Bishop Francis Quinn

Bishop Francis Quinn's service to the Diocese of Sacramento was characterized by compassion, understanding, and the ability to choose good men and women to whom he delegated authority to promote and proclaim the gospel of Christ in a world increasingly complex.

In the fall of 1982, under his direction, the Diocese embarked on an extensive study plan to formulate a Diocesan Pastoral Plan for the following 10 years. Father Keith Kenny was a prominent leader in this field. At the end of the two years, in November 1984, a Diocesan convocation of clergy, religious and laity from throughout the Diocese adopted the pastoral plan, which was implemented at the diocesan, parish and organizational levels.

In 1985, the deanery structure of the diocese was revised to comprise 15 geographical areas. Each priest appointed to be a dean was officially installed at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament on May 30, 1985.

Bishop Quinn called for a year of celebration as the Diocese reached its hundredth birthday: 1886-1986. The year was filled with remembering, preparation for the celebration and a search for our own history. The event itself was noted by local television companies and filmed.

Under Bishop Francis Quinn's guidance, a Diocesan-wide spiritual renewal program, called Renew, took root and flourished. Also, a Diocesan Pastoral Council was begun, a group of the laity from different parishes, priests and religious, who represented the life in the Diocese and acted as advisors to the Bishop in his pastoral responsibilities.

From 1980-1992, seven new parishes, several missions, two elementary schools and one high school were established. In that same year a group of consulters met to prepare the second Diocesan Pastoral Plan.