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.

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.

Planned pro-life pregnancy center in downtown Baltimore gets boost

November 14, 2019
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: Archbishop's Ministry, Feature, Local News, News, Respect Life

A long-anticipated project to convert a dilapidated building into a pro-life pregnancy resource center right next to Planned Parenthood in downtown Baltimore is getting new life after stalling for more than a year for lack of resources.

Liberty Heights parishioner brings ‘youthful energy’ to outreach

November 4, 2019
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Faces of Faith, Feature, Local News, News, Urban Vicariate

“Our church has a lot of power to change the community that we actually live in,” Hall said. “Since we have so much influence, we need to be back in the community, reaching out as best we can.”

Laguna people are example of perseverance in faith, Archbishop Lori says

October 16, 2019
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: Archbishop's Ministry, Feature, Local News, News, World News

The native peoples of the Laguna community in New Mexico are a “living example” of perseverance in faith, Archbishop William E. Lori said Oct. 12 during a Mass at a historic 320-year-old mission church.

Children reminded of their power at Rosary Congress

October 8, 2019
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Baltimore Basilica, Feature, Local News, News, Schools

“I think you all have more power, and that’s because of the power of prayer,” said Father Boric, speaking Oct. 8 during a special children’s event on the fourth day of the 2019 archdiocesan Rosary Congress.

Archbishop Flynn, former rector of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, dies at 86

September 26, 2019
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Obituaries

Monsignor Farmer recalled that Archbishop Flynn often told Mount seminarians that the greatest work they would do as priests would involve the unexpected. That might involve hearing the confession of a stranger on a plane or answering a call in the middle of the night.

Archdiocese welcomes 17 new seminarians, largest group in at least 36 years

September 24, 2019
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: #IamCatholic, Feature, Local News, News, Vocations

The addition of 17 new seminarians brings the total number studying for the archdiocese to 52.

Sister Paula Marie Phelan, a pioneer in pathology, dies at 105

September 18, 2019
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News, Obituaries

Mercy Sister Paula Marie Phelan, a pioneer in pathology who devoted nearly half a century to ministry at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, died Sept. 12. She was 105.