Editor’s Note: The Catholic Star Herald is highlighting each of this year’s Disciples of Mercy awardees, all of whom will be recognized at the Catholic Charities of South Jersey’s annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony on Oct. 21 at Resorts Hotel in Atlantic City.
For the past three years, on every first and third Saturday of the month, Matthew Simons has commuted 40 minutes from his Galloway home to visit incarcerated men at Cape May County Correctional Facility in Cape May Court House.
“I’m accompanying them, being present to them, listening to them,” he said.
For his efforts in practicing the corporal work of mercy to visit the imprisoned, Simons, a parishioner of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton in Absecon, has been named a 2026 Disciple of Mercy by Catholic Charities of South Jersey.
Value to Lord, Fellow Man
Simons, retired after 39 years in forestry and vegetation management for electric utilities, is a lifelong Catholic. He is past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus’ Villa Marie Council #6342 of Absecon and Galloway, and he still helps organize the annual Knights’ spelling bee at Assumption Regional Catholic School in Galloway.
He and his wife of 47 years, Patricia, have been Pre-Cana facilitators at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, their parish of almost 40 years.
While visiting a neighboring parish five years ago, he heard a prison ministry volunteer share about the experience, and discerned the ministry for himself.
“I saw the ministry as a place where I could be of value to the Lord and my fellow man,” Simons said.
After speaking with his pastor, Father Cosme de la Peña, Simons reached out to Sister Mary Cronin, who was diocesan coordinator of prison ministry at the time.
Due to COVID restrictions, he learned, local facilities weren’t accepting prison ministry volunteers. While waiting for an opening, Simons went through training. In September 2023, he began his ministry at Cape May County Correctional Facility.
During his visits, Simons meets with one to eight men for Bible study. Together, they unpack Scripture and Sunday Mass readings, and discuss events related to the Church calendar, such as Christmas, Easter and Respect Life Month.
“I’m not a Bible scholar; I’m learning right alongside them,” Simons said.
Discussions have also included Church leaders’ messages to the imprisoned. “Even if anxiety and sadness mark certain moments of your journey, remember that life’s mistakes do not define a person’s identity … God loves you just as you are,” Simons said, quoting Pope Leo XIV.
The Bible studies are voluntary, so Simons appreciates that he has become a trusted friend to the men he’s met, whose ages range from 18 to 70. “They are very considerate, polite and open.”
Spiritual, Moral Support
While Simons ministers to men of multiple faiths, as well as atheists and agnostics, he acknowledged that all come looking for truth. “They realize there’s a need for [something bigger] in their lives. I’m humbled they come to me.”
He also makes it a point not to focus on what the men are incarcerated for. “I don’t even ask them about that,” Simons said.
“I focus on getting the Gospel message to them. I always remind them that my reason for being there is to help them grow in their personal relationship with God. I remind them that they are beloved sons of God, and nothing can change that. They are worthy, and He is always in their lives.”
In nominating his parishioner for the Disciple of Mercy honor, Father de la Peña said Simons “is making a difference, giving spiritual and moral support.”
As well, Simons seeks to continue being a witness to mercy closer to home. “I want to be an example for my three children and four grand-children, of serving others and staying true to the faith.”
“I always tell them, ‘There’s a lot of need out there,’” he said.
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
