Category: Fr. Tom’s Weekly Message

The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed (All Souls)

Posted on by Debbie Schurko

 

Dear Friends in Christ,

As we turn the calendar from October to November, the Church invites us into one of the most beautiful and hope-filled moments of the liturgical year: the celebration of All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2). These two days are deeply connected—one celebrates the glory of heaven, the other the mercy of God that leads souls there. Together, they remind us of the Church’s great mystery: the Communion of Saints—the living, the dead, and those in glory, all united in Christ’s love.

All Saints’ Day: The Glory of Heaven

The origins of All Saints’ Day go back to the early centuries of Christianity, when believers gathered annually to honor martyrs who gave their lives for the faith. As the number of saints grew, the Church established a universal feast to honor all who had reached heaven—both known and unknown. Pope Gregory III (8th century) dedicated a chapel in St. Peter’s Basilica to all saints, fixing the date as November 1. Pope Gregory IV later extended the celebration to the whole Church.

Theologically, All Saints’ Day is not merely a day to admire holy men and women from afar—it is a celebration of our destiny. The saints show us what humanity looks like when transformed by grace. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches, “The saints have always been the source and origin of renewal in the most difficult moments in the Church’s history” (CCC 828). They were ordinary people who allowed God to do something extraordinary with their lives.

When we celebrate All Saints, we affirm our belief in the resurrection and in the perfection of charity that awaits those who live in friendship with God. The saints remind us that holiness is not a privilege of a few, but a call for all. “This is the will of God: your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3).

All Souls’ Day: The Mercy of God and the Hope of Resurrection

The following day, November 2, the Church tenderly turns her gaze to those who have died but are still being purified—our brothers and sisters in Purgatory. The tradition of praying for the dead is ancient; as early as the second century, Christians were offering prayers and Eucharistic intentions for those who had “fallen asleep in Christ.”

All Souls’ Day was formalized in the 11th century when the Benedictine abbey of Cluny dedicated a day of prayer for all the departed. The practice spread throughout Europe and eventually became universal. This feast reminds us that death does not sever the bonds of love formed in Christ. Our prayers, sacrifices, and Masses for the deceased are acts of charity that assist them on their journey toward the fullness of heaven.

In the words of Pope Benedict XVI, “Purgatory is not a place of punishment, but the soul’s interior process of being made capable of Christ’s love.” It is a state of hope—of longing purified by grace. On this day, we remember that God’s mercy is greater than our sin, and that love truly endures beyond the grave.

A Season of Gratitude and Hope

As we visit cemeteries, light candles, or attend Mass for the departed, we participate in the mystery of eternal life. The Church reminds us that we are “surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1), cheering us on as we make our own pilgrimage of faith.

May this sacred season renew our hope in the resurrection and our gratitude for those who have gone before us. The saints inspire us; the souls in purgatory need us; and together we belong to a single family in Christ—a communion that death cannot divide.

“Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their souls, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.” Amen.

In peace,

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

Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Debbie Schurko

 

Balancing Tradition and Forward Progress in Our Missionary Call

Dear Friends in Christ,

One of the great challenges and blessings of our Catholic faith is holding together two powerful realities: our deep and ancient Tradition and our ongoing call to renewal and evangelization. The Church, like a living body, breathes with both lungs—rooted in the wisdom of the past, yet ever moving forward under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

From the very beginning, Jesus Christ entrusted His mission to the apostles, commanding them: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). That missionary mandate has not changed in over two thousand years. Yet the world around us has changed dramatically. The Church of the early martyrs looked different from that of the medieval cathedrals; the Church of the Reformation era looked different still. Today, in our digital, globalized, and often secular world, we are once again called to live out the unchanging Gospel in new and creative ways.

To balance Tradition and progress, we must first understand what Tradition truly means. In Catholic theology, “Tradition” (with a capital “T”) is not merely about preserving customs or styles; it is about the living transmission of faith itself. As the Second Vatican Council taught in Dei Verbum, the Word of God “is handed on from the apostles to their successors so that, enlightened by the Spirit of truth, they may faithfully preserve, expound, and spread it.” Tradition is alive because Christ is alive. It is the ongoing conversation between God and His people through the ages.

