It’s been amazing connecting with all of you this past year and I’m grateful and excited to be the new Pastor of Our Savior Parish and USC Caruso Catholic Center.  What was once a far-off dream has become an imminent reality and I’m humbled at the prospect of leading our community in the coming years.  I’m well aware that I stand on the shoulders of many holy women and men and so I ask for your continued prayers for my priestly ministry.  

What I love about Jesus is how he welcomed people and invited all to follow him.  He noticed people, engaged with them, and accompanied them along a path of discipleship.  In fact, one of my favorite stories from the Bible is when Jesus notices Matthew (I’m a bit biased) at the tax collector’s booth and invites him to follow him.  With simplicity and resolve, Matthew “got up and followed him” (Matt 9:9); embarking upon the adventure of a lifetime.  While the call of this notorious sinner would have shocked many, it wasn’t Matthew’s checkered past that concerned Jesus.  What mattered to Jesus was his future.  He saw Matthew, believed in him, and invested in helping him journey along a new path full of purpose and meaning.  

As his disciples, my hope for us is to work together in cultivating a Christ-centered home away from home where students are seen, known, and loved.  Seeing means paying attention to, noticing, and caring for every student that seeks refuge at the CCC, no matter what.  Knowing means adopting a humble and listening posture whereby students feel safe in letting themselves be known.  Loving means sacrifice and being willing to lay down our lives for our students so that they might flourish and launch into God’s purpose for their lives. 

This is our mission and it is reflected in the contents of this report.  As stewards of bountiful resources, we seek to be transparent and hold ourselves accountable to God and neighbor.  Our finances are audited annually and our programming is weighed against campus ministries throughout the country.  

Lastly, as I begin my ministry at USC I am inspired and full of gratitude for your encouragement and support.  This is a time for us to unite because we couldn’t do what we do at the CCC without your help.  Thank you for all you do and on behalf of our Advisory Board and Staff, I’d like to express my heartfelt appreciation to all our benefactors.  May the Lord’s blessings be upon you and your loved ones.  

God Bless & Fight On!

Fr. Matthew Wheeler ‘10

Pastor, Our Savior Parish & USC Caruso Catholic Center