Mission Statement :

We are committed to our spiritual growth as a people of God in Communion with the Roman Catholic Church.

History :

On September 29, 1911, Bishop John Foley of Detroit, announced the founding of St. Matthew Parish. This third Catholic parish established in the city of Flint was greatly needed. The population had grown from 18,000 to 38,000 in a short time with the opening of General Motors factories in Flint.

St. Matthew Parish was located south of the Flint River to serve the new citizens, who took up residence there. The first parishioners were from approximately 175 families.

Rev. Michael Comerford, a thirty year old native of Detroit, was the first pastor, under whose guidance parish property was purchased and the first multi-purpose structure was built. Completed on May 8, 1914, this three level structure housed a school on the second floor, a worship space on the first floor, and a social hall in the lower level.

The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, from Monroe, Michigan, staffed St. Matthew School from its opening in 1914 until its closing in 1970.

Due to failing health, Rev. Comerford resigned in October 1916. Subsequent diocesan priests to serve as St. Matthew's pastors were Rev. Thomas Henessey (1916-1920) and Rev. Francis McQueen (1920-26).

In 1926, Bishop Michael Gallagher invited priests of the Order of St. Augustine [O.S.A.] to staff the parish, beginning a relationship between the Augustinians and the parishioners of St. Matthew that continues to this day.

Rev. Frederick Taggart, O.S.A. is the current pastor. Rev. John Flynn, O.S.A., who is semi-retired, assists with the sacramental ministry.

The parish buildings today include a church, rectory, school, parish center with a gym and dining area, and the former convent, which is leased as an adult foster care residence. All of these structures are located in one city block, which is bounded by Beach Street, Fourth Street, Church Street, and Third Street.