At the same time, we must remember that fidelity to Tradition does not mean immobility. The Spirit who inspired the apostles still speaks to the Church today. Vatican II’s Evangelii Nuntiandi and more recently Pope Francis’ Evangelii Gaudium remind us that the Church must be “permanently in a state of mission.” Our task is not to guard a museum, but to open doors—to allow the treasures of our faith to shine in a world hungry for meaning, beauty, and truth.

This tension between preservation and progress is not something to be feared but embraced. Think of a tree: its roots run deep into the soil, drawing life from what lies hidden below. Yet those same roots allow it to grow upward, to branch out, to reach toward the light. Without roots, the tree withers; without growth, it dies. So it is with the Church. Our rootedness in Sacred Scripture, the Sacraments, and the teachings of the Magisterium keeps us grounded. But our outreach, innovation, and missionary creativity allow that life to bear fruit in the present age.

For us at the parish level, this means being attentive both to the sacred and the contemporary. We must cherish our liturgy, our devotions, and our sacred traditions—not because they are old, but because they connect us to Christ and the communion of saints. Yet we must also look for new ways to share the Gospel—with our families, our schools, our workplaces, and especially with those who have drifted away from the faith. Digital media, service opportunities, and personal invitation can all become instruments of evangelization when animated by love.

The key is discernment. Not every new idea serves the Gospel, but neither does every old practice automatically preserve it. The measure is always Christ Himself: does this draw people closer to Him? Does it help us love God and neighbor more deeply?

Let us, then, move forward together—anchored in the timeless truth of our faith, yet open to the fresh wind of the Spirit who makes all things new.

With gratitude and hope,

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

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Debbie Schurko

 

The Sacred Liturgy and the Beauty of God’s House 

Dear Friends in Christ,

When the bishops of the world gathered for the Second Vatican Council in the early 1960s, one of their first acts was to address the heart of the Church’s life: the sacred liturgy. The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium (1963), set forth a profound vision of worship rooted in both ancient tradition and renewed participation. The Council declared that “the liturgy is the summit toward which the activity of the Church is directed; at the same time, it is the font from which all her power flows.” In other words, everything the Church does—teaching, serving, evangelizing—finds its source and fulfillment in the celebration of the Eucharist.

Sacrosanctum Concilium called the whole Church to “full, conscious, and active participation” in the liturgy. This participation is not merely external involvement but a deep interior union with Christ, who continues His saving work through the sacraments. The Council emphasized that the liturgy belongs to the whole Body of Christ—the Head and the members—and that it makes visible the mystery of God’s presence among His people. The beauty and reverence of the liturgy, therefore, are not secondary concerns; they reveal and communicate the very glory of God.

Decades later, the U.S. bishops built upon this foundation with the document Built of Living Stones: Art, Architecture, and Worship (2000). Drawing inspiration from Sacrosanctum Concilium, the bishops reflected on how the design of our sacred spaces should foster prayer, unity, and the celebration of the sacraments. The title itself reminds us of St. Peter’s words: “Like living stones, let yourselves be built into a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5). Every church building, then, is both a structure of stone and a symbol of the living community that gathers within it.

According to Built of Living Stones, the arrangement of the altar, ambo, chair, font, and tabernacle should express the Church’s theology and draw the faithful into the mystery being celebrated. The altar—Christ Himself—stands at the center, as the focal point of sacrifice and communion. The ambo, from which the Word of God is proclaimed, should command dignity and visibility, signifying the importance of Scripture in God’s saving work. The chair represents Christ’s presiding presence through the priest, while the baptismal font marks our entry into the community of faith. The placement of the tabernacle invites prayerful reverence and reminds us that Christ dwells continually among His people.

Sacred art and architecture, when thoughtfully designed, do more than decorate a space—they lift the human heart toward the divine. As Built of Living Stones teaches, “Beauty is a doorway to mystery.” The harmony of light, form, and sound helps us encounter the transcendent and realize that heaven and earth truly meet in the liturgy.

As we continue to worship and gather as a parish, may we remember that our church building is not simply a meeting place, but a visible sign of the invisible grace we celebrate. Each time we enter its doors, we step into the mystery of God’s dwelling among us—a mystery that continues to shape and sanctify us, living stones in the temple of the Lord.

