Facilitated in Ballantyne by Christine Corbly
Fulfilled explores the biblical roots of Catholicism. It uncovers God’s consistent design for our worship of him and his relationship with us. Part Two focuses on elements of the outer sanctuary of the tabernacle and how they connect to the Magisterium, the Eucharist, Incense, Mary and more.
April 14 to June 16
Tuesdays, 10 am to noon
New Life Center Room 202
*If you had registered for part one, you are automatically registered for part two*
Facilitated in Ballantyne by Ron Groover and in Waxhaw by Christine Corbly
Discover what the mysterious figures and images of Revelation mean and see how Revelation is more than an apocalyptic vision of the “end times.” Explore the Church’s teaching on the second coming of Christ and the Last Judgment. Understand how God, the Divine Bridegroom, and the Church, his spotless bride, enter into a heavenly, holy, and mystical marriage every time we celebrate Mass.
April 14 to June 23
Tuesdays, 7 to 8:30 pm
New Life Center Room 203
April 15 to July 1
Wednesdays, 10 am to noon
Waxhaw Campus
Cost: $28, Cost with Online Access: $35
Facilitated in Ballantyne by Ron Groover
Explore the shortest of all New Testament Gospels, likely the first to have been written, and discover the rich details of Jesus’ ministry here on earth.
Facilitated in Ballantyne by Brian Malarny
Doctors of the Church are 38 canonized saints officially recognized by the Catholic Church for having made a profound, lasting, and universal impact on theology, doctrine, and spiritual life. Discover who they are and what makes them stand out among the Saints.
April 20 to June 1
Mondays, 7 to 8:30 pm
New Life Center Room 234/235
Beginning Tuesday, April 28
Tuesdays, starting April 28 from 7 to 8:30 pm
The remaining sessions are May 5, May 19, May 26, June 2, and June 9
New Life Center Banquet Room
This six-week series is for book lovers or anyone interested in gleaning timeless and timely spiritual insights from one of America’s most celebrated fiction writers, who was also fiercely Catholic. Explore O’Connor’s short stories, essays, and letters with expert guest speakers and discussion with fellow parishioners.
We recommend purchasing O’Connor Collected Works, the textbook for the series. A complete set of O’Connor books is in the parish library, starting April 28. Some of the new donations were written by O’Connor herself, while others were contributed by leading O’Connor scholars. All are listed in a binder titled: Binding Flannery O’Connor. The binder also includes 15 documents to help you start your O’Connor reading journey.
To learn more or register for programs, please visit www.stmatthewcatholic.org/adultfaithformation.
As we begin shaping the next chapter of our parish’s pastoral plan, your voice matters more than ever. Each of us brings a unique perspective on how our community can grow in faith, service, and fellowship. This parish-wide survey is a simple but meaningful way to share your input. Please take a moment to complete the survey by clicking the button below.
Celebrating 40 Years Together
As we prepare to celebrate our 40th anniversary this September, we invite our parish community to journey with us over the coming months through a series of meaningful and engaging initiatives. Each month will highlight a different way we can reflect, connect, and grow together as a parish family.
May: Mission 40 – Acts of Kindness
We begin with Mission 40, a parish-wide invitation to live out our faith through simple, intentional acts of kindness.
Each week, we’ll share 10 ways to spread kindness—at home, at work, in your neighborhood, and beyond. Together, we’ll complete 40 Acts of Kindness in honor of our 40 years as a parish.
Let’s make kindness contagious and show our community what faith looks like in action.
June: Did You Know?
Discover the rich history and unique stories of our parish through fun and meaningful facts. Each week, we’ll share something you may not know—from our early beginnings to the traditions that shape who we are today.
July: Voices of Our Parish
Hear directly from fellow parishioners as they share what they love most about our church. These personal reflections will celebrate the people who make our parish such a vibrant and faith-filled community.
August: Ministry Highlights
Get to know the heart of our parish through the ministries that serve and support our community. Each feature will offer a glimpse into how these ministries began, the impact they’re making, and how you can be part of their mission.
