CATHEDRAL OF SAINT MATTHEW THE APOSTLE, WASHINGTON, D.C. FEBRUARY 21, 2016

EUCHARISTIC HOLY HOUR

Monday, February 22 6 to 7pm

Confessions in English & Spanish

“Jesus introduces us to these works of mercy in his preaching so that we can know whether or not we are living as his disciples.” (Pope Francis, Bull of Indiction for the Jubilee Year of Mercy, #15)

TODAY’S READINGS

ecoming fully awake, they saw his glory. (Luke 9:32) It had been a long day. Troubles at work, financial challenges, infuriating traffic—and now, the

burdened man was driving home from work feeling tense and anxious. But then he crested a hill and saw a beautiful sunset over the valley where he lived. His heart lifted, and he remembered why he was doing it all in the first place. It was as if someone had drawn a curtain back from a window.

How easy it can be to get bogged down with our obligations! And how deeply the Holy Spirit wants to get our attention! Look at the disciples. They fell asleep while Jesus was praying. Imagine their surprise as they opened their drowsy eyes and saw him transfigured. Or look at Abraham: he and Sarah had longed for children for decades. Think of how hard it was for him to believe that he would have just one child, much less a sky full. He probably never looked at the night sky the same again.

God wants to get our attention. He wants to nudge us and readjust our focus. Maybe something special happens, and the “light goes on,” changing our perspective. Or maybe we’re trying to become more attentive to God’s presence, and he sends a blessed moment when he “pulls back the curtain,” revealing a glimpse of his glory.

You don’t have to wait for God to surprise you. You can put yourself in a position where he can open your eyes and change your perspective. Today, try to slow down a couple of times, and look for God’s presence. Maybe you can take a walk and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Or maybe visit a church and sit before the Blessed Sacrament. Or just close your eyes, and picture Jesus sitting next to you. No matter how you do it, know that the Lord is near you. Nothing makes him happier than when one of his children “wakes up”!

“Holy Spirit, I am sleepy. Wake me up to God’s presence. I want to be fully in touch with you today.”

Taken from The Word Among Us, February 2016, Vol. 35, Number 3: Used with permission.

THIS WEEK’S READINGS

Sunday 21 Gn 15:5-12,17-18 / Phil 3:17—4:1 / Lk 9:28-36 Monday 22 1 Pt 5:1-4 / Mt 16:13-19 The Chair of St. Peter the Apostle Tuesday 23 Is 1:10,16-20 / Mt 23:1-12 St. Polycarp Wednesday 24 Je 18:18-20 / Mt 20:17-28 Thursday 25 Je 17:5-10 / Lk 16:19-31 Friday 26 Gn 37:3-4,12-13,17-28 / Mt 21:33-43,45-46 Saturday 27 Mi 7:14-15,18-20 / Lk 15:1-3,11-32 Sunday 28 Ex 3:1-8,13-15 / 1 Cor 10:1-6,10-12 / Lk 13:1-9

JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY

Second Sunday of Lent – Showing compassion – literally “suffering with” one another – is an important part of sharing God’s mercy. Sister Bon Secours shares this story: “On a plane headed home, the woman seated next to me saw my religious habit and asked me to pray for her child, who suffers physical and mental sickness. This mother, compassionately concerned for her beloved child, shed tears as she allowed me to enter into her experience of the

great mystery of suffering. I shared what I could and kept her in my prayers. Recently this woman reached out again to share that though the suffering continues, she is recognizing the consolation of God’s presence and merciful love through this trial.” God shared His

mercy through Sister’s compassionate listening! Find ways for God to share mercy through you at www.mercy.adw.org.

The Works of Mercy – “The Works of Mercy are acts of concern and compassion we do for others. Through these acts, we attend to the spiritual and/or bodily needs of those whom God has placed in our lives at any given time. … Living the works of mercy requires that our hearts be open to a broader understanding of feeding, welcoming, forgiving and

praying. … [T]hey provide us with real, tangible opportunities to raise up the dignity of every human person through our actions.” (Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, Archdiocese of Washington)

Corporal Works of Mercy Spiritual Works of Mercy

Feed the hungry. Give drink to the thirsty.

Clothe the naked. Welcome the stranger.

Heal the sick. Visit the imprisoned.

Bury the dead.

Counsel the doubtful. Instruct the ignorant. Admonish the sinner. Comfort the afflicted.

Forgive offenses. Bear patiently those

who do us ill. Pray for the living

and the dead.

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SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

