Blessed to have a loving mom, dad, and three older brothers, Deacon Moore enjoyed growing up in Groesbeck, playing from morning to dusk. When not playing, his family was found at St. Ann on Galbraith Road for church, school, and sports. Married to his wife, Lori, until she passed away from cancer in October 2022, he has a daughter, Becky, and son, Matthew. He prays to St. Jude for inspiration and St. Joseph for guidance. St. Jude was a favorite of Lori’s because she survived stage-four cancer while in high school and was blessed to go on to marriage and motherhood. She died Oct. 28—St. Jude’s feast day. Deacon Moore finds in St. Joseph the model of fatherhood and acceptance of God’s will.

When did you first think you might have a call to the priesthood?

I thought about the priesthood while at La Salle, but graduation and college came along, then my future bride, Lori, entered my life, and our family grew. When Lori passed away, I began discerning whether God was calling me to the priesthood. Having just been ordained a permanent deacon in April 2022, a commitment to God and His Church was already in place. I was blessed to be accepted to the seminary and began formation to the priesthood in the fall of 2023.

Who are the people who have helped you the most on your journey? How did they help you?

I’m not sure there is enough room to mention all who were part of my journey. My family—including Becky and Matthew,  extended family, and a long list of close friends—played a huge supporting role during the years of seminary life, helping me manage with love  the tremendous burdens of a family dog and house. I am so grateful to each for their patience and love throughout. And I am grateful for Fr. Thomas McCarthy’s spiritual guidance and mentorship as I grew in my love of God and His Church. He helped me see God’s will for my life.

What changes in yourself have you noticed since formally saying “yes” to the priesthood?

A thirty-year career as a CPA was a life of deadlines. Life in the seminary has its share of deadlines, but I am at peace. I’ve realized that God’s will is more important than mine, and finally embracing that has brought a level of peace in accepting the ups and downs. When we surrender to God, we surrender our worries and anxieties. That surrender is where we find peace.

What has surprised you most since joining the seminary?

The way God works within each of us surprises me. My brother seminarians come from such diverse backgrounds and experiences, and each has their own charisms, yet they have answered God in faithful discernment of their individual callings. We all have our own gifts to offer back to the Father in response to His call.

What stood out during your internship year?

I did not serve an internship year, but previously worked for six years as a parish business manager, which provided valuable insight into the parish life’s workings, from the parishioner, parish staff, and clergy perspectives. The key, from all perspectives, is a unified focus on Christ and His Church through both reverent worship of the Mass and the desire to know and serve the Lord.

Following the ordination, what aspect of your vocation are you most excited about? What part feels most daunting?

I can’t wait to celebrate the Sacraments of Christ and His Church and to bring God’s love and mercy to the parish. I want to share my love of God and His Church with everyone I meet. The most daunting aspect is likely to be remembering the names of all my new family and friends in the parish. It may take a while, but then again, I felt the same way entering the seminary and God provided… so I’m not too concerned.

Rev. Mr. Douglas Moore has been assigned as Parochial Vicar of Mary Help of Christians, Fairborn; Sacred Heart, New Carlisle; St. Augustine, Jamestown; St. Brigid, Xenia; St. Luke, Beavercreek; and St. Paul, Yellow Springs.