St. Mark's News & Events for May 27, 2007

Greetings as we begin another week!

First of all some news on the planning process for the building of our new Church! Last week a group of individuals from St. Mark went and toured some of the newer Catholic Churches in the area to get a feel about Church architecture and the many ways to build a beautiful edifice to God. We visited Incarnation Parish in Town &Country with its beautiful baptismal font and then on to St. Raphael parish in St. Petersburg with its beautiful location on the intercoastal waterway. Finally we toured St. Timothy Church with its immense Narthex and gathering space. Each of the Churches had their own personality and emphasis on different ways of worship which was quite interesting. We hope in the next month or so to be visiting Orlando and Ocala to the newer churches over there. I think we all had a more enriching experience since we were given a list of things to look for in trying to follow the guidelines of Church architecture. Anyone who wants to come on our next tour, let us know and we may be able to rent a bus!
In addition, the search committee for selecting a Capital Campaign Company was busy at work interviewing several companies who will help us raise the funds for our new Church. We hope to make our final selection very soon.

With all our meetings I’ve also managed to get a round of golf in at Hunters Green the other day. I’m happy to report that I only lost 3 balls as opposed to my usual 7 or 8 which means I just may be improving somewhat. I think I’ve found a new swing (I bought it at St. Vincent Thrift store) and it looks like a winner for the time being. I will just have to wait and see!

Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.

Peace, Father David

St. Mark's News & Events for May 20, 2007

Greetings as we begin another week!

This past Saturday we celebrated first Communion with over 220 children from St. Mark Parish and what a beautiful celebration it was! Fr. Ed Lamp was our homilist and did a marvelous job explaining how important Eucharist is to the lives of Catholics. It truly was a profound celebration and I wish to thank the catechists, parents, musicians, and all who made this year’s celebration a tremendous success!

Speaking of the Eucharist, Bishop Lynch has implemented an initiative to foster a deeper experience and understanding of the Eucharist among the faithful of the Diocese of St. Petersburg over a four year period. We had a meeting of priests over a year ago and we all came to the realization of a deeper need to understand what the Eucharist is all about and how it is the source of who we are as Catholic Christians. Included in this bulletin this week is the overview of what this Initiative will encompass in the next four years. I pray that many of you will partake of the various workshops and discussions that will be offered throughout this period. The Catholic Church is alive and well and all of us are called to a deeper conversion so we can bring the values of the Kingdom of God here on earth!

Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.

Peace, Father David

St. Mark's News & Events for May 13, 2007

Greetings as we begin another week!
This past Friday, we had the privilege to celebrate the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Ordination of Fr. Edward Lamp who normally does the 5:30 Saturday evening Mass for us here at St. Mark. It was a simple but profound ceremony of thanksgiving for his ministry to the Church and over 200 people attended. Fr. Ed has touched the lives of countless men and women and was an integral force in my own decision to become a priest 17 years ago. It is amazing how the power of God can work through a person and be a force for change in their life. Fr. Ed is a prime example of that wonderful grace and we thank him for his unselfish love to God’s people. Congratulations and ad multos annos Fr. Ed!

Last Saturday the Community of St Mark celebrated the confirmation of 88 young men and women as they began their journey in bringing souls to Christ. The Church was packed with family and friends witnessing this wonderful event in their lives and we pray for them as they begin their journey in bringing about the Gospel message to all they encounter. I would like to thank Tracey Blum, the catechists, and all the parents for making this special day possible for them and for the Church.

This weekend we also celebrate the First Holy Communion of over 220 children who also spent many hours learning about what the Eucharist is and how it becomes a transforming presence in their lives. I’m sure many of us remember our own first experience of Holy Communion and treasure it even to this day. Let us also keep them in our prayers as they receive the Body of Christ for the very first time.

I finally was able to hit the golf course one day this week and after trying a new swing pattern, I have to say there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I just hope its not a train on the other end! I’ll let you know!

Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy the gift that God has given us in each other.

Peace, Father David

What is Stewardship?

Stewardship is serving GOD out of love and gratitude for the gifts we have received knowing that it's NOT how much we have but what we do with what we have that is important.

Stewardship is a complete lifestyle, a life of total accountability and responsibility acknowledging GOD as Creator and Owner of all. Stewards as disciples of JESUS CHRIST see themselves as caretakers of all GOD's gifts. Gratitude for these gifts is expressed in prayer, worship, offering and action by eagerly sharing these gifts out of love of GOD and one another.

Stewardship is based on the spiritual principles of the Old Testament and the teachings of JESUS; and where it has been implemented, both givers' and receivers' lives have been changed. Stewardship is a way of life, a way of thanking GOD for all His blessings by returning a portion of the time, talent and treasure GOD has given to us.

Stewardship is living out CHRIST's instruction to "love one another as I have loved you".

Stewardship is caring.

Stewardship is responsible management of our GOD-given resources of time, talent and treasure. It enhances our relationship with GOD and one another. Stewardship builds happy and healthy families.

Stewardship renews CHRIST's church.