Greetings to all of you!
First of all, what a wonderful time we experienced during our first annual parish picnic organized by the Stewardship Commission. Over 500 people came, and although it was a little warm, we were delighted by all the food, soft drinks, games, etc. that made this event one of our highlights of the year. There are so many groups to thank, but I would like to especially thank the Knights of Columbus for all their work in setting up and cooking all that food and Julio Dones and the Stewardship Commission for all their work in making this happen. Good job everyone, and I hope next year God gives us a nice cool day!
Last Sunday, 97 young men and women received Confirmation here at St. Mark with Abbot Isaac presiding. The church was packed with relatives and friends from far and wide gathering for this beautiful ceremony. It is always a great feeling to see these young people complete their full initiation into the Catholic Church as they go out into the world and live this Gospel of Love!
We are currently underway in the “soft” phase of our Capital Campaign for a new Church building and thus far those who have been asked to help financially and with their talents are doing it with enthusiasm! If things go well during this phase, we hope to kick off the campaign in January of 2011. What an exciting time for us here at St. Mark! I ask for your prayers and support when the time comes. We are growing so fast and our area needs a prominent spiritual home, especially during these difficult economic times. Let’s make this happen for our families!
Now that it is getting hotter outside, I’m trying to find creative ways to ride my bike and still remain cool. If anyone has any advice, feel free to let me know since I usually wimp out when it gets too hot!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
May Crowning/Capital Campaign
Greetings to all of you!
In this month of Mary I’m sure you have witnessed many graced moments during this particular time as we celebrate First Communions, Ordinations, Confirmations, May Crownings, Mother’s Day, etc. during this busy month. I’m sure Our Lady smiles at us from Heaven as we use this month to remember her in many special ways as the Great Mother of our Dear Lord. Her constant “yes” to God truly made all of this happen for our benefit. May she continue to be honored as our own Mother and have a special place in our hearts!
Last week we had our Cabinet Meeting for those who came forward to help us organize our desire for a new Church. It seems like things are moving well thus far, and it promises to be an exciting year when we kick off the Capital Campaign in January of 2011. The new Church designs look outstanding, but more importantly, we are in the early stages of making St. Mark The Evangelist parish one that will touch the hearts and souls of many in the New Tampa community who are seeking hope and stability in a world that offers neither. I hope and pray that a new Church will not only bring people to Christ but it will unite us as brothers and sisters in Christ and be effective instruments of God’s love. Keep up the praying and, by-the-way, if anyone hits the lottery, please contact me immediately!
A few weeks ago I bought a new racing bike after riding a road bike that was over 12 years old and badly needing a major tune up. It seemed every time I took that road bike out on Flatwoods Park, I could barely make it around the loop without falling into a heap of exhaustion. Now with this new racing bike, I’ve been going twice around the loop and passing people who used to blow right by me snickering as they saw this poor pathetic creature peddling so hard. I even bought a helmet and now I look like one of those professional racers! Unfortunately, with speed sometimes mishaps come with it. I did crash into a bridge banister a couple of weeks ago and scraped my arm and bruised the side of my body. I was fine but my ego took a huge beating! Now I can say with all sincerity that I am indeed one of them (those racers) as I now have my own “badge of honor” to prove it! Pray for me!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other!
Peace,
Fr. David
In this month of Mary I’m sure you have witnessed many graced moments during this particular time as we celebrate First Communions, Ordinations, Confirmations, May Crownings, Mother’s Day, etc. during this busy month. I’m sure Our Lady smiles at us from Heaven as we use this month to remember her in many special ways as the Great Mother of our Dear Lord. Her constant “yes” to God truly made all of this happen for our benefit. May she continue to be honored as our own Mother and have a special place in our hearts!
Last week we had our Cabinet Meeting for those who came forward to help us organize our desire for a new Church. It seems like things are moving well thus far, and it promises to be an exciting year when we kick off the Capital Campaign in January of 2011. The new Church designs look outstanding, but more importantly, we are in the early stages of making St. Mark The Evangelist parish one that will touch the hearts and souls of many in the New Tampa community who are seeking hope and stability in a world that offers neither. I hope and pray that a new Church will not only bring people to Christ but it will unite us as brothers and sisters in Christ and be effective instruments of God’s love. Keep up the praying and, by-the-way, if anyone hits the lottery, please contact me immediately!
