Gregory John Evers, C.PP.S., was ordained to the diaconate on August 20 in Assumption Chapel at St. Charles Center, Carthagena, Ohio. Archbishop Dennis Schnurr of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati presided as Greg’s family and friends, his fellow Missionaries of the Precious Blood and Companions celebrated with him.
In May, Deacon Evers graduated with a master of divinity degree from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago.
Deacon Evers has been assigned to ministry at St. James the Less Church in Columbus, Ohio, beginning September 1.
Deacon Evers, the son of Roger and Mary Evers, grew up in Maria Stein, Ohio, attended Marion Local High School, and was a member of St. Rose Church when he was growing up.
Typically, a transitional deacon is ordained to the priesthood after a year of ministry in a parish.
Through his ordination, Deacon Evers offers himself to God and to a life of service. “There is an ontological change that takes place with ordination, but I try not to focus too much on that,” he said. “I’m not losing who I was before the ordination. I have the same likes and dislikes, the same personality. It’s another layer of responsibility that I’m taking on. What I will be doing at the parish is more of a public role as a minister of the Church. But it’s not just about putting on a good face—it’s about living out the values and principles we say we have.
“That’s something I want to strive for: a life that is woven together. I don’t want to be someone who wears a mask on Sunday morning. What I want to offer to this life is the genuine and authentic me.”
To view the pictures from Gregory’s diaconate ordination, click here.