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Start Over Creator Grace, John A., Pastor

John Grace interviewed by Lisa Riley, 2005

Records the reminiscences of Father John A. Grace, who served as Catholic Campus Minister at James Madison University from 1989 to 2005. Recalls his arrival at JMU as successor to Fr. William LaFratta and the warm welcome he received at the other campus ministries. Discusses the challenges of holding masses at such public venues as the Grafton-Stovall Theater and the Festival Ballroom. Details his decision to launch the first Alternative Spring Break (ASB) at JMU in 1990 and the subsequent success of the program in recent years. The ASB program has re-built housing in disaster areas in Latin America and the US and has sponsored the creation of a village bank in Guatemala. Describes his teaching experiences at JMU, his role as advisor to the Theta Chi fraternity, and his response to the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Closes with his reflections on retiring from the CCM after sixteen years.

  1. James Madison University
  2. JMU Centennial Voices No. 2 oral histories, 2004/2005

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