09/11/2021
Please read the following from Father Paul and also read the previous post. Thank you.
“Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, says the Lord, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me.” John 6:37
Dear parishioners of Holy Apostles and St. James,
It is with very heavy heart that I inform you about Father Dennis Mende’s passing to our Heavenly Father. He passed away late Wednesday night (Sept. 8) on the Feast Day of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary. His niece was present with him when he died and he was surrounded by prayer from our parish communities and the whole diocese.
First of all, I extend my sympathies and prayers to the whole Catholic Jamestown parish community. Father Dennis was a faithful shepherd and guide and I know you are deeply mourning his loss. However, we take solace in our faith and in our parish family knowing that we will see Father Dennis again in heaven. In the short time that I have known Father Dennis, he was always very kind, prayerful and lived out his priesthood intentionally and with great zeal. We will surely miss him.
You will notice black and white buntings placed over the doors at Holy Apostles and St. James Parishes that will be left hanging for thirty days in honor of Father Dennis.
Please know at the very least of my prayers for all of you and that I am available for any spiritual support you may need during this difficult time.
May the Lord open to him the gates of Paradise, that he may return to that homeland, where there is no death, where eternal joy endures.
Eternal rest grant unto Father Dennis O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Father Paul Cygan