LIVING LENT

Join us for a Simple Lenten Meal – The Social Justice Committee invites parishioners and friends to participate in our Simple Lenten Meals program, held every Friday in the North Conference Room after the 6pm Stations of the Cross. This Friday, the Knights of Columbus will prepare and serve soup, while a representative from the Northwest Center will speak on their mission of providing supportive services to pregnant women. All donations collected that evening will benefit the Center. Rice Bowl Reflection – Catholic Relief Services (CRS) invites us to reflect on the Catholic social teaching principle, Sacredness and Dignity of the Human Person, as we are reminded that our inherent dignity comes from our creation as children of God. Let us pray this week for our brothers and sisters from all around the world that we may respect and uphold the sacredness of life and dignity of all people. Paper coin boxes or “Rice Bowls,” available in the Cathedral and rectory, will be collected at the end of Lent. For more information, visit www.crsricebowl.org. Stations of the Cross – The Via Crucis is a journey made in the Holy Spirit, that divine fire that burned in the heart of Jesus (cf Lk 1:49-50) and brought him to Calvary. The Stations of the Cross in the form adopted by Pope John Paul II will be prayed in English on Fridays of Lent at 6pm, followed by a Simple Lenten Meal, and in Spanish on Sundays of Lent at 2:15pm. Join us for this beautiful devotion, so fitting for Lent. Wednesday Evening Confessions – This Lent all parishes in the Archdiocese of Washington and the Diocese of Arlington will offer confessions every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8pm. Confessions at St. Matthew’s in English and Spanish will be heard from 6:30 to 8pm on Wednesdays of Lent (3 confessors), in addition to our regular confession times (weekdays from 11am to Noon, Saturdays from 4 to 5pm, and after the 1pm Spanish Mass on Sundays of Lent except March 6). Midday Lenten Prayer with the Community of Sant’Egidio – The Community of Sant’Egidio in Washington, DC invites you to share their common prayer every Tuesday during Lent at 12:45pm in Saint Anthony’s Chapel. “Prayer is never in vain; it rises ceaselessly to the Lord so that anguish is turned into hope, tears into joy, despair into happiness, and solitude into communion.” Lenten Prayers for Seminarians – Please take a moment to stop by the “Vocations Tree” at the Cathedral main entrance. The tree has cards for all 72 seminarians of the Archdiocese of Washington. Make it a beautiful Lenten offering to the Lord to pray for these men who are called to give their lives to serve His people.

NEWS AND NOTES

Light the City at St. Matthew’s Cathedral – Join us on Saturday, March 5 for this Arch-diocese of Washington-sponsored event. Following a prayer service, teams of volun-teers will head out to the streets and invite passers-by into the Cathedral to light a candle and pray. Arrive by 7pm for volunteer training, followed by street evangelization and prayer from 8 to 11pm. Annual Jubilarian Mass – This year’s Jubilarian Celebration of marriage honoring couples married 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 and 51+ years will be held Sunday, June 19 at 2pm at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Cardinal Wuerl will preside at the Mass. Call 202-587-5143 to register by Friday, April 1.

Catholic Charities Job Opening – Catholic Charities is seeking a Parish Regional Coordinator to support the staff and volun-teers of the parishes of the Archdiocese of Washington in serving the poor and vulnerable. Candidates may appy at https://re11.ultipro.com/ARC1012B/JobBoard/JobDetails.aspx?__ID=*1C2503DDCC0914EE.

OUTREACH

Respect Life Ministry – Monthly Rosary – Join us for our monthly rosary for life this Saturday, February 27, after the 8am Mass. For more information on opportunities with the Respect Life Ministry, contact Justin Silvers at stmatthewsrespectlife@yahoo.com. Spring Supper for the Homeless – The Social Justice & Community Services Committee will host a dinner for our homeless friends on Sunday, March 13 at 2:30pm. Contact Paulin Leonida at lmapaulina@gmail.com or 202-630-0119 to help with any of the following:

- Set up, serve, and provide hospitality - Make or purchase food for the dinner

- Give a monetary donation towards food and supplies

These biannual dinners are a huge success because of you! We look forward to hearing from you.

CATHEDRAL OF SAINT MATTHEW THE APOSTLE, WASHINGTON, D.C. FEBRUARY 21, 2016

RCIA Candidates and Catechumens and their sponsors pose with Theresa Prymuszewski after the Rite of Sending, celebrated by Fr. Mark Pranaitis at the Cathedral’s 5:30pm Mass on Sunday, February 7. The “sending” is a sending to Cardinal Wuerl for the Rite of Election and Continuing Conversion to be celebrated at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Please keep our RCIA group in your prayers!

PARISH CALENDAR February 21 – 28

Sunday 21—Second Sunday of Lent Children’s Faith Formation classes meet at 9:45am at the Education Center. Las clases de Catequesis, Catecumenado y Catequesis Familiar continúan a las 11:00 de la mañana. Padre Rafael tendrá las confesiones después de la misa de 1 de la tarde. El Vía Crucis se rezará (en español) a las 2:15 de la tarde.

RCIA dismissal is held at the 5:30pm Mass. Monday 22—A Eucharistic Holy Hour is held in

the Cathedral from 6 to 7pm, with Confessions available. Wine and Wisdom meets at 7pm in the North Conference Room.

Tuesday 23—Midday prayer with the Sant’Egidio community is prayed in St. Anthony’s Chapel following the 12:10pm Mass. Legión de María se reúne a las 5:30 de la tarde hasta las 7 en el salón del Oeste.

El grupo de Oración se reúne a las 7 de la tarde en el salón de conferencias del Oeste.

Wednesday 24—Confessions are heard from 6:30 to 8pm in English and Spanish.

RCIA meets at 7pm in the North Conference Room (newcomers welcome!). Sacred Page, Sunday Scripture Reflections, meets at 7pm in the West Conference Room.

Friday 26—Stations of the Cross are prayed at 6pm, followed by a Simple Lenten Meal served in the North Conference Room.

Saturday 27—A Rosary for Life is prayed after the 8am Mass in the Cathedral, facing the main altar. Fr. Hurley’s study on the Letter to the Romans meets at 10:30am in the East Conference Room.

Sunday 28—Third Sunday of Lent A second collection for the Church in the Developing World is taken at all Masses. Children’s Faith Formation classes meet at 9:45am at the Education Center. Las clases de Catequesis, Catecumenado y Catequesis Familiar continúan a las 11:00 de la mañana. Padre Rafael tendrá las confesiones después de la misa de 1 de la tarde. El Vía Crucis se rezará (en español) a las 2:15 de la tarde. RCIA dismissal is held at the 5:30pm Mass.

