Greetings to all of you!
Well, it has been awhile since I have been able to write this column mostly due to the summer doldrums I guess, but also the hectic pace this summer has been here at St. Mark. I am pleased to announce that the recipients of the Jude Award Medal for St. Mark the Evangelist Church this year are Nancy and Rich Larson! Nancy and Rich have been outstanding stewards from the very beginning of our parish and we are so blessed to have had this wonderful couple serving us at St. Mark for these many years. Many of you most likely know them or, at least, have seen their faces on many committees and leadership positions, so I know you will agree that they are very deserving of this outstanding award. Now if only we can get Rich to fix that loop in his golf swing, he would be an even more perfect candidate! Anyway, offer them your congratulations and thanks for all they have accomplished here. They will be receiving the award from Bishop Lynch on the Feast of Christ the King in November. Ad Multos Annos to the Larsons!
This year’s Vacation Bible School was once again a HUGE success as children experienced a "road tour" of various ways of life in our country. It was so successful that some moms asked me if we could do it for two weeks next year! I'm not sure if we have the energy to make that happen, but I'm glad to hear that the kids loved it. I would like to thank Sandra Bonilla, Claudia Garcia, and all those volunteers who made this such a successful event. Hopefully, when we get our new Church, we will have much more room to accommodate those children who were not able to attend due to space limitations. I'm looking forward to next year already!
Finally, I did get a chance to play golf with my three brothers this past week at a club called Golden Ocala. What a wonderful course to play in which some of the holes are replicas of holes from Augusta National and St. Andrews, among others. I didn't play real well on the front nine (51), but I regrouped and played the back nine in three over 38! What's really amazing is that the 5 or 6 replica holes on the back nine I played in even par. Go figure! Playing with my brothers is always a treat since nothing is ever left unsaid and one needs a pretty thick skin to endure a round with them! My brother Joe, whom we affectionately call "Bulldozer" doesn't let us get away with anything. When my brother Phil, whom we call the "stargazer" told Joe he had a "9 or 10" on a hole, Bulldozer promptly put down 10 on the score card! No mercy there I guess! All in all, it was a great day (although a hot one, I almost wilted on the 17th) and we may play again somewhere this week. Pray for me!
Well that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given in each other!
Peace,
Fr. David
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
"Wheel Chair Sunday"
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
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
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
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Family Pic Nic/Confirmation
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
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 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
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