PROVIDENCE — Spencer Gregory, 20, remembers writing his first song when he was only five years old. With a musical upbringing, much of his love for music originated from watching his father sing and play guitar and Gregory has wanted to do the same ever since.
Originally from Fremont, New Hampshire, he is a second-year college seminarian at Our Lady of Providence Seminary, and a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist for the Here on Earth Worship band. He and his fellow bandmates — Sammie Simard, Nick Liguori, TJ Johnson and AJ Mann — are excited to have recently released their latest album, “Not to be Shaken.” From the new album, Gregory shared that listeners can expect seven original songs that feature a recurring theme of trust.
“The first song we wrote and released, ‘Jesus I Trust in You,’ has been my personal motto since we recorded it back in 2019. It’s a song about how even when we feel alone or discouraged, God is in control.”
The lyrics are simple, yet powerful: “Your love is greater than all my fears.” Through doubts and struggles, the album reminds the listener that God is always there and is in control.
“There is a wide variety of musical styles and composition in these songs, so there is something on the album for everyone.”
Here on Earth Worship began playing together in 2016 to add a musical praise and worship element to Eucharistic Adoration for a confirmation preparation program at St. Michael Parish in Exeter, New Hampshire. The evenings were very successful and the group of musicians were encouraged to open up these special evenings to the entire parish community. They continue to perform for parish worship nights and various events for organizations and parishes throughout New England.
Gregory’s own musical taste is varied, with a personal playlist shuffling between Catholic artist Matt Maher (who he had the pleasure of playing on stage with a few years ago), to James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, the Zac Brown Band and so many more classic musicians. He shared how it feels to connect with others through faith-filled music.
“I’ve had several people, even some strangers, come up to me in public and tell me that a certain song of ours has helped them to grow closer to God or has comforted them during a challenging time, and it’s been incredible to see the impact that we as a band have had on people,” he said. “Our goal has always been to help people encounter God in a new way, and we always pray that God will use us as an instrument to lead people to Him.”
He shared that being in the band has led him to a closer personal relationship with Christ, which ultimately led to his discernment of the priesthood.
“Without the opportunities I’ve had with the band — and the grace of God, of course — my faith would not be where it is today. Each individual member of the band has played a big part in my spiritual life and they have always been supportive of me and my vocation, and I pray that I have been just as supportive of their own vocations and spiritual lives as well.”
Before every performance, the worship group comes together with an earnest prayer — that their music inspires listeners to grow in their faith.
“People tell us all the time how much our music has brought them closer to God or has helped them through a hard time, and it is always so humbling for us to see that God is working in so many lives through us and through our music.”
The Catholic Church celebrates National Vocation Awareness Week from Nov. 7-13. It is an especially important time for the faithful to show their support for all men and women discerning a religious vocation, as well as for those who are already living a life of Christ.
Follow the band on Instagram and Facebook @hereonearthworship, www.hereonearthworship.com, for updates about upcoming events and other news about the band.
Are you being called to the priesthood or religious life?
The Diocese of Providence offers many resources for all those discerning a call to the priesthood or religious life. For more information, visit dioceseofprovidence.org/vocations.
