Bishop Francis Quinn
During Bishop Quinn's twelve-year tenure as its spiritual leader, the Sacramento Diocese added seven new parishes, several missions, two elementary schools and one high school.
He also oversaw a 10-year pastoral plan for the diocese as well as a spiritual renewal program, reorganized the deanery structure, initiated a diocesan pastoral council and helped the diocese celebrate its hundredth anniversary.
Bishop Quinn is well known and highly regarded as an activist for change, particularly in the areas of social justice and human rights, especially for the poor and impoverished.
Bishop Quinn wrote "...to be over the hill means that we've reached the summit", and cited numerous examples: George Burns, Golda Meir, Benjamin Franklin, Albert Schweitzer, Winston Churchill and Casey Stengle...all of whom remained productive well beyond "retirement" age.
Similarly, after retiring from the diocese in 1993, Bishop Quinn worked for nearly fifteen years in ministry to Native American people in southern Arizona.
Joe Serna Jr.
1939-1999
Farm Worker, Peace Corps Volunteer, Husband, Father, Teacher,
Mentor, Servant, Leader, Activist, Friend
The life of Joe Serna Jr. exemplifies the achievements within the reach of us all.
From his labor in the fields of the Central Valley and the hills of Guatemala, to his work at Sacramento State University and Sacramento City Hall, Mayor Serna showed a deep commitment to helping those who needed help the most.
As the first Hispanic mayor of a major California city, Serna succeeded in improving schools, revitalizing downtown, improving public transportation, enhancing neighborhood facilities and keeping the Kings as Sacramento's NBA team.
His public service as a leader in the Sacramento region is a testament to the power of possibilities.
"I was supposed to live and die as a farm worker, not as a mayor and a college professor. I have everything to be thankful for."
