Dear Parish Family of St. Matthias,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!
It is with great joy and an open heart that I write to you as your new pastor. I am both honored and grateful for the opportunity to join you at St. Matthias, a parish with a rich history, a vibrant spirit, and a deep commitment to faith and community. While transitions can stir many emotions—curiosity, excitement, even a little uncertainty—I want you to know that, although tasked with leading the community, I also come among you as a fellow pilgrim, walking alongside you with joy and trust in God’s providence.
From the moment I first learned of my assignment to St. Matthias, I began praying for you during my morning routine before Mass. Now, as I take my place among you, my prayer is that together we will grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus, creating space for the Holy Spirit to do great work within us personally and in our community. My deepest desire is to get to know you, share life, and listen—to your stories, your hopes, your traditions, and your vision for the future. I want to learn what makes St. Matthias special, and how I can best serve this beautiful, diverse, and faith-filled community.
A little about myself: I have been blessed to serve in various parishes, schools, and ministerial roles over the years and have witnessed the many ways God is alive in His people. I believe deeply in the importance of a strong, inclusive parish life where all feel welcomed and valued. I am especially passionate about the Eucharist, the power of prayer, and helping families grow together in faith. I also believe that a parish should be a place where joy is tangible, support is abundant, and faith is made real in our daily lives.
As I begin this journey with you, I look forward to getting to know you—not just as members of a parish, but as sisters and brothers in Christ. I know that each of us carries our own joys and challenges, as I do. However, I promise to walk with you in compassion, honesty, and care. My hope is that together we will continue to build and grow our community, rooted in Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit, and alive with purpose.
In the coming weeks and months, I hope to meet many of you—at Mass, in the school, during ministry gatherings, or even just in casual conversations after church. I warmly invite you to introduce yourself. I will need some time to learn all your names, please be patient with me, but I will do my best!
Above all, I want to say thank you—for the warm welcome I have already received, and for the openness I know you will show me as we begin this new chapter together. May we be patient with one another, generous in spirit, and united in our shared mission to be the hands and heart of Christ in our community.
In peace,
Fr. Tom Lanza
Pastor, St. Matthias Parish & School