Deacon Matthew Pearson will be ordained to the priesthood on Friday, May 27.
The Ordination Mass, celebrated by Bishop Donald J. Hying of Madison, will take place at St. Maria Goretti Church, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison, at 7 p.m.
About Deacon Pearson
Parents: John Pearson and Janelle Zacho (William Zacho, Stepfather)
Home parish: St. Patrick Parish, Doylestown
Seminary studies: Seton Hall University; Pontifical North American College; St. Francis de Sales Seminary, Milwaukee
Intern experiences: St. John Vianney Parish, Janesville; St. Jerome Parish, Columbus, and St. Patrick Parish, Doylestown; St. Francis Xavier Parish, Cross Plains
Deacon placement: Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Monona.
First Mass of Thanksgiving: St. Peter Church, Ashton, Saturday, May 28, 10:15 a.m.
Reflections on ordination to the priesthood:
It really is an amazing feeling to be so close to ordination. The past six years of formation for the priesthood have been nothing short of incredible.
I have had the opportunity to meet so many wonderful people filled with faith and devotion during my time in seminary.
I must admit, I find it difficult to capture the different emotions and developments that I have experienced in my preparation for the priesthood.
My overall experience revolves around God’s complete fidelity and providential care. He has never given up on me and through His grace, I was strengthened to persevere in my prayer and study. As I prepare to enter into this great responsibility, I hope to carry with me this trust in God’s care for each one of us.
At the heart of the priesthood is a sacrificial care for the Church’s sacraments in order to save souls. God never abandons us. This is most clearly seen through the Holy Eucharist in the celebration of Holy Mass. This precious prayer of the Church will be the heart of my priesthood.
I also greatly look forward to hearing confessions and reconciling sinners to God’s unfailing love and mercy.
It will be a great honor to offer these sacraments, and all the sacraments of the Church, to the great people of God in the Diocese of Madison.
I would also like to extend my thanks to all those who have faithfully prayed for me during this journey.
By God’s grace, I will do my very best to be a faithful, devout, and zealous priest for God’s glory and the salvation of souls.