Fr. Matya assumes pastor’s role after college work

Father Robert Matya has been appointed the new pastor of St. Mary Church in Ashland and St. Joseph Church in Greenwood, NE, in the Diocese of Lincoln. He assumes these roles after serving 25 years as director of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Newman Center and following a serious health crisis that has sidelined him since March. He is also chaplain of Legatus’ Lincoln Chapter.

Father Matya grew up in a small town in rural Nebraska. He was the youngest of five children in an observant Catholic home; his father was a farmer who raised corn, cattle, and pigs. He entered the seminary for the Diocese of Lincoln and was ordained a priest in 1995. In addition to parish work, he has also served as vocations director and vicar of development for the diocese.

What led you to consider the priesthood?

I had thought about the priesthood from a young age, but by the time I reached college I was not excited about it. I worked for Gallup for a time but couldn’t shake the idea of being a priest. I entered the seminary at age 25 and was ordained a priest at 31.

Being a priest has led to more joy than I could have imagined. I love providing the sacraments and being able to minister to people individually. 

What were some of the highlights of your time as a college chaplain?

I enjoyed watching our on-campus ministry grow significantly. Our facility was not large enough to accommodate the growth of our student population, so we had a capital campaign and built a new church in 2015. It’s a beautiful church with a traditional look. It’s located on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus.

I’m grateful to our FOCUS missionaries who partnered with us for 24 of the 25 years I worked on campus. They led the students in Bible studies who, in turn, led other students in Bible studies. They were effective, and we would not have had the growth we did without them.

How did you find your work with college students?

I found that they are just trying to make their way in life. I tried to help them understand that they can find their identity in God. I also tried to help liberate them from overindulgence in such areas as drinking and sex. It’s important that a college chaplain be able to listen to students and let them know he cares about them.

Did you see many vocations to the priesthood and religious life through your on-campus work?

Yes, there were many. My replacement is a former student with whom I worked who was ordained a priest seven or eight years ago. Most have entered the diocesan seminary, although we’ve had some become religious as well. It was a great joy to see.

You’ve had some serious health challenges with sepsis in recent months leading to the removal of an eye and a big toe, as well as surgery on your hands. How are you doing?

I’ve been staying with my family and recuperating. With God’s grace, I’ve been able to carry this cross and stay positive. I’m confident I’ll be able to serve as a pastor again.

What advice have you offered members of your Legatus chapter?

I listen to them and their situations and offer what advice I can to help them incorporate their faith into their professional lives. I’ve found them to be great people, successful and looking for ways to be more engaged in the life of the Church. So, I try to help them synthesize their faith and work. I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to work with them.