Liturgical Ministries
Staff Liasion: Kelly Ott, kott@stmatthewtn.org
A/V Ministry
Sr. Pam Nosbusch
srpam58@gmail.com
The Saint Matthew A/V Ministry livestreams Masses and other liturgical events inside the church. Saint Matthew students stream school Masses, while other volunteers cover the 5 p.m., 8:30 a.m., funerals, and other events.
Altar Servers
Altar servers have the important responsibility of assisting the priest and deacon during Mass and other special liturgical events. Potential servers must be in the 5th grade or higher and attend training sessions before serving.
Art & Environment
Leslie Van Kerkhove
The Art & Environment Ministry strives to create a beautiful surrounding for worship and prayerful celebrations. Members enhance the Church and Chapel for special feast days throughout the year, most notably Easter and Christmas and the liturgical seasons of Lent and Advent. Tasks include placing flowers in the sanctuary, setting up the nativity scene or arranging palms to name a few.
Bereavement Ministry
Ellen Wade
ellendwade@att.net
The Bereavement Ministry assists with funerals at Saint Matthew as well as funeral luncheons that take place on the Saint Matthew campus.
Children’s Choirs
Rebecca Harding
Laura Holderman
The Children’s Choirs including Kids Choir (Grades 1-2), Liturgy Choir (Grades 3-8), and the Liturgy Choir Cantors & Psalmists (Grades 5-8).
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC)
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHC) are commissioned ministers appointed by the Pastor to distribute the Blessed Sacrament during Mass liturgies. To become an EMHC, one must be a Catholic in good standing.
Funeral Ministry
The Funeral Ministry assists in planning or pre-planning funeral arrangements.
Homebound Ministry
Homebound Ministers are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who have been further trained and instituted to bring Holy Communion to the homebound in residential or healthcare facilities and individual homes.
Hospitality Ministers
Hospitality Ministers greet those attending Mass with the objective of instilling a sense of belonging. Duties include participating in the offertory, distributing bulletins and straightening the Sanctuary after Mass. Eligible volunteers include men, women and young adults with a warm, welcoming personality.
Lectors
Patricia M. Smith
Lectors proclaim the Word of God during Mass. New lectors complete a training period and workshops, and other training may be required as liturgical needs merit.
Martha Ministry
Gina Marsden
marsdenlodge@gmail.com
The Martha Ministry is a behind-the scenes group of dedicated women who care for the linens used during Mass. Handling these linens is done with great care and respect as these linens come in contact with the Precious Body and Blood. Volunteers launder and iron the linens on a one-month/year rotation.
Masters of Ceremony
Kelly Ott
kott@stmatthewtn.org
Masters of Ceremony assist priest and deacons at Mass to ensure it runs smoothly. They help coordinate the movement and actions of ministers, altar servers, and other participants.
Music Ministries
Rebecca Harding
Psalm 146:2
“I will praise the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have being.”
BECOME A PART OF THE MUSIC MINISTRY:
The Music Ministry is composed of several different choirs which perform during Mass as well as occasionally having special performances. Please visit the music ministry page through the button below to learn more about each of these choirs including practice times.
5 p.m. Saturday Vigil Mass Choir- Our most contemporary in style utilizing a praise and worship sound while remaining authentically and liturgically Catholic. The Saturday Mass musicians are a group of singers, the piano, the bass and occasional additional instruments.
8:30am Sunday Mass: Our most classical of the three Masses drawing into the rich musical history of the Church with many traditional Catholic hymns, and provide a more classic take on many Catholic favorites. Accompanied by the organ, and with the addition of several violins, there is a true choir presence at the 8:30am Mass.
11 a.m. Sunday Mass- A blend of traditional and contemporary musical styles offering many post Vatican II Catholic standards. This choir includes the piano, guitar, upright bass and full choir, as well as occasional additional instruments.
Handbell Choir: Our handbell choir plays periodically throughout the church year, especially for big feast days. They rehearse every Wednesday and perform several times a year at Mass.
Men’s Gregorian Schola: This group sings the traditional Gregorian chants of the Church and rehearses two Sunday evenings a month. They sing for special Masses throughout the year.
