Two cities make one deacon

One of the pillars of Diocesan Renewal is to form Missionary Disciples in Christ, primarily by practicing the faith and inviting others to encounter God. This is the driving force for the Diocese of Calgary’s newest Permanent Deacon, Deacon Marc O’Loughlin, ordained June 1, 2024.

“It’s time to actually go forth and spread the gospel, living out the servant mysteries as I am called to do,” Deacon Marc vows, “To fulfill God’s will in a way I never imagined possible.” Indeed, Marc’s entire life has been about going forth to places around the world and being a witness of Catholic faith wherever he found himself.

It is interesting to see the myriad ways in which God calls his disciples, and the many ways in which they respond. Among this wonderful variety, Deacon Marc’s diaconate journey is notable, for starters because he was ordained in Vancouver although he lives in Calgary.

Ordination of Permanent Deacons, Archdiocese of Vancouver, June 2, 2024

​Deacon Marc began his formation with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver in September 2019 because he lived there at that time. After moving to Calgary for family reasons, mid-program in June 2022, he received special permission to continue his formation with the Archdiocese of Vancouver because their program did not align with the diocesan program in Calgary. While the circumstances might sound simple enough, the mechanics of becoming a deacon from two places at the same time are definitely unique and somewhat challenging. “It was an unusual circumstance for Archbishop Miller and Bishop McGrattan, but the Holy Spirit found a way, and how they both worked together was an example of their ecclesial mindset,” Deacon Marc said.

​Deacon Marc’s journey to the diaconate actually began much earlier and further afield, in his birthplace of Sydney, Australia. He was challenged while still a teen, by a priest who was a family-friend, to consider the priesthood. Though he did not follow that path, he always felt some calling to serve the Church, even long after emmigrating to Canada with his parents and siblings.

​Deacon Marc recalls vividly the Mass he attended in Vancouver in 2010 when his parish priest read an announcement from the Archbishop that the Archdiocese of Vancouver was instituting a Permanent Diaconate program. “I felt a twinge of wondering if this was for me, and if this was what God was calling me to.” However, a busy work schedule and prospective relocation to Toronto suspended further response. His 25-year career in the pharmaceutical industry requires frequent travel and occasional relocation. 

​After moving to Toronto, Deacon Marc witnessed for the first time a deacon preaching and serving at the altar. He said, “I was again intrigued, feeling the same feeling as before but knew that Toronto was not going to be my home for long and that I was not in any position to make a longterm commitment. But the thought nagged at me.”​

After another move in 2016, to his company’s global headquarters in Germany, Deacon Marc's parish priest “out of the blue” invited him to consider the diaconate during a post-Mass conversation. “I was astounded and knew that I simply had to explore this, I just couldn’t ignore it any longer!” However it would still be awhile before the spark became a flame. “God demonstrated utmost patience with me”, Deacon Marc said, referring to a favourite poem of his by Francis Thompson called “The Hound of Heaven” which speaks of God’s relentless pursuit of us. Deacon Marc went on, “We all need to stop and pay attention to the inner voice that’s calling to us, listen for prompts, be open and honest and listen to others. If they tell you to take that first step then just take it and see where it leads. God calls each of us in some way or another. The fruits of our efforts will tell us if we’re on the right track. I am still amazed at the blessings that have come my way while on this journey.”

We all need to stop and pay attention to the inner voice that’s calling to us, listen for prompts, be open and honest and listen to others. If they tell you to take that first step then just take it and see where it leads. God calls each of us in some way or another.”

Besides God’s “inner” call to Deacon Marc, he heard other voices of encouragement. His wife of 39 years, Leonora, was a constant support to him. Deacon Marc spoke about how Leonora’s faith also expanded during their diaconate discernment. Another supporter was his spiritual director Fr. Bruce John Hamilton. “Trust in what others are telling you,” Fr. Hamilton would repeatedly tell him, “Remember that God doesn’t call the equipped, he equips the called!” Monsignor Gregory Smith, the RCAV Permanent Diaconate Director at the time, also assisted. During a meeting with him when Deacon Marc visited Vancouver in 2017, the Director advised him about the next candidate intake planned two years hence. He gave Deacon Marc some literature on the diaconate and urged him to pray about it and trust in the Holy Spirit.  ​​

I really believe Our Blessed Mother guided me, I’m amazed at how I was accompanied after taking each step." 

Deacon Marc immediately began a period of intensive discernment. He read Scripture and over time began to attend daily Mass. He sought Our Lady’s intercession, committing himself to daily recitation of the entire Rosary, all habits which endure till today. “I really believe Our Blessed Mother guided me,” Deacon Marc said, “I’m amazed at how I was accompanied after taking each step.” Although he was still located in Germany, Deacon Marc persevered. “Everything has been about just taking one step and seeing where it leads.” Almost miraculously, in 2019 an opportunity to move back to Vancouver materialized. “It was yet another sign to me of God’s providence,” he said. Upon his return, Deacon Marc applied and was accepted into the diaconate program, along with eight other men.  

Then the pandemic arrived. Marc confessed, “Covid actually helped because it gave me an opportunity to study remotely and attend classes via Zoom regardless of what time zone I was in.” Post-Covid, year after year, month in and month out, Deacon Marc doggedly rose early or stayed up late to learn with his cohort even when he was travelling for work. After he and Leonora moved to Calgary, Deacon Marc travelled to BC every month for day-long formation studies and retreats. He said, “I felt that was a commitment I could make seeing that the Archbishop and Bishop were committing to me.” That collective commitment culminated in Marc’s recent graduation from St. Mark’s College with a Graduate Diploma in Pastoral Ministry and ordination at Holy Rosary Cathedral with six other members of his cohort. “I’m just so humbled that everyone, including God, stuck with me throughout this journey!” Deacon Marc said, “I am very grateful.”   

I’m excited to begin serving the diocese and really want to be that connector between the clergy and regular people (like me), showing that we really can have a personal relationship with Jesus while striving to become who we are meant to be."

Ordination of Permanent Deacons, Archdiocese of Vancouver, June 2, 2024

Deacon Marc’s determination, along with time-management and relational skills, may be some of the reasons he has been asked to assist on the Diocesan Renewal Leadership Team and in the Vocations Office at the Pastoral Centre, in addition to serving at his assigned parish of St. Anthony’s. Despite wearing many hats, Deacon Marc finds time to jog or walk, play the trumpet and the occasional round of golf. Deacon Marc's wife Leonora, his grown children and now four grandchildren are his first priority but he also prioritizes Mass (“There’s nothing better!”).
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“I’m a regular guy,” Deacon Marc said. “I love Jesus, I love my family, I like sports…and the occasional beer is also a great thing!” He goes on, “I’m excited to begin serving the diocese and really want to be that connector between the clergy and regular people (like me), showing that we really can have a personal relationship with Jesus while striving to become who we are meant to be. That is His greatest desire for us.”  

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Written by Alice Matisz for Faithfully. ​Alice lives in Lethbridge with her husband Don. She is a member of All Saints Parish where she volunteers to bring the Eucharist to a long term care home. She enjoys reading, writing, baking and painting.

​Photos: Marc O'Loughlin and Archdiocese of Vancouver.