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.

‘Healthy’ spirit keeps Westernport parish going

April 9, 2009
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Uncategorized, Western Vicariate

“Healthy” is the word Father James Hannon uses to describe the spirit at St. Peter in Westernport.

Exsultet is challenge and joy for deacons

April 2, 2009
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Divine Worship, Local News, News

Every Easter Vigil, deacons throughout the archdiocese face one of the most challenging yet spiritually rewarding duties of their ministry: chanting the Exsultet.

Mercy honors ‘pioneer’ in medical technology

April 2, 2009
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: Local News, News

Mercy Sister Paula Marie Phelan always began the first day of class as director of Mercy Medical Center’s School of Medical Technology with an admonition: If students wanted to make it through the session they would have to work hard – very hard.

Taneytown parish embraces Catholic legacy

March 26, 2009
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Saints, Western Vicariate

When Maryland Catholics faced religious persecution in the early 1700s, Taneytown was an area where many found refuge.

Father Martin, ‘ultimate miracle worker,’ laid to rest

March 14, 2009
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Obituaries

“He reminded them that the life of every human being was no mistake,” Father Carey said. “God had wonderful plans for each of them.”

Catholics turn out for confession and reconciliation

March 12, 2009
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Divine Worship, Local News, News

Mike Mandella opened the doors to the mostly darkened church and immediately looked in the direction of pools of bright light that spilled onto the floor from the two open reconciliation rooms.

Daniel Medinger reflects on 24 years at The Catholic Review

February 19, 2009
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Journalism, Local News, News

As associate publisher/editor of The Catholic Review for 24 years, Mr. Medinger transformed a once-struggling newspaper into one of the most honored publications in the Catholic press.

Walters displays illuminated Scriptures

February 19, 2009
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: Arts & Culture, Local News, News

Its transparent wings beating in a flutter of motion, the locust almost seems ready to jump from the calf-skin parchment on which it is painted. Resting on a delicately arching green leaf, the insect is a physical reminder of a passage in the sacred text that fills the page.

Friend or foe: Barbie turns 50

February 12, 2009
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News

Concerned that the famous blonde is a bad role model who promotes a materialistic lifestyle and unnatural body image, many think parents should box Barbie and put her back on the shelf.

87-year-old parishioner gives back

February 5, 2009
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News

“I was always very mission-minded,” said Mrs. Chesnavage, a former president of her parish’s sodality who has taken courses in auto mechanics and cooking. “I felt like God needed me. He gave me 12 healthy children, so I felt like I have to give something back.”

MCC raises grave concerns about Gov. O’Malley’s budget

January 29, 2009
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: Local News, News

A day after Gov. Martin J. O’Malley released his Jan. 20 budget in Annapolis, leaders of the Maryland Catholic Conference expressed grave concerns about how it could hurt the poor, children in nonpublic schools and the unborn.

Author recovers story of first American-Indian religious order

December 18, 2008
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: Books, Local News, News

When 12-year-old Thomas Foley opened a shoebox in his Aunt Mame’s closet more than 65 years ago, he unwittingly uncovered the building blocks for a remarkable story of faith, courage and determination.