In Christ’s peace,

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

 

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Debbie Schurko

 

“The Sacred Space That Shapes Our Faith”

 Dear Friends in Christ,

When we enter a Catholic church, we step into more than just a building — we step into a sacred space that reveals what we believe. Every detail, from the placement of the altar to the flicker of the sanctuary lamp, is meant to draw our hearts to God. The very architecture of a church is a silent teacher of theology. It expresses, through imagery, art, color, light, and prominence of positioning, who we are as a people of faith and whom we have come to worship.

At the center of most Catholic churches stands the altar, the heart of the sacred space. The altar is not just a table — it is the place of sacrifice and the banquet of the Lord. Here, heaven and earth meet. When the priest stands at the altar, he stands in persona Christi — in the person of Christ — offering the sacrifice of the Mass. The placement of the altar in the center of the sanctuary, visible and elevated, reminds us that Christ Himself is the center of our lives and the heart of our worship. The altar is where the mystery of our salvation unfolds; therefore, it deserves our greatest reverence and focus.

Closely tied to the altar is the tabernacle, where the Eucharist is reserved after Mass. Historically and theologically, the tabernacle has always been the dwelling place of the Real Presence — the Body of Christ truly present among His people. When the tabernacle is placed prominently behind the altar in the sanctuary, it proclaims with unmistakable clarity: “God is with us.” The golden door, often surrounded by candles or a veil, invites us to adore, to kneel, and to recognize that this is holy ground. Having the tabernacle in a central, visible location strengthens our awareness that our churches are first and foremost places of worship, not gathering halls. The Eucharistic Lord should never be an afterthought or hidden away; He is the reason we are here.

The layout of the church also reflects our Catholic understanding of community and transcendence. The pews are arranged so that the people face the altar together, uniting us in one common direction of prayer — toward God. The ambo, from which the Word of God is proclaimed, reminds us that Christ speaks to us before He feeds us. The baptismal font near the entrance recalls that our life of faith begins with baptism — it is through those waters that we are brought into the Church. The sanctuary lamp, burning beside the tabernacle, is a small but powerful symbol: it tells us that Jesus is here, present and alive in our midst.

Beyond function and symbolism, there is also beauty, which plays an essential role in worship. Beauty lifts the soul. When we encounter beauty — in art, music, architecture, or liturgy — our hearts are drawn beyond the ordinary toward the divine. This is why our churches should be beautiful: not out of vanity or nostalgia, but because beauty reflects the glory of God. A church adorned with care and reverence speaks to the dignity of what happens within its walls. Stained glass that catches the morning sun, statues that tell the story of the saints, and music that fills the air with sacred harmony all point our minds to heaven.

Truth, goodness, and beauty all point us toward God. Yet, beauty immerses us in the experience of church. It teaches, it invites, and it consoles. It helps us to pray when words fail. When we build or renew our sacred spaces with thoughtfulness and faith, we proclaim to the world that God deserves our best — and that we believe heaven is real.

May our church reflect that reality — with the altar and tabernacle at its center, beauty surrounding it, and hearts lifted high in worship as we sing and praise the One who dwells among us.

In Christ’s peace,

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

 

Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Debbie Schurko

 

A Joyful Announcement: Archbishop Checchio Named Coadjutor Archbishop of New Orleans

 Dear Friends in Christ,

Our parish family joins the wider Church in celebrating the recent appointment of Archbishop James F. Checchio as Coadjutor Archbishop of New Orleans. I am personally thankful to the Archbishop for ordaining me a priest, entrusting me with the Vocations ministry, and assigning me my first pastorate with the wonderful people of St. Matthias! This is a moment of both joy and deep historical significance, and it gives us an opportunity to reflect on the beautiful order of the Church and the roles of deacons, priests, and bishops.

