October 9, 2009
People of Faith
Deacon Evans: Serving the Church more effectively
BY STEVE HALBIG
This is the fourth in a series on the new deacons of the diocese. They were ordained August 15 at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville.
Deacon Thomas Evans, 56, is a member of St. Matthew Church in Mount Vernon. He will do his diaconal service at his home parish and also at Holy Angels Church in New Harmony.
Deacon Evans is a chemist at SABIC Innovative Plastics in Mount Vernon.
He and his wife, Irene, are parents of a daughter and son.
A native of Philadelphia, Deacon Evans has a Ph.D in chemistry from Penn State University and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from La Salle University in Philadelphia.
What prompted you to pursue this ministry? “I have a desire to serve the Church more effectively and fully with greater knowledge and greater love.”
Tell us a few things about yourself: Deacon Evans said he likes photography and biking, is an avid reader, mostly history, and has a strong interest in language, especially Greek.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life? My wife. She is very spiritual and caring. “She lives her faith.” Also Father Steckler, pastor at St. Matthew. “He really lives the Gospel message of charity and sacrifice for others.”
What are your goals as a deacon? “Would like to truly live a life of service for the Church.” In his ministry, he wants to put emphasis on young people, teenagers.
Do you have any favorite books you would recommend to others? “Models of the Eucharist” by Monsignor Kevin W. Irwin and “Jesus of Nazareth” by Pope Benedict XVI.
Do you have any routines in your spiritual life that you would recommend to others? Visits to the Blessed Sacrament.
Email steve@themessageonline.org