St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church 1602 Thousand Oaks Drive - San Antonio, TX

Transcription

1 St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church 1602 Thousand Oaks Drive - San Antonio, TX Our Mission Statement: to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to all God s people by word and action. PARISH DIRECTORY PASTORAL OFFICE Pastor Rev. Msgr. Kevin Ryan Ext. 312 Pastoral Administrator Dot Hamlin Ext. 311 Pastoral Associate Catherine Lopez Ext. 315 Development Director Shane Hamilton Ext. 306 Asst. Bookkeeper Brenda Houchens Ext. 313 Administrative Asst. Marisa Knuffke Ext. 300 Parish Data Services Zulaika L. Muñiz Ext. 327 Deacon Gil Hernandez Deacon Raul Adam Deacon Steve Marques LITURGY OFFICE Liturgy/Pastoral Care Catherine Lopez Ext. 315 Liturgy Asst. Carroll Migura Ext. 307 Music Director Dolores Martinez Ext. 316 Music Director Asst. Courtney Guernsey Ext. 330 Sunday Receptionist Kathleen Bedingfield Ext. 303 FAITH FORMATION/RELIGIOUS ED Director of Adult Faith Formation - Paul Vance Ext. 326 Christian Initiation Ministry, (R.C.I.A.), Spiritual Direction, Quinceañeras - Anne Kemper Ext. 329 Director of High School Youth Ministry - Cindy Hamilton Ext. 331 Asst. High School Youth Minister - Daniel Glaze Ext. 334 Coordinator of Middle School Youth - Dorothy Godines Ext. 332 Administrative Assistant Youth Offices- Shelly Rubio Ext. 333 Director of Elementary Faith Formation - Theresa Crow Ext. 324 Baptism & Childcare Coordinator - Donna Scalia Ext. 325 PRE-SCHOOL OFFICES Co-Directors Kathy Glendening Ext. 321 Connie Magott Ext. 322 Administrative Asst. Sharon Pena Ext. 337 PHYSICAL PLANT Manager Team Leader Custodians George Wetherill Juan Olivo Rosa Hernandez Irene Marin CHURCH REGISTRATION Are you new in the parish? You are invited to register in the Pastoral Office, Monday-Thursday 9:00 5:00; Friday 8:00 4:00 (Closed 12:00-1:00 PM), or in the Pastoral Offices located in the church on Saturday or Sunday. Registration forms are also available on our website: Pastor: Rev. Msgr. Kevin E. Ryan PARISH OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY-THURSDAY 9:00 AM TO 5:00 PM FRIDAY 8:00 AM TO 4:00 PM (CLOSED FOR LUNCH FROM 12:00 1:00 PM MON.-FRI.) PHONE: FAX: FOR AFTER HOURS EMERGENCIES: PHONE AND FOLLOW ANSWERING MACHINE INSTRUCTIONS SUNDAY: MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY MASS SCHEDULE: 8:00 AM, 10:00 AM 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM 8:15 AM, & 6:30 PM 6:30 AM 6:30 AM & 8:15 AM 6:30 AM & 8:15 AM 8:15 AM 5:00 PM COMMUNION SERVICES: MONDAY 6:30 AM TUESDAY 8:15 AM FRIDAY 6:30 AM SATURDAY 7:30 AM RECONCILIATION SERVICES: SATURDAY 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM (OR BY APPOINTMENT ) ADORATION HOURS: TUESDAY 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM WEDNESDAY 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM THURSDAY 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM SACRAMENTAL PREPARATIONS: FOR INFORMATION ON PREPARING FOR THE SACRAMENTS OF BAPTISM, FIRST RECONCILIA- TION, FIRST EUCHARIST, OR CONFIRMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE FAITH FORMATION OFFICE AT: , Ext ANOINTING OF THE SICK TO SCHEDULE AN