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.

Baltimore City Council targets pro-life pregnancy centers

October 22, 2009
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: Local News, News

Baltimore City Council President Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and 10 members of the 14-member council are sponsoring a bill that Catholic leaders believe harasses pro-life pregnancy support centers.

Little Sisters of the Poor minister to Maryland elderly for 140 years

October 8, 2009
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: Local News, News, Seniors

When 87-year-old Alice Jadwigia Armstrong looked up from her hospital bed and saw the smiling face of Sister Lourdes Miranda, she was visibly buoyed by the nun’s presence. Clasping the hand of the Little Sister of the Poor, the white-haired woman seemed transported to the security of her youth.

Cockeysville dig yields insights into Irish life

September 24, 2009
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: Local News, News

A summer archeological dig near St. Joseph in Cockeysville unearthed brown broken bottles and tea cups, coins, a beer token, buttons and children’s toys – clues into the daily life of Irish immigrants who manned area limestone quarries and worshipped at St. Joseph beginning in the mid-19th century.

Monsignor Bastress awarded Redemptorists’ highest honor

September 19, 2009
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: Local News, News

On his first day as pastor of the Shrine of St. Alphonsus in Baltimore, Monsignor Arthur Bastress walked down the historic church’s long aisles and knew immediately that his new assignment was going to be something special.

Archbishop O’Brien welcomes 10 Episcopal nuns, priest into Catholic Church

September 10, 2009
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Vocations

A spiritual journey that began seven years ago ended in the sanctuary of a Catonsville convent Sept. 3 when 10 Episcopal nuns and their priest chaplain were received into full communion with the Catholic Church.

Bobby Flay throws down challenge to cooking priest, Father Leo

September 3, 2009
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News

“There he was standing with his arms crossed and nodding approvingly,” the priest said. “It shocked me and I said something like, “Oh good Jesus! What the heaven are you doing here?’”

10 Episcopal nuns in Archdiocese of Baltimore to join Catholic Church

August 27, 2009
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Vocations

After seven years of prayer and discernment, a community of Episcopal nuns and their chaplain will be received into the Roman Catholic Church during a Sept. 3 Mass celebrated by Archbishop Edwin F. O’Brien.

Faith will guide new Catholic Charities head

July 29, 2009
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Catholic Charities, Local News, News

William J. McCarthy Jr. is just getting started Aug. 1 as executive director of Catholic Charities, but his roots in the outreach organization stretch back to high school.

Generosity overflows at St. Louis, Clarksville

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

“There’s a wonderful spirit of cooperation and a great sense of ownership at St. Louis,” Monsignor Luca said. “We’ve been very blessed, and our parishioners have been a blessing to others.”

Religious vocations flourish in Clarksville

June 25, 2009
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Vocations

“I really believe there are vocations in every parish,” Monsignor Luca said. “It’s a matter of cooperating with God’s call and being encouraging.”

Sulpician formation guides future priests

June 25, 2009
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Vocations

What makes St. Mary’s different from other seminaries is its Sulpician approach to preparing men for the priesthood, according to Sulpician Father Thomas Hurst, president-rector.

Taneytown pastor celebrates 50 years as a priest

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

Monsignor Martin E. Feild’s priesthood has been all about involving more people in the life of the church. Inspired by the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, the Catonsville native committed himself to inspiring others to be active participants at Mass and in the wider faith community.