A few weeks ago I bought a new racing bike after riding a road bike that was over 12 years old and badly needing a major tune up. It seemed every time I took that road bike out on Flatwoods Park, I could barely make it around the loop without falling into a heap of exhaustion. Now with this new racing bike, I’ve been going twice around the loop and passing people who used to blow right by me snickering as they saw this poor pathetic creature peddling so hard. I even bought a helmet and now I look like one of those professional racers! Unfortunately, with speed sometimes mishaps come with it. I did crash into a bridge banister a couple of weeks ago and scraped my arm and bruised the side of my body. I was fine but my ego took a huge beating! Now I can say with all sincerity that I am indeed one of them (those racers) as I now have my own “badge of honor” to prove it! Pray for me!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other!
Peace,
Fr. David
May Crowning/Capital Campaign
Greetings to all of you!
In this month of Mary I’m sure you have witnessed many graced moments during this particular time as we celebrate First Communions, Ordinations, Confirmations, May Crownings, Mother’s Day, etc. during this busy month. I’m sure Our Lady smiles at us from Heaven as we use this month to remember her in many special ways as the Great Mother of our Dear Lord. Her constant “yes” to God truly made all of this happen for our benefit. May she continue to be honored as our own Mother and have a special place in our hearts!
Last week we had our Cabinet Meeting for those who came forward to help us organize our desire for a new Church. It seems like things are moving well thus far, and it promises to be an exciting year when we kick off the Capital Campaign in January of 2011. The new Church designs look outstanding, but more importantly, we are in the early stages of making St. Mark The Evangelist parish one that will touch the hearts and souls of many in the New Tampa community who are seeking hope and stability in a world that offers neither. I hope and pray that a new Church will not only bring people to Christ but it will unite us as brothers and sisters in Christ and be effective instruments of God’s love. Keep up the praying and, by-the-way, if anyone hits the lottery, please contact me immediately!
A few weeks ago I bought a new racing bike after riding a road bike that was over 12 years old and badly needing a major tune up. It seemed every time I took that road bike out on Flatwoods Park, I could barely make it around the loop without falling into a heap of exhaustion. Now with this new racing bike, I’ve been going twice around the loop and passing people who used to blow right by me snickering as they saw this poor pathetic creature peddling so hard. I even bought a helmet and now I look like one of those professional racers! Unfortunately, with speed sometimes mishaps come with it. I did crash into a bridge banister a couple of weeks ago and scraped my arm and bruised the side of my body. I was fine but my ego took a huge beating! Now I can say with all sincerity that I am indeed one of them (those racers) as I now have my own “badge of honor” to prove it! Pray for me!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other!
Peace,
Fr. David
In this month of Mary I’m sure you have witnessed many graced moments during this particular time as we celebrate First Communions, Ordinations, Confirmations, May Crownings, Mother’s Day, etc. during this busy month. I’m sure Our Lady smiles at us from Heaven as we use this month to remember her in many special ways as the Great Mother of our Dear Lord. Her constant “yes” to God truly made all of this happen for our benefit. May she continue to be honored as our own Mother and have a special place in our hearts!
Last week we had our Cabinet Meeting for those who came forward to help us organize our desire for a new Church. It seems like things are moving well thus far, and it promises to be an exciting year when we kick off the Capital Campaign in January of 2011. The new Church designs look outstanding, but more importantly, we are in the early stages of making St. Mark The Evangelist parish one that will touch the hearts and souls of many in the New Tampa community who are seeking hope and stability in a world that offers neither. I hope and pray that a new Church will not only bring people to Christ but it will unite us as brothers and sisters in Christ and be effective instruments of God’s love. Keep up the praying and, by-the-way, if anyone hits the lottery, please contact me immediately!