From the earliest days of the Church, Christ entrusted His mission to the Apostles and their successors. To preserve unity and faithfully shepherd the People of God, the Church developed what we now call Holy Orders—the threefold ministry of deacon, priest, and bishop. Each plays a unique role in building up the Body of Christ:

  • Deacons are ordained to serve. They assist in the sacramental ministry of the Church; their main role as connected to the rapid growth of the early Church, is to lead the various community ministries, particularly to the poor, widows, and orphans. Their ministry leads us to follow the example of Christ, who came “not to be served, but to serve.”
  • Priests are ordained to share in the bishop’s ministry. They are the primary leaders of prayer; the community should always look to the priest to lead them in prayer and impart God’s blessing upon them. They preside as we celebrate the sacraments, most especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, and serve as spiritual fathers to the faithful. Priests bring Christ’s presence to local communities through their preaching, teaching, pastoral care, and our sacramental life.
  • Bishops are the successors of the Apostles, entrusted with the fullness of Holy Orders. They are responsible for teaching, sanctifying, and governing the Church in their diocese, always in communion with the Holy Father. Bishops carry the shepherd’s staff as a sign of their duty to lead and protect Christ’s flock.

Within this structure, the Church has a special provision for times of transition: the role of Coadjutor Bishop. A coadjutor is appointed by the Holy Father to assist the diocesan bishop and has the right of succession. This means that when the current archbishop retires or is no longer able to serve, the coadjutor immediately becomes the next archbishop of that diocese. This ensures continuity, stability, and pastoral care for the people of God without interruption.

For Archbishop Checchio, this new appointment is both a recognition of his faithful service here in the Diocese of Metuchen and a new chapter of ministry as he prepares to shepherd another local Church. While it may sadden us to know that he will eventually transition to his new role, we rejoice with him and give thanks to God for the gift of his leadership among us.

Let us continue to pray for Archbishop Checchio—that the Holy Spirit may strengthen him in this time of preparation, guide him with wisdom, and bless the people he will one day serve as their archbishop. And may we, too, remain faithful in our own vocations, serving the Lord joyfully in the way He has called each of us.

In peace ,

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

 

Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Debbie Schurko

 

Pilgrims of Hope: Celebrating Our Jubilee Together

 
Dear Friends in Christ,

Every so often in the life of the Church, we are invited to pause, give thanks, and seek renewal through the celebration of a jubilee. A jubilee year is not simply a date on the calendar, but a sacred time set apart by God for renewal, freedom, and hope. As we enter into this grace-filled season, it is a blessing that both the universal Church and our local community have reasons to rejoice.

The idea of a jubilee comes to us from Scripture. In the Book of Leviticus (25:8–17), the Lord commands His people to mark every 50th year as a “Year of Jubilee.” This special time was marked by freedom and restoration: debts were forgiven, land was returned to its rightful owners, and the enslaved were set free. It was a powerful reminder that all things belong to God, that His mercy heals and restores, and that His people are called to live in justice and peace.

In the history of the Church, jubilees have become times of grace, pilgrimage, and reconciliation. Since Pope Boniface VIII first proclaimed a Holy Year in 1300, jubilees have offered the faithful an opportunity to renew their faith through prayer, penance, and charity. Many of us remember the Great Jubilee of the Year 2000, which opened the new millennium with a call to conversion and hope. More recently, Pope Francis led the Jubilee of Mercy in 2015–2016, inviting the world to rediscover the Father’s mercy poured out in Christ.

Now, as the Church looks to the year 2025, Pope Francis has called us to celebrate the 2,025th anniversary of Christ’s birth under the theme Pilgrims of Hope. A jubilee is always a journey—an invitation to step out of our ordinary routines and draw closer to God. In that spirit, our own Diocese of Metuchen made a pilgrimage to Washington, D.C., to unite in prayer and celebration with Catholics from across our region. Pilgrimage reminds us that we are all travelers on the road of life, walking toward our ultimate home in God’s Kingdom. Along the way, we strengthen one another in faith, share each other’s burdens, and keep alive the hope that Christ has placed in our hearts.

This call to be pilgrims of hope also finds deep resonance in the life of our parish community. Here at St. Matthias, we rejoice in another milestone: the 60th anniversary of St. Matthias School. For six decades, our school has been a place of formation, not only in academics but in faith, character, and service. Generations of students have been prepared here to walk as pilgrims in the world—young men and women who bring hope, light, and witness to their families, workplaces, and communities. This anniversary is not just a celebration of the past; it is a renewal of our mission to form disciples of Jesus who can carry the light of hope into the future.

