Brother Matthew J. Teel C.M.

Brother Matthew J. Teel, C.M., entered into eternal life on May 1, 2017 at the Apostle of Charity Residence, Perryville. He was 85 years of age. Brother Matt was born on April 6, 1932 in Indianola, NE to Martha (Behnke) and Oscar Teel. He was one of ten children. After the death of his mother, he was raised at St. Vincent’s Home, Denver, CO, staffed by the Sisters of Charity. It was there that he grew to know and love St. Vincent de Paul. He attended the elementary school at the orphanage. For his secondary education he studied at two public schools. As a teenager of 15 he left his home for the Barrens. He entered the novitiate on December 7, 1948, and he took his vows on December 8, 1950 at St. Mary’s of the Barrens, Perryville, MO. While in the novitiate he completed his high school education at St. Vincent’s High, Perryville. Sometimes Vincentians are affectionately teased that the CM after our names really means constantly moving. While true for many of the priests and brothers, this was not true of Brother Matt. Once he left the family farm in Indianola and arrived in Perryville in 1948, he never left. The Barrens was his only assignment. Throughout his many years of dedication to the Congregation of the Mission, he served in various capacities at St. Mary’s. He began his full time work in the laundry department in 1950. He also became the seminary groundskeeper in 1959, a job he held until 2002, when his health and age no longer allowed him to be as active as before. Making the grounds beautiful was his passion. He was not happy as long as one weed was visible or one shrub was not well trimmed. He often called himself a perfectionist when it came to the seminary campus. He wanted the Barrens to be a place of prayer and well kept up for the many visitors who came to see the seminary’s shrine and museums. Brother Matt loved to walk around the grounds. He was an early riser. Even in his retirement he rose early to unlock the shrine church, to serve early Masses for the priests and to care for the linen used at the shrine Masses. For over 60 years Brother Matt was a fixture at the Barrens. In the midst of change his religious commitment, hard work and energy were a constant St. Mary’s. May he rest in peace. Reception of the Body of Brother Matthew Teel, C.M. will be held at the Apostle of Charity Residence in Perryville on Thursday, May 4 at 5:00 pm. Wake Service will be held on Thursday at 7:00 pm. Funeral Mass for Brother Matthew Teel, C.M. will be held at the Mary, Mother of God Chapel on Friday, May 5, 2017 at 10:00 am followed by Rite of Committal in Community Cemetery. Father Mike Joyce officiating.

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Brother Matthew J. Teel C.M.

April 6, 1932 - May 5, 2017