Lent at the Church of Saint Mark
posted: Monday 2/13/2012
Ash Wednesday
Lent begins Ash Wednesday, February 22. Mass at 10:00am and 7:00pm. Ashes will be blessed and distributed during mass.
The ashes are made from palm leaves left over from Palm Sunday of the previous year and are blessed on Ash Wednesday with incense and the sign of the cross. The custom of marking the head with ashes on Ash Wednesday is said to have originated during the papacy of Gregory the Great (590-604). At first, only public penitents received the ashes.
Fasting & Abstinence
The Christian faithful are to do penance through prayer, fasting, abstinence and by exercising works of piety and charity. All Fridays through the year, and especially during Lent, are penitential days.
Abstinence: All who have reached their 14th birthday are to abstain from eating meat on Ash Wednesday and all Fridays during Lent.
Fasting: All those who are 18 and older, until their 59th birthday, are to fast on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.
Lenten Friday Evenings at Saint Mark's
Special Dinners: Fish Feed February 24 & March 23 from 4:30-7pm in the school cafeteria; Soup Suppers March 2, 9, 16 & 30 from 5:30-6:30pm in Carolyn Hall.
The Catholicism Project: Awaited with much enthusiasm, Saint Mark's will offer the awesome opportunity to watch Fr. Robert Barron's DVD series every Friday, February 24 through March 30 from 6:30-7:30pm in the Lower Church. The series will continue into the Easter Season.
Stations of the Cross: Every Friday, February 24 through March 30 at 7:30pm in the Upper Church.
Luncheon, Style Show & Silent Auction
posted: Thursday 2/9/2012
The Council of Catholic Women Luncheon, Style Show & Silent Auction will be held at the Town And Country Club at 11am, Saturday March 24. The always popular spring luncheon will soon be here and this will be a good one. Fashions this year will be presented by Coldwater Creek, so get your friends together so you don't miss out on what will be the newest in spring and summer attire. In addition, you will have the opportunity to place a bid on a unique treasure at the silent auction. And back again this year will be Jane Cagle-Kemp, selling her beautiful jewelry designs. Watch for your invitations to be in the mail in the next few weeks.
We welcome your donations to the silent auction and they can be brought to the Parish Center or for pick-up, you can call Mary at 651-998-1223. We particularly appreciate your vintage and antique linens, china, silver, jewelry, etc. Items can be also brought to the Town and Country Club before 10am on the day of the luncheon. The proceeds from the silent auction go the the Madonna Plan which helps to fund programs for low-income women in third world countries.
Community Theatre Presents "Rock Around the Block"
posted: Wednesday 2/1/2012
It's back to the 50's as the Saint Mark's Community Theatre presents "Rock Around the Block", a musical comedy. Doors open at 7:00pm. Performances are 7:30pm, February 17 and 18. Tickets $5.00–$9.00. Soda Shop Concessions & Adult Beverages will be available for purchase. Theatre entrance Marshall Avenue at Prior Avenue, St. Paul. For ticket information, contact Doni at 651-645-1460 or Lori Koltes at laurie.koltes@gmail.com. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Families with Children ages 1–5 & in grades 1–3
posted: Saturday 1/28/2012
9:00am Mass Has You Covered!
After a busy week of getting your baby or young children in snow pants, boots, hats and mittens, changing diapers or helping with homework, maybe you would like a chance to relax, pray and re-fuel for the joyful but exhausting call of parenting! Did you know that during the 9:00 am Mass we offer:
Nursery for children ages 1–3
Located in the basement, NE corner of the church. Drop off any time before or during Mass. Contact Sharon Suess for more information.
Sunday School for Preschoolers and Kindergarteners
Classes meet in the school, during Mass. Registration required. Contact Keely Wojda for more information.
Liturgy of the Word for Children for 1st–3rd graders
Children are dismissed from Mass and go with leaders to the Lower Church during the Liturgy of the Word. No registration is required. Parents are welcome if you would like to experience it for yourself!
Justice & Peace Committee
posted: Friday 1/27/2012
We'll be attending the Legislative Briefing on Thursday, February 2, at Lumen Christi Church, 2055 Bohland Avenue in St. Paul. 7:00—8:30pm. Come learn about issues affecting people in poverty and how we can take action! Join the Office for Social Justice for a presentation of Catholic Charities 2012 policy agenda. We will explore issues including housing, healthcare, and voting rights. OSJ staff will provide data, stories and the information you need to bring your message back to elected leaders and your communities. Prepare yourself to be a powerful advocate!
