All in the family: Deacons Tim, Jr. and Sr.

A special parish and family celebration occurred Dec. 1 at St. Paul of the Cross Church in La Mirada, when recently-ordained Deacon Timothy Roberto Jr., son of Deacon Tim and Pat Roberto Sr., celebrated a Mass of thanksgiving at the parish in which he grew up.

Ordained a permanent deacon for the Diocese of Oakland on Nov. 16, Deacon Tim Jr. is a graduate of St. Paul of the Cross School and St. Paul High School in Santa Fe Springs. He is currently serving at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Fremont.

The Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Paul of the Cross was truly a family affair. Deacon Tim Jr.’s mother Pat did the readings, his wife Lily and daughter Brianna lit the candles of the Advent wreath, and his five sisters brought up the gifts.

And his father, ordained to the diaconate in 2000 for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, assisted with his son at the altar. Father Joseph Visperas, pastor, was the principal celebrant with Father Pat Gannon, pastor emeritus, and Father Jim Bradly concelebrating, and many deacons from the San Pedro Region attending. A reception followed in the hall.