Last updated on 20 December 2025
This part of the journey began in 2018 after I attended the Divine Renovation conference in Canada. I had already sensed a call to reconsider the priesthood, but had previously dismissed it. That experience, and the months that followed, brought me to a point where I said, “Okay, I’ll seriously think about it:’ And so I did.
What did I encounter there? Something I hope everyone experiences at some point: the complete and unconditional love of God through Jesus, made present by the power of the Holy Spirit. Participating in, and later helping to lead, the Alpha course also deepened my relationship with Jesus in the Holy Spirit.
Following further prayer and conversations with friends and colleagues, I chose to begin formation for the priesthood. A defining moment came in 2021 when I felt Jesus calling me to “step out of the boat and come towards him”. I had to leave behind the security of work, community, and life as I knew it, to truly respond to God’s call.
The rest, as they say, is history. I spent a year at Immaculate Conception Parish in Unanderra, two years at the Seminary of the Good Shepherd in Homebush, completed a pastoral placement at All Saints Parish in Shellharbour, and spent the past nine months at St John the Evangelist Parish in Campbelltown. I now stand before you, committed to serving Jesus through his Church in ordained ministry.
But God’s call began even earlier. I grew up in Beverly Hills (Sydney), where I was active in parish life, including involvement with Antioch and Young Christian Workers. I spent four years with the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, then served the Church at both parish and diocesan levels-six years in the Diocese of Broken Bay and twelve with the Diocese of Wollongong.
None of this would have been possible without the love and support of so many of you here today. Whether realised or not, you have all made God’s love visible in my life. As I now begin to serve as a deacon, and God willing one day as a priest, I remain deeply grateful for your prayers and support.
Thank you, and thanks be to God.
Fr Darren McDowell
