Growing up in a family that was grounded in the Catholic Church provided Peg Kowalski with a strong foundation for everything she has done thus far in her life. 

“Church was the center of our life,” said Kowalski, as she spoke of her humble beginnings that began growing up in a row home in South Trenton. She is quick to say that she and her four brothers learned from their parents at an early age about sharing of our time and talents.

Kowalski said her desire to serve was further strengthened during the three years she spent with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps: Northwest where she served in the bush of Alaska at St. Mary’s Mission High School. The core values of community, spirituality, social justice and simple living that she learned through the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, she said, “continue to guide me in my everyday life.” 

Kowalski said that now serving as the ministry volunteer coordinator at St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, has afforded her new learning opportunities and challenges. Guided by her pastor, Father Michael McClane and supported by a host of parish family members, “it has been an honor to serve and make a difference in people’s lives,” she said, noting that she has also had other volunteer opportunities with the Diocese of Trenton Departments of Evangelization and Family Life and Youth and Young Adult Ministry.

“I am grateful to Fr. Michael McClane for his wise counsel, support and his example of God’s love at work,” she said. “My family remains as a strength for me they support and love me in everything I do. For them, I am most grateful. My hope is that is some small way that giving back to my community serves as a model for my nieces and nephews.”