Matawan parish marks dual anniversary of founding, pastor’s service
July 21, 2025 at 4:10 p.m.
In a festive Mass and reception filled with blessings of well-wishers past and present, St. Clement Parish, Matawan, recently marked both the 60th anniversary of its establishment and the 10th anniversary of Father Thomas Vala’s tenure as the community’s pastor.
Hundreds of present and former parishioners as well as parish staff and ministry representatives gathered June 28 to give thanks for 60 years of parish life in Matawan and for the caring leadership of their pastor, Father Vala. The pastor’s family and friends along with a half dozen brother priests and several deacons also took part in the celebration.
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., sent a congratulatory letter that was read during the Mass. In it, he said to Father Vala, “I am very happy to congratulate you on the 10th year of your service as pastor of St. Clement Church. I do so also mindful of the parish’s 60th anniversary.”
“You have been – and you continue to be – a caring and thoughtful pastor for the faithful in Matawan. I wish you every blessing and grateful prayer,” said Bishop O’Connell.
Father Thomas Vala blessing the congregation during an Easter Sunday Mass in this 2023 Monitor file photo. This year, Father Vala is celebrating his 10th anniversary as pastor of St. Clement Parish.Called to Serve
St. Clement Parish, the first and only Catholic community in Matawan, was established in June, 1965, by Bishop George W. Ahr, and held its first Masses in Matawan Grammar School. The current church was completed in the spring of 1971, the rectory was built in 1981 and the banquet hall was finished in 1986.
Today the parish has about 2,900 families and 13 ministries that cover a range of needs for parishioners and the wider community. Some families have been parishioners since the beginning with generations following.
Father Vala was born in 1963 in Montclair. He was ordained in May, 2009 by Bishop John M. Smith in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Father Vala was appointed administrator of St. Clement Parish in April, 2015, was named pastor by Bishop O’Connell in December, 2015, and was officially installed in May, 2016.
A Grateful Parish
Betty Tucker, a parishioner of about 10 years and member of the planning committee, remarked that the community has many engaged parishioners who appreciate their pastor and take an active role in many aspects of parish life.
“Father Tom encompasses the true definition of priesthood,” Tucker said, noting that her pastor is generous with his time for anyone who needs him.
She added that “Father Tom” is always available to make home and hospital visits. “I enjoy being part of a parish that feels like family.”
Debby Popplewell, another 10-year parishioner and committee member, said she feels blessed to be part of St. Clement Parish and finds it to be a “joyful and welcoming community which encourages parishioners to participate in the many vibrant ministries available.”
“We pray together, celebrate together and support one another, especially in challenging times,” she said. “The parish and Father Tom are very open to new community and fundraising activities.”
Like Tucker, Popplewell regards Father Vala as “a wonderful pastor.”
“He leads us with humility, warmth and compassion,” she said. “He truly lives the Gospel and inspires us to do the same in our daily lives.”
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In a festive Mass and reception filled with blessings of well-wishers past and present, St. Clement Parish, Matawan, recently marked both the 60th anniversary of its establishment and the 10th anniversary of Father Thomas Vala’s tenure as the community’s pastor.
Hundreds of present and former parishioners as well as parish staff and ministry representatives gathered June 28 to give thanks for 60 years of parish life in Matawan and for the caring leadership of their pastor, Father Vala. The pastor’s family and friends along with a half dozen brother priests and several deacons also took part in the celebration.
Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., sent a congratulatory letter that was read during the Mass. In it, he said to Father Vala, “I am very happy to congratulate you on the 10th year of your service as pastor of St. Clement Church. I do so also mindful of the parish’s 60th anniversary.”
“You have been – and you continue to be – a caring and thoughtful pastor for the faithful in Matawan. I wish you every blessing and grateful prayer,” said Bishop O’Connell.
Father Thomas Vala blessing the congregation during an Easter Sunday Mass in this 2023 Monitor file photo. This year, Father Vala is celebrating his 10th anniversary as pastor of St. Clement Parish.Called to Serve
St. Clement Parish, the first and only Catholic community in Matawan, was established in June, 1965, by Bishop George W. Ahr, and held its first Masses in Matawan Grammar School. The current church was completed in the spring of 1971, the rectory was built in 1981 and the banquet hall was finished in 1986.
Today the parish has about 2,900 families and 13 ministries that cover a range of needs for parishioners and the wider community. Some families have been parishioners since the beginning with generations following.
Father Vala was born in 1963 in Montclair. He was ordained in May, 2009 by Bishop John M. Smith in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton. Father Vala was appointed administrator of St. Clement Parish in April, 2015, was named pastor by Bishop O’Connell in December, 2015, and was officially installed in May, 2016.
A Grateful Parish
Betty Tucker, a parishioner of about 10 years and member of the planning committee, remarked that the community has many engaged parishioners who appreciate their pastor and take an active role in many aspects of parish life.
“Father Tom encompasses the true definition of priesthood,” Tucker said, noting that her pastor is generous with his time for anyone who needs him.
She added that “Father Tom” is always available to make home and hospital visits. “I enjoy being part of a parish that feels like family.”
Debby Popplewell, another 10-year parishioner and committee member, said she feels blessed to be part of St. Clement Parish and finds it to be a “joyful and welcoming community which encourages parishioners to participate in the many vibrant ministries available.”
“We pray together, celebrate together and support one another, especially in challenging times,” she said. “The parish and Father Tom are very open to new community and fundraising activities.”
Like Tucker, Popplewell regards Father Vala as “a wonderful pastor.”
“He leads us with humility, warmth and compassion,” she said. “He truly lives the Gospel and inspires us to do the same in our daily lives.”