Author: Nathalie Godet

Second Sunday of Lent

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

There are three major feasts that are not part of Lent but they occur almost always in Lent: St. Patrick on March 17 that is tomorrow, St. Joseph on March 19 and The Annunciation on March 25. Do we celebrate these feasts or stick to the austerity of lent? As one writer put it, “Although I know so many people talk about corned beef, Shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, Irish stew as indispensable Irish comfort foods, I have found there are many meatless dishes that are just as Irish and traditional.” Similar points of view can be made of celebrating the feast of St. Joseph. Instead of getting into any controversy, it is good for us to know that the Church instruction is one of understanding and accommodation so that we can celebrate these feasts without losing the spirit of Lent. What is more important for us is that these feasts give us an opportunity to learn lessons that will help us live Lent better.

Thanks to the Irish for bringing the legacy of St. Patrick to places they have settled, especially to the USA. The St. Patrick’s Day celebration is a wonderful way to connect with the motherland and to unite all the Irish worldwide. But the way it is celebrated only as a cultural festivity equating it with all things Irish and green, is to miss out on the religious and spiritual dimension of the life of this great saint. Hence, the church invites us to focus on the missionary nature of the life of St. Patrick who converted the Irish population to Catholicism in his 33 years of apostolate there. He taught the oneness of God from whom all of creation comes forth and that faith in the true God can transform people. He was so convinced of this truth that he was willing to take any risk to share this goodness with others. He boldly discussed faith with everyone he met, and he didn’t compromise his convictions even others put intense pressure upon him to change.

Another quality that endeared me to St. Patrick is his sense of extraordinary forgiveness. Remember he was kidnapped from his home at the tender age of 16 and was forced to work as a slave in Ireland. We know from his writings that after six years, he escaped from slavery in Ireland, by walking some 200 miles to a port and persuading a ship captain to take him back home. He not only forgave his captors but also decided to become a priest and a missionary so he could return to Ireland to share the gospel with the very people who hurt him and destroyed his young life. Instead of looking at his tormenters as people to be avoided because they brought such darkness in his life, he saw them as brothers and sisters in Christ who needed to hear the good news of Jesus. What an inspiration for us who need to give forgiveness to those who have hurt or offended us!

This Wednesday, on March 19, we have the solemn Feast of St. Joseph. Being a high ranking feast in the Liturgical calendar of the Church, the Mass celebrated very much like a Sunday Mass with Gloria, and all the readings. The solemnity in the church is certainly followed by the solemnity at the dinner table too! St. Joseph’s silence in the gospels is an indication of his interior disposition of openness to listening to God – something we all can benefit from especially in this Lenten season. Every Wednesday we have a short novena prayer for the intercession of St. Joseph.

Happy Feast of St. Patrick! Happy Feast of St. Joseph!

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

First Sunday of Lent

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

The first Listening session in preparation for transition of leadership of St. Matthias to a new Pastor, according to the Diocese, was pretty well attended. The second Listening session is tomorrow (Monday, March 10) at 7 PM in the Church. All are invited.

In the midst of the steps for leadership change, we focus on our Lenten journey we began on Ash Wednesday. “Giving up” some food item for Lent is something many do. That is a good and admirable sacrifice that brings us discipline and self-control. While doing that, can we also consider giving up certain unhealthy habits in order bring about better relationship with others?

GIVE UP grumbling! Instead, “In everything give thanks.” Constructive criticism is OK, but “moaning, groaning, and complaining” are not Christian disciplines.

GIVE UP 10 to 15 minutes in bed! Instead, use that time in prayer, Bible study and personal devotion.

GIVE UP looking at other people’s worst points. Instead concentrate on their best points. We all have faults. It is a lot easier to have people overlook our shortcomings when we overlook theirs first.

GIVE UP your worries and anxieties! Instead, trust God with them. Anxiety is spending emotional energy on something we can do nothing about: like tomorrow! Live today and let God’s grace be sufficient.

GIVE UP TV one evening a week! Instead, visit some lonely or sick person. There are those who are isolated by illness or age. Why isolate yourself in front of the “tube?” Give someone a precious gift: your time!

GIVE UP buying anything but essentials for yourself! Instead, give the money to God. The money you would spend on the luxuries could help someone meet basic needs. We are called to be stewards of God’s riches, not consumers.

GIVE UP judging by appearances and by the standard of the world! Instead, learn to give up yourself to God. There is only one who has the right to judge, Jesus Christ. (“What to Give up for Lent” by Craig Gates, Jackson, MS)

The Parish Retreat next Saturday 9 AM to 12 PM (March 15) is something that will make Lent special. Our presenter is Sr. Terry Rickard OP, PhD, who is a conference speaker, retreat leader, preacher, and author. She holds a Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology in

St. Louis, Missouri. The theme is: “Hope Renewed: A Lenten Path to New Life.”  Come and renew your hope in the midst of chaos and suffering in our world. This retreat will explore hope grounded in resurrection faith. Come as you are, but leave feeling refreshed, spiritually uplifted, and ready to continue the Lenten journey from the cross to the resurrection with a heart full of hope.

