Staff on "Serving": Michael Gormley

One of the more recent SJN staff members is Michael Gormley, aka "Gomer," having joined the staff in summer 2009.  We recently had the chance to find out more about him and his philosophy on the idea of what it means to serve.

What is your job title at SJN?

Pastoral Associate of Youth Ministry

How long have you been a parishioner at this parish?

Since July 1, 2009

What parish ministries are you involved in, outside of your official job description?

Knights of Columbus, Between the Masses, RCIA and Vacation Religion School.  Outside of the parish, I'm involved with Theology on Tap.

Why do you think it's important to be involved in the parish?

It is important to be involved directly in the parish life as well as from the heart of the parish to the community. Within the parish life, my mission is, largely, evangelization and catechesis because I think that is where my talents are the most. I do it because Jesus is teaching me gratitude. I need to remember that all is gift and life is grace, so I surround myself with the mission of spreading His grace to others. It is just as important to spiritually feed others as it is to allow yourself to be fed by others.

Who is a saint you admire or spiritual role model you look toward for inspiration? Why?

My patron saints are Joseph because he was a true man, husband and father; Francis because he unwaveringly responded to God's call in his life; Thomas Aquinas because he devoted his whole life to faith and reason; and, finally, Ignatius of Loyola, who was the tireless soldier of the Truth and a constant fighter of his own vices. These four saints inspire me to greatness and push me away from mediocrity, both in my personal life and in my ministry.

What ministries would you like to see at SJN that don't already exist?

Two things: First, I would like to see parish missions, days of praise, big liturgies -- events done at this church where the whole purpose is simply to lift up the name of Jesus, not even have a catechetical component, save that of teaching people how to pray and praise Him. Second, I would like to see existing ministries intentionally, purposefully, carve out places within their ministries for the teens of our parish to serve alongside as equal laborers in the vineyard. I want a culture of doing ministry at SJN that is ordered toward the full incorporation of the young Church within the parish. My dream is to have teens as actively recruited for ministries as adults.