Father Bob Gross had a successful and rewarding career as a schoolteacher for 34 years, most of it in El Paso.

He always had a sense, though, that something was missing.

Gross, 69, has been the priest in charge at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, 10500 Kenworthy, for the past three years. Sunday, he was installed as rector of the parish during a visit by Bishop Michael L. Vono of the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande.

This is a permanent position and gives the church a sense of continuity, Gross said.

At first, he didn't believe God was calling him to serve.

"I ran from it for most of my life," Gross said. "I first had an inkling of it back in my undergraduate days at New Mexico State. I decided to go on my own career path, but eventually I asked, 'What do you want me to do, Lord?'"

He taught for 19 years as a music teacher in the Ysleta Independent School District. This included stints as band director at Parkland and Ysleta high schools and assistant band director at Hanks. He taught his last eight years in the Socorro district, teaching computers at Benito Martinez Elementary. He also taught music and band for seven years in Roswell, N.M.

He retired from teaching in 2000.

Gross said he didn't have a big epiphany that brought him to his new career. Instead, it was a gradual process.

"It was like when you put a puzzle together and there is a piece missing," he said. "It was kind of like that. I had success (as a teacher). I had a feeling of competency but there was a piece missing. It's there now."

Being named rector helps the church by giving its 60 members a permanent priest for the first time in about four years. Gross also said it gives him a sense of being rewarded, too.

"We need warm fuzzies, just like everyone else," Gross said. "Because we're ordained, because we wear a collar, it doesn't set us up; it sets us to the side. We're human, too. We have our ups and downs, but we have the strength that Jesus gives us."

Gross earned a master's of divinity from Laud Hall Seminary in Florida, doing most of the work online. He also has bachelor's and master's degrees in music education from New Mexico State University.

He was in the Army from 1966 to 1969. He served in the 62nd Army Band at Fort Bliss. He played the euphonium, which is considered a tenor tuba. He no longer plays the instrument.

Gross said that teaching and being a priest have some similarities.

"Our curriculum is different," Gross said. "Sermons are teachings -- how to take what you read in the Bible and apply it to everyday life."

He doesn't see himself as an inspiration to people because he successfully changed careers.

"It doesn't just happen; you are called to this business," he said. "I don't like to use the word 'inspiration' as it applies to me. I just hope I can bring the message of God to other people. I'm a conduit."

Gross said it helps to have a sense of humor.

"You have to deal with death, sorrow and grief," he said. "But you also get to enjoy the joys -- baptism, marriage, the joy of someone being cancer-free."

Husband and wife Joe and Yoli Barbe live near Beaumont Army Medical Center. They've been attending Holy Spirit for two years.

Joe Barbe said he was thrilled that Gross was been installed as rector.

"Everyone is so happy," he said. "He's so deserving. He's a very special spiritual leader to all of us."

Yoli Barbe said Gross is always in a good mood and exudes a warm feeling.

Gross has been married to his wife, Jessie, for 24 years. They have four children and two grandchildren.

Holy Spirit is the only Episcopal Church in the Northeast. It has services at 10 a.m. on Wednesday and Sunday and has a food pantry on the fourth Saturday of every month.

 http://www.holyspiritelpaso.org/Holy_Spirit_Episcopal_Church/Welcome.html