Community Corner
Capitola Pastor Matthew Pennington Leads with Unconventional Approach
St. Joseph's Catholic congregation is entertained weekly by Pennington's homilies.
Matt Pennington, pastor of St. Joseph’s Catholic Community in Capitola, is a storyteller. At each of his masses, an attentive and devoted congregation awaits Pennington's innovative and refreshing approach.
He begins homilies with a front-page news story, a classic movie or an event that happened in his own life, skillfully weaving the message into the lesson from the day’s gospel. Humorous anecdotes are featured with flawless timing.
“There is a stereotype of clergy, so people don’t usually expect this," he said. "I appreciate the gift of humor. The world needs more joy, hope and optimism.”
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Raised in Texas and Arizona, Pennington graduated from the University of Arizona and St. John’s Seminary. He holds a Master of Arts and Letters in Liturgical Studies from the University of Notre Dame and was ordained in the Diocese of Monterey in 1988.
His first appointment was as associate pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Salinas. He later served for 12 years as pastor of the Catholic Community of San Agustin, Scotts Valley.
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His goal is to continually create an atmosphere for parishioners that will provide the best possible experience.
“He takes leading our St. Joseph community seriously in a meaningful way, so we can go forth and practice our faith in our daily lives," said longtime parishioner Bruce Dunn. "I admire him for trying new things, like trying to play golf in St. Joseph’s annual tournament.”
Since his arrival at St. Joseph’s in 2006, Pennington has been working toward adding a much-needed elevator to the facility.
“The church and parish event hall are on two separate levels, posing a problem for those in the congregation using wheelchairs and walkers,” he said.
His other good deeds include raising money at the church golf tournament, and he also aspires to take parishioners to France one day. His one vice, though, is dessert, and he often indulges himself at , or as he prefers to call it, “The Chapel of St. Gayle’s.”
St. Joseph's Catholic Community is at 435 Monterey Ave. in Capitola.