The beauty of jubilee celebrations—whether at the universal level of the Church, the diocesan level, or here in our parish—is that they remind us we are part of something much larger than ourselves. We are pilgrims on the same journey, bound together by faith and guided by the Spirit. Each jubilee calls us to conversion, to thanksgiving, and to greater generosity in how we live our Catholic faith.

As we step into this jubilee season, let us embrace the call to be Pilgrims of Hope. Let us commit ourselves to walking faithfully with Christ, to renewing our lives through the sacraments, to reconciling with those we have hurt, and to serving the poor and vulnerable in our midst. Together, as a parish, a school, and a Diocese, may we move forward with hearts full of gratitude and eyes fixed on the promise of God’s Kingdom.

May this jubilee year be for us a time of deep renewal, joy, and hope, so that we may continue to walk together as Pilgrims of Hope into the future God has prepared for us.

In peace ,

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

 

Twenty-fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Debbie Schurko

 

Welcome Fr. Juancho “Choy” Ramos, SSS

It is with great joy that we welcome Fr. Choy as the new Parochial Vicar at Saint Matthias. Fr. Choy comes to us as a dedicated priest whose ministry has been deeply shaped by a lifelong devotion to the Eucharist and service to God’s people. His journey to our parish is one rooted in faith, formation, and a call to share Christ’s love through the charism of his religious community, the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament.

In his own words, Fr. Choy shares this introduction with us:

“My name is Fr. Juancho D. Ramos, SSS—affectionately known as Fr. Choy—and I am a member of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament, founded by Saint Peter Julian Eymard.

I was born and raised in the Philippines and entered religious life with the Sacramentino community, where I was formed in the spirit of Eucharistic love and service. Over the years, I have served in various parishes and formation ministries in the Philippines and abroad. My assignments have included being associate pastor, spiritual director, formator, and vocation director—roles that allowed me to walk closely with both the faithful and those discerning their vocation.

Before coming to the United States, I also spent time in the Development Office to raise support for our seminarians, helping to provide for their formation and education.

I now begin a new chapter of ministry here as Parochial Vicar at Saint Matthias Catholic Church in Somerset, NJ. I look forward to walking with you in this vibrant community—praying together, growing together in faith, and building a church that reflects the Eucharistic love of Christ.”

These words capture both Fr. Choy’s humility and his dedication to the mission entrusted to him. His experience spans a wide range of pastoral ministries, always centered on bringing people closer to Christ through the Eucharist. His presence among us will surely be a blessing as we continue to grow as a parish family.

The Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament

To better understand the spiritual roots that shape Fr. Choy’s ministry, it is helpful to know the story of the religious community to which he belongs—the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament (SSS).

The Congregation was founded in 1856 in Paris, France, by Saint Peter Julian Eymard (1811–1868). Known as the “Apostle of the Eucharist,” St. Peter Julian dedicated his life to fostering deeper love and devotion to Jesus Christ present in the Blessed Sacrament. He believed that the Eucharist was not only the heart of the Church but also a source of renewal for individuals, families, and society itself.

From its earliest days, the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament has emphasized the importance of Eucharistic adoration, liturgical celebration, catechesis, and social outreach. The charism of the community is rooted in the conviction that the Eucharist transforms lives and calls all Christians to live lives of love, justice, and service.

Today, the Congregation is present in more than 30 countries worldwide, continuing the mission of St. Peter Julian by promoting a Eucharistic spirituality that unites prayer and action. Members of the community are often affectionately called Sacramentinos, a reminder of their special commitment to make Christ in the Eucharist known and loved.

The Congregation also works in parishes, formation houses, retreat centers, and schools, fostering in people of all ages a living relationship with Christ in the Eucharist. In every place they serve, their goal remains the same: to help build communities that reflect the love and presence of Jesus.

A Parish Blessing

As we welcome Fr. Choy into the Saint Matthias family, we also welcome the rich tradition of Eucharistic spirituality, a central focal point of our faith, which he brings with him through the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament. His presence is a reminder that the Eucharist is truly at the center of our parish life: the source of our strength, the bond of our unity, and the call to our mission.

