Greetings to all of you!
Last week was a difficult one for our parish and the community that surrounds us. As many of you know, Corporal Michael Roberts was the police officer who was killed in the line of duty and he was a member of St. Mark Parish. Some of you may remember him directing traffic at our Sunday Masses a few years ago. He was a kind, considerate, and helpful person who always had a smile and would “sneak” into Mass after his shift was over. Last Tuesday, we celebrated his funeral. Although it was a sad occasion, the support of his fellow officers and the outpouring of love for his wife Cindy were simply amazing. There were rows and rows of police officers as far as the eyes can see and I felt so privileged to celebrate his funeral. I hope that the beautiful Catholic funeral liturgy gave them a sense of peace knowing that he still lives and they will see him again! Please pray for his wife and son Adam in this difficult time.
Sometime this week or next, each parish family will be receiving our very first Stewardship Newsletter entitled, “The Good Steward”. I must say what an outstanding job the people of the Stewardship Commission did to make this edition such a success! In it you will see articles of real life individuals in our parish who practice the giving of their Time, Talent, and Treasure to God. We will also have a section reporting how we spend the money that you so generously give to our parish so we can practice good Stewardship of our resources. So take the time to read this simple edition and let me know what you think of it. You will be hearing more news in the near future.
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other!
Peace,
Fr. David
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Vacation Bible School/School Supplies
Greetings to all of you!
This past week some of the children of our parish ventured to 1st Century Rome to experience what life was like during that time period, and get to meet some historical figures in the process! My favorite was Caesar Augustus, who, according to family legend, may have been a distant relative of mine, and was the Emperor of Rome at that time. Since then our family history seems to have taken quite a beating. Instead of Emperors and Popes, we now have insurance salesmen, barkeepers, carpenters, pizza makers, and priests. We must have lost the dowry along the way somewhere. Anyway, I had a wonderful time with the children and I hope they learned something about our first century ancestors. So, if in your travels you see one of the kids still wearing a toga, just remember where they got the idea. We may have started a new fashion trend!
I have been humbled lately by the wonderful generosity of our parish community, as some of our members have come forward to donate some money to families in our parish who are in need. One family came forward and donated $1000 for those St. Mark families who will need school supplies for their children as they go back to school in a few weeks. So if any of you need any help with school supplies, please don’t hesitate to contact Joe Phillips at the parish office.
Well, that is all for now. As you read this I will have just come back from vacation bright eyed and busy tailed! Well at least I hope!
Peace,
Fr. David
This past week some of the children of our parish ventured to 1st Century Rome to experience what life was like during that time period, and get to meet some historical figures in the process! My favorite was Caesar Augustus, who, according to family legend, may have been a distant relative of mine, and was the Emperor of Rome at that time. Since then our family history seems to have taken quite a beating. Instead of Emperors and Popes, we now have insurance salesmen, barkeepers, carpenters, pizza makers, and priests. We must have lost the dowry along the way somewhere. Anyway, I had a wonderful time with the children and I hope they learned something about our first century ancestors. So, if in your travels you see one of the kids still wearing a toga, just remember where they got the idea. We may have started a new fashion trend!
I have been humbled lately by the wonderful generosity of our parish community, as some of our members have come forward to donate some money to families in our parish who are in need. One family came forward and donated $1000 for those St. Mark families who will need school supplies for their children as they go back to school in a few weeks. So if any of you need any help with school supplies, please don’t hesitate to contact Joe Phillips at the parish office.
Well, that is all for now. As you read this I will have just come back from vacation bright eyed and busy tailed! Well at least I hope!
Peace,
Fr. David
Thursday, July 30, 2009
CRHP/ Garden Volunteers
Greetings to all of you!
As you read this, 23 women of our parish would have completed their Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) weekend retreat here at St. Mark. I have to say what a wonderful group of ladies we had participate in it! They were fun, outgoing, creative, and many experienced a deep conversion in their lives due to this important time. I had lots of fun with them and being the only male in the room surrounded by a roomful of beautiful women only added to my joyful mood. I’m really thrilled that this ministry is taking off in our parish and, again, I would like to thank all those who continually make it possible for its success. Maybe Jesus truly will renew our parish to perform even greater things!
On another note, I am looking for a group of individuals who are interested in forming a committee to take care of our flowers here on campus. New plantings are in the works and if you are willing to help take care of God’s beautiful creation, call Kelly in the Parish office and let’s get started in making the grounds of St. Mark a wonderful tribute to our God! The yoke will be easy and the burden light! May God bless your stewardship!
