Greg Zimmerman

It Started In Sixth Grade

Rev. Greg Zimmerman

I come from a large family of 11 children, myself being the ninth. My parents were very religious, i.e. daily family rosary, my father a daily communicant. We were raised to respect everything human and holy. My parents blessed us each night before sleep and when we left the house for school. We never owned a car, lived simply and frugally with simple basic meals (never had bacon - too expensive). My father would first give a portion of his meager salary (he was an elevator operator his entire life) to the Church and used the rest to support us. We had a Catholic schooling.

When I was in sixth grade at St.Viator's School in Chicago, Columban Fathers came and showed us films of the missions in China. I said, "that's what I want to do!". My path was set - I would be a missionary! Family friends knew a police sergeant who volunteered to sponsor me with the Claretian Missionary Fathers (then chaplains to the Chicago Police Department) and after eighth grade I entered the Claretian seminary - at age 14.

The four years of postulancy were virtually high school with emphasis on Greek and Latin, then a year of novitiate, four years of college (major philosophy), and finally four years of theology. All of these years were filled with wise and dedicated professors, men who were balanced in heart and mind.

My theology training was at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. during the Vatican II Council. What a time! Our professors were flying back and forth to the Vatican, bringing us the inside maneuvers of the cardinals and bishops. We were getting the information first hand! What an exciting time for the Church. We hah such great leaders in the Church, and we were being trained for the reforms forthcoming. What a disappointment when it all came to a sudden halt in 1965.

I was ordained in 1963, a day of joy and wonder. I felt especially blessed as I heard the choir sing “You are a priest forever”. My parents were very proud, and my siblings and friends were there to wish me well. What a humbling experience to bless my father and mother. There were tears of great joy.

The Claretians were opening a mission in Guatemala and requested volunteers. Out of some 60 priests, I was one of three chosen to start the mission. My dream was fulfilled! I spent five glorious years working with the Mayan and Carib indigenous peoples, learning their cultures and languages. What an experience! It was a privilege to serve these gentle loving people.

But the Church reneged on the reforms and I felt the leaders in the Church were regressing to the old ways. I returned to Loyola in Chicago and pursued a graduate degree in psychology. At this time I petitioned to be released from my vows and resigned from the Claretians. I remember reading Gregory Baum’s book Man Becoming. A sentence in that work jumped out at me “The locus of the divine is in the human”.

I met my future wife while at Loyola University and we were married in 1974. This was the very best decision I made in my life. I would not be the person I am today had I not married my wife. I really understood St. John’s words “God is love, and we who live in love, live in God, and God in us”.

I pursued a position in the health care field personnel work for the next 21 years, during which time we raised four children. Those were truly happy days. I returned to the university for an MBA and my final work was as director of human resources in our local village – Downers Grove, Il. After fifteen years there, I retired.

All during this time I would periodically celebrate Mass at home.

My ministry picked up when I was introduced to CITI Ministries by a priest friend. This activity blossomed into a steady flow of couples looking for alternatives to the ruled-bound Church rituals. Over the twelve years with CITI , I have been empowered to return to my priestly role in all sacraments, and restored my love of the ministry in helping all who seek a connection with the Divine. My initial call to the priesthood is alive and well and flourishing, thanks to CITI and all my colleagues. A very special thanks has to go to Louise Haggett who founded CITI Ministries. She followed the Spirit’s call and faithfully established the organization. What a blessing to all of us!

This has been a blessed journey, ever evolving, ever unfolding and my joy, that as God’s instrument, I can be an influence in the lives of others. I feel I am so much more in touch with my ministry, with the lives of people who request my services, and with the gift of priesthood that is so much more vibrant today then ever before. I have come to realize Chardin’s phrase “We are not human beings on a spiritual journey, but rather we are spiritual beings on a human journey”.

Rev. Gregory Zimmerman

Email frgreg1936@yahoo.com

website: http//www.frgregz.com

phone: 630-515-9119