| Eileen: |
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You are rector
of the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Chicago, an extremely
important position. What are the responsibilities of a rector
and how are they different from being a pastor? |
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Father Greg:
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It is good to be here with you,
Eileen. I need to differentiate a rector from a pastor. We are
Holy Name Cathedral.
Cathedral comes from the Latin word meaning ‘chair of the
bishop.’ Cardinal Cupich is pastor because he is ‘chair of the
bishop’ for the Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Chicago.
However, Cardinal Cupich doesn’t have the time to pastor the
cathedral so he directly appoints someone in his name to serve
as rector of his cathedral. Therefore, he appointed me a year
ago February to be rector in his name; the responsibilities of
the rector are similar to that of a pastor. I celebrate liturgy,
baptize, hear confessions and anoint the sick. I attend Parish
Council meetings, Finance Committee meetings, visits with the
sick in hospitals. I attend many other meetings such as
individual counseling and marriage preparation. I meet with
staff members and the staff comes to me if there is an issue to
be discussed. I visit our children at
Francis Xavier Warde and
hear confessions and celebrate Mass with the children. I attend
our parish gatherings and greet people after Mass. I wear many
hats! It is a privilege and honor to serve as rector of Holy
Name Cathedral.
We have 5500 registered households and I see myself as the
spiritual leader of this Faith Community. I get energized by
serving people and learning from this marvelous community. I am
humbled by their deep faith and generosity and I am also a
pilgrim on the journey with you. |
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| Eileen: |
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As a happy person you show a
great deal of joy! Many people are not happy in their jobs, what
makes you happy? |
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| Father Greg: |
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I love serving as a priest. I
truly enjoy the gift of priesthood and if I had it to do it all
over again I would chose priesthood. I thank God for choosing
me to serve as a priest. To be a rector or pastor is a great
honor and yet it is quite humbling. I don’t come as “Father know
it all” and I don’t come as the authority. I come to listen,
observe, walk with and serve the people of God. Priesthood is a
life of giving, but I have received more from people in 38 years
as they are so generous in sharing with me. To be rector, you
come as a teacher, learner and listener. I come to listen and
serve. I have taught you and you have taught me. For a good
teacher is also a learner on the journey. A priest is called to
serve as a servant – leader. There are two ways to wake up in
the morning. . . . . . . We can either say Good Morning, God or
we can say Good God, Morning! |
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| Eileen: |
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Do you have one question you would like to ask Cardinal
Cupich. What are your impressions regarding Holy Name Cathedral? |
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Father Greg:
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My one question, does he take
time for himself? If you think my schedule is rugged the
demands on Cardinal Cupich’s time is unbelievable. Cardinal
Cupich does not micromanage. He will ask how things are going,
but he trusts me. He has a marvelous sense of humor. Cardinal
Cupich also has a laser sharp mind. What are my observations of
the Cathedral after one year? Holy Name Cathedral is a vibrant
and strong Faith Community. This is an active, vibrant and
dynamic parish. Second, the Cathedral is home to thousands and
thousands of visitors each year from all parts of the world.
Thirdly, Holy Name Cathedral is the seat of the Archdiocese of
Chicago. All are welcome. Many of the liturgical events on an
Archdiocesan level take place at the Cathedral. I am touched by
the profound depth of faith of the people of the Cathedral and
this includes you, Eileen. The diversity is phenomenal. We
welcome the visitors. We are the Body of Christ. I am touched by
the profound depth of faith of people we draw each day for
6:00am, 7:00 , 8:00, 12:10pm and 5:15pm Masses. I am touched
by the diversity as we are all part of the Body of Christ. The
parishioners are the core of the Faith Community. We average
close to 4000 people every weekend. All are welcome! |
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| Eileen: |
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What are some of your stories and experiences relating to
Relavant Radio and TV
with the Archdiocese of Chicago? |
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Father Greg:
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I first have to share this
story. I haven’t thought about this in a long time. When I was
in high school until my senior year I wanted to do one thing
with my life. I wanted to be a radio and TV sportscaster having
enjoyed sports in high school. I had one high school goal: to be
accepted into Northwestern University. I wanted a degree in
Radio and TV and to get married and live happily ever after. I
wanted to broadcast sports: Cubs, White Sox, Bears, Lakers,
Bulls, Yankees, Black Hawks - you name the sport I will do
play-by-play. I had my heart set on Northwestern University. As
a senior at Notre Dame College Prep in Niles, I was accepted on
early admission with a partial scholarship to Northwestern. I
should have been elated. However, I was not excited about being
accepted, once the letter arrived at the house. I couldn’t
understand why I was not overjoyed. I spoke to Holy Cross Priest
Father Chuck Lavely and to make a long story short he said: “Did
you ever think about priesthood?” I responded: “Yeah, when I was
in first and second grade, but I thought about it less in high
school because I wanted to be a sportscaster.” Fr.Lavley said,
“Do you think God might be calling you to the priesthood?” I
said: “Why doesn’t God think about calling someone else.” I had
until Nov 1st to call Northwestern. I called and said thank you,
but no thank you, I am turning down your acceptance and the
scholarship. I am entering the seminary. I hung up the phone and
thought this might be the biggest mistake of my life. However, I
entered Niles College Seminary of Loyola University and never
looked back. I thank God every day for His gift of the
priesthood.
