Shiner Catholic Church welcomes new priest

Sts. Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church is welcoming a new spiritual leader. Father Jacob Mendoza has been appointed as the parish’s new priest. 
Originally from California, Father Mendoza has lived in Texas for 15 years now. He was ordained in 2017. 
“I came to Texas in 2009. I was assigned to Cuero, where I served as a parochial vicar, or associate priest, for four years. After that, I became the pastor. 
In Cuero, I served as pastor of St. Michael’s, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Sts. Peter and Paul in Meyersville and St. Aloysius in Westhoff. So, I served four churches and a school, and now I am here in Shiner.”
Father Mendoza said he is still building his vision for the parish and church. 
“Initially, my duty is to know the needs of the people and to lead them to greater sanctification and glorification of God,” Father Mendoza said. “I want to lead them in an internal formation. 
You have to form people not externally, but also internally, so that they have a greater desire to be formed spiritually, intellectually, and as a human. We need human formation to be able to relate to one another and love our neighbor as yourself.”
Leading this calling is very rewarding, according to Father Mendoza. 
“The most fulfilling achievement is seeing the fruits of your labor come to fruition, which takes a lot of time,” Father Mendoza said.
Father Mendoza said he hopes that when parishioners come to Mass or speak with him personally that they walk away with a clear understanding, a sense of reason, and most importantly, the reassurance that their spiritual well-being is a priority. 
“I have an undergraduate degree in Mathematics, and I pride myself in logic and clarity as well as brevity,” Father Mendoza said.
One of the first impressions of the parish Father Mendoza noticed upon arrival is how involved everyone in the community is. 
“The parish is not just a spiritual hub for these people, it is also the hub of their social and community lives,” Father Mendoza said. “I think Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church plays a pivotal role in not just the lives of the Catholic community, but the lives of everybody in this town. It is a staple. When you drive into town, the first thing you see from the distance is the steeple and I think that is indicative of the role that this parish plays in the greater community and what it symbolizes.”
There is one feat Father Mendoza is looking forward to in this new role the most. 
“I am excited to be able to play an active role in the high school,” Father Mendoza said. “My previous assignment was the elementary school and, given my talents and experience, I am eager to be able to advance to the next level.”
He said he intends to play a role in the spiritual, human and cultural formation of young adults and adolescence. 
Father Mendoza is still getting to know the people of Shiner, and he said he aims to be patient in being able to connect with the people in a way that correlates with their very unique heritage and culture.