News

Layton oversees retreat centers, shrine

By Anne Kiefer
Compass Intern

After 20 years experience in parish ministry, Greg Layton has become director of Retreat and Shrine Operations for the Green Bay Diocese.

Layton is in charge of Camp Tekawitha in Shawano, Holy Name Retreat House on Chambers Island, and the Chapel of Our Lady of Good Help in New Franken, all of which have on-site directors.

He said he wants to promote them as "exciting places to come and visit and be enriched in faith" and that the main role of retreat centers and shrines is to connect each person to their own "personal faith journey."

Layton, a native of Spring Green, received his degree in philosophy from St. Meinrad College, St. Meinrad, Ill. In 2000, he received a master's in pastoral studies from Loyola University, Chicago.

Layton's church work began at Sacred Heart Parish, Reedsburg. Seven years later, he started at St. Joseph Parish, Baraboo, where he spent 13 years as a pastoral associate. After 20 years in the Madison Diocese, he decided to move to Green Bay.

Layton's long history as a pastoral associate combined with his extensive business experience made him an ideal candidate for the new job, said Dcn. Michael Grzeca, diocesan director of Evangelization and Worship. Dcn. Grzeca said he was further impressed by Layton's interest in evangelization and community faith development.

Layton fills the need for "someone capable of being a hands-on, day-to-day interface between the resident directors of the three retreat sites and the diocese," Dcn. Grzeca said.

Layton and his wife, Nancy, have two daughters, Kimberly and Leslei. He said he looks forward to being a part of the Evangelization and Worship department in Green Bay.