In the waning months of the last millennium, St. Matthew Parish embarked on a journey that would change our faith community forever. The road map for our trip is the Generations plan. The plan was announced to the parishioners of St. Matthew, coincident with a series of Neighborhood Meetings. It is a long-term plan for the parish and the meetings were opportunities for our members to learn of the initial stages of the plan, and for those attending the meetings to have input into the plan development. As a follow up to the meetings, a parish wide survey was distributed to request additional input from all our members regarding stewardship activities, educational needs, and capital projects.

To date, we have made remarkable progress. As for worship, we've seen a significant increase in Mass attendance requiring the addition of a 5:00 p.m. service on Sunday. With regard to faith formation, we have developed Growing in Faith Together, or GIFT; a series offered by our parish for those who wish to deepen their faith and strengthen their relationship with God through teachings, Bible study, small group sharing, prayer and fellowship. The series is hosted in the homes of our parishioners. GIFT is built upon the knowledge of the Catholic tradition (belief), Christ's model of Christian conduct (morality), the sacramental life, and the devotion to prayer.

We commissioned two new administrative committees. These are the Communication Committee and Stewardship Committee, which are responsible for developing and communicating our message of Discipleship. The Parish Council has been reorganized to better serve the Pastor, his staff, and the needs of the parishioners of St. Matthew Parish. We also increased our active ministries from 30 to 50+ diverse committees, organizations, and/or societies.

As a parish, we have made an amazing commitment to improve St. Matthew's facilities: we now have an offsite 11 acre Sports Field complex, a new Parish Activity Center, a new Church with offices and meeting rooms, and a Learning Center. In addition, we have renovated the rectory, and convent (Parish Support Center),  expanded our parking, air-conditioned our school, renovated the original school restrooms,  added a new science lab in the school, and added a new playground.

Last but not least, we have expanded the Pastoral Staff to meet the needs of our ever-growing parish. Given the new ministries as well as new construction, we have many reasons to face our future with confidence, optimism, and gratitude. Let us never miss a chance to thank our God for all his gifts and together let us work to become what we claim to be: One Parish, One Family, One Journey.

If you are interested in participating in a leadership role or in making a contribution to the Generations project, please call (614) 471-0212.