Matthew Hawkins

Get to know The Very Rev. Matthew Hawkins, V.F., a Catholic priest, former engineer, and dedicated pastor whose journey is shaped by a search for meaning, faith, and a willingness to give everything in service to God. Raised in Orlando after being born in Miami, his path took him from studying at the University of Florida, where he first encountered the Catholic faith, to working nearly seven years as an engineer in Dallas before answering a deeper call. Ordained to the priesthood on May 26, 2018, at St. James Cathedral, he has since served in various roles, eventually being appointed Pastor of Annunciation Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs in 2025, while also taking on responsibilities as a Vicar Forane and spiritual advisor within the diocese. To those who know Fr. Matthew, they would describe him as a leader who brings both practicality and spiritual depth into his ministry, someone who understands everyday struggles while guiding others toward a deeper relationship with Christ. Whether he’s walking with parishioners through life’s milestones, encouraging vocations, or preaching about living with an “undivided heart,” he continues to lead with sincerity, courage, and a steady commitment to serving others.

Fr. Matthew Hawkins’ path to the Catholic faith began in a Protestant home, where he was raised in the Presbyterian Church in Orlando. His early life was shaped by several Christian influences, including Eastern Orthodox and Assemblies of God traditions within his family. But it was during his time at the University of Florida that his journey started to take a new direction. An invitation from a friend to attend Mass introduced him to a form of worship that was unfamiliar at first, but quietly stayed with him. What began as curiosity slowly became something more personal. As he continued to explore the Catholic faith, he found himself drawn to the way Christ was present in it. Over time, that interest turned into conviction, and by the end of his college years, he had fully entered the Catholic Church. That decision became an important part of the life that later led him to the priesthood in the Diocese of Orlando.

As a priest, Fr. Matthew Hawkins does a lot more than just lead a parish in the Diocese of Orlando; his work really centers on being present in people’s lives in a meaningful way. As the Pastor of Annunciation Catholic Church in Altamonte Springs, he handles the day-to-day life of the parish, from celebrating Mass and hearing confessions to guiding families through important moments like baptisms, weddings, and even funerals. It’s the kind of role where he’s constantly interacting with people, not just teaching, but actually walking with them through different seasons of life. Alongside that, he also serves as a Vicar Forane, which means he supports other priests and helps keep different parishes connected within his area, working closely with the bishop, John Gerard Noonan. He’s also involved in helping men discern a possible calling to the priesthood and contributes as a spiritual advisor in diocesan efforts. Overall, the work he does is a balance of leadership and personal connection, guiding the Church while staying grounded in the real experiences of the people he serves.

Fr. Matthew Hawkins also serves as a Vicar Forane in the Diocese of Orlando, specifically for the Central Deanery North. In this role, he helps support communication among priests and parishes while working closely with diocesan leadership. His responsibilities include helping coordinate pastoral concerns, sharing feedback, and making sure the needs of the different parishes in his deanery are brought forward and given attention. The role is not only administrative, though. It also involves encouragement and support, especially for fellow priests as they carry out their own ministry. In that sense, his service as Vicar Forane reflects both trust and responsibility, showing that his leadership in the diocese reaches beyond one parish and into the wider life of the Church.

Fr. Matthew Hawkins is known as a pastoral leader in the Diocese of Orlando, especially through the way he serves both individuals and the larger faith community. As a priest and pastor, his leadership is seen not only in the duties he carries out, but also in the way he stays close to the people he serves. Whether through the sacraments, preaching, or personal guidance, his work is centered on helping others grow in their relationship with God. What stands out in his leadership is the way he balances structure with personal care. While he helps oversee parish life and takes on diocesan responsibilities, he remains approachable and attentive to the needs of others. He has spoken about continuing to learn from his parishioners, seeing them as part of his own growth as a priest. It is a steady kind of leadership, one that feels relational, grounded, and focused on serving the community well.