Greetings to all of you!
I was informed the other day that despite the wonderful details of our trip, I forgot to mention our experience in Egypt. Possibly the reason was that our experience there was a little problematic. When we arrived at the Port of Alexandria, named after Alexander the Great, we found the city littered with garbage! It really took away from the beauty of this historic city, and it didn't get any better on our two hour bus trip to Cairo to see the Pyramids. The capital city was also littered with garbage and many of the streets were unpaved with donkeys pulling cargo on wagons. I didn't realize that Egypt was considered a "third world" country, and now I know! After arriving in Cairo, we took a lunch tour along part of the Nile which was kind of nice and the hotel we arrived at to stay the night was absolutely breathtaking! It was the hotel where Franklyn Roosevelt and Winston Churchill planned WWII. It also was the hotel where Begin, Carter, and Sadat signed the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt. It was amazing how a place of overwhelming decadence could be situated in such a poor country. Our first night in Cairo was spent watching the light show at the pyramids which at first was impressive until we sat through the narrative of the history of the pyramids and many of us ending up going to sleep. I think they should notify the folks at Disney to update their presentation! The next day after a wonderful evening at the hotel, we visited the pyramids themselves and it was quite an experience, although I wouldn't care if I ever saw another pyramid as long as I live. I'm sure history buffs and UFO followers would find them fascinating, but to me they were a neatly mounted pile of rocks that served no purpose but to be the burial chambers for Kings. Although there were camel rides available, I wasn't in the mood to get spit upon or smell like a Bedouin after I got off one. After the visit to the pyramids, we took the Kamikaze ride home through the desert and ended up back at the ship! I was never so glad to be "home" after that experience. I guess I'm not THAT happy a camper! Anyway, it was back to Italy after the experience in Egypt, and I looked forward to great food once again! Well, that is all for now. May we continue to pray for one another!
Peace,
Fr. David.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Important Changes
Greetings and Happy New Year to you all!
As you know, Faith Formation has been in need of a part-time individual to help them with the many needs of educating our young and older parishioners alike. Thus, I have asked Chuck Rizzo to move down to the Faith Formation office and work with them on a permanent basis. He will be continuing his duties in communications and scheduling along with his duties in that office. Dick Ray will now be working with Tom Hanrahan on our Capital Campaign and continuing with his Stewardship responsibilities. I thank both men for their willingness to take on these responsibilities, and I pray that 2011 will bring us all an abundance of grace!
Peace,
Fr. David
As you know, Faith Formation has been in need of a part-time individual to help them with the many needs of educating our young and older parishioners alike. Thus, I have asked Chuck Rizzo to move down to the Faith Formation office and work with them on a permanent basis. He will be continuing his duties in communications and scheduling along with his duties in that office. Dick Ray will now be working with Tom Hanrahan on our Capital Campaign and continuing with his Stewardship responsibilities. I thank both men for their willingness to take on these responsibilities, and I pray that 2011 will bring us all an abundance of grace!
Peace,
Fr. David
Beginning a New Year
Greetings to all of you!
It has been a few weeks since I've written because the holiday season always throws me for a loop when it comes to writing about my experiences on deadline schedules. Nevertheless, I hope to be back in the rhythm of things and write a little more consistently until the next holiday season approaches!
I hope by now we have gotten through Christmas and New Year unscathed and that we are still on our new year resolution schedule. I have made a few myself but of course I would never tell for fear of being accountable for what I promised, but as of this writing, I'm still on track! No, it doesn't concern my golf swing since that has been a wonderful lesson in hopelessness, but I do wish to improve upon a variety of things. Let's pray for each other in that!
These past few months we have been working hard on preparing for the upcoming Capital Campaign for a new church. A wide variety of dedicated individuals have come forward to work on the campaign and also have already made pledges. Despite the tough economic times, people have been VERY generous and willing to help to make this Church a reality. They see it as giving back to God for all His great blessings on us which really is what Stewardship is all about! So as we move forward, we pray that God will look upon us on this historic venture for our parish and bless us with his grace!
Next week, Christ Renews His Parish will conduct their 7th retreat weekend for men which is always a profound experience! Pray for those who will be attending this retreat and for their families who will sacrifice in allowing them to attend.
