Category: Latest News

St. Matthias Church Contribution Envelopes Delayed

Posted on by Debbie Schurko

 

Due to unexpected machinery issues, envelope packages for the period of January 11, 2026 to March 22, 2026 the production schedule has been disrupted and delivery is delayed.

You are encouraged to log into the Parish Giving website and register to process your contributions, which will be more accurate. If you prefer not to contribute online, please use envelopes available at church or use a blank envelope to give your donation. Be sure to write your name and envelope number clearly, so we can process them accurately. If you do not know your envelope number, please include your full address. Please do not place loose checks in the basket because it will be processed differently and you will not receive the credit.

A friendly reminder that all checks should be made payable to “Church of St. Matthias” and there should be only one check per envelope.  If you have questions or concerns please reach out to the Parish Office.

God bless.

Greetings from Fr. Tom!

Posted on by Debbie Schurko

 

Merry Christmas!  Blessings for your Families!
 

Greetings from your recovering pastor! I watched the Midnight Mass from bed and recall Pope Leo mentioned an insight in his homily from St. Augustine: “when humans tried to become God, God decided to become human to lead us back.” My humanity was certainly affirmed as I entered this Christmas season with the flu.

I was able to celebrate Mass this morning and wanted to apprise you of my upcoming schedule.

Masses, Fr. Tom will be the celebrant:

  • January 1st- 12 pm (Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God)
  • January 2nd- 8 am
  • January 4th- 10 am & 12 pm
  • January 5th-11th – I will be away on my annual retreat.

May God bless you this Christmas Season,

Fr. Tom

Beware of Scams!

Posted on by Debbie Schurko

 

Please be cautious of fake emails or phone calls from people claiming to be Fr. Tom, or the Pastor of St. Matthias. There has recently been an increase in spam/phishing emails.  Scams have become increasingly sophisticated; it is always a good idea to scrutinize an email address to assess its authenticity. Please know that Fr. Tom would never send an email asking for money or private information. 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.

How We Communicate Urgent News

Posted on by Debbie Schurko

 

As the winter season approaches, we will periodically experience inclement weather conditions. Our Mass schedule will remain the same unless there is an extreme weather condition. Notices regarding any changes or concerns will be posted on this website under the Latest News section.

We encourage all of our parishioners to be cautious, make wise decisions, and check our website for any updates. This is our main way to communicate with the community should any emergency arise. We also send out St. Matthias Family Connect (SMFC) emails to those who have submitted their emails and are open to us sending updates on an as-needed basis.  If you would like to be included on the email list, please email bulletin@stmatthias.net your contact information.  *We do not share this list with anyone outside of St. Matthias.*

God bless.

 

Special Pastoral Message on Immigration by the Bishops of the United States

Posted on by Debbie Schurko

 

At the request of several parishioners, I would like to share the United States Catholic Bishops Conference’s most recent message on the Church’s position regarding immigration.  I know this is a sensitive issue with many facets.  However, as we continue through Advent and enter into this Christmas season, let us adopt the attitude of the Innkeeper in Bethlehem when Joseph and Mary needed shelter.  Or, the Good Samaritan who helped his fellow neighbor upon being victimized by robbers.  May our country be both a place of safety & a place where we utilize our time and resources to care for ALL PEOPLE in need.
May God bless you,
Fr. Tom

SMYLE is asking families to please donate items for “Blessing Bags”.

Posted on by Debbie Schurko

 

* For the next two weekends (December 6th/7th & 13th/14th) SMYLE is asking families to please donate the following items: *

Hats ·  Scarves ·  Gloves ·  Toothpaste ·  Toothbrushes ·  Small deodorants ·  Hand Warmers ·  Dunkin Gift Cards

Donations can be placed in the Cry Room anytime during the week when the Church is open.

* Sunday, December 14th, from 4:30 pm – 6 pm – Grades 6-12 Service Project *

We’ll meet in the cafeteria to sort & stuff the donated items into 1 Gallon Zip-Lock “Blessing Bags”.

These items will be distributed to the homeless men and women who are served by Unity Square, New Brunswick.

