George P. Matysek Jr.

George Matysek, a member of the Catholic Review staff since 1997, is managing editor of Catholic Review Media. He oversees news coverage of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and is a host of Catholic Review Radio.

George has won more than 150 national and regional journalism and broadcasting awards from the Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association, the Catholic Media Association, the Associated Church Press and National Right to Life. The Catholic Media Association named him both Editor of the Year and Podcaster of the Year in 2024. He has reported from Guyana, Guatemala, Italy, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Poland.

A native Baltimorean, George is a graduate of Our Lady of Mount Carmel High School in Essex. He holds a bachelor's degree from Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore and a master's degree from UMBC. George, his wife and six children live in Rodgers Forge. He is a parishioner of the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland.

Las Hermanas Pobres de Jesucristo llevan amor a calles conflictivas

June 22, 2023
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: En Español

Asomándose por debajo de una lona color canela mientras estaba sentada en el callejón junto a la Basílica del Santuario Nacional de la Asunción de la Santísima Virgen María en el centro de Baltimore, una anciana observaba a tres jóvenes monjas que caminaban cerca.

Deacon Koski looks forward to being ‘instrument of God’s mercy’

June 19, 2023
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, New Priests 2023, News, Vocations

Deacon Koski, the eldest of four siblings, grew up in several parishes. He was baptized at St. Thomas More in Baltimore, received his first Communion at St. Joseph in Fullerton and was confirmed at St. Isaac Jogues in Carney.

Deadline approaching to apply for BOOST scholarships

June 8, 2023
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, Maryland Catholic Conference, News, Schools

Families interested in receiving nonpublic school tuition support from the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today (BOOST) Scholarship Program have until June 30 to apply.

Sisters Poor of Jesus Christ bring love to troubled streets

June 7, 2023
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Baltimore Basilica, Consecrated Life, Feature, Local News, News, Vocations

The Archdiocese of Baltimore recently welcomed a new international community of religious sisters who are boldly bringing Christ’s presence to people who need it most.

‘God’s Scribe’: Father Breighner retires popular column after more than 50 years

June 2, 2023
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Journalism, Local News, News

After more than 50 years of writing for the Catholic Review, Father Breighner is putting down his pen.

Abuse survivor reflects on John Merzbacher’s death

May 15, 2023
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: 2023 Attorney General's Report, Child & Youth Protection, Feature, Local News, News

“And I get no pleasure from his death because I wish none of it had happened,” Elizabeth Ann Murphy said. “It still doesn’t restore my childhood.”

Believe us: Survivors express anger, hope following release of attorney general’s report

May 1, 2023
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: 2023 Attorney General's Report, Child & Youth Protection, Feature, Local News, News

Murphy said there is a “simple” answer as to how the church found itself enmeshed in the abuse crisis. “It’s because church leadership put power, prestige and possessions above the lives of the children entrusted to their care,” she said.

Power of prayer works for vocations

April 24, 2023
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Amen, Amen Matysek Commentary, Commentary, Vocations

If you’re skeptical about the power of prayer in fostering religious vocations, consider the extraordinary example of Elizabeth Louisa Rolls Vaughan.

Give your input on future of city parishes by taking ‘Seek the City’ survey

April 20, 2023
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Seek the City to Come

The Archdiocese of Baltimore is offering an online survey in six languages to gather more input on its “Seek the City to Come” urban pastoral planning initiative.

‘Good is stronger than evil,’ Archbishop Lori proclaims at Easter Mass

April 9, 2023
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: 2023 Attorney General's Report, Easter, Feature, Local News, News

The Catholic Church exists to proclaim the Risen Lord, Archbishop William E. Lori told more than 1,300 people who filled the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Homeland to capacity for the 11 a.m. Easter Mass April 9.

Attorney General Brown hopes abuse report ‘exposes’ transgressions ‘to the fullest extent possible’

April 5, 2023
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: 2023 Attorney General's Report, Child & Youth Protection, Feature, Local News, News

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown said more than 300 people contacted the attorney general’s office since its investigation began five years ago, with his office interviewing hundreds of survivors and witnesses.

Vincent Quayle, former priest who fought discriminatory housing, dies at 83

April 4, 2023
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Obituaries, Racial Justice, Social Justice

Vincent “Vinnie” Quayle, a former Jesuit priest who passionately fought blockbusting, redlining and other discriminatory practices in the real estate and housing industries in Baltimore, died March 27.

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