This year marks our 20th annual year for the Monsignor McSweeney World Hunger Drive (MMWHD) to help the poorest of the poor.  The focus of the MMWHD is to help the people of Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with 80% of the population living on less than $2 per day.

The effects of Covid, a failing economy, political instability, gang violence, droughts and hurricanes are not only raising the levels of hunger but are also leading to increased levels of severe child malnutrition

The drive will be conducted in two parts.  Part one, the fundraising campaign, will take place from July 9 through July 31.  Part two is an in-person meal-packing event on Saturday, August 13 where 1200 volunteers will assemble 300,000 meals.

For all the info, click here.

To make a monetary donation, click here.

From the Catholic News Herald:
Dr. Alessandro Rovati, department chair and assistant professor of theology at Belmont Abbey College, was appointed by Bishop Peter Jugis to serve as the official contact person for the diocesan phase of the unprecedented worldwide synod. He shares what he’s learned in the Synod process so far. Learn more about the Synod 2021-2023 at www.charlottediocese.org/synod2023.

St. Matthew has a long-standing tradition of tithing 10 percent of our offertory. Because of the generosity of our parishioners and friends, we are blessed to make an impact on the lives of those in need in our community, both Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Union County. In June, we made gifts of assistance in the amount of $172, 000, providing support for food, shelter and medical needs of the underserved our area. We extend our sincere gratitude to our parish family for their kindness and generosity. God bless you!
The following charitable groups received gifts of assistance. Click on the organization name to learn more about their impact on our area.
 AGAPE Dental Ministry
 ANSWER Scholarship
 Brookstone School
 Catholic Charities (Food Pantry)
 Charlotte Family Housing
 Community Culinary School of Charlotte
 Crisis Assistance of Charlotte
 Daughters of the Virgin Mother
 Do Greater Charlotte
 GenOne
 Gigi’s Playhouse
 House of Mercy
 Loaves and Fishes
 Matthews Free Clinic
 Roof Above
 Safe Alliance
 St. Joseph’s Seminary
 UMAR
 Union County Crisis Assistance

Date: July 9, 2022
Location: 5000 Whitewater Center Pkw
Charlotte, N.C. 28214
Cost: Concert is free; $6 per vehicle for parking
For all the info, click here.

What: 8th Annual Hoops for Hunger 3v3 Charity Basketball Tournament

When & Who: Saturday, July 30, 2022

Ages 11 & under: 9:00am-10:30am

• Register here

Ages 12-14: 10:30am-12:00pm

• Register here

Ages 15-17: 1:00pm-2:30pm

• Register here

Ages 18 & over: 2:30-4:00pm

• Register here

Where: St. Matthew Parish Gym

Details: Entry fee per player is either $15 or a new soccer ball. Three players max per team. Registration ends Wednesday, July 27. To volunteer as a Referee or for more information, please contact lexchaffe@gmail.com or maliahileman@gmail.com.

Ways to give if you cannot participate in the tournament:

• To donate Online:
  • Donate Here
    • Note: Hoops
  • To donate by check:
    • Payee: Matthew Catholic Church
      • Memo: Hoops

Hoops for Hunger is an annual 3v3 charity basketball tournament supporting the Missionaries of the Poor through the Monsignor McSweeney World Hunger Drive.

All are encouraged to join us following the 9 am Mass on Saturday, July 2, as we pray and sing the Patriotic Rosary for the consecration of our nation. The Patriotic Rosary is a powerful prayer seeking divine protection and mercy for our country and is interspersed with patriotic song. Our Lady calls us to be a light for all nations, so that peace may reign throughout the region and beyond all boundaries.

Are you seeking a fulfilling opportunity to reach out to help our less fortunate Charlotte area neighbors?

If so, the St Matthew Men’s Shelter Service Team can provide you several safe and rewarding opportunities to choose from. Our ministry team has been in operation since 1987, with great support from St. Matthew clergy and staff.
Our team has provided consistent support to Charlotte’s homeless men as they seek work and ways out of homelessness. There have been many successes over the years. This ministry is a great way to meet other St Matthew parishioners and make new friends. We are currently seeking new St Matthew volunteers to join and fill out our teams. Our services include:

– Preparing and serving meals (Saturdays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays)
– Distributing clothing and personal care items (Wednesday evenings)
– Providing technical support in the shelter’s computer room to help the shelter guests locate and apply for jobs and housing. (Wednesday evenings)

Please feel free to call or email Tom Ellis, ministry leader, for additional details or to join one of our teams

We look forward to hearing from you!

Tom Ellis
tjellis.qdoon02@gmail.com
704.208.0919

We are so excited to launch our new parish family prayer wall! We invite you to share your prayer requests and also visit this page to lift up your parish family in prayer. Requests can be submitted with your name, or anonymously, and you can also let people know you are praying for their intentions. What a beautiful way to be connected as a parish family! The page can always be found at the top of the menu on our homepage, and you can also access it here: https://stmatthewcatholic.org/prayerwall .

Thousands of people across the diocese benefit because of the DSA-funded ministries. Among those served are:

• 42,070 children and adults through programs assisted by the Faith Formation Office
• 7,026 students in Catholic Schools
• 1,760 Catholic college students through Campus Ministry programs
• 18,021 clients of Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte, served in the following office locations: Asheville, Charlotte, Murphy, Greensboro, Winston-Salem
• 146 permanent deacons through the Permanent Diaconate program
• 84 religious sisters serving in our diocese
• 45 seminarians currently in formation for the diocese

Click here to give online.