Dear Parish Family,

 

Who are we?  What is our identity? We are unique collectively and Individually! Father Stanley often reminds us of our identity here at St Mark.  Yes, we are part of the universal church and now Parishes of Families, but our parish community is also unique to the people who love this parish, each other, and reach out to visitors and friends.

We always welcome new faces, and often they remark of how friendly, and supportive we are of each other.  Actually, I have heard “lack of drama” and caring being used.

We come to St Mark with a variety of ethnicities, backgrounds, and evengeographical places. Why St Mark?  For some it has been their life-long parish, for some it is close by, for some- they like the Polish accent of Fr Stanley, or the Irish accent of Deacon Brian, for some it holds a special connection. But above all, we come to give glory to God, in the name of Jesus, and in the grace of the Holy Spirit. Whatever the reason, we are the heart and soul of St Mark.

“True belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world. Our sense of belonging can never be greater than our l level of self-acceptance.”

With the many changes that we see in the parishes today, vulnerability also becomes the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity.

Have a blessed day!

Mary Jo