William Brennan: From Downlands Student to Priest
William Brennan (2016), a significant milestone in his life - his presbyteral ordination in Townsville in June 2024. Ahead of his ordination, we reached out to William to find out more about his journey from Downlands Student to Priest. Here is what he had to say.
Q. What are some of your memories of your time at Downlands?
One of the things that I fondly remember is the sense of welcome that I felt. Arriving at the beginning of Year 11 after being at only one
other school in my life was a big adjustment, but my first day at Downlands gave me a real sense of being a part of the Downlands community.
In terms of specific memories, lots of little snapshots come to mind: cramming in study the morning of a maths exam up in the library, starting rugby pre-season on a somewhat-dusty Lords Oval, heading down to old Cody for our study period, exploring McKenna Hall after it was renovated, hymn singing practice with Fr Paul in the Chapel, early morning male choir and band practices, and afternoon cricket or rugby training. All of these snapshots are little things that remind me of my Downlands experience and I smile thinking about them all.
Q. How did Downlands shape you, and contribute to your path into priesthood?
I think one of the biggest ways that my time at Downlands contributed to my path into priesthood was that I was invited to broaden my horizons and step into new experiences.
Opportunities like helping tutor refugee children at Toowoomba Refugee and Migrant Services (TRAMS), participating in a leadership camp near Murphy’s Creek, and encountering students from many different backgrounds helped me to grow in my understanding of myself and of the different situations of others. These are both central to the life and ministry of a priest.
Q. What are you most looking forward to in the future?
It might sound a bit plain but really, I’m just looking forward to being in a position where I might be able to help people. I don’t know where life will lead me (like all of us) but I am happy to keep trying to follow where God calls me and try to help those who I come across.