ANOINTING, PLEASE CALL: , EXT. 315, OR EXT. 307 MATRIMONY: FOR INFORMATION ON PREPARATION FOR MATRIMONY, PLEASE CONTACT THE PASTORAL OFFICE AT: Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe November 25, 2012 Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead and ruler of the kings of the earth. --Revelation 1:5 CHRIST, THE KING The selection from the book of Daniel presented in today s first reading was part of an attempt to weave a vision of ultimate success for the Jews under persecution. Exactly whom the author had in mind when he refers to one like a Son of Man is hotly disputed by scholars today. The fact is, we simply do not know if the author meant anyone in particular or if this is a collective, figurative image of Israel s triumph. What we do know is that the early Christian community seized upon this passage and recognized it as a messianic prophecy, a foretelling of the ultimate triumph of Jesus as the Christ of God. The Lectionary s juxtaposition of this text with today s Gospel narrative of Jesus before Pilate is a wonderful example of how the liturgy layers passages with new meaning by inserting them in a particular context. The celebration of Christ the King allows us to hear these passages with a new depth of meaning in light of our contemporary understanding of how, in Jesus and his resurrection and ascension, we have seen the fulfillment of Daniel s vision of ultimate deliverance. The veiled admission of Jesus before Pilate that he did indeed have a kingdom not here takes on new meaning against the cosmic vision of Daniel, who allows us to glimpse the Ancient One on his heavenly throne. Copyright J. S. Paluch Co.

2 MASS INTENTIONS & READINGS PRAYER OF THE WEEK SATURDAY, November 24th Rv 11:4-12; Lk 20: :00 PM Carolina Armenante SUNDAY, November 25th Dn 7:13-14; Ps 93; Rv 1:5-8; Jn 18:33b-37 Requested by Luigina Armenante 8:00 AM Juanita Cordova Requested by the Young at Heart Seniors' Club 10:00 AM Maria de Jesus Cruz Requested by Liz Dueñas & Family 12:00 PM Robert & Elva Hale Requested by Facundo & Aminta Garcia 5:00 PM Billy Meyers Requested by Rudy & Don Specia MONDAY, November 26th Rv 14:1-3, 4b-5; Lk 21:1-4 8:15 AM Rose De Grasse Special intention requested by Doc & Kathie Kreger 6:30 PM Joseph A. Robles TUESDAY, November 27th Rv 14:14-19; Lk 21:5-11 6:30 AM Warren Spencer Requested by Roger & Elida Robles Requested by Kathy Frederick WEDNESDAY, November 28th Rv 15:1-4; Lk 21: :30 AM Elizabeth& Julia McBride Requested by Charles McBride 8:15 AM Ki y Polka Requested by Fred Polka THURSDAY, November 29th Rv 18:1-2, 21-23; 19:1-3, 9a; Lk 21: :30 AM St. Mark Community 8:15 AM Elsie Bruniger FRIDAY, November 30th Rom 10:9-18; Mt 4:18-22 Special Intention Requested by Nard & Pat Tollette 8:15 AM Mark Rayfield, Jr. Requested by Richard & Jeannine Rayfield SATURDAY, December 1st Rv 22:1-7; Lk :00 PM Bob Kemper, Sr. SUNDAY, December 2nd Jer 33:14-16; Ps 25; 1 Thes 3:12-4:2; Lk 21:25-28, :00 AM Emilia & Jesus Losa 10:00 AM George Bo a 12:00 PM Regina Mosel 5:00 PM J. D. Needham Requested by Anne Kemper Requested by Beth S. Colunga Requested by Rosemary Bailey Requested by the Wayman family Requested by John & Carol Lawlor Almighty ever-living God, whose will is to restore all things in your beloved Son, the King of the universe, grant, we pray, that the whole creation, set free from slavery, may render your majesty service and ceaselessly proclaim your praise. