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