Since the Pastoral Plan was finalized in June 2015, we have made considerable efforts to implement strategies outlined in the plan. Since July 2016, we have revamped our efforts and in consultation with the leadership bodies of the parish (Pastoral Council, Finance Council and Pastoral Staff) we will continue the prioritization and implementation process. The final plan can be read by clicking on the link at right.
This Plan was the result of seven months of Study Groups with the Best Practices for Parishes materials.
At the April 2015 Convocation, small groups reviewed each of the seven themes. Revisions to the plan will be made and prioritization of the goals and strategies of the plan are the next steps.
Best Practices for Parishes: A Pastoral Planning Process for St. Matthias
In 1992, the United States bishops provided a framework for Catholic evangelization in this country in their document Go and Make Disciples: A National Plan and Strategy for Catholic Evangelization in the United States. Since the election of Pope Francis, and his message to Catholics to “bring our faith out of churches and into the streets”, there has been an increased excitement about this effort. Our parish community, like all parish communities, is called by the Lord himself to strive for excellence in the way we witness to our faith and serve others. Many things we do very well here at St. Matthias. However, in honesty, we have to admit that we are weak in other areas and some needed ministries are not present at all. For 7 months, beginning in June 2014, we engaged in a process by which identified our parish’s strengths and weaknesses and then formulated a parish pastoral plan which will guide us into the years ahead.
We began this process with a Parish Convocation on May 18, 2014. About 60 members of the parish community were in attendance for the Convocation. Follow the link to read Fr. Craig’s keynote address from the 2014 May, Convocation Talk.
Our study groups examined seven areas of parish life: Prayer and Worship, Justice and Charity, Community Building, Catechesis, Stewardship, Ministry to Family and Pastoral Care, and Evangelization.
Recent History
A Pastoral Plan was adopted and has helped guide the decision making within the parish beginning in 2015. St. Matthias has felt the impact of the shortage of priests experienced by dioceses throughout the United States.
In 2020, Fr. David Ghiorso, pastor of St. Charles, was appointed pastor of St. Matthias. The cluster of the two parishes initiate a period of shared faith experiences and resources between St. Matthias and St. Charles. In July of 2024, Fr. Roy Remo was appointed pastor of St. Matthias and St. Charles.
Both parishes continue to offer shared opportunities for all parishioners to grow in their faith, participate in service and contribute time, talent and treasure to support our faith community.