Fr. Greg Hammes

Current City: Olathe, KS
Year Graduated: 2000
Major: Electrical Engineering
Job: Pastor, Prince of Peace Catholic Church Olathe

Tell us your story: I went to KU 1995-2000 and graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering. During those years, St. Lawrence was always my faith home and kept my faith alive. Just a couple years after graduating I decided to follow God's call to be a priest. I was ordained in 2007 and have been serving various parishes in the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas. I am currently the pastor of Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Olathe.

Share your favorite memory of St. Lawrence: My favorite memory of St. Lawrence was each and every late night Sunday Mass. There was such a special feel about those Masses, so peaceful and inviting. I used to be the altar server for some of those. God was powerfully present at those Masses!

How are you living differently because of St. Lawrence?: I don't think I'd be a priest today without St. Lawrence. Not only did it help me to keep my faith through college, but I also was invited to some vocation groups which helped me begin to discern God's call in my life.

What’s the biggest risk of faith you have ever taken?: About a year or so after graduating from KU, while working an engineering job in Olathe, KS, I found myself getting involved in numerous faith activities: a non-denominational bible study, a weekly hour of adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, and more prayer. But I wanted to get more Catholic formation in my faith so I decided to drive to St. Lawrence to attend a weekly class being taught at that time by Mike Scherschligt. It was there after one of those sessions that Mike challenged me to do a total consecration to Jesus through Mary to better know God's will in my life. I took up that challenge, and found myself suddenly free from fear I had always had when I thought about becoming a priest. I then decided to visit a seminary, and loved it, and all the doors just opened up! I'm glad I went to that class!