A few weeks ago I bought a new racing bike after riding a road bike that was over 12 years old and badly needing a major tune up. It seemed every time I took that road bike out on Flatwoods Park, I could barely make it around the loop without falling into a heap of exhaustion. Now with this new racing bike, I’ve been going twice around the loop and passing people who used to blow right by me snickering as they saw this poor pathetic creature peddling so hard. I even bought a helmet and now I look like one of those professional racers! Unfortunately, with speed sometimes mishaps come with it. I did crash into a bridge banister a couple of weeks ago and scraped my arm and bruised the side of my body. I was fine but my ego took a huge beating! Now I can say with all sincerity that I am indeed one of them (those racers) as I now have my own “badge of honor” to prove it! Pray for me!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other!
Peace,
Fr. David
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Congratulations/Annual Family Pic Nic
Greetings to all of you!
As I sit here writing this article, I can’t help but be swelled with pride at three of our members of St. Mark parish who had participated in a National-level Financial Literacy Test. Over 76,000 students from across the United States participated in the test and these three members earned scores in the top 20% of the entire nation. They are John Riccardi, Scott Fleming and Dion Larson! The Department of the U.S. Treasury will then select 20 students from this 20% and will award each student $1000. In addition, Dion Larson achieved a perfect score of 100% on this National exam and is one of only 500 people to do so! Congratulations to Scott, John, and Dion, we are so proud of you!!
Last Saturday we had our annual Ministerial Leadership Informational Meeting in which we discussed the workings of the Pastoral Council and the various goals and objectives we have laid out for the next 5-10 years. Leaders from most of the ministries in our parish came together to hear some exciting news as we head into the future of our parish, and they were told of their importance in making much of this happen. We were also shown the latest plans for our new Church, which was truly a high point! I was very impressed by their enthusiasm and determination in the planning process of St. Mark, and we look forward to even better things as Jesus once promised us!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
As I sit here writing this article, I can’t help but be swelled with pride at three of our members of St. Mark parish who had participated in a National-level Financial Literacy Test. Over 76,000 students from across the United States participated in the test and these three members earned scores in the top 20% of the entire nation. They are John Riccardi, Scott Fleming and Dion Larson! The Department of the U.S. Treasury will then select 20 students from this 20% and will award each student $1000. In addition, Dion Larson achieved a perfect score of 100% on this National exam and is one of only 500 people to do so! Congratulations to Scott, John, and Dion, we are so proud of you!!
Last Saturday we had our annual Ministerial Leadership Informational Meeting in which we discussed the workings of the Pastoral Council and the various goals and objectives we have laid out for the next 5-10 years. Leaders from most of the ministries in our parish came together to hear some exciting news as we head into the future of our parish, and they were told of their importance in making much of this happen. We were also shown the latest plans for our new Church, which was truly a high point! I was very impressed by their enthusiasm and determination in the planning process of St. Mark, and we look forward to even better things as Jesus once promised us!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Vacation/APA/Capital Campaign/Holy Land Trip
Greetings to all of you!
I’m now back from a short vacation after Easter and, of course, lots of things will be happening in the next few weeks and beyond. Last Saturday, I was able to attend part of the Confirmation retreat with our youth at the Bethany Center. The retreat center is such a great place to get away from the world and all its stresses and be quiet for just a little while. We are so fortunate to have a place like this very near to us in Lutz. Anyway, while there I got the chance to hear confessions, have dinner, and then Mass with our young men and women. Every time I attend an event such as this, I am always amazed at the outstanding youth we have here at St. Mark. They are deeply spiritual and actually care about their world and the faith in which they have been brought up. Their families have done an excellent job in raising such wonderful young men and women!
It has been awhile since you heard from me regarding our Annual Pastoral Appeal (APA) and I wish to take this opportunity to update you on our progress thus far and express the importance of reaching our goal of $233,611. Appeal contributions support a variety of causes in our diocese that one parish alone would not be able to handle, such as, Parish and Diocesan ministries, temporal affairs, service to parishes and schools, Catholic Formation and Education of adults, seminarian support, and Social Services/Catholic Charities. So far nearly 500 families have pledged over $134,000 towards our goal and we are almost half way finished for the year. Please, if you haven’t given to the Appeal, I pray that you will because not only does it support so many different areas, but it also helps St. Mark in the process. For every dollar that you contribute is one LESS dollar we have to take from operating funds to meet our assessment. In a couple of weeks I am inviting Shelia Lopez, CEO of Catholic Charities to speak to us about where your sacrifices go to support the ministry of the Gospel. Pledge envelopes are in the Narthex and if you have already contributed, I thank you with a sincere heart!
