Greetings to all of you!
Since Lent has started we have been going from one function to another in preparation for the Easter celebration. Last Saturday a group of parishioners and I attended a dinner for the benefit of Catholic Education. Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop from New York gave an uplifting presentation on the importance of Catholic Education and the great leaders it has produced. I also found out that he is a NY Yankee fan, (well he should be), which surprised me since he was from St. Louis. Anyway, I was thrilled that so many of our own were there to represent St. Mark and there were over 540 people in attendance. Bishop Lynch was also there despite his illness and he is looking better and better as the days and months go on.
The following Sunday, our Catechumens and Candidates traveled to St. Jude Cathedral for the Rite of Election and were welcomed by Bishop Lynch in a packed Cathedral. This year there were over 1,060 Catechumens and Candidates from around the Diocese who are looking to enter full communion with the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil. I was proud to see a good number of participants from our own St. Mark who will be coming into the Church this year. I’m sure they were overjoyed meeting the Bishop for the first time. Continue to pray for them as they take the additional steps in the coming months.
As the days get a little warmer, I’m hoping to get out to the Links real soon. My oldest brother, Joe, has been trash talking with me for a month now thinking he can outscore me due to the golf lessons he has been taking. However, one can never overlook the power of intimidation and persuasion when it comes to this crazy game. My poor brother continues to get intimidated by my twin brother and me whenever we play. Hopefully, I can let you know how the game turned out when we play next time.
Well, that is all for now. I hope your Lent is going well thus far and I pray that you will continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
APA/Small Christian Communities/Cruise
Greetings to all of you!
This weekend is an important one for St. Mark Parish as we begin the Annual Pastoral Appeal (APA) again for the year 2010. I say it’s important in that we have been given the responsibility by Christ to go and comfort the poor, the broken hearted, and make disciples of all people. The APA does that and more for the people of the Diocese of St. Petersburg and our parish of St. Mark has always been generous! I thank you for last year’s record giving to this appeal in the amount of $180,000 and I ask and pray that you will be as generous with this year’s appeal. God will bless your generosity!
Also coming up during Lent is the gathering of Small Christian Communities in which the Scriptures are read and life experiences are spoken about. It truly is an enriching experience, and I promise it will deepen this great mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection. Sign up is available after all the Masses, and time is limited so I hope you will be able to take advantage of this opportunity.
As some of you may know, in October we will be cruising the Mediterranean once again, but this time making stops in Israel, walking in the footsteps of Jesus and continuing on to the great city of Alexandria, with additional stops in Greece and Turkey. If you’re interested in going, information is available on our website or you can call the office for details. We have only 20 cabins reserved and they’re going fast so sign up soon before they’re sold out.
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has giving us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
This weekend is an important one for St. Mark Parish as we begin the Annual Pastoral Appeal (APA) again for the year 2010. I say it’s important in that we have been given the responsibility by Christ to go and comfort the poor, the broken hearted, and make disciples of all people. The APA does that and more for the people of the Diocese of St. Petersburg and our parish of St. Mark has always been generous! I thank you for last year’s record giving to this appeal in the amount of $180,000 and I ask and pray that you will be as generous with this year’s appeal. God will bless your generosity!
Also coming up during Lent is the gathering of Small Christian Communities in which the Scriptures are read and life experiences are spoken about. It truly is an enriching experience, and I promise it will deepen this great mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection. Sign up is available after all the Masses, and time is limited so I hope you will be able to take advantage of this opportunity.
As some of you may know, in October we will be cruising the Mediterranean once again, but this time making stops in Israel, walking in the footsteps of Jesus and continuing on to the great city of Alexandria, with additional stops in Greece and Turkey. If you’re interested in going, information is available on our website or you can call the office for details. We have only 20 cabins reserved and they’re going fast so sign up soon before they’re sold out.
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has giving us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
Friday, January 22, 2010
Haiti/CRHP/RCIA
Greetings to all of you!
I’m sure by now that everyone has been inundated with requests for help to the people of Haiti, and it truly is an inspiring outpouring of love and support that people from around the world are offering this devastated country. We began collecting here at the Church last week and we will continue to do so this week. So if you want to be sure your offerings go to the right place, we will make that happen. All the Diocesan collections for Haiti go through the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) program established by the Catholic Church to support the poor and suffering. Thank you to all who have contributed to this fund and we continue to pray for the people of Haiti.
