The Racial Justice Initiative is working on lots of things for our parish, such as movie nights, discussion groups, and book talks. Another exciting project we have taken on is facilitating racial justice programs via Just Faith Ministries. Here are some videos with some reflections from the first of those programs, and information about upcoming programs.
Category: Uncategorized
World Youth Day 2023
The World Youth Day will be held in Lisbon, Portugal from July 28th – August 7, 2023. The Diocese of Metuchen is planning to have a contingent of youth – 16 years and older to young adults – to attend this event. It will be wonderful if some of our Youth are able to attend this world event.
Those interested in getting more details about the trip, please contact Deacon John Radvanski or Sue Lenczewski or send an email to SMYLE, or visit the diocesan website: www.diometuchen.org/wyd.
Eucharistic Procession at St. Matthias!
We had a Eucharistic Procession, led by Msgr. Seamus Brennan, accompanied by Altar Servers, members of the Knights of Columbus and some 100 parishioners, soon after the 5 pm Vigil Mass on Saturday June 18, 2022 as we celebrated the solemn feast of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi). Many commented that this was the first time in memory that they witnessed such a procession here at St. Matthias. To watch a glimpse of the procession in a 2-minute video please click here.
Supreme Court Decision on Roe v. Wade
Statements from Bishop Checchio and the New Jersey Catholic Conference regarding the Supreme Court Decision on Roe v. Wade are attached herewith.
The Bishops statement in PDF format.
Parish Survey To Determine Parish Needs – Please Participate!
The Parish Pastoral & Finance Councils, and other parishioners have suggested that we use this year of the 60th Anniversary of our parish to do some renovation of our church that is long overdue. Many ideas are suggested. But the Councils felt since we cannot hope for all the suggested projects to be implemented immediately without enough funds, we should ask the whole parish for your input to see what you think should be the priorities. Hence this short and easy Google survey. The answers to the survey are completely anonymous. None of your personal information is collected.
The suggested needs/projects are: refurbishing the pews, new floors throughout the Church, bathrooms, narthex (gathering area), deep clean and brighten the walls, replace windows with stain glass.
Please participate, your voice matters.
To take the Parish Survey please click here.
Parish Office Summer Hours
Effective June 20, 2022 the St. Matthias Parish Office summer hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:30AM-4:00PM and Friday, 8:30AM-12:30 PM.
Finance Council Update to the Parish – June 2022
Our Parish Finance Council has been giving us periodic updates about our financial health. Please read the letter from the Finance Council to all parishioners on this matter below.
Dear Parishioners,
This letter is to continue our commitment to keeping you, our fellow parishioners, informed regarding the activities of our council and the financial health of our beloved parish. First, our thanks to all who continue to support our church and school with their generous giving of their time, treasure and talent. Your Parish Finance Council feels blessed to be just one of many ministries along with parish and school staff that work diligently to create the caring community of Saint Matthias led by Father Abraham, Monsignor Brennan, and Principal Mary Lynch.
Some updates:
- Parish Giving On Line – We are told St Matthias has the most on line contributors in the Diocese which helps solidify our revenue projections. We invite others to consider Parish Giving on line (parishgiving.org) if appropriate for them.
- Parish Financial Status Improved – Our revenues have stabilized after our difficult Covid times and our expenses have decreased, resulting in current net gains for both the church and school. We will be providing another annual financial report to you in the fall.
- Facility Improvements – The upcoming Parish 60th Anniversary is an opportunity for us to consider facility improvements, many that are long overdue. Along with Father Abraham, the Pastoral Council, Property Management Committee, and others we can plan together. We will need your help, fellow parishioners, completing improvements by running a fund raiser. Parishioner input will be solicited.
- Financial Audit – The Diocese recently had an independent firm audit our prior fiscal year and we look forward to the report which should help us going forward.
- In House Finance Review – Currently we have a CPA firm reviewing our financial books. The purpose is to assure that we are observing the best accounting practices and procedures.
Much still needs to be done but together we can plan and move forward as a thriving Catholic Community. Any questions may be directed to us at financecouncil@stmatthias.net.
Sincerely,
Saint Matthias Finance Council
Kester Hector, Chair, Carmen Driz-Melilli, Barry Dusault, Audrey Francis, Mary Pat Burke-Grospin, Gwen Orlowski, Joan Pritchard, Joe Porter, Fr. Abraham, Pastor.
Golden Jubilee of Msgr. Brennan
Congratulations to our Msgr. Seamus Brennan on the golden jubilee of his ordination! He was ordained as a priest on June 4, 1972. He has served the people of God in many different parishes of our diocese in various capacities. Pope St. John Paul II elevated him to the rank of Papal Chamberlain, with the title Monsignor, in 1991. We are very fortunate to have his priestly ministry with us here at St. Matthias. We will celebrate his golden jubilee on June 4 – this Saturday – at the 5 pm Mass with him as the presider. Msgr. Brennan asks that we respect his wish not to have any other celebration here. Instead, he is inviting us to join him for the Jubilee Mass he will celebrate at 3:30 pm on this Sunday, June 5th at his former parish of Immaculate Conception, 35 Mountain Ave, Somerville. Light refreshments will be served in the Immaculate Conception School cafeteria after the Mass. All are welcome.
HELP WANTED
St. Matthias Church is looking for part-time summer janitorial help.
This position is perfect for a responsible high school or college student. Please contact Mary Pat Burke-Grospin at 732-828-1400 ext. 121 or mpburke-grospin@stmatthias.net.
St. Matthias Celebrates Its 60th Anniversary
The Masses during the weekend of May 14th and May 15th celebrated the Feast of St. Matthias. Light receptions took place after the Masses.
St. Matthias Cookbook – 60th Anniversary Edition
In honor of St. Matthias’ 60th Anniversary, the cookbook that was created by the Altar Rosary Society 25-30 years ago is going back to print! There are more than 270 delicious recipes to choose from. The book should be released sometime in July of 2022.
On June 8th, 2022 a 60th Anniversary Mass was celebrated by St. Matthias School
60th Anniversary Proclamation
On June 14, 2022, the Franklin Township Council has made a Proclamation, sponsored by Councilman Jim Vassanella, our parishioner, and Mayor Phillip Kramer and supported by Councilman Charles Oneijiaka, also our parishioner. It was presented to Fr. Abraham .
60th Anniversary Mass
We celebrate our 60th Anniversary Mass presided by Bishop Checchio on June 26th at the 12 PM Mass. We have invited all the priests, deacons, religious and lay men and women who have served our parish and school. Some of them have gladly agreed to join us. It will give the parishioners a wonderful opportunity to connect with those who ministered to us. We will have a reception in the cafeteria after this Mass for the legacy/founding families.
Future Upcoming Events & Spiritual Activities (Dates to be Announced):
- September – Parish picnic celebrating the 60th Anniversary.
- November 18th there will be a concert highlighting each of the choirs at St. Matthias.
- Parish Mission (Father Abraham and Monsignor Brennan)
- Retreat with service for Youth (SMYLE & Committee)
- Youth Prayer Service (SMYLE & Committee)