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
  • Monday, March 30, from 7 to 8 pm

Waxhaw Campus:

  • Tuesday, March 10, from 3 to 5 pm

Whether you come to confession regularly or it has been years since your last visit, Lent is a beautiful time to begin again. God’s mercy is always waiting, and our Penance Services offer a welcoming space to encounter His grace and prepare your heart for Easter.

During each service, multiple priests will be available for individual confession, and all Catholics in the area are welcome to attend.

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 Sacristan 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

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.

Visit our Same Seat? website to view the videos and download the discussion questions.

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

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.

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.

Sunday, March 29

Main Campus:

  • Saturday
    • Vigil 5:30 pm
  • Sunday
    • 7 am*, 9 am, 10:45 am, 12:30 pm and 5:30 pm

Waxhaw Campus:

  • Saturday
    • Vigil 4 pm
  • Sunday
    • 9:30 am, 11 am

* Please note that the 7:30 am Mass on Sunday has been moved to 7 am 

Tuesday, March 31 at 3 pm, St. Mark Catholic Church, Huntersville

There are no 7 or 9 am Masses on March 31, as our priests will attend the Chrism Mass. In place of these Masses, we will offer deacon led Communion Services at the same times. 

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.