Share your story of a parishioner, living or deceased. Include a photo if possible. This story is submitted by Rev. John P. Alvarado, grateful for the dedicated, faithful service and ministry of Deacon Gregory Caruso.
Our year of remembering our Parish Heroes comes to a close as we make ready for another Labor Day Parade, ushering in a new school year and the start of a season filled with many parish spiritual and social events. Thank you to all who participated with stories and photos submitted, some of which have been displayed on the walls of the Church foyer. They are our heroes past and present, young and old, living and deceased whom we remember for the faith-filled and loving things they have done and are doing still. They now challenge us never to forget our calling in Christ Jesus and to make a positive difference in this world. We are all called to be heroes, sinners all, called to be saints.
“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa
I submit this last hero of the year, Deacon Gregory Caruso on this his fifteenth year of Ordination as a Permanent Deacon of the Diocese of Metuchen. Deacon Greg continues to strive to carefully balance family, ministry and career, offering himself generously in service to God and the Church. Beside his parish responsibilities, he also functions on a diocesan level, in particular, with couples’ Marriage Preparation.
Deacon Greg was born in Morristown, New Jersey. He grew up and went to school in East Hanover. He and his wife Liz married and ten years later moved to South Plainfield in 1998. Thirty-four years and six children later … their faithful witness and love are both a support and challenge for many to trust in God’s love. He himself is one of five and knows the value of strong family relationships that don’t simply happen on their own … work, prayer, sacrifice, love and fun all come together to build these relationships. He has furthered this in his career in the insurance industry, working for Munich Reinsurance in Princeton, NJ as a Vice President, Claims. Liz is a Nurse Manager for the Hackensack Meridian Health System. He responded to God’s call to serve with an invitation extended by this pastor and the encouraging support of his wife. Ordained to the Diaconate in June 2007, Deacon Greg assists at Masses, celebrates Baptisms and officiates at weddings. He has been involved in Marriage Preparation with our engaged couples and also served as a member of the parish team that leads Baptism Preparation classes. At the diocesan level, he has served on the Diaconate Personnel Review Board and was the Assistant Director of Formation for the Diaconate Class of 2012. He served (alongside his wife Liz) as a facilitator for the God’s Plan for a Joyfilled Marriage preparation program through the Family Life Office from 2009-2019 which has ministered to thousands of engaged couples. He is also the FOCCUS trainer for the diocese.
God bless you, Deacon Greg!
