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Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Parish Office (559) 434-7701 FAX (559) 434-7734
 Rev Eric Swearingen, Pastor Rev Msgr James T Logan, Pastor Emeritus Rev Mr John W Zimmermann, Deacon What is a deacon? Holy Spirit is a Roman Catholic parish established in 1981 and located in the Diocese of Fresno, CA. We are an active parish community filled with friendly people. Our parish is growing under the guidance of our pastor, Rev. Eric Swearingen. On our website you will find links to weekly bulletins, parish events, our photo album and ministries along with information for parish registration and sacramental preparation. We have also provided information about Holy Spirit's mission, history, and artwork . You will find the current liturgical calendar as well as interesting Catholic links to help you learn more about the Catholic faith. We welcome you to our home on the web and also to our parish home. Enjoy your visit. JOIN US FOR COFFEE AND DONUTS
LOGAN HALL SUNDAYS AFTER 8:30 AM & 10:00 AM MASSES return to top  Deacon John Zimmermann The Sacrament of Holy Orders
What does a man do when he hears Gods call to Holy Orders? If he is single the man has 2 options. The first is to become a priest and the second is to become a deacon. If he is married he still has the option to become a deacon. As you may or may not know there are two types of Deacons: the Permanent Deacon, and the Transitional Deacon. What is the difference? The only difference is that a permanent deacon is just that, he is a deacon and can go no farther in the clerical role. A transitional deacon is a man who is in training to become a priest and deacon is one of the positions along the way. Both men receive the same sacrament of Holy Orders, both are ordained clergy. (There are three levels of Ordination: Deacon, Priest, and then Bishop if appointed by the Pope.)
A single man who becomes a permanent deacon may not marry just as a transitional deacon may not marry. They both take the vow of celibacy. A married man, however, may become a permanent deacon providing both he and his wife attend the formations together. Yes, the wives are trained right along with their husbands. No, these women are NOT ordained ministers, they are pastoral ministers. Some wives have their own ministries in addition to assisting their husbands in some of his ministries, but some wives choose not to be in ministry at all. If the wife dies the deacon cannot re-marry.
The time a man is a transitional deacon is varied. Sometimes it is only for a few weeks and sometimes it will be for a year or more. A transitional deacon continues in his studies to become a priest. Unless a man is financially secure on his own, a permanent deacon needs to hold down his full time job because Deacons are not allowed to receive a salary for their Diaconal Ministry. They are not employed by a parish, they are appointed by the Bishop. All clergy are allowed to receive financial gratuities from the laity for services performed, ie: baptisms, house blessings, weddings, etc.
Which brings us to the question of what a Deacon can do. All Deacons can Preach, assist at Mass, Baptize, preside over Marriages, Counsel, Bless homes, cars, rosaries, and other articles, preside at Funeral services and Rosaries or Committal services. They also have a special ministry to the sick and the poor.
With the reality of the shortage of priests, we pray that you will allow our Deacon, in assisting our Pastor, to serve you with the gifts he received at his ordination.
You may contact Deacon John at (559) 434-7560 or through the parish office (559) 434-7701.
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