A Miraculous Week

Greetings to all of you!

What a miraculous week it has been for us at St. Mark! As you know, we have been cleared by the Diocese to break ground on our new Church and I am still in a daze. The people of our parish have stepped in with great generosity to make this happen and I am so grateful to you and to God for this wonderful grace! I pray for your continued support during this process and I look forward to the day when this Church will be a reality. It just goes to show how persistence in prayer and a true focus on doing God's work will make this happen. Never give up!

It looks like Eric the Lion doesn't want to get up on the bell tower platform. I think he's thrilled with all the attention he has gotten down below and doesn't want to leave! However, he may not get his wish and I hope soon he will be lifted so he can watch over New Tampa a little better. It seems the powers that be wish to make sure of his security up there and ours down below, so keep watching!

Last week I attended a workshop called "Fortunate Families" in which the topic of discussion dealt with parents who have a of Gay, Lesbian, bisexual, or transgenderd child. I have to say how eye opening it was for me to see how parents deal with issues that affect those so closest to them. I was so impressed by the honesty of these parents and how they had to finally come to acceptance although it wasn't an easy path. There was a quote that struck me, "When children finally come out of the closet, many parents go in." In light of the words of Pope Francis that we should not judge, I thought the day was an uplifting experience for those attending and those children and parents need our prayers and acceptance. If anyone needs more information on this workshop, feel free to email or call me at the office.

Well that is all for now. May God continue to bless St. Mark and the wonderful people who make it all happen!

Peace,

Fr. David

Lots happening at St. Mark

Greetings to all of you!

Lots of things have been happening lately at St. Mark which has kept me quite busy! A few weeks ago the SMARTS group put together a fundraiser for our Youth Ministry to help some of our youth attend the National Youth Convention held every two years. This year it is in Indianapolis and thousands of Catholic youth throughout the country gather together to praise God for all His blessings. I will be attending with them this year and I'm looking so forward to this moving event. It's always amazing to see all these young men and women on fire for God. It truly is a life changing moment for many of them! I'm also thrilled that the "more experienced" members of our parish are willing to help out our youth. It's a great testament of our connectedness in Christ.

Last week was the Annual Convocation for Priests of our Diocese held at the Bethany Center in Lutz. This year Catholic Relief Services put on an impressive presentation on all that CRS does for the world in terms of aid to the most needy. We, as Catholics, continue to lead the world in providing for the needy as the Gospel demands. Catholic Social teaching is also the impetus behind this great organization and I hope every Catholic educates themselves on the beauty of this teaching so we can bring people to Christ.

We also celebrated Oktoberfest last Saturday night and it turned out to be a great night for dining and dancing. I even saw some "break-dancing" going on as I looked on at the dance floor! The brats were also very good and I'd like to thank the Knights for another outstanding job! I just hope next year they can keep me away from the funnel cake booth!

Well, that is all for now. It looks like this football season will be a downer since the Bucs and Giants have yet to win a game. Maybe I need to perform a blessing for them to get rid of all the evil spirits! A fall trip to NY would also be a good thing too!

Peace,

　
Fr. David

That "Fall Feeling"

 

Greetings to all of you!

 

I'm beginning to get that "fall feel" as we begin to head into October!  This time of year is always my favorite since I know that cooler weather is just around the corner and we celebrate some major holidays.  In addition, my golf clubs have been screaming to go out and play so I better get out on the golf course soon or they may abandon me for someone else.  At least my bike has been getting a little workout as it rides through the beautiful paths of Flatwoods Park.  It feels great passing through the natural preserve and one almost forgets we live in a city.  Besides, it's also where I sense God's presence all around me and brings me a feeling of peace.  

 

Speaking of changes in the weather, it seems that there is some change in the air regarding our Catholic Church.  I have been moved by the way Pope Francis has approached some important topics regarding abortion, homosexuality, and other hot button issues that we face as Catholics. His style is one of mercy rather than of condemnation and I really see the Church reaching out to those who seemed to have felt ostracized by our Church in prior years.  Nothing he has said goes against Church teaching, but the way he handles the issue is definitely different.  His nonjudgmental attitude and merciful love reminds me of another man who lived over 2000 years ago.  I really think more people are coming back to the Church because of him and I am thrilled that we have such a pastoral Pope.  Let's keep praying for this wonderful man!

 

What a great response we have been having with our Capital Campaign!  We are close and I know we will get there by the end of the year.  If you haven't pledged just yet, please do so!  We also have pews left over to memorialize along with other items.  If you can't pledge, please pray!  We need your participation!

 

Well, that is all of now.  May God bless you for your goodness!

 

Peace,

Fr. David

Structural Changes

Greetings to all of you!

As many of you know, we have been undergoing some structural changes regarding the administration and ministries here at St. Mark. I'm finally prepared to share the names of those Stewards who will be part of the new Parish Stewardship and Advisory Board. This particular board will act in an advisory capacity to me and they will deal with issues affecting our parish along with being the eyes, ears, and voice of the parish community. I am happy to announce the following individuals who have agreed to serve on this board: Chairperson--Rolando Lopez with Warren and Mary Dietz as co-chairs. Andy and Sandra Silecchia, Deacon Jose Moronta, Harry Thomas, Hector and Pati Rios, Jim and Lynn Thomas, Monin Gonzalez, Pat Fehey, Julio Dones, and Paul Pita. 