Boy Scout Pancake Breakfast & Bake Sale
posted: Friday 1/27/2012
On Sunday, February 5 Boy Scout Troop One will host their annual pancake breakfast from 8am to 1:00pm in the school cafeteria. Cost is $20 per family (up to 4), adults $6 and children under 12 years old $5.
Calling All Catholic Men
posted: Friday 1/27/2012
Saturday, March 31
8am to 12noon
Come to this year's Men's Conference to pray and learn with Archbishop Neinstedt. The featured speaker is Matthew Kelly, who has a talent for igniting enthusiasm and inspiring men to live their Catholic Faith to the fullest. In addition, there will be breakfast, opportunity for confession, adoration, and mass with the Archbishop. For more information and to register go to www.archspm.org or call 651-291-4488.
Men from Saint Mark's will be meeting in the St. Mark's parking lot at 6:45am on March 31 to carpool down to the Cathedral for the event.
Day of Recollection for Caregivers
posted: Friday 1/27/2012
On Saturday, February 18, there is a Day of Recollection for Caregivers (those who live with, work with or regularly visits persons with serious illnesses or disabilities). It will be held at the Church of the Annunciation in Minneapolis from 9:30am to 2pm and includes a presentation by Fr. Jim Livingston, mass, sacrament of reconciliation and lunch. The cost is $15. Register by February 10 with Deacon Curtan at 651-291-4543 or curtans@archspm.org.
Martha and Mary Craft Guild
posted: Friday 1/27/2012
Join other women in the parish for the Martha and Mary Craft Guild. We will enjoy our creative gifts, pray together, relax and have fun! Coffee and rolls will be served. Bring a craft you are currently working on, or learn something new. Supplies will be provided. Our next meeting will be February 11 from 8:40 to 10:00am at the Parish Center. No need to pre-register—all women in the parish are welcome!
Father Jan Michael Joncas
posted: Friday 1/20/2012
The Saint Paul Catholic Speaker Series
Wednesday, February 1
7:00pm
Lumen Christi Community Room
This year Saint Mark's parish is part of this four-parish adult education series. Our third talk of the year will be presented by Fr. Jan Michael Joncas (composer of the favorite hymn, "On Eagle's Wings"). His presentation "Suffering, Healing and Transformation" A reflection on Fr. Joncas' experience with Guillain-Barre and the music that came out of that experience. Refreshments and conversation starting at 8:30.
The talk is open to the public. A $5 donation at the door is suggested.
Annual Saint Mark's Card Party
posted: Friday 1/20/2012
What do Minnesotans crave in the heart of winter? Good ol' comfort food followed by a friendly game of cards or rousing rounds of Bunco! Join us Saturday, February 4 in Carolyn Hall for both. Tater Tot Hot Dish served at 1:00pm followed by Bridge, 500, Cribbage or Bunco. And, of course, fantastic door prizes. Come one, come all (no partners necessary for this mixer event). Cost $6. Contact Jane or Terry Cagle-Kemp at 651-487-1585 or janecagle@msn.com for reservations.
Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration
posted: Thursday 1/12/2012
Spend time with the Lord in quiet and prayer. To assure the Blessed Sacrament is never left unattended the goal is to have two people scheduled as Adorers for each hour. We still have hours that are in need of an Adorer or two. For more information and to sign up, please contact Anne Duffy through the Parish Center, 645-5717.
If you're not signed up, please join us any time during adoration hours.
Calling All Future Markers
posted: Thursday 1/12/2012
Join us for Saint Mark's Preschool and Kindergarten Round–Up Monday, January 23 from 7–8:30pm in Carolyn Hall.
Learn about Saint Mark's comprehensive early learning offerings, hear from current parents, tour the school and much more. Free child-care available!
Help Wanted for Soup Suppers
posted: Thursday 1/12/2012
Lent will be here before we know it—time to start planning for Soup Suppers! If your group would like to sponsor a supper, please call Keely at 651-645-5717 or email at kwojda@saintmark-mn.org.
