October 7, 2026

By Darcy Fargo
Editor

“So far, I can say it’s good to be a priest,” said Father Dennis Ombongi, parochial vicar at St. André Bessette Parish in Malone and one of the newest priests of the diocese. “It’s a wonderful experience to be a priest. Being a priest is one of the deepest joys I experience day to day in life. Every day, I am reminded that this vocation is not simply a role, it’s a relationship – one lived with God and his people.”

Father Ombongi was ordained by Bishop Terry R. LaValley on May 30 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Ogdensburg.

“I’m really enjoying it; it is wonderful,” he said, describing his priesthood. “I an say celebrating the sacraments has been the heart of my ministry. And in the Holy Sacrament of the Mass, I feel the weight and beauty of what it means standing in persona Christi (in the person of Christ).”

His experiences in ministry early in his priesthood have been impactful, Father Ombongi said.

“The Eucharist gathers us in community, and it gives me the strength to keep working,” he said. “I experienced a baptism – I never had an opportunity as a deacon. Welcoming children as new members into the Body of Christ gives me hope. It touches me a lot. Everything I’ve been doing, Mass, baptism, graveside services, last rites in hospitals, being there with people when they have a moment of joy, a moment of sorrow, a moment of wondering – it encourages me and gives me the purpose of priesthood – being there, bringing Christ to the people. The priesthood brings me closer to the people of God in their vulnerable moments. When I go for last rites, I find the families there crying. Staying with them, being with the people losing a loved one, it gives me purpose why I am a priest.”

Being in Malone, Father Ombongi has also had an opportunity to serve at the parish’s outreach, which includes a food pantry, community meal offerings, a thrift store and other services.

“It’s a wonderful place to meet people and serve people,” he said. “Serving people lunch and eating with them – really amazing! Coming here and serving where there is need touches me a lot. It’s a wonderful place, working with the people here.”

Father Ombongi said he’s also found working with the volunteers at the outreach to be inspiring.

“People come together, celebrate together, help one another,” he said. “A lot of people come to volunteer. It touches me a lot. All of us are given responsibilities as Christians – how can we preach and reach the people of God? To see people coming and volunteering, serving one another and serving community, I reflect on love – the love they have helping one another. They see a need, come forward and help. Love and the ministry of God – our brother’s keeper.”

While he’s taken easily to the direct ministry portion of the priesthood, Father Ombongi said he’s grateful his assignment in Malone is allowing him to grow in other areas, as well.

“As a new priest, there are so many areas I need to learn,” he said. “Especially administration. I’m always talking to the pastor, Father Scott Seymour. He’s very, very good whenever I ask a question. It’s a lot to learn. I thank the staff in Malone for being always ready to help me.”

Father Ombongi said he’s found St. André Bessette Parish to be a “wonderful community.”

“People are so welcoming,” he said. “Being 3,000 miles from my family and almost six years without seeing family, being with the people here – I consider all the people my family.”

Father Ombongi said he prays for his parish family.

“I pray for the people the Lord has given me,” he said. “My hope is one day God calls us home, all of us find ourselves in heaven. I ask the Lord for the grace to follow him always.”