Souper Sundays

Our last Souper Sunday, until the fall, will be Sunday, April 28. It will also be the Sunday that St. Matthew’s celebrates Earth Day with special hymns, the Blessing of the Bicycles and at lunch, the summary of our Environment Ballots. The children and youth are going to have an opportunity to build and take home their very own “bee hotel” that can provide solitary bees a place to lay their eggs. Enjoy time with your St. Matt’s family. Enjoy some of the best soup ever. Get energized to continue to be a climate champion. See you there.

If you wish to learn more, please contact the office at  admin@stmatthewsottawa.ca or call 613-234-4024.

Meditation

Wednesdays, 11am to noon
Hybrid: in-person in the Chapel and by Zoom

The meditation group is part of the worldwide organization called World Community for Christian Meditation. We open with a brief recorded talk by founder Fr. John Main or by another teacher. After the talk, the group meditates in silence for 20-25 minutes, generally using a prayer word or phrase. We then close with a simple prayer. The group is a wonderful way to support a daily practice or just take time to sit in openness to God’s presence.

If you would like to receive the Zoom invitation please contact the office at admin@stmatthewsottawa.ca or call 613-234-4024.

Pastoral Care

St. Matthew’s is a caring community with a special interest in supporting members who are facing challenges and need our help – a card, a phone call, or a personal visit. The Pastoral Care team calls / visits / sends cards to members of our Parish to show them that they are remembered and loved by the community.

While our main mission is to keep in touch, we have a number of other offerings designed to support people who are dealing with personal constraints. At Christmas time a little box of homemade cookies is delivered. Flowers from the Altar are delivered to those who would like a little extra cheer; and frozen casseroles and other items are prepared to ensure that people arriving home from hospital can have a hot meal.

All members are encouraged to take the 10-week Ottawa Pastoral Care Training Program and all are expected to get an Ottawa Police Record Check before they begin visiting. New members are warmly welcomed. If you wish to learn more, please contact the office at admin@stmatthewsottawa.ca or call 613-234-4024.

Prayer Ministries

Prayer is a powerful tool to help us through daily life. When it is shared, the prayer becomes stronger and more comforting. Both the Healing Prayer Team and the Prayer Chain treat all requests in confidence, and with the utmost care and discretion. Both teams commit all to God. The Rector oversees both teams, offering instruction and support as needed.

Healing Prayer

Every Sunday at the 10:30am service, two parishioners — members of the Healing Prayer Team — stand near the pulpit, ready to offer prayers for healing or thanksgiving to any who wish to come, usually after receiving the Eucharist. People have asked for prayers for themselves or loved ones who might be dealing with illness, grief, anxiety or the challenges of everyday life. Prayers are also requested for joyful events such as the birth of a child. For additional information or to volunteer, please contact the office at admin@stmatthewsottawa.ca or call 613-234-4024.

Prayer Chain

The Prayer Chain supports those who are ill, healing, dying, facing challenges or suffering in any way and also offers prayers of thanksgiving. Prayers are requested via written messages in the wooden prayer boxes at both entrances of the church; by the Rector; through members of the Prayer Chain; and by members themselves. If you wish to have your name or someone else's added to the Chain, please contact the office at admin@stmatthewsottawa.ca or call 613-234-4024.