Parish History

(see article from Catholic Universe Bulletin. June 20, 1980)

The meetings and the weekend Masses were well attended, but some people were visibly upset by this preceived disruption of their spiritual lives. Some were active in and had strong ties to their former parish. Others were uncomfortable attending Mass in a school and sitting on folding chairs. Many feelings and reasons were expressed in those early encounters and when the dust had settled, the curiousity seekers and those who could not make the break, returned to their former parishes.

Those who stayed formed the nucleus of the present St. Matthias Church. They were there because they chose to be, were committed to this fledgling parish, and took part in the early activities, many of which are still functioning today. Opportunities for involvement abounded and people from diverse areas of the parish came together in a spirit of cooperation. Visistors and guests were quick to comment "What a friendly parish this is." A statement that is still made today.

Our friendly parish was quick to organize activities for men, women, and children. In the first year alone, the Men's Club and Belles were formed. The first Thanksgiving Family Mass, Christmas Play, Winter Frolic Dance, Easter Egg Hunt, Golf League and Softball Teams were organized.

1981 saw the start of the PSR and pre-school religious education. Sr. Elaine Buynack, O.S.U., joined the staff as a pastoral assistant and took charge of this and other commissions. Our first parish picnic was held at St. Peter & Paul Grove. A mixed bowling league and Hi Club for teens was started. "Christ Renews His Parish" made its debut with a Men's renewal on Nov. 6-8th. A Woman's renewal followed in February 1982. There was something for just about anyone who wanted involvement in their parish. We were just like a young, growing family, and in a very real sense, we were - and still are.

As with any growing family, we had to adapt to changes. We needed a new home to call our own. Since we were a small community, building a new church was too prohibitive. A multi-purpose building was decided to be the best alternative. Ground breaking took place at our Sprague Road site in September of 1985. We moved in the following year. There was a dance October 3rd, an all-night prayer vigil October 4, and a formal dedication by Bishop Quinn on Sunday, October 5, 1986. The house just west of our all-purpose building was acquired, remodeled, and became our rectory in 1987.

The operation of a parish, even a small one like St. Matthias, can be compared to running a small company. A pastor has to be a spiritual leader and advisor as well as being skilled in plant maintenance, personnel, and financial responsibility. He is usually on call 24 hours a day. All this takes its toll.

Father Vince had heart surgery in 1984 and in 1988 was forced to ask for reassignement because of health. Fr. Joseph Brodnick succeeded him but was forced to resign in 1990 also for health reasons. Fr. Dan Magrey arrived in March of 1990 then resigned two years later. Our present pastor, Fr. Raymond Sutter, joined us in June 1992. We pray that God keeps him healthy and lets him stay with us for a long time.

Our pastoral ministers have included Sr. Elaine, Sr. Arlene Hirsch, C.P.S.S., Maureen Coughlin, and Sr. Cheryl Keehner, C.S.A. Martin Wendzicki was assigned to our parish as deacon in 1990, giving some relief to the many spiritual duties of our pastor.

Soon after Fr. Ray Sutter arrived in July of 1992, he took stock of our parish and started FOCUS 98 Program. Meetings were held in which we shared our past experiences, acknowledged our present, and articulated our dreams for the future. Our new Pastoral Plan took shape, and on November 25, 1993, it was presented to Bishop Anthony Pilla. In August of 1995, we welcomed Sr. Mary Jean Eucker, C.S.A., who coordinates our evangelization ministries

This document links our past and present to our dreams for the future as people of God. May His will for us, the people of St. Matthias, be done.