Let us all make this a meaningful and fruitful Lent!

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast Rescheduled for March 16th

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

The Knights of Columbus has rescheduled its annual Pancake Breakfast in honor of Past Grand Knight Robert Norland next Sunday, March 16th from 8:00 am – 12:00 noon in the school cafeteria. Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit St. Matthias School Tuition Angels.  

The cost is $12.00 for adults, $5.00 for ages 10-18 and children under 10 are free.

The breakfast menu is pancakes, eggs, sausage, bagels, juice, coffee, and much more.

We look forward to seeing you there!

 

Drive-Thru Ash Distribution is Cancelled. 

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends, Greetings as we begin Lent!

Unfortunately, with the rainy forecast for tomorrow, our tradition of Drive-Thru Ash distribution is cancelled.

I am very grateful to all the volunteers who showed willingness to help out. If anyone asks about the cancellation, please let them know of the four Ash Wednesday liturgies in the church (Masses at 8 am, 9 am, and 12:10 pm; and a Prayer Service at 7:30 pm.).

Have a good start of Lent with Ashes on Ash Wednesday – a day of Fasting and Abstinence.

God bless.

A Message From The Vicar for Clergy for the Diocese

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Parishioners of St. Matthias Parish,

Father Orapankal has informed you that he will be stepping down as your Pastor this summer.  Bishop Checchio is grateful for Father’s service here at St. Matthias for more than the past 6 years and also for the support you have given him.

Bishop Checchio and the Priest Personnel Board will now take up the matter of choosing a suitable priest to succeed Father Orapankal.  Pastors are appointed by the bishop to lead local parish communities and to provide for their pastoral care. They share in the bishop’s ministry of teaching, sanctifying, and governing. With the bishop’s mandate, and with the assistance and support of other clergy and the lay faithful, the pastor has full responsibility for shepherding the local church community.

To facilitate this appointment, Bishop Checchio has initiated a consultation process to elicit input from your entire parish community, including the staff, ministry leaders, and all parishioners, to determine what the people of St. Matthias hope for in its new Pastor. This consultation process includes meetings with both parish staff and interested parishioners.

The meetings for parishioners will be held on Monday, March 3rd, at 1:00 PM and Monday, March 10th, at 7:00 PM in your parish church.  These general meetings will be facilitated by Rev. Msgr. John Fell, Vicar for Clergy for the Diocese. They will welcome staff and ministry leaders of your parish community and all parishioners—everyone is invited and encouraged to participate.

During these guided listening sessions, information will be gathered from parishioners that will assist the Bishop and Priest Personnel Board to better understand the parish’s current status and needs. Please understand that these sessions are for information gathering only and that the data collected from parishioners at these meetings will be one factor among several that the Priest Personnel Board will consider in recommending candidates and the Bishop will consider in ultimately choosing your next pastor.  This consultation is not to solicit the names of individual priests, and these will not be discussed.

For any parishioners who might be unable to attend in person, there is also an option to be heard by emailing Msgr. Fell at jfell@diometuchen.org by March 12.  If you choose this option, please reflect on the following points:

  • the nature and current status of St. Matthias Parish and its ministries, programs, facilities, etc.,
  • the qualities you feel would be most needed by the new pastor,
  • the most salient features of the parish that the new pastor should be aware of,
  • what you are most proud of at your parish, and
  • the most pressing needs that you think the new pastor must be able to address in the short term.

All parishioners are asked to join in prayer that the Holy Spirit may guide and illumine this process and are invited and encouraged to participate in person or by email to help the diocese more fully understand the status and needs of the entire St. Matthias Parish Family.

Thank you so much for your kind assistance in this important matter.

Rev. Msgr. John Fell

 

St. Matthias School Drama Club Presents…

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

Buy tickets for the Show!

April 10th, 11th, and 12th at 7:00 PM

Immaculata High School, Somerville

Click here to buy tickets

Program Boosters & Ads

This Spring the SMS Drama Club will perform Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s MARY POPPINS JR. at Immaculata High School on April 10, 11 & 12.  The cast and crew, composed of the 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at SMS, are working extremely hard to perfect their performances. Encourage and show your support in print to our budding stars!

Help cover the cost of our production by purchasing a fun and supportive message to your favorite cast or crew member OR advertise your business! Our program will be seen by almost over 500 people buying tickets.

We have several levels of support for purchase:

  • MESSAGE BOARD BOOSTER (1-LINE, 75 WORDS) – $8
  • GOLD KEY DONOR – $25
  • ¼ PAGE AD – $25
  • ½ PAGE AD – $35
  • FULL PAGE AD – $50

We are providing an “online form” to submit your orders.

