Unitarian Church of Montpelier
Our Minister
Mara in uniform

The Rev. Mara Dowdall is our minister.

The Reverend Mara J. Dowdall was called to the Unitarian Church of Montpelier in May, 2009. A lifelong Unitarian Universalist, Mara feels blessed that she found a vocation in parish ministry and feels doubly blessed by her call to the Unitarian Church of Montpelier - a vibrant and warm congregation located in the heart of an "alive" city and nestled in the Green Mountains.

Mara is a Philadelphia native. Before coming to Montpelier to begin her first ministerial settlement, she lived in the Boston area for five years, where she attended Harvard Divinity School and interned at the First Parish in Cambridge. After graduation, Mara served as Assistant Minister at the Unitarian Society of Wellesley Hills, MA, with a ministry focused on social justice outreach, welcoming newcomers, worship, and engaging youth - all of which are her passions. The following year, Mara served as Interim Youth Ministry Director of the UUA, steering the national youth ministry office through a time of transition and transformation.

Prior to hearing a call to ministry, she majored in Social Studies at Harvard College and then spent three years in the nation's capital, where she attended All Souls Church. During that time, Mara worked at NARAL Pro-Choice America and then as a legislative aide to Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), who was active in opposing the Iraq War Resolution.

Mara lives in Montpelier with her husband Ben Fowler, a native of Randolph, VT and a mechanical engineer with a renewable energy background. Together, they enjoy hiking, spending time with their friends, family, and two cats, and exploring new places.

In addition to being at church on Sunday, Mara's office days are Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Mara welcomes requests for pastoral care and conversation. To reach Mara or set up a time to talk, you can can email her (ucm.minister@gmail.com) or call the Minister's office (223-7861).

Mara's day off is Thursday and her study/writing day is Friday. On those days, as well as on Saturday when her schedule varies, please note that she will not be regularly checking church email or voice mail.)