‘God’s providence for me and my family was made clear’

Deacon Pedro Mendez has been assigned to St. Joseph Parish in Jasper following his ordination to the permanent diaconate on August 8 at St. Benedict Cathedral in Evansville. Mendez, who is originally from Honduras, previously attended the seminary in the Diocese of Tulsa, Oklahoma, to train for the priesthood.

Mendez said his time in the seminary provided a foundational perspective that remains useful in his current role as the permanent deacon. He explained that he paused his priestly formation after meeting his wife, who is from Evansville, leading him to move to the area. In addition to his parish assignment, Mendez serves as the Executive Director of Mission Integration for Deaconess Memorial Medical Center in Jasper.