Dear St. Matthias Parish and School Community,
Grace and peace to you!
It is with great joy that I introduce myself to you as the new pastor of St. Matthias Parish and School, beginning on August 1, 2025. My name is Fr. Tom Lanza, and I am incredibly honored to be joining this vibrant and faith-filled community.
When the diocese announced that St. Matthias was going to be in need of a new pastor, I immediately felt in my heart that this would be a good fit. Most of my childhood I spent as your neighbor. I grew up in Kendall Park and went to church at St. Augustine’s. Upon finishing High School, I went to Ramapo College for my undergraduate studies in business and sociology. During my early 20’s I worked for a few different companies, mostly in sales, management, and logistics. Prior to entering the seminary, I taught middle-school religion for a year at St. Augustine’s School. When I applied to the Priestly Formation Program for the Diocese of Metuchen in my late 20’s, I was sent to do my philosophy and theology studies at St. Mary’s Seminary and University, Roland Park, Baltimore, MD.
Unfortunately, the COVID pandemic was roaring when I finished seminary, so my ordination was postponed from June to August 2020. During my priestly ministry, I have had so many great opportunities. My first assignment sent me to OLPH in Bernardsville to minister to both the Spanish and English-speaking communities. During which I taught theology at Immaculata High School as well. After two years, Bishop sent me to serve as Chaplain at Rutgers University, while Chaplain to St. Joe’s HS, and Vocations Director for the Diocese of Metuchen.
From the moment I learned I would be coming to St. Matthias, I began praying for each of you and the diverse community that has been cultivated. I believe that God has called us together for a purpose, and I am eager to walk this journey of faith with you, as we strive to grow in love, service, and holiness.
As your new pastor, my deepest desire is to be a shepherd who listens, encourages, and builds connections. Whether you are a longtime member of the parish or a new face in the school hallways, know that you are valued and appreciated. I look forward to getting to know you all—hearing your stories, celebrating the sacraments together, and continuing the beautiful work that has been done here for generations.
To the faculty, staff, students, and families of St. Matthias School: I am especially excited to support you in forming young hearts and minds rooted in Christ. Catholic education is a precious gift, and I am committed to helping our children grow, not only in knowledge but also in faith, compassion, and character.
Let us move forward together, trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. May this new chapter be marked by renewal, unity, and a deepening of our shared mission to proclaim the Good News and make disciples of all people we encounter!
Please pray for me, I look forward to meeting all of you.
In Christ’s love,
Fr. Tom Lanza
Pastor-elect (term begins Aug 1, 2025)
St. Matthias Parish and School
We join the rest of the world in keeping the Novendiales – the official mourning period in memory of Pope Francis from April 26 to May 4, 2025. The USCCB has prepared a Novena to pray for the Pope during this time. It consists of a short reading from Scripture or some other ecclesiastical text and some brief prayers, including orations drawn from the Roman Missal and the Order of Christian Funerals. We will use it at the end of the Mass for nine days, beginning this weekend. Here’s the link that you can access for your personal or family prayer: