St. Mark's News & Events for January 13, 2008

The Trip Cont.

Before I write about our adventures in Tuscany, I made a geographical miscalculation by assuming our trip to Venice happened afterwards. I was never very good at geography in school and now as I get older, my sense of direction is even more hobbled. Thus, before I get to Tuscany I must tell you about our stop in Venice in which lies the famous Church of San Marco! If only we could copy it for our new Church here! Unfortunately, that may cost us a few billion dollars and I don’t think we quite have that much on hand. A trip to Venice is one that is a truly mesmerizing experience whether you like the place or not. I always thought it as a romantic city in which lovers can stroll on the pavements along the canal or take those famous gondola rides as an Italian tenor sings love songs to the lucky couple. Although some of our group took advantage of these romantic moments, I, however, found a nice wine and pasta bar and settled in for another great meal. Afterwards many of us toured the famous Cathedral and saw the breathtaking “Golden Altar” which was magnificent! Upon leaving the Church I noticed the piazza in front was filled with pigeons. Some were feeding them and it looked like the terror stricken scene from “The Birds” when all of them descended and began picking at all the humans. However, these birds were smart because they realized if they didn’t hurt anyone, they would be always fed. Pretty smart! Anyway, we gathered as a group in front of the great Cathedral and someone took a picture of the whole gang. It was quite a sight with the pigeons flying and the tourists trying to make their way into the Church. We did manage to get a group picture taken and now I need to find the guy who took it! I also was looking for the guy in the T.V. commercial who yells in the Piazza San Marco “I love this woman!” but to no avail. He must have slipped out when we were taking the picture. Anyway, it was a great trip to the Church of our namesake and I look forward to bringing about a “little taste of San Marco” back to our parish when we build our new Church.
Next week: Tuscany.

After a long process of evaluation interviews and resumes, we have finally selected a new Youth Minister for St. Mark Parish! As a matter of fact, this great lady was already part of the interview team and when she began to hear God’s call for her to take the job! So I am most happy to announce that Mary Ann Weigel has accepted the awesome responsibility of nurturing the youth of St. Mark parish in the ways of faith. She is an outstanding motivator and a woman of great faith and I ask you for your prayers for her as she embarks on this important task. More information about her is forthcoming.

Well, that is all for now. Continue to enjoy and love each other in the New Year!

Peace, Fr. David