Category: Latest News

 

Sing. Grow. Bloom.

Does your child or grandchild love to sing?

Do you want them to grow with friends through faith and music?

Just like a seed grows into a tall, joyful sunflower with care and sunlight, your children’s voices can blossom in

The St. Matthias Children’s Choir!

We’ve been planting the seeds of faith, music, harmony, and friendship for over 40 years—and we want YOUR children to grow with us.

First Rehearsal – Thursday, September 18, 2025 – in church

Grades 2,3, and 4 –   3:30- 4:15

Grades 5-8   –    4:00 -5:00

Interested in joining our choir? Click here to register

Questions? Email Pastoral Associate for Liturgical Music Joan Best Seamon.

Our schedule is flexible – if your child has a different schedule on Thursday afternoons, let’s talk and see how we can make Children’s Choir happen for your family.

Or come and say hello after Mass. I’d love to meet you!
Click here to register

 

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

 

Dear Friends,

I had expressed my gratitude to Mrs. Mary Lynch, the outgoing Principal of our St. Matthias School, in my column last Sunday, and today I have the pleasure to announce Mr. Eric Harper as our new Principal.

Mr. Harper has been the Principal of Our Lady of Grace Catholic School in Penndel, PA, for the past four years. During his term there, he had initiated a strategic plan and increased enrollment. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science, with minors in history and Latin, from the University of Tulsa, and a Master’s in education from Notre Dame. He was a participant in the Alliance for Catholic Education program, which sustains and strengthens Catholic schools through leadership formation, research, and professional service. Hearty welcome to Mr. Harper to St. Matthias Community.

I wish to take this chance to thank the Search Committee – Pat Chorazak, Sr. Maria Derecola, Peter Kostik, Fr. Lancelot McGrath, Santina Spinella, Sheila Tartaglia, and Aureen Williamson – for their hard work by giving so much of their time and talent so graciously to do the interviews and recommend to me the best candidates to choose from.

God bless.

Fr. Abraham

 

   Cub Scout Pack 195 / Boy Scout Troop 154

CAR WASH FUNDRAISER

All proceeds from the event will help fund Pack 195 and Troop 154 Scout Activity Program

SATURDAY, May 24th, 2025

10 AM – 3 PM  

(rain date: May 31st)

St. Matthias Church

Suggested Donation (cash or check): Car – $10, Minivan/SUV – $15

More information: www.scoutpack195nj.com

 

 

My Dear Parishioners,

Bishop Checchio has asked me to announce that, after taking into account the information he received from your participation in the Parish Listening Sessions here in early March, and having consulted with the Priest Personnel Board, he has appointed the Reverend Thomas Lanza to succeed me as your Pastor here at Saint Matthias beginning on August 1, 2025.

Father Lanza currently serves as the Vocation Recruiter for the Diocese and as a Chaplain at the Catholic Center at Rutgers and at Saint Joseph’s High School in Metuchen.  Father has been a priest since 2020.  He has a strong reputation as an energetic and affable priestly leader. 

Bishop asks that you keep Father Lanza, your parish, and all our priests in your prayers.  Bishop would also be grateful for your prayers for him and wants you to know that you are remembered in his prayers every day.

Naturally that brings up the next question: what about me? Bishop has asked me to be the pastor at Our Lady of Peace in Fords, beginning on August 1, 2025.

Continued Easter Blessings!

Fr. Abraham Orapankal