Last week, men from our parish experienced another Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP), and again lives are being changed! I heard some powerful presentations, and many were moved by the experience. I’m so proud of Team 4 for putting together another great retreat, and I pray for the men of CRHP 5 as they continue their journey in deepening their relationship to Christ! The Women’s CRHP is next and it, too, promises more miracles!
I visited last Thursday with the people of the RCIA who are taking steps to learn more of the Catholic Church, and hopefully, become full-fledged Catholics at the Easter Vigil. I was touched at their attentiveness and their desire to learn more about our faith! Their questions were very thought provoking, and I’m thrilled that they are looking forward to coming into our parish family. We are honored to have them with us!
Lastly, since the Giants are out of the playoffs, I’m rooting for the Jets to go all the way! It’s going to be hard fought, the guys in Green will prevail, God willing!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
I’m sure by now that everyone has been inundated with requests for help to the people of Haiti, and it truly is an inspiring outpouring of love and support that people from around the world are offering this devastated country. We began collecting here at the Church last week and we will continue to do so this week. So if you want to be sure your offerings go to the right place, we will make that happen. All the Diocesan collections for Haiti go through the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) program established by the Catholic Church to support the poor and suffering. Thank you to all who have contributed to this fund and we continue to pray for the people of Haiti.
Last week, men from our parish experienced another Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP), and again lives are being changed! I heard some powerful presentations, and many were moved by the experience. I’m so proud of Team 4 for putting together another great retreat, and I pray for the men of CRHP 5 as they continue their journey in deepening their relationship to Christ! The Women’s CRHP is next and it, too, promises more miracles!
I visited last Thursday with the people of the RCIA who are taking steps to learn more of the Catholic Church, and hopefully, become full-fledged Catholics at the Easter Vigil. I was touched at their attentiveness and their desire to learn more about our faith! Their questions were very thought provoking, and I’m thrilled that they are looking forward to coming into our parish family. We are honored to have them with us!
Lastly, since the Giants are out of the playoffs, I’m rooting for the Jets to go all the way! It’s going to be hard fought, the guys in Green will prevail, God willing!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
Monday, January 11, 2010
Christmas Season/Upcoming Events
Greetings to all of you!
It seems like forever since I have been able to write to you due to the bulletin holiday schedule, and now I hope we can get back to a more normal one. Again, this year we had another wonderful Christmas at St. Mark. I appreciate all those who made this wondrous event so memorable. There are so many people behind the scenes that make it all happen, and I am so thankful for all their support and hard work. What a great way to end the year!
As we look forward to 2010, I pray that we will have an even greater year as we move forward here at St. Mark. We are currently laying down plans to raise funds for a new church beginning with a Capital Campaign in January of 2011, which I am looking forward to getting started. Our Pastoral Council is involved in some strategic planning that will tweak the way we do things here in a variety of ways. My hope and prayer for 2010 is that our parish family will continue to deepen their relationship with God through our embracement of the Stewardship way of life. Keep an eye out for some wonderful adult and child educational opportunities and, of course, spiritual retreats and programs. All in all, it looks like another life-giving year at St. Mark, and I hope you take advantage of some or all of them.
In October of this year, we are looking to do another Parish Cruise around the Mediterranean beginning in Rome and making stops in Jerusalem, Alexandria Egypt, Ephesus, Athens, and more. Keep tuned to the parish bulletin and our web-site for further information. It promises to be another great adventure!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
It seems like forever since I have been able to write to you due to the bulletin holiday schedule, and now I hope we can get back to a more normal one. Again, this year we had another wonderful Christmas at St. Mark. I appreciate all those who made this wondrous event so memorable. There are so many people behind the scenes that make it all happen, and I am so thankful for all their support and hard work. What a great way to end the year!
As we look forward to 2010, I pray that we will have an even greater year as we move forward here at St. Mark. We are currently laying down plans to raise funds for a new church beginning with a Capital Campaign in January of 2011, which I am looking forward to getting started. Our Pastoral Council is involved in some strategic planning that will tweak the way we do things here in a variety of ways. My hope and prayer for 2010 is that our parish family will continue to deepen their relationship with God through our embracement of the Stewardship way of life. Keep an eye out for some wonderful adult and child educational opportunities and, of course, spiritual retreats and programs. All in all, it looks like another life-giving year at St. Mark, and I hope you take advantage of some or all of them.
In October of this year, we are looking to do another Parish Cruise around the Mediterranean beginning in Rome and making stops in Jerusalem, Alexandria Egypt, Ephesus, Athens, and more. Keep tuned to the parish bulletin and our web-site for further information. It promises to be another great adventure!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Christmas Events
Greetings to all of you!
