Parish Administrator’s Notes

Phil Grant, Pastoral Administrator and Safe Environment Coordinator

May 31, 2026

Transitions

It’s that time of year! There are graduation ceremonies here, there, and everywhere. I’m glad that we’re blessing our local grads at Masses this weekend. I’m proud of our young people! 

Speaking of which--I had the good fortune to attend my daughter Bea’s recent graduation ceremony in Cleveland. She was awarded her Master’s degree in Social Work, from the Mandel School at Case-Western University. 

Like most grad ceremonies, Bea’s featured an array of speeches, awards, applause, laughter and tears. These ceremonies honor the completion of years of hard work. They’re important for the graduates, their families, and their friends. 

People also refer to a graduation ceremony as Commencement—the start of a new chapter in a person’s life. Regardless of terminology, we’re talking about a significant transition. 

Here’s another significant transition. We’ve just celebrated Jesus’ Ascension and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Easter season is over and we now return to Ordinary Time. Masses will look and feel a bit different. 

Yet another, longer-term transition comes to mind: the continuing evolution of our St. Matt’s Catholic Community. 

What do I mean by that? Well, I’m sure many members of our community can recall “back when” the parish was larger, St. Matt’s School was still in operation, and we had a full-time pastor. That’s all changed. Newer members might know only our current size, Fr. Thomas, and that we support Community of Saints Regional Catholic School. 

I wasn’t here “back when”, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed hearing stories about St. Matt’s. They’re important. Stories help people connect and form community. And of course, Bible stories are an essential element in our worship. 

What are our future stories? I don’t know. I do know that as members of St. Matt’s, we have been given this time together. Let’s use our time to continue to share, guide, and enrich the next steps in our community life. 

Thanks for your support. Have a great week!

Phil Grant, Administrator
Safe Environment Coordinator
pgrant@st-matts.org
651-224-9793