Catholic school teachers from the Diocese of Dodge City found themselves members of the peanut gallery when the nationally renowned "Donut Man" came a singin’ and a dancin’ to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe Sept. 22.

The star of several DVDs, CDs, books, who has made several appearances on EWTN, the Donut Man, otherwise known as Robert Evans, delighted the teachers at their annual in-service meeting.

"Life without Jesus is like a donut," he told the teachers, "because there’s a hole in the middle of your heart."

With the energy of a child and the devotion of Mr. Rogers, Evans led the crowd through a number of songs, most requiring the teachers to move around, whether it was doing the hula, raising their hands, or shaking their tail feathers.

And with his puppet friend, "Duncan the Donut," he shared the same message of his love for Christ with the teachers that he has shared with countless children.

Evans has been performing his Donut Man act for several years, but it was only recently that the Evangelical Christian converted to Catholicism. Since then, his act has appeared several times on EWTN, bringing his fun-filled message -- including his new-found love of the Eucharist -- to Catholics across the globe.

But, alas, all was not well when he visited Dodge City. Two truckloads of items the Donut Man uses in his act, as well as his luggage, was lost en route to Dodge City. More importantly, as Evans spoke to the teachers, his close friend, his puppet named "Duncan," was locked in a suitcase in the land of lost luggage in San Jose.

Instead, Evans used in his act a smaller puppet, one of several that was offered for sale along with CDs and DVDs at the performance. (Would the Donut Man be reunited with his lost luggage? Would Duncan find his way back home? With a little detective work and the help of friendly airline personnel, the answer was "yes," on both counts.)

Also missing were his trademark overalls. But the civilian attire, as well as the lack of props, did nothing to diminish his act, or his message.

Teachers laughed, applauded, danced, and sang their way through the day-long session, which included lunch, and a Mass celebrated by Bishop Ronald Gilmore.

Superintendent of Diocesan Schools, Ann Depperschmidt said that Evans "captivated his audience with his personal life journey. He conveyed the joy of his new-found Catholic faith. The Donut Man is a talented musician who told his story in word and song.

"The teachers were thrilled with the day," she added. "They received many practical classroom strategies to make the faith come alive to their students. Rob awakened the Spirit in his audience and sent them forth with great joy in the Catholic faith."

Alluding to donuts several times throughout the day to teach his lessons about faith (including the idea of repairing the hole in your heart), Evans drew laughter when he told those gathered that the next time they go into a donut shop it would be like a religious experience.