Little Light Choir: This choir is for children in grades K-2nd Grade and is led by our music director, Rebecca Harding. It teaches how to be part of an ensemble and participate in the Mass. The group rehearses on Thursdays, from 3-3:45pm.
Liturgy Choir: This choir is for children in grades 3rd-8th and is led by our school music teacher, Laura Holderman. It provides music for all school Masses and occasional parish Masses. Students may also cantor. The choir rehearses on Tuesdays from 3-4, and cantors rehearse from 4-4:30.
There is a place for you here in our music ministry!
Sacristan Ministry
Sacristans are Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion who have been appointed by the Pastor to assist by preparing the church and chapel for all liturgies.
Family Life
Staff Liaison: Colleen Curran
ccurran@stmatthewtn.org
Boy Scouts
Christopher Joly, Scoutmaster
Boy Scout Troop 226, located in Franklin, TN, has been chartered with Saint Matthew Catholic Church since 2010. We meet in the Cohan-Hansom Building each Sunday from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Boy Scouts focuses on being a boy-led organization, which participates in activities of their choosing, from Boy Scout Camp at Boxwell, backpacking in the backcountry, canoeing, whitewater rafting, and more! Over the years, our troop has successfully assisted several young men attain the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouts. The national average of Boy Scouts attaining this rank is less than 6%.
Thank you for you interest in Troop 226. For more information, please contact our Scoutmaster, Christopher Joly, at troop226@stmatthewtn.org.
Community Sunday
Community Sunday is generally held the first Sunday of each month from September-May following the 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Masses. This event gives parishioners an opportunity for fellowship over coffee and pastries. Volunteers are needed to help with set-up, preparing coffee, serving and clean-up. If you would be willing to help with this ministry reach out to Colleen Curran at ccurran@stmatthewtn.org or sign up for an open time slot below.
Cub Scouts
Doug Kennedy
Family Service Ministry
Theresa Chau
The Family Service Ministry presents year round opportunities for whole families to serve in, regardless of age or ability. Activities include packing blessing bags for the poor, beautifying our community, collecting items for struggling families, visiting our elderly neighbors, and sending Christmas gifts to the less fortunate. It is a low commitment way to serve as a family. To sign up, please complete the online form or email Theresa.
Girl Scouts
The Saint Matthew Girl Scout Troop #3214 offers opportunities for girls in grades K-5, while Troop #802 serves girls in grades 6-8. They will learn new skills, earn badges, and explore the world around them. Our Daisy, Brownie, Junior and Cadette troops participate in community service, outdoor adventures, STEM projects, and cookie sales – all while living by the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
Kelly Anne Jensen (Troop #3214)
kellyannejensen1@gmail.com
Colleen Tran (Troop #802)
mcolleen.tran@gmail.com
Lunch Bunch
Veronica Fischer
Lunch Bunch meets on the second Tuesday of the month (September through May) at 12:00 p.m. in the church narthex for lunch and bingo. This event is open to all parishioners 55+. A small fee is charged for lunch and all guest are asked to bring a new or gently used gift valued around $10. If you would like to be a volunteer with this ministry, contact Veronica at the email above. If you would like to receive email invites to the monthly gatherings, please contact Alex Halfmann in the church office at 615-550-5101 or ahalfmann@stmatthewtn.org. Registration for each month will also be posted on the Parish News section of the website.
This 2025-2026 dates are: September 9, October 14, November 11, December 9, January 13, February 10, March 10, April 14, and May 12.
Men’s Club
Jon Sowa
All male parishioners over the age of eighteen, both Catholic and non-Catholic are eligible to become active members. In addition to providing a social forum for the men of the parish, the Club sponsors many activities and events. Meetings are held the first Thursday of every month.
Natural Family Planning
Matt & Franchelle Jaeger
This ministry teaches a class and assists couple in practicing Natural Family Planning, which is the general title for the scientific, natural, and moral methods of family planning.
St. Gianna Circle
Elizabeth Abaray
St. Gianna Circle is designed to support and affirm women in the many roles they have as mothers, wives, daughters, sisters and friends. Our ministry is focused on women bonding through their shared vocations and Catholic faith. Moms of all ages and stages are welcome to participate in our ministry.
Join us on the first Wednesday of each month from 7-9 p.m. in the Cohan-Hansom Building.
