Next weekend, August 13-14 there will be a second collection to support the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa. Although the Church in Africa is growing, many still lack access to basic resources and pastoral care. The Solidarity Fund supports pastoral projects to build the capacity of the Church and foster lasting peace and reconciliation in a continent often marked by division and tension. To learn more, visit www.usccb.org/africa.

Dear St. Mark Parishioners: The St. Vincent de Paul Santa Catalina Church Conference is in need of additional volunteers. Our SVdP volunteers give service to our friends in need at Santa Catalina Catholic Church Parish Hall either on Mondays or Wednesdays from 10-1. We help short stop evictions, prevent utility service disconnects and perhaps be the answer to prayers for local families in crisis. The rewards can be priceless as we help our less fortunate friends in need as envisioned by St. Vincent de Paul. If you feel you might be called to this work on behalf of those most in need, contact our Conference President Dennis Blackall at svdpcatalina@gmail.com or call him at 520-825-8288

American Heritage Girls Troop AZ1212 will be holding its annual information meeting for the new program year on Saturday, August 27 from 5:15- 7:00 PM. They are meeting at the parish hall. AHG guides girls ages 5 to 18 towards becoming women of integrity through exploring life skills, faith, service, and FUN in a Christ-centered and nurturing environment. Core tenets of the program include growing Girl Leadership, encouraging girls to become more confident in who they are as women and whose they are in Christ, outdoor adventure, and emphasizing mentorship to younger girls within the Troop structure. New families are encouraged to join us to learn more about AHG and how to register. Fun activities are planned for the girls while the parents are meeting. For more information, please contact Teresa Osborne, Troop Coordinator at: ahgaz1212@gmail.com

Are you someone or do you know someone who... Has expressed an interest in becoming Catholic? Was baptized Catholic as a child, but has not celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist? The St. Mark Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) program will be starting up in September. RCIA offers an opportunity to come together in a small group setting to learn more about our faith. The sessions focus on the teachings and experience of our faith and prepare individuals to celebrate the Sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist during the Easter season. You are welcome to participate in the process with your questions, insights and your faith story in a warm and accepting setting. For more information, please contact Paul Guertin via email at seekers@stmarkov.com, or call the St. Mark parish office at 520-469-7835

St. Mark Oro Valley showed up in a big way for the kids. As part of the annual “Back to School” fundraiser collected thousands of school materials to help ensure that every child from Casa de los Ninos is well prepared and can have a successful kick start to their school year.  Thank you St. Mark for your incredible commitment to support the youth of our community! We are so grateful for your generosity!