Meet Shannon Dowdle: an Engaged Disciple
Shannon, her husband Rick and their family have been part of OLPH for nearly 30 years. Recently we sat down to talk with Shannon. This is Shannon's third year of Parish Council membership. She will be the Parish Council President this coming year.
Q. Where were you raised? Tell us about your family life growing up.
A. I grew up in Evanston, the fourth in a family of seven children. I attended St. Athanasius Parish with my family and attended grade school there. My parents were my role models. They gave me the sense that your parish is your community, and it will become what you make of it. The more involved you are and the more you give to your parish, the more it will become part of your heart.
Q. What did you want to be when you grew up?
A. From a young age, I always knew I wanted to work with children. I loved being the "neighborhood baby sitter." After graduating from Evanston High School, I attended ISU, earning a Bachelors in Special Education.
Q. What initially attracted you to OLPH Parish?
A. My husband and I were looking for a place to start our family, and Glenview seemed like a good fit. We had friends growing up who went to OLPH, so we knew it was a great place. We joined the parish shortly after getting married in 1986.
Q. What were some of the first ways you became involved at the parish?
A. My husband's cousin invited me to join a Guild of the Women's Club. Through that small group membership I met others like myself who had young children. After a while I was asked to start a new guild as the Women's Club expanded. I chaired several events, including the Holly Fair one year, and I served as the Club President in 2007.
Q. In what other ways have you served the parish?
A. I have found fulfilment through giving in many different ways. I was the chair of the Welcoming Committee, I am part of the Ministry of Care, and I am a member of the Parish Council. Being involved in many different groups has given me the chance to meet people of all ages and walks of life. The parish community and school have been a great place for our whole family to connect and thrive. We have gotten so much more out of OLPH than we ever dreamed off. We can never give enough for everything we have received!