It’s been a busy week with all the Christmas concerts, etc. that have been going on here at St. Mark. The Tampa Bay Children’s Chorus put on an outstanding show last Saturday night. I always love hearing children’s voices especially during the Advent and Christmas Season. We also celebrated our annual Parish Christmas Dinner at Hunters Green C.C., and it also turned out to be a wonderful evening. We had the Barbershop Quartet perform for our listening pleasure, and also had a special appearance by Frankie Sinatra! I would like to thank Denize Soobit, Nancy Larson, and Phyllis Timp for putting this all together. It was a fun evening!
Also on Saturday, we had “Breakfast with Santa”, put on by our Youth Ministry. Hundreds of kids strolled through and made their very own Christmas crafts, heard stories from Mrs. Santa, and also got the chance to meet Santa himself! By the time I got there, it seemed Santa was worn out because when I told him what I wanted for Christmas, he threw me from his Santa Chair and the elves escorted me out! It looks like I’m getting coal again for Christmas! Afterwards, we had a great breakfast made by the Knights of Columbus, and the morning was complete. I would like to thank Maryann Weigel and her angels for all their hard work. It was another success!
Well, I need to get my shopping done. Hope all is well with you, and may the rest of Advent be one of joy and peace for you and your family.
Peace,
Fr. David
It’s been a busy week with all the Christmas concerts, etc. that have been going on here at St. Mark. The Tampa Bay Children’s Chorus put on an outstanding show last Saturday night. I always love hearing children’s voices especially during the Advent and Christmas Season. We also celebrated our annual Parish Christmas Dinner at Hunters Green C.C., and it also turned out to be a wonderful evening. We had the Barbershop Quartet perform for our listening pleasure, and also had a special appearance by Frankie Sinatra! I would like to thank Denize Soobit, Nancy Larson, and Phyllis Timp for putting this all together. It was a fun evening!
Also on Saturday, we had “Breakfast with Santa”, put on by our Youth Ministry. Hundreds of kids strolled through and made their very own Christmas crafts, heard stories from Mrs. Santa, and also got the chance to meet Santa himself! By the time I got there, it seemed Santa was worn out because when I told him what I wanted for Christmas, he threw me from his Santa Chair and the elves escorted me out! It looks like I’m getting coal again for Christmas! Afterwards, we had a great breakfast made by the Knights of Columbus, and the morning was complete. I would like to thank Maryann Weigel and her angels for all their hard work. It was another success!
Well, I need to get my shopping done. Hope all is well with you, and may the rest of Advent be one of joy and peace for you and your family.
Peace,
Fr. David
Friday, December 11, 2009
Ordination
Greetings to all of you!
With all the wind and rain this past week, I was afraid to get my golf clubs wet so I decided to stay in and eat a nice sandwich with a tasty drink of iced tea at the local clubhouse on my day off. It seems when these dark and dreary days come, one just wishes to be fed and then curl up on the couch with a great book under a warm blanket. I’m sure my body was more than glad not to have gone out braving the elements and winding up with a terrible cold afterwards. I think God gives us days like these to slow down and really enjoy those simple things that make us content. After all, isn’t that what Advent is all about? Now, “where’s my book and warm blanket?”
This past Wednesday I traveled to the Bethany Center which is our Diocesan Retreat House to attend the ordination to the Priesthood of Fr. John Lipscomb. Some of you may have remembered Fr. Lipscomb as Bishop John Lipscomb of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida. Fr. Lipscomb retired from his Diocese to become a Roman Catholic a few years ago and now he is one of ours. Fr. Lipscomb will be the Spiritual Director at the Bethany Center and he will conduct retreats and give spiritual direction to groups and individuals who go there. The Ordination was beautiful and we were privileged to have Archbishop John C. Favalora there as the ordaining bishop and we found out that Fr. Lipscomb is the 100th priest ordained for our Diocese since it was established in 1968. Congratulations Fr. Lipscomb!
Just a reminder that we will be celebrating a night of “Lessons and Carols” on Saturday, Dec. 19th . This is an ancient and beautiful rite that you won’t want to miss. Get your tickets early and save a few dollars from the price at the door. It promises to be a special night as we await the coming of Christ at Christmas!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
With all the wind and rain this past week, I was afraid to get my golf clubs wet so I decided to stay in and eat a nice sandwich with a tasty drink of iced tea at the local clubhouse on my day off. It seems when these dark and dreary days come, one just wishes to be fed and then curl up on the couch with a great book under a warm blanket. I’m sure my body was more than glad not to have gone out braving the elements and winding up with a terrible cold afterwards. I think God gives us days like these to slow down and really enjoy those simple things that make us content. After all, isn’t that what Advent is all about? Now, “where’s my book and warm blanket?”
