Liturgical Ministries
Staff Liasion: Kelly Ott, kott@stmatthewtn.org
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 willing to attend training sessions.
Art & Environment
Leslie Van Kerkhove
This ministry’s objective is to plan a liturgically correct and attractive environment for prayerful liturgies. Members meet monthly to determine needs and set plans to improve the church environment.
Children’s Choirs
Joel Bolen
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.
First Friday Adoration
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we will not be holding First Friday Adoration until further notice. During normal operations, 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.
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
Barney Schulte
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.
Liturgy Guild
Weddings and Funerals are ministries of the parish, and the Liturgy Guild ministry provides assistance by helping the priest and deacons with weddings, funerals, and other liturgies. We need volunteers to meet with the clergy, the wedding party, and their families for the Nuptial Mass/Wedding Service and rehearsal. For funerals, volunteers are needed to greet the families at the visitation and at the funeral itself and providing logistical support during the funerals.
Martha Ministry
Gina Marsden
Sandi Simpson
info@stmatthewtn.org
This group cares for the altar linens in the sanctuary and chapel. Volunteers are needed for a one-month rotation.
Music Ministries
Joel Bolen
Due to the effects of Covid-19, our musical offerings have been limited to ensure the safety of our music ministers and the gathered assembly. Currently we are able to accommodate an accompanist and a Cantor/Psalmist. Occasionally, our Cantor/Psalmist will be joined by other members of their household.
We are expanding our virtual offerings, conducting online rehearsals, and sharing an online mini-concert series on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month.
We thank you for your patience and continued support of our ministry. We look forward to re-establishing our choirs and ensembles as safety allows.
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 Liasion: Martin Strobel, mstrobel@stmatthewtn.org
College Outreach
Leslie Holt
collegeoutreach@stmatthewtn.org
This program maintains contact with parishioners who are away at college. Cards and care packages are sent to help encourage and strengthen our college students. Volunteers are needed to write letters and assemble care packages.
Community Sunday
Community Weekend is held once a month August -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.
Family Service Ministry
Theresa Chau
Our mission is for families to prayerfully serve our parish and community guided by the Holy Spirit.
Family Weekend
George Adams
This ministry coordinates a fun weekend at Tims Ford Lake for families to gather and enjoy.
Lunch Bunch
Ellen Wade
The Lunch Bunch meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at 12:00 p.m. in the church narthex for lunch and bingo. A small fee is charged for lunch and white elephant prizes
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.
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.
Boy Scouts
Nick Ragsdale
Girl Scouts
Alaine McCoy
Cub Scouts
Doug Kennedy
The Scouts objectives are to develop character, citizenship, confidence, and faith, amongst other objectives.
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 Tuesday of each month from 7-9 p.m. in the Cohan-Hansom Building.
Troops of Saint George
Eric Ruppaner
The Troops of Saint George is a national fraternal Catholic apostolate for young men (ages 6-18) looking for a life of adventure coupled with virtue. The Troops of Saint George apostolate aims to use the outdoors as a canvas and the sacraments as a path to light the way for the formation of holy Catholic men and boys. Whether called to the vocation of the priesthood, the religious life, or that of holy fatherhood, fathers and sons will take a prayerful pilgrimage together to fulfill Christ’s desire to grow in virtue and their holy Catholic faith as they journey toward heaven.
Youth Ministries
Tommy Killackey
The Life Teen Youth Ministry is open to youth in the parish (regardless of school attended) and is divided into two groups; Junior High and Life Teen. The Junior High Youth Group called Ignite is for youth in 7th-8th grade. The Life Teen is for all high school teens in grades 9th-12th. Various activities are offered throughout the year for both groups. Activities are spiritual, social, and service oriented.
Parish Life
Staff Liasion: Kelly Ott, kott@stmatthewtn.org
Bereavement Ministry
Gina Bonn
Ellen Wade
The Bereavement Ministry at Saint Matthew seeks to provide solace and consolation for loved ones who have experienced loss. This is done through Mass intentions, phone calls, email, and personal visitation. GriefShare is another ministry available to help loved ones grieve. Contact us at any time.
Bulk Mail
This group assists office staff with folding, stuffing and sorting parish mailings. Volunteers are needed several times during the year.
Cursillo
Gina & Stephen Scott
If you are seeking a way to make Christ the center of your everyday life, you are invited to experience Cursillo. It is a life-changing experience for adults, married or single people, which begins with a three-day weekend. It is an encounter with yourself and an encounter with God. Cursillo weekends are announced in the bulletin and are held twice during the year.
Funeral Luncheons
Mary Starr
Members of this committee prepare and serve food at the luncheon following the funeral Mass for parishioners who have lost a loved one. Volunteers are needed to prepare a salad or dessert when called upon, and to provide assistance for the luncheons.
Library Helper
Margaret Cook
The parish library is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and after the 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Sunday Masses, when Religious Education is in session. Volunteers are needed to enter data into the library computer, assemble cards and pockets in new books and help with the annual inventory.
Office Assistance
Margaret Cook
Volunteers are needed throughout the year for filing, computer work, and other general office tasks.
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.
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.
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Tony Jesse, DRE
RCIA 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.
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.
Social Action & Outreach
Staff Liasion: Martin Strobel, mstrobel@stmatthewtn.org
Environmental Stewardship
Brian Perrone
This ministry is dedicated to faith-based inspiration, awareness, and participation in environmental responsibility towards God’s creation.
Habitat for Humanity
Patricia M. Smith
This Ministry assists the Habitat for Humanity organization to help people in our community improve a place they can call home. Volunteers are needed to help build, provide meals, and coordinate efforts.
Haiti Ministry
Valerie Canning
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.
Ladies of Charity – Nashville
Arlene Smith
The Ladies of Charity organization began with the mission “To Serve Rather Than Be Served.” We strive to serve all residents of Davidson County with food, or financial help if they are experiencing a hardship in their life. We provide help in those times of crisis.
Loaves and Fishes
Bill Thomson
Loaves and Fishes – Brownie Makers
This group prepares and serves lunch to the homeless on the first Wednesday of every month at Holy Name Church.
Respect for Life
Elizabeth Abaray
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.
Room in the Inn
Rhea Forte
Chris Holt
Thomas Langdon
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
Paul Stigamier svdpfranklintn@gmail.com
https://www.svdpfranklintn.org
This ministry serves the needs of those in the community with financial help in paying a bill as well as delivering food and household items such as dishes, clothes, and furniture. Their goal in this ministry is to grow in spirituality as they assist others, providing a hand up as opposed to a handout. They meet on the first and third Mondays of every month at 7:00 p.m.