Leader gives time, devotion to service

Amy Paterson / photo editor Father John Grace leads communion during mass in the PC Ballroom Sunday through Catholic Campus Ministry.

Despite the stereotype that priests live quiet, isolated lives, never straying far from the boundaries of their church, life as a campus minister is anything but monotonous for Father John Grace.

While he may be best-known to the students of JMU’s Catholic Campus Ministry, Father John is an influential member of JMU. He serves as a priest, educator, spiritual and crisis counselor, advisor to the Theta Chi fraternity, partakes in CCM’s Alternative Spring Break to Oaxaca, Mexico, works with parents and alumni and fund raises for CCM.

In addition, he has duties working within the Richmond dioceses as chair of the personnel board and serves as an administrator of Blessed Sacrament Parish.

An ordained priest for 26 years, Father John doesn’t have a typical 9-to-5 job — serving as a priest is a 24-hour-a-day occupation. While his day-to-day responsibilities may vary, Father John said the most important part of his job is gathering with the students and nurturing the community through celebration of the faith.

In fact, it is his devotion to developing a strong sense of community and compassion that initially attracted Father John to the priesthood.

"To me, the role of a priest was one that brought compassion and wholeness," he said.

Raised in a family that was extremely active within their parish, Father John was further attracted to the priesthood in college.

"Religion was viewed in an active mindset, there was this strong sense of community," he said. His interest in community action and helping those who were ignored by mainstream society led him to even consider a job in special education.

Father John is continuing as an educator through his sermons; he currently teaches, "The History of Catholicism in the U.S." at JMU.

"I love teaching," he said. "I love trying to stimulate people to appreciate what you are saying."