Holy Week and Easter Schedule
Category: News
Parish Surveys
Pastoral Plan Survey
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.
Same Seat – End-of-Series Survey
As our Same Seat Lenten series comes to a close, we invite all parishioners to share their thoughts through our end-of-series survey. Whether you participated in every week, joined us occasionally, or were not able to take part at all, your voice matters and we would truly love to hear from you.
This survey is an opportunity to help shape future programs and better understand the needs, interests, and hopes of our parish community. Your feedback will guide us as we continue to grow together in faith.
Thank you for being part of our parish family and for helping us look ahead with purpose and hope.
Divine Mercy Novena and Divine Mercy Sunday
Join Us for the Divine Mercy Novena
Experience the depth of God’s mercy this Easter season
We invite all parishioners to join us in praying the Divine Mercy Novena, a powerful devotion given by Jesus to St. Faustina, which begins on Good Friday and ends on Divine Mercy Sunday. This novena prepares our hearts to receive the fullness of God’s mercy and to offer that mercy to others.
Each day of the novena includes a special intention and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Whether you pray individually, with your family, or with a small group, this is a beautiful way to enter more deeply into the mystery of Christ’s Passion, death, and Resurrection.
For the prayers, click here.
Divine Mercy Sunday, April 12 at 3 pm
Join us for the Hour of Great Mercy on Sunday, April 12, at 3 pm in the church. The hour includes veneration of the Divine Mercy image and praying the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Afterwards, all are invited to the New Life Center Banquet Room for a reception.
St. Faustina shares in her diary “… On that day the very depths of My tender mercy are open. I pour out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls who approach the Fount of My Mercy. The soul that will go to Confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment.” (Diary 699).
Lent 2026
Lent is more than a season — it is an invitation. An invitation to step away from the noise, to examine our hearts, and to grow in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Through prayer, fasting, and generosity, we open ourselves to God’s transforming grace.
During these 40 days, our parish offers many ways to help you live Lent intentionally and fruitfully. We hope you will journey with us as we allow the Lord to lead us toward the hope and promise of Easter.
For a full list of all our Lenten offerings, please visit our Lent webpage below.
Looking for our Same Seat? Lenten Video Series?
Visit our Same Seat? website at stmatthewcatholic.org/same-seat.
Same Seat?
We all tend to settle into our same seat, finding comfort in the familiar. However, life’s challenges, such as loss, illness, or unexpected change, can move us into new and unfamiliar places. This Lent, our Same Seat? series invites us to reflect on how God meets us there. Even when our seat changes, God is still holding the chair.
Our hope this Lent is for the entire parish to participate in a small-group experience. Parishioners are encouraged to start or join a group using the Same Seat? series, available on our parish website and YouTube channel. Each week features a short video with a faith-based teaching by Father Cahill, followed by a parishioner’s reflection and guided discussion questions.
We invite you to encourage three to ten people to gather with you in your home, workplace, or any comfortable setting to listen, share, and reflect together. Consider reaching out to a neighbor, fellow parishioner, or coworker. This short-term commitment is a simple and meaningful way to connect with others, build trust, and grow in faith. No prior experience is necessary, and everything you need is included in the video.
For those who would prefer to meet in small groups on our main campus, we offer two options on Wednesdays, starting on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 18.
- Morning Group:
- 9:30 to 11 am in the New Life Center Banquet Room, Main Campus
- 10 to 11:30 am at the Waxhaw Campus
- Evening Group:
- 7 to 8:30 pm in the New Life Center Banquet Room, Main Campus
If meeting with a small group does not work with your schedule or does not appeal to you, this program is still for you! We welcome you to participate on your own, at your convenience, from the comfort of home. We are happy to have you join us in whatever way works best for you!
There is a place for everyone in this Lenten journey, and each story matters. Wherever you find yourself this season, you are welcome here.
Welcome to Same Seat, St. Matthew Catholic Church’s Lenten series created to draw our community closer to one another and closer to Christ.
Each week, we invite you to reflect on the gifts and challenges God has brought into your life and consider how He may be calling you to grow through them, whether personally or as a family.
This week, we meet the Sutherlands, parishioners whose first child was born with Microcephaly. Watch as they share how this unexpected journey transformed their lives, strengthened their marriage, and drew them deeper into trust in Christ in all things.
You can participate in a small group, join us on campus, or follow along on your own schedule from home. However you choose to journey this Lent, there is a seat for you.
If you would like a physical copy of this week’s discussion questions, you can download and print them. Click here for questions.
Same Seat? Episode 2: Chrissy Wilson – Honoring Marriage Vows in Difficult Times
In our second episode of Same Seat?, Chrissy Wilson shares her powerful story of love, loss, and faith. We are deeply grateful to Chrissy and her family for opening their hearts about the loss of her ex-husband and the challenges they faced along the way.
Even in the midst of hardship, Chrissy reflects on what it means to honor her marriage vows and how, through suffering, she has grown closer to Christ, her family, and her community. Her witness is one of courage, perseverance, and hope.
If you would like a physical copy of the discussion questions to guide your reflection or small group conversation, you can access and download them here.
This week, we sit down with Melissa as she shares her journey of moving to North Carolina and starting over from scratch. What could have been a season of uncertainty became a season of growth. In finding the St. Matthew community, Melissa found not only belonging, but a deeper faith and a renewed sense of purpose in her own personal and professional life.
