Saint Matthew Catholic Church has been a spiritual home for the Lake Worth community since 1992, when Father Clem Hammerschmitt was appointed our founding pastor. What began as a new parish has grown into a vibrant, diverse family of faith, united by prayer, rooted in tradition, and called to serve one another and the world around us.
We are a welcoming community of believers from all walks of life. Whether you are a lifelong Catholic, returning to the faith, or simply curious, you will find open doors, open hearts, and a community ready to walk with you.
Our Mission
To worship God, grow in faith, and serve our neighbors, as one parish family in Christ.
We seek to:
- Worship God faithfully through the celebration of the Holy Eucharist
- Provide solid faith formation for children, youth, and adults
- Serve those in need with compassion
- Build a welcoming parish family centered on prayer and discipleship
Meet Our Clergy
Father Leonard Dim, Pastor
Father Leonard Dim was born in Amike, Imo State, Nigeria. He attended Bonus Pastor Seminary and St. Mary Seminary before joining the Diocese of Orlu as a seminarian. He later earned a Bachelor of Philosophy from Seat of Wisdom College Seminary in Owerri, a Diploma in Theology in Austria, and a Master of Divinity from Washington Theological Union in Washington, D.C.
Fr. Leonard was incardinated into the Diocese of Palm Beach in 2007 and ordained a priest on May 4, 2012, celebrating his first Mass right here at Saint Matthew Parish. He served at St. Joseph Parish in Stuart and Our Lady of Lourdes in Boca Raton before returning to Saint Matthew as Parochial Administrator following the passing of Fr. Clem Hammerschmitt. On March 15, 2024, Bishop Barbarito named Fr. Leonard our Pastor, effective July 1, 2024.
Father Valentine A. Umoh, Associate Pastor
Father Valentine Umoh is a Catholic Priest of the Diocese of Ikot Ekpene, Nigeria. He holds a Licentiate in Sacred Theology with a specialization in Biblical Theology and a Doctorate in Theology, both awarded with sobresaliente distinction, from the Universidad de Navarra in Pamplona, Spain.
Fr. Val spent eight years in Spain studying and serving pastorally across multiple dioceses. He has authored and co-edited numerous books in theology, several of which are available on Amazon. He is fluent in Annang, English, and Spanish, and is deeply committed to building a world where all of God’s children can live together in peace and harmony.
Deacon Andy Plucinski
Deacon Andrew “Andy” Plucinski was ordained in September 2007 for the Diocese of Palm Beach. Originally from Chicago, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree from Loyola University of Chicago, an MBA from Nova Southeastern University, and a Master’s in Theology from St. Vincent de Paul Seminary. Married to Bonnie for over 40 years, they have two daughters and grandchildren. Deacon Andy continues to serve in the solid waste and recycling industry and brings that same dedication to service to his diaconal ministry.
Deacon George F. White
Deacon George White was ordained in September 2007 for the Diocese of Palm Beach. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from Kansas State University and has maintained an architectural practice in Boca Raton since 1983. Married to Gladys, they have four children. Deacon George brings a spirit of craftsmanship and care to everything he does, in architecture and in ministry.
Deacon Dony Antony
Deacon Dony Antony was ordained to the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Palm Beach on September 6, 2025, after five years of formation. Originally from India, he has been a parishioner of Saint Matthew for eight years, alongside his wife Josy and their five children.
He holds a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, and is currently pursuing a Master of Sacred Scripture at Holy Apostles College and Seminary. Deacon Dony is an active member of the Jesus Youth Movement and a professed member of the Dominican Laity. At Saint Matthew, he serves at the altar, assists in faith formation, and accompanies parish families in their journey of faith.
Deacon Drew Navarro, Transitional Deacon
Deacon Drew Navarro is a transitional Deacon of the Diocese of Raleigh, in formation for the priesthood at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary. Born and raised in Raleigh, NC, Deacon Drew is serving at Saint Matthew on most weekends of the current academic year. He is also facilitating our new biweekly Faith Fellowship meetings, beginning Tuesday, March 17 at 6:00 PM in the Parish Center.
“Please know of my prayers for you and your families, and please pray for me. God bless you all!”