Smithfield pastor named auxiliary bishop of Providence

PROVIDENCE—The Rev. Msgr. Robert Evans was named auxiliary bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence on Thursday.

Evans leads the St. Philip Church in Greenville. He’s also served in parishes in Woonsocket and Rumford.

Tobin, who was a classmate of Evans when they attended theological college in Rome, said he will play an important role in the Diocese.

“My role will stay the same. Bishop Evans will be a close cooperator, a partner in the governance of the Diocese,“ Tobin said.

One challenge facing Evans is what NFL team to root for. Tobin is a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

So will Evans have to root for them?

“No. I draw the line somewhere. Thankfully there’s separation of church and state,“ he said.

A Mass of Episcopal Ordination is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 5, 2010 at 2 p.m. in the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul.