Jessica Grabania was born in Lima, Peru, and moved to the United States at the age of 12. She went on to serve in the United States Marine Corps, and relocated to New Jersey following her honorable discharge.
With a background in psychology, mental health and special education – and service to children in foster care as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) – she has undoubtedly been a source of support and assistance for others.
Still, she felt called to do more.
“For the last few years, I felt a persistent spiritual calling and a strong desire to get involved and serve my local community in any capacity needed,” said Grabania. “Shortly after, I answered a call for volunteers printed in our parish bulletin. Because I had previously served as a catechist at another parish, the parish staff warmly invited me last year to volunteer with the catechesis program, which paved the way for my current path.”
On May 13 – the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima – Grabania began her service as the new catechetical leader for the Parish of Saint Monica, Atlantic City – a parish she has called home for 16 years, in a city she considers to be her true hometown.
She also recently took on another new role serving parish children and families as the science teacher at Our Lady Star of the Sea School, and she is an active member of the Legion of Mary at Saint Gianna Beretta Molla Parish, Northfield.
In her new role, Grabania will coordinate sacramental preparation and catechist training, work to build community, collaborate with clergy and staff to deliver catechetical programming, and help to serve the spiritual needs of the Atlantic City faith community.
“By empowering parents, equipping catechists, and aligning our ministries with the Gospel, we are fulfilling the Church’s essential nature to teach and sanctify,” said Grabania. “This role is vital because faith formation is not a program – it is the infrastructure of the parish. By bridging Church teaching with modern family life, the [parish catechetical leader] ensures the Gospel moves from a Sunday message to a daily reality.”
Grabania encourages others to consider getting involved in catechesis in their own parish community and expressed her appreciation for the support she has already received from everyone at the Parish of Saint Monica.
“I am incredibly blessed to have an outstanding pastor, dedicated priests, and a supportive staff who offer constant guidance. Combined with robust diocesan training, resources and community networks, you will never have to walk this path alone,” she said. “If God is pulling at your heart to step up, don’t worry about having it all figured out right now. He will provide the tools and the community you need to succeed.”
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