05/18/2026
Words from the Heart: Deacon John Pignone S.J.
From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank the St. Agnes parish for three great years of community and friendship. When I arrived in Berkeley, I was in a meeting with my Jesuit Superior to discuss which parish would be a good fit for me. He asked me if I had any thoughts and I told him I just wanted to be a good, basically trained Jesuit and was looking for a parish that would help me. He said he knew just the place. I couldn't have known how much more St. Agnes would be than just a good parish to get training in ministry and formation for priesthood. Perhaps he did and wanted me to find out for myself.
A few years ago, a Jesuit friend of mine, who has gone on to God, told me that the people train us how to be good priests better than any class can. I have found this to be true. The lessons I have learned from side conversations after mass, OCIA meetings, reading and preaching on the Word of God, and standing at Fr. Sam's right side every Sunday have provided me with all the formation I could have ever hoped for. St. Agnes is and will be a part of me wherever I go. In all my future apostolates, the spirit of St. Agnes will be there because you have formed me and I am eternally grateful it was you that did it.
Thank you. Thank you to Clay Tominaga, Chris, Matthew, and Vivian. From the beginning, you have welcomed me into your family and always made me feel at home. Thank you to Rob, Kevin, Mark, and the OCIA crew. The graces of that process will stay with me forever. Thank you to Sister Teresa and Christine for your friendship and sharing in the mission of catechism. Thank you to all the sacristans, readers, eucharistic ministers, altar servers, Frank Uranich, and the choir. It has been a pleasure to serve with and get to know you. Thank you to Andrea Reyes and Chris Malek, this place would fall apart without you. You have both helped me so much. Thank you to Father Sam. You have freely given me this unbelievable experience in serving and preaching that I can never repay you for. And thank God for you all. I will never forget you and will sing your praises wherever I am. Thank you and may God continue to bless this house where love can dwell and all are welcome.
