St. Matthew > Lent 2026

Lent is a sacred season of renewal, a 40-day (Feb. 18 – April 4) journey of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that prepares our hearts for Easter. We invite you to walk this journey with us through worship, service, and community. From our Lenten series Same Seat?, created to draw our parish family closer to one another and closer to Christ, to Mass, Confession, Stations of the Cross, Lenten Dinners, and other special parish gatherings, there are many ways to enter more deeply into this time of grace as we prepare for the joy of the Resurrection.

Click the “+” on the right to view all the details in each section.

Mass and Ashes
Main Campus – 7 am; 8:15 am; 7 pm
Waxhaw Campus – 7 pm
 
Prayer Service and Ashes (both campuses)
12:10 pm; 5:10 pm

Main Campus – Monday, March 9, from 6 to 9 pm
Waxhaw Campus – Tuesday, March 10, from 3 to 5 pm

Mercy Monday – Special confession time offered March 30,  7 – 8 pm at the Main Campus in confessionals 

Main Campus Chapel

  • Friday – Following the 9 am Mass until 9 pm

Waxhaw Campus

  • Second Tuesday of the Month at 6 pm (During Lent, March 10)

During Lent, join us on Fridays from 5:30 to 7 pm in the Parish Center for special meatless dinners hosted by different parish groups:

  • Feb. 20 – Pasta Dinner
    • hosted by the Parish Council
  • Feb. 27 – Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup
    • hosted by Christ Renews Us
  • March 6 – Pancakes and Eggs
    • hosted by Ancient Order of Hibernians
  • March 13 – Macaroni and Cheese and Vegetable Chili
    • hosted by the Waxhaw Usher Team
  • March 20 – Fish and Chips
    • hosted by our Choir
  • March 27 – Pizza
    • hosted by Faith Formation
    • please note, the location of this will be in the Banquet Room

Dinners are at no cost, however donations are graciously accepted

Main Campus Church

  • Mondays at 9:30 am in the main campus church
  • Fridays at 7 pm in the main campus church (Please note that there are no Stations on Friday, Feb. 20.)

Waxhaw Campus

  • Wednesdays following the noon Rosary

Special Stations of the Cross Events

Family Sunday: Outdoor Stations of the Cross

  • Sunday, March 22, following the 10:45 am Mass, journey to the back of our main campus for an interactive, tactile experience as we pray the Stations of the Cross. A sweet treat will follow this special prayer time.

Journey with Jesus 

  • On Friday, March 27, at 7 pm in the main campus church, the children of our parish bring to life the Stations of the Cross and the Passion of Jesus in Journey with Jesus, a beautiful, powerful and prayerful reenactment of Christ’s final hours.
  • All are invited to enjoy pizza in the Parish Center Family Room from 5:30 to 7 pm.

Prayer, Music and Stations of the Cross

  • Join us on Good Friday, April 3, at 7 pm in the church for a Lenten pilgrimage of Christ’s Passion brought to life through music and prayer. This powerful and contemplative evening is recommended for anyone seeking a unique and compelling addition to Holy Week.  

Video Stations of the Cross

https://youtu.be/TA6rbJyBVZY?si=IV-xpr_EpU837OJu

We all grow comfortable in our same seat. However, life’s challenges can move us somewhere new. This Lent, we will reflect on how God meets us in those unexpected places. Join us for this
six-week small group or individual Lenten series, starting Ash Wednesday.

Week 1:
 
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

Friday, Feb. 20, at 7 pm main campus church.

GMA Dove Awards® – nominated artist, songwriter, and worship leader Sarah Kroger is coming to St. Matthew for a special concert on Friday, Feb. 20, from 7 to 8:30 pm at the main campus church. Join us for an inspiring evening of music and worship. You do not want to miss this special night. Admission is free. Entry is available on a first-come, first-served basis until capacity is reached.

Christ Renews Us is a two-day, spiritual-renewal experience facilitated by parishioners, that offers rewarding fellowship and fosters a sense of community.
 
Inspirational talks, small-group discussion, fellowship, prayer, music, great food and the celebration of Mass and reconciliation are all part of this powerful experience that will make you feel a welcome part of our parish. Want a more engaging faith life? Take advantage of this once-a-year opportunity to refresh your faith, go deeper and find greater healing, joy and peace.
 
Christ Renews Us 2026 is held on our main campus and is a non-sleepover event. For more information and to register, visit www.stmatthewcatholic.org/ChristRenewsUs.

Singles Mass – Thursday, March 19, 7 pm at the main campus church, reception to follow

Join Deacon Joe Becker for a meaningful two-night presentation exploring the myths and truths of what the Catholic Church teaches about purgatory. Whether you are curious, unsure, or simply want to grow in understanding, all are welcome.

March 19 and 26 at 7 pm, Main Campus, Banquet Room
Visit www.stmatthewcatholic.org/adultfaithformation for more information.

Holy Thursday – April 2

  • No 7 or 9 am daily Mass
  • Mass of the Lord’s Supper
    • 7 pm, incense used
    • Main Campus
  • Altar of Repose
    • 8 to midnight
    • Parish Center Gym

Good Friday – April 3

  • No 7 or 9 am daily Mass
  • Service of the Lord’s Passion
    • 3 pm, Main Campus
    • 3 pm, Waxhaw Campus
  • An Evening of Prayer, Music, and Stations of the Cross
    • Join us on Good Friday, April 3, at 7 pm in the church for a Lenten pilgrimage of Christ’s Passion brought to life through music and prayer. This powerful and contemplative evening is recommended for anyone seeking a unique and compelling addition to Holy Week.   
    • 7 pm, Main Campus

Holy Saturday  April 4

  • Noon: Blessing of the Easter Food (Main Campus)

Easter Vigil  April 4

  • 8:15 pm: The Solemn Easter Vigil is longer than a typical Mass and incense is used. (Main Campus)
  • No 9 am daily Mass
  • No 4 or 5:30 pm Saturday Vigil Masses

Easter Sunday April 5

  • Masses Main Campus
    • 7 am*
    • 9 am
    • 10:45 am
    • 12:30 pm           
    • 5:30 pm
  •  Masses Waxhaw Campus
    • 8 am 
    • 9:30 am       
    • 11 am

 Live Stream Mass

  • 10:45 am is live streamed.

*Please note that the 7:30 am Mass on Palm Sunday and Easter is moved to 7 am.