On 10 December 2022, the Diocese was blessed with the ordination of five permanent deacons – Deacons Charles Abela, David Dowling, Jerome D’Rozario, Batsirai Maringehosi and Alan Skofic – by Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta, at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Parramatta.
Having served in his ministry for almost 18 months, Catholic Outlook spoke with Deacon David about what he has enjoyed in his ministry.
Deacon David is currently serving at St Patrick’s Cathedral Parish, Parramatta.
Catholic Outlook: What has been a highlight of your first year as a permanent deacon?
Deacon David Dowling: It’s really difficult to pick out a particular highlight. Every part of being a deacon has been so fulfilling. I love serving the altar, I love being able to proclaim the Word, I love being with the parishioners pastorally, being able to offer them accompaniment and blessing them when they ask. But if I had to pick one thing, it would be having the opportunity to break open the Word and give homilies that try to connect the scriptures to people’s lived lives in a real and relational way.
How has your parish placement been?
I’ve been based at St Patrick’s Cathedral and the priests and the parishioners have been so welcoming and supportive. Serving at the Cathedral was a bit daunting – they have very high standards and expectations, but they also offer lots of support and encouragement so it has worked out fine.
How would the parishioners where you are serving describe you?
You would have to ask them that. Mostly they have been very kind and encouraging in their feedback although a small number may have found some of my homilies a bit challenging – when I believe the scriptures are calling us to be challenged, I say it as I see it, and not everybody loves that. Mostly though, people have been really encouraging.
What has been something that you have learnt about yourself over your first year in ministry?
I have been very surprised at how much I love serving the altar. My journey to the diaconate was through lay ministry and I had never served as an acolyte, but I really love being so physically involved in the liturgies. It has brought them to life for me in a way I had not experienced before.
How has your wife and family supported you through this first year of ministry?
My wife has always supported me right through my journey of growing in faith and ministry, and she continued the very same way this year. I could never have taken the journey I have without her incredible support. My kids love to give me a hard time about being a deacon, but they would undoubtedly do that no matter what I would do! Underneath, they are really supportive.
What do you hope your second year of being a deacon will bring?
Within the next nine months, I hope to finish the last of my studies. That will free up significant time and I am looking forward to discerning what God’s will is for me to use that time. I am a serious fan of what Alpha brings to a parish, so part of me hopes God will call me to assist with getting that started, but He may well have better ideas. Time will tell…. One way or another, I am looking forward to stepping in more and more deeply to my vocation as a deacon.
Learn more about discerning a vocation to the permanent diaconate on our Diocesan website.
View images from the ordination of the five permanent deacons in 2022.
