St. Matthias the Apostle

Parish Overview

St. Matthias the Apostle is a Roman Catholic parish in Parma, Ohio, that belongs to the Diocese of Cleveland. Founded in 1980, it has served the southwest Cuyahoga County suburbs for over four decades. The parish mission reads: 'We, the family of St. Matthias, called to be disciples of Christ, reach out with a loving and caring spirit. Proclaiming the message of the Risen Lord, we provide for the spiritual growth and development of our community. By sharing liturgies, ministries, and responsibilities, we promote God's kingdom.' The parish gathers for daily and Sunday Mass, weekly Adoration, and Sacramental life, and is currently pastored by Fr. Michael J. Denk.

• Founded 1980
• Diocese of Cleveland
• Located at 1200 West Sprague Rd., Parma, OH 44134

History

St. Matthias was created by the Diocese of Cleveland in September 1980 when Bishop James A. Hickey announced that Assumption Parish would be split for the fifth time in its history. 227 families from Assumption were assigned as the charter members of the new St. Matthias community. In its early years, the two parishes coordinated the sharing of facilities and programs such as Pre-Cana Marriage Preparation. As Parma and the surrounding suburbs grew, St. Matthias took its place in the Diocese of Cleveland's Suburban – Southwest vicariate. The parish continues that legacy today under the leadership of Fr. Michael J. Denk, appointed in 2024.

• Established September 1980
• Split from Assumption Parish — 227 founding families
• Diocese of Cleveland

Pastor & Staff

Fr. Michael J. Denk is the current pastor of St. Matthias the Apostle, welcomed by Bishop Edward C. Malesic and the Diocese of Cleveland in May 2024. He is widely recognized for his digital evangelization work — especially his weekly livestreamed video/podcast, 'Catholic Coffee Break with Fr. Michael Denk,' broadcast on Wednesdays on YouTube. Parish office contact for general inquiries is [email protected]; questions and comments for the podcast can be sent to [email protected].

• Pastor: Fr. Michael J. Denk (2024–present)
• Office email: [email protected]
• Podcast email: [email protected]

Mass & Sacrament Schedule

St. Matthias offers a Saturday Vigil Mass and a Sunday morning Mass, plus daily weekday Masses on Monday through Wednesday mornings and a First Friday noon Mass. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is heard on Saturday afternoons before the Vigil Mass, and is also available at any time by appointment. Eucharistic Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is offered Monday through Friday evenings according to a published weekly schedule.

Livestream & Catholic Coffee Break Podcast

St. Matthias embraces the New Evangelization through digital media, livestreaming Sunday Mass on YouTube and producing the weekly 'Catholic Coffee Break with Fr. Michael Denk' video podcast. The podcast — hosted by Pastor Fr. Michael Denk — airs live on Wednesdays at noon on YouTube, where Fr. Denk explores the upcoming weekend's Mass readings. Episodes are also shared through the parish's Flocknote email list and on YouTube for later viewing, and listeners are invited to submit questions and comments to [email protected] to participate in the show.

• Sunday Mass livestreamed on YouTube
• Catholic Coffee Break with Fr. Michael Denk — Wednesdays, live on YouTube
• Audience Q&A via [email protected]
• Partnered with All Saints Federal Credit Union for listener/parishioner promotions

Becoming a Parishioner

The parish welcomes new members and invites visitors to register through its online registration form on the parish website. Becoming a parishioner connects individuals and families to parish communications via Flocknote, Sunday Mass livestreams, and the growing slate of ministries and devotions at St. Matthias.

• Online registration form available on stmatthiaschurch.org
• Parish Flocknote email newsletter
• Welcome to all who wish to join the parish family

Contact & Visit

St. Matthias the Apostle is located at 1200 West Sprague Road, Parma, Ohio 44134, in the southwest suburban vicariate of the Diocese of Cleveland. The parish office can be reached by phone at (440) 888-8220, or by email at [email protected]. A map and directions are linked through the Diocese of Cleveland parish directory. Confessions are available anytime by appointment.

• Address: 1200 W Sprague Rd., Parma, OH 44134
• Phone: (440) 888-8220
• Diocese of Cleveland parish directory listing