Career
McDowell was ordained to the priesthood on November 4, 1945. On July 19, 1966 McDowell was appointed as a bishop of Pittsburgh and titular bishop of Tamazuca. He was consecrated by Cardinal John Joseph Wright on September 8, 1966.
Auxiliary Bishop McDowell ordained the future Cardinal Archbishop of Boston, Sean Patrick O"Malley, Order of Friars Minor Cap., to the priesthood on August 29, 1970.
McDowell retired on September 9, 1996.