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
It has been a few weeks since I've written because the holiday season always throws me for a loop when it comes to writing about my experiences on deadline schedules. Nevertheless, I hope to be back in the rhythm of things and write a little more consistently until the next holiday season approaches!
I hope by now we have gotten through Christmas and New Year unscathed and that we are still on our new year resolution schedule. I have made a few myself but of course I would never tell for fear of being accountable for what I promised, but as of this writing, I'm still on track! No, it doesn't concern my golf swing since that has been a wonderful lesson in hopelessness, but I do wish to improve upon a variety of things. Let's pray for each other in that!
These past few months we have been working hard on preparing for the upcoming Capital Campaign for a new church. A wide variety of dedicated individuals have come forward to work on the campaign and also have already made pledges. Despite the tough economic times, people have been VERY generous and willing to help to make this Church a reality. They see it as giving back to God for all His great blessings on us which really is what Stewardship is all about! So as we move forward, we pray that God will look upon us on this historic venture for our parish and bless us with his grace!
Next week, Christ Renews His Parish will conduct their 7th retreat weekend for men which is always a profound experience! Pray for those who will be attending this retreat and for their families who will sacrifice in allowing them to attend.
Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
APA Update
Greetings to all of you!
Year end always provides us with the opportunity to reflect on our successes for the year. Among the many is the success you have achieved with the Annual Pastoral Appeal. I am very pleased with the result thus far having achieved nearly 95% of our goal.
Remembering that our 2010 APA goal is $233,611, thus far 713 of our St. Mark family have pledged $220,995. The average gift is $ 310.00. 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 do so again 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. 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. 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
Year end always provides us with the opportunity to reflect on our successes for the year. Among the many is the success you have achieved with the Annual Pastoral Appeal. I am very pleased with the result thus far having achieved nearly 95% of our goal.
Remembering that our 2010 APA goal is $233,611, thus far 713 of our St. Mark family have pledged $220,995. The average gift is $ 310.00. 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 do so again 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. 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. 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
Monday, November 22, 2010
Trip Continued/Stewardship Director
Greetings to all of you!
Our travels this week takes us to what I think is one of the most peaceful and beautiful settings in all the world. After leaving Turkey, we visited the region of Galilee in which Jesus spent His early years and most of His adult years growing up. Upon visiting this historic place, one can see why Jesus spent much of His time here, especially with His disciples after the resurrection. We began by visiting the Mount of the Beatitudes where Jesus gave His most inspiring teaching to the multitudes that were gathered on the slope of the hill. Behind them was the Sea of Galilee which goes as far as the eye can see and was the scene of many of the parts in the New Testament. It was there where many of our group took their shoes off and waded in those waters where Jesus performed some of His miracles. I couldn't help but picture in my mind those scenes from scripture where Jesus calmed the storm and where He would sit in a boat and teach just beyond the shore to those willing to listen. After we left there we went to a Kibbutz where we had a wonderful "Gospel meal" consisting of fish from the Sea of Galilee along with some Jewish vegetables and bread. I think I even found a coin in one of the fish! We also visited the area in which Jesus visited after the Resurrection and the spot where He gave Peter the Keys to the Kingdom. After we had our meal we went back to the ship, took a nice nap and then prepared for yet another feast for dinner. Next week: Jerusalem!
It also has been a busy week as we have been interviewing candidates for the Director of Stewardship position here at the parish. We had many applications and we currently have begun the interview process. There are some excellent candidates who have applied and we ask for your prayers as we continue the n process. Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
Our travels this week takes us to what I think is one of the most peaceful and beautiful settings in all the world. After leaving Turkey, we visited the region of Galilee in which Jesus spent His early years and most of His adult years growing up. Upon visiting this historic place, one can see why Jesus spent much of His time here, especially with His disciples after the resurrection. We began by visiting the Mount of the Beatitudes where Jesus gave His most inspiring teaching to the multitudes that were gathered on the slope of the hill. Behind them was the Sea of Galilee which goes as far as the eye can see and was the scene of many of the parts in the New Testament. It was there where many of our group took their shoes off and waded in those waters where Jesus performed some of His miracles. I couldn't help but picture in my mind those scenes from scripture where Jesus calmed the storm and where He would sit in a boat and teach just beyond the shore to those willing to listen. After we left there we went to a Kibbutz where we had a wonderful "Gospel meal" consisting of fish from the Sea of Galilee along with some Jewish vegetables and bread. I think I even found a coin in one of the fish! We also visited the area in which Jesus visited after the Resurrection and the spot where He gave Peter the Keys to the Kingdom. After we had our meal we went back to the ship, took a nice nap and then prepared for yet another feast for dinner. Next week: Jerusalem!
