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