Back to School News

posted: August 31, 2010

School Family Packets have been mailed. As usual, there are a bazillion forms to fill out and return, but they are color-coded so they will leap out at you from the piles on the dining room table.

Boo Hoo Breakfast
Tuesday, September 7 is the FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. The Boo Hoo Breakfast will be hosted by the Home and School Association from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. in the school cafeteria on that day. Please come and commiserate or celebrate with friends, new and old. The first day of school is a half day, K-8. All students are dismissed at 11:30 a.m. Kindergarten is half days the entire first week.

Back to School Nights
Tuesday, September 14, 6:00 p.m., Grade 6 students and parents in Carolyn Hall. Grades K-5 Parents only, Homeroom Presentations at 6:00 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 16, 6:00 p.m., Grade 7-8 students and parents in your child's Homeroom (Parent/Student Laptop Acceptable Use Policy sign-off sheet and fee are due prior to receiving laptop). Teachers and Specialists will rotate through Homerooms to explain goals and expectations for each subject area.

Labor Day

posted: August 31, 2010

There will be one Mass at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, September 6, Labor Day.

The Parish Center will be closed on Sunday, September 5 and Monday, September 6 in honor of Labor Day.

Faith Formation

posted: August 31, 2010

Our new year of Wednesday Evening Faith Formation, Sunday School and Liturgy of the Word for Children is about to begin! We welcome new children in all of these programs!
See below for more information:

Wednesday Evening Faith Formation
This program is for parish children who are attending a public school or any other school where they are not receiving Catholic religious instruction during the day. We have classes every Wednesday for grades one to eight, as well as bi-weekly class for 9th graders. We use a curriculum developed by Loyola Press, called "Finding God" and all of us who work with it love it for its sound doctrine, emphasis on prayer and worship, and exquisite art that helps the students to experience the beauty of our Catholic tradition. Classes meet Wednesday from September 22 to May 4 from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m.

Sunday School
This program, which takes place during the 9:30 a.m. Mass, is for three, four and five year-olds. The curriculum is based on bible stories and includes lots of active learning, crafts and music. Parents interested in meeting our teachers and seeing what we do are invited to an Open House on Sunday, September 12 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sunday School takes place in our school building - enter through the Child Care doors at the corner of Dayton and Moore. Classes begin on September 19.

To register for Faith Formation or Sunday School, pick up a form at the back of the church and return it to the Parish Center.

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Liturgy of the Word for Children (LOW)
LOW, which takes place during the 9:30 a.m. Mass, is designed to help children in grades one to three engage more fully in the Liturgy of the Word. Each Sunday, our LOW leaders take the children to our daily Mass chapel to hear the Word of God proclaimed and explained to them in a way that is appropriate for their age. The children rejoin the congregation during the Preparation of the Altar and Gifts. LOW starts on September 19 and there is no registration required.

Prayer Books
Compliments of the Evangelization Initiative. Keely was cleaning out a closet and ran across some extra prayer books that had been provided at no cost to all parishes who participated in the Evangelization Initiative. They are at all the doors of the church - please take one.

Youth Ministry

posted: August 31, 2010

Help Needed!
Wash For Life

The annual Wash For Life will be Saturday, September 18. It is a nation-wide pro-life event in which churches and youth organizations wash cars and donate the proceeds to local crisis pregnancy centers. Last year, Saint Mark's Youth Group ranked 5th in the nation in funds raised, collecting $791 for Birthright of St. Paul. We can do even better ! Our needs: youth workers, adult leaders, clean rags, food for the troops, and generous customers! For more information, see www.washforlife.org. To volunteer, please contact Michelle Hirschboeck through the Parish Center.

