Greetings to all of you!
As the weather begins to cool, my golf clubs are screaming for me to get out and hit them! Now I don’t have an excuse except the fact that my game isn’t what it used to be. However, I do need to get out there real soon and practice up for the Annual St. Mark Golf Tournament at Hunter’s Green on November 1st. This year I will be on the 7th hole for the “Beat the Priest” competition in which I try to get the ball closer to the pin than all my opponents. Unfortunately, it seems all that one has to do to win is hit the ball on the green since I’m never there anyway. However, I do remind the golfers of that LARGE lake of water to the right and those finicky “out of bounds” stakes on the left. After all, I think they need to be warned of the impending danger! So if you haven’t gotten your foursome yet, or you just want to play, we can hook you up with some great guys and gals. Come out and say you “beat” Father David and have bragging rights for the year!
Last Saturday night we enjoyed great weather as we celebrated Oktoberfest again this year! The food was great and the entertainment had us dancing and singing. Thanks to the Knights of Columbus for putting on this fun fest every year, and for the great job they did! I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did.
In the next few weeks you will be hearing more about St. Mark’s commitment to a Stewardship way of life. In November, we will finally help you to embrace this attitude of gratefulness to God by showing you the many ways to accomplish it. Again, Stewardship is a journey of faith and trust; I don’t think there is any better way of “falling in love with God” than this one. I pray that you will embrace it as I did many years ago! This weekend is the Stewardship Extravaganza which will highlight all the great things the parish does to further the message of Christ. I hope that you will take a few minutes to walk through it and meet some great people!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given in each other!
Peace,
Fr. David
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Deacons/Why Go To Church
Greetings to all of you!
What a special time we experienced here last week when we welcomed Jose Moranta and Scott Paine as our new Deacons to St. Mark Parish! It is the first time in our short history that men from our parish were ordained to the Diaconate, and I can't think of two more qualified and holy men who are more deserving of this honor. They will be assisting me in a variety of liturgical and ministerial endeavors such as Marriages, Baptisms, Communion Services, educational opportunities to the parish, along with visitations to the sick, etc. I am definitely thrilled to have these men share in the ministry of our parish, and I know they will add a great deal to our parish life. Make sure you offer congratulations and prayers for them as they begin the wonderful world of ministry!
Last week the Priests of the Diocese came together for our annual convocation and we heard lectures from FatherTimothy Radcliffe, O.P., who will also be here in February of next year to close the three year Eucharistic Conference instituted back in 2007. His latest book, WHY GO TO CHURCH, is an excellent book which I would highly recommend for those of you who would like to learn some wonderful insights on the Mass. Make sure you use our web site and go through Amazon.com to find it.
I played in a charity event entitled, "Tee it up for the Troops", at McDill AFB last Friday. Despite the hot weather, we managed to finish along with a large group of other golfers participating in the event. Despite my best efforts, our team finished in the middle of the bunch due to my other team members. Razor Richie who hit razor like 80 yard drives which didn't help much with distance; while Touchy Terry had the finesse of an elephant in a glass factory; and Ma Na Ja Marty, who yelled this Italian term after all his shots. The meaning of which depends upon the stress one puts on the word, but mostly negative. As you can see I had a tough and grueling day playing under these conditions, but I made us respectable nonetheless. It also provided funds for "Fisher House", which is a place where families of injured soldiers can stay as their loved ones recover. All in all, it was a great opportunity to support our military.
Lastly, on occasion I am asked to bless a business for a particular parishioner and this week I blessed the new Careme’s Market located on Florida Avenue in Lutz. It is a delightful delicatessen/market with fine dining quality foods at a great price. It reminds me of the old Italian shopping markets up north where one can purchase all kinds of meats, cheeses, and sandwiches. There website is caremesmarket.com and phone number is 813-443-5753. Let them know Fr. David sent you.
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
What a special time we experienced here last week when we welcomed Jose Moranta and Scott Paine as our new Deacons to St. Mark Parish! It is the first time in our short history that men from our parish were ordained to the Diaconate, and I can't think of two more qualified and holy men who are more deserving of this honor. They will be assisting me in a variety of liturgical and ministerial endeavors such as Marriages, Baptisms, Communion Services, educational opportunities to the parish, along with visitations to the sick, etc. I am definitely thrilled to have these men share in the ministry of our parish, and I know they will add a great deal to our parish life. Make sure you offer congratulations and prayers for them as they begin the wonderful world of ministry!
Last week the Priests of the Diocese came together for our annual convocation and we heard lectures from FatherTimothy Radcliffe, O.P., who will also be here in February of next year to close the three year Eucharistic Conference instituted back in 2007. His latest book, WHY GO TO CHURCH, is an excellent book which I would highly recommend for those of you who would like to learn some wonderful insights on the Mass. Make sure you use our web site and go through Amazon.com to find it.