It also has been a busy week as we have been interviewing candidates for the Director of Stewardship position here at the parish. We had many applications and we currently have begun the interview process. There are some excellent candidates who have applied and we ask for your prayers as we continue the n process. Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.
Peace,
Fr. David
Trip to Europe/Golf Tournament
Greetings to all of you!
As promised I wish to give you some more highlights about our trip to Europe. After Greece, we traveled to the country of Turkey and its outstanding beauty! I didn't expect to find that the western part of this country was made up of large mountains and fertile valleys but I was impressed by its peacefulness and beauty. Our first stop was to the ruins of Ephesus where Paul did much of his preaching, and I couldn't get over how progressive and modernistic the people of Ephesus were. The beauty of Ephesus was outstanding with all its marble structures and mosaics even on its sidewalks. We saw where Paul preached in its amphitheater and on some of the rolling hills where I could imagine thousands listening to his every word. We then traveled to a small town way up in the hills where legend has it that Mary, along with the Apostle John, built a small house in which she lived out her remaining days. It's hard to digest what was in front of us as we strode through this modest home and the peace and beauty that surrounded it. We had Mass there just outside her house, and some of us bought religious articles to bring back with us. I simply took in the beauty and tried to imagine Our Lady living here in this peaceful place and upon leaving, I said an "Ave" for you all as we went to the bus down the hill. Next week: Galilee!
Last Sunday we completed our annual St. Mark Golf tournament, and again we all had a marvelous time! God provided us with great weather, and we made some money for our building fund to boot! Of course, I was on the 7th hole again this year as an easy mark for anybody who wanted to "Beat the Priest", and it seemed that the heavy breezes kept many people from fulfilling that quest! I have to say though that my best shot of the day came against my snotty brothers who tried to intimidate me with great shots onto the green. However, I nailed one a few feet away and now I have bragging rights for another year! I thank Chuck and Lois Lewandowski and the golf committee in all their efforts in making this day a great success!
Well that is all for now. Let's enjoy the great weather and keep our Lord close to your heart!
Peace,
Fr. David
As promised I wish to give you some more highlights about our trip to Europe. After Greece, we traveled to the country of Turkey and its outstanding beauty! I didn't expect to find that the western part of this country was made up of large mountains and fertile valleys but I was impressed by its peacefulness and beauty. Our first stop was to the ruins of Ephesus where Paul did much of his preaching, and I couldn't get over how progressive and modernistic the people of Ephesus were. The beauty of Ephesus was outstanding with all its marble structures and mosaics even on its sidewalks. We saw where Paul preached in its amphitheater and on some of the rolling hills where I could imagine thousands listening to his every word. We then traveled to a small town way up in the hills where legend has it that Mary, along with the Apostle John, built a small house in which she lived out her remaining days. It's hard to digest what was in front of us as we strode through this modest home and the peace and beauty that surrounded it. We had Mass there just outside her house, and some of us bought religious articles to bring back with us. I simply took in the beauty and tried to imagine Our Lady living here in this peaceful place and upon leaving, I said an "Ave" for you all as we went to the bus down the hill. Next week: Galilee!
Last Sunday we completed our annual St. Mark Golf tournament, and again we all had a marvelous time! God provided us with great weather, and we made some money for our building fund to boot! Of course, I was on the 7th hole again this year as an easy mark for anybody who wanted to "Beat the Priest", and it seemed that the heavy breezes kept many people from fulfilling that quest! I have to say though that my best shot of the day came against my snotty brothers who tried to intimidate me with great shots onto the green. However, I nailed one a few feet away and now I have bragging rights for another year! I thank Chuck and Lois Lewandowski and the golf committee in all their efforts in making this day a great success!