NET Ministries Opening Mass and Season Kickoff
With Bishop Lee Piché

Thursday, September 9, 9:15 a.m. to 12 Noon.  Dare to Be Bold with Bishop Lee Piché. We are blessed and grateful to have Bishop Piché from the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. He will celebrate Mass and speak to us later in the morning. We begin at 9:15 a.m. with Mass followed by hospitality, conferences and lunch at 12:30 p.m. You must register online at www.netusa.org/events. Registration closes September 2, Thursday at 12 Midnight. You will receive an email confirmation after we receive your registration. Want to register a group? Call Lauren at 651-450-6833, ext. 21. There is no charge for this event. A complimentary lunch is provided.

Saint Mark's Choir

posted: August 31, 2010

It's Choir Time!
Saint Mark's Choir begins a new season
September 9 at 7:00 p.m.
in the Choir Loft.

Parish members of all ages, from high school and up are invited to come and learn more about this unique and gratifying way to serve our parish. As we continue to sing hymns and sacred music of varying styles, this year we will spend time learning Gregorian Chant. September is a great time to come to a rehearsal and see what choir is like! Contact Cindy Holupchinski for more information.

Fall Rummage Sale

posted: August 31, 2010

We cannot accept humidifiers, dehumidifiers, used mattresses and box springs. We also cannot accept baby cribs and car seats unless they meet current standards. We absolutely cannot accept televisions (as of June, 2009, older televisions do not work without a converter box, and we will have to pay to dispose of them). We ask that the items you bring be clean. We can only accept newer operational computer systems with minimum components (processor, keyboard and monitor).

The Bible is Not Just any Story—It is Your Story.
Discover How To Read It.

posted: August 31, 2010

Discover God’s plan for your life as you discover his amazing story in
A Quick Journey Through The Bible.

In this study, you will discover the “big picture” of the biblical story as it is presented in specific books of the Bible. Join us and learn the major people, places, events and themes of the Bible. Perhaps for the first time in your life, you will understand the overview of the Bible story. This then makes your Bible reading and even the Sunday mass readings come alive like never before.

A Quick Journey Through The Bible
will be offered in Carolyn Hall
Tuesdays 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Beginning September 28

To sign up and learn more:
email: biblestudysm AT gmail DOT com.
or visit the Bible Study Blog.

Gregorian Chant: Open the Treasure

posted: August 31, 2010

You are invited to three Monday evenings of singing and learning the fundamentals of Gregorian Chant. Learn how to read chant notation and sing timeless Catholic prayers. The evenings will be led by the music staff of Saint Mark's, Director of Music, Cindy Holupchinski, and Organist, Rory Cravillion. No musical experience necessary, but come ready to sing!

Please register for this free workshop through email: cholupchinski AT saintmark-mn DOT org, using "Chant Workshop" in the subject field. Childcare available with 7 days advance request.

September 13, 20, 27
7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
in the Daily Mass Chapel

The Fathers of the Second Vatican Council considered this music a "treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art." What an amazing statement! Seated under the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, in view of Bernini's bronze baldacchino, a short distance from Michelangelo's ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, they said that the musical tradition of the Church is of greater value. Come as we try to shed some light on this long buried treasure.

St. Paul Deaneries Council of Catholic Women

posted: August 31, 2010

All women of Saint Mark's are invited to join women of the deanery on Thursday, September 16 at Holy Childhood Catholic Church, St. Paul, MN. Coffee and registration 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. Business meeting at 9:00 a.m. Program will feature Bonnie Blanchette speaking on "Leading a Blessed Life." Come to experience the healing power of blessing as you learn various ways of blessing yourself, others and the earth. Mass at Noon followed by lunch.

Costs for the Day: $10.00 which will be covered by Saint Mark's CCW. Phone reservations by noon on Monday, September 13 to Nancy at 651-644-2260. Please let her know if you must cancel as we must pay for no-shows.

Wine and Cheese Social

posted: August 31, 2010

Saint Mark's Council of Catholic Women invites all women of the parish to a Wine and Cheese Social on Saturday evening, September 18. Come and enjoy special wine and cheese pairings served with perfect accompaniments. And, if last year is any indication, we'll have a fabulous spread of wonderful appetizers. Lively conversation and a chance to connect with old and new friends make this a party you don't want to miss!