FAITH FORMATION

Adult Confirmation Preparation – Each spring during the Easter Season, St. Matthew’s offers adult Confirmation preparation for active, baptized Catholics who have already received their First Eucharist. Preparation includes four Thursday evenings (April 14, 21, 28 & May 5) and one Saturday (May 7). The celebration of adult Confirmation in 2016 is at a special Mass on Pentecost Sunday, May 15. Registration forms are available on the parish website. Register by April 11. Bible Study on Romans – Explore St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans during this Year of Mercy. Fr. Jack Hurley will lead this study in the East Conference Room on Saturdays from 10:30 to 11:45am. Upcoming topics are listed below.

February 27 – Justification by Faith March 5 – God’s Love March 12 – New Life in the Spirit March 19 – Israel in God’s Plan

Spiritual Direction – St. Matthew’s provides and refers interested persons to qualified spiritual directors. Contact Theresa Prymuszewski, Pastoral Associate for Faith Formation, at 202-587-5139 or tprymuszewski@stmatthewscathedral.org. Live Jesus! 2016 – A morning of Salesian reflection, fellowship and prayer will be held on March 5, sponsored by the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, at Our Lady of Good Counsel (Vienna, VA). Register at www.oblates.org; click on the Live Jesus! icon.

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT

LECTURAS DE HOY

uando estamos trabajando, atendiendo a la familia o estudiando, siempre tendemos a pensar en los sucesos del día, los problemas de hoy, las necesidades actuales. Pensamos

nada más que en el aquí y ahora. ¿Cuántas veces pensamos en la promesa de una vida gloriosa con Jesús en el cielo? Si lo pensáramos a menudo, el concepto que tenemos de la vida cambiaría bastante. Cuando los apóstoles Pedro, Juan y Santiago presenciaron la transfiguración del Señor, lo vieron en toda su gloria, tal como sería después de su muerte y su resurrección, es decir, como es ahora, revestido de la gloria que el Padre le concedió por su victoria sobre el pecado y la muerte.

Después de su resurrección, Jesús ascendió al cielo para reinar en gloria con Dios Padre, pero no abandonó a sus fieles, y constantemente intercede por nosotros ante el trono del Padre. Por el Bautismo y el don de la fe, estamos unidos a Cristo en su muerte y su resurrección, y por eso podemos llegar a ser como él, y “vamos transformándonos en su imagen misma, porque cada vez tenemos más de su gloria” (2 Corintios 3, 18).

San Pablo dijo que “Nosotros, en cambio, somos ciudadanos del cielo” donde se encuentra Jesús en su gloria (Filipenses 3, 20). Si bien es cierto que vivimos día a día aquí en la tierra, es importante recordar que Jesús ha abierto el camino para que vayamos a vivir con él en su gloria para siempre.

De modo, que siendo creyentes bautizados, podemos empezar a transformarnos ahora mismo, si vivimos por fe, fijando la mirada en Cristo Jesús y poniendo oído a su palabra. Así tendremos esperanza y gozo. Los problemas del momento y las satisfacciones temporales de la vida terrenal adquirirán una nueva perspectiva; porque con el corazón y la mente anhelaremos entrar y permanecer en la presencia del Señor.

“Señor mío Jesucristo, enséñame a elevar la mirada hacia tu morada celestial y pensar que, si me mantengo firme, un día compartiré contigo la gloria de la resurrección.”

”Escogida con el permiso de la Palabra Entre Nosotros. Vol 35, Numero 3; febrero – marzo 2016.

LECTURAS DE LA SEMANA

Domingo 21 Gé 15:5-12,17-18 / Fil 3:17—4:1 / Lc 9:28-36 Lunes 22 1 Pe 5:1-4 / Mt 16:13-19 La Cátedra del Apóstol San Pedro Martes 23 Is 1:10,16-20 / Mt 23:1-12 San Policarpio Miércoles 24 Je 18:18-20 / Mt 20:17-28 Jueves 25 Je 17:5-10 / Lc 16:19-31 Viernes 26 Gé 37:3-4,12-13,17-28 / Mt 21:33-43,45-46 Sábado 27 Mi 7:14-15,18-20 / Lc 15:1-3,11-32 Domingo 28 Éx 3:1-8,13-15 / 1 Cor 10:1-6,10-12 / Lc 13:1-9

INTENCIONES DE MISAS MASS INTENTIONS

February 21 – 28

Sunday, February 21 5:30pm Vigil (February 20) – Marcosa

Cancio 7am – Dorothy M. Stanovich 8:30am – Kristine Higgins (living) 10am – All Parishioners 11:30am – Kathleen Gargasz Knight 1pm – Luisa Soto 5:30pm – Eleazar Fernando

Monday, February 22 7am – Special Intention JA & V (living) 8am – Ernest B. Agcaoili 12:10pm – Leo Magahum 5:30pm – George Vergel de Dios (living)

Tuesday, February 23 7am – Cándido Menjivar 8am – Ann Yancey 12:10pm – Joel Señoran 5:30pm – Daniel McBath

Wednesday, February 24 7am – David & Helene Stever (living) 8am – Angelo F. Sapienza 12:10pm – Eamonn Ryan 5:30pm – Thanksgiving

Thursday, February 25 7am – Kathleen Hannon 8am – Jimmy Conlon 12:10pm – Margaret Curran (living) 5:30pm – Henry Meier Lewis

Friday, February 26 7am – Donald Butler 8am – John Virum 12:10pm – Tijin Thomas 5:30pm – Patrick Colliton (living)

Saturday, February 27 8am – Vitorio Nayandia Seminario 12:10pm – Melanie Aybar 5:30pm – Jason Sedler

Sunday, February 28 7am – Jose Rogelio Hernandez 8:30am – Lisa Grandinetti 10am – Martin Reedy 11:30am – Scott Alan Buswell 1pm – Hermanos y Hermanas De León

Soto (living) 5:30pm – All Parishioners

Proclama de Matrimonio – Rafael Polonia y Melissa Mena planean casarse en Santo Domingo Republica Dominicana el 5 de noviembre de 2016.

