The Blessing of Zeal: Reflections from My First Year
Wheelhouse | Issue 3 | June 21, 2025
As I wrap-up my first year of ministry here at USC, I’m a bit exhausted! Our students are young, full of energy, and I feel squeezed out like a lemon trying to keep up with them…What a blessing! Could you imagine otherwise? Thank God that our Trojan Catholic Family is full of life and zeal - I’m utterly grateful.
Moments of Celebration
I’m so proud of all of our students for finishing strong by staying rooted in prayer, study, and fellowship up until the very last day of the semester.
Disney Day, CC Formal, the Eucharistic Procession, Study Days, and the Baccalaureate Mass were just a few of the joyful moments that brought our community together in celebration, as we counted our blessings and gave thanks to Almighty God.
Even though it’s only been a year, I can honestly say that I’ll miss our graduates and look forward to the days when they return to share with us the successes of God’s continued work in their lives post-USC.
May they know that they are Trojans for life and the CCC will always be their spiritual home, a place where they are seen, known, and loved. As they go forth, we pray for God’s continued blessings upon them.
Trojan Saint Award Dinner
We were blessed with the opportunity to celebrate some truly remarkable individuals at this year’s Trojan Saint Award Dinner. We joyfully honored Debbie & Michael Felix and Nancy Novokmet as our Trojan Saints, recognizing their outstanding generosity, service, and unwavering commitment to the mission of the Caruso Catholic Center.
In addition, we proudly recognized Dianne Wilson and Kevin Shannon as our Centennial Honorees, in gratitude for their enduring support and faith-filled dedication to our ministry over the years.
These inspiring Trojan Catholics exemplify the spirit of servant leadership, and we are deeply grateful for their lasting impact on our community.
Trusting the Journey
For me, coming back to serve at Our Savior Parish and USC Caruso Catholic Center has been amazing. It’s truly been a full-circle moment reminding me of God’s providence and provision. All transitions involve risks and unknowns, but this one has been so good.
In short, I’m so happy to become the Pastor of this wonderful community of faith starting July 1, 2025. I ask for your prayers as we continue this journey together and Our Lady wrap us all in her mantle of love and bring us to her Son, Jesus.
God bless and Fight On! ✌️
Fr. Matt ‘10
