Matthew Furjanic, Director of Religious Education

Matthew (Matt) Furjanic has served as Mary, Seat of Wisdom’s Director of Religious Education or DRE since 2002.  Matt directs the School of Religion, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd and Home Catechesis Programs of the Religious Enrichment Center. He also works closely with School and R.E. parents whose children are preparing to celebrate sacraments (Reconciliation, First Communion, Confirmation).  Matt views his work as a ministry to families, assisting parents in their role as “First Teachers of the Faith” to their children and helping children of all ages to grow in faith and claim their identity and heritage as Catholic disciples of Christ.

Matt holds a Master of Theological Studies (MTS) degree from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and is a graduate of the Lay Ministry Training Program.  He hails from Chicago’s “East Side” (far southeast) where he grew up in a large family.  “There were 13 of us –11 children plus mom and dad and only one bathroom.  We learned to share!”  He attended St. Augustine Seminary H.S. and Mt. Carmel H.S. before picking up his undergraduate degree in Communication Studies from Northwestern University.  He has worked all throughout the Archdiocese – from St. Vincent Ferrer in the West Suburbs, to St. Athanasius in Evanston.  Prior to coming to MSW he worked in Bridgeview at St. Fabian Parish.  Matt began his career in Lay Ministry as a Youth Minister for three parishes in Blue Island and Calumet Park (St. Benedict, St. Donatus and Seven Holy Founders).  

Matt enjoys talking about his three children, Sarah (20), Emily (18), and Grace (14).  He is an avid gardener, and a volunteer in a PADS Emergency Shelter.  He and his wife, Kathleen, reside in Brookfield.