Banns of Marriage – Rafael Polonia and Melissa Mena plan to marry in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on November 5, 2016.

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CATHEDRAL OF SAINT MATTHEW THE APOSTLE, WASHINGTON, D.C. FEBRUARY 21, 2016

NOTICIAS DE LA PARROQUIA

Segundo Domingo de Cuaresma – Demostrando la compasión—el “compartir la pasión o sufrimiento” con otro es una parte importante del compartir la Misericordia de Dios. La hermana Bon Secours comparte esta historia: En mi vuelo de regreso a casa, la

mujer sentada a mi lado vio mi hábito religioso y me pidió que rezara por su hijo, que sufre de una enfermedad física y mental. Se le caían las lágrimas a esta madre, preocupada por su hijo amado, mientras me dejaba entrar a su experiencia del gran misterio de sufrimiento. Yo compartí lo que pude y la recuerdo en mis oraciones. Recientemente, esta misma mujer se comunicó conmigo y me dijo que aunque el sufrimiento continua, ella reconoce el consuelo de la presencia y el amor misericordioso de Dios en esta prueba. Dios compartió su misericordia a través de la compasión de la hermana. Busca más en misericordia.adw.org. Plato de Arroz – Catholic Relief Services (CRS) nos invita a reflexionar sobre la enseñanza católica social, La Santidad y Dignidad del Ser Humano, y se nos recuerda que nuestra dignidad inherente viene del ser creados como hijos de Dios. Recemos por nuestros hermanos de todo el mundo, para que podamos respetar y mantener la santidad de la vida y dignidad de cada persona. Cajas de cartón, o “Platos de Arroz”, están disponibles en la Catedral y en la rectoría y serán recogidas al fin de la Cuaresma. Para más información: www.crsricebowl.org. Si tiene alguna pregunta, póngase en contacto con el padre Rafael o Norma Canedo al socialjustice@stmatthewscathedral.org. Via Crucis – El Vía Crucis, revisado por el Papa Juan Pablo II, se rezará en inglés los vienes a las 6 de la tarde y en español los domingos a las 2:15 de la tarde durante la Cuaresma. Les invitamos a unirse a nosotros en esta devoción cuaresmal. Únase a nosotros para una cena simple de cuaresma – El Comité de Justicia Social invita a feligreses y amigos a participar en el programa de Cenas Simples de Cuaresma, cada viernes en el Salón del Norte, después del Vía Crucis (en inglés) de las 6 de la tarde. Esta semana, los Caballeros de Colón prepararán y servirán una sopa, también tendremos como invitados a una representante del Centro Northwest quien hablará sobre la misión del Centro que provee servicios de apoyo a mujeres embarazadas. Todas las donaciones que se recogerán esa tarde beneficiaran al Centro.

Confesiones los Miercoles de Cuaresma – En este tiempo de Cuaresma, la Catedral de San Mateo tendrá confesiones disponibles los miércoles de Cuaresma de 6:30 a 8 de la noche, tendremos confesiones en inglés y español, además del horario regular de confesiones (lunes-viernes, 11-12; sábados 4-5 de la tarde y todos los domingos de Cuaresma después de la Misa de 1:00 de la tarde en español menos el 6 de marzo).

Oración por los Seminaristas en Cuaresma – Por favor, tome un momento y pase a la entrada de la Catedral, para ver el “Árbol de Vocaciones,” un arbolito que tiene 72 tarjetas en sus ramas por todos los seminaristas de la Arquidiócesis de Washington. Haga una bonita ofrenda al Señor en Cuaresma,

rezando por estos hombres que han sido llamados a dar sus vidas para servir a Su pueblo. Grupo de Oración – El grupo de oración se reúne los martes a la 7 de la tarde en el salón de conferencias del Oeste. El objetivo del grupo es profundizar nuestra fe por medio de las Sagradas Escrituras. El grupo de Oración tendrá charlas programadas a través del año. El Tema es: “La Profesión de la Fe.” La próxima charla: El Padre, será el martes 23 de febrero y padre Mariano Vicchi, IVE será el invitada especial. Ministerio de Respeto a la Vida – Rosario mensual – Únase a nosotros este sábado 27 de febrero, después de la Misa de 8 de la mañana. Para más información sobre oportunidades de servicio y participación en el Ministerio de Respeto a la Vida, puede llamar a la rectoría 202-347-3215 o póngase en contacto con Justin Silvers al stmatthewsrespectlife@yahoo.com.

Cena de Primavera para Personas sin Hogar – El Comité de Justicia Social y Servicio Comunitario está auspiciando una cena para nuestros amigos sin hogar el domingo, 13 de marzo a las 2:30 de la tarde, puede llamar a la rectoría 202-347-3215. Estas son las diferentes maneras para ayudar: - Preparar el salón, servir y proveer hospitalidad a nuestros invitados; - Preparar o comprar comida para la cena; o - Hacer una donación monetaria para el uso de compras de comida y materiales. ¡Estas cenas bianuales son un gran éxito por su ayuda! Esperamos oir de ustedes.