Women’s Club
Connie Vargas
cvargaspnp@gmail.com
Cynthia Myers
cynthia.myers@icloud.com
As women of Saint Matthew Catholic Church, our mission is to serve our parish, community and God through fellowship, service, and faith formation.
- Click above to see this year’s schedule of events. Volunteers are needed for most events. Please contact Connie or Cynthia to help with these events
Religious Education & Formation
Staff Liasion: Tony Jesse, DRE 615-550-5100, tjesse@stmatthewtn.org
Adult Faith Formation
This committee provides educational opportunities throughout the year to help our adult community grow in faith.
Book Clubs
Joan McGranaghan (Daytime)
Molly Wuller (Evening)
A variety of books are discussed at the St. Matthew Book Club. A daytime group meets at 9:30 a.m. on the third Wednesday of each month. The evening group meets the first Monday of each month.
Catechists (Religious Education Teachers)
Catechists are ministers of the Word who require sound orientation, preparation, and dedication. Because of their love of the Catholic faith, these volunteers must be enthusiastic about sharing their faith with their students. Classes are held Sunday mornings during the school year.
Forge Middle School Ministry
Forge Mission Statement
Forge welcomes all 6th–8th graders into a personal relationship with Christ through fellowship and fortification in the Catholic Church’s tradition and Biblical truth.
Forge seeks to:
Provide Catholic apologetics in an age-appropriate, engaging way
Foster virtuous relationships among middle school youth
Help teens apply Biblical truths in everyday situations
Build a lasting connection with their home parish
Fulfill the deep need for community and belonging in middle school years
Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA)
Tony Jesse, DRE
OCIA is a process for those who would like to learn more about the Catholic Church, and who are considering the possibility of joining. It is open to all non-Catholics who would like to learn more.
Religious Education
The Religious Education program of Saint Matthew Parish seeks to provide our children, youth, and adults with the knowledge, experience, and skills necessary to become faithful and fruitful disciples of Jesus.
St. Joseph’s Men
Saint Joseph’s Men is a parish ministry enabling men to become better disciples, husbands, fathers, and members of our parish through the inspiration and model of Saint Joseph. Saint Joseph’s Men meets twice monthly on Thursday nights and explores ways to learn and live out the faith. Fill out their interest form at bit.ly/smcstjosephsmen.
That Man Is You!
Aaron Frankovic
aaron.frankovic@gmail.com
That Man is You! is a dynamic men’s program addressing the pressures and temptations men face in today’s culture, especially in their roles as husbands and fathers. The program harmonizes current social and medical science with the teachings of the Church and the wisdom of the saints to develop the vision of man fully alive! Open to all men, the group is set to begin on Saturday, September 13, with weekly meetings on Saturdays at 7 a.m. in the Parish Conference Center. Contact Aaron Frankovic at aaron.frankovic@gmail.com for questions.
Vacation Bible School
Tony Jesse, DRE
tjesse@stmatthewtn.org
Vacation Bible School is held for one week during the summer for children ages 4 through 10. Volunteers are needed to teach classes and provide administrative support.
Youth Ministries
Michaela Miller
mmiller@stmatthewtn.org
RISE is Saint Matthew’s Youth Group open to all high-school-aged students who desire a place to breathe. This world is crazy, and we often find ourselves going a mile a minute with everything. RISE Youth Ministry is an opportunity to not necessarily slow down, but rather intentionally get to know God, ourselves, and others. Our group doesn’t exist to just sit around the entire time; we play plenty of games and sports, enjoy delicious food and ultimately build community. Additionally, we help teens truly grow in their relationships with Jesus through talks, discussions, prayer nights, the sacraments, and retreats.
The Junior High Youth Group called Ignite follows a similar model, but is designed for youth in 7th-8th grade (regardless of school attended). This ministry meets on Sunday mornings and prepares students for Confirmation as well as forms children into disciples of Christ.
Forge is a Middle School Youth Ministry open to all 6th to 8th graders.
Various activities are offered throughout the year for both groups. Activities are spiritual, social, and service oriented.
Saint Matthew School
Phone: 615-662-4044
General Inquiries: info@stmatthewtn.org
Admissions: hledieu@stmatthewtn.org
Advancement: lbellante@stmatthewtn.org
Choosing the best place for your child’s education is one of the most important decisions you will make…come and experience the Saint Matthew difference.
