Category: Latest News

Time to Volunteer for our “Tree-mendous” Spread the Light Event!

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

We will be in need of help on two Saturdays, November 22nd and November 29th. On the 22nd, we will need help taking the trees off the truck at delivery and setting them up in the field. We have been informed that the truck should arrive at 7 AM. While that is early, we should be finished in about 2 hours. If you can help that day, please email Jo-Ann, mrspiag@aol.com, or Pat, fitpro436@gmail.com, a message along with your phone number in case we need to call you if there is any delay to avoid waiting at the church.

On the 29th, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, we need MANY volunteers to decorate the trees with lights. We start at 9 AM and will need at least 40 people. Lots of you are veterans at this project, but we could use some new faces. Many hands make quick work, so please make every effort to join your fellow parishioners as we kick off this most joyous and sacred season as a family of St. Matthias!

Opening of Our Book of Mass Intentions

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

Our 2026 Book of Mass Intentions will be opened on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 8:30 AM in the Parish Office. To accommodate all our parishioners, we will continue the limit of four (4) Masses, that is, two (2) weekday Masses and a maximum of two (2) Weekend Masses. You can return on or after December 10 for additional Mass requests. It is good for us all to know of the different kinds of Mass intentions:

 

  • Announced Weekday Mass Intentions: The suggested stipend for weekday Mass remains the same: $10.00. The intention will be printed in the bulletin and announced during Mass. Please be sure to indicate if the person for whom the Mass requested is living (L) or deceased (D).
  • Announced Weekend Mass Intentions: The suggested stipend for Weekend Mass is $20.00. The intention will be printed in the bulletin and announced at Mass. Please be sure to indicate if the person for whom the Mass requested is living (L) or deceased (D).
  • Multiple Intentions: With increasing requests for additional Mass intentions during unforeseen special occasions such as death, month’s mind, etc., it is a pastoral practice to better accommodate such needs of our parishioners by allowing additional intentions with the existing intention for the Mass. In such cases, we will be accepting only one additional intention, which will be announced in the Universal Prayers (Prayers of the Faithful) but not necessarily in the bulletin. Please know that the stipend for this additional intention ($10 for weekdays and $20 for Weekends) will be sent to the Mission Office of our Diocese or to missionary priests.
  • Unannounced Mass Intentions: There will be no limit on unannounced Mass requests. These Masses are available at any time and are sent either to the Office of Missions of the Diocese of Metuchen or to missionary priests. The suggested stipend remains the same: $10.00.
  • Mass for the People (Missa Pro Populo): One Sunday Mass per weekend is offered for the intention of the living and deceased parishioners of St. Matthias.

St. Matthias Parish & School Congratulates Archbishop James F. Checchio on His Appointment to the Archdiocese of New Orleans later this year

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Somerset, NJ – September 24, 2025 – The parish community of St. Matthias joyfully extends heartfelt congratulations to Archbishop James F. Checchio as he prepares to assume his new pastoral mission with the Archdiocese of New Orleans later this year.

Since his ordination as the Fifth Bishop of Metuchen in 2016, Archbishop Checchio has shepherded the Diocese of Metuchen with compassion, vision, and steadfast faith. His commitment to fostering vocations, strengthening Catholic education, and building vibrant parish communities has left a profound impact on clergy, religious, and laity alike.

The St. Matthias Parish community joins the wider Diocese in offering gratitude for Archbishop Checchio’s witness to the Gospel and dedication to the mission of the Church. We pray that the Lord will strengthen him for this new chapter of service and that the people of New Orleans may be richly blessed by his shepherd’s heart.

https://www.usccb.org/news/2025/pope-leo-xiv-appoints-bishop-james-checchio-coadjutor-archbishop-new-orleans

Christmas Craft Fair Vendors Wanted

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

✨ We’re excited to invite you to the St. Matthias HSA Annual Christmas Craft Fair on Sunday, December 7, 2025 (9 AM – 2 PM) in the school cafeteria! ✨

Event Details:

Set-up: 7 AM

Table: $55 (8′ x 2½’)

Space (no table): $45

Limited wall & electrical spots – first come, first served!

 

How to Apply:

Complete the PDF Contract and mail it with payment

OR

Fill out the Google Form, and then mail your payment

 

Make checks payable to “St. Matthias HSA” and send to 24 Fulton Road, Somerset, NJ 08873 in an envelope addressed to SMS Christmas Craft Fair – ℅ Nicole Pedicini

Optional: Support our holiday raffle by donating a handcrafted item!

Spots sell out quickly—apply early to reserve your space!

Thank you for helping us make this year’s fair a success. We cannot wait to see you there!

 

2025 SMS Christmas Craft Fair Letter Contract

Response to shooting in Minneapolis Church

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Dear Parishioners, Parents, and Students,

With a heavy heart, I write to you today in the wake of the horrific shooting that took place yesterday during the opening Mass at Annunciation School. Words cannot fully express the grief and shock we feel for our brothers and sisters who have suffered such a tragedy. We hold them in our deepest prayers, asking the Lord to bring healing, comfort, and peace to all those affected.

I also want to speak directly to you, the families and faithful of St. Matthias. Please know that your safety, and the safety of our students, staff, and parishioners, is of the highest priority. Since learning of this tragedy, we have been in direct communication with the Franklin Police Department. They have reassured us of their vigilance and commitment to protecting our community. We will continue to work closely with them to ensure that St. Matthias remains a safe and secure place of worship, learning, and community.

Please join me in keeping the Annunciation community in prayer during this most painful time. And let us recommit ourselves to being people of hope and courage in the face of darkness.

With prayers for you and your families,

Fr. Tom Lanza
Pastor, St. Matthias Parish & School

Have You Ordered Your Tree Yet?

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

“Spread the Light!” Campaign is Back!

St. Matthias is again celebrating the Christmas Season by illuminating our church and school property with beautiful, personalized, freshly-cut Christmas trees, decorated with white lights.  Each tree will have a plaque that can be customized with a name or a message.  This can be a great way to memorialize a loved one, your business, a family milestone, or any other celebration or occasion.

For more information and to sponsor a tree visit: www.stmatthias.net/trees or click here

A Sorrowful Announcement

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

It is with deep sadness that we share with you the passing of Vincenza “Vinnie” Natale.  For many years, Vinnie was a faithful presence among us, both as a parishioner and as an employee in the parish office — a woman whose quiet generosity reflected the love of Christ to all who knew her.

Though we will miss Vinnie’s presence here, we hold onto the hope of reunion in Christ’s Kingdom, where “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more” (Revelation 21:4).  Until then, we entrust her to the arms of our Heavenly Father, confident that Christ has prepared a place for her at the eternal banquet of life.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she rest in peace.

The funeral Mass for Vinnie will be on Monday, August 25, 2025, at 10 AM.

Beware of Scams!

Posted on by Nathalie Godet

 

Please be cautious of fake emails or phone calls from people claiming to be Fr. Tom, or the Pastor of St. Matthias. Scams have become increasingly sophisticated; it is always a good idea to scrutinize an email address to assess its authenticity.  If you receive a phone call, make sure the number is from the organization you are interfacing with. If you’re unsure, hang up and call the organization back to verify.