Our Priests

I grew up just to the south in Jefferson, attending Catholic school for two years and then the rest in public school.  I then attended UW-Madison and earned a business degree.  I worked for a year and a half selling paint during which I discerned that I needed to go to seminary.   I was sent to Sacred Heart in Detroit where I was formed for six years.  In 2011, I was ordained a priest and have had five assignments in these 12 years.  I’ve said in the last couple that I’m looking for some stability, but the Lord seems to have other plans.  Anyway, I’ll say it again: I hope I’m able to stay a bit longer in this assignment than my previous. 

I enjoy hunting, running, kayaking or just floating down a river.  Just hanging out with family and friends or having a good meal with them is how I spend quite a bit of my free time.  I have a dog, Buddy, but he lives with my parents now that he gets a bit territorial.

I’m number 5 out of 6 kids, with three older brothers and an older sister and one younger sister.  Between them, I have 17 nieces and nephews, three of which are my goddaughters.  My parents live in the Helenville-Rome area and so you may see them around.  You’ll probably see other family around, too, since they don’t live far.

I look forward to working with you and getting to know you as we further our Lord’s Kingdom in this very interesting time in His Church!  I have been and will continue to pray for all of you.

In Christ,
Fr. Tim

Fr. Manuel Mendez was born in Campeche Mexico, in 1966. He is fourth of six children, four sisters and two brothers.  Fr. Mendez studied in the Conciliar Seminary of Mexico, in Mexico City, and graduated in 1994. On July 15, 1994, he was ordained as Priest to the Diocese of Atlacomulco, Mexico State. He came to the United States by invitation of Bishop of the Diocese of Yakima Washington State in 1999, where he worked until 2003.  He then served the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois until June of 2006. Fr. Mendez joined the Diocese of Madison in 2006.

Fr. Mendez served Good Shepherd parish in Madison  for 17 years, and joined the Pastorate 16 on July 1, 2023. Fr. Manuel is now part of Epiphany Parish-Sun Prairie, Waterloo, and Marshall.  Fr. Mendez comes to Watertown on Thursday nights and Sunday afternoon to celebrate Mass.