Who is this “Fr. Greg”?
Well, that’s a good question…
Let me introduce myself. I am Fr. Greg Hammes, ordained a priest less than two months ago for our Archdiocese. I am the new associate pastor at Cure’ of Ars and the new chaplain to Bishop Miege High School, in other words, the new “Fr. Kent.” I have been at Cure’ before as a seminarian. Two years ago, I spent a spring and summer as an intern. Last year, I was in residence for the summer while I did a program as a hospital chaplain. And last November, I was ordained a deacon here at Cure’. As such, this has been a second home to me, and I am very pleased to join the parish.
A little about my history: I am 30 years old. I was born and raised in Seneca, KS at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish. I grew up on a farm where my father grew crops and raised hogs. As such I had plenty of opportunity to do some manual labor. My mother is a nurse. My parents have since retired. I have two brothers and two sisters. I am the fourth of five. My three older siblings are married and have blessed me with 12 nieces and nephews (1 more come September).
I went to Catholic elementary school at Sts. Peter and Paul and then to the only high school, Nemaha Valley. It was early in high school when I first thought of being a priest at a CCD class at church. I especially liked Math and Science, so when I graduated I went to the University of Kansas and studied Electrical Engineering. I was involved in the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center which really helped me stay with the faith during college. I graduated in the year 2000 and went to work for Garmin in Olathe as a software engineer working on GPS devices. During this time, I became more active in my faith. Through prayer and people in my life, I decided needed to strongly consider being a priest, something I had thought about for years. I entered formation for the Archdiocese at Mundelein Seminary in 2002 and completed studies this last May.
I enjoy many things. I like to bike—I have a road and mountain bike. I enjoy sports, especially basketball and disc golf (Frisbee golf, not the real golf). I have tried to learn to play the guitar recently with limited success. I love coffee. Some of my favorite saints are the Blessed Virgin Mary and Therese of Lisieux.
There is probably much more to say, but know that I am very excited to be here, and I am looking forward to getting to know you all better and serving you. Please know you are in my prayers.
-Fr. Greg
