Deacon Greggory George Golemo
Spouse: Camilla (Milly) Veith Golemo
Children: Kathleen (35), Neal (30), Benjamin (28), Elizabeth (26).
Parishes: Sacred Heart, Warsaw, Ill., and St. Mary, Hamilton, Ill.
Date and place of ordination: May 19, 2007, Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, Peoria, Ill.
Occupation:
Retired social worker and administrator for 34 years. Currently, instructor of theology at Holy Trinity Catholic High School, Fort Madison.
Why did you become a deacon?
I tried to ignore the calling for 10 years. I finally decided in 2002 that I could not ignore the signs the Holy Spirit had been giving me for a decade. You really can’t fight City Hall!
What ministries are you involved in?
I have an active ministry in two parishes in Hancock County, Ill. Sacred Heart in Warsaw and St. Mary’s in Hamilton. In addition I assist at three other parishes in the county. My wife and I are responsible for coordinating the homebound and nursing home outreach for the Hamilton-Warsaw area served by our two parishes. I am coordinator for adult religious education for the parishes and assist with the RCIA program. I am a notary auditor for the Tribunal in the Diocese of Peoria as well as an instructor for Protecting God’s Children.
My wife and I have been involved with various charitable projects in the county as part of the comprehensive social justice outreach in the five county churches. Both of us are active in Great River TEC and Cursillo. I am a 50-plus-years member of the Boy Scouts of America and am a Catholic chaplain for the Mississippi Valley Council.
What are your challenges?
Being restricted to a 24-hour day!
What is your favorite Scripture passage?
Jesus as the Servant-Leader. John 13:3-17, Philippians 2:6-11.