Maria Morera Johnson

“Poetry is a beautiful way of expressing feelings - happy, sad, angry, caring. It's also a way that we share with other people, to help them with those feelings.” 
 ~Mattie J.T. Stepanek #MattieMatters #MattieStepanek #MattiesGuild #CatholicFaith

Mattie, some might say, seemingly had little to offer, but he had YES. Mattie came from humble beginnings and lived a difficult and pain-filled life, but a life borne with grace and conviction and happiness. Mattie chose to focus on blessings, not burdens.

“I feel that God has given me a very special opportunity that I should not let go to waste. I use the gift he has given me." ~Mattie J.T. Stepanek #CatholicFaith #MattiesGuild #MattieMatters #Heartsongs

Honoring this #MonthOfTheRosary with a photo of the rosary our #MattieStepanek used to honor Mary. #MattieMatters #MattiesGuild #CatholicFaith

A friend of our #MattieStepanek made a visit to his place of rest at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Silver Spring, Maryland, to ask for prayers and leave flowers. Have you considered making a prayerful visit to Mattie’s grave to ask for Mattie’s intercession?

Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God's love commits me here, Ever this day, be at my side, To light and guard, Rule and guide. Amen. Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God's love commits me here, Ever this day, be at my side, To light and guard, Rule and guide. Amen.

Happy Heavenly Birthday, President Carter! “My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.“ ~President Jimmy Carter #MattieMatters #MattiesGuild #MattieStepanek #Heartsongs

“It was First Holy Communion day for the second graders. We stayed for the reception afterwards. One day, I would like to help teach the little children as they really begin to know God and Jesus in their own hearts." ~Mattie J.T. Stepanek (Sunday May 9, 1999)

Mattie’s dependence on the love and mercy of Jesus allowed him to proclaim a message of peace to all the world. Let us be ever aware of the love Jesus has for us so that we, like Mattie, may bring forth goodness to all those we encounter. #MattieMatters #CatholicFaith

Our #MattieStepanek, named for St. Matthew, the name meaning, “Gift of God,” celebrates Saint Matthew's #FeastDay today alongside our Catholic Archdiocese of Washington and Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle!

Mattie’s dependence on the love and mercy of Jesus allowed him to proclaim a message of peace to all the world. Let us be ever aware of the love Jesus has for us so that we, like Mattie, may bring forth goodness to all those we encounter. #MattieMatters #CatholicFaith

From a very young age, Mattie insisted that God spoke into his heart. Sometimes, the messages strengthened Mattie’s spirit as he coped with the loss of his siblings and other personal challenges —

Mattie’s poem, “For Our World” allows us the opportunity to sit and pray with his words as we mourn the loss of those who perished on #September11, 2001. #MattieMatters #CatholicFaith #MattiesGuild #NeverForget

Mattie believed that as a child of God, he had a purpose, a Heartsong, given to him by God. Mattie believed that each and every one of us has a purpose given to us by God and that we are made exactly as God meant us to be. #MattieMatters #MattiesGuild #Heartsongs

“Before God created us, the Heavens and the earth were created. So, we always have a gift from God, here, and beyond. It is so easy to reach Heaven, and it is so very difficult. Be good, and prayerful, and ask forgiveness for all sins.

❓School or Parish Visits❓ Curious about Mattie or want to share his life, belief in Heartsongs and messages of hope and peace? If you are a Catholic school or parish in the DC area and would like us to visit, send us an email, [email protected]. #MattieMatters

"It's the song in your heart that wants you to help make yourself a better person, and to help other people do the same. Everybody has one." ~Mattie J.T. Stepanek #MattieMatters #MattiesGuild #CatholicFaith #MattieJTStepanek

Come pray for Blessed Stanley’s intercession today at 2:00pm at @MarysShrine! #MattieMatters #CatholicFaith #AmericanSaints #MattiesGuild