Greg was born and raised in South Suburban Chicago, the fourth child in a loving Catholic family. He attended his home parish’s elementary school and then graduated from their local public high school. It was during these years that the seeds of faith planted from early on began to germinate along with a love for performing and teaching music. His desire to study the percussive arts and instrumental music education led him to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for a bachelor’s degree.
My role at OLPH:
I have just begun my second year at OLPH, serving the parish as Director of Faith Formation. Over the past year, I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with hundreds of caring and hospitable families as we have grown closer to Christ in word and deed.
A saint who inspires me:
St. Oscar Romero is a constant source of inspiration in my life. As Archbishop of El Salvador, he risked his life to protect the poorest and most marginalized members of their community and was martyred “in hatred of the faith,” as the Vatican has stated, because of it. He used the gifts God had given him for the good of others in the spirit of Luke 11:33, which calls us to allow the light God has placed inside us to shine brightly for all to see.
My favorite feast day:
My favorite feast day is July 22nd, the Feast of Mary Magdalene. Considered the “Apostle to the Apostles,” she was the one Jesus chose to first receive the good news of his resurrection and subsequently shared it with the others who were in hiding.
My favorite place in Howard County:
My beautiful wife and I enjoy walking through Old Ellicott City, and I have found the grounds of the Shrine of St. Anthony to be a very restful place.
A hidden talent:
I am a classically trained percussionist and music educator who loves to play Jazz and Classical music.
Greg was born and raised in South Suburban Chicago, the fourth child in a loving Catholic family. He attended his home parish’s elementary school and then graduated from their local public high school. It was during these years that the seeds of faith planted from early on began to germinate along with a love for performing and teaching music. His desire to study the percussive arts and instrumental music education led him to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for a bachelor’s degree.
Why did you choose OLPH?
As I learned more about Our Lady of Perpetual Help, I was intrigued by the FOUR and how it serves as a clear framework for living as a disciple of Christ. Jesus first invites us to belong to a community of faith in which we may come to believe in God and become his disciples who go beyond the walls of the church to bring the Good News of salvation to all whom we encounter.
Why do you work for the Church?
I have discerned that it is my vocation to serve God’s people as a lay ecclesial minister. In my experience working in a variety of roles in parish ministry and Catholic education, I have had the opportunity to share my unique gifts with others and grow in ways I never imagined. This work has also given me a greater understanding of how God works through us for the good of others.
Who is your hero?
My wife, Erin, is my hero. She has fought and overcome every obstacle in her way and is now a member of the United States Army Field Band Soldiers’ Chorus. Her grit and tenacity inspire me to tackle every challenge while maintaining a sense of calm professionalism. I aspire to be more like her every day.