September: A Time of Gratitude and Invitation
As we reach our anniversary month, we turn our focus to gratitude and celebration. Together, we’ll give thanks for the past 40 years, recognize those who have helped shape our parish, and look ahead with a renewed call to get involved and continue building a strong, faith-filled future.
The 2026 Diocesan Support Appeal (DSA), themed Tending the Vineyard, provides essential funding for over 50 ministries and programs that help fulfill our mission to grow as a community of praise, worship, and service in the Piedmont and western North Carolina. Bishop Martin invites us to prayerfully consider a “stretch” gift to the DSA, serving Christ by supporting thousands of Catholics in our diocese. To contribute online, visit www.charlottediocese.org/dsa and select “Saint Matthew” as your parish to ensure your gift counts toward our parish goal.
St. Matthew parish offers scholarship opportunities for high school seniors or adults continuing their education! Deadline to apply for either scholarship is April 15, 2026.
JOURNEY OF FAITH SCHOLARSHIP: Three $5000 Scholarships will be awarded. Adults and high school seniors may apply.
ADULTS: Registered St. Matthew parishioner; active in parish ministry; pursuing a degree and career in teaching, youth ministry, health care, military, religious vocations or social work.
SENIORS: Registered St. Matthew parishioner; active in youth ministry programs or serving as a Faith Formation volunteer; pursuing a degree and career in teaching, youth ministry, health care, military, religious vocations or social work.
Our parish community thrives when everyone shares their gifts in service to the Church. We invite you to consider serving in one of our liturgical ministries! Whether you have a warm smile to welcome others as a greeter or host (usher), a deep love for the Eucharist as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC), a calling to proclaim God’s Word as a lector, or a heart for reverent preparation as a sacristan, your service makes a difference. We also need altar servers to assist at Mass, choir members to lift voices in praise, and parishioners to serve in our production ministry to enhance our liturgies. Join us in making our worship beautiful and welcoming. Your parish family needs you! Please follow the links below to visit the individual ministry pages.
Need Help Finding a Place to Serve?
Do you want to be involved at St. Matthew but aren’t sure where you best fit? We would love to talk to you! Take a minute to fill out the form below to get started or contact Rossana Alvarez, at ralvarez@stmatthewcatholic.org.
Did you know the Catholic Church supports organ donation as an act of love and self-giving? Both Pope Francis and St. John Paul II have encouraged this life-saving practice, describing it as a meaningful way to show charity and solidarity. St. John Paul II described it as “a genuine act of love,” while Pope Francis called it “a testimony of love for our neighbor.” By offering the gift of life to those in need, organ donors live out Christ’s call to love our neighbor in a tangible way.
Right now, Joe Buonanno, a long-time member of our parish community, is in urgent need of a kidney transplant. If you feel called to help, please visit http://www.giftforjoe.com/ for more information.
Let us keep Joe and all those awaiting transplants in our prayers, and may we strive to embody Christ’s love through acts of kindness and generosity.
Please click the document below to download and view the complete letter.
“We find ourselves longing for a real presence – that is, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that unites us with Christ really present in the Eucharist.”
“So what do we do as the People of God? What do you and I do as a community of faith that desires not only to be really present, but desires to come to know our God, who is really present?”
“In order for us to be really present, we have to be together in communion. Present.”
“We will follow the Lord. May we begin to realize that. This journey of real presence isn’t and can’t be done alone. It has to be done with one another. So we come and worship as one – with one voice, but not alone. That’s how presence is experienced, because we’re social beings at the core.”
“The work of faith requires preparation. You don’t just show up, I’ve told my parishioners all the time: there are two ways to come to church – you’re either a host or a guest. Too many people walk into church as guests. The hosts realize that they’ve been given a gift and they want to share it. They’re looking for ways to help people experience that gift, to help people be really present. Are you a guest or are you a host?”
Excerpts from Bishop Michael Martin’s homily – Corpus Christi 2024 Ways We Can Be Hosts
Join Us as Hosts! Think about how you and your family can actively contribute to our parish community, bringing the True Presence into our daily lives and the lives of others. There’s more for us to do than sit in the pew.
