Meet our new deacons: Dan Dombrosky

July 1, 2022

Dan Dombrosky, of St. Francis of Assisi in West Des Moines, will be ordained a deacon on July 16 along with five others.

He felt called to the diaconate while at a men’s conference in 2010, where he was inspired to go to confession for the first time in more than 20 years. He was overwhelmed by the grace he received through absolution.

"The experience caused me to reprioritize what was most important in my life, moving God to the top of the list,” he said. “I was on fire for the faith, volunteering for everything and loving it. But God called me to do more.”

His wife, Evette, was initially surprised by his interest in the diaconate. But when his attraction to it persisted, she realized he was answering a call to serve in a unique way.

"As Dan’s passion grew through volunteering, I knew God’s call was impossible to ignore,” she said.

Now, after four years of formation, the couple is amazed by the ways God has drawn them to serve.

“It’s been transforming. The way I interact with people and the way I see the world has changed,” Dan said. He has added more “gentleness” and “patience” to his daily interactions.

“It’s been incredible to be pushed in new ways,” he said of his pastoral experiences. “We’ve dived into situations we had not imagined being a part of,” Dan said.

He pointed to his experience with prison ministry and hopes that he’s able to continue it.

Dan said: “No matter what we are called to do for the Diocese, we hope to serve God joyfully and bring others closer to Christ.”