In May of this year, Bob Evans marked 25 years as an ordained permanent deacon for the Diocese of Reno.

Bob and Wendell Shoemacher were ordained on May 3, 1985, at the old St. Teresa of Avila Church on King Street in Carson City by Bishop Norman McFarland.  They were the first permanent deacons to be ordained for the then Diocese of Reno-Las Vegas. Since they were parishioners at St. Teresa’s, they were assigned to ministry at their parish.

Father Jerry Hanley, retired pastor from St. Teresa’s, was the primary supporter for bringing the permanent diaconate to Nevada. While Bishop McFarland initially was a bit reluctant, after further conversation and association with the formation program in the Diocese of Sacramento, he finally agreed. Father Jerry gives Bishop McFarland credit for taking this important step for the diocese.

“There were no Catholic deacons in the whole state of Nevada at the time, so it all started when Bishop McFarland agreed to support these two men who were willing to travel to Sacramento every month for education and formation over a four year stint,” he said.

Deacon Bob already was on the staff at St. Teresa’s at the time of his ordination, and 25 years later, he continues as director of RCIA and liturgy. He also serves as assistant administrator to the pastor, handling buildings and grounds and just about everything else to keep the parish functioning smoothly.

Through these many years Deacon Bob has loved his work forming the faith lives of adults and young adults through RCIA. He enjoys the church’s liturgies and takes great joy in creating a beautiful environment in the church for the various liturgical seasons of the year.

“We are blessed to have him to set the tone of the environment and for the enjoyment of the assembly for 25 years,” fellow staff member Sister Marie McGloin said. “He has touched the lives of the people he works with, and I feel very blessed to be one of them.”

In June, the parish held a special reception for Deacon Bob, later followed by a dinner with staff and friends.  Deacon Bob celebrates the sacraments of baptism and marriage on occasion.  His gentle presence and patience is his hallmark when working with those preparing for the sacraments, and his face beams with joy at the celebrations themselves.

He also preaches on Sunday liturgies from time to time, bringing a wonderful perspective of minister, husband and father.

Deacon Bob is married to Cathy, a teacher at St. Teresa School, and they have four children and four grandchildren.