My name is Richard Gerard Evans, and I am returnee to the Roman Catholic Church.
I recently began this blog as an alternative to carrying a Facebook page. I came back to the Faith 6 years ago, after 35 years elsewhere, including 12 in evangelical Protestant ministry through the Assemblies of God. After my divorce in 1991, I spent the next 15 years as an LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) activist and in 2005, at age 49, returned to the Church of my youth. Other than a brief few months last year, while struggling through some personal issues, I have been there ever since and am very glad to be–and am not looking back again.
I take the Church at her word on faith and morals issues, however do not believe we must be mindless either. This blog will explore many of those issues, including the “gray areas” which many people of faith struggle with–and which I have wrestled through as well, such as politics, ways to apply social justice, and the like. I consider myself a recovering Obama supporter and a moderate Republican, but with the right candidate could indeed vote either way. I welcome people here from all walks of life and background, but would only ask that our discourse be respectful at all times.
I got my name because a dear friend, Chris Padgett, a Catholic singer, author, and songwriter, produced some rather clever T-shirts a few years ago and gave a couple of them to me. They had the symbol of a men’s room (with the addition of a Roman collar) and had the words “Catholic Boy” on the front. He also had a female version “Catholic Girl” with the same concept but minus the collar. I may be 55 years old but I still have a lot of growing to do in my Faith and walk with God and others. So “Catholicboyrichard” it is!
Welcome to a corner of my world.
If you are interested in a more detailed version of my story, please check out the link below:
I remember Fr John Hardon saying (he was in his late 70′s at the time)…that the Church has so much to teach us…and that HE felt he was just in Kindergarten. LOL Well I happen to think he was one of the GREATEST minds in the Church in this modern age…and if he thought he was still in kindergarten…WOW. I am praying for his beatification!
Thank you for those kind words, Bruce…it sounds like you did what you should and could by being open to him.Sometimes that small seed is all you can plant. I have actually lost friends due to referring to myself as “same sex attracted” rather than gay or LGBT. We live in a political powderkeg right now and both sides are extremely threatened by each other, so much so that those situations such as with your friend do sadly happen. Even if he were not gay he may have objected to you being Tea Party for that matter–again a sad thing. All parties, all religions should be able to at least dialogue and once it seems that they did, but not so much nowadays unfortunately.
I think that is part of my interest in the WI recall. It seems based upon factions of people who honestly hate each other, not based on whether Walker is doing his job or is a decent person. That and, after being a lifelong Democrat and then political moderate who “leans left,” finally facing just this summer that I have been a “Republican” for quite some time now and might as well admit it!!! Over my denial hehe. I also won, from the generosity of Republicans here in the state, a completely free scholarship to attend the Midwest Regional Conference and heard your Governor speak. I listened to him very purposefuily with skepticism, thinking he would be the one speaker I who might not enjoy. Wrong I was! He was one of the highlights of the Conference and I now have a signed picture of him too–he left somewhat quickly so I did not meet him but I wrote him afterwards and he bothered to send me one, even though I am not from your “cheesy” and great state. So it was indeed a good experience.
Thank you for your words about my story too. And I would have to be very much the Augustinian for a moment and say “yes it was indeed God’s sovreign move” in my own life. I certainly did not plan it. And I am strongly Catholic but also just as strongly “Christian” in that I know the first and foremost issue is a life surrendered to the King of Kings and Lord of lords. I am very glad to have your accquaintance. But more so your brotherhood in Christ. THanks for being in touch!
PS–Three posts I have that you may enjoy would be THE GENEROSITY OF MINNESOTA REPUBLICANS and a very recent one on Walker. I have gotten some flack on that one…some comments I could not even approve but a few who liked it too. But definitely alot of traffic for a new person on the blogosphere. The third is CATHOLIC FIRST CHRISTIAN FIRST. Anyway Keep in contact and God bless you much!
Cathy sorry I do not think I every answered you on this one…thanks for your good thoughts too. Father John H was indeed a great theologican. Maybe I will always be a “Catholic boy” since it may indeed take beyong my life to even get INTO Kindergarten! Blessings on you.
Yours is an interesting story Richard. I was born RC became an agnostic and now I’m a minister in a SBC church. Last year my sister passed away and I was contacted by a childhood friend who was my friend through our teen years. The friendship fell apart when he revealed he was homosexual. I admit, I did not handle it well (1972). In any event, through his family who went to the Catholic church we both grew up in he learned of my sister’s death and contacted me. He was very kind and I was touched by his sympathy. We made tentative plans to meet when he visited his family in Milwaukee. Then he reminded me of his homosexuality and his unabashed activism and he wondered if I had a problem with that. I told him that I did not but he needed to understand that I was a SBC pastor, conservative and leaned Tea Party in my politics. He responded by saying that we probably would not have much to talk about but would contact me. He did not and I let it go. I pray for him from time to time, that God would sovereignly open his eyes just as he apparently did with you. Your story is an encouragement that God does indeed change pitiful sinners like you and I. To him be the glory!
Yep, good old Augustine, claimed by some in both camps. Thanks for your comments.
And Bruce, please know you are welcome and do not be a stranger! God bless.
Ok, thanks. BTW, I should have pointed out that God sovereignly opened my eyes as well. Sinners saved by grace. The ground is level at the foot of the Cross. blessings,
Bruce
Amen brother in Christ!!!
The awesome story, the cool psyche – yep! It’s Richard Gerard Evans! Haha
Thank you GINO!!! My good brother in Jesus Christ and the Roman Catholic Church…
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Richard,
Welcome home! Have you considered becoming a deacon?
I really have thought of it a few times but am more drawn to the idea of the lay Dominican life…I will keep my heart open though! Thank you for even mentioning it. Two of my patrons were deacons (my confirmation name is Stephen Francis). God bless! Post anytime.