CLICK HERE for Parents/Family Members/ Friends Boosters

CLICK HERE for Businesses / Institutions Advertisements

You will receive an email confirmation of your form input. Please print your email confirmation and send payment (checks only) to school in an envelope marked: “MARY POPPINS BOOSTER ADS.” Checks should be made payable to St. Matthias School.

All requests, artwork, and payments are due by MARCH 1ST.

Please fill out a form for EACH cast member and/or Advertisement. If you wish to purchase multiple pages for the same size ads, please fill out a separate form. All ads that need to be proofread must be corrected by date requested back from layout designer. A lack of response by date requested implies a response of “YES, APPROVED, NO CORRECTIONS NECESSARY.”

For questions, contact our Playbill/Booster Coordinator and Layout Designer, Meghan Kanabay on meghankanabay@gmail.com or 908-839-2197.

Thank you for your support of our SMS Drama Club!

The St Vincent de Paul Society invites you to help them help those in need.

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

Might you be called to pray and work with us to help those in need?

The St Vincent de Paul ministry first and foremost is intended to immerse its members in a Vincentian spirituality – seeing the face of Christ in those we serve, while being the face of Christ to those we serve.

Our St Vincent de Paul Society Conference aims to help those in need residing in Franklin Township.  Anyone in need can come to us regardless of religious affiliation.

Based on the most recent census data, Franklin Township is the largest town by population in all of Somerset County with a population approaching 69,000 residents. The poverty level in Franklin Township is estimated to be from 4.2% to as high as 9.1% depending on the neighborhood (somewhere between 3000 to 6,279 men, women, and children).

In 2024, we assisted 200 households. Our assistance amounted to one hundred eleven thousand dollars, of which ninety-eight thousand dollars were utilized to provide housing for our Neighbors.  In addition, we have sent contributions to help the victims of the fires in Los Angeles County, and we have continued a quarterly contribution to a school in Port-au-Prince Haiti run by the Daughters of Charity, a Vincentian religious order.

All this has been made possible because of the stewardship in this community which has a history of sharing of our Time, Talent, and Treasure.  In the case of the St Vincent de Paul Society, we give of our:

  • Time – Time spent in prayer for our benefactors as well as our clients. Time spent interviewing clients either by Zoom or Face to Face meetings. Time in researching potential sources of help from the government/public sector as well as from our Conference funding.
  • Talent – bringing to the group, and to our clients our life experiences and faith that are key in problem-solving and planning to assist those in need.
  • Treasure – comes from our community in the form of financial contributions shared through special collections throughout the year, from individual contributors who have committed to regular, periodic donations, and by contributions to the poor boxes at the doors of the church.

The COVID pandemic severely impacted our client base, and the current economic situation has erased any wage progress made by our Neighbors over the past 5 years.  In addition, landlords have become intolerant of even one day’s delay in rent payments. As a result, they will attach late fees and begin the court order eviction process that includes additional legal fees billed to the Neighbor.

Over the past couple of years, our member numbers have decreased for a variety of reasons.  The work is sometimes hard but is extremely rewarding.  What we ask is for you to discern whether you might be called to pray and work with us to help those in need.

For further information, you can reach us by email at SVDPatSM@gmail.com

Bob Cherill,
Conference President
SVDP at St Matthias

Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Friends,

In another week, we will be at the threshold of the holy season of Lent. Ash Wednesday is on March 5 – a day of fast and abstinence. The Jubilee Year 2025 makes this Lent special as both remind us of the journey of life with the Word of God. During Lent every year, our Small Faith-sharing groups become more active than ever, reflecting on the Scriptures. The participants are greatly enriched with their experience in small gatherings – at church and at homes. Some may wonder why this insistence on small groups? Here are some reasons:

  • Small groups are biblical.
  • Small groups allow us to dialog with people of differing views.
  • Small groups give us a place to talk about personal and spiritual things in a safe environment.
  • Small groups help us to experience the power of love and prayer.
  • A small group provides us with much needed support and encouragement.
  • A small group helps facilitate our faith journey.

This year a special faith-sharing resource based on the jubilee theme: “Pilgrims of Hope” has been prepared by RENEW International. They have aptly titled it as “Jubilee: Join the Journey of Hope.” I found them very helpful. The six sessions include topics such as:

  • Materialism versus gospel values
  • Care for those in poverty, the sick, and the elderly
  • Concern for young people
  • Compassion and encouragement for prisoners; rejection of the death penalty
  • Welcome for strangers
  • Forgiveness and reconciliation

These sessions call us to grow closer to God and one another. The testimonies you hear from our own parishioners speak for themselves as to what these small group meetings can do to you personally and for your family.

