Category: Latest News

Twenty Three St. Matthias School Families Provided Financial Assistance.

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

The Tuition Angels Committee has wrapped up another year of tuition award

assistance for students attending St. Matthias School.  For the school year  beginning September 2024, twenty-three families will benefit from tuition assistance via this fund. The Tuition Angels Committee provides confidential assistance to parents who are struggling with tuition payments for their child/children to attend St. Matthias School. Many factors lead parents to seek financial assistance, such as loss of jobs, reduced work hours, medical concerns.

All donations to Tuition Angels are provided by the generosity of our St. Matthias parishioners.

Currently, Tuition Angels funds are running low, and we ask for your prayerful consideration of donating to the Tuition Angels fund. If you, or your family, or your children have benefited from Catholic education, at any level, you understand the lasting and positive effects of this experience. If you are the parent of a SMS graduate, please contact them, and ask them to donate, if they are able.

Graduates, parents of graduates, or parishioners who are able to, please donate to this parish managed, confidential fund. Your gift helps a family to continue to provide a strong, Catholic, Christ-centered education to a child.

You may donate through Parish Giving, online, with a check in the donation basket, or a donation mailed to the Parish Office. Simply indicate on the envelope that the donation is for “TUITION ASSISTANCE” and kindly make a note on the check memo line”.  You may make a one-time donation, or an ongoing regular contribution to the fund.

The school remains alive, and solid, with many new enrollees each year. We want to keep it that way.  Our school continues to be a nurturing, vibrant and essential part of our parish community. Your donations will help to assist this critical component.

Thank you for your prayerful consideration of the Tuition Angels fund.

 

We are sad to announce the passing of Fr. Henry

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

We are sad to announce the passing of Reverend Henry L. Hemmerling, a retired priest of our diocese. Fr. Henry served our parish as weekend associate for a few years. He died on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at the age of 88. Here’s more information from the Diocese:

“Father Hemmerling spent four years with the Trappists at St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts before discerning diocesan priesthood, and was ordained on May 28, 1966.

He served at St. Francis of Assisi Parish (now Cathedral), Metuchen, St. Barnabas Parish, Bayville, St. Anthony of Padua, Hightstown, and St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton.  He served as Pastor at Sacred Heart Parish, South Plainfield, St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Parish, Flemington, and Most Holy Redeemer Parish, Old Bridge.  He retired from active ministry in 2001.

Father Hemmerling’s body will be received by Rev. Chester H. Carina on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Most Holy Redeemer Parish, 133 Amboy Road, Old Bridge Township.   Public visitation will take place in the church from 2 to 4 p.m., and from 6 to 6:45 p.m. Very Reverend Jonathan S. Toborowsky, VG will preside at the Mass of Commemoration at 7:00 p.m., with Rev. Msgr. Francis J. Duffy of the Diocese of Paterson the homilist.  On Friday, June 28, a viewing will take place from 9:30-10:45 a.m. in the church.  Then, at 11:00 a.m., Most Reverend James F. Checchio will celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial, with Rev. Chester H. Carina the homilist.  Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Totowa, NJ.”

We, here at St. Matthias, experienced his pastoral care, sense of humor and storytelling. We are grateful to God for his life and service.

Father Henry, may God our heavenly Father welcome you into His eternal kingdom, good and faithful servant of the Lord.

Rest in peace. AMEN

 

SCAM ALERT

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Like many pastors, I too have heard from our parishioners who received emails or text messages, seemingly from me, asking for donations.  Please exercise the utmost caution when receiving these types of communications. I have not asked nor will I solicit donations. Please be suspicious of any such communication. Please call the parish office directly to verify its legitimacy.  Anyone who feels that they have been the victim of this type of fraud is urged to contact the local police department.

-Fr. Abraham

Join Us For A Farewell Mass

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Sr. Marie Therese, who has been serving our parish community for the past 17 years, has decided to retire from active ministry.

Please join us at the noon Mass on June 30th for her farewell Mass. After Mass, we will have the opportunity to meet with her in the cafeteria to offer her our good wishes as she starts the next chapter in her life and ministry. Sister has been an integral member of our parish and will surely be missed.

Part-Time Parish Associate for Faith Formation Needed.

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

The responsibilities include coordinating religious formation programs for families with children K-8. Manage preparation for Baptism, First Reconciliation/First Eucharist, and Confirmation. Adult faith formation through parish small groups.

The candidate must be a practicing Catholic, with excellent communication and organizational skills. Computer proficiency especially in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and other digital tools employed in catechetical ministry.

Experience in parish or related pastoral ministry.  A degree in Theology, Catechetics, or Religious Education is preferred.

Please send your resume to: Mary Pat Burke-Grospin, Business Admin. at mpburke-grospin@stmatthias.net

 

Part-Time Administrative Assistant Needed

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

St. Matthias Church is looking for a part-time administrative assistant with management experience. Responsibilities will include but not limited to:

  • Assist with the day-to-day operation of the parish.
  • Maintain the parish calendar and schedule events.
  • Serve as the point of contact for funerals and weddings.
  • Proactive management of vendors.
  • Work with maintenance supervisor ordering parts, supplies, and scheduling appointments.
  • Maintain office inventory and complete other general office duties.
  • Must be proficient in MS Office.Excellent office and interpersonal skills.
  • Good communication skills, both in person and on the phone a must.

Please send your resume to: Mary Pat Burke-Grospin, Business Administrator at  mpburke-grospin@stmatthias.net

Trail of Faith

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

The “Trail of Faith” provides a new opportunity to appreciate nature on the grounds of Saint Matthias Parish. The Trail is approximately 1/3 of a mile long. It starts in the back parking lot between the northeast corner of the playground and the dumpster enclosure. It travels through wooded areas and fields behind the parish. The trail was planned and built by Parishioner Dalton Vassanella for his Eagle Scout Project.

Dalton is a member of Scout Troop 154, which is sponsored by St. Matthias Parish. Several Scouts and Adult Leaders from Troop 154 helped him with the construction of the Trail. The inspiration for the trail came to Dalton one Sunday after Mass as he was walking the Parish grounds reflecting on his experiences as a student at St. Matthias School. His goal was to come up with a project that would allow others to enjoy the natural beauty of God’s creations as part of their ongoing spiritual journeys. The Trail is dedicated to the many teachers and staff that have devoted decades of their lives to educating thousands of St. Matthias students.

The trail was built to provide parishioners a place to reflect on their relationship with God, deepen their spirituality, and pray or meditate, all while surrounded by nature. It was also built to be utilized by Saint Matthias School. Teachers can take their students on the trail to learn more about natural sciences and students can see firsthand different types of soil, trees, plants, birds, animals, and other elements of the ecosystem, in this “outdoor classroom”.

Scattered along the trail are a dozen signs. Each sign states one of 12 points that comprise the Scout Law, along with a corresponding Bible quote. When they walk the trail, parishioners, staff, and students are encouraged to ponder the Bible passages, or simply use each sign as a place to stop and reflect upon the beauty of God’s creations.

When walking the trail please stay on the path marked by the green trail markers, at all times. Also, please wear appropriate footwear and be aware of your surroundings. All children should be accompanied by a parent or guardian, when walking on the “Trail of Faith”.

Anyone interested in learning more about Scout Troop 154 please contact: Scoutmaster, Mr. Paul Furnell; (732) 799 9956. info@troop154nj.com