Greetings to all of you!
Wow! What a tremendous display of generosity that St. Mark’s parishioners again showed to a need! Last week, we celebrated “Wheelchair Sunday”, in which a presentation was made on behalf of the Knights of Columbus for wheelchairs to veterans and the needy throughout the world. Christopher Lewis, son of the famous Jerry Lewis, was here to make the appeal and you came through in grand style! Over $20,000 was collected, and this will go a long way in providing wheelchairs to those who cannot afford one. Despite difficult economic times, your stewardship knows no bounds! Thanks to the Knights of Columbus for introducing this to our parish, and I thank all of you once again for coming through when the need is so evident! I know God will bless us all!
I finally did get on the golf course last week, and despite playing through the summer heat, my game was the best I've played in a few years. I played with two young bucks who hit the ball amazingly long, but in the end it was accuracy and experience that won the day! I'm not sure what transpired, but the ball seemed to go straight for once, and my putts were finding the hole. Maybe I should take three months off more often since I play so well when I lay off for awhile. Anyway, I did teach those young bucks a lesson, and I'm sure they're going to be after me from now on. I say, "bring it on!"
This coming weekend, the Men's Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) will be conducting their retreat, and we pray for all the men who will be attending this life changing event. Keep them in your thoughts as they continue their journey to a closer relationship with the God who is so good to us!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other!
Peace,
Fr. David
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
APA Update
Greetings to all of you!
Before we head into the summer season I want to extend my sincerest thanks to all the APA donors listed in this week’s bulletin. Due to your generous giving I am happy to report that we are well ahead of last year’s June 2009 totals.
Remembering that our 2010 APA goal is $233,611, thus far we have reached 68.79% of our goal with $160,693 pledged. The average gift is $275.63 above last year while the participation level of 26% is about the same. Many of you have seen fit to support the Appeal even during these hard times. This speaks volumes about our St. Mark family and I am proud of you.
We still have a way to go, however, and I am asking those of you that gave last year to again do so this year. Those of you who have not given, consider the need of the many ministries the Appeal supports. Thirty eight per cent, the largest portion of your donation, supports Parish and Diocesan Ministries, family and life support ministries, multicultural ministries, Scouting and LPMI, just to name a few. Services to Parishes and Schools, Catholic Formation and Education, Clergy, Religious and Seminarian Support and Vocation and Seminary Educations find support from your APA donations.
Please remember that we are committed to paying the $233,611. Any difference between your donations and the assessment will come from our general revenues. This means that there is less money available to provide services to you and your children. Imagine if the remaining 74% of you gave, we would be well over our goal and not have to take anything from the offertory! Make your donations directly by using the envelopes available in the Narthex or use a debit/credit card and donate online.
Thank you again for your support and it is my sincerest hope that we will meet our APA goal this year. Remember that one of my dreams is to have just one donation from you that will be used to support the different expenses we incur. I pray that this dream will be fulfilled.
Peace,
Fr. David
Before we head into the summer season I want to extend my sincerest thanks to all the APA donors listed in this week’s bulletin. Due to your generous giving I am happy to report that we are well ahead of last year’s June 2009 totals.
Remembering that our 2010 APA goal is $233,611, thus far we have reached 68.79% of our goal with $160,693 pledged. The average gift is $275.63 above last year while the participation level of 26% is about the same. Many of you have seen fit to support the Appeal even during these hard times. This speaks volumes about our St. Mark family and I am proud of you.
We still have a way to go, however, and I am asking those of you that gave last year to again do so this year. Those of you who have not given, consider the need of the many ministries the Appeal supports. Thirty eight per cent, the largest portion of your donation, supports Parish and Diocesan Ministries, family and life support ministries, multicultural ministries, Scouting and LPMI, just to name a few. Services to Parishes and Schools, Catholic Formation and Education, Clergy, Religious and Seminarian Support and Vocation and Seminary Educations find support from your APA donations.
Please remember that we are committed to paying the $233,611. Any difference between your donations and the assessment will come from our general revenues. This means that there is less money available to provide services to you and your children. Imagine if the remaining 74% of you gave, we would be well over our goal and not have to take anything from the offertory! Make your donations directly by using the envelopes available in the Narthex or use a debit/credit card and donate online.
Thank you again for your support and it is my sincerest hope that we will meet our APA goal this year. Remember that one of my dreams is to have just one donation from you that will be used to support the different expenses we incur. I pray that this dream will be fulfilled.
Peace,
Fr. David
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Graduations
Greetings to all of you!
This month is the time for graduations and it seems I have been going to a few of them lately that really were a momentous event in the life of the graduate and their families. It's always exciting to see a young person finish one part of their life while moving on in a whole new direction. This year one of my favorite nieces will be graduating high school and it really wouldn't be that special except for the fact that she is the dreaded "middle child" and has had to endure the great achievements of her sisters and brother before and after her. However, in the last few years she has blossomed into one of the best volleyball players in the state and, even better, she has developed into a sweet, sincere, and loving young woman. So I guess I can be excused a little for bragging about her accomplishments despite her difficult journey in still a very young life. It will be interesting to see what college brings and just maybe she will be one of those superstars and take care of her old Uncle David in his old age. So, congratulations to all our St. Mark graduates and please know that like Jesus, we will always be here to love and support you in whatever journey your life leads you!
Now that it's getting hot, I've been reluctant to take out the racing bike and journey around Flatwoods Park. However, I need to be a little less of a wimp and get myself back out there despite the blazing debilitating sun! Thanks to all of you that sent me little tricks you use to deal with the heat. I'll have to try them and see what happens! I also need to get back hitting some golf balls since my brothers are getting lessons and gunning for me the next time we play together. I think I'm in big trouble on all fronts!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
This month is the time for graduations and it seems I have been going to a few of them lately that really were a momentous event in the life of the graduate and their families. It's always exciting to see a young person finish one part of their life while moving on in a whole new direction. This year one of my favorite nieces will be graduating high school and it really wouldn't be that special except for the fact that she is the dreaded "middle child" and has had to endure the great achievements of her sisters and brother before and after her. However, in the last few years she has blossomed into one of the best volleyball players in the state and, even better, she has developed into a sweet, sincere, and loving young woman. So I guess I can be excused a little for bragging about her accomplishments despite her difficult journey in still a very young life. It will be interesting to see what college brings and just maybe she will be one of those superstars and take care of her old Uncle David in his old age. So, congratulations to all our St. Mark graduates and please know that like Jesus, we will always be here to love and support you in whatever journey your life leads you!
Now that it's getting hot, I've been reluctant to take out the racing bike and journey around Flatwoods Park. However, I need to be a little less of a wimp and get myself back out there despite the blazing debilitating sun! Thanks to all of you that sent me little tricks you use to deal with the heat. I'll have to try them and see what happens! I also need to get back hitting some golf balls since my brothers are getting lessons and gunning for me the next time we play together. I think I'm in big trouble on all fronts!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
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