As I often mention while inviting us all to join small groups, there is no requirement for a long term commitment, but a desire to attend just six sessions during the six weeks of Lent. Let us listen to the promptings that the Spirit of God is giving us and act upon them without procrastinating.

Many Catholics will take part in the Jubilee by traveling to Rome or to the Holy Land. But for most of us the more practical way to be a part of a Church “on the move” is through personal reflection and sharing in a small group during Lent. For signing up, please contact Debbie Schurko, our Director of Religious Education, at:  dschurko@stmatthias.net

Give yourself a chance, and see the difference it will make in your life, especially this Lent!

Your brother in Christ,

Fr. Abraham Orapankal

 

Volunteers Needed for Ash Wednesday Drive-Thru

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Once again, St. Matthias will offer Drive-Through Ashes come rain or shine (or snow), in addition to 3 Masses and 1 prayer service.

For the past several years, we have found that for health reasons, family commitments, work schedules, and other conflicts, some people are unable to come to one of the 4 Services in the church on Ash Wednesday. However, we have made it possible for many of these individuals to join us for the distribution of ashes through our Drive-Through Ashes ministry. Please know that all are welcome!

We would greatly appreciate your assistance if you are able to help distribute ashes on Wednesday, March 5th. The 1st shift is from 3:45 pm to 4:45 pm and the 2nd shift is from 4:45 pm to 5:45 pm. Please click here to sign up for one or both of our time slots. Thank you.

Know Your Rights: Immigrants, Organizations, and Businessess

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

IMMIGRATION IMPLEMENTATION CONCERNS

Recently, there have been concerns about implementing the Immigration laws, creating some confusion in the general public. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued a statement on its long-time partnership with the federal government to serve refugees:

“Faithful to the teaching of Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church has a long history of serving refugees. In 1980, the bishops of the United States began partnering with the federal government to carry out this service when Congress created the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). Every person resettled through USRAP is vetted and approved for the program by the federal government while outside of the United States. …” To read the full text, please visit:

https://www.usccb.org/news/2025/usccb-statement-its-work-us-refugee-admissions-program

If you need this information translated, please visit  ONA website (click on the dropdown that says “more languages” beneath each resource).

The threat of immigration enforcement raises concerns among many residents of New Jersey. It is essential to remember that every person in New Jersey—regardless of citizenship or immigration status—has rights. This guide outlines crucial information for individuals, organizations, and businesses to help navigate interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers.

For Individuals

In Public Spaces

  • ICE can enter public spaces without a warrant (e.g., office lobbies, restaurants, or stores).
  • You may:
    • Ask for identification and the agency they represent.
    • Ask if you are free to leave.
    • You have the right to remain silent. You may tell the immigration agent, “I choose to remain silent.”
    • You may refuse consent to searches unless there is probable cause or a valid warrant.
    • Request an interpreter if needed.

If Detained

At Home

  • ICE needs a valid judicial warrant to enter your home, except in emergencies.
    • Verify the warrant through a window or under the door. It must be signed by a judge and state “U.S. District Court” or a state court.
    • Administrative warrants (e.g., Forms I-200 or I-205) are not sufficient for entry.
  • If agents enter without consent, remain calm, state your rights, and document the interaction.

Immigration agents are permitted to enter without your permission in an emergency, such as a threat to public safety or a threat to someone’s life. However, you still have a right to remain silent and document the interaction, including recording (so long as you don’t interfere with their law enforcement activities).

For Businesses and Organizations

In Public Areas

  • Public spaces include dining areas, parking lots, or office lobbies. ICE can enter these areas but still requires probable cause or individual consent to detain anyone.

In Private Areas

  • Clearly distinguish private areas with signage (e.g., “Employees Only” or “Authorized Personnel Only”).
  • ICE cannot enter private areas without:
    • Your permission, OR
    • A judicial warrant signed by a judge, OR
    • An emergency situation, such as a public safety threat.

If ICE Visits Your Premises

  • Ask for identification and their purpose.
  • Verify the validity of any warrant presented.
  • You may refuse consent to searches without a valid warrant. If they proceed, do not resist; instead, state, “I do not consent to this search. I wish to remain silent and speak with an attorney.”
  • Document interactions, including recording (if lawful and non-interfering).

Protecting Against Fraud

Be cautious of individuals claiming to be “immigration consultants” or “notarios.” Only licensed attorneys or accredited representatives authorized by USCIS can assist with legal immigration matters.

  • Verify credentials through public attorney databases or government listings of accredited representatives.
  • Report immigration scams to the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-242-5846.

Resources and Additional Information

Know Your Rights (PDF) Individuals (English)

Know Your Rights (PDF) Individuals (Spanish)

Know Your Rights (PDF) Businesses (English)

Know Your Rights (PDF) Businesses (Spanish)