An Update On The Status Of My Ministry

There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens. A time to give birth, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak.A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

On January 6, 2012, a job layoff presented me with the chance to do “the impossible” – get out of the boat and enter into full time Catholic ministry. Over the course of the past six years, I have been blessed with many opportunities – numerous appearances on Catholic TV and Radio, speaking engagements from coast to coast and six published books. In addition, I have witnessed God provide for the needs of my family over and over.

Last year, the “full time” status of my ministry changed when I accepted a dream job as the host of Spirit In The Morning on Holy Spirit Radio in Philadelphia. Even though I hosted the program every morning, I continued to travel around the country leading parish missions and retreats. In the past several months, however, I have been feeling the call of the Holy Spirit to move away from the traveling and spend more time at home with my family. One day I’ll write more extensively about it, but the Lord spoke loud and clear through people, circumstances and feelings. It was time to move on.

Earlier this week I accepted a full time position as Director of Parish Services at Mary, Mother of the Redeemer Parish in North Wales, PA. I will be responsible for adult faith formation, RCIA, parish missions, retreats and much more. It is a fantastic job that will allow me to do what I love the most – lead souls to Christ. In addition, I will continue to host Spirit In The Morning and do my weekly segments on EWTN Radio’s The Son Rise Morning Show. My daily podcasts (Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled and The Gary Zimak Show) will be discontinued, as will any speaking engagements that require travel and monthly segments on Catholic Community Radio and Iowa Catholic Radio.

I can’t begin to express my gratitude to the Lord, my Blessed Mother, my family (especially my incredibly supportive wife Eileen) and all of you who supported me with your donations, prayers and words of encouragement. I am in awe of what God has done in my life. Take it from me, He can and will perform miracles in your life if you give him the chance. Even though things are changing for me, it’s all good and I am totally peaceful with the changes.

Please pray for me as I enter into a new and exciting phase of ministry. As long as I’m following His lead, I know I’ll be just fine!

For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope. (Jeremiah 29:11)