Father Dean Mbuzi

Born and raised in Zambia as one of eleven children, Fr. Dean became Catholic at the age of thirteen. Through altar service at his childhood parish, he became interested in the priesthood. In 2000, he joined the Oblates of Mary Immaculate. After six years as an Oblate, he discerned a vocation to the diocesan priesthood. In 2013, Fr. Dean graduated from St. Patrick's Seminary in Meno Park (Archdiocese of San Francisco) with a Master's of Divinity and Bachelor of Sacred Theology. He was ordained as a priest on September 9, 2014, at St. James Cathedral. He calls the last seven years of serving as a priest his happiest! He comes to St. Benedict from St. Columban in Yelm and St. Peter Mission in Tenino where he served both parishes. Outside the sacraments, some of his favorite hobbies are watching soccer--English Premier League and La Liga, cycling, going outdoors, and outdoor photography.