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The Vespers Service will also include motets by

Palestrina, Lassus, Byrd, Osterhagen,

Hieronymus Praetorius

Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle 1725 Rhode Island Ave NW WDC 20036

Celebrating 175 Years of Spreading the Joy of the Gospel

WEEKLY SCRIPTURE STUDY

wednesday evenings | seven o'clock

west conference roomcathedral of saint matthew the apostle

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SPONSORED BY THE OFFICE OF FAITH FORMATIONAND CATHEDRAL YOUNG ADULTS

Meet the 2016

Parish Pastoral Council

Feb 2016

Susan Aspey

Chair, Communications Committee

Usual Mass: 5:30 Sunday

Susan is in her second year on the PPC, serving on the Communications Committee. She is a lector on Tuesday

mornings and supports the EMC ministry. Susan is a convert and has attended St. Matthews since moving to DC

in 2001. She usually attends 5:30 Mass on Saturday or Sunday. Outside of St. Matthews, she enjoys running and

spending time with her family and friends. She lives in the District with her dog, and works in education.

Patricia Boehme

Member, Faith Formation Committee and Hispanic Community

Usual Mass: 1:00

Patricia is from Wisconsin and now, after academic studies, working and traveling, has settled in Dupont Circle.

Social Justice issues (in particular, exploring how we might reach out to our incarcerated brothers and sisters in

Christ), and the deepening of our faith through prayer (Faith Formation committee) are the ministries she has

chosen for her service to our spiritual family.

Claudia Campos

Member, Communications Committee and Hispanic Community

Usual Mass: 1:00 Sunday

Claudia is the Chief Programs Officer and Mental Health Director at Nueva Vida, Inc., a non-profit organization

that provides support to Latino Families whose lives are affected by cancer in the Washington, DC, Baltimore and

Richmond metropolitan areas.

Krista Cox

Vice-Chair, Parish Pastoral Council

Usual Mass: 8:30 Sunday

Krista is an attorney specializing in intellectual property, particularly related to access to knowledge and access

to medicines, with previous experience in immigrant rights. She joined St. Matthew's after moving to DC in 2011.

Her service includes being an EMC, a member of the Social Justice and Community Services Committee and a

former coordinator of the English as a Second Language and Spanish as a Second Language Programs. Krista

currently lives in Maryland with her husband and two sons..

Kevin Crouch

Member, Hospitality Committee

Usual Mass: 12:10 and 5:30 Weekdays

Kevin has been a "weekday" parishioner at St. Matthew's since 1992 attending the 12:10 mass and serving as a

lector and EMC. Kevin is in his second year on the PPC previously serving on the Liturgy Committee and

supporting the Hospitality Committee. Kevin worked for the federal government for 30 years, and currently a

government contractor working at the General Services Administration. Kevin and his wife Linda have three

children Jami, Isac and Grayson and a grandson Liam.

Dan Evans

Secretary, Parish Pastoral Council

Usual Mass: 5:30 Sunday

Dan has been a St. Matthew’s parishioner since 1990, when he was baptized and confirmed in the Cathedral

during the Easter Vigil. His service to the Parish includes many years as an altar server and extraordinary

minister of communion, the HIV/AIDS ministry and two previous terms on the Parish Council. Dan is a retired

Federal civil servant, and now volunteers in the St. Matthew’s Rectory office.

Dan Horning

Vice-chair, Social Justice and Community Service Committee

Usual Mass: 5:30 Sunday

Dan is a native of Conshohocken, PA who in his spare time enjoys wine tastings, amateur photography, and

reading up on early US history. Dan joined the parish in 2013 after graduating from college, and here has found a

community and spiritual home to laugh, pray, and worship. Dan is currently vice chair of the Social Justice and

Community Service committee, and is active with Cathedral Young Adults and the parish ESL/SSL program.

Stephanie A. T.

Jacobe, Ph.D.

Member, Communications Committee

Usual Mass: 5:30 Vigil

Stephanie has been a parishioner at St. Matthew’s since 2005. She is an EMC at the Saturday Vigil Mass, where

she is now the Lead EMC. She served on the 175th Anniversary Publications committee and now serves on the

Communications Committee.

Feb 2016

Chris Maher

Member, Stewardship Committee

Usual Mass: 5:30 Sunday

Chris grew up in the DC area, served as an attorney in the U.S. Army for 28 years and now works as a civilian

attorney for the Department of Defense. Over the years, he served his local parish churches as an EMC, CCD

teacher and small study group leader. He also advised military chaplains’ councils on finance matters. Chris and

his wife, Kristine Dunne, are active in the John Carroll Society and the Catholic Charities Legal Network.

Carmen Mezzera

Chair, Parish Pastoral Council

Usual Mass: 5:30 Vigil

Born near Pittsburgh, PA, Carmen came to DC many years ago to attend American University. She joined the

parish in 2004 and now chairs the Parish Council, which helps develop her leadership and listening skills. You will

also find her lecturing at the Vigil mass. Life with her husband and fun, feisty 2 year old daughter keeps her busy

when she isn’t rooting for the Steelers. Carmen currently works on professional international affairs education.

Sarah Ruszkowski

Cathedral Young Adults

Usual Mass: 5:30 Sunday

Sarah has been a member of St. Matthew's for the last four and a half years. This is her third year on the Parish

Council. She is a lector and active within the Cathedral Young Adults. While living here, Sarah has worked at

L'Arche, a community for adults with and without disabilities. She is grateful to have found home at St.

Matthew's!

Milton Seanz

Member, Hospitalty Committee and Hispanic Community

Usual Mass: 1:00 Sunday

Milton began attending St. Matthew’s in July 2011. He participates in the activities of the Hispanic Ministry,

serving as Lectors Coordinator and catechist of adults, among other community activities.