Well that is all for now. Let's enjoy the great weather and keep our Lord close to your heart!
Peace,
Fr. David
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Journey Continued/Renewal
Fr. David’s Travels:
Greetings to all of you!
I promised many of you that I would write down some thoughts about the parish Pilgrimage" to Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel, and Egypt. But rather than bore you with details, I will give you some of the highlights. First of all, we had a wonderful group of people who came on the trip, and we all bonded beautifully and became fast friends by the time it was over. There were some grueling climbs up steep mountains and church steps. I was stunned by the determination of some of our elderly and disabled participants to make sure they made it to the top! Anyway, I'm really glad to be back in the good old U.S of A. What follows are some highlights about what we experienced.
Of course, Italy is always a treasure to behold and experience! My brother, sister-in-law and I spent a lot of time eating pasta and drinking wine. It seems we tried to find Trattorias that served prosciutto, suprasade, olives, cheese, bread, and all the other things we ate growing up. I think we spent more time eating than visiting Rome's sights. However, we all did experience the Vatican Museum, St. Peter's Basilica and a few of the Piazza's of Italy. However, we did have one experience that was so profound when we visited the actual tomb of St. Peter himself. The guide took us underground beneath the Basilica where an excavation took place in the late 1930's and 40's. Although it was said that the Basilica was built over the Tomb of St. Peter, there was never really any evidence of it until now. As the guide took us through what amounted to an ancient cemetery with its road ways and mausoleums, we eventually came across the actual tomb. What was even more startling was that we even got to see the graffiti wall which contained the actual bones of the first Pope himself. It really made my skin tingle with excitement, and I could hardly imagine what I was seeing! If you ever get to Rome, make sure you take in this experience. It will really put you in touch with the early Church! Next week the highlights will include Greece and Turkey.
Also this week we are celebrating Commitment Sunday in which we renew our Commitment to God for the many blessings He has given us. If you didn't bring your commitment form, feel free to pick one up in the narthex of the church and drop it in the collection basket when you are able. May God bless your Stewardship!
I guess that does it for now. Hope you all have a blessed week!
Peace,
Fr. David
Greetings to all of you!
I promised many of you that I would write down some thoughts about the parish Pilgrimage" to Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel, and Egypt. But rather than bore you with details, I will give you some of the highlights. First of all, we had a wonderful group of people who came on the trip, and we all bonded beautifully and became fast friends by the time it was over. There were some grueling climbs up steep mountains and church steps. I was stunned by the determination of some of our elderly and disabled participants to make sure they made it to the top! Anyway, I'm really glad to be back in the good old U.S of A. What follows are some highlights about what we experienced.
Of course, Italy is always a treasure to behold and experience! My brother, sister-in-law and I spent a lot of time eating pasta and drinking wine. It seems we tried to find Trattorias that served prosciutto, suprasade, olives, cheese, bread, and all the other things we ate growing up. I think we spent more time eating than visiting Rome's sights. However, we all did experience the Vatican Museum, St. Peter's Basilica and a few of the Piazza's of Italy. However, we did have one experience that was so profound when we visited the actual tomb of St. Peter himself. The guide took us underground beneath the Basilica where an excavation took place in the late 1930's and 40's. Although it was said that the Basilica was built over the Tomb of St. Peter, there was never really any evidence of it until now. As the guide took us through what amounted to an ancient cemetery with its road ways and mausoleums, we eventually came across the actual tomb. What was even more startling was that we even got to see the graffiti wall which contained the actual bones of the first Pope himself. It really made my skin tingle with excitement, and I could hardly imagine what I was seeing! If you ever get to Rome, make sure you take in this experience. It will really put you in touch with the early Church! Next week the highlights will include Greece and Turkey.
Also this week we are celebrating Commitment Sunday in which we renew our Commitment to God for the many blessings He has given us. If you didn't bring your commitment form, feel free to pick one up in the narthex of the church and drop it in the collection basket when you are able. May God bless your Stewardship!
I guess that does it for now. Hope you all have a blessed week!
Peace,
Fr. David
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