By Gia Myers • Posted December 17, 2025

When Deacon Mark Nowakowski began his new role last July as Parish Life Director of St. Mary of the Assumption Parish in Phoenixville, he stepped into one of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s newest and most forward-looking pastoral leadership positions.

One of three men appointed to the role’s first cohort, Deacon Nowakowski sees the position as both “an honor and humbling,” and a way to help Archbishop Nelson Pérez “carry out his vision and plan to build up the Church in Philadelphia.”

Deacon Nowakowski’s journey to this point reflects both a deep faith and a rich variety of life experiences.

“I’ve lived all over the country,” he said with a laugh, listing Ohio, Illinois, Louisiana, Florida, and New Jersey among the many places he’s called home. “But by living in different places, I’ve learned different perspectives and different cultures.”

Raised in a devout Catholic household, he served as an altar server and choir member throughout his youth, later becoming a cantor and active participant in parish music ministry.

Around the year 2000, his career in technology sales brought him to the Philadelphia area, along with his wife, Colleen and their five children. The family first joined St. Jude Parish in Chalfont and later became parishioners at St. Basil the Great in Kimberton.

His call to the permanent diaconate, he admits, came as something of a surprise. “It wasn’t my idea; it was literally a calling,” he said.

After a period of discernment and prayerful conversation with his wife, he entered the diaconal formation program at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in 2013 and was ordained a permanent deacon in 2020. He served at St. Basil’s until last summer, when he accepted the new position at St. Mary of the Assumption Parish.

“I feel like I’ve been blessed to have been around a lot of good and holy priests my whole life,” said Deacon Nowakowski. “I also find inspiration in attending daily Mass.”

Now retired from the corporate world, Deacon Nowakowski says the opportunity to serve as Parish Life Director came at a providential moment. While on retreat, he learned about the new position, designed to help parishes remain open and thrive despite a shortage of available priests, and he felt inspired to apply.

Established in 1840, St. Mary of the Assumption is the oldest Roman Catholic parish in Phoenixville. The parish’s original church bell was blessed by St. John Neumann in 1855.

Holy Trinity Church, a historically Polish parish founded in 1903, merged with St. Mary’s in 2012, enriching the parish’s legacy of faith and cultural diversity.

Today, the parish community “is an interesting mix,” said Deacon Nowakowski. “There are long-time parishioners and also many young families who’ve moved here in the past five years. There’s been a lot of growth in Phoenixville.”

Deacon Nowakowski works closely with Father Thomas Kletzel, who serves as parochial vicar and provides for the sacramental needs of the parish, celebrating all Masses and hearing confessions.

“It’s been exciting to meet with as many people as possible,” said Deacon Nowakowski. “I want to find out what parishioners are interested in, what would enhance the life of the parish, and what they’re willing to do to make it a reality.”

He hopes to expand parish ministries, including men’s and women’s groups, Bible study groups, and community outreach efforts. At the heart of his work is a desire for St. Mary’s to be seen as a “welcoming place” where parishioners experience “a good sense of community,” he said.

At the same time, Deacon Nowakowski recognizes the broader importance of his new position within the archdiocese. This new role allows priests to focus more fully on the celebration of the sacraments, preaching, and pastoral care. “We want priests to be able to do the things they love doing,” he said.

In his conversations with parishioners, Deacon Nowakowski says he senses renewed optimism.

“People seem glad for my presence and feel more secure that the parish won’t be closed or merged,” he said. “They feel like there are things we can do to be more vibrant.”

The guiding principle of  Deacon Nowakowski’s ministry remains rooted in his diaconal vocation.

“As a deacon, I’m called to represent Christ the servant,” he said. “That keeps me focused on serving the people of the parish, to help them grow spiritually and grow closer to Christ.”