Next week I will be on vacation for a week so you won’t see me at the Masses. Tom Watson has invited me to Kansas to work on his putting game, so my time will be occupied with many of those things related to the golf stroke. Anyway, see you the following week!
That is all for now, continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Fr. David
As you read this, 23 women of our parish would have completed their Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) weekend retreat here at St. Mark. I have to say what a wonderful group of ladies we had participate in it! They were fun, outgoing, creative, and many experienced a deep conversion in their lives due to this important time. I had lots of fun with them and being the only male in the room surrounded by a roomful of beautiful women only added to my joyful mood. I’m really thrilled that this ministry is taking off in our parish and, again, I would like to thank all those who continually make it possible for its success. Maybe Jesus truly will renew our parish to perform even greater things!
On another note, I am looking for a group of individuals who are interested in forming a committee to take care of our flowers here on campus. New plantings are in the works and if you are willing to help take care of God’s beautiful creation, call Kelly in the Parish office and let’s get started in making the grounds of St. Mark a wonderful tribute to our God! The yoke will be easy and the burden light! May God bless your stewardship!
Next week I will be on vacation for a week so you won’t see me at the Masses. Tom Watson has invited me to Kansas to work on his putting game, so my time will be occupied with many of those things related to the golf stroke. Anyway, see you the following week!
That is all for now, continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Fr. David
Friday, July 24, 2009
St. Jude Award
Greetings to all of you!
Every year Bishop Lynch writes to all pastors asking if they would nominate someone from their parish to receive the St. Jude Award Medal for outstanding service to their respective parishes. This award goes to an individual who has been instrumental in making our parish a vibrant one. They usually work behind the scenes with no fanfare or benefits but to serve God and His people. Thus it is with deep love, respect, and honor that I posthumously present to you the winner of the St. Jude Award Medal: Mr. Rob Rabil. As many of you know, Rob passed away earlier this year after a long battle with cancer. Even during his illness, he never stopped working behind the scenes due to his great love for St. Mark parish. Accepting the Award on November 22, 2009 will be his wife Fern and their three children, Madeline, Michael, and Eric. This is truly a great honor for the family and for St. Mark. I ask your prayers for them in their time of need and may our good friend rest in the arms of God.
By now many of you (who care) have seen the final round of “The Open” and saw the dramatic final few holes. My heart goes out to Tom Watson for playing so well all week only to miss that short putt on the 18th and eventually lose. To get that far at 59 years old was truly amazing! It goes to show that we “older” guys can still play this game if we put our mind to it. However, my nerves aren’t as solid as they once were; I usually fold by the 3rd hole. I can only imagine what he felt looking over that ball and trying to make a good stroke. However, it was not to be and Stewart Cink snuck in there to take the trophy. The only redeeming thing about the experience was what Paul Azinger said when Cink won. He said that Tom Watson winning another Open championship won’t change his life. However, it will for Stewart Cink! Pretty good call all around. Maybe I should go into sports writing as a side hobby!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
Every year Bishop Lynch writes to all pastors asking if they would nominate someone from their parish to receive the St. Jude Award Medal for outstanding service to their respective parishes. This award goes to an individual who has been instrumental in making our parish a vibrant one. They usually work behind the scenes with no fanfare or benefits but to serve God and His people. Thus it is with deep love, respect, and honor that I posthumously present to you the winner of the St. Jude Award Medal: Mr. Rob Rabil. As many of you know, Rob passed away earlier this year after a long battle with cancer. Even during his illness, he never stopped working behind the scenes due to his great love for St. Mark parish. Accepting the Award on November 22, 2009 will be his wife Fern and their three children, Madeline, Michael, and Eric. This is truly a great honor for the family and for St. Mark. I ask your prayers for them in their time of need and may our good friend rest in the arms of God.
By now many of you (who care) have seen the final round of “The Open” and saw the dramatic final few holes. My heart goes out to Tom Watson for playing so well all week only to miss that short putt on the 18th and eventually lose. To get that far at 59 years old was truly amazing! It goes to show that we “older” guys can still play this game if we put our mind to it. However, my nerves aren’t as solid as they once were; I usually fold by the 3rd hole. I can only imagine what he felt looking over that ball and trying to make a good stroke. However, it was not to be and Stewart Cink snuck in there to take the trophy. The only redeeming thing about the experience was what Paul Azinger said when Cink won. He said that Tom Watson winning another Open championship won’t change his life. However, it will for Stewart Cink! Pretty good call all around. Maybe I should go into sports writing as a side hobby!
