Holy Family Parish (Kingsburg) Diaconate Community Family Day Celebration of St Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr
Deacon Mark Schultz, Assistant Director of Formation
The Diocese of Fresno recently observed its first Diaconate community family day in honor of St. Lawrence, Deacon and Martyr. The joyful and festive celebration was held under beautiful blue skies at Holy Family Parish in Kingsburg on Saturday August 12th. Fr. Mark Maxon, the pastor of Holy Family and his welcoming team of parishioners wrapped the Diaconate community in a merry spirit of jubilation and delight. Over 200 individuals were in attendance between the 50+ Deacons, their supportive families and valued friends. The day’s commemoration started with a formal and dignified Mass celebrated by our shepherd, Bishop Joseph V. Brennan. In his homily, he stressed how very important and helpful the Deacons of the Diocese are in assisting his ministry of fostering unity with the people of God, through his teaching, sanctifying, and governing roles. The grace-filled theme continued, that it is through a spirit of humble service that we unite ourselves in harmony with God, and work as collaborators in His glorious vineyard. Bishop Brennan thanked the community for their prayers
and support, especially during his recovery from a recent medical procedure and made an amusing quip about the medical team locating his heart. After the homily, the Deacons renewed their solemn Diaconal promises to Bishop Brennan. At the end of Mass, a special presentation of a cook’s apron with Bishop’s name and crest was made by members of the Diaconate Office with an “invitation” to join them at the BBQ. Following Mass, the families and friends were treated to an appetizing meal prepared by the parish’s Knights of Columbus and Catholic Women’s Club. In addition to the fantastic meal and fellowship, several games and fun activities were in place in the adjoining parish park and spacious hall for all to enjoy. The Diaconate Office team (Deacon John Sousa, Deacon Mark Schultz, and Deacon Michael Madrigal) wishes to acknowledge and express their sincere appreciation to Bishop Joseph for spending the radiant day with the Diaconal community, and to Fr. Mark Maxon, and the many individuals of Holy Family parish and others who made this day a very special one!
Fall 2023
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