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 125 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.

Beer and pretzels: the ‘official beverage and food’ of Lent

February 28, 2020
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Feature, Lent, Local News, News

While beer and pretzels might be most closely associated with oom-pah music, polka dancing and Oktoberfests, they have a much older and more spiritual pedigree as the “official beverage and food of Lent,” according to Father William Saunders.

Father George Coyne, Vatican astronomer from Baltimore, dies at 87

February 13, 2020
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Obituaries, World News

Jesuit Father George V. Coyne, a Baltimore native who led the Vatican Observatory as its director for 28 years, got his start in the field of astronomy as a young student in formation for the priesthood by secretly studying under his blanket, flashlight in hand.

New head of pro-life outreach takes helm as wall separates two sides of moral divide

February 6, 2020
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Feature, Local News, News, Respect Life

One of America’s biggest cultural and moral divides is about to be embodied in a shared wall of two Baltimore buildings with very different missions.

Walters exhibit showcases medieval missal used by St. Francis of Assisi

January 28, 2020
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: Arts & Culture, Feature, Local News, News

The same book that inspired St. Francis in 1208 is expected to inspire thousands of others as the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore places it on public display for the first time in 40 years Feb. 1 through May 31.

‘Ed’ Wall, former Catholic Review editor and veteran journalist, dies at 94

January 22, 2020
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: Feature, Journalism, Local News, News, Obituaries

Arthur E. P. “Ed” Wall, a former editor of the Catholic Review from 1965 to 1971 who would later become director and editor-in-chief of what is now Catholic News Service, died Jan. 18 in Orland Park, Ill. He was 94.

Towson University students among thousands inspired at FOCUS conference

January 13, 2020
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Campus Ministry, Feature, Local News, News, Young Adult Ministry

A group of students from Towson University were among nearly 9,000 from across the country to attend Fellowship of Catholic University Students’ annual Student Leadership Summit, held at the Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona Dec. 30 to Jan. 3.

NDP joins School Sisters of Notre Dame in nudging shoppers to help environment

December 19, 2019
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Environment, Feature, Local News, News, Schools

Amid the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping outside a Giant food store in North Baltimore Dec. 7, a small group of School Sisters of Notre Dame joined teachers and students from Notre Dame Preparatory School in gently nudging shoppers to protect the environment.

The more, the merrier

December 10, 2019
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Advent, Amen, Amen Matysek Commentary, Commentary, Marriage & Family Life, Parenting

As the Christmas season approaches, George Matysek shares the joys of having five children age 5 and under.

Pope Francis accepts Cardinal O’Brien’s resignation as leader of Rome-based order

December 8, 2019
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, World News

Pope Francis announced Dec. 8 that he has accepted the resignation of Cardinal Edwin F. O’Brien as Grand Master of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem.

Observation of Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception will be Dec. 9

December 6, 2019
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: Advent, Local News, News

Catholics are encouraged but not obligated to attend Mass Dec. 9 in honor of the observed solemnity. As always, Mass attendance on Sunday is obligated.

‘Hardworking’ Baltimore County pastor renowned for hospitality dies suddenly

December 3, 2019
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: Archbishop's Ministry, Feature, Local News, News, Obituaries

Father Michael W. Carrion, a longtime Baltimore County pastor known for his strong work ethic and boundless hospitality, died suddenly Nov. 30.

Mid-Atlantic Congress designed to engage, inspire pastoral leaders

November 21, 2019
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: Evangelization, Feature, Local News, Mid-Atlantic Congress, News

Pastoral and administrative leaders looking to learn about current trends and best practices in ministry while also enriching their spiritual lives are encouraged to attend the Mid-Atlantic Congress, set for Jan. 30-Feb. 1 at the Baltimore Hilton Hotel.