“My Jesus, I believe that you’re present in the Holy Sacrament.
I love You above all else, and I desire You in my soul.
As long as I can’t receive You sacramentally, at least enter spiritually into my soul.”
(brief pause to unite oneself with Jesus)
“Since you’ve come, I embrace you and unite my entire self with You;
don’t let me ever separate myself from You.”
— St. Alphonsus Ligouri

“I wish, my Lord,
to receive you with the purity, humility, and devotion
with which your most holy Mother received you,
with the spirit and fervor of the saints.”
— St. Josemaría Escrivá

I adore Thee in the Sacrament of Thy love, the ineffable Eucharist.
I desire to receive Thee into the poor dwelling that my heart offers Thee. 
While waiting for the happiness of sacramental communion,
I wish to possess Thee in spirit.
Come to me, O my Jesus,
since I, for my part, am coming to Thee!
May Thy love embrace my whole being in life and in death.
I believe in Thee, I hope in Thee,
I love Thee. Amen.
— Pope Francis
(originally attributed to Servant of God, Rafael Merry del Val)

Heavenly Father, we praise your glory as we honor our Patron, St. Matthew.

As an apostle and evangelist he guides us by his words and actions. Help us to bring Jesus Christ to our family and friends through our words and actions. Help us to follow the example of Jesus, your Son, as we grow as a parish family gathered in His name. Make our parish family eager to follow your call that we might always do your will.

May St. Matthew - and all your angels and saints - pray for our parish as we strive to become your family of faith, one in mind and in heart. We place our lives and our prayers before you in the name of Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, for ever and ever. Amen.