March for Life
posted: Thursday 1/12/2012
Sunday, January 22, 2012 is the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. Events scheduled to pray for and support the right to life for the unborn include: Mass For Life at the Cathedral at 12 noon with Archbishop Nienstedt, MCCL March for Life at 2pm at the State Capitol, and Prayer Vigil outside the Planned Parenthood in St. Paul (675 Vandalia St.) 3:30–4:40pm.
Cana Couples
posted: Thursday 1/12/2012
The Cana Program is seeking additional volunteer mentor couples to help engaged couples prepare for marriage. Current mentors say they find their own marriage enriched as they work through the "Prepare" process with engaged couples. Training is provided. For more information, please join us at coffee and donuts after Sunday Masses on January 22nd.
"The Spiritual Pilgrimage of Dorothy Day"
posted: Thursday 1/12/2012
The first meeting of the Council of 2012 of the Catholic Women will be Saturday, January 21 at 10am, in Carolyn Hall. After a short business meeting, Dr. Anne Klejment, history professor from the University of Saint Thomas, will present "The Spiritual Pilgrimage of Dorothy Day". Dr. Klejment is active in promoting the Canonization of Dorothy Day. A light lunch will follow. Everyone is invited. If you are in need of childcare for the meeting, please contact Vickie at 644-7724.
"Making Abortion Unthinkable"
posted: Wednesday 1/4/2012
By Josh Brahm, director of education and public relations for Right to Life of Central California, 7pm Thursday, January 12 at Nativity of Our Lord, St. Paul. Josh Brahm produces YouTube videos and hosts "Life Report: Pro-Life Talk. Real World Answers," youth-oriented weekly netcast at www.prolifepodcast.net. Josh is passionate about reaching young people through new media and about helping people explain the pro-life position in smart, effective ways, while also dialoguing respectfully with people who disagree. He is a young man who has a gift for reaching young audiences. He is well informed yet is able to make his case with kindness, humility, and gentle humor. High school and college students are especially welcome. Free admission. Sponsored by Nativity and the Archdiocesan Office of Marriage, Family and Life.
Men's Breakfast
posted: Wednesday 1/4/2012
Saint Mark's men have a weekly meeting to read scripture and share a breakfast. Come join other men of the parish at 7:00am on Saturday mornings at Trotter's, on the corner of Cleveland and Marshall. Call John Shrake at (651) 646-2247 for more information. Bring a Bible. See you there!
Youth Group News
posted: Sunday 1/1/2012
If you want to be a part of Middle School Youth Group, contact Paeter Wait at petra.espera@gmail.com or Maria Willkom at mcwillkom@gmail.com. The plan for Middle School Youth Group for the New Year is:
NET Lifeline Mass the first Saturday of the month.
Youth Group, 6:30 to 8pm the 2nd Sunday of the month.
Youth Group Meeting or event the 4th Sunday of the month.
So…Middle School Youth Group will go to NET Mass on Saturday, January 7. Meet in the parking lot at 5pm. Permission slips are on the Youth Ministry bulletin board. And, Middle School meets Sunday, January 15 from 6:30 to 8pm in Carolyn Hall.
Baptism Enrichment Nights
posted: Sunday 1/1/2012
Baptism Enrichment Nights (BEN) will take place on January 9, 19, and 23 at 6:30pm in the Parish Center. If you plan on baptizing a baby here at Saint Mark's in the next few months, these classes are for you! Please call Keely at the Parish Center at 645-5717 to register.
Saint Mark's GALA – Wacky Wedding
posted: Sunday 1/1/2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
6:00 to 11:00pm Saint Mark's Gym
The Gala is a great night of community building and auction bidding to support our school. It is seriously fun! If you are a newbie, ask an oldie to fill you in on the setup. The theme this year is a Wacky Wedding theme. At saint Mark's, this means you can rent a tux, get a bridesmaid dress at Ragstock, or come as a wedding guest who likes sweat pants. This is what we love about our community: all are welcome.
How Can you Join In The Fun?
You can donate goods, services or money to help us build an awesome auction. You can invite your friends, but tickets, and be ready to bid, and/or you can volunteer to work the night of the auction. If you have any questions about the GALA, do not hesitate to contact Betsy Hand at bjosterhand@gmail.com.
