Parish Administrator’s Notes

Phil Grant, Pastoral Administrator and Safe Environment Coordinator

July 12, 2026

Preview

Have you heard? There’s a capital campaign coming our way. All 180+ parishes in our Archdiocese are participating. There are five “waves” (groups) of parishes, with about 30 parishes in each wave. 

St. Matt’s participation begins soon. In fact, Karen Thompson and I have been to meetings with campaign organizers. We’re still learning the details. We’ll know more later this month. 

While most of any money we raise comes back to us, there are also some Archdiocesan components. I’m pleased that they include: 

 • An endowment dedicated to the corporal works of mercy;

 • An endowment dedicated for clergy support;

 • An endowment dedicated to support Catholic schools and faith formation. 

When our St. Matt’s wave gets rolling, we ask that you do what you can--without reducing your regular contributions. It’s important that your regular support continue. It’s the basis for all of our regular operations. Thank you for your support! 

Facilities Update

We’ve earmarked our capital campaign proceeds for our church building projects, such as the heating and cooling systems. Right now, we’re gathering contractor estimates and consultants’ reports, so we can prioritize things step by step. 

Most of this summer’s facilities activity is in our school building. All of those projects are being funded by rent from our tenant, Quantum STEAM Academy (QSA). Our recently signed three-year lease with QSA enables us to plan and pay for the work. Projects include, in no particular order: 

 - 1st floor hallway asbestos abatement; new flooring

 - Restroom improvements that include dropped ceilings, painting, and plumbing work

 - A gate for the fence on Humboldt Avenue

 - Rebuilding of the entrance ramp on Robie

 - Gym floor repair, strip and wax

 - Gym ceiling painting

 - Gym ventilation improvements and heating pipe replacements

 - Radiator covers, to improve safety and aesthetics

 - Screens and blinds for rooms needing them  

Blessings on you and yours. Have a great week!

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