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
Friday, July 10, 2009
Vacation Bible School
Greetings to all of you!
It was a quiet week at St. Mark for once although it looks like July is going to be full of events! The men’s and ladies’ Christ Renews His Parish, CRHP), will soon be underway with the men meeting as you read this, and the women meeting in two weeks. In the middle of all this is Vacation Bible School, in which the theme of “Early Rome” will be highlighted. This year we are having a super special person play the part of the powerful Caesar Augustus with toga, crown, and all that goes with being the emperor. The handsome young man playing the part is a huge secret, but I did hear he has Roman blood already flowing in his veins and due to his muscular physique, intelligence, and downright holiness, he will play an excellent role of emperor. Anyway, we may take some pictures. Stay tuned!
I don’t know about you but I have to say “ENOUGH ALREADY” with all the inside stories of the life of Michael Jackson. Like many of you, I grew up with his music and continue to believe that he was the best there was in pop music and we should just let him rest finally in peace. It just goes to show that all the money and talent in the world can never fill that void each human being has in their hearts that only God can fill. I hope we can remember how right St. Augustine was when he said that., “our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” Thus in the words of Earnest Hooper, writer for the St. Petersburg Times, “That’s all I’m saying”.
Well, indeed, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Father David
It was a quiet week at St. Mark for once although it looks like July is going to be full of events! The men’s and ladies’ Christ Renews His Parish, CRHP), will soon be underway with the men meeting as you read this, and the women meeting in two weeks. In the middle of all this is Vacation Bible School, in which the theme of “Early Rome” will be highlighted. This year we are having a super special person play the part of the powerful Caesar Augustus with toga, crown, and all that goes with being the emperor. The handsome young man playing the part is a huge secret, but I did hear he has Roman blood already flowing in his veins and due to his muscular physique, intelligence, and downright holiness, he will play an excellent role of emperor. Anyway, we may take some pictures. Stay tuned!
I don’t know about you but I have to say “ENOUGH ALREADY” with all the inside stories of the life of Michael Jackson. Like many of you, I grew up with his music and continue to believe that he was the best there was in pop music and we should just let him rest finally in peace. It just goes to show that all the money and talent in the world can never fill that void each human being has in their hearts that only God can fill. I hope we can remember how right St. Augustine was when he said that., “our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee.” Thus in the words of Earnest Hooper, writer for the St. Petersburg Times, “That’s all I’m saying”.
Well, indeed, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Father David
Friday, June 26, 2009
US Open, CHRP
Greetings to all of you!
Last week I was glued to the TV set watching the U.S. Open in Long Island, N.Y. And, thankfully, between the postponements due to rain and darkness, I was able to get some work done. I think every golfer grows up dreaming about playing in the Open. I remember in my younger and free-swinging days, I was no exception. Now, I enjoy watching the young unknowns creeping up the leader board and maybe, for just a few brief moments, the world sees his name with the likes of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson! What a tremendous thrill that would be and they would be heroes in their small cities. Unfortunately, they begin to fade away like one of my errant drives, never to be heard from again. And yet, that is the thrill of the U.S. Open, where anybody can win as long as they have the stamina and nerves like steel. I think I would have folded after the first drive on the first hole so I give them lots of credit. As of this writing, I don’t know who the winner is, but I’m sure the thrill he feels right now cannot be put into words.
In just a couple of weeks Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) will be offering to the men of the parish an opportunity to experience a great weekend of spiritual renewal. These weekends are always wonderful times to strengthen our faith and showing how God actually works in our daily experience. If you haven’t signed up, I would highly recommend that you do! The women of our parish are also on fire and they will be meeting up later on in the month so I would check the bulletin and website for details. Help yourself to a profound experience!
Summers are a time for lots of planning for the future and we certainly have had our share of meetings lately. I am truly excited at what we have prepared in the coming year and beyond. More details will be forthcoming as the time gets closer.
