Blessings to all on this most holy of weeks in our liturgical calendar!
Here’s what’s happening around the parish as we celebrate Holy Week and Easter weekend:
OFFICE CLOSED: The office will be closed Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Monday. All emergency messages will be picked up by the answering service. The office will reopen on Tuesday, April 2, at 9:00 a.m.
GOOD FRIDAY COLLECTION: There is a collection envelope for Good Friday: Holy Land.
EASTER WEEKEND COLLECTION: There are two collections Easter weekend: Stewardship and Easter.
ANNUAL ST. MARK EASTER EGG HUNT: Put on your best Easter bonnet and “hop” on down to the annual Easter Egg Hunt which will take place this Sunday, March 31, 2024, after the 9:30 a.m. Mass. The event is open to all children ages 2 to 10. Hosted by the St. Mark Youth Group, this event is free of charge and includes over 30 lbs. of candy, prizes, and an appearance by the Easter Bunny himself! The event will take place on the great lawn if we have good weather; otherwise, for inclement weather, we will be in the Parish Center (gym).
DIVINE MERCY: Father Birenda wants to remind you that Divine Mercy Novena begins on Good Friday, March 29, and ends on Saturday, April 6. On Divine Mercy Sunday we will have Holy Hour with Deacon Paul at 3:00 p.m. in the church. All are welcome. We have placed Divine Mercy chaplet pamphlets at the doors of the church.
BIBLE STUDY CLASS: Due to the Easter holiday, Bible Study class will be suspended Monday, April 1. Class will resume on Monday, April 8.
LIVING STATIONS OF THE CROSS: The St. Mark School will present the Living Stations of the Cross on Good Friday after the 3:00 p.m. liturgy and veneration of the cross. Regular stations will be held at 7:00 p.m. also on Good Friday.
2024 BISHOP’S APPEAL: Only heaven knows what’s wrong with the U.S. postal service. Even with envelopes printed for checks to come to St. Mark rectory, we’ve had a few instances where mailed envelopes did not reach us. So, to be safe, please drop your Bishop’s Appeal envelope either in the weekly collection basket or bring it here to the rectory office.
NEWS FROM THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS:
1. The St. John Paul II Knights of Columbus Council #8 will host a prayer devotion that includes a traveling Icon of St. Joseph (image attached). The devotion will be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, April 30, 2024. All are welcome.
2. In addition, the Knights will begin their month-long Rosary and Litany devotion to the Blessed Mother beginning Wednesday, May 1 through Friday May 31, 2024, at 7:00 pm weeknights, at 6:00 pm Saturday nights (after the 5:00 pm Mass) and at 12:30 pm on Sunday afternoons (after the 11:30 am Mass) (all in the Church, with the exception of Baptism Sundays, when you will pray in the Upper Room).
3. Thank you to the Knights for providing a fabulous “palm and pancake” breakfast this past Palm Sunday! Everyone had a great time, and it was appreciated by all!
THANK YOU, FATHER RUSS: Kudos to Father Russ who singlehandedly decorated the Altar for Palm Sunday. The church looked lovely!
AN EASTER CHUCKLE! I had to share with you the front cover of an Easter card I received from a dear friend of mine, Sarah, whom I have known since 3rd grade! Hopefully you can read the pdf file, if not, it reads: “Peeps be with you….and also with you.” And naturally there are cartoon pictures of the little sugar “peeps” we all buy during Easter.
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS: We can use your skills! The position of Director of Communications in our parish is open, and we are seeking candidates who would be interested in volunteering their time to fill this important role. For the past few years, Frank Delorenzo has done a wonderful job in this capacity. Frank has now assumed the responsibility of heading up the Buildings and Grounds Committee. You would be actively involved with the various committees throughout the parish in communicating their message for the many events and initiatives that take place. Additionally, you would keep the parish website updated as well as the social media platforms that we have a presence on. Anyone interested in the position may notify the rectory office.
MISSIONARIES TO THE FAMILY – AN INIATIVE TO REVITALIZE THE DOMESTIC CHURCH: Do you desire to share the joy you’ve found in married life with others? Do you want to study your faith as a couple and serve your parish? Can you make a two-hour per week commitment? Discover this amazing invitation to discern, prepare, and accompany families in your parish and community! Please see the attached document to scan and sign-up for either session: March 20 or May 7, both at 7:00 p.m.
THE BISHOP’S LECTURE SERIES 2024: The most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano is to deliver the second Bishop’s Lecture on Wednesday, May 15, 204, at 7:00 p.m., at Greenwich Catholic School. The topic is “Come Let Us Worship.” All are welcome.
DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT SAINT LUKE GUILD: The Diocese of Bridgeport is promoting a new initiative, The Saint Luke Guild.
“All healthcare workers are invited to attend a gathering of The Saint Luke Guild, an initiative of the Diocese of Bridgeport, whose mission is to help healthcare workers grow in Christian discipleship by accompanying them in prayer and fellowship. Please join us on Monday, April 22nd, at Saint James Church in Stratford. We will gather at 7:00 p.m. for an evening of prayer, reflection, fellowship, and light refreshments. We encourage you to email your RSVP to SaintLukeGuild@diobpt.org if you plan to attend. To learn more about the Guild, please visit our website www.bridgeportdiocese.org/stlukeguild. We look forward to seeing you then!”
