Matthew Elshoff
Matthew Gregory Elshoff, O.F.M. Cap. (born September 24, 1955) is an American Catholic priest and Capuchin friar who serves as an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Biography Early life Elshoff was born on September 24, 1955, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the first of five children of Calvin and Irene (née Molnar) Elshoff. His family moved to Los Angeles when he was a child, and he attended St. Bede the Venerable Church and Elementary School in La Cañada, Flintridge, which was run by Sisters of St. Louis who encouraged his vocation. After attending St. Francis High School, he entered the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, Our Lady of the Angels Province in 1979, attending seminary at St. Albert's Priory before professing solemn vows on September 22, 1979. He went on to further studies at the Dominican School of Philosophy and Theology, graduating in 1982 with degrees in theology and divinity. He was ordained a priest by Cardinal Timothy Manning on June 18 of the same year. Priesthood Elshoff's first assignment following his ordination was as Vocations Director for his province of Capuchins, and then in various roles including as teacher, chaplain, counselor, and president at St. Francis High School