Join Us for a Fun-Filled Day to the Sight & Sound Theater to See “JOSHUA Live on Stage”

Posted on by Debbie Schurko

 

The St. Martin DePorres Society will once again host a trip to Lancaster, PA, to see Sight & Sound’s “JOSHUA LIVE ON STAGE” on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

 

PRICING:
Adults (Age 13+): $175
Children (under 13): $105

***Tickets, Bus, and Theater seating will be assigned on a first-come first-serve basis! So Reserve Early!***
***Tickets will not be held until the first payment is received***

 

PRICE INCLUDES:
– Roundtrip Transportation
– Light Breakfast and Snacks on the Bus
– Ticket to “JOSHUA” Live on Stage (SHOWTIME – 11:00am)
– Lunch Buffet after the show at Miller’s Restaurant

TO SECURE TICKETS:
$100 deposit/ticket due by January 30th
Final payment due by April 15th

(Note: After May 1st, Tickets are Non-Refundable)

Make checks payable to:
“St. Martin De Porres Society” with “Sight and Sound”, an email/phone# in the memo and mail or drop check off at the Parish Office.

TRANSPORTATION:
BUS DEPARTS at 7:15 AM Sharp!
From The Catholic Community of St. Matthias, 168 John F Kennedy Boulevard, Somerset, NJ 08873
BUS RETURNS at approximately 7:30 PM

For More Information and To Purchase Tickets Contact:
Pearl Scott – pearlkscott12@gmail.com or Dolores Christmas – deechristmas@aol.com

The Giving Tree is Back! Please consider donating to someone in need.

Posted on by Debbie Schurko

 

GIVING TREE 2025

The Giving Tree is now available at the front of the Church and remain there until Sunday, December 14th.  During this time you will have the opportunity to take ornaments (gift tags) off the tree and purchase some or all of the items listed.

Once again, we are supporting those visiting Elijah’s Promise, Great Expectations, Naomi’s Way, Ozanam Family Shelter, Ozanam Men’s Shelter, PACT (Program of Assertive Community), Pregnancy Aid Center, YES Early Learning Centers and SVDP Local Families. The needs are overwhelming, and we invite you to assist by choosing an ornament or two and purchasing the items requested.

GIFT COLLECTION WILL BEGIN NEXT WEEKEND DECEMBER 6th / 7th, and will continue the following weekend, DECEMBER 13th /14th. When returning the gifts, PLEASE BE SURE THE ORNAMENTS ARE SECURED ON THE PACKAGES, this is the only identifier we have to get the package to the proper facility. If you would like to participate without grabbing a tag, please consider purchasing gift cards (Walmart, Target, Visa/MC, Shop Rite or Stop and Shop) in increments of $25 or more and placing them in the basket under the Tree… they will be disbursed where there is the greatest need.

We could always use elves to carry the gifts from the Church to the school or drivers for 9:00 AM Monday deliveries. If you are able to assist OR have any other questions, please contact: Joanne Diana at (732)322-6270 or j-diana@comcast.net.

THANK YOU for supporting those less fortunate in our surrounding communities!!

 

Generous Donor Gifts St. Matthias All New Liturgical Vessels

Posted on by Debbie Schurko

 

We are pleased to share the wonderful news that an anonymous donor has generously gifted St. Matthias Parish with a complete set of new liturgical vessels. These include the chalice, paten, ciboria, and other items used during the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. We are deeply grateful for this act of devotion and love for our parish community.

The Church teaches that sacred vessels are to be made of noble and durable materials and treated with the highest reverence. Because these vessels hold the Body and Blood of Christ, they must reflect the sacred reality they carry. Their beauty and quality are not for ornament alone, but to express the dignity of the Eucharist and the holiness of the One whom we worship. As the General Instruction of the Roman Missal reminds us, the objects used in the liturgy should “be truly worthy, dignified, and beautiful, signs and symbols of heavenly realities.”

Showing care for the Eucharist extends beyond the vessels themselves—it is an expression of our belief in the Real Presence of Jesus Christ. When we honor what touches the divine, we affirm our faith that God is truly with us.

Please join us in offering prayers of thanksgiving for this generous gift and for the anonymous donor whose faith-filled stewardship blesses our whole parish.

What Do Liturgical Vessels Say About Who Jesus Is?