85th ANNUAL ANNA FUSCO MEMORIAL PILGRIMAGE HOLY SHRINES OF CANADA: Father Peter Adamksi is the Spiritual Director for the 85th Anna Fusco Memorial Pilgrimage to Canada July 12-15th. It is a 3-night, 4-day, all-inclusive roundtrip motorcoach from St. James Parish. The cost is $650.00 per person/ based on double occupancy. We do not have any single rooms available so you will need a buddy/ roommate for the trip due to the limited rooms at the Inn. This trip is a labor of love for Our Lord and St. Anne and the Fusco family does not make a profit from this pilgrimage. The trip is 50% full currently and there is still room for others to join us. Anyone interested may contact Michelle Rowe at St. James. See attached fliers.
CALLING ALL GARDENERS: Last year we ran a notice in the bulletin asking if anyone would be interested in “adopting” a spot here on the parish grounds. For those of you who responded, we have you on our list. But if you want to double-check your name with the office, just send a notice back. We are creating small, easy-to-care for areas that parishioners can “adopt” to make sure weeds are pulled and edging is neat and tidy. There is NO heavy lifting or use of chains saws, electric hedge clippers, etc. We plan to have our first “gardening” meeting on Tuesday, April 2, in the Upper Room at 6:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome!
ST. ANDRÉ BESSETTE RELICS: The relics of St. André Bessette are coming to Saint Mary Church (Precious Blood Parish), 70 Gulf Street, Milford, CT, on Thursday, April 11, 2024. Exposition begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by talks on St. Brother André, Eucharistic Adoration, Holy Mass, and Veneration. All are welcome. (I had never heard of this Saint, so I Googled him and did a cut/paste so you could read about him. See file attached.)
TEAM SOCIAL CABIBBEAN NIGHT: Save the date! Friday evening, April 19, Parish Center, enjoy “Caribbean Night,” featuring the award-winning Silver Steel Band. See the attached flyer and the bulletin for all details!
SAINT MARK FAMILY COOKBOOK - Advertising Opportunity: The Breaking Bread Together cookbook, a collection of Food, Friendship, and Fellowship, is coming to fruition. Over 100-page cookbook, full color “chef” photos, and photos of recipes. Limited advertising space is available. If you wish to advertise, please contact Joyce Baran, Director of Social Events/Team Social, at jbaran@stmarkstfd.org. Pricing: $500 full page; $250 half page.
NATIONAL EUCHARISTIC PILGRIMAGE: The Diocese of Bridgeport will be participating in the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, a multi-state procession of the Most Blessed Sacrament, which will traverse the continental United States. The Diocese of Bridgeport is privileged to be part of the “St. Elizabeth Seton Route,” as we will be receiving the Most Blessed Sacrament from its route through the Archdiocese of Hartford. It will process through our Diocese for four days before being handed over to the care of the Archdiocese of New York. A level of ritual exercise, uncommon in the regular liturgical life of a parish, requires proper reverence and respect afforded to the Sacrament. Father Birendra will keep us abreast of the proper worship of the Eucharistic Mystery both within the procession and in adoration. St. Mark has the honor and privilege of hosting the Most Blessed Sacrament on Friday, May 24, from 11:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m.
SOMETHING EXCITING IS COMING TO ST. MARK! Father Birendra, the Parish Council, and many other heads of ministries are gearing up to schedule an outdoor Mass on the Great Lawn as the nicer weather approaches. This Mass is in its infancy stage of planning, but we wanted to share the news with you! We are planning for June 2, Corpus Christi Sunday, at 9:30 a.m. Light refreshments will be served after the mass. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for good weather!
ST. JAMES TRIP TO “SIGHT AND SOUND” IN PENNSYLVANIA: St. James is planning a trip to Sight and Sound in Pennsylvania on June 26th and June 27th to see the production of “Daniel.” Attached are two PDF files which include the flyer and the itinerary, with costs and sign-up information. Anyone who is interested in going may contact Karen Smith at St. James, 203-375-5887, ext. 201, or karen.smith@stjct.org.
DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT VIRTUS SAFE ENVIRONMENT: The Diocese of Bridgeport is committed to the safety and welfare of our children! As all volunteers are aware, an updated background check and five-year renewal training session is imperative to keeping our children and community safe. For your information, you may visit the St. Mark website, click on “links,” click on “Diocese of Bridgeport” tab, click on “Safe Environment,” and read and review the most current data regarding safety for our children, and elderly, in the community. For those who are volunteers, please make sure you are updated in VIRTUS by visiting your existing account at www.VIRTUSonline.org. Or you may phone the Office of Safe Environment at 203-416-1407.
APARTMENT NEEDED: A healthy, hard-working male, senior citizen, seeks apartment or room in private home (possibly an “in-law” setup) for rent in the St. Mark area of Stratford. References are available, including Father Birendra and Father Russ. Please call Ed at 203-375-2719.
Best,
Paula (and Joan too)
P.S. My “small” Easter dinner party of five has now blossomed to 15! But the more the merrier! I finally decided on chicken cutlets, pasta, salad, and veggies for Easter Sunday, as well as my traditional Pizza Rustica, rice pie, and sweet Easter bread. My sister-in-law Marie (Michael’s sister) always brings Easter desserts. She makes the best lemon meringue, banana cream, and chocolate pudding pies ever!
We can’t wait to see each and every one of you at Mass this weekend, wearing your best Easter bonnet!
Blessings to all!