Let us open our hearts to walk with Fr. Choy as he begins this new chapter of ministry among us. May we grow together in prayer, faith, and service—always seeking to reflect the Eucharistic love of Christ in our community and beyond.

Welcome, Fr. Choy!

In peace ,

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

 

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross

Posted on by Debbie Schurko

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

When we hear the word saint, many of us immediately picture holy men and women from centuries ago: St. Francis of Assisi, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Augustine, or St. Teresa of Calcutta. These saints are indeed powerful witnesses, but sometimes they can feel distant—living in different times and places, facing struggles that seem far removed from our own. Yet the Church reminds us that sainthood is not only for the past. The call to holiness belongs to every Christian, in every generation. Each of us, in our daily lives, is invited to become a saint.

Recently, the Church has lifted up two young men as shining examples of modern holiness: Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati. Their canonizations remind us that sanctity is possible in the ordinary joys and struggles of modern life.

Saint Carlo Acutis (1991–2006)
Carlo was born in 1991 in Milan, Italy. He grew up like many teenagers of our own time: he loved video games, enjoyed sports, and had a knack for technology. But what set him apart was his deep love for the Eucharist. Carlo attended daily Mass, prayed the Rosary faithfully, and made time for Eucharistic adoration. He believed, as he once said, that “the Eucharist is my highway to heaven.”

Using his computer skills, Carlo designed a website cataloguing Eucharistic miracles from around the world, hoping to inspire others to recognize Christ’s real presence in the Blessed Sacrament. When he was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 15, he offered his sufferings for the Church and for the Pope. He died in 2006, leaving behind a legacy of joyful, youthful holiness. Carlo shows us that sainthood is not out of reach for the young, and that technology itself can be used as a tool for evangelization and faith.

Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati (1901–1925)
Almost a century earlier, another young Italian witnessed to Christ in everyday life. Pier Giorgio Frassati was born into a wealthy family, but he was not absorbed by privilege. Instead, he had a heart for the poor. He quietly gave away his money, his shoes, and even his bus fare to those in need. He loved mountain climbing, sports, and spending time with friends, but he also devoted himself to prayer, Eucharistic adoration, and serving the poor of Turin.

At only 24 years old, Pier Giorgio contracted polio, likely from one of the sick he had been serving. On his deathbed, his last concern was making sure medicines were delivered to the poor families he had been helping. His funeral was packed not with the rich and powerful but with thousands of the poor whom he had quietly served. Pope John Paul II later called him the “man of the Beatitudes,” because he lived so fully the words of Jesus in Matthew 5.

A Call for Us
Carlo Acutis and Pier Giorgio Frassati stand as witnesses that holiness is not about age, status, or extraordinary feats. It is about choosing Christ daily, serving others, and rooting life in prayer and the Eucharist. They remind us that we too are called to sainthood—whether as students, parents, professionals, or retirees.

As we honor these two new saints, let us ask their intercession. May Carlo teach us to love the Eucharist with childlike devotion. May Pier Giorgio inspire us to live the Beatitudes with courage and generosity. And may we never forget that sainthood is not beyond us. It is the path God desires for each of us, one faithful step at a time.
In peace,

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

 

Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Debbie Schurko

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

One thing most people really struggle with is change. We enter this week, a new school year, summer winding down, back to a more normal work schedule, we are asked to change, adapt, and grow. Every Christian journey calls us to change—echoing the words of the prophet Wisdom: we cannot know the mind of God unless He grants us wisdom and the Holy Spirit to correct our ways (Wisdom 9:13–18b). This Twenty-Third Sunday in Ordinary Time offers a profound invitation to recalibrate our lives through Scripture and the wisdom of the saints.

