Jeni Stepanek–“Mattie’s mom”–was invited tojoin the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Guild during their January 2023 meeting to discuss their work and mission to organize information about Mattie’s life and legacy of faith and prayer. The Guild also began exploring plans for Mattie’s upcoming 19th anniversary Memorial Mass this June, and a variety of events and activities to commemorate the 20th anniversary of Mattie’s passing during 2024.

During the meeting, Guild directors–some of whom knew Mattie personally and some of whom didn’t know of Mattie until years after his passing–shared reflections on “who IS Mattie?” in our hearts, and in today’s world. As Mattie’s mom, Jeni is often invited to the Guild’s larger gatherings to speak about Mattie’s written and spoken messages of hope and peace, and to help the Guild explore and understand Mattie’s purpose and passion.

Mattie had a talent with words–both written and spoken. He believed that many of the messages he shaped and shared were placed in his heart by God, and intended to be offered to help re-inspire people’s Heartsongs (inner purpose) and to rebuild the mosaic of humanity(collective purpose).

Mattie’s Foundation and Mattie’s Guild are separate non-profits, but they have complementary missions of sharing Mattie’s life and legacy in ways that help our world grow in hope and peace.

Jeni is the Founding Chair of Mattie’s Foundation, and currently serves as President of this non-profit that has been celebrating Mattie’s legacy of “peace, purpose, and play” since 2005. Learn more about the Foundation activities, programs, and resources at www.MattieOnline.com or e-mail INFO@MattieOnline.com.

Mattie’s Guild was founded in 2011 by EWTN’s Raymond Arroyo to gather information about Mattie’s spiritual life and legacy. Today, the organization includes nine directors, several spiritual and community advisors, and countless local and global neighbors who are inspired by Mattie’s way of living, and by the messages he shaped and shared. To learn more about their work and mission, or to share a reflection or thought about how Mattie has touched your life or world, visit www.MattieMatters.org or e-mail INFO@MattieMatters.org.