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Last week I was glued to the TV set watching the U.S. Open in Long Island, N.Y. And, thankfully, between the postponements due to rain and darkness, I was able to get some work done. I think every golfer grows up dreaming about playing in the Open. I remember in my younger and free-swinging days, I was no exception. Now, I enjoy watching the young unknowns creeping up the leader board and maybe, for just a few brief moments, the world sees his name with the likes of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson! What a tremendous thrill that would be and they would be heroes in their small cities. Unfortunately, they begin to fade away like one of my errant drives, never to be heard from again. And yet, that is the thrill of the U.S. Open, where anybody can win as long as they have the stamina and nerves like steel. I think I would have folded after the first drive on the first hole so I give them lots of credit. As of this writing, I don’t know who the winner is, but I’m sure the thrill he feels right now cannot be put into words.
In just a couple of weeks Christ Renews His Parish (CRHP) will be offering to the men of the parish an opportunity to experience a great weekend of spiritual renewal. These weekends are always wonderful times to strengthen our faith and showing how God actually works in our daily experience. If you haven’t signed up, I would highly recommend that you do! The women of our parish are also on fire and they will be meeting up later on in the month so I would check the bulletin and website for details. Help yourself to a profound experience!
Summers are a time for lots of planning for the future and we certainly have had our share of meetings lately. I am truly excited at what we have prepared in the coming year and beyond. More details will be forthcoming as the time gets closer.
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Friday, June 19, 2009
Dad's Day
Greetings to all of you!
Last week many of our parishioners and I attended the 120th Anniversary of the Benedictine presence at St Leo Abby. We were able to see the wonderful renovations done by the community for this special event. The Abby church was brightened up and polished. It looks fantastic! Abbot Isaac spoke of the great history of the Benedictine order in this community and singled out various people, (some from St. Mark), who contributed to make this event happen. It was great seeing Abbot Isaac in his role as Abbot of the monastery and his special relationship with our own St. Mark community. Congratulations Abbot Isaac!
By now you may have noticed the elegant curbing surrounding our gardens! This was made possible by the donation of Alberto and Ainoa Solorzano, who have also done the plantings of trees and flowers just outside the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. What a wonderful expression of Stewardship this great couple has expressed here at St. Mark and we are all the better for it! May God continue to bless their goodness! This weekend, we celebrate Fathers’ Day and we remember all fathers living and deceased for their presence in our lives. We will be praying for them throughout the month of June and I hope you all make “dad’s day” a special one!
Last week Sweet Bay Supermarkets were here to present a check to our St. Vincent de Paul Society for $3,400 which matched the amount of pounds of food collected from our generous parishioners a few weekends ago. I’m thrilled that we were able to partner with this great company to feed the hungry of our community. They are also responsible for supplying all the turkeys during our annual Thanksgiving Day drive, spending hours with us in the distribution of the turkeys, making sure they are ready to be sent. Please support this great store on Bruce B. Downs and thank them for their support of our efforts. I would like to especially thank Christi Rogers, the new Sweet Bay Manager, for continuing this great relationship with us. Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Last week many of our parishioners and I attended the 120th Anniversary of the Benedictine presence at St Leo Abby. We were able to see the wonderful renovations done by the community for this special event. The Abby church was brightened up and polished. It looks fantastic! Abbot Isaac spoke of the great history of the Benedictine order in this community and singled out various people, (some from St. Mark), who contributed to make this event happen. It was great seeing Abbot Isaac in his role as Abbot of the monastery and his special relationship with our own St. Mark community. Congratulations Abbot Isaac!
By now you may have noticed the elegant curbing surrounding our gardens! This was made possible by the donation of Alberto and Ainoa Solorzano, who have also done the plantings of trees and flowers just outside the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. What a wonderful expression of Stewardship this great couple has expressed here at St. Mark and we are all the better for it! May God continue to bless their goodness! This weekend, we celebrate Fathers’ Day and we remember all fathers living and deceased for their presence in our lives. We will be praying for them throughout the month of June and I hope you all make “dad’s day” a special one!
Last week Sweet Bay Supermarkets were here to present a check to our St. Vincent de Paul Society for $3,400 which matched the amount of pounds of food collected from our generous parishioners a few weekends ago. I’m thrilled that we were able to partner with this great company to feed the hungry of our community. They are also responsible for supplying all the turkeys during our annual Thanksgiving Day drive, spending hours with us in the distribution of the turkeys, making sure they are ready to be sent. Please support this great store on Bruce B. Downs and thank them for their support of our efforts. I would like to especially thank Christi Rogers, the new Sweet Bay Manager, for continuing this great relationship with us. Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
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