Let me say at the outset that compiling the Centennial History of our
parish is by far the most satisfying work I’ve accomplished in my professional life.
I arrived at Sacramento State College in the fall of 1966, where I taught
until my full retirement in 2002 – a total of thirty-six years. My primary field was
American Cultural History, but over the years I developed an interest and taught
courses in Popular Culture and Sacramento Regional Issues. I received my Ph.D.
from the University of Minnesota in 1968.
My energies at what would become California State University,
Sacramento, were directed toward classroom teaching, course preparation, and
advising students. I compiled extensive and detailed syllabi for each of my
courses, and I developed my writing skills.
In 1988 I heard Bishop Francis Quinn preach a homily at the Memorial
Day Weekend Jazz Mass, opening up for me a new way of being in the world.
Bishop Quinn generously gave me several hours of his time in 1993 for an
oral history – parts of which may appear in this history.
I began attending St. Francis on the first Sunday of Lent in 1991. My wife,
Mary Bellefleur, and I were married at St. Francis in October 1999; Deacon Dick
Driggs presided, and Sister Claire Graham, S.S.S., preached the homily.
As the years have passed, I have greatly enjoyed becoming more active in
parish life – serving as an usher for noon Mass, as a member of our Conscious
Living for Men group, and as a member of our Centennial Celebration Committee compiling this parish history.
Gregg Campbell
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