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Celebrating the Feast of St. Matthew the Apostle (September 21)

On September 21, the Church honors St. Matthew the Apostle—the former tax collector whom Jesus called to follow Him. Matthew left his table of coins immediately and became one of the Twelve Apostles, later writing the Gospel that highlights Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies.

St. Matthew’s story reminds us that no past or profession is too ordinary—or even too sinful—for Christ’s transforming call. His feast day is a chance to celebrate the joy of conversion and the beauty of sharing the Gospel.

Breakfast: Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal

Apples are in season in September and also symbolize wisdom—fitting for the Apostle who gave us a Gospel rich with teachings. A warm bowl of oatmeal with cinnamon and apples is both comforting and festive for the start of the day.

Recipe Inspiration: Try this Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal from Cookie & Kate.

Shopping List:
  • Butter
  • Steel-cut oats
  • 3 medium-to-large apples
  • Salt
  • Maple syrup or honey
  • Optional: Nut butter (pecan butter, almond butter or peanut butter), toasted pecans or pepitas, chopped fresh apples, dried cranberries, maple syrup or honey, cinnamon

Song for the Day: “The Summons” (Will You Come and Follow Me?)

This hymn reflects the call of Matthew to leave everything and follow Jesus. Play it during prayer time or while preparing meals to remind the family of Christ’s personal invitation to each of us.

Craft for Kids: Coin Pouches

Since Matthew was a tax collector before following Christ, kids can make simple coin pouches to remember how he gave up worldly wealth to gain eternal treasure.

Materials:

  • Felt squares or fabric scraps
  • Yarn or string
  • Large plastic needle or hole punch
  • Play coins or chocolate coins (optional)

Instructions:
Fold the felt square in half, punch holes along the edges, and use yarn to stitch the sides together into a pouch. Children can decorate with a cross or write “Follow Me” on the outside.

Lunch: Mediterranean Grain Bowls

To honor Matthew’s roots in the Holy Land and his life with Jesus, prepare a Mediterranean-inspired lunch with chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta over rice or quinoa.

Recipe Inspiration: This Mediterranean Grain Bowl from Love & Lemons makes a fresh, healthy option.

Shopping List:

Dinner: Roast Chicken with Seasonal Vegetables

A hearty, shared meal recalls the banquet Matthew hosted after his conversion (Luke 5:29), when Jesus dined with tax collectors and sinners. Roast chicken with autumn vegetables (like carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts) makes a celebratory feast.

Recipe Inspiration: Try this Roast Chicken with Vegetables from Simply Recipes.

For dessert, serve honey cake—symbolic of the sweetness of God’s Word that Matthew shared through his Gospel.

Shopping List:
  • 1 (4 to 4 1/2) pound chicken
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 6 cloves garlic, smashed and peeled
  • 6 sprigs thyme
  • 3 medium rutabagas
  • 2 medium turnips
  • 4 medium carrots
  • 1 small yellow onion
  • 8 small red-skinned new potatoes
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Butter

Closing Prayer

Pray together as a family, asking for St. Matthew’s intercession:

Prayer to St. Matthew

O Glorious St. Matthew,
from tax collector to Apostle,
you left all to follow Christ.
Inspire us to let go of what binds us,
to embrace the call of the Gospel,
and to share the Good News with joy.

Through your intercession,
may we one day join you in heaven,
praising God for His mercy.
Amen.

By celebrating St. Matthew the Apostle, we are reminded that Jesus calls each of us personally, no matter our past, to live as disciples and witnesses of His love.

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