Name: Bob Shaw
Age: 51
Family: Laura (wife), daughter Bailey (25), son Bob (23)
Occupation: Electrical Contracting
Parish: St. Paul the Apostle, Davenport
How did you know you were being called to the diaconate?
This has slowly been revealed to me through the faith formation process. It started with wanting to learn more about our faith and attending Ministry Formation Program (MFP) classes since I joined the Catholic Church in 1994. I remember early on being asked by Father (now Bishop) Robert Gruss “if I had ever thought about becoming a deacon” and being inspired by the admirable service of Deacon Bob McCoy. The call continued to be confirmed through personal discernment and support from the people of our parish, classmates and clergy.
What is most rewarding about being a deacon candidate?
Meeting so many wonderful people in different ministries and watching them witness their love for the Lord in service.
What is most challenging about being a deacon candidate?
Seeing the difficult times that people go through and the great needs in our world and discerning, where is God leading me?
What do you look most forward to in your ministry as a deacon?
Serving and helping others grow in their faith in Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit and continuing to grow myself in faith, hope and love.
What is your favorite Scripture passage?
Matthew 25:34-36: “Then the king will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’”
