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A diocesan priest in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was found dead on November 26. The death of Father Dennis Conway, pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, has been attributed to suicide. Archbishop Thomas R. Zinkula of Dubuque announced the news on November 27.
Archbishop Zinkula expressed that Father Conway was experiencing "an acute mental health crisis" at the time of his death. An autopsy is scheduled due to the circumstances surrounding his passing, although it may be delayed because of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced. Archbishop Zinkula urged individuals facing mental health challenges to seek help from resources like the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
He emphasized the importance of seeking assistance: “Please reach out for help when you are struggling with a heavy burden.” He also shared a message from Scripture: “Do not be afraid,” reminding believers that Jesus is always present.
The archbishop called for prayers for Father Conway, his family, parishioners, and all those dealing with mental health issues.
Father Conway was ordained in 2017 and had expressed a desire to help others experience God's love through reconciliation and prayer. In an interview before his ordination, he spoke about helping people recognize God's presence in their lives.
He credited his grandmother as a significant influence on his faith journey. Despite her struggles with a degenerative disease, she remained devoted to her faith and demonstrated that joy can exist amid suffering.
Father Conway was born in Alabama but grew up in Cedar Rapids. He attended Xavier High School and spent time at Marquette University before studying at St. Pius X Seminary at Loras College in Dubuque and later at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
Gina Christian reports for OSV News and can be followed on X @GinaJesseReina.
