From the Pastor’s Desk
At the risk of boring you, I thought I should share a bit of biographical information.
I grew up as the second eldest of six children in suburban Cincinnati. I was very blessed to grow up in a strong Catholic family. My father, who passed away in 2011 just 2 days before his 90th birthday, was a very faith-filled man. He was a physician who practiced internal medicine, and he cared for many of the Catholic clergy and religious in Greater Cincinnati. He was greatly loved by many, including myself! My mother, now 88 years old, still lives independently in our family homestead of 57 years. I am greatly blessed by my closeness with my five siblings, — 2 sisters and 3 brothers – and their 4 spouses. And I find great joy in the lives of my 15 nieces and nephews, and their 6 spouses, and my 3 great niece/nephews!
I was educated by a tremendous group of Benedictine Nuns at the former parish of Our Mother of Sorrows; and then went on to the Jesuits at St. Xavier High School. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University in 1973; a Master of Arts degree in Psychology from Xavier in 1976; and then a Master of Science degree in Social Work from the University of Louisville in 1981. My career as a psychotherapist began at a clinic in Appalachia in eastern Kentucky, and then took me to various mental health agencies and facilities in Cincinnati. At the age of 38, I finally accepted the Lord’s call to the priesthood, and entered Mt. St. Mary’s of the West Seminary in 1989 and was ordained in 1993. My first assignment was as parochial vicar at St. Martin of Tours Church in the westside Cincinnati neighborhood of Cheviot. After serving there for 4 years, I became parochial vicar at St. Dominic Church in the westside Cincinnati neighborhood of Delhi. After 4 years there, I was assigned to Champaign County, where I served for 12 years as pastor of St. Mary Church in Urbana and Sacred Heart Church in St. Paris. During that time I was also very active with our consolidated Catholic Central School in Springfield. I arrived here in Dayton last July and became pastor of the Church of the Holy Angels; and now, of course, have also become pastor here at St. Anthony’s.
Lastly, let me warn you that if you turn on Channel 2 Sports and think that perhaps your pastor is “moonlighting” with a second job, or that he has a clone, — neither is the case! It’s just my youngest brother Neil (aka “Hutch”). And on closer examination, you will realize that he is much younger and much better looking and much more entertaining than your pastor!
So, enough about me! Except to say that I am truly honored and pleased to be your new pastor. Please pray for me, and for all of us as we go through this time of transition.
Have a blessed week,
Fr. Greg
Originally published in the bulletin on July 13, 2014