Social Action & Outreach
Haiti Ministry
Barney Schulte
The Haiti Ministry supports our sister parish, Our Lady of Miracles in Gobert, Haiti. The group provides support through prayer, funding, education, medical support, and other general needs.
Knights of Columbus Council 12012
Mark Abolins
Where there’s a need, there’s a Knight!
Loaves and Fishes
Bill Thomson
This group prepares and serves lunch to the homeless on the first Wednesday of every month at Holy Name Church.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Mary Starr
The Prayer Shawl Ministry is a group of caring individuals crafting hand-crafted PRAYER SHAWLS for people facing illness, grief, or other hardships. Each shawl is made with prayer from the very first stitch and includes a special card. Shawls are BLESSED BY A PRIEST before being given to those in need. The Prayers Shawl Ministry is open to individuals of all skill levels, including beginners. The group meets on the third Monday of each month. Donations of yard are appreciated and accepted year round at the parish office. It takes approximately 700 yards of yarn to make one prayer shawl.
Respect for Life
Mary Starr
This ministry is dedicated to a respect for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. Through education and a public information effort, the ministry works to identify and address sanctity of life issues and needs of the parish and community. Annual events include a baby bottle drive, diaper drive, 40 Days for Life, Pro-Life Day on the Hill, and more.
Room in the Inn
Rhea Forte
Mary Peters
This group provides a warm, safe place to sleep for a small group of homeless men during the winter months. Volunteers are needed to drive, prepare dinner, prepare bag lunches and spend the night in the Cohan-Hansom Building.
St. Vincent de Paul Society
Kirk Jordan
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the largest lay organization in the Church, focuses on sanctification of our members while delivering the Corporal Works of Mercy (food, housing, clothing, etc.) to Neighbors in Need. When a Neighbor calls our helpline (615-550-5130), we visit them to better understand their family needs. We bring prayer and specific assistance for the most effective intervention. Join us on the first and third Monday each month at 6:30 pm in the Parish Conference Center.
Need Help? Call our helpline at 615-550-5130 and leave a voicemail. One of our Vincentians will respond within 24 hours.
Spiritual
First Friday Adoration
The Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament takes place the first Friday of every month after the 8:00 a.m. Mass, ending with Benediction on Saturday morning. Participants may sign up for desired time slots. The sign up sheet is sent out via email, put in the bulletin, uploaded to our website, and posted on facebook and our website each month. You do not have to register to come, but we encourage you to sign up for a half hour time slot to ensure we have someone with the Blessed Sacrament at all times.
Passion of Christ Prayer Group
Pam Flekenstein
spflecken@comcast.net
The Passion of Christ Prayer Group gathers monthly to pray the Way of the Cross and the Divine Mercy Chaplet for special intentions. This is an opportunity to come and pray for a specific intention on your heart. One specific intention we pray for each month is for those who have left the church.
This is an open prayer group. We welcome anyone seeking additional prayers in a safe and confidential space.
The Passion of Christ Prayer Group meets at 3 p.m. in the chapel on the last Sunday of each month.
Prayer Chain
This group prays for the needs and special intentions of parish members. Volunteers may sign-up to be on the prayer chain list by e-mailing us at info@stmatthewtn.org.
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Mary Starr
The Prayer Shawl Ministry is a group of caring individuals crafting hand-crafted PRAYER SHAWLS for people facing illness, grief, or other hardships. Each shawl is made with prayer from the very first stitch and includes a special card. Shawls are BLESSED BY A PRIEST before being given to those in need. The Prayers Shawl Ministry is open to individuals of all skill levels, including beginners. The group meets on the third Monday of each month. Donations of yard are appreciated and accepted year round at the parish office. It takes approximately 700 yards of yarn to make one prayer shawl.
Seven Sisters Apostolate
Lauren Tanner
rlvtanner@msn.com
This ministry embraces a call to strengthen the Church by ensuring that a Holy Hour is prayed each day of the week for the sole intention of a specific priest or bishop—a “holy wasting” (cf. Mt. 26:10) or lavishing of prayer for his deeper conformity to Christ. Made up of women, this ministry maintains at least seven women per priest that each member’s commitment stays at one hour per week.