Stewardship Renewal

Greetings to all of you!

I am so thrilled that the weather is finally breaking and getting cooler as the fall goes on! I haven't played golf since

February of this past year and the clubs have been calling out to me to get some sun. I even took my bike out the other day and flew around Flatwoods Park in record time although I could feel the sore muscles the next day! With the cooler

weather, we celebrated our annual Oktoberfest last Saturday night and thanks to the Knights of Columbus, a great time
was had by all. I look forward to the bratwurst every year and this year it was especially tasty! I even had part of a funnel cake that was so addicting I had to walk away from the funnel cake oven so I wouldn't be tempted yet again. Thanks to all who participated in the event and especially those brave enough to get up and dance to the great music provided. Thanks again my brother Knights! Another job well done.

This week we will be kicking off our annual Stewardship renewal beginning with the parade of ministries located out under the big tent! We are so blessed to have so many people take ownership of our parish and become involved with the work of Christ. Many miracles have happened here at St. Mark because of them so why not deepen your faith in Christ by getting involved! Believe me, your life will change!

Speaking of how Stewardship can change a life, we are so honored and proud here at St. Mark with from what I can tell is our FIRST vocation to the Religious Life. Deacon Scott Paine and his wife, Carol, are now the proud parents of SISTER CLARE who accepted her habit a few weeks ago! Congratulations to Sr. Clare and may God bless your ministry!

I hope by now many of you have seen the new video that was sent to your emails regarding the new Church. It was so well done and I think Cyndi Letzeisen, Jeff Cobb, Tammy Peralta at "Bean Productions", and the rest of the marketing committee that put this together! Look for additional videos in the months to come in our quest to raise $3 million by Christmas of 2013! May God bless our effort!

 

As you read this, I will be on my way with my brothers to Italy for a cruise around the Mediterranean! It has been many years since I had the opportunity to go on vacation with more than one brother and so I'm looking forward to the experience. We will be visiting the birthplace of our mother during our visit to Rome which will be a special moment for us. Meeting cousins, uncles, aunts, etc will be also very exciting. I'll see you in a couple of weeks!

Well, that is all for now. May God continue to bless all of us at St. Mark!

Peace,

Fr. Davidd

Invocation and Benediction for one member of our parish family

Greetings to all of you!

 

Last week I had the privilege of giving the Invocation and Benediction for one member of our parish family to the awesome responsibility of Judge here in Hillsborough County.  Jennifer Gabbard who is a team member of the RCIA here at the parish was invested with the robes on Thursday, October 4, on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.  The ceremony was filled with heartfelt remarks along with quite a bit of humor as Judge Gabbard was honored by her colleagues and superiors alike.  State attorney Mark Ober was quite the comic as he presented into evidence of the overworked Jennifer in her office of prosecuting attorney mired knee deep in books and papers.  He presented another picture into evidence of JUDGE Gabbard sitting at her desk with absolutely nothing on it!  Funny stuff!  As a real treat, State Attorney General Pam Bondi was also there as a close friend to Judge Gabbard and I had yet another privilege of being allowed to sit right next to her!  She was a delightful lady and although she has gone on to higher realms, she continues to maintain that humble, non-pretentious disposition about her despite the fact that she can be a tough prosecutor when the situation calls for one.  In addition, she was so easy to speak with as we chatted on occasion during the event and I am so glad to have met her OUTSIDE of the courtroom!  I was also taken back by the "fraternity" of the judges here in Hillsborough county as many of them came to the investiture.  It seems that they exhibited a kind of family aura and I was impressed by their care and concern for each other.  But, the day belonged to Jennifer who was an outstanding prosecutor and an exceptional faith-filled woman!  Her entire family was there and I could see the how proud they all were of her and probably a little overwhelmed by the accomplishments of this great lady who is also a humble Catholic Christian,  Jennifer, on behalf of our entire congregation, we all offer you our prayers and support as you begin this awesome path. Congratulations Judge Gabbard!  May God be with you!

 

After the Investiture, I was able to visit those from our parish picketing at a women's center against abortion during these 40 days of prayer.  Despite the heat, parishioners from our parish stood for hours trying to change minds and hearts.  As I stood there with them, some cars came by beeping their horns in support of what they were doing.  It is such an emotional experience for those ladies who decide to have abortions and we are here to let them know that there is another way.  I was so proud of our people for taking the time and effort in promoting life and I hope and pray that more individuals will understand the importance of human life and safeguard it against all those who wish to destroy it.  Let's keep up the effort!

 

Finally, sometimes in this column I feel compelled to speak on matters that might seem simple and inconsequential but I feel are very important when it comes to living a Christian life.  The first matter I would like to bring up is:  WILL PEOPLE USE THEIR BLINKERS WHEN CHANGING LANES AND/OR TURNING INTO ANOTHER STREET!   One of the things that makes someone Holy is being conscientious when it comes to others.  When driving, it's a matter of courtesy and drivers in Florida seem to lack a lot of it!  It's also a matter of safety too.  So please:USE YOUR BLINKERS!   There, I said it!  There will be others, just stay tuned.

 

Well, that is all for now.  May God help us in all we do!

 

Peace,

Fr. David