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Reflection question: In what ways can I proclaim God s praise in the coming week? Collect text from the English translation of The Roman Missal, 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved. Copyright J. S. Paluch Company, Inc. WE PRAY FOR THE SICK OF OUR COMMUNITY Dan Perry Pearl Leija David Lawhon Rosalie Kasaba Josette Wakil John Mazzuca Tyler Hoffman Sharon Parker Olivia Sandoval Maria Garcia Nina Erdman Geneviee Heffernan Tom Gunderson Michael Sanchez Marie Harrison Lawton Harrison Lisa Anthony Alyssa Banda Elizabeth Frei Josephine Huizar Morgan Schooley Lucila & Federico Garcia Rachael Papa Alexis Perez Abigail Cuevas Deacon John Michel Craig Raddick Florence Gibson Deacon Gil Hernandez Angela Portillo Terry Harvey Lucy Respondek Marvin Boroski Billy Callanan Pedro Garza Frank D. Holzmann Cruz Martinez Irma Gonzales Araceli Martinez Enrique Garcia Winfried Daum Benjamin Hami Barbara Jungman Kocurek Jane Houser Joe Grogan Robert Clifford Verlene Francis Harrison Szymczak Gina Sullivan Michael Hood Laura Boes Richard Houser Martha Melton Adam Zurovec Elizabeth Huff Bobbie Bozek Cindy Visosky Mary Jane Fox Martha Melton Gary Gates Beth Jones Rick Ewaniszyk Nora Mae Fulmer Sylvester N. Obi Fr. Pat O'Shea The Humpal Family Alice Zamora Dorothy Reis Christen McWhorter Stefanie Hunt Harold Payne Kate Phelan Peggy Hayes Obringer Betty Rodgers Peggy Barbee Thomas Mihun Lisa Hunt Celia Fernandez William Petray Frank Perri Isabelle Santos Guadalupe Torres Matthew Ortiz Maria Rodriguez Matt Kreger Scott Harris Sandy Harris Dale Barbee Rachel Mora Terri Ehrlich Julie Keegan Stephanie Keegan Maria Ortiz Bob Marin Mary Gutierrez Rosie Lindquist Esperanza Sample Al Keegan Teresa Berg Frank Ayala Elizabeth Ayala Lynn Hufford Joseph M. Volmer Kelly Klar Lorena Rodriguez Connie McRae Dolores M. Valero Lani A. Mejia Doris Hoyt Valerie G. Franklin Matthew Margotta Fairlie Zwartjes Saba Mebrahtu Jackie Salcito Walter Young Grace Toland Mike Churchman Lois Morris Connie Kuykendall Mary Ellen McGinley Ken Macinga Liz Czervinske Begonia Cole Conor Hopkins Lucia Masters Raymond Zwartjes Ben Brown Michael Czervinske Kay Barncord Doyle & Manda Gates Bishop Thomas Flanagan M.W. Rollin Elroy & Gail Tschirhart Margaret Harty Minnie Arispe Jose Luis Urbina Cecile & Leonard Simecki Mitch Achee Victor Zavala Andrew Klauenberg Jean Bailey Ehren Klauenberg Eduardo Cabellero, Jr. Mary Delatte Valeria Pena Michael Swierc Tom Gers Donna Mazzara Paul Zuniga Chuck Van Alen Georgia Crow Esmerelda H. Gonzalez Mike Shafer Velma Greer William E. Fitch Jean Macina Amy Klar Tschirhart Tanya Pittman Catherine Holzmann Lisa Perri Molina David Fischer Gale Kahnweiler *Note: If you wish to be removed from the prayer list, please contact pastoral offices at , so that we may remove you from the list. We offer our prayers and sympathy to our parishioners who have experienced a death in their family. We pray for those who have died recently. May they rest in peace.

