St. Matthias the Apostle Church

Support St. Matthias in the work of digital evangelization! Help us reach people who have been away from the Church!
https://www.gofundme.com/f/37ftfvyozc

Sponsored by: http://allsaintsfcu.com/
Mention St. Matthias for amazing offers!
All Saints Federal Credit Union
On August 1, 2023, Sts. Margaret and Gregory joined the All Saints FCU family. There are now three branch locations to serve you: the St. Columbkille Branch in Parma, the St. Therese Branch in Garfield Heights, and the Sts. Margaret and Gregory branch in South Euclid.

Our field of membership is open to employees and members of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland in Cuyahoga County as well as any family member or friend of current All Saints Federal Credit Union members.

Your suggestions are always welcome. You can reach one of our many qualified staff members at 216-524-0414 (St. Columbkille), 216-587-0631 (St. Therese), or 216-691-0242 (Sts. Margaret and Gregory) or stop by one of our branches.

https://www.iminministry.com/
I’m In Ministry! is a local faith-based charity dedicated to serving and meeting basic needs of the under-privileged and less-fortunate community members of Northeast Ohio. Utilizing a disruptive, yet collaborative business model, I’m In Ministry! collects, refurbishes, and distributes much needed items such as bedding, furniture, clothing and food items donated by the generous public. In serving thousands of local individuals over the years, I’m in Ministry! has earned the reputation as a “problem solver” serving all of God’s Children in 92% of zip codes in Cuyahoga County. Unlike other charities, donations made through I’m In Ministry! have a major, direct, and immediate impact on lives in our local communities – making the impossible possible.

I’m In Ministry! – The Four Guiding Principles

#1 No Judgement – We all have a past, we live in the present, and look forward to the future where all of mankind is created equal and is not judged by possessions, but by the amount of good deeds and acts of kindness that we do for one another each day.

#2 Respect – There is no respect without trust. Which is why at I’m In Ministry, we work hard everyday at gaining the trust of our recipients to let them know that we care, and that together we are a community of love and respect.

#3 Kindness – We are all God’s creatures and are blessed with the ability to be kind and generous. Let us share that love with good deeds and the generosity to make a difference in people’s lives.

#4 Hope – Through faith and good deeds, we offer hope to those that need our help with their day to day lives. With a little food, clothing, and shelter our recipients can lessen the burden of their hardships and prepare for opportunities of goodness and feelings of hope.

Deacon Louis M. Primozic
President and CEO
Lou is the founder and creator of I’m In Ministry. His development of the Ministry stemmed from years of serving the underprivileged through his 16 years as a Deacon in the Catholic Cleveland Diocese. Lou started Orion Consulting Inc, a national financial and consulting firm and has consulted and served on several non-profit organizations and schools. He received his education from Hiram College and St Mary’s Seminary. Lou is married to his life partner, Antoinette and has two children, Brianna and Louis. He also is the proud grandfather to 2 grandsons.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Km72zjRcXQ

Fr. Michael interviews Deacon Lou Primozic President and CEO of I'm in Ministry Support St. Matthias in the work of digital evangelization! Help us reach people who have been away from the Church!https://www.gofundme.com/f/37ftfvyozcSp...

My Dear Parishioners,

I’d like to share some thoughts on how we use social media at the parish. The Vatican states: Great strides have been made in the digital age, but one of the pressing issues yet to be addressed is how we, as individuals and as an ecclesial community, are to live in the digital world as “loving neighbors” who are genuinely present and attentive to each other on our common journey along the “digital highways”.

Advancements in technology have made new kinds of human interactions possible. In fact, the question is no longer whether to engage with the digital world, but how. Social media in particular is an environment where people interact, share experiences, and cultivate relationships unlike ever before. At the same time, however, as communication is increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence, there arises the need to rediscover the human encounter at its very core. Over the last two decades, our relationship with digital platforms has undergone an irreversible transformation. An awareness has emerged that these platforms can evolve to become co-created spaces, not just something that we passively use. Young people – as well as older generations – are asking to be met where they are, including on social media, because the digital world is “a significant part of young people’s identity and way of life.” Many Christians are asking for inspiration and guidance since social media, which is one expression of digital culture, has had a profound impact on both our faith communities and our individual spiritual journeys.

While social media can be used for good, it can certainly be used for evil as well. The Vatican further states that: “Platforms that promise to build community and bring the world closer together have instead deepened various forms of division.”

As I mentioned in last weekend’s bulletin, given the tension in our country, we cannot let our families, our parish, or our Church be divided. I have sent the following policy to all of our staff, clergy, councils, and ministry leaders, but I think it would be good for all of our parishioners to be aware of.

All parish staff, clergy, parish and finance council, and ministry leaders, regardless of their membership in the Church and regardless of their assignment with the parish, must abide by the values and mission of the Catholic Church and St. Matthias parish. Everyone is expected to adhere to the Policy for the Safety of Children in Matters of Sexual Abuse and the Standards for Conduct of Ministry, as applicable. All of us are also expected to act at all times in accordance with Catholic moral teaching and refrain from behavior that is contrary to Catholic moral teaching, or that is disruptive, inappropriate, and/or illegal. Any conduct the pastor deems unacceptable will not be tolerated and may result in discipline, up to and including termination from parish staff and removal of leadership positions.

Our speech and behaviors, even outside of work, need to demonstrate our alignment and advocacy for the Catholic Church, the Bishop, and the Diocese. We are held to higher standards, and with the increasing amplification of how the secular world is at odds with the church, we find ourselves under frequent scrutiny in public. Although we know we ask a lot of people, and we understand that some people may find it restrictive to have to manage their social media, their conduct, their dress, and their public statements in ways they would not have to manage with secular employment, we are going to uphold those expectations for anyone who represents St. Matthias. It is not our desire or policy to peer through people’s windows or respond to anonymous complaints, but in those instances where evidence of troubling speech or behaviors is brought to our attention, the pastor can request to meet with people and direct them to make changes to these circumstances. Any posts, engagements, likes to a post, or interactions that would violate this will also not be accepted. Be aware that anything you do online is public.

Again, it is not the church’s or the diocese’s desire or intention to invasively monitor speech and behavior every minute of the day, but if it comes to my attention that these troubling behaviors continue, you could be subject to being removed from your ministry. My goal is to support everyone in love with mutual respect and understanding.

Let us do everything we can to have good, healthy, and holy dialogue and use social media to "Build up the Body of Christ.” Anything caustic, divisive, or causes division in the parish will not be tolerated. It is appropriate to debate ideas, but it is not appropriate to condemn any person or group of people.

I would like to conclude with the words of St. Paul: “I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and in the same purpose.”

May you know The Father’s Love for you,

Fr. Michael