  1. From uncertainty to wisdom
    The First Reading reminds us: human plans are timid and uncertain, our bodies burden our souls, and we struggle even to grasp what lies before us—much less the mysteries above. Only God, who grants wisdom by sending the Holy Spirit, can guide us to straight paths. Some of our students walking from car line into our beautiful school for the first time expressed fear, yet when they left they were filled with joy! Our transformation is a process of letting go of fears and trusting God’s Spirit to reshape our hearts.
  1. Grounding our days in humility and gratitude
    Psalm 90 teaches that a thousand years are like yesterday; human life is fleeting like the field’s grass, flourishing in the morning and withering by evening. In this brevity lies grace: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart” (Psalm 90:12). St. Teresa of Avila embraced this awareness when she wrote, “Let nothing disturb you… God alone suffices.” In accepting life’s fragility, we grow in humility, gratitude, and dependence on God.
  1. Transforming relationships through welcome
    In Paul’s letter to Philemon, he urges Philemon to welcome Onesimus—not as a returned servant, but “no longer as a slave but as a dear brother” (Philemon 1:16). Here is the essence of Christian growth: adaptation in community, letting go of old categories and embracing one another in Christ. As St. Francis of Assisi once said, “For it is in giving that we receive.” True change happens when we extend grace, break down barriers and foster self-sacrifice.
  1. The costly call to discipleship
    Finally, in the Gospel of Luke (14:25–33), Jesus teaches that following Him may demand everything—even family, possessions, or comfort—if they become barriers to growth in discipleship. Yet, as St. Paul reminds us, “I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am” (Philippians 4:11). Growth as Christians means learning to carry our crosses, stripping away attachments that hinder our way to God.

Putting it all together
— Change begins with God-given wisdom and the humility to be open to what God has in store.
— Adaptation means aligning our lives and relationships according to Gospel love, as Paul advises Philemon with Onesimus.
— Growth is the ongoing journey of discipleship, surrendering what holds us back to follow Christ more fully—like a tower built carefully.

As we reflect on these readings this weekend, may we open ourselves to the Spirit’s correction, value each day with wisdom, welcome others, and embrace the demands of discipleship. Let us pray with the saints that our lives may be ever more shaped by change, adaptation, and growth—for the glory of God.

In peace,

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

 

Twenty-Second Sunday in Ordinary Time

Posted on by Debbie Schurko

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This weekend, as our parish grieves the loss of our beloved bookkeeper, Vinnie Natale, who faithfully served St. Matthias for over twenty years, we also draw strength from the Word of God proclaimed in this Sunday’s Mass. Vinnie’s quiet dedication—her generosity toward our parish and school—was marked by humility, competence, and love. Even behind the scenes, her work was a testament to service rooted in faith. As we commend her gentle soul to the Lord, may our sorrow be touched with hope, and may we express gratitude for her life and witness.

This Sunday’s First Reading, from Sirach 3:17-18, 20, 28-29, reminds us: “Humble yourself the more, the greater you are, and you will find favor with God.” Vinnie embodied such humility—not seeking recognition, yet weaving goodness into the daily life of our parish. The reading invites each of us to reflect on the depth and dignity of a humble spirit.

The Second Reading, Hebrews 12:18-19, 22-24a, contrasts the terrifying Sinai with the joy of Mount Zion. We are invited not to a fearful covenant, but to “the city of the living God…innumerable angels…Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant.” Even in mourning, this Word reassures us: through Christ, we approach the promise of heavenly welcome and communion amid grief.

In the Gospel, Luke 14:1, 7-14, Jesus teaches at a Pharisee’s table about humility and compassion—taking the lowest seat so the host may lift you up, and inviting the poor and broken to your banquet, because “you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” This message of humble service and radical hospitality calls to mind Vinnie’s own ministry—her stewardship was not self-promoting, but quietly generous, lovingly attentive to all.

This same Gospel passage also speaks directly to our students at St. Matthias School as they embark on a new school year. I encourage our young people: approach your studies and your friendships with humility—welcome others, support those who may need help, and serve with kindness, whether in the classroom, the playground, or beyond. We have the power to shape our school community and reflect Christ’s love.

To our students: each new day at school is a blessing, a chance to learn, to grow, and to be disciples in action—even in the ordinary details of your day. Let your heart be open, let your humility guide you, and let your care for one another shine bright. Know that your parish community walks alongside you in prayer and support.

So this Sunday, we hold together mourning and hope. We mourn Vinnie’s absence, thankful for her life and ministry rooted in humble service. And we embrace the promise of the readings—a promise of resurrection, of divine welcome, of love that lifts us and calls us to lift others.

May the humble heart of Christ console our grief and inspire our mission. May the memory of Vinnie’s faithful service spur us—especially our students—to live with humility, generosity, and joyful hope.

In peace ,

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