When our soccer team headed to the state championship, Father Matt gathered the players to pray over them before they left campus, a powerful reminder that their worth is not defined by the scoreboard, but by who they are as children of God. He also joined Ascension stakeholders in strategic planning meetings, helping review survey results and ensuring the school's future direction remains aligned with our shared mission.

His presence is felt in joyful moments as well. During our recent production of Shrek the Musical, Father Matt took on the role of the Bishop and performed alongside our 6th-12th graders; he even wrote friendship notes to every performer, an intentional gesture that reminded students that their gifts are seen and celebrated. 

Outside his church office on our Downtown Campus, he has created a welcoming space for students, complete with seasonal decorations—from winter “snow” to Mardi Gras flair. He also joined our community in the River Ranch Mardi Gras parade, celebrating alongside our families.

These moments may seem small, but together they tell a larger story.

Being a parish school means our students grow up knowing their church knows them. It means they are prayed for before big games, encouraged in the arts, and supported as leaders. It means chapel is not just a weekly gathering, but part of an ongoing relationship with a faith community invested in their growth.

At Ascension, church and school walk hand in hand. And in that partnership, our students flourish—academically and spiritually.