link below):
- Candles and Greenery: $15
- Candles, Ring and Greenery: $25
New Parish Update
On Nov. 4, Father Roberts presented the Petition for a Parish to Bishop Martin, along with four potential names for the new parish: St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Faustina, St. Monica and St. Mary Magdalene. These names were selected through a communal discernment process centered on parish values, which are outlined here.
On Nov. 4, Father Roberts presented the Petition for a Parish to Bishop Martin, along with four potential names for the new parish: St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Faustina, St. Monica and St. Mary Magdalene. These names were selected through a communal discernment process centered on parish values, which are outlined here.
Welcome, Deacons!
We are pleased to welcome Deacon Michael Fitzpatrick and Deacon Frank Kazlowski as they begin serving the Catholic Community of Waxhaw. We are grateful for their ministry and ask you to keep them in your prayers!
Vicariate Update
Very Rev. Benjamin Roberts has been reappointed Vicar Forane of the Albemarle Vicariate. Following a reorganization, St. Matthew, the future Waxhaw parish, St. Luke and the Eritrean community are now part of the vicariate.
Upcoming Events
Join Father Roberts for a three-day bus pilgrimage to the National Shrine of St. Dymphna in Massillon, Ohio, March 14–16, 2027. The itinerary includes Mass, a Shrine tour, a visit to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption and time for prayer before the relics of the twelve apostles and St. Dymphna. The cost is $199 per person, plus hotel accommodations. The fee includes round-trip luxury motor coach transportation, site admissions, driver gratuity, snacks and meals. A block of rooms is reserved at the Hampton Inn in Massillon. For details and registration, visit www.stdymphnapilgrimage.org, email stdymphna2013@gmail.com or call Sue at 704-431-2861.
Stay Connected
Stay informed about news, events and updates from the Catholic Community of Waxhaw by joining the community's Flocknote mailing list. Click the button below to sign up.
We are pleased to welcome Deacon Michael Fitzpatrick and Deacon Frank Kazlowski as they begin serving the Catholic Community of Waxhaw. We are grateful for their ministry and ask you to keep them in your prayers!
Vicariate Update
Very Rev. Benjamin Roberts has been reappointed Vicar Forane of the Albemarle Vicariate. Following a reorganization, St. Matthew, the future Waxhaw parish, St. Luke and the Eritrean community are now part of the vicariate.
Upcoming Events
- Bishop Martin will celebrate the 6 pm Mass at the Waxhaw Campus on Wednesday, Dec. 16.
- Advent Morning of Reflection: Deacon Darren Bitter will lead a morning of reflection on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the Waxhaw Campus.
- Father Roberts will be in Italy from November 9–20 for a pilgrimage and vacation. Please keep him in your prayers as he remembers our community in his prayers.
Join Father Roberts for a three-day bus pilgrimage to the National Shrine of St. Dymphna in Massillon, Ohio, March 14–16, 2027. The itinerary includes Mass, a Shrine tour, a visit to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption and time for prayer before the relics of the twelve apostles and St. Dymphna. The cost is $199 per person, plus hotel accommodations. The fee includes round-trip luxury motor coach transportation, site admissions, driver gratuity, snacks and meals. A block of rooms is reserved at the Hampton Inn in Massillon. For details and registration, visit www.stdymphnapilgrimage.org, email stdymphna2013@gmail.com or call Sue at 704-431-2861.
Stay Connected
Stay informed about news, events and updates from the Catholic Community of Waxhaw by joining the community's Flocknote mailing list. Click the button below to sign up.
Make time to slow down, step away from the busyness of the season and spend time with the Lord. Join us for 24 Hours of Eucharistic Adoration on Fridays during Advent, beginning Dec. 4, following the 9 am daily Mass at the main campus and continuing through Saturday at 8:45 am.
Adorers are needed to fill one-hour time slots throughout the 24 hours. Whether you're a regular adorer or new to Eucharistic Adoration, we invite you to sign up and spend an hour resting in His love and deepening your relationship with Him this Advent.
Adorers are needed to fill one-hour time slots throughout the 24 hours. Whether you're a regular adorer or new to Eucharistic Adoration, we invite you to sign up and spend an hour resting in His love and deepening your relationship with Him this Advent.
The People of Hope Museum is an interactive, traveling museum produced by Catholic Charities USA that celebrates the impact of Christian service. Featuring inspiring stories from Catholic Charities staff and volunteers, an interactive poverty
simulation, and educational resources, the museum offers visitors a deeper
understanding of poverty, social isolation, and the power of compassion. Through storytelling and personal reflection, visitors are encouraged to see their neighbors in need with greater empathy and discover meaningful ways to put their faith into action.
simulation, and educational resources, the museum offers visitors a deeper
understanding of poverty, social isolation, and the power of compassion. Through storytelling and personal reflection, visitors are encouraged to see their neighbors in need with greater empathy and discover meaningful ways to put their faith into action.
Visit the museum at St. Matthew on Tuesday, Dec. 8, from 8 am - 2 pm at the main campus. Stop by and experience how small acts of compassion can make a lasting difference! There is no cost to attend.
Join us in providing holiday meals for our under-resourced neighbors. Create a Christmas Meal Bin using a 16-18-gallon lidded bin with non-perishable holiday meal items, breakfast foods, and sweet treats. Include a note, Bible verse, or Christmas card and decorate the bin if you’d like. Drop off your filled bin on Saturday, Dec. 12 or Sunday, Dec. 13 in the white box truck in the front of the church on the main campus. Together, let’s nourish hearts, homes, and hope this Christmas season!
Bring holiday joy to families in need by donating gift cards to help them purchase gifts, toys, and food this Christmas. Gift cards from Target, Walmart, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, MasterCard, or Visa are most helpful. Place cards in an envelope labeled “Angel Tree Gift Card” and note the amount on each card. Drop envelopes in the offertory baskets at either campus or bring them to the church office. For more information, contact Don Meanor at 980-240-7850.
Donations to our upcoming collections can be made by check, payable to St. Matthew Catholic Church, and placed in the offertory baskets during Mass. Please write the name of the collection in the memo line. Donations can also be made through the online giving link below. Thank you for your generosity and support!
November
November
- Nov. 14-15: Priests' Retirement and Benefits
- Nov. 21-22: Catholic Campaign for Human Development
- Dec. 5-6: Renew St. Matthew: Campus Improvement
- Dec. 12-13: Religious Retirement