The Social begins at 7:30 p.m. in the church's Community Room and is free. Donations are accepted to help cover the cost. You may come early, at 7:00 p.m. for an informational introduction to CCW and our work within the parish and community. Please contact Jane Cagle-Kemp through the Parish Center if you'd like to bring an appetizer or help with party set-up.

Can You Help?

posted: August 31, 2010

We are in need of someone to help us look for and write grant applications.

If you have experience in this area and have time to help, please call Sharon at the Parish Center, 645-5717.

Christ the King Retreat House

posted: August 31, 2010

Each September for the last 7 years or so, Saint Mark's Pastoral Care volunteers and friends go to Christ the King Retreat House in Buffalo, Minnesota, for a weekend silent retreat. This year we are going September 10, 11, 12. It begins on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. and ends after Mass and Lunch on Sunday noon.

Women of Saint Mark's are invited to be a part of our group and experience the grace, peace, and relaxation of a retreat. The theme this year is Jesus Heals our Darkness. For more information and how to register, call Judy Miske at the Parish Center or E-mail her at msjmiske AT aol DOT com.

Summer Play News

posted: August 31, 2010

The Saint Mark's Summer Play Production Team is delighted to announce that the "curtain fund" was a resounding success! We received all types of donations; little kids who put all their change in the box, very generous checks from parishioners who had children in the play and donations from doting grandparents. We even received an anonymous one hundred dollar bill! In all, we received just over $1,000!

Between the curtain donations and the profit we made from ticket and concession sales, we will be able to buy both a curtain and a new track to run it on.

Thanks again to the generous Saint Mark's community who support the children's play in this and in so many ways. Be on the lookout for the new curtain within the next few months!

The Summer Play Production Team, Eileen Degnan, Steve Osborne, Tim Payton, Bobby Sevenich, Jeri Rockett

Mass of Thanksgiving and Remembrance

posted: August 31, 2010

Please join us as we come together to publicly thank our law enforcement, fire and emergency personnel for their service to our community at the Mass of Thanksgiving and Remembrance: Saturday, September 11 at the Cathedral of St. Paul. Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. by Auxilary Bishop Lee A. Piché. A short reception will follow.

On this weekend, the ninth anniversary of the September 11 tragedy, let us recognize and show our appreciation for all civic servants who look after our safety. We will commemorate all those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Sponsored by the Galtier Society, an association of Catholic professionals in the Twin Cities, and the Archdiocesan Office for Marriage, Family and Life.

Archbishop's Annual Mass for Persons with DisAbilities

posted: August 31, 2010

The Archbishop's Annual Mass for Persons with DisAbilities is set for September 12 at 3:00 p.m. in St. Mary's Chapel at the St. Paul Seminary. This special mass, hosted by the St. Paul Seminary begins at 2:30 p.m. with a sing-along. Bishop Lee Piché will celebrate the mass and confer the Sacrament of Confirmation. All are invited and welcome. Please call Deacon Sean and Joan Curtan at 651-291-4543 or email curtans AT archspm DOT org for more information.

Birthright Pro-Life Gathering

posted: August 31, 2010

Father Bill Baer
"Building On Sand Or Building On Rock: How Do We Pass On A Pro-Life Vision To Our Children?"

Clare Bluhm
"Livin' In a Downs World."

Jenni Maas and Cindy Speltz
"Facing Up to the Exception Cases."

Mary Tracy O'Keefe
"Meant To Be: Do Things Really Happen For a Reason?"

September 25, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Nativity of Our Lord
1900 Stanford, St. Paul

Please pre-register for the Pro-Life Gathering by emailing your name, address and phone number to brconf2010 AT mediacombb DOT net. There is a $25 registration fee that covers the keynote speakers and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. With every paid registration, you may bring one guest for free. You may either pay at the door or send check payable to: Birthright of St. Paul, P.O. Box 4607, St. Paul, MN 55104. If you have questions, you may call Pauline Hanson at 651-699-7412.