Nicole Whitney

Chair, Hospitality Committee

Usual Mass: 10:00 Sunday

Nicole moved to the area to pursue a career in engineering over 8 years ago. She quickly found a home in the St.

Matthew's parish. She was drawn to the extensive activities being run by the parish, both within and outside of

the church walls. Nicole has become increasingly involved through roles on the Parish Council and the Hospitality

Committee, along with volunteering for the Sick and Homebound Ministry.

David Willis

Chair, Stewardship Committee

Usual Mass: 5:30 Sunday

David, a pediatrician from Oregon, was recruited in 2012 to HHS as Director of the Division of Home Visiting and

Early Childhood Systems. He and his wife, Margy, knew that St. Matthew's was their new parish home when

they attended the Chrism Mass in 2013 and soon began service as EMCs. Now in his second term on the PPC,

David serves as chair of the Stewardship Committee and an active member of the Hospitality Committee.

Daniel Zazueta

Chair, Social Justice and Community Service Committee and Hispanic Community

Usual Mass: 11:30 Sunday

Daniel was originally from San Jose, California, and moved to Washington after graduating from law school in

2010. Among other activities, Daniel has volunteered to teach Spanish as a Second Language at St. Matthew’s.

He currently work as a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Energy. In his spare time he plays with a

Mexican folk music group called Los Gallos Negros.

Legislation has been introduced in the Maryland General Assembly (SB 418/HB 404) that would allow doctors to legally prescribe a lethal dose of drugs at the request of a patient who has been deemed mentally competent and who has received a terminal diagnosis. The legislation, referred to by its proponents as “death with dignity” is unnecessary, flawed, and lacks safeguards.

No doctor or nurse is present In almost all cases, patients will ingest the lethal dose at home, often alone, without a doctor or nurse with them in case something goes wrong.

The lethal drugs are picked up at your local pharmacy Patients pick up their lethal prescription at their local pharmacy. In most cases, this lethal dose is up to 100 individual pills of secobarbital.

No family notification is required While the prescribing physician is required to “recommend” that the patient inform family members of his or her intention, there is nothing in the law requiring this notification. There is also no requirement for a doctor – or anyone for that matter – to be present when the patient takes a lethal prescription.

There are no safeguards to ensure that a patient is not coerced at the time of death into ingesting the drug, or even to prevent another person from administering the drug, leaving open serious potential for abuse.

Patients aren’t required to receive a screening for depression The bill does not require doctors to screen patients for depression

before providing a lethal prescription. Mental health professionals

argue strongly that an overwhelming number of suicides could have

been avoided with the right therapeutic intervention. And, they know

that the stress and turmoil caused by difficult medical diagnoses can

trigger a depressive episode – a separate medical condition that can

be treated.

The legislation opens the door for those who are suffering from

depression – or even those who are overwhelmed for a short period of

time – to choose a lethal course of action.

Physician-Assisted Suicide Know the FActS

the Maryland catholic conference is a member of a broad-based coalition, Maryland Against

Physician Assisted Suicide, formed to fight this bill.

www.StopAssistedSuicideMD.orgFind tools to help defeat this dangerous legislation

www.MdCatholic.org/JoinCANSign up to receive alerts to contact your legislators

CAll to ACtioN

It’s impossible to accurately predict a terminal diagnosis Patients can request physician-assisted suicide if a doctor has diagnosed them with a terminal illness that will result in six months or less to live. Even doctors will admit such a prognosis is nearly impossible to accurately predict.

The inability to accurately predict life expectancy is among the most compelling reasons to oppose physician-assisted suicide. Medical prognoses are based on statistical averages, which are often incorrect in determining what will happen to an individual patient. We all know someone who has outlived their prognosis, sometimes by several years. The widow of Sen. Ted Kennedy, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, publicly opposed a recent statewide referendum in Massachusetts attempting to legalize physician-assisted suicide. While doctors predicted her husband had only two to four months to live, she noted, “Teddy lived 15 more productive months,” giving her and his family “15

months of cherished memories.” (“Question 2 insults Kennedy’s memory,” Cape Cod Times, Oct. 27, 2012)

Lethal drugs are cheaper than life-prolonging treatment optionsConsider the 2008 case of Oregon resident and cancer patient, Barbara Wagner. Upon learning that her cancer diagnosis was treatable with a new drug, Wagner attempted to obtain the life-prolonging treatment via the Oregon Health Plan. The Oregon Health Plan rejected her request, stating that the $4,000-per-month cancer-treatment drug was not covered by her insurance, but advised that the $100 “physician aid in dying” prescription was fully covered by her plan. Wagner’s story is one of multiple documented cases in which the state health care plan covered life-ending drugs instead of possible disease treatments.

The bottom line is that physician-assisted suicide fundamentally alters the economics of medical care, by authorizing a lethal prescription that is oftentimes significantly cheaper than life-prolonging options. This dynamic inevitably threatens society’s most vulnerable populations, particularly, the sick and elderly.

Which states currently allow physician-assisted suicide (PAS)?Since January 1994, there have been more than 175 legislative proposals in 35 states to legalize Oregon-style laws. All but four states, Oregon, Washington, Vermont and California have adamantly rejected the legalization of physician-assisted suicide. In addition, through judicial processes, it is legal in Montana, and is before the court in New Mexico.

