Evansville Parishioner Hears Priestly Call During A Retreat

Matthew Malek was participating in a Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP, commonly referred to as “chirp”) weekend retreat for men at Evansville’s St. Anthony of Padua parish when his vocation to the priesthood became crystal-clear.

“Family members are asked to send cards and notes of encouragement to people making the retreats,” he said, “and my sister Nancy sent me a note that said, ‘I think God is calling you to a life of service in the Church.’ Everything began to gel for me after that.”

A Kentucky native, Malek – now Franciscan Father Matthew Malek – moved to Evansville in 1989 to accept a journalism-teaching position at the University of Evansville. “I thought I would be here 2-3 years,” he remembered, “but it ended up being 15 years.”

During that time, he attended St. Benedict Cathedral, St. Mary’s and St. Wendel. Ultimately, he gravitated to St. Anthony of Padua, which became his parish home.

“During my time in Evansville,” he said, “I got to know Fr. Gordon Mann (now pastor of Our Lady of Hope in Washington, Ind.), and he helped me a lot in the early stages of my vocation.”

At St. Anthony, Fr. Malek not only participated in CRHP retreats, but also helped with them. He also helped with the Catholic Returning Home ministry, and was an RCIA sponsor.

“It was here at St. Anthony that I felt the concept of my vocation deepening,” he said, “and it all came together with Nancy’s note.” After researching a number of options, he decided to pursue the Conventual Franciscans.

“I chose the order in part because I knew they would test me,” he said. “I knew they would challenge me to go deeper in my faith; deepen my ability to witness to other people. They are good men.”

He was ordained on July 13 at Mt. St. Francis Retreat Center in Mt. St. Francis, Ind. Fr. Malek’s first assignment is at St. Benedict Parish in Terre Haute, Ind. – but he returned home the weekend of Aug. 24-25 for his Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Anthony.

Fr. Jay Davidson, pastor of St. Anthony, concelebrated the Saturday anticipatory Mass with his former parishioner, and Fr. Malek celebrated Sunday masses at 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

That Sunday’s readings included the Gospel passage from Luke in which Jesus asked His followers to “strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I tell you, will attempt to enter but will not be strong enough.”

In his homily, Fr. Malek noted his joy at the sights and sounds he experienced – again – during the time leading up to the start of 10:30 Mass Sunday morning. “The doors of St. Anthony have always been open to all,” he said. “Before Mass this morning, people were talking and visiting with each other … this has always been such a welcoming place.”

He went on to relate that to Luke's Gospel. “Luke’s Gospel was written at a time when the Church was changing … becoming more open,” he offered, “In today’s passage, Jesus is reminding us what he wants from us. He wants us to love Him – to walk with Him all the way to the cross and back.”

Many parishioners warmly greeted Fr. Malek before and after Mass. And he seemed to take particular delight in calling the children up to the altar before the Liturgy of the Word. It was easy for observers to see why teaching had been such a big part of his life.

“I’ve been teaching people something for most of my life,” he said later. “Now, the message has changed.”

In addition to his years in the classroom, Fr. Malek also worked in the mental-health field, and with a nonprofit called Career Choices, Inc. “At Career Choices,” he explained, “we helped people rebuild their lives and get back on their feet. It was wonderful work.”

Looking forward, Fr. Malek sees an interesting future – for himself and for the Church.

“I am coming into the priesthood at a time where there has been an interesting dialogue going on in the Church,” he said. “There is a rethinking of what it means to be a Catholic, a religious, a priest. I’m excited about it.”

He also admitted excitement at the decision by Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio – a Jesuit – to become Pope Francis. “I was thrilled and curious,” he said, of learning the news. “He has proven to be very Jesuit … and very Franciscan!”