I played in a charity event entitled, "Tee it up for the Troops", at McDill AFB last Friday. Despite the hot weather, we managed to finish along with a large group of other golfers participating in the event. Despite my best efforts, our team finished in the middle of the bunch due to my other team members. Razor Richie who hit razor like 80 yard drives which didn't help much with distance; while Touchy Terry had the finesse of an elephant in a glass factory; and Ma Na Ja Marty, who yelled this Italian term after all his shots. The meaning of which depends upon the stress one puts on the word, but mostly negative. As you can see I had a tough and grueling day playing under these conditions, but I made us respectable nonetheless. It also provided funds for "Fisher House", which is a place where families of injured soldiers can stay as their loved ones recover. All in all, it was a great opportunity to support our military.
Lastly, on occasion I am asked to bless a business for a particular parishioner and this week I blessed the new Careme’s Market located on Florida Avenue in Lutz. It is a delightful delicatessen/market with fine dining quality foods at a great price. It reminds me of the old Italian shopping markets up north where one can purchase all kinds of meats, cheeses, and sandwiches. There website is caremesmarket.com and phone number is 813-443-5753. Let them know Fr. David sent you.
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Corporal Mike/Stewardship
Greetings to all of you!
Last week was a difficult one for our parish and the community that surrounds us. As many of you know, Corporal Michael Roberts was the police officer who was killed in the line of duty and he was a member of St. Mark Parish. Some of you may remember him directing traffic at our Sunday Masses a few years ago. He was a kind, considerate, and helpful person who always had a smile and would “sneak” into Mass after his shift was over. Last Tuesday, we celebrated his funeral. Although it was a sad occasion, the support of his fellow officers and the outpouring of love for his wife Cindy were simply amazing. There were rows and rows of police officers as far as the eyes can see and I felt so privileged to celebrate his funeral. I hope that the beautiful Catholic funeral liturgy gave them a sense of peace knowing that he still lives and they will see him again! Please pray for his wife and son Adam in this difficult time.
Sometime this week or next, each parish family will be receiving our very first Stewardship Newsletter entitled, “The Good Steward”. I must say what an outstanding job the people of the Stewardship Commission did to make this edition such a success! In it you will see articles of real life individuals in our parish who practice the giving of their Time, Talent, and Treasure to God. We will also have a section reporting how we spend the money that you so generously give to our parish so we can practice good Stewardship of our resources. So take the time to read this simple edition and let me know what you think of it. You will be hearing more news in the near future.
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other!
Peace,
Fr. David
Last week was a difficult one for our parish and the community that surrounds us. As many of you know, Corporal Michael Roberts was the police officer who was killed in the line of duty and he was a member of St. Mark Parish. Some of you may remember him directing traffic at our Sunday Masses a few years ago. He was a kind, considerate, and helpful person who always had a smile and would “sneak” into Mass after his shift was over. Last Tuesday, we celebrated his funeral. Although it was a sad occasion, the support of his fellow officers and the outpouring of love for his wife Cindy were simply amazing. There were rows and rows of police officers as far as the eyes can see and I felt so privileged to celebrate his funeral. I hope that the beautiful Catholic funeral liturgy gave them a sense of peace knowing that he still lives and they will see him again! Please pray for his wife and son Adam in this difficult time.
Sometime this week or next, each parish family will be receiving our very first Stewardship Newsletter entitled, “The Good Steward”. I must say what an outstanding job the people of the Stewardship Commission did to make this edition such a success! In it you will see articles of real life individuals in our parish who practice the giving of their Time, Talent, and Treasure to God. We will also have a section reporting how we spend the money that you so generously give to our parish so we can practice good Stewardship of our resources. So take the time to read this simple edition and let me know what you think of it. You will be hearing more news in the near future.
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other!
Peace,
Fr. David
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Vacation Bible School/School Supplies
Greetings to all of you!
This past week some of the children of our parish ventured to 1st Century Rome to experience what life was like during that time period, and get to meet some historical figures in the process! My favorite was Caesar Augustus, who, according to family legend, may have been a distant relative of mine, and was the Emperor of Rome at that time. Since then our family history seems to have taken quite a beating. Instead of Emperors and Popes, we now have insurance salesmen, barkeepers, carpenters, pizza makers, and priests. We must have lost the dowry along the way somewhere. Anyway, I had a wonderful time with the children and I hope they learned something about our first century ancestors. So, if in your travels you see one of the kids still wearing a toga, just remember where they got the idea. We may have started a new fashion trend!