We continue to work on our plans for a Capital Campaign in January of 2011 when we will begin raising money for our much needed Church. More news will be forthcoming!
I did get on the golf course last Friday for one of those miracle moments when things actually were going well. I lost only one ball and scored in the middle 80’s for the first time in awhile. Maybe this might be a good year after all.
Also, only two cabins remain for our Trip to the Holy Land in October. They tell me this week is the last week to book since the ship is full. Give me a call if you wish more information or wish to go. Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
I’m now back from a short vacation after Easter and, of course, lots of things will be happening in the next few weeks and beyond. Last Saturday, I was able to attend part of the Confirmation retreat with our youth at the Bethany Center. The retreat center is such a great place to get away from the world and all its stresses and be quiet for just a little while. We are so fortunate to have a place like this very near to us in Lutz. Anyway, while there I got the chance to hear confessions, have dinner, and then Mass with our young men and women. Every time I attend an event such as this, I am always amazed at the outstanding youth we have here at St. Mark. They are deeply spiritual and actually care about their world and the faith in which they have been brought up. Their families have done an excellent job in raising such wonderful young men and women!
It has been awhile since you heard from me regarding our Annual Pastoral Appeal (APA) and I wish to take this opportunity to update you on our progress thus far and express the importance of reaching our goal of $233,611. Appeal contributions support a variety of causes in our diocese that one parish alone would not be able to handle, such as, Parish and Diocesan ministries, temporal affairs, service to parishes and schools, Catholic Formation and Education of adults, seminarian support, and Social Services/Catholic Charities. So far nearly 500 families have pledged over $134,000 towards our goal and we are almost half way finished for the year. Please, if you haven’t given to the Appeal, I pray that you will because not only does it support so many different areas, but it also helps St. Mark in the process. For every dollar that you contribute is one LESS dollar we have to take from operating funds to meet our assessment. In a couple of weeks I am inviting Shelia Lopez, CEO of Catholic Charities to speak to us about where your sacrifices go to support the ministry of the Gospel. Pledge envelopes are in the Narthex and if you have already contributed, I thank you with a sincere heart!
We continue to work on our plans for a Capital Campaign in January of 2011 when we will begin raising money for our much needed Church. More news will be forthcoming!
I did get on the golf course last Friday for one of those miracle moments when things actually were going well. I lost only one ball and scored in the middle 80’s for the first time in awhile. Maybe this might be a good year after all.
Also, only two cabins remain for our Trip to the Holy Land in October. They tell me this week is the last week to book since the ship is full. Give me a call if you wish more information or wish to go. Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Thanks for your help!
Greetings as we begin another week!
As we approach the holy time of Easter, I would like to express my love and appreciation to all of you for making my experience here at St. Mark a time of joy, thanksgiving, and yes, of resurrection! We priests also struggle with being good Christian people and we experience disappointment and frustration at the way things are and feel helpless to make it better. However, the people here at St. Mark have shown me time and again the power of faith in overcoming great obstacles by your thoughtfulness and desire to make things happen. Rarely, have I seen such a great effort by so many, and for that I am so thankful to be your Pastor. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else and I look forward to even greater things in our future! Be assured of my prayers for all of you during this Holy time.
This Monday, I will have participated in a fundraiser to benefit the golf team at the University of South Florida which is my Alma Mater. I’m a little nervous since I haven’t been out in awhile and I have been partnered with Vinnie Testaverde, the former quarterback for the Bucs! I’m not sure what kind of game I’ll bring to the course, but I just am thrilled to play with a nice person such as he. I just hope I can keep control of my language as I hack it around. I’ll let you know how I do in the next column.