We invite you to watch, reflect, and share with someone who may need encouragement in their own leap of faith.
If you would like a physical copy of the discussion questions to guide your reflection or small group conversation, you can access and download them here.
This week, we sit down with Ellen Deem, a teacher at St. Matthew Catholic School, as she shares her powerful story of perseverance and faith. After facing multiple health challenges, Ellen reflects on the strength she found through her faith and the unwavering support of the St. Matthew School and parish community. Her story is a moving reminder of how God works through the people around us, especially during life’s most difficult moments.
If you would like a physical copy of the discussion questions to reflect on this episode with family or friends, you can download the file here for your convenience.
As we journey closer to the end of Lent, this week’s episode of Same Seat? invites us into a deeply personal and powerful story. Tom and Maryann White share about the loss of their son, Jerry, and the ongoing path of faith, grief, and healing for their family.
Their witness is one of love, honesty, and the quiet strength that comes from trusting God even in life’s most difficult moments.
If you or someone you know is struggling or feeling alone, please know that help is available. You are not alone. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988.
If you would like a physical copy of the discussion questions to reflect on this episode with family or friends, you can download the file here for your convenience.
As we come to the close of our Lenten series, Same Seat?, we invite you to meet Rosemary Arianno. In the midst of her battle with cancer and end-stage kidney failure, Rosemary has found a home here at St. Matthew and a deep strength in Christ that continues to carry her forward each day. Watch her powerful witness of faith, perseverance, and hope.
If you would like a physical copy of the discussion questions to reflect on this episode with family or friends, you can download the file here for your convenience.
As our Same Seat? Lenten series comes to a close, we invite all parishioners to share their thoughts through our end-of-series survey. Whether you participated in every week, joined us occasionally, or were not able to take part at all, your voice matters and we would truly love to hear from you.
This survey is an opportunity to help shape future programs and better understand the needs, interests, and hopes of our parish community. Your feedback will guide us as we continue to grow together in faith.
Please take a few moments to complete the survey at the link below. Thank you for being part of our parish family and for helping us look ahead with purpose and hope.
Celebrating 40 Years of Faith: Mission 40 – A Year of Impact
We’re celebrating 40 years as a parish with Mission 40 – A Year of Impact!
This year, we’ll mark every year of God’s blessings with 40 ways to be the Church. Each quarter, join us to serve, pray, and grow in fellowship.
November Mission 40 Initiatives
Family Adoration
Friday, Nov. 21 | 6–7 pm | Main Campus Church
Join us for a peaceful family evening of prayer before the Thanksgiving holiday. Take a moment to pause, reflect, and give thanks during this special time of guided Adoration and music. We’ll end the night with a sweet treat to share together.
Thanksgiving Day Food Collection
Thursday, Nov. 27 | During the 9 am Mass
Bring non-perishable food items to support those in need in our community. Donations may be placed in the collection bins as you enter the church.
Advent Wreath Making
Sunday, Nov. 30 | Following the 9 am and 10:45 am Masses
Create a beautiful Advent wreath for your family! Please register and pre-pay in advance for candles and a brass ring (or just candles if you already have a ring).
For details and to sign up, visit stmatthewcatholic.org/faithfamily.
Daily Prayer Reminder
Let us continue to pray the Our Father at 3 pm each day to remember the Hour of Great Mercy, when Jesus died on the cross.
A Message from Father Cahill: Confession Schedule Update
** Update as of Aug. 12: Times have changed for the Waxhaw Campus as well. Effective immediately, confessions at Waxhaw will be on Saturdays from 2:30 – 3:30 pm. Confessions will no longer be held on Sundays. **
Dear Parish Family,
As we enter this new chapter together at St. Matthew, I want to thank you for the warm welcome and your openness as we find our way together as a parish community.
Beginning immediately, we will no longer offer confessions at the main campus on Sundays. Instead, the Sacrament of Reconciliation will be available on Saturdays from 4 to 5 pm in the church confessionals. Confessions on Wednesday will remain from 9 to 10 am, and the confession schedule at the Waxhaw campus will remain unchanged. I and the other priests are, of course, still available by appointment as well.
This change allows both our priests and parishioners to give their full attention to the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist – the heart of our Catholic life. The change in location also aligns with our desire to celebrate the sacraments with reverence in the church.
I know that change takes time, and as I have said before, this new chapter will take us a while to wrap our heads around it. However, if we remain rooted in love and prayer, I truly believe the Holy Spirit will bear abundant fruit in our parish. Please be patient with one another and with us as we walk this journey together.
I am grateful for your understanding and continued faithfulness.
In Christ,
Father Cahill
Pastor
2025 Diocesan Support Appeal
The 2025 Diocesan Support Appeal (DSA), themed Reflecting God’s Light, 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.
SCHOLARSHIPS – Teens and Adults
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.
Call to Action for Our Liturgical Ministries
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.
- Altar Guild
- Altar Servers
- Arts & Environment
- Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
- Hosts
- Mass Coordinators
- Mass Greeters
- Ministers of the Word
- Music Ministry
- Production Ministry
- Sacristans
- Seams of Faith
- Welcome Desk
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.