We are delighted to welcome Deacon Mark Sienkowski to our St. Isidore family! As he steps into his new role, Deacon Mark brings with him a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to service, and a compassionate spirit that truly embodies our mission of faith and community. In his own words below, Deacon Mark shares his background, calling, and the journey that led him to join us. We look forward to the many ways he will inspire and guide our parish family in the years to come.
I was ordained on Oct. 5th by Archbishop Vigneron, and I am thrilled to be assigned to St. Isidore Parish, serving under Fr. Ron and alongside Deacon Jeff and the entire staff.
Throughout my life, I had no inkling that God would call me to this ministry. It wasn’t even on my radar. But my journey began when a co-worker suggested I attend a diaconate information night. I immediately dismissed the idea as not for me. But, just as immediately, God spoke up and said, “Do you think you know better than me how to use your gifts?” I didn’t want to argue with God, so I told him I would take a first step and attend an information night to learn more. Well, that information night led me to register for one class at the seminary. That one class changed my world. It opened my heart more fully to God, led me to take many more classes, and eventually to pursue the permanent diaconate. Now, five years later, I am grateful and blessed to join the “Disciples Unleashed” family here at St. Isidore.
So, here is a bit more about me. I was born in Dearborn Heights, one of 11 children. My family then moved to Sterling Heights, where I attended Henry Ford II High School and then college at the University of Michigan, majoring in Computer Science. My first date with my wife Carol was on the last day of high school when we went to Irma’s Frozen Custard in Shelby (perhaps some of you know it well). This year, we celebrated our 40th anniversary on Oct. 20th. Most of those 40 years, we were parishioners at St. Lawrence parish, where all three of our children attended grade school. The children are now grown, have graduated from college (MSU, even though their father went to U of M), and are homeowners of their own (all in the Royal Oak area). The oldest two are married, and we are blessed to be grandparents of four, the youngest of which will be my first baptism as a deacon. I recently left the secular workforce, retiring from Mercedes Benz Financial this summer, where I was an IT Solutions Architect. By night, I am still taking classes at Sacred Heart Major Seminary to complete my Masters in Pastoral Studies. I enjoy biking, reading, local sports, relaxing with Carol, and playing with the grandkids.
I am eager to meet you all and look forward to serving you at liturgy and parish events.
Peace and God Bless, Deacon Mark