This past Wednesday I traveled to the Bethany Center which is our Diocesan Retreat House to attend the ordination to the Priesthood of Fr. John Lipscomb. Some of you may have remembered Fr. Lipscomb as Bishop John Lipscomb of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida. Fr. Lipscomb retired from his Diocese to become a Roman Catholic a few years ago and now he is one of ours. Fr. Lipscomb will be the Spiritual Director at the Bethany Center and he will conduct retreats and give spiritual direction to groups and individuals who go there. The Ordination was beautiful and we were privileged to have Archbishop John C. Favalora there as the ordaining bishop and we found out that Fr. Lipscomb is the 100th priest ordained for our Diocese since it was established in 1968. Congratulations Fr. Lipscomb!
Just a reminder that we will be celebrating a night of “Lessons and Carols” on Saturday, Dec. 19th . This is an ancient and beautiful rite that you won’t want to miss. Get your tickets early and save a few dollars from the price at the door. It promises to be a special night as we await the coming of Christ at Christmas!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Rob Rabil/Corpus Christi
Greetings to all of you!
Last week we had the awesome opportunity to go to the Cathedral and receive the St. Jude Award Medal on behalf of Rob Rabil, who passed away last April. His wife, Fern, and his family accepted the award from Bishop Robert Lynch at a service that was memorable for its beauty and simplicity. Seventy-six other people from the various parishes in the Diocese also received the award for their invaluable service to the Church. The Cathedral was filled to capacity with family, friends, and award winners. I was so proud to be there and participate at this annual event; it gave me the chance to say, “Thank You”, to Rob and all those who give of themselves so unselfishly. We do have many “saints” among us building up the kingdom of God, and for that we should always be grateful.
I also got the chance to attend the Annual Corpus Christi School Fall Gala and met many of our parish family who have children attending that school. The great food was catered by Circles and they put on a tremendous display of items for auction to raise money for the school. This year they had a “dessert table” filled with wonderful cakes, cookies, and pies that really caught my attention. Right in the middle of it all was this HUGE chocolate cake that was the most beautiful I had ever seen so I had to bid on it, of course. However, there was a woman who guarded her bid with an eagle eye and wouldn’t let anybody near the bid sheet. I looked at her and yelled, “Young lady, put that pencil down and step away from the table!” I guess having my collar on and my authoritarian voice did the trick because she did move away horrified and never went near the table again. It looks like no one else did either because I eventually won the cake! We had it for Thanksgiving and it was absolutely delicious although one piece was enough for a week’s worth of calories. Oh well, I hope the school at least made some money.
That is all for now. Let us continue to enjoy the gift of each other during this Advent Season!
Peace,
Fr. David
Last week we had the awesome opportunity to go to the Cathedral and receive the St. Jude Award Medal on behalf of Rob Rabil, who passed away last April. His wife, Fern, and his family accepted the award from Bishop Robert Lynch at a service that was memorable for its beauty and simplicity. Seventy-six other people from the various parishes in the Diocese also received the award for their invaluable service to the Church. The Cathedral was filled to capacity with family, friends, and award winners. I was so proud to be there and participate at this annual event; it gave me the chance to say, “Thank You”, to Rob and all those who give of themselves so unselfishly. We do have many “saints” among us building up the kingdom of God, and for that we should always be grateful.
I also got the chance to attend the Annual Corpus Christi School Fall Gala and met many of our parish family who have children attending that school. The great food was catered by Circles and they put on a tremendous display of items for auction to raise money for the school. This year they had a “dessert table” filled with wonderful cakes, cookies, and pies that really caught my attention. Right in the middle of it all was this HUGE chocolate cake that was the most beautiful I had ever seen so I had to bid on it, of course. However, there was a woman who guarded her bid with an eagle eye and wouldn’t let anybody near the bid sheet. I looked at her and yelled, “Young lady, put that pencil down and step away from the table!” I guess having my collar on and my authoritarian voice did the trick because she did move away horrified and never went near the table again. It looks like no one else did either because I eventually won the cake! We had it for Thanksgiving and it was absolutely delicious although one piece was enough for a week’s worth of calories. Oh well, I hope the school at least made some money.
That is all for now. Let us continue to enjoy the gift of each other during this Advent Season!
Peace,
Fr. David
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)