I would like to take this opportunity to officially announce the appointment of Deacon Mark Schultz, as Vice-Chancellor for the Diocese of Fresno, as of June 1, 2024. Deacon Mark will be working with our current Chancellor, Cheryl Sarkisian, as she prepares for retirement from the Diocese of Fresno on June 30, 2024. Deacon Mark will then be appointed as Chancellor and as Director of the Permanent Diaconate on July 1, 2024. He will serve as a member of my Cabinet and report directly to me as one of my principal advisors. I also take this opportunity to officially announce Deacon John Sousa’s retirement effective June 30, 2024.
Deacon Mark Schultz received the Sacrament of Holy Orders on October 5, 2019, by the laying on of hands, by Bishop Joseph V. Brennan, D.D. Currently, he is assigned to the parish of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, in Clovis, and as Assistant Director of Formation in the Permanent Diaconate Office. Deacon Mark is a decorated military veteran (USMC), having served in the intelligence community in both peacetime and active theaters. Deacon Mark has been married for 32 years to his supporting wife Dee. They have three adult children: William, Nathaniel, & Rachel. Until recently, Deacon Mark’s secular employment was in the automotive industry for the past 39 years, overseeing the day-to-day operations for seven dealership brands and several hundred employees. He enjoys spending his down time playing dominos and spending time with both his immediate and extended families.
Our prayers are with Deacon Mark as he assumes his new position and responsibilities in the Office of the Chancellor and the Office of the Permanent Diaconate.
I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to Ms. Cheryl Sarkisian and Deacon John Sousa for their respective dedicated service and commitment to the Diocese of Fresno. Cheryl has served as Victim Assistance Coordinator since 2012 and as Chancellor since May 2020. Deacon John has served as Director of the Permanent Diaconate since November 2011. We wish them both a blessed and fulfilling retirement.