In Memory of Fr. Mathew Kavipurayidam, TOR
When Fr. Mathew was assigned as pastor to St. Thomas the Apostle in 2014, he also assumed responsibility for Holy Trinity Mission by default. He walked into our lives wearing his old-fashioned flat cap, reminiscent of everygrandpa. We quickly learned of his commitment to and love for the sacraments. He never missed an opportunity to encourage people to embrace or to come back to Christ in the sacraments.
It is in large part thanks to Fr. Mathew that Holy Trinity is no longer a mission but an independent parish today.
As a gentle shepherd, he led our faith community in efforts to strengthen our faith, broaden our reach, and improve our facilities to support the growth of the Faith in Azle. For some time, the Catholic, Spanish-speaking community in Azle and the surrounding area had been looking through our doors. Fr. Mathew opened those doors wide to them by adding a Sunday Mass in Spanish, dramatically increasing and enriching our church community. As numbers grew, Fr. Mathew was instrumental in our church renovation, St. Francis Hall, adding classroom space, and traditionalizing our worship space. Every time we kneel on kneelers before the Blessed Sacrament, we can remember Fr. Mathew’s efforts and his commitment to Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He accomplished all this for our community at the same time he was leading St. Thomas the Apostle in its construction and relocation projects.
Fr. Mathew wanted to be a part of the joy of life. He loved children and would pass out candy every Halloween. He never passed up an opportunity to join a line dance. He was eager to learn how to post pictures to Facebook so he could share his experiences with family and friends. And when he smiled, it was like sunshine breaking through the clouds. Now as we entrust him to our Lord whom he loved so well and so faithfully, we invite you to post your own pictures and memories in the comments below. May he rest in peace.
Holy Trinity parishioners may send a memorial contribution to the Holy Trinity Gather & Grow Building Debt Fund in Fr. Mathew’s name or by going to the following online link: https://giving.parishsoft.com/app/giving/azelht or going the Holy Trinity website for online giving to the 2nd Collection G & G Fund, be sure to type in the memo: Fr. Mathew’s Memorial.
Fr. Mathew’s Funeral Information.
Visitation will be held on Thursday June 25, 2020 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, with a prayer vigil to begin at 6:00 P.M. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday June 26, 2020 at 10:30 A.M at Saint Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church with Bishop Michael Olson as the celebrant. Interment will be followed after mass at Mount Olivet Cemetary located at 2301 N Sylvania Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76111. Both services will be Livestreamed. You are encouraged to only attend one of the services. We want to remind all visitors and guests that Mass protocols are in place during the visitation and funeral service. Masks will be required and social distancing will be in effect.
