Being alone outside in a remote area in the dark of night is a situation that makes many people uncomfortable. Not Rob Lancia. For him, just sitting with the vastness of the night sky brings peace.

“I’ve always been fascinated by nature in general,” he said. “I feel most at peace outside. I look at nature and I feel God, I see his presence and I sense the wonder and awe of His creation. The night sky has always fascinated me.”

Given that consistent fascination, some years ago Lancia’s wife, Tonya, encouraged him to go to a meeting of the Columbus Astronomical Society (CAS) at the Perkins Observatory in Delaware. At that point, observing the night sky became an opportunity to connect with others with the same appreciation.

“I went and met some really neat guys there,” he said. “Some of the guys I met were absolutely incredible people.”

His night sky observations are a mix of going with a group and going by himself.

“I can’t even describe the feeling; you’re out in an open field, it’s totally dark, away from the city, away from houses, away from everything and just the enormity of creation when there’s no light, no sound, no people, no buildings, just you out there,” he said.

Deacon Robert Lancia receives the Book of Gospels from Bishop Earl Fernandes. CT photo by Ken Snow

With Tonya’s encouragement, Lancia went on some five-day trips to Canada with other amateur astronomers. These were welcome times to step away from daily life and return rejuvenated.

“Some people look at the sky and they see science, but for me it draws me closer to God. It helps bring Him closer when I’m out with no distractions. It’s a spiritual experience,” Lancia said.

Considering his lifetime draw toward service, Lancia’s involvement with the astronomical society evolved to be more public- and group-centered as he began volunteering at public programs.

The Lancias have six children from age 20 to 32 (Sage, Brittney, Connor, Danielle, Nathan and Kaitlyn), most of whom took an interest in astronomy when he volunteered to share his knowledge at their school or with scouts.

“Most of my life, when I look back, I get the most joy out of helping others do things,” Lancia said. “I’m most happy and content with my life when I’m making other peoples’ lives better in some way.”

He brings that service-oriented approach to his job as a project manager for a software firm, CAS (not the same as the astronomical society).

“I enjoy the people side of technology. I enjoy working with the teams and helping them succeed,” he said. “I don’t enjoy being an individual contributor as much as seeing teams succeed. I don’t want the glory or the spotlight. I want to see other people do better.”

Deacon Robert Lancia receives the laying on of hands from Bishop Earl Fernandes. CT photo by Ken Snow

This draw to serving others eventually brought him to the diaconate program. He said the draw was always there, but also present was a list of excuses not to explore it.

The tipping point was listening to a clip from a Mother Angelica Live Classics on St. Gabriel Radio. A young man called her show and said he felt a calling to the priesthood but didn’t want to heed the call. Her response began “Oh dear,” and then she said she wouldn’t want to stand before God and have to explain why she didn’t answer His call.

Lancia said he got the message right then and soon after reached out to Deacon Frank Iannarino, the former director of the diocese’s diaconate program, to start the process of becoming a deacon.

“I have relied on the Holy Spirit to make it happen,” he said. “I decided if I was selected out of the program then I’m doing what I should be doing. It’s a win either way.

“I don’t want to look back and think that I turned down a calling I should have followed. It’s all on you, God. If it’s not a calling then kick me out because I’m not leaving on my own!”