April 2, 2010
People of Faith
Teachers and grandparents called best role models
BY STEVE HALBIG
People of Faith is a Message feature in which Steve Halbig asks a series of questions of people of the diocese — some who have reached the “age of wisdom” and some who are younger. All will share stories of their faith.
Name: Richard Dewig
Parish: Holy Spirit, Evansville
Number of children, grandchildren: Three children
Have you lived in Southern Indiana all your life? Yes.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? A professional athlete or a sports writer.
Who influenced you growing up? My parents and my unmarried Aunt Lois, who spent a great deal of time with me and my seven brothers and sisters as we were growing up.
Who do you consider to be the best role models today? Our kids’ teachers and grandparents.
Describe how your faith helped you through a difficult time in your life? There was a period after college and before I was married where faith kept me grounded.
Do you have any hobbies? How do you stay active? I enjoy playing all sports with my kids. I also greatly enjoy yardwork.
What is your first memory of church? I remember Father Lindauer at Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Haubstadt. I do remember Father Lindauer’s sermons were not exactly geared for young people.
What do you like most about being Catholic? I like the structure of the faith. I like the bond shared among fellow Catholics.
Of those things that are possible to change in the Catholic Church, what would you change? I would not change anything per se. I would, however, love to figure out a way to get people of my age group (age 50) back in church on Sundays.
If you could make one change in your community, what would it be? I would try to make our youth more aware of the dangers of drinking and drugs — not really a change — but a wish!
Any regrets in life? None. Life has worked out quite well for me.
Tell us a few more things about yourself: I have a wonderful wife, three wonderful kids, and a comfortable middle class home. I thoroughly enjoy following my kids in their activities — i.e. sports!
What do you do in your spiritual life that you would recommend to others? Attend Mass every Sunday. Stay very involved in church and school volunteer activities. I keep my prayers and thoughts very private.
What is your best wisdom on life? Always be yourself!!!
Email Steve at shalbig@evdio.org