I am also happy to announce that Mary Strickland has agreed to come on staff as our new Ministry Coordinator. Mary will be the "go-to" person for all of our non-staff ministries in the parish. This will lead to greater communication and support for all the ministries of our parish and she will be the conduit for them to our office. Mary will answer to our Assistant General Manager, Claudia Garcia and I'm thrilled that St. Mark will be served by this gifted leader. Welcome aboard, Mary, and I offer my prayers and thanks for all those who have agreed to serve St. Mark.

As you read this I will be speaking at all the Masses regarding our Capital Campaign for a new Church. WE ARE VERY CLOSE! I pray that those of you who have been waiting to see what happens will finally jump on the bandwagon and make this happen! I'm so pleased and thankful that many of you have upped your pledge or agreed to pay off your pledge early. This has really helped to get us at that crucial 50% figure that will determine when we break ground. I will be having a video from our website to explain where we are in case you need more information or wish to share this information with those who haven't heard it. Again, keep us in your prayers, the time is coming!

Well, that is all for now. May God bless you for your goodness to Him!

Peace,

 Fr. David

St. Jude Award Medal

Greetings to all of you!

I am thrilled to announce that the recipient of this year's St. Jude Award Medal for outstanding service to the Church of St. Mark is Frank and Rose Lauro! This great couple have been members of St. Mark since the beginning of this parish and have given generously of their time, talent, and treasure for so many years! They will be awarded the St.Jude Medal by Bishop Lynch on the Feast of Christ the King in November. We offer them congratulations and a huge thank you for all their great work!

You may have noticed the ushers have new shirts to identify them when they are serving at Mass. These bone color, lightweight shirts, are both functional and dressy and were paid for by the ushers themselves. I've got my order in already and they tell me that they may also change colors during the liturgical year. What a wonderful and committed group of men, women, and children who serve our parish in quiet, yet very important ways. My many thanks to them for their crucial role in our parish Masses!

Well it looks like Fr. Ed will be returning this week to Tampa from his trip to Mexico! He is quite a fixture there saying Mass for the sisters and visiting the sick in his neighborhood. I'm sure they miss him when he's not there but I also know I'm glad when he comes back! Welcome home Fr. Ed!

Well, that is all for now. It looks like football season begins in a couple of weeks so I'm starting my Novena for the Giants now!

Well, that is all for now. It looks like football season is just around the corner and cooler days are ahead!

Peace,

Fr. David

Rites

Greetings to all of you!

Last week at the 8:30 am Mass we welcomed 9 persons who decided to make the first step in learning more about the Catholic Faith and more importantly, their relationship with God. I always look forward to these Rites since it requires the participation and acceptance by our Catholic Community and those making this step get to see what a truly welcoming and God centered community we really are. Pray for these Catechumens and Candidates as they continue to make additional steps toward full reception in the Catholic Church sometime around Easter of next year.

Also last week was the first meeting of the new Parish Stewardship and Advisory board which will continue to plan and execute the practice of Stewardship and Spirituality here at St. Mark. They will also be my eyes, ears, and voice of the needs of our people. The board seemed very excited to make St. Mark the best it can be and I look forward to seeing what they can accomplish. Pray for them!

As you know, we are still waiting the arrival of Eric the Lion for our bell tower and should be any day now. This Majestic lion will be greeting parishioners and visitors as they enter the round-about located in front of the Family Life Center. We are also getting closer and closer to breaking ground for our new Church. Many of you have or will receive a letter from me asking to make this happen soon. Again, the longer we wait, the higher the cost will be. Those of you who haven't made a yearly pledge please do so. Last week, over 90 families from our Spanish Community pledged over $32,000 towards our goal. Be assured, from a God who can never be out-given in generosity, He will certainly bless yours with abundance!

Well, that is all for now. It looks like football season is just around the corner and cooler days are ahead!

Peace,

Fr. David

Notre Dame

Greetings to all of you!

Last week I had the opportunity to do a wedding for two of our parishioners at the Basilica of Notre Dame. It was my first time in this beautiful Church and I just cannot say enough about how kind and professional the staff was in helping me to navigate the inner workings of the wedding Mass. The aura of the Basilica was amazing and the guests at the wedding were moved by the ceremony as well as the wedding couple and myself. Although it was held at 9 o'clock in the morning, everyone was there on time ready to go, including the priest which can be a rare feat! We also were able to tour the Campus of Notre Dame which included the famous football stadium and locker room. We even got to tap the two signs that the players tap on their way into the stadium. It was a thrill realizing that we were part of the mystique of all the famous people who also touched those signs. I was also glad that the signs were low enough for me to touch since my jumping abilities have thoroughly diminished through the years. Anyway, I offer congratulations to David and Jill Parker in their new life together. May the Graces received on that special day continue to be with you both.

While at Notre Dame, we also got to play their new golf course which was quite beautiful. I haven't picked up a club since February and played rather well despite the toughness of the course. Unfortunately, my bones hurt the next two days afterwards which means I better start exercising again or I'll turn into a tree. But I digress...

Well, that is all for now. May God continue to bless your Stewardship as we continue to proclaim the Kingdom to all the world.

Peace,

Fr. David