As of this writing, we still have a few cabins left for our trip to Europe and the Holy Land in October. If you haven’t made your mind up just yet, I would recommend you do it soon before the cabins are gone. You can reach Binnie at Tampa Palms Travel at 813-514-1507. This is a once in a lifetime trip and I promise it will be one that you will remember always. In addition, what a great opportunity to walk the land of Jesus with your parish family!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other!
Peace,
Fr. David
As we approach the holy time of Easter, I would like to express my love and appreciation to all of you for making my experience here at St. Mark a time of joy, thanksgiving, and yes, of resurrection! We priests also struggle with being good Christian people and we experience disappointment and frustration at the way things are and feel helpless to make it better. However, the people here at St. Mark have shown me time and again the power of faith in overcoming great obstacles by your thoughtfulness and desire to make things happen. Rarely, have I seen such a great effort by so many, and for that I am so thankful to be your Pastor. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else and I look forward to even greater things in our future! Be assured of my prayers for all of you during this Holy time.
This Monday, I will have participated in a fundraiser to benefit the golf team at the University of South Florida which is my Alma Mater. I’m a little nervous since I haven’t been out in awhile and I have been partnered with Vinnie Testaverde, the former quarterback for the Bucs! I’m not sure what kind of game I’ll bring to the course, but I just am thrilled to play with a nice person such as he. I just hope I can keep control of my language as I hack it around. I’ll let you know how I do in the next column.
As of this writing, we still have a few cabins left for our trip to Europe and the Holy Land in October. If you haven’t made your mind up just yet, I would recommend you do it soon before the cabins are gone. You can reach Binnie at Tampa Palms Travel at 813-514-1507. This is a once in a lifetime trip and I promise it will be one that you will remember always. In addition, what a great opportunity to walk the land of Jesus with your parish family!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other!
Peace,
Fr. David
Friday, March 19, 2010
Mission/Pastoral Council
Greetings to all of you!
Next week is our annual Parish Mission with Fr. John Murray as our retreat Master. What a great gift to give yourself and your loved ones by taking advantage of this opportunity for spiritual growth. I’m looking forward to listening to his presentation. Please remember we will also will have our Parish Penance Service on Tuesday night, March 23rd, within the retreat itself. Just imagine how ready you will be for that great Easter Sacrament where we celebrate with great wonder the resurrection of Jesus Christ! I hope you will come!
No golf to report on again this week since the rains wiped away any chance to play. However, at least my grass and what flowers that were left after the freezes are beginning to come back to life. Hmm, maybe there might be a homily in there somewhere!
I have been meeting with the Pastoral Council these last few months in which we are putting together some goals and objectives for the future of St. Mark Parish. We will be having a Ministry Workshop on April 24th, in which all heads of the parish ministries will be invited to attend an informational meeting to discuss these issues. A letter will be coming from me to all ministry heads with all the details. I am so proud of what our Pastoral Council has accomplished these past years and it is looking like St. Mark will continue to be one of the premier parishes in the Diocese as we head into the future.
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
Next week is our annual Parish Mission with Fr. John Murray as our retreat Master. What a great gift to give yourself and your loved ones by taking advantage of this opportunity for spiritual growth. I’m looking forward to listening to his presentation. Please remember we will also will have our Parish Penance Service on Tuesday night, March 23rd, within the retreat itself. Just imagine how ready you will be for that great Easter Sacrament where we celebrate with great wonder the resurrection of Jesus Christ! I hope you will come!
No golf to report on again this week since the rains wiped away any chance to play. However, at least my grass and what flowers that were left after the freezes are beginning to come back to life. Hmm, maybe there might be a homily in there somewhere!
I have been meeting with the Pastoral Council these last few months in which we are putting together some goals and objectives for the future of St. Mark Parish. We will be having a Ministry Workshop on April 24th, in which all heads of the parish ministries will be invited to attend an informational meeting to discuss these issues. A letter will be coming from me to all ministry heads with all the details. I am so proud of what our Pastoral Council has accomplished these past years and it is looking like St. Mark will continue to be one of the premier parishes in the Diocese as we head into the future.
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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