Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle

Simply my favorite place to be for Ash Wednesday. A majestic cathedral where I feel at peace as I once again enjoy mass. There were not as many TV cameras this year. As I was waiting for mass to begin, I briefly wondered why. Kindness and patience were on full display this year. I arrived early and stood next to a sweet woman as we patiently waited for the church goers from the previous mass to exit. This woman became the holder of the door for literally hundreds parishioners. She smiled all the while.
All in all a lovely interlude in the midst of a busy work day.

This is my favorite church so far in about the 7 or so I have attended thus far in DC.
Absolutely beautiful place that makes me feel like I’m in Europe with high ceilings and stunning artistry. Lovely service, engaging sermon, and a welcoming community.
While it’s not as close as I’d like it to be, it’s a pretty nice choice as it is in Dupont and carries the convenience of so many brunch spots around. What a joy! :)

Easter mass review:
This church is so beautiful. The outside does not do the building justice. My father was a pastor so I have spent a lot of time in churches. This one is worth a visit. The paintings and artwork are gorgeous. There are so many little rooms and pictures that you need about 20 minutes to walk all around the sanctuary.
The church staff are quite nice. Anyone is happy to answer questions. The Easter service was special. The Very Rev. James Greenfield gave the homily. He read from the book, «I love you this much.» The message of family connection was heart warming.
Even if you don’t attend a mass, it is worth peeking inside. You don’t have to be Catholic to appreciate this sacred space.
(I bring chair pads when sitting in wooden pews.)

Walked past it and saw a mass, so I went in. The architecture, the singing, the echo, the people were beyond amazing. Was a peaceful and beautiful encounter.

Beautiful church. Vibrant church community. Many services, bible studies etc. Only church around with many daily masses including Saturday morning. Reflect on JFK mass while visiting. In front of alter is writing on flooring with JFK remembrance.

Stumbled into this church walking around town. I was surprised how beautiful it is inside.

A majestic historic cathedral in the heart of DC that serves as the mother church of the Archdiocese of Washington, the entire building glimmers with a sense of prestige, artistic mastery, architectural beauty, historical relics, and even American history with an engraved tribute to JFK on the marble floor where his casket once laid during his funeral mass. Even if you are not catholic, this cathedral is worth a visit, all are welcome, the building normally remains open outside of mass times for public viewing. May god bless all my fellow Unilocalers!

*Review for the church*
I did not have mass here. I walked in on a weekday to see how beautiful the interior was. I love old churches and cathedrals, and this was one that definitely needed to be seen.
Some of the highlights of the sanctuary that really drew me in was the beautiful stained glass windows, the lovely mosaics, the huge dome above head, and the inscription in the floor where John F. Kennedy’s casket laid during his funeral at the church.
It was pretty desolate when I went in making it more of an intimate experience for me. I went up to the alter where I prayed then proceeded to look around. I learned that this is the archdiocese church for the greater DC area. I should mention that this is separate from Baltimore’s archdiocese with each DC and Baltimore having their own, respectively.
Even though I am Methodist; I definitely see myself venturing here to experience mass sometime eventually. It is a stunning place and very peaceful.

An excellent location for meditative purposes. I come here to contemplate the moment before the crucifixion of Jesus. To determine whether we still have a purpose. To see whether there is still light. The church… this one in particular… it’s where you can see that the light’s winning.

Ok, with 64 check ins under my belt, I think I’ve earned the right to update my review… I’ll just add these notes:
1. Best seats to hear the homily are down front and to the left. The acoustics can befuddle in other areas…
2. The tabernacle is in it’s own alcove to the left of the altar, not directly behind it like at many churches.
3. This is the seat of the Archbishop of Washington. Booya.

I was surprised to hear one if the reviewers didn’t feel very welcome, I’ve tried several churches in the area and found this one to be the best for me. When I started going here I was single and in my early 20s, and I was extremely impressed with the young adult presence at this church. Lots of social programs and opportunities to get involved.
Years later I got married here and my opinions of the church only got better. My pre-​marriage counseling was great (seriously, even the husband agrees!) and most importantly was helpful. Planning a wedding there was simple, and our priest did a great job tailoring our ceremony to us.

Yeah, I’m doing it. I’m giving a less-​than-​5-​star review to a CHURCH!
Pros: The interior of the church is absolutely beautiful. I also enjoy that there are several mass times and they offer masses in several languages, including interpretations in sign language.
Cons: I am a recent transplant to DC looking for a Catholic church to join. I know that you can register to be a parishioner online, but I wanted to get to speak with a priest at St Matthew’s Cathedral, and establish some kind of personal connection before my fiancé and I took the plunge. We wanted to find the right fit! I both called to speak with a priest and showed up at the rectory during hours of operation and was turned away saying that the priest would call me back. The ladies in the rectory were not very friendly either.
I think we’ll continue our search! I prefer to trade all of the glitz and glam of the interior of Cathedral of St Matthew in exchange for a more friendly community to worship in!

A Christmas Day Unilocal Review!
One phone call conversation with one of the residing priests here convinced my fiancé and I that our long search for a new church home would be over. Since then, we have met a few other church officials through our sacrament of marriage classes and have only fell the place even more. Even though I am far from perfect or even becoming a regular church goer, they still have made me feel like family. They speak the good word of the Lord and they do it well — and not in a pushy way at all.
This historic church is beautiful with it’s high vaulted ceilings and mosaic portraiture. Their organ pipes are the biggest I have ever seen and their choir sends shivers down my spine. This cathedral is famous for being the church that presided over JFK’s funeral.
To be frank, going to church isn’t the first thing I choose to do on a Sunday morning but it’s warm spirit and beautiful atmosphere make going a whole lot easier (not to mention all the fun brunch places that are within walking distance!).

The outside doesn’t give it away, but this is a Beautiful church!

Witnessed a beautiful ordination of Three former Episcopalian priests coming into the Catholic faith (with their congregations) officiated by Archbishop Cardinal Wuerl.
Beautiful ceremony.

I was in the DC area for reasons definitely above your pay grade. But all the subterfuge and counter-​intelligence work took a little toll on my spirituality.
Luckily, I found the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle. What a church? At first, I thought I was in 18^th century England. The interior of the church was simply beautiful. High Vaulted ceiling and corinthian columns adorn this spiritual refuge. I had the honor of attending Ash Wednesday here. It was a great service.

Inside Beautiful architecture. Domes, High Ceilings, Corinthian columns, and beautiful artwork.
This is the place where JFK’s funeral mass.
Daily mass at 12:30 and other times. Daily Confession 12:00 to 12:30.
St. Matthew would be proud =)

Wow, an incredible church!
If you admire great architecture and art, this is a must-​see. The exterior of the building has a nice and unique design while the interior has some fantastic frescoes and mosaics. Whether or not you’re Catholic/​Christian/​whatever, anyone can appreciate the art.

Very cute little church in DC. Attended part of a mass here, and it was a very calming experience.
Will be back to enjoy its beauty!

Thoughts from a non-​believer…
Good:
1. Very pretty church. Quite ornate. Plain on the outside while anything but that on the inside.
2. Seemed pretty laid back. Can wear t-​shirt, shorts, et. al to the service and not stand out.
3. Good acoustics.
OK:
The service. I found it to be duller than other Catholic services I’ve been to, but then again it has been nearly 10 years since the last time I went so maybe my memory is wrong.
Overall a very pleasant church.

Mass here is straight up boring, just like Nick said.
If you are into mosaic tile mural art… HOLY MOLEY! The Saint Francis wall o tile is a masterpiece work of art. I was floored by it. I stole pictures from the parish website.