Deacons
Richard Fahy, Deacon (Retired)
I was born and raised in St. Louis, MO to John and Janyce Fahy. When I finished high school I joined the Navy, and was in it for four years. When I was discharged from the Navy I went back to St. Louis for a short time and then joined the United States Coast Guard, the branch I served in until I retired as a Master Chief Radioman in 1982. The Coast Guard had a profound effect on me, and helped to develop my desire to take care of others, to serve. Mary and I got married in 1980, a second marriage for both of us. We were married at Epiphany in what is now Bryce Hall. Our three sons, their wives and our four grandchildren and one great-grandchild all live in the Oklahoma City area, and we feel very blessed that we are a close family.- I went through deacon formation and was ordained on November 15, 2002. I was ordained on my birthday, and what a gift it has been. I have served my whole time as a deacon at Epiphany parish. I have been involved with the high school youth, in the religious education program, vacation bible school, the Journey of Faith program, and serve at most funerals and wake services in the parish. I have also been on the Liturgy Board and the Parish Council for many years. Sunday evening prayer has been part of my prayer experience since we first began it here in our parish. There are many other ministries I have been involved in over the years in this parish. Outside of the parish I am a part time chaplain at Mercy and the Heart Hospital. My wife and I give talks that are part of the marriage preparation programs for the Archdiocese, and twice a year facilitate a marriage prep program called “Stepping into Marriage with Children” for couples who have children and are beginning a second marriage.
- I go on retreat with a few men from our parish each year to the White House, a Jesuit retreat house in St. Louis. The archdiocese offers the opportunity for deacons to go to study days in Austin every summer, and I have been going there for many years. My wife and I also occasionally attend the deacon retreat for the deacons of the archdiocese. I attend the Southwest Liturgical Conference Study Week every year. These retreat and study experiences are always opportunities for personal growth that I look forward to.
- The diaconate has been and is a life of service, and an encounter with God. It is a broad ministerial role that has been very rewarding, life giving for me and for my family.
Bob Heskamp, Deacon
- As a deacon, I’ve "been on the job” since November 2002. As a volunteer, overall, I’ve been on board here since April, 1993. I’ve been an RE teacher (over 30 years, here and Diocese of Cleveland) at all grade levels; retreat leader for men, women, and couples; premarital counselor (partnered with Kathie); post marital enrichment program leader (again, with my wife); and we have worked with many couples who have struggled in their relationship.
- My job is teaching, preaching, baptisms, marriages, wakes, funerals, graveside ceremonies, retreats, I'm the tech guy behind the scenes at archdiocesan functions as needed.
- I love working with people; especially young people. I absolutely love to see the lights "turn on" when they start to truly understand more about their faith.
- I have over 40 years of experience in Information Technology, which began in the military, with certificates in a large variety of hardware, software, network topologies, application development platforms from IBM mainfrmes to iOS and Android devices. I've got extensive training experience in both technical areas and soft skill bases (with certifications from Franklin Covey in their management training curriculums). I am a combat veteran and served with DOD/DIA. I'm a member of RPOA, a volunteer chaplain, a guest lecturer in RE programs (outside Epiphany), a public speaker and author.
Frank Alexander, Deacon