Staff Member: Jim Banach
Jim Banach
Deacon
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Hi, I am Jim Banach and I am the deacon of St. Gregory the Great Parish. My areas of ministry include St. Greg’s and the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Within St. Greg’s besides being at the altar to serve and preach, I work with the Arise program, preside for Baptisms, Weddings, and Funerals, teaching from time to time for the families in the Lighthouse Program and RCIA candidates. Mary and I meet with couples for marriage preparation. I do look around for folks in the parish to nudge into ministry. For the Archdiocese I serve on the Catholics for Peace and Justice Commission, represent the Archdiocese on the Wisconsin Council of Churches Faith and Order Committee, serve as Past President of the Deacon Senate and with my wife facilitate Inquiry Sessions for those considering the call of the Diaconate. I also provide spiritual direction for deacon candidates as they work their way through formation.
In 2005 I was ordained a Deacon and have served at St. Greg’s ever since. Our family has been a member of St. Greg’s for over 30 years.
My high school was Bay View here in Milwaukee. Since then I have received a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Criminal Justice and an MBA from the Keller Graduate School of Management. For over 30 years I worked for Quest Technologies, a 3M Company, and retired as the Executive Vice President. My job gave me the opportunity to travel extensively in the United States, Europe, Asia and South America.
We have three sons: Christopher, who is Dean of Students and Athletic Director for Nativity Jesuit Middle School- he is married to Becca and they have two daughters Audrey and Harper; Gregory, who is a Director at a legal software solutions company and is married to Sarah; and Andrew who lives with us and works at Goodwill Industries. We have all lived in Milwaukee our entire lives… so far.
There is nothing like a walk in the woods with Mary, a round of golf with any of our sons, or getting to travel with family to places that truly move and inspire.
My favorite part of ministry is being asked to listen… it is such an honor when someone trusts to share their struggles, pain, and suffering, or overwhelming joy with me. It is also pretty incredible that the Lord trusts me to share his words to us all.
