A Small Faith Community is a small group of people who gather weekly to read and pray over the Holy scriptures. This group studies the passages to be proclaimed on the following Sunday at Holy Mass. They reflect on the the meanings of the passages from the Old and New Testament and share what God is saying to us in the readings, a discussion about how these scriptures impact our lives and the life of the Church. A rich bond is created among the community and also a new found and deeper meaning of what God is telling us through the scriptures.
Each parishioner is called to become a light for Christ in our parish and to tend the fire that Christ has lighted in our lives. If you would like to spend time in prayer, reflection and joy in human relationships, then consider forming or joining a Small Faith Community.
The Faith Community in our parish schedules a meeting each week, but any new group may set its own schedule.
If you have questions or are interested in joining or starting a Small Faith Group, please contact any of the following parishioners:
Billie and Tom Dowgiewicz (860) 871-0260
Spiritual Advisor, Father Joe
Carnival Committee
The Carnival Committee is a comprised of a group of parishioners who are not afraid of dedicating some of their time, energy and talents to bring a few days of pure fun to many people, including St. Matthew parishioners, Tolland residents and folks from our neighboring towns.
The carnival occurs once each year around Memorial Day and typically lasts for 3 days and nights. Many volunteers are needed on the committee but also to assist with the various tasks only on the days of the actual event.
For more information please contact the Parish office (860) 872-0200 .
Frosty Village Bazaar
The Frosty Village Bazaar is now the largest fund raiser for St. Matthew Church. The holiday bazaar us held on the weekend before Thanksgiving. Hundreds of parishioners work throughout the year to make hand-crafted items to be sold at the bazaar. The bazaar committee always welcomes people to share their skills, time, and talent. Watch the bulletin or check this web site page for bazaar information or meeting times.
For more information, please contact Debbie Secondo at (860) 429-1167 or Cora Sciarra at (860) 871-6024.
Couples' Club
The Couples Club, organized in 1975, provides an opportunity for married couples within the Parish to gather and participate in casual, social activities with the goal of building a "parish" through new friendships. Couples include newlyweds to those celebrating a Golden Anniversary or more.
Each month a social activity is planned based on the interests of the membership. Activities are planned for having fun with a minimal expense. If you like food, fun and friendship join us for one of our scheduled events. Either attend a meeting or call one of the members to register for an upcoming event. Meetings are held at 7:00 P.M. in the Church Hall on the first Sunday of each month. All meetings are open to interested couples. All you have to do is just show up!
Women's Guild
Saint Matthew Women's Guild was established more than 30 years ago to enhance the social and spiritual well-being of the women of the parish. Many of the parish functions of today are offspring of the Women's Guild.
Activities of the Guild include sponsoring of a foster child in Brazil, visiting the Fox Hill Nursing Home, providing baptismal garments for newly baptized infants and receptions as requested by the pastor.
The Guild also holds a craft show yearly and donates the proceeds to be used within the parish. The Women's Guild invites all women who are interested to come and experience the joy of giving.
For more information please contact Pat DiNallo at (860) 872-0530.
Coffee and Donuts
This ministry must be enjoyed since most people on it have served many years. The ministry is usually handled each week by at least two people. They can be a married couple, a parent and child or the whole family, good friends or complete strangers.
Duties include picking up the donuts, making the coffee and juice, and putting it out onto tables for self-service. Also, after the last Mass, there is some clean up (coffee pots, tables, etc.) and the returning of the empty donut containers if any are used.
This ministry promotes fellowship and is enjoyed by all.
For more information please contact Jane Moreschi at (860) 871-6144.
Boy Scouts
Although the Boy Scouts of America is not an official organization of St. Matthew parish, a number of St. Matthew boys are enrolled in this troop. This page is available as a courtesy to them.
Boy Scouts of America Troop 2
For more information about BSA Troop 2, please contact Glenn McDonald at (860) 871-2109. Meetings are held during the school year on most Tuesdays as long as school was in session that day. Meetings are held at 7 P.M. at Parker Elementary School.
Boy Scouts of America Troop 15
For more information concerning BSA Troop 15, please contact Mike Bobey at (860) 872-4292.
For more information concerning CUB PACK 15, please contact Gary Doyman at (860) 875-5992.
For more information about Boy Scouting in the Tolland area you may contact the Connecticut Rivers Council at their web site or telephone them at (860) 289-6669.
Marriage Encounter
Worldwide Marriage Encounter offers a weekend experience designed to give married couples the opportunity to learn a technique of loving communication that they can use for the rest of their lives. It's a chance to look deeply into their relationship with each other and with God. It's a time to share their feelings, hopes and dreams with each other.
The emphasis of the Marriage Encounter weekend is on the communication between husbands and wives. The weekend provides a conducive environment for couples to spend time together, away from the distractions and tensions of everyday life, while encouraging them to focus on each other and their relationship.
It's not a retreat, marriage clinic, group sensitivity, or a substitute for counseling. It's a unique approach aimed at revitalizing Marriage.
This is a time for you and your spouse to be alone together, to rediscover each other and together focus on your relationship for an entire weekend. Every marriage deserves that kind of attention!
If you have questions or would like more information, please see the Worldwide Marriage Encounter web site, or contact Tony & Betty Fabrizio at (203) 426-6799.
To register for a Marriage Encounter weekend, please contact John & Bev Maley at (203) 364-0836.
Parish Life/Fellowship Ministries
A Small Faith Community is a small group of people who gather weekly to read and pray over the Holy scriptures. This group studies the passages to be proclaimed on the following Sunday at Holy Mass. They reflect on the the meanings of the passages from the Old and New Testament and share what God is saying to us in the readings, a discussion about how these scriptures impact our lives and the life of the Church. A rich bond is created among the community and also a new found and deeper meaning of what God is telling us through the scriptures.
The Carnival Committee is a comprised of a group of parishioners who are not afraid of dedicating some of their time, energy and talents to bring a few days of pure fun to many people, including St. Matthew parishioners, Tolland residents and folks from our neighboring towns.
The Frosty Village Bazaar is now the largest fund raiser for St. Matthew Church. The holiday bazaar us held on the weekend before Thanksgiving. Hundreds of parishioners work throughout the year to make hand-crafted items to be sold at the bazaar. The bazaar committee always welcomes people to share their skills, time, and talent. Watch the bulletin or check this web site page for bazaar information or meeting times.
This ministry must be enjoyed since most people on it have served many years. The ministry is usually handled each week by at least two people. They can be a married couple, a parent and child or the whole family, good friends or complete strangers.
Worldwide Marriage Encounter offers a weekend experience designed to give married couples the opportunity to learn a technique of loving communication that they can use for the rest of their lives. It's a chance to look deeply into their relationship with each other and with God. It's a time to share their feelings, hopes and dreams with each other.
It's not a retreat, marriage clinic, group sensitivity, or a substitute for counseling. It's a unique approach aimed at revitalizing Marriage.