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.

Clarksville parish becoming hub for classical music

June 14, 2007
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Arts & Culture, Local News, News

“Down through the centuries the Catholic Church has always been a great patron both of the visual and musical arts,” said Monsignor Luca. “It’s in that spirit we would like to offer these concerts to all the people of our community.”

Former speaker laments ‘divisive’ political climate: Casper Taylor reflects on hard decisions

May 31, 2007
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, Maryland General Assembly, News, Western Vicariate

Nearly five years after Casper R. Taylor Jr. lost his seat in the House of Delegates and stepped down as Maryland’s longest- serving Speaker of the House of Delegates, the well-known Western Maryland native hasn’t backed away from public policy.

‘Polka capital’ pastor to retire

May 24, 2007
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Filed Under: Local News, News, Retirement

Forty-eight years after Archbishop Francis Keough ordained him to the priesthood, Monsignor Parks is preparing to retire July 1. A farewell liturgy will be celebrated at noon on July 8 at Sacred Heart of Mary, with a reception to follow.

Tuba-toting priest is top brass

May 19, 2007
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Western Vicariate

When Father Mueller needs to unwind from a long day’s work, music is his refuge. Playing mostly by ear, the priest has enjoyed playing the tuba and piano for many years and he’s now working on sharpening his skills on the clarinet.

Parish work helped Father Cosgrove recognize calling

May 2, 2007
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Vocations

Jumping into parish life at Ss. Philip and James in Baltimore helped convince Father Joseph Cosgrove he might be called to the priesthood.

Seton Keough principal honored with an award

April 5, 2007
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Schools

“I was glad to be at a Catholic school where Christ was at the center,” he said. “The students were incredibly resilient. It was really clear that their faith in Christ was the foundation for everything.”

Sen. Mooney undecided on death penalty ban

March 15, 2007
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Respect Life

Sen. Alex X. Mooney knows he’s the man of the hour in the death penalty debate.

Eucharist attacked at Emmitsburg parish

March 7, 2007
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Western Vicariate

The Eucharist was desecrated at St. Anthony Shrine in Emmitsburg after a frustrated thief or thieves apparently exacted revenge for failing to open a safe and poor box, according to Sister Marietta Culhane, O.S.F., temporary pastoral life director of St. Anthony and Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Thurmont.

Bishop Madden testifies against death penalty

March 1, 2007
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Respect Life

In an unusual move that highlights the priority Maryland’s bishops have placed on abolishing the death penalty, Bishop Denis J. Madden, urban vicar, testified in person during Feb. 21 committee hearings on a bill that would replace the death penalty with life sentences without parole.

Faith unlocks doors for former death row inmate

February 15, 2007
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Respect Life

Despite the strong temptation to despair, Mr. Bloodsworth said he decided he would fight to prove his innocence. He believes God sustained him through nearly nine years of taxing prison life, sending him otherworldly consolations and leading him into the Catholic Church.

Gov. O’Malley speaks to Catholic educators at mansion

February 8, 2007
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Schools

ANNAPOLIS – Standing inside the governor’s mansion he has occupied for less than three weeks, Gov. Martin J. O’Malley told a group of Catholic educators he never would have pursued a career in public service were it not for his own Catholic education. Glancing at some 30 Catholic schoolteachers and administrators, including Sister Columbkill O’Connor, […]

Death penalty ban gains momentum in Maryland

February 1, 2007
By George P. Matysek Jr.
Catholic Review Filed Under: Local News, News, Respect Life

After many years of failed attempts to repeal the death penalty in Maryland, abolitionists are closer than ever to passing a ban on capital punishment now that Gov. Martin J. O’Malley has promised to sign repeal legislation.