I have been humbled lately by the wonderful generosity of our parish community, as some of our members have come forward to donate some money to families in our parish who are in need. One family came forward and donated $1000 for those St. Mark families who will need school supplies for their children as they go back to school in a few weeks. So if any of you need any help with school supplies, please don’t hesitate to contact Joe Phillips at the parish office.
Well, that is all for now. As you read this I will have just come back from vacation bright eyed and busy tailed! Well at least I hope!
Peace,
Fr. David
This past week some of the children of our parish ventured to 1st Century Rome to experience what life was like during that time period, and get to meet some historical figures in the process! My favorite was Caesar Augustus, who, according to family legend, may have been a distant relative of mine, and was the Emperor of Rome at that time. Since then our family history seems to have taken quite a beating. Instead of Emperors and Popes, we now have insurance salesmen, barkeepers, carpenters, pizza makers, and priests. We must have lost the dowry along the way somewhere. Anyway, I had a wonderful time with the children and I hope they learned something about our first century ancestors. So, if in your travels you see one of the kids still wearing a toga, just remember where they got the idea. We may have started a new fashion trend!
I have been humbled lately by the wonderful generosity of our parish community, as some of our members have come forward to donate some money to families in our parish who are in need. One family came forward and donated $1000 for those St. Mark families who will need school supplies for their children as they go back to school in a few weeks. So if any of you need any help with school supplies, please don’t hesitate to contact Joe Phillips at the parish office.
Well, that is all for now. As you read this I will have just come back from vacation bright eyed and busy tailed! Well at least I hope!
Peace,
Fr. David
Thursday, July 30, 2009
CRHP/ Garden Volunteers
Greetings to all of you!
As you read this, 23 women of our parish would have completed their Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) weekend retreat here at St. Mark. I have to say what a wonderful group of ladies we had participate in it! They were fun, outgoing, creative, and many experienced a deep conversion in their lives due to this important time. I had lots of fun with them and being the only male in the room surrounded by a roomful of beautiful women only added to my joyful mood. I’m really thrilled that this ministry is taking off in our parish and, again, I would like to thank all those who continually make it possible for its success. Maybe Jesus truly will renew our parish to perform even greater things!
On another note, I am looking for a group of individuals who are interested in forming a committee to take care of our flowers here on campus. New plantings are in the works and if you are willing to help take care of God’s beautiful creation, call Kelly in the Parish office and let’s get started in making the grounds of St. Mark a wonderful tribute to our God! The yoke will be easy and the burden light! May God bless your stewardship!
Next week I will be on vacation for a week so you won’t see me at the Masses. Tom Watson has invited me to Kansas to work on his putting game, so my time will be occupied with many of those things related to the golf stroke. Anyway, see you the following week!
That is all for now, continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Fr. David
As you read this, 23 women of our parish would have completed their Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) weekend retreat here at St. Mark. I have to say what a wonderful group of ladies we had participate in it! They were fun, outgoing, creative, and many experienced a deep conversion in their lives due to this important time. I had lots of fun with them and being the only male in the room surrounded by a roomful of beautiful women only added to my joyful mood. I’m really thrilled that this ministry is taking off in our parish and, again, I would like to thank all those who continually make it possible for its success. Maybe Jesus truly will renew our parish to perform even greater things!
On another note, I am looking for a group of individuals who are interested in forming a committee to take care of our flowers here on campus. New plantings are in the works and if you are willing to help take care of God’s beautiful creation, call Kelly in the Parish office and let’s get started in making the grounds of St. Mark a wonderful tribute to our God! The yoke will be easy and the burden light! May God bless your stewardship!
Next week I will be on vacation for a week so you won’t see me at the Masses. Tom Watson has invited me to Kansas to work on his putting game, so my time will be occupied with many of those things related to the golf stroke. Anyway, see you the following week!
That is all for now, continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Fr. David
Friday, July 24, 2009
St. Jude Award
Greetings to all of you!
Every year Bishop Lynch writes to all pastors asking if they would nominate someone from their parish to receive the St. Jude Award Medal for outstanding service to their respective parishes. This award goes to an individual who has been instrumental in making our parish a vibrant one. They usually work behind the scenes with no fanfare or benefits but to serve God and His people. Thus it is with deep love, respect, and honor that I posthumously present to you the winner of the St. Jude Award Medal: Mr. Rob Rabil. As many of you know, Rob passed away earlier this year after a long battle with cancer. Even during his illness, he never stopped working behind the scenes due to his great love for St. Mark parish. Accepting the Award on November 22, 2009 will be his wife Fern and their three children, Madeline, Michael, and Eric. This is truly a great honor for the family and for St. Mark. I ask your prayers for them in their time of need and may our good friend rest in the arms of God.