3 Sunday: Monday: Friday: Saturday: SAINTS & SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe Thirty-fourth Week in Ordinary Time St. Andrew Blessed Virgin Mary; First Saturday ST. ANDREW, APOSTLE (FEAST) St. Andrew, the fisherman, was among the first to hear and answer the call of Christ. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Andrew came and followed and invited others to do the same. That was good stewardship. St. John Chrysostom says, "After Andrew had stayed with Jesus and had learned much from him, he did not keep this treasure to himself, but hastened to share it with his brother." In the Gospel story of the feeding of the multitude (Jn 6:5-13) we get another glipse of St. Andrew. He gets to be the "straight man" in one of the most powerful demonstrations of stewardship ever witnessed. Seeing the crowd, Jesus asks the disciples, "Where can we buy enough food for them to eat?" Philip calculates the cost and says ruefully, "Two hundred days' wages worth of food would not be enough for each of them to have a little." But it is Andrew who offers, "There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But," he continues, "what good are these for so many?" The answer Jesus demonstrates as he gives thanks and distributes the boy's bread is that God's gifts, shared, will always be more than enough. What gifts are mine to share? TREASURES FROM OUR CATHOLIC TRADITION Despite the fact that the feast of Christ the King was established less than a century ago, it has already undergone a shift in focus. When Pope Pius XI established this feast in 1925, nationalism and fascism were on the rise. The pope intended that it be a vehicle for spiritual teaching, one that would recognize the ultimate authority of Christ over all political and social scheming. The last Sunday of October was chosen as the date for the feast because of its proximity to the feast of All Saints, those men and women who bore witness to Christ s reign in so many different ways. The calendar reforms of 1969 moved the feast to the last Sunday of the liturgical year. There, in the context of November s focus on the end times, Christ s second coming at the end of all time is highlighted. The threefold cycle of readings also expands our imaginations in regard to this feast. In this year s Gospel, Christ stands before Pilate, whose own power blinds him to the truth of the Lord s kingdom. In a world where oppression still holds sway over too many people, this feast is somehow still as timely as when Pope Pius XI first established it. What could be more natural at this time of year? STEWARDSHIP REFLECTION Stewardship: responding to God s gifts" The prophet Daniel recognized the Son of man as a king, served by all nations and peoples. John s revelation of Jesus Christ was of a ruler of the kings of the earth. Jesus acknowledged his kingship but declared that his mission on earth was to testify to the truth. In faith we develop our understanding of Christ our savior through the Word of God contained in Holy Scripture. As we put Jesus teachings into practice in our lives, may our faith be strengthened and draw us ever nearer to heaven. THIS WEEK AT ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST Monday, November 26th Senior Nutrition Luncheon Alcoholics Anonymous CH #201 EDGE New Legacy Children's Choir Rehearsal Scouts #657 Den & Pack Meeting BrotherHood Adult Faith Formation Men's January ACTS Meeting CH #201 Divine Mercy CH #202 Monday Night Prayer Group Brides Rm. Tuesday, November 27th Library Open The Great Adventure "ACTS" morning session Eucharistic Centering Prayer Group Our Lady of Guadalupe Apparition Rehearsal The Great Adventure "ACTS" evening session Our Lady of Guadalupe Board Meeting Secrets of the Rosary Study Group Troop #500 Meeting Wednesday, November 28th Library Brides Rm. Charism Brotherhood Library Open Library Eucharistic Spirit & Word CH #202 Cub Scouts #657 Den & Pack Meeting BrotherHood R.C.I.A. Mystagogia Healing 10:00 Choir Rehearsal Engage New Leg/Gym Choir Section Rehearsals Day Chapel ACTS Men's Prayer Group CH #201 CYO Meeting Charism Thursday, November 29th Small Faith Community Matt/Mark Eucharistic Catechist Advent Evening of Reflection Choir Rehearsal Day Chapel Mariachi Rehearsal Bible Study - Time Line CH # ACTS Men in Recovery CH #201 Friday, November 30th Quilter's CH # Divine Mercy Knights of Columbus 24-hour Saturday, December 1st Knights of Columbus 24-hour 1st Saturday Prayer