I have broadcast the WGN-TV Mass for 38 years. It is called
Mercy Home for Boys and Girls TV Mass. The TV Mass airs
every Sunday morning at 9:30AM on Channel 9.
I remember this cute story that happened at the Church of the
Holy Spirit as a young priest. A little boy about the age of 5
came up to me and said: “Hey, Fr. Greg, I was looking for Bozo
on TV this morning and I found you.” I burst out laughing. It
was very humbling.
I also co-host a twice weekly radio program called “Catholic
Community of Faith” which airs on Relevant Radio 950AM every
Monday and Friday morning at 9:00AM. Jim Disch is the producer
and Wayne Magdziarz and Graziano Marcheschi will also co-host
the radio program. I am also privileged to provide commentary
for the Midnight Mass from Holy Name Cathedral which airs on
WGN-TV. This will be my 33rd consecutive year providing
commentary for channel 9.
As much as I enjoy radio and television for the Archdiocese of
Chicago, my first love is serving the marvelous people of Holy
Name Cathedral as their Rector. God has truly blessed me through
this wonderful Faith Community and I am blessed to also serve
with the Office of Radio and TV in the Archdiocese of Chicago.
It has been a great ride! |
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| Eileen: |
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One of the projects you started at the Cathedral is
apartment/condo Masses. What does this mean? |
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Father Greg:
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When I arrived a year ago, I
asked the Parish Pastoral Council if we could start monthly
condo Masses. I preside with the support of the Parish Council.
We meet people on their turf, in their homes and in their
buildings. It has become an incredibly successful and positive
experience. We average between 15-35 people. No two Masses are
identical because the people are different. They are so touched
by our presence. It is all about welcome. People come up all
the time to thank me. Some people have returned to the
Cathedral to become part of our Faith Community because they
were touched by our presence. Many people from the Parish
Pastoral Council want to see it continue. It continues to pick
up steam and it is an important way to meet people in their
homes. We are thankful for all the people coming to these
liturgies. The Lord is present in the Eucharist and in their
lives. Liturgy means the action of the people. Once the liturgy
is completed we go outside the exit doors to be Christ to each
other. |
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| Eileen: |
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What is one of the best things
you notice about Holy Name Cathedral Parish? |
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Father Greg:
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The phenomenal involvement of
the laity. You are the Church. You are the Body of Christ. It
goes back to what I said earlier: this is such a marvelous Faith
Community. People love their parish. There are so many
ministries. It is such an active parish. All are welcome. What
strikes me about the Cathedral is that you can have a gorgeous
Church, but the people are the Body of Christ. One parishioner
said “This is my Church and I am proud of it!” It is such a
strong Faith Community. It is a place where all are welcome.
What really energizes me are the people. It is not the bricks
or the beauty of the Cathedral. It is looking out at the people
and seeing the Body of Christ. The commitment, joy and
involvement of the Pastoral Staff, Deacons and laity are
tremendous. I also live with faith-filled and dedicated priests
of the Cathedral. Last, but not least, we have a strong music
ministry. Also, the Cathedral reflects the diversity of the
Archdiocese of Chicago. It also reflects economically especially
from the very wealthy to homeless people. All are the face of
Christ. |
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| Eileen: |
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How do you deal with the
schedule at Holy Name? |
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Father Greg:
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I truly enjoy serving as the
Rector. I am humbled, privileged and energized. Each day is a
profound gift from God. One prayer I recite 8-10 times a day
goes like this: “Lord, may I trust in you completely; Then I
know you are with me; Then I shall not fear; and you Lord will
do the rest.” It is a prayer of surrender. I answer emails,
phone calls and all sorts of text messages and plenty of
meetings, but always remembering “People before things.” |
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| Eileen: |
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Tell us a story about your
Mother. |
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Father Greg:
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I am very close to my Mother. I
had dinner with Mom about 5 years ago. Mom said, ‘I almost wish
I had diapers again. When you four children were small I was
overwhelmed with so much to do. I felt like a cab driver. I now
live alone. It is much too quiet, Greg. I know you are busy and
work long hours as a priest…… But appreciate now what you have
because one day it will be over.’ Wonderful words of wisdom from
my Mother. May I conclude this way. Don’t live in the past, or
in the future, but God is found in the present moment and we
give thanks. And always remember – Life is a mystery to be lived
and not a problem to be solved. For the Lord promises us two
things: Life has meaning and you are going to live forever. If
you get a better offer take it! |
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