A Message from Jim Gregory 2/28/2026

Dear Parish Family of Saint Peter’s,

“Will you let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you;

Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant, too.”

As we journey through Lent, this verse from The Servant Song has been echoing in my heart. Though not traditionally associated with this season, it beautifully reflects our focus on the Corporal Works of Mercy.

A little more than two years ago, my dear friend Selena—my colleague in Music Ministry at Our Lady of Victories in Harrington Park and like a sister to me—was diagnosed with a devastating illness. She carried two crosses: the physical pain of illness and treatment, and the psychological weight of fear, uncertainty, and loneliness.

I was blessed to be among those who accompanied her. Over many months, I learned that the simple gift of presence can work quiet wonders. Time spent together brought comfort and even joy. For a while, she could forget she was sick. We often hear that “showing up is fifty percent of life.” Yet that “mere” fifty percent can have immeasurable impact. Presence is powerful.

While I have not yet ministered directly to the imprisoned, this reflection felt like God’s invitation to grow. I spoke with my cousin Tina, recently retired from a Direct Supervision Facility in upstate New York, and with Fr. AJ, who ministered at Talbot Hall, a re-entry program in New Jersey.

It is hard to imagine the paths that lead someone to incarceration. Tina shared that many inmates are deeply introspective, using their time to seek change, make amends, and hope for a better future. Some, she noted, were unjustly imprisoned. One thing she made clear: “They need God in there.”

Fr. AJ described how many residents at Talbot Hall, preparing to re-enter society, struggled to reclaim their dignity. Reflecting on the Ascension, one resident remarked of Jesus, “He doesn’t want to stay here with us,” revealing the deep wounds of abandonment many carry.

We may not be able to change their past, but we can make God’s presence known. As Pope Leo wrote, “‘To be one in the One’ means recognizing that we are members of a single Body bringing the Lord’s compassion to all, each according to our vocation.”

There are opportunities this week to minister to the sick and homebound. While Saint Peter’s does not currently have a Prison Ministry, we hope to begin one again.

Since I began this letter with a song, I can’t help but close in song as well: 

“By name we are called, from water we are sent

To become the Eyes and Hands of Christ.”

Wishing you a meaningful and fulfilling Lent.

In Christ’s Love,

Jim

Jim Gregory, Director of Music Ministry