Our Vision
To be a welcoming and enduring home for faith, fellowship, and cultural celebration, inspiring generations through worship and community engagement.
Our Mission
Our mission is to preserve and support St. Matthias Parish, ensuring it remains a vibrant space for worship, community connection, and support for all.
Preserving Our Parish
The Society of St. Matthias is steadfast in its mission to preserve and support St. Matthias Parish, ensuring it remains a cornerstone of faith and community for generations to come.
Guided by principles of faith, fellowship, and inclusivity, we serve a diverse community, welcoming individuals and families who seek a supportive and inclusive place to grow in faith and fellowship.
Our dedicated board of five passionate members brings a wealth of expertise in nonprofit leadership, community advocacy, and legal support. Together, we are committed to maintaining and elevating St. Matthias as a beacon of hope and fellowship within our community.
Through targeted initiatives, we work to ensure the church’s financial stability, celebrate its vibrant role in the community, and create opportunities for all to experience the warmth and connection of St. Matthias.
Advocacy Support
We actively seek legal support and appeal efforts to prevent the closure of St. Matthias, ensuring our community’s voice is represented at every level, including the Vatican.
Community Engagement
St. Matthias remains a vital hub for gatherings, events, and worship, enriching the spiritual and communal lives of all who enter.
Preservation Initiatives
Through ongoing fundraising and community involvement, we focus on maintaining and caring for our cherished church and school to secure their future for generations.
Our Board of Directors
Our dedicated board of four passionate members brings extensive experience in nonprofit management, community advocacy, and Catholic education. United by a shared vision, we are steadfast in our mission to preserve and elevate St. Matthias as a beacon of hope, faith, and fellowship for all.
Jacquelyn Brunache
Founder and President
Jacquelyn has been serving as the procurator for the St. Matthias case, acting as the primary point of contact with both the Vatican and our canon lawyer. Her journey with St. Matthias began in 2011, where she became closely involved with the Haitian community, helping to develop and run a children’s liturgy. After relocating in 2015, she returned to Ohio in 2020 and resumed attending Mass at St. Matthias. Jacquelyn served as the bookkeeper for over two years, gaining extensive knowledge of the parish and school’s finances and operations. Her deep connection to the parish and her expertise in financial matters make her an invaluable advocate for our community.
Erin McGarvey
Board Member
Erin McGarvey’s journey with St. Matthias began in 2008 when she and her father, Frank, were searching for a new parish community. Drawn to the welcoming spirit and the inclusive environment, they quickly fell in love with the parish. Frank found immense joy in reading to the children at St. Matthias School, appreciating the way spirituality was nurtured in all students, regardless of their background or faith. For Erin and her family, St. Matthias represented a community that embraced people from all walks of life, a value deeply important to them. Erin’s connection to the parish is rooted in the love and warmth she experienced and the friendships she built over the years.
Jean Manual
Board Member
Jean has been a committed member of St. Matthias since 2003 and is one of the founding members of the Haitian community. He has seen his children thrive at St. Matthias School, which reflects his deep commitment to both education and community. Jean emphasizes that St. Matthias has been integral to the Haitian community in Columbus, serving as a “home away from home” for many. Known for its vibrant events and cultural celebrations, the parish has created a welcoming space for Haitians to connect and share their rich heritage
Lea Mitchell
Board Member
Bio coming soon
Get Involved
Want to support the future of St. Matthias? Whether you’d like to contribute your time, talents or resources, there are many ways to make a difference.