Why does the Catholic Church oppose PAS?The Catholic Church teaches that physician-assisted suicide gravely violates the sacred value of all human life, particularly of those who are vulnerable due to illness, age or disability, and undermines the medical profession’s healing mission. “A choice to take one’s life is a supreme contradiction of freedom, a choice to eliminate all choices. And a society that devalues some people’s lives, by hastening and facilitating their deaths, will ultimately lose respect for their other

rights and freedoms.” (To Live Each Day with Dignity, USCCB)

What does the Church teach about caring for patients at the end of life?The Church does teach that we should take reasonable steps to sustain our lives, including the use of beneficial medical treatments, and of effective means for conveying nourishment and fluids. “Respect for life does not demand that we attempt to prolong life by using medical treatments that are ineffective or unduly burdensome. Nor does it mean we should deprive suffering patients of needed pain medications out of a misplaced or exaggerated fear that they might

have the side effect of shortening life.” (Ibid.)

What other groups oppose PAS?The American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, the American Nurses Association, the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, the National Council on Disability, and numerous other medical, palliative care, and disability organizations oppose physician-assisted suicide. The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization, reflecting its members’ extensive experience in caring for patients facing a terminal illness, states: “When symptoms or circumstances become intolerable to a patient, effective therapies are now available to assure relief from almost all forms of distress during the terminal phase of an illness without purposefully hastening death as the means to that end.” (Commentary and Resolution on Physician Assisted Suicide, NHPCO, 2005)

What has Pope Francis said about PAS? “In many places, the quality of life is related primarily to economic

means, to ‘well-being,’ to the beauty and enjoyment of the physical,

forgetting other more profound dimensions of existence —

interpersonal, spiritual and religious. In fact, in the light of faith and

right reason, human life is always sacred and always ‘of quality.’ There

is no human life that is more sacred than another — every human life

is sacred — just as there is no human life qualitatively more significant

than another, only by virtue of resources, rights, great social and

economic opportunities.” (Translated from Pope Francis’ speech to the

Association of Italian Catholic Doctors on November 15, 2014)

10 Francis street • annapolis, MD 21401• MDcatholic.org • 410-269-1155 / 301-261-1979

Physician-assisted suicide is fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as healer, would be difficult or impossible to control, and would pose

serious societal risks. AmericAn medicAl AssociAtion

There is no human life that is more sacred than another — every human life is sacred —

just as there is no human life qualitatively more significant than another.

PoPe FrAncis

En la Asamblea General de Maryland se ha introducido un Proyecto de Ley que permitiría a los médicos prescribir legalmente una dosis letal de medicamentos (SB 418/HB 404), a petición de un paciente que ha sido considerado mentalmente competente y que ha recibido un diagnóstico terminal. La legislación, a la que sus proponentes se refieren como “Muerte con Dignidad” es innecesaria, imperfecta, y carece de garantías.

Ningún médico o enfermera está presenteEn casi todos los casos, los pacientes ingieren la dosis letal en el hogar, a menudo a solas, sin ningún médico o enfermera con ellos para en caso de que algo vaya mal.

Las drogas letales son recogidas en su farmacia localLos pacientes recogen su medicamento letal en su farmacia local. En la mayoría de los casos, este medicamento consiste en hasta 100 pastillas individuales de secobarbital.

No se requiere notificación a la familiaSi bien es necesario que el médico que prescribe “recomiende” que el paciente informe sobre su intensión a los miembros de su familia, no hay nada en la ley que requiera esta notificación. Tampoco hay requerimiento para que un médico - o cualquier otra persona para el caso - esté presente cuando el paciente toma una prescripción letal.

No hay garantías para asegurar que un paciente no es coaccionado en el momento de la muerte para ingerir la droga, o incluso para prevenir que otra persona le administre el medicamento, dejando abierto un serio potencial para el abuso.

Los pacientes no están obligados a recibir una evaluación por depresiónEl proyecto de ley no requiere que los médicos evalúen a los pacientes por depresión antes de proporcionarles el medicamento letal. Profesionales de la salud mental sostienen firmemente que la inmensa mayoría de los suicidios podrían haberse evitado con la intervención terapéutica correcta. Y, ellos saben que el estrés y la agitación causados por diagnósticos médicos difíciles pueden desencadenar un episodio depresivo - una condición médica discreta que puede ser tratada.

La legislación abre la puerta a aquellos que están sufriendo de depresión - o incluso los que están abrumados por un corto período de tiempo - para elegir un curso de acción letal.

El Suicidio Médicamente AsistidoConozca los hechos

La Conferencia Católica de Maryland es miembro de una coalición de amplia base, Maryland Contra el Suicidio Médicamente Asistido, formada para

luchar contra este proyecto de ley.www.StopAssistedSuicideMD.org

Encuentra herramientas para ayudar a derrotar esta peligrosa legislación en:

www.MdCathCon.org/JoinCANRegístrate para recibir alertas para contactar a tus

legisladores.

Llamado a la Acción

Es imposible predecir con precisión un diagnóstico terminalLos pacientes pueden solicitar el suicidio médicamente asistido si un doctor los ha diagnosticado con una enfermedad terminal que resultará en seis meses o menos de vida. Incluso los médicos admitirán que tal pronóstico es casi imposible de predecir con exactitud.

La imposibilidad de predecir con precisión la esperanza de vida figura entre las razones más convincentes para oponerse al suicidio médicamente asistido. Los pronósticos médicos se basan en promedios estadísticos, que a menudo son incorrectos en determinar lo que sucederá con un paciente individual. Todos conocemos a alguien que ha sobrevivido a sus pronósticos, algunas veces por varios años. La viuda del senador Ted Kennedy, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, se opuso públicamente a un reciente referéndum a nivel estatal en Massachusetts que intentaba legalizar el suicidio médicamente asistido. Si bien los médicos predijeron que su marido tenía sólo de dos a cuatro meses de vida, ella señaló que “Teddy vivió 15 meses más productivos”, dándole a ella y a su familia “15 meses de recuerdos inolvidables”. (“La pregunta 2 insulta la memoria de Kennedy”, Cape Cod Times, 27 de octubre de 2012)

Las drogas letales son más baratas que las opciones de tratamiento para prolongar la vida.Consideremos el caso del 2008, de Barbara Wagmer, una residente de Oregon y paciente de cáncer. Al enterarse de que su diagnóstico de cáncer era tratable con un nuevo medicamento, Wagner trató de obtener el tratamiento para prolongar la vida, a través del Plan de Salud de Oregon. El Plan de Salud de Oregon rechazó su solicitud alegando que la droga para el tratamiento del cáncer, con un costo de $4.000 al mes, no estaba cubierta por su seguro, pero le informó que la ayuda de $100.00 para el tratamiento del “suicidio médicamente asistido” era totalmente cubierta por su plan. La historia de Wagner es uno de múltiples casos documentados en los que el plan de cuidado de salud del estado cubre los medicamentos para terminar la vida, en vez de los posibles tratamientos de la enfermedad.

La conclusión es que el suicidio asistido por un médico altera fundamentalmente la economía de la atención médica, al autorizar una receta letal que es, a menudo, mucho más barata que las opciones para prolongar la vida. Esta dinámica amenaza inevitablemente a los segmentos más vulnerables de la sociedad, sobre todo, a los enfermos y ancianos.

¿Qué estados permiten actualmente el Suicidio Medicamente Asistido (SMA)?Desde enero de 1994, se han presentado más de 175 propuestas legislativas en 35 estados para aprobar leyes al estilo de Oregon. Todos, menos cuatro estados, Oregon, Washington, Vermont y California, han rechazado rotundamente la legalización del suicidio médicamente asistido. Además, a través de procesos judiciales es legal en Montana y está frente a la Corte de Nueva México.

¿Por qué la Iglesia Católica se opone al SMA?La Iglesia Católica enseña que el suicidio medicamente asistido viola gravemente el valor sagrado de toda vida humana, particularmente de aquellos que son vulnerables debido a la enfermedad, la edad o la discapacidad, y socava la misión sanadora de la profesión médica. “Una opción para tomar la propia vida es una contradicción suprema a la libertad, una opción para eliminar todas las opciones. Y una sociedad que devalúa la vida de algunas personas, al acelerar y facilitar su muerte, va a perder, en última instancia, el respeto a sus otros derechos y libertades”. (Para Vivir Cada Día con Dignidad, USCCB)

¿Qué enseña la Iglesia sobre el cuidado de los pacientes al final de la vida?La Iglesia enseña que nosotros debemos tomar medidas razonables para sostener nuestras vidas, incluyendo el uso de tratamientos médicos beneficiosos, y de medios eficaces para tomar alimento y líquidos. “El respeto por la vida no demanda que tratemos de prolongar la vida usando tratamientos médicos que son ineficaces o indebidamente onerosos. Tampoco significa que debemos privar a los pacientes que sufren de los medicamentos necesarios para el dolor por un temor fuera de lugar o exagerado de que puedan tener el efecto secundario de acortar la vida”. (Ibíd.)

¿Qué otros grupos se oponen al SMA?La Asociación Médica Americana, el Colegio Americano de Médicos, la Asociación Americana de Enfermeras, la Organización Nacional de Hospicios y Cuidados Paliativos, el Consejo Nacional sobre Discapacidad, y numerosas otras organizaciones de atención médica, cuidados paliativos y de incapacidad se oponen suicidio medicamente asistido. La Organización Nacional de Hospicios y Cuidados Paliativos, reflejando la amplia experiencia de sus miembros en el cuidado de pacientes que enfrentan una enfermedad terminal, afirma: “Cuando los síntomas o las circunstancias se vuelven intolerables para un paciente, hay actualmente terapias eficaces disponibles para asegurar el alivio de casi todas las formas de angustia durante la fase terminal de una enfermedad, sin el propósito de acelerar la muerte como el medio para ese fin”. (Comentario y Resolución sobre el Suicidio Médicamente Asistido, NHPCO, 2005)

¿Qué ha dicho el Papa Francisco sobre el SMA?“En muchos aspectos, la calidad de vida se vincula principalmente a las posibilidades económicas, al “bienestar”, a la belleza y al gozo de la vida física, olvidando otras dimensiones más profundas −relaciones personales, espirituales y religiosas− de la existencia. En realidad, a la luz de la fe y de la recta razón, la vida humana siempre es sagrada y “de calidad”. No existe una vida humana más sagrada que otra --toda vida humana es sagrada-- igual que no hay una vida cualitativamente más significativa que otra, sólo porque tiene recursos, derechos y grandes oportunidades económicas y sociales”. (Traducido del discurso del Papa Francisco a la Asociación de Médicos Católicos Italianos el 15 de noviembre de 2014).

Conferencia Católica de Maryland • 10 Francis Street • Annapolis, MD 21401 • md cathcon.org •410-269-1155 / 301-261-1979

No existe una vida humana que sea más sagrada que otra --toda vida humana es sagrada—igual que no hay una vida

humana cualitativamente más significativa que otra. PAPA FrAncisco

El suicidio medicamente asistido es fundamentalmente incompatible con el papel del médico como sanador, sería difícil o

imposible de controlar, y plantearía graves riesgos sociales. AsociAción MédicA AMericAnA