St. Mark's News & Events for August 24, 2008

Greetings to all of you!
This past week our architect and I had to meet with the Board of Commissioners of Hillsborough County to gain approval for a height variance for our new Church. It seems that anything over 32 feet in height needs permission from the County to build. Since the drawings called for a structure that would be close to 49 ½ feet in height, we needed their approval, thus the need for the visit. I found the process very interesting as we sat there waiting our turn hearing the various petitions that come before the Board and marveled at the efficiency and decorum of the Board themselves. When it came to our turn, the commissioners were unanimous in their approval for our request. The chairman, Ken Hagen, gave St. Mark a wonderful tribute as he thanked us for our contribution to the area around us. He explained to the rest of the Board members how fortunate New Tampa is by our presence in the neighborhood. It looks like we are making a name for ourselves after all and practicing what we preach!

I also attended a meeting of the women who put on the first CHRP weekend in our parish. Now that they have bonded together and have participated in the conversion process they were on fire and asked “what now?” Well, these great ladies came together and began to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show them other ways they can build the Kingdom. As the meeting progressed many different ministries were presented and they were asked to prayerfully respond to God’s call. I can hardly wait to see how we as a Church will continue to grow as these men and women bring the fire of the weekend to our everyday lives!

As you may have noticed when you walk into the Narthex area of the Church, we have painted the walls and we will be painting some biblical quotes along the ceiling area to remind us of who we are and what our mission is for our Church. I hope you notice it and if some of you are like me, you may not have even realized anything changed! Anyway, I hope you like it.

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

Peace, Fr. David

St. Mark's News & Events for August 17, 2008

Greetings to all of you!
Well, with summer vacations coming to a close and the kids heading back to school, we at St. Mark are continuing to plan for the coming months. It seems that a parish really never goes on vacation because there are always things to accomplish and ministries to direct in one way or another. I thank the good Lord everyday for our wonderful staff who continue to provide the service that I cannot do alone. They help to maintain our church on a daily basis and support each other when one is sick or on vacation. Let them know how appreciated they are from time to time because without them I wouldn’t be able to accomplish anything!

On occasion we get calls from a concerned parishioner regarding someone who may be ill or in the hospital and are in need of a priestly visit. Although I never hesitate to visit our parishioners who are ill or in the hospital, I am not allowed to visit anyone unless someone in the family requests it, due to privacy laws. I realize that friends are well meaning, but I would ask that you tell the family member to call the parish with the request when it arises. Thanks for your understanding.

As you know we have completed the floor plan for the new church and the Steering Committee, along with their subcommittees, came together to review the design. Since it received positive reviews, we went ahead and began designing the outside of the Church itself. Toward the end of the August, we hope to present that design to the subcommittees and get their thoughts and concerns. Hopefully, we will be able to present the entire schematic to our Church community very soon. I’m getting more excited as the Church begins to take shape. Keep us all in your prayers.

Well, that is all for now. We pray for all the children who will be starting school in a couple of short weeks!

Peace, Fr. David

St. Mark's News & Events for August 10, 2008

Greetings to all of you!
It is with deep gratitude to God that I announce that Jeanne Heintzel has been honored with the St. Jude Medal award winner for this year 2008! This award is given each year to a person who has consistently lived the Gospel message of service to their fellow Christians. Jeanne is currently the chairwoman of our Hospitality Committee, but has been involved in many functions in our parish. She has taught religious education, been a Reader, Eucharistic Minister, member of the SMARTS group, and on and on. She has always been right there to help no matter what event is going on in our parish. She will be awarded this beautiful medal on Sunday, November 23, 2008 at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. Congratulations to you Jeanne! We are so proud of you!

Last week we also had a wonderfully successful Vacation Bible School camp in which 125 children participated with dozens of teenagers and adults helping out in the program. The children had a great time and I was able to attend the closing ceremonies where they sang and “gyrated” to the music. It was a hoot! Thanks to all of those who made this week so successful.

Also, last week we presented the floor plan of our new church to the subcommittees that had been working with the Steering Committee this past year. We took all their suggestions and tried to incorporate many of their comments in the design. All were very pleased with what they saw and I hope to show the plan to the rest of the parish in the near future.

Due to the continuous rain, I have not been able to get out on the golf course in awhile. At least that’s my story and I’m sticking with it! However, my clubs are screaming to take them out very soon and I hope to do so whenever the sun comes out.

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

Peace, Fr. David

St. Mark's News & Events for August 3, 2008

Greetings to all of you!

It is with deep gratitude to God that I announce that Jeanne Heintzel has been honored with the St. Jude Medal award winner for this year 2008! This award is given each year to a person who has consistently lived the Gospel message of service to their fellow Christians. Jeanne is currently the chairwoman of our Hospitality Committee, but has been involved in many functions in our parish. She has taught religious education, been a Reader, Eucharistic Minister, member of the SMARTS group, and on and on. She has always been right there to help no matter what event is going on in our parish. She will be awarded this beautiful medal on Sunday, November 23, 2008 at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. Congratulations to you Jeanne! We are so proud of you!

Last week we also had a wonderfully successful Vacation Bible School camp in which 125 children participated with dozens of teenagers and adults helping out in the program. The children had a great time and I was able to attend the closing ceremonies where they sang and “gyrated” to the music. It was a hoot! Thanks to all of those who made this week so successful.

Also, last week we presented the floor plan of our new church to the subcommittees that had been working with the Steering Committee this past year. We took all their suggestions and tried to incorporate many of their comments in the design. All were very pleased with what they saw and I hope to show the plan to the rest of the parish in the near future.

Due to the continuous rain, I have not been able to get out on the golf course in awhile. At least that’s my story and I’m sticking with it! However, my clubs are screaming to take them out very soon and I hope to do so whenever the sun comes out.

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

Peace, Fr. David