In Solidarity
With Our Priests

Knights of Columbus
Nevada State Council
PAUL DENDARY STATE DEPUTY
 
2 April 2008       
 
Re: Passing of Reverend James Swenson
 
 
Brother Knights and Ladies,
 
It is with sadness that I forward the news of the passing of Reverend James Swenson, who passed on to his eternal reward earlier this evening (4/02/2008.)
 
Ruben Hermogino, Grand Knight of San Lorenzo Ruiz Council 13392 in Las Vegas called me tonight with this sad news and requests prayers for Fr. Swenson for the repose of his soul. There are no other details to report at this time. We will keep everyone informed by email when funeral services are arranged.
 
Fr. Swenson will be missed especially by the parish community of St. Bridget's in Las Vegas. When Fr. Swenson arrived at St. Bridget's in 1985, he was actually sent by the then-bishop to shut it down within six months because it had so few parishioners and was so financially strapped. The second oldest parish in Las Vegas, established in 1945, appeared set to become a footnote in the history of Las Vegas two decades ago. When Fr. Swenson surveyed the inner city area and talked with devoted church members, however, he became convinced that the neighborhood, already in decline, needed the church. Instead of shuttering the church, Fr. Swenson remodeled a former apartment nearby and opened a chapel for perpetual adoration.
 
Fr. Swenson will be remembered for his devotion to GOD and his community and the need for a place for prayer. As well, Fr. Swenson will be remembered for his commitment to building a new Church Building, the Dedication mass was celebrated by Bishop Pepe on February 3rd 2008.
 
The more parishioners learned about Fr. Swenson's life, the more they understood why he wouldn't let St. Bridget's die.
 
Born in Kansas City, he was raised by nuns in a Catholic orphanage. After serving in the Army during the occupation of Japan, he finished high school and college in San Francisco.
 
He worked as an accountant for the city of San Francisco before entering a seminary at the age of 40. He wasn't ordained until he was 45. He served at parishes in Reno, rural Nevada, and locally at St. Anne's and Our Lady of Las Vegas prior to taking over at St. Bridget's.
 
Please Keep Reverend James Swenson in your prayers.
 
Thank you,
 
 
Paul Dendary, State Deputy
Tel: (702) 871-6768
Fax: (702) 227-8704
Email: pdendary@cox.net