Andrew Rath

Andrew has been a member of the St. Matthias community since the day he was born. He has grown up in this parish. He was baptized here in this church, and received his First Reconciliation, First Communion, and Confirmation as well. While growing up he was active in the church as an altar server and Youth Ministry events.
During high school, Andrew was an active member of the Boy Scouts and received his Eagle Award. Also during the summers, he would attend the service project called JusticeWorX, which many St. Matthias youth have participated in.
After graduating high school, Andrew attended St. Mary’s University of Minnesota where he was active in Cross Country, Track and Field, Peace and Justice Club, and Campus Ministry events. As a member of the Peace and Justice Club, he helped to educate the campus on social justice issues through speakers, activities, and presentations. During the summers, Andrew would return to New Jersey to help facilitate the WorX programs (JusticeworX, ServiceworX). This opportunity really helped him understand the role of our faith in social justice.
After graduating from college with a BA in Graphic Design, Andrew decided to share his time by volunteering with the Christian Appalachian Project in Eastern Kentucky. He was a part of the housing program, which helped to remodel and repair old homes as well as build brand new homes. He met a lot of great people and learned a lot about the Appalachian region and the poverty that affects many people of that area. In the second half of his service term, he began providing educational experiences for short-term volunteers. These included presentations on poverty and Appalachian history, as well as discussions on social justice and how it relates to the Christian faith.
After finishing up his term with CAP, Andrew headed back home to New Jersey to look for work. He was offered this wonderful opportunity here at St. Matthias as the Pastoral Associate of Liturgy and Social Justice and looks forward to working with many of you.