Cardinal Joseph Tobin Appoints Father Matthew Gonzalez as Rector of Newark Cathedral

Father Gonzalez to Begin Leading Archdiocese’s Mother Church on Nov. 15

Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, has appointed Father Matthew Gonzalez as rector of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark. Father Gonzalez will begin his ministry at the Cathedral Basilica on Nov. 15, introducing himself to parishioners at weekend Masses.

Father Gonzalez, 31, currently serves as parochial vicar of St. Bartholomew Church in Scotch Plains, a role he has held since his ordination in 2022. He succeeds Bishop Pedro Bismarck Chau, who vacated the role upon his appointment as an auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Newark. Bishop Chau will join parishioners in welcoming Father Gonzalez during his first Masses in November.

“I am delighted to welcome Father Matthew Gonzalez as the new rector of our Cathedral Basilica,” Cardinal Tobin said. “His faith, pastoral heart and energy will strengthen its parish community while helping the Cathedral continue to serve as an instrument of unity for the Archdiocese of Newark and a spiritual refuge for all who visit.”

“Being appointed rector of the Cathedral Basilica is both humbling and exciting—truly, it is the Holy Spirit at work,” Father Gonzalez said. “I am grateful to the people at St. Bartholomew’s who have formed me into the priest I am today, and I am honored by the opportunity to serve the Church of Newark in this new capacity. I look forward to what God has in store for us.”

Born in March 1994, Father Gonzalez grew up in New Milford and attended St. John the Evangelist Church in Bergenfield. His call to the priesthood first emerged in third grade, though he only seriously considered it as a teen while involved in youth and music ministries. After exploring other career paths, he entered the seminary at Seton Hall University.

Father Gonzalez earned a B.A. in Catholic theology and both an M.Div. and an M.A. in systematic theology. Since his ordination, he has strengthened parish life at St. Bartholomew’s by expanding youth ministry, creating a Hispanic committee, launching a vocations team and establishing the Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass for Spanish speakers, which now attracts about 300 attendees each year. As chaplain of St. Bartholomew Academy, he initiated family faith nights, daily Mass, retreats and a theology club.

At the Cathedral Basilica, Father Gonzalez plans first to listen to parishioners to understand their needs. His goal is to help the Cathedral Basilica live up to its role as the Archdiocese’s Mother Church, building a community that nurtures the faith of its members.

“The key word that comes to mind is ‘encounter,’” Father Gonzalez said. “The Cathedral can be a place where people encounter welcome, encounter meaningful relationships and encounter the love of the heart of Jesus. Through these encounters, they can discover their place in God’s plan and use their gifts to serve both the Cathedral community and the wider Archdiocese.” 

To learn more about the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, visit newarkbasilica.org.