Dedication of the Church's New Organ

March 29th
What a wonderful display of music last Sunday afternoon as we dedicated the new organ to God. Our own, Dr. John Paul Cappa, wowed the crowd with his musical abilities performing various works by the Masters of Organ music. The great sound that came from this phenomenal instrument was incredible and all who attended were so pleased that something this good came out of New Tampa, (a play on words there)!. Hopefully, we will have more events such as this in the future and highlight St. Mark as one of the music centers of the area.
As of this writing there will be one more opportunity to enjoy the great Fish Fry held every Friday during Lent by the Knights of Columbus. We have had record sales this year and they now have it all down to a science. Hopefully, next year we are thinking of having available baked fish for our “fried-challenged” individuals, (of which, I am one) so more can participate. Many of those who have attended this year’s fish fry can attest to how good it really is, so don’t miss this last chance for the year.
I did finally get out on the golf course the other day enjoying this beautiful weather! Although my game still has a way to go, I did see some signs of progress. I think I strained a muscle in my back from swinging to hard or maybe it was too much? Anyway, it was great to get out and I hope to do so again before the hot weather gets here.
Speaking of hot weather, I realize we all like to wear comfortable dress when we come to Church, but sometimes it seems that what we’re wearing is more appropriate for the beach rather than a House of God. I’m thrilled that people come, but I just hope, out of respect and dignity for the profound event that is happening at Mass, that we dress more appropriately. There, I said it! Now don’t throw tomatoes at me! Maybe next week, I’ll address the issue of leaving early which may fit in with the passion and death of Jesus during Holy Week.
As you read this I will be on retreat this weekend to get ready for Easter so I will pray for all of you!
Well, that is all for now, continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David

Annual New Tampa Rotary “Pig Roast”

The annual New Tampa Rotary “pig roast” held at St. Mark’s last Sunday was a huge success again this year as we braved sunshine and beautiful temperatures. The venue here is so perfect for these events and many of our own parishioners attended the event filling themselves with roasted pork and chicken, along with some great ice cream! It was a feast almost comparable to our own fish frys during Lent. Thanks to all of you who made the day a rounding success and especially to Mike Wallace, of the Friday morning Rotary, for his continued interest and hard work in making all this happen!
This Sunday is the start of the “Scrutinies” for those who are to be baptized during the Easter Vigil. The Scrutinies are a centuries old rite in which the Catechumens renounce their old ways of life and allow the light of Christ to enter their hearts. There will be three of these moments in the next few Sundays and they will occur at different Masses. It is also a reminder for each of us to “scrutinize” our own lives so we can be more like Christ. Continue to pray for our Catechumens and Candidates as they make their final journey to full communion in the Catholic Church.
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given to each other.

Peace,
Fr. David

The New Year...

Greetings to all of you!

Now that we are into the year 2009, it seems we need to take a deep breath and prepare for the upcoming months of uncertainty in the financial markets, as well as in our economy. I do know that many of you are hurting and I have been praying very hard that the situation will change for the better in the near future. Just keep remembering that God is good and for those who have faith, the desires of our heart will be fulfilled. Keep that faith alive and let us continue to help and pray for each other!

In order to continue making this such a great welcoming parish, we will be introducing Greeters before all the Masses to welcome regular parishioners, newcomers, and guests to our parish. I’m sure you have seen Stan Chmura all these years greeting many of you as you came into Mass, so we decided to give him some help! Of course we could always use more friendly faces to be greeters so if you would like to join this important ministry, please contact Kelly at the office.

I witnessed a wonderful event last Saturday. Our Confirmation Group attended their retreat at the Bethany Retreat Center. Over 26 teenagers participated in an all day event that helped them to learn to trust what God can do for them. I was impressed by their respectfulness and piety as they experienced various issues that they will face as they become confirmed men and women. We also have some very talented youth leaders who basically ran the retreat for their peers and did an outstanding job making the day go by so well. It just goes to show how a little time and effort given to a young man or woman can have such a profound effect on their lifes. I’m so proud of them all and especially the adults who were there to help. Mary Ann Weigel has done an outstanding job with our youth and we are so fortunate to have her working with them. She could always use more adult volunteers for this important ministry so if you would like to work with youth, give her a call. You will certainly be blessed.

Last weekend, 26 men also experienced a changing event in their lives by participating in the Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) weekend. It’s wonderful to see men share their spiritual and life’s journey with other men and thereby see how the Good Lord works in our lives. The women are participating this weekend and I can already see the fire of the Holy Spirit in the lives of those who attend. I hope you will be able to attend one yourself in the near future. Ask any of those involved and you will hear for yourself.

I’m also very proud of four young men in our parish who have been awarded the great honor of “Eagle Scout.” They are Brian Guidry, Eric Christensen, Alex Presse, and Austin Shin who are part of Troop 148 and meet here at St. Mark. It’s pretty unusual for four people to be awarded this high honor at one time and to think that all are from our parish is simply amazing! Congratulations to our four new recipients! Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.

Peace,

Fr. David