Good Morning Friends of Saint Matthew Church! It is another marvelous Sunday in Southern California and we enjoyed celebrating the mass with all of you. Everyone probably noticed the elegant new chairs! We know you will agree that they really brighten up our spiritual home.

Bishop Peter continues to recover from his stroke and is getting better day by day. We understand that his recovery will be slow but with continued prayers we know that he will return to preside for us again.

Many people have asked about financial donations to help with medical bills. Currently there is no need for additional funds, but as we all know things can change on almost a daily basis. If you would like to make a donation to Bishop Peter’s recovery, it is best to send it directly to the family much as you would send a check to say, “Happy Birthday” or “Merry Christmas”. This is done for tax reasons. If you want to send your check through the church, Bishop Peter will get taxed on the donation. The “GoFundMe” sponsored by Fr. David Lynch is another option for donating. This is the information we know currently. As more information becomes available, we will notify everyone.

Summer is here with so much to offer for our faith community. There will be a healing service this coming Wednesday evening, June 27. The Rosary continues on subsequent Wednesday evenings, followed by a Bible study series on “Great Figures of the Bible” on some Wednesdays throughout the summer (please see the weekly bulletin for specific dates). This is a new series for our community, a wonderful glimpse into the lives of those who helped shape our faith. We are also starting a movie night once a month. The first one is this Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 6:00 with the movie, “The Case for Christ.” Dinner is potluck and BYOB. We hope to see you at our summer events! For even more events, please see the calendar in the bulletin.

The Council and Clergy are pleased to announce that we have invited Bishop Armando Leyva, presiding Bishop of California, to work with us as we manage the church. You will begin to see the Bishop presiding at mass and working with both the Council and the Clergy. Bishop Armando has a thriving church in Long Beach, and we welcome his faith, knowledge, and leadership.

Summer is also a time when we all have vacations and activities that keep us from attending church. The Council and the Clergy encourage everyone to continue their support of Saint Matthew’s. We are all facing a lot during Bishop Peter’s absence, and it is only with your support both by attendance and financially that we can continue the many works of our faith community.

We thank each and every one of you for making Saint Matthew’s your church home. If you have any questions regarding this letter or any of the activities here at church, please speak with any member of the Parish Council or Clergy.

Many blessings to all as we launch into another week,

The Council and Clergy of Saint Matthew Ecumenical Catholic Church