Feast of the Immaculate Conception Holy Day of Obligation – Thursday, Dec. 8
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception celebrates God’s preservation of the Blessed Virgin Mary from the stain of original sin. It is a holy day of obligation.

Mass Times
Wednesday, Dec. 7 (Vigil Mass)
7:00 pm Ballantyne Campus

Thursday, Dec. 8
7:00 am Ballantyne Campus
9:00 am Ballantyne Campus
12:10 pm Ballantyne Campus
7:00 pm Waxhaw Campus

Enrich your Advent season with weekly reflections from FORMED. To receive weekly Advent reflections and messages, text ADVENT2022 to 84576, and follow the instructions. Don’t forget to enter your first and last name!

During the holiday season, the Angel Tree Ministry partners with local charities to provide gifts to struggling families right here in our community. We are always overwhelmed by the generosity of our parishioners and would not be as successful without you! This year, we can only accept gift card or check donations. The collections begin at all Masses on the weekend of Nov. 19 and 20 and end on Dec. 4. Please drop donations in the offertory at both campuses. In addition, you can bring donations to the church during office hours. See page 2 for hours. You can mail donations to: St.Matthew Catholic Church
PO Box 49349
Charlotte, NC 28277.

Please note:
* Place gift card donations in a sealed envelope clearly labeled ANGEL TREE and PLEASE include the amount and a gift receipt.
* For check donations please follow the above directions but include ANGEL TREE in the memo section of the check.
* Amazon, Visa, MasterCard, Target, Walmart, grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, restaurants or any local department stores are great gift card ideas.
* Visit this link to learn about some of the wonderful organizations we serve.

For more information, please email Tiffany Staples at
stmattsangeltree@gmail.com.

Do you feel like something’s missing in your life? Join us at the Living Your Strengths Workshop on Saturday, January 7^th 9:00 am-4:00 pm in the Banquet Room. We will discuss how your strengths lead to a joyful life. You’ll learn your top 5 strengths and how to use them in every aspect of your life. Everything is based on scientific research, data and above all a gift from God. This isn’t just self-help, this is Gods’ help. Do you want to live your strengths? What are you waiting for?

January 7, 2023
9 am to 4 pm
$40 (includes the Living Your Strengths book, the Top Five Clifton Strengths assessment and lunch)

To register, please visit this link.

Please note the following:

• There is no 9 am Mass on Saturday, Dec. 24.
• There are no confessions on Sunday, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
• There is no 5:30 pm Mass on Sunday, Dec. 25.
• There is no 7 am Mass from Dec. 26 to Dec. 30.
• There is no Eucharistic Adoration on Dec. 23 and 30.
• The church office is closed Friday, Dec. 23 through Monday, Dec. 26.
• The nursery is closed on Sunday, Dec. 25 and Sunday, Jan. 1.

Mass Schedule for Christmas

All three of our areas of food distribution need volunteers:

 Friday morning Pantry Run – In need of drivers and helpers

Using the box truck from the church 2 volunteers each Friday morning of the month leave from the church and drive either to Greensboro or Kannapolis to pick up donations from a grocery reclamation center. Volunteers will load boxes that avg 20-30 lbs a piece.  On the return trip stops are made along the way to charities that feed the hungry and usually you are back at the church about 12:30 pm.  Volunteers are usually scheduled one Friday a month.

Regional Farmers Market on Remount Road and delivery to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church on Tuskaseegee Rd.

Saturdays from Shed A (local farmers) pick up of donated goods in bins about 12:30 pm or From Shed B at 4:30 pmpick up of donated items from vendors.  Time commitment is about 1 ½ hrs. You are usually scheduled for once a month.  You will use your own vehicle and loads will fill a SUV or pick up space.

Weekly pick ups for local grocery store to designated charity that feeds the hungry

Two of our morning routes that happen weekly need volunteers.  A Monday and Saturday morning route needs to be filled at this time.  Usual pick up is done between 8-9amand delivered to designated charity of the day.  Route usually takes 1 –1 ½ hr to complete.

If you are available to help in one of these ways, please contact Diana Hankins at dhankins48@gmail.com or 706 888-7764.  You will receive training and we follow the church guidelines for volunteers.

At Thanksgiving, we have an opportunity to share with the underserved of our community by filling a Thanksgiving bin with food and other items for families in our area. This could be a beautiful family project. Fill an 18-gallon, lidded bin with food from the Suggested Donations List below. Perhaps include something that is unique or special to your own Thanksgiving celebrations. Personalize your bin with a handwritten card or letter to the family who will receive your gift. Drop off filled bins Nov. 5 and 6 in the narthex of the church, over by the welcome desk.

Loose food donations will also be collected throughout the month of  November. Bins will be available at the church entrance for you to drop non-perishable food items.
We are extremely grateful for your generosity and kindness offered at this time and throughout the year. May God continue to bless you today and always.