At St. Matthew's Catholic Church we believe that all Catholics deserve to participate in the Church.
 
Physical Accessibility
 
Disabled parking is located on the north side of the church. The sidewalk has a sloped edge on that side of the building. There is a ramped sidewalk to the main door of the church office. Interior areas are wheelchair accessible.
 
Before Mass, the main doors are typically manned by ushers, who can assist you in locating the accessible seating inside. Accessible seating areas are marked with the standard blue disability symbol and include reserved areas for wheelchairs. Eucharistic Ministers will offer the Eucharist directly to those seated in the accessible seating areas so that they do not have to line up to receive communion.
 
The main church restrooms offer a larger stall with handrails. Child-sized changing tables are available in the main restrooms. There is also a single-person restroom located in the church library, which should be large enough for your wheelchair. (If you require a larger restroom that can fit a companion/large wheelchair, the bathroom in the main office should be suitable. The office is locked during non-business hours, but an employee can provide you access.)
 
Hearing Impaired
A sign language interpreter is available by advanced request most Sundays at the 9:00am Mass. Please contact the office during the week at (727) 393-1288 or [email protected].

Additional Accommodations
 
The vestibule entrances on both sides of the church are typically quiet during Mass and can provide a calm area for anyone who needs a moment to regroup.
 
St. Matthew's congregation doesn't mind "joyful noise", but if you feel more comfortable in a place where you can verbalize freely, we offer a Family Room (also known as a "Cry" Room) where you can see the Mass through a window and hear everything over the speakers while feeling free to make noise and speak.
 
Our 7:30am Mass is generally smaller and quieter. It may be a calmer setting for someone who prefers personal space and a sense of peace.
 
Our 11:00am Mass is known for being "Family Friendly" - the music is peppier and the congregation is noisier! Many of our parishioners with cognitive and developmental disorders prefer this mass.
 
Need an accommodation not listed here? Please contact Marissa Miranda to see if we can arrange the accommodation for you!
 
Faith Formation for All
 
If you or your child have cognitive, emotional, or behavioral challenges, accommodations can be provided to make Faith Formation accessible. Possible accommodations include:

• An extra adult in the classroom to provide additional assistance
• A peer-buddy
• A small-group setting
• A modified curriculum
• Behavioral supports

These accommodations can also be provided to adults and children who need their sacraments through an Adapted RCIA program.
 
Our Children's Faith Formation coordinator handles accommodations for all levels of Faith Formation. Please contact  Marissa Miranda with questions and/or to arrange accommodations.