By now many of you (who care) have seen the final round of “The Open” and saw the dramatic final few holes. My heart goes out to Tom Watson for playing so well all week only to miss that short putt on the 18th and eventually lose. To get that far at 59 years old was truly amazing! It goes to show that we “older” guys can still play this game if we put our mind to it. However, my nerves aren’t as solid as they once were; I usually fold by the 3rd hole. I can only imagine what he felt looking over that ball and trying to make a good stroke. However, it was not to be and Stewart Cink snuck in there to take the trophy. The only redeeming thing about the experience was what Paul Azinger said when Cink won. He said that Tom Watson winning another Open championship won’t change his life. However, it will for Stewart Cink! Pretty good call all around. Maybe I should go into sports writing as a side hobby!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
Every year Bishop Lynch writes to all pastors asking if they would nominate someone from their parish to receive the St. Jude Award Medal for outstanding service to their respective parishes. This award goes to an individual who has been instrumental in making our parish a vibrant one. They usually work behind the scenes with no fanfare or benefits but to serve God and His people. Thus it is with deep love, respect, and honor that I posthumously present to you the winner of the St. Jude Award Medal: Mr. Rob Rabil. As many of you know, Rob passed away earlier this year after a long battle with cancer. Even during his illness, he never stopped working behind the scenes due to his great love for St. Mark parish. Accepting the Award on November 22, 2009 will be his wife Fern and their three children, Madeline, Michael, and Eric. This is truly a great honor for the family and for St. Mark. I ask your prayers for them in their time of need and may our good friend rest in the arms of God.
By now many of you (who care) have seen the final round of “The Open” and saw the dramatic final few holes. My heart goes out to Tom Watson for playing so well all week only to miss that short putt on the 18th and eventually lose. To get that far at 59 years old was truly amazing! It goes to show that we “older” guys can still play this game if we put our mind to it. However, my nerves aren’t as solid as they once were; I usually fold by the 3rd hole. I can only imagine what he felt looking over that ball and trying to make a good stroke. However, it was not to be and Stewart Cink snuck in there to take the trophy. The only redeeming thing about the experience was what Paul Azinger said when Cink won. He said that Tom Watson winning another Open championship won’t change his life. However, it will for Stewart Cink! Pretty good call all around. Maybe I should go into sports writing as a side hobby!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
Friday, July 10, 2009
Vacation Bible School
Greetings to all of you!
It was a quiet week at St. Mark for once although it looks like July is going to be full of events! The men’s and ladies’ Christ Renews His Parish, CRHP), will soon be underway with the men meeting as you read this, and the women meeting in two weeks. In the middle of all this is Vacation Bible School, in which the theme of “Early Rome” will be highlighted. This year we are having a super special person play the part of the powerful Caesar Augustus with toga, crown, and all that goes with being the emperor. The handsome young man playing the part is a huge secret, but I did hear he has Roman blood already flowing in his veins and due to his muscular physique, intelligence, and downright holiness, he will play an excellent role of emperor. Anyway, we may take some pictures. Stay tuned!
I don’t know about you but I have to say “ENOUGH ALREADY” with all the inside stories of the life of Michael Jackson. Like many of you, I grew up with his music and continue to believe that he was the best there was in pop music and we should just let him rest finally in peace. It just goes to show that all the money and talent in the world can never fill that void each human being has in their hearts that only God can fill. I hope we can remember how right St. Augustine was when he said that., “our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” Thus in the words of Earnest Hooper, writer for the St. Petersburg Times, “That’s all I’m saying”.
Well, indeed, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Father David
It was a quiet week at St. Mark for once although it looks like July is going to be full of events! The men’s and ladies’ Christ Renews His Parish, CRHP), will soon be underway with the men meeting as you read this, and the women meeting in two weeks. In the middle of all this is Vacation Bible School, in which the theme of “Early Rome” will be highlighted. This year we are having a super special person play the part of the powerful Caesar Augustus with toga, crown, and all that goes with being the emperor. The handsome young man playing the part is a huge secret, but I did hear he has Roman blood already flowing in his veins and due to his muscular physique, intelligence, and downright holiness, he will play an excellent role of emperor. Anyway, we may take some pictures. Stay tuned!
I don’t know about you but I have to say “ENOUGH ALREADY” with all the inside stories of the life of Michael Jackson. Like many of you, I grew up with his music and continue to believe that he was the best there was in pop music and we should just let him rest finally in peace. It just goes to show that all the money and talent in the world can never fill that void each human being has in their hearts that only God can fill. I hope we can remember how right St. Augustine was when he said that., “our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” Thus in the words of Earnest Hooper, writer for the St. Petersburg Times, “That’s all I’m saying”.
Well, indeed, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Father David
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