For 17 years, Matt has been a familiar face at Catholic Medical Center — growing up alongside the hospital he now supports as Cath Lab Coordinator.
A Manchester native, he first came to CMC as a teenager, working in the kitchen while attending Manchester West High School. What began as a part-time job became a lifelong career — and eventually, the starting point of his faith journey.
Matt’s path through the hospital reflects both his dedication and his willingness to grow. Over the years, he’s taken on a wide range of roles — from managing supplies in the stockroom to leading in the kitchen, supporting sterile processing, and coordinating operating room materials — experiences that ultimately led him to the Cath Lab.
CMC has always been more than just a workplace for Matt. It’s part of his family’s story. His uncle once managed the kitchen. His sister works in dietary services and even met her husband at the hospital. For Matt, the sense of community runs deep.
“It’s like a family career path. Everybody has worked here pretty much.”
A Faith Discovered in an Unexpected Way
While Matt had always believed there was “something out there,” his journey toward Catholicism began in an unexpected way — through a streaming series.
After finishing a show one night, he came across The Chosen. What started as casual viewing quickly became something more.
“Something made me watch the second episode — and then I was just hooked. I binged the first three seasons and thought, ‘I want to dig more into this.’”
Matt bought his first Bible and began studying the Gospels. Around the same time, he saw an email inviting colleagues to explore a brand-new initiative at CMC — OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults). He reached out — and his journey officially began in January.
The program, led by Marc Guillemette, CMC’s Vice President of Catholic Identity and Mission, was launched as a new initiative to support colleagues interested in exploring the Catholic faith. With the permission and support of Bishop Peter Libasci, it offers employees a unique opportunity to learn about the Church and prepare for the sacraments within their own workplace community.
As the first colleague to complete CMC’s OCIA program, Matt’s journey marks an important milestone for the organization, with additional classes planned to begin this fall.
Through the program, Matt connected with Marc and others who helped guide him as he explored the teachings of the Church and deepened his understanding of faith.
Welcomed into the Church at Easter
Last Saturday night at the Easter Vigil, Matt received the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and First Communion — fully entering the Catholic Church in a profound and life-changing moment.
He plans to continue worshipping at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, where many of his OCIA rites and Masses have taken place. His first Mass there occurred during a special celebration marking the first anniversary of the partnership between HCA Healthcare and CMC — an experience that left a lasting impression.
There’s a sense of rich tradition there. Every time I go to Mass, I get goosebumps.”
Faith in Everyday Life
Matt says discovering spirituality has changed his mindset and helped him face life’s challenges — including health struggles his family has experienced.
“You think life gets easier, but it gets a little harder. Jesus says you’ve got to bear your cross every day. There are always new challenges… but you just have to keep your faith up.”
He describes feeling a renewed sense of hope. “It’s definitely put me in a different mindset. There’s just a brighter light.”
Support from colleagues — especially those guiding the OCIA program, including Marc — helped him work through doubts and deepen his understanding of faith. “You can feel their faith. That’s contagious.”
A Story Still Being Written
Now, newly welcomed into the Church, Matt continues a journey that began nearly two decades ago — serving patients and colleagues at CMC.
From a teenager stocking supplies to a coordinator ensuring critical procedures run smoothly, his story reflects both personal growth and the enduring mission of Catholic healthcare.
And for Matt, this milestone is not an ending, but a beginning — a continuation of both his work at CMC and a faith journey that is only just unfolding.