Fr Dominic Sparkes

Early life

Fr Dominic Sparkes was one of the many Irish priests who came to serve in the Adelaide Archdiocese. He was born in Kilkenny, Ireland and studied for the priesthood in St Patrick’s College, Thurles – a college that produced many priests for the Adelaide Archdiocese. He was ordained priest in the Thurles Cathedral on June 20, 1920.

Appointments

He arrived in Adelaide on December 20, 1920 and his first appointment was as assistant priest in the parish of Naracoorte in the South East. He remained there for two years before returning to Adelaide as assistant priest at the Cathedral. A year later he went to Kapunda as assistant priest where again he stayed for one year.

In January 1925 he was appointed assistant priest at Parkside, where he remained for seven years.

His first appointment as parish priest came in January 1932 when he went to Snowtown, which at that time was part of the Adelaide Archdiocese. Once again this was a very short-term appointment before he moved back to Naracoorte, but this time as parish priest. He remained there for more than four years.

In April 1938 he was appointed parish priest of Manoora. This was a 10-year term before he moved to Gawler, this time with the title ‘RI’ – Rector Irremovable, signifying a permanent appointment. At Gawler he was highly respected by all with whom he came in contact, both Catholic and Protestant. While at Gawler he made many improvements to the St Peter and Paul Church. Local people had a lasting memory of a very able priest, who put his religion before all else.

It was 10 years later that he died suddenly on the Adelaide Railway Station. This was on July 23, 1958. Requiem Mass was celebrated in Adelaide the next morning, then his body was taken to Gawler where the Rosary was recited that evening. Solemn Requiem Mass was celebrated by Bishop Gleeson in the parish church of Sts Peter and Paul at Gawler. A large crowd attended, including the Anglican Minister and the local Mayor. The church bell was tolled 63 times indicating his age.

The burial took place at West Terrace Cemetery in Adelaide.

May he rest in peace.