Category: Uncategorized

SMYLE provides a safe space for our teens for self-expression and to find their purpose while developing an authentic relationship with God, others, and self. SMYLE provides Social, Service, Spiritual, and Religious opportunities/events where teens can form a community with people who can bring joy, create new possibilities, and spark new adventures or friendships!

Our teens in Junior High and High School (grades 6 – 12) have completed surveys highlighting their interests and concerns during these challenging times. This Adult (21+) survey is an attempt to match their responses with your skills and gifts. Please help St. Matthias to create a variety of different opportunities for our youth, by sharing your time & talent in areas of interest/need identified by our youth.

There are many direct, and also very helpful indirect ways, for adults to minister either to, for, or with our youth. Whatever you’re passionate about doing which gives you meaning and purpose – either professionally or as a hobby – it might be something a teen would be curious to further explore with your guidance.

We can only do more as we gain more support – so please pray and also encourage others to participate!
If you don’t have time to answer these questions but would like to chat with us, just provide your contact info, scroll to the bottom of the second page and click –> Submit.
Thanks for prayerfully considering being a part of a ministry where you’re capable of greatness!

To fill out the form, please click here.

 

To the Parents of St. Matthias School

Dear Parents,

As we come to the final days of the current academic year, I wish to thank you for your interest and support for your children’s education and for the support you have given to the school administration to fulfil our mission of Catholic Education. The beautiful graduation celebrations of the 8th Graders was a clear testimony of this.

The Principal is the primary person responsible for the overall management of every school. While shouldering that responsibility, our Principal, Mary Lynch, has done an amazing feat in getting her own graduation of her Masters degree last month from St. Peter’s University, Jersey City. She deserves a double congratulations for this.

Over the past years, the enrollment in our school has been decreasing which in turn made the parish having to generously subsidize the school. The St. Matthias Church’s mission is to support our school and do everything in its power to make the school strong. But when the enrollment drops and when parish subsidy is needed beyond a reasonable limit, some staff consolidation is called for. It is in that spirit that I painfully informed Mr. Joe Gidaro that his contract with our school would not be renewed. Mr. Gidaro has faithfully served St. Matthias for 12 years. Besides being the Vice Principal, he has worn many hats – especially as director of marketing & development, filling in as librarian and as substitute teacher when needed. He has the admiration and affection from all here in the campus and outside. Therefore letting him go was a very painful decision taken after lots of consideration and proper information over a long period of time.

Both Mr. Gidaro and Mrs. Lynch were informed of this possibility two years ago, and then one year ago. But when Mary Lynch informed you of this yesterday (6/8/2023), it must have come as a shock, and some rumors that are untrue have been going around. I wish to assure you that this decision is taken precisely to make our school strong and sustainable. The Church will not flinch from its primary mission of evangelization and our Catholic School is a major component of that mission. I am committed to that mission – despite whatever rumors are out there. Our Bishop, Most Rev. James Checchio is committed to that. The Office of Catholic Schools is committed to that. And certainly this Catholic Community of St. Matthias is committed to that.

Hence I invite you all to understand and accept the change, in the spirit of a family, and continue to support our St. Matthias School, and help it stay and grow stronger in ‘Faith, Caring and Excellence,’- as our School motto reminds us.

Have a wonderful summer.
God bless you and your families.

 

Fr. Abraham Orapankal
Pastor
The Catholic Community of St. Matthias, Somerset

 

Letter to SMS Parents 2023 June

Dear Fellow Parishioners and Friends,

We are more than halfway to reaching our fundraising goal of $200,000. Our sincere thanks to all who have already donated to this fundraiser. Your generosity has helped us reach this point. We are excited to start the bathroom construction and other renovation projects this summer. The opportunity to donate to this fundraiser continues.

A donation progress thermometer is on display in the church vestibule along with fundraiser information letters and envelopes. Additional letters and donation envelopes are available at all church exits and in the parish office. Be well and be blessed.

60th Anniversary Fundraising Committee

 

St. Matthias is blessed with a host of ministries doing so much good for our community and beyond. Our Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) has initiated a “Ministry Fair” to let our parish community know more about our various wonderful ministries. It is our hope that many will be inspired to join one of the ministries. Here are the details:

The date/venue: the weekend of May 20 & 21, in the cafeteria

Format: Each ministry will have a table in the cafeteria to put up displays. You can prepare your own charts, and giveaways like flyers about the ministry, objects, or other attractions.

Invitation: Parishioners will be invited to come after each Mass to the cafeteria.

Manning the Table: Each ministry will have to make sure that one or more of your ministry team will be present at the table after each of the Masses, to speak about your ministry to our parishioners who come.

Food: Coffee, drinks and snacks will be provided.

Printing: Each Ministry can prepare flyers and get them printed here in the office. Kindly contact Fr. Abraham for any help with that – at least by May 8th.

Contact person from PPC: Rose Peng email: rosepeng@optonline.net (Phone: 908-285-5921) will be the contact person to coordinate this. Kindly email her for any questions you have on this matter. If any Ministry is left out due to incorrect emails, change of leaders, etc, please inform Rose Peng or Fr. Abraham.

Dear Friends,

What is the proof of the Resurrection of Jesus? Is the empty tomb all we can show as proof? Searching for his body, the disciples were told: “He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” (Matthew 28:6). Then, he appeared to so many! He is alive! He is risen! He is with us! He is our light and hope! We too have come into light now that we have practically come out of our prolonged pandemic struggles. I invite us all to attend our Holy Week services and celebrate the good news of the Resurrection!

Happy Easter!

Fr. Abraham

Saturday, April 1st
Sacrament of Reconciliation (Individual confessions)
3:00 – 4:30 PM
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
Vigil Mass—5:00 PM

Sunday, April 2nd
Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
8:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 Noon
Parish Reconciliation Service—6:00 PM

Tuesday, April 4th
Chrism Mass at St. Francis Cathedral—4:00 PM

HOLY THURSDAY, APRIL 6th
Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper—7:30 PM
Combined Choir
Procession and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament
(Cafeteria)
Night Prayer (Cafeteria) – 10:45 PM

GOOD FRIDAY, April 7th
Morning Prayer (Church) – 8:30 AM
Outdoor Stations (SMS parking lot) – 2:00 PM
Children’s Choir
Celebration of the Lord’s Passion—7:30 PM
Combined Choir

HOLY SATURDAY, April 8th
Morning Prayer (Church) – 8:30 AM
Blessing of Food (Cafeteria) – 12:00 Noon
Great Easter Vigil – 8:00 PM
Combined Choir

EASTER SUNDAY, April 9th
Mass Schedule
8:00 AM, 10:00 AM and 12:00 Noon
Combined Choir at 10:00 AM
Handbell Choir at 12:00 PM

EASTER MONDAY, April 10th
No Mass