About Us

St. Matthew’s Catholic Parish is located at 1773 Blanding Boulevard in Jacksonville, Florida, conveniently situated near the Avondale, Lake Shore, and Ortega communities. The parish spans 13 acres and is home to both church and school facilities. A new rectory was constructed adjacent to the school property to provide housing for the parish pastor.

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The parish was founded in 1949 by Father Joseph Corde. The original church, a chapel relocated from Camp Blanding, now serves as the home of the Knights of Columbus, Father Maher Council #648. In the early 1950s, the Sisters of St. Dominic of Adrian, Michigan, arrived to lead the school’s administration and faculty. The first class to attend St. Matthew’s was a kindergarten cohort of 36 students.

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In 1951, the south wing of the school and the convent were constructed. By 1964, the parish had added an administrative office and rectory. A gymnasium followed in 1975—an air-conditioned facility that has hosted countless sporting events for the school, parish, and local community. Complete with a stage and theater lighting, the gym continues to serve as a hub for annual events like the talent show, student project displays, pep rallies, fun runs, physical education classes, summer camps, and classroom presentations. In May of 2017, the gym received a major renovation, including a new roof, interior and exterior painting, updated restrooms, tile installation around the parquet flooring and stage, soundproofing, and a state-of-the-art sound system. Thanks to support from the PTO, video projection capabilities were also added, including a projector and large screen. A new extended walkway was constructed to enhance the school’s front entrance. Most recently, in 2025, the gym received updated, new bleachers and a fresh new look with updated paint throughout the facility. This was made possible through the generous support of our annual Fall Bazaar.

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In 2009, the school completed construction on Schiavone Hall, which houses the Religious Education Department, school administrative offices, a teacher’s lounge, and a media center with a library and computer lab. This addition provided new opportunities for both spiritual enrichment and community engagement.

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Since technology was first introduced in 1991, St. Matthew’s has embraced innovation in the classroom. Today, students in grades 3–8 are assigned Chromebooks, while PreK–2nd grade teachers use iPads for instruction and curriculum content. Additional Chromebook and iPad carts are available across both buildings, and a recent computer lab upgrade was made possible by the generosity of a long-time parishioner. In 2021, the school’s STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, and Math) Lab was fully updated, expanding opportunities for interactive, project-based learning across all grade levels.

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St. Matthew’s Catholic School has been shepherded by many dedicated pastors, each committed to integrating faith and knowledge into every child’s educational journey. From Father Joseph Corde to Father Daniel Hegarty, Monsignor John P. Burns, Father Luke McLoughlin, Father Jose Kulathinal, and now Father Pradeep, the mission of providing affordable Catholic education to parish families has remained central to the life of the parish.

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Students continue to participate in rich liturgical experiences throughout the school year, including Friday morning Mass, the Rosary, Stations of the Cross, May Crowning, Adoration, the Parade of Saints, multilingual Rosary recitations, grade-level prayer services, and a special Grandparents’ Day liturgy—all of which reflect the school’s devotion to nurturing faith.

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Our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) continues to be an essential part of school life. Through fundraising and community-building events, they provide valuable enhancements to our campus and classrooms. The School Board also plays a vital role, serving in an advisory capacity to the pastor, principal, and finance committee to help guide the long-term success of our school.

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St. Matthew’s Catholic School has been accredited through the Florida Catholic Conference since 1969. Our most recent re-accreditation was awarded in 2021, affirming our commitment to excellence in spiritual formation, academics, policies, leadership, and community development.

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Under the leadership of Principal Meagan Dubberly since 2023, the school has strengthened its academic programming, expanded student support services, and renewed its commitment to Catholic identity and community partnership. As of 2025, St. Matthew’s serves around 250 students from Pre-K3 through 8th grade and remains a proud ministry of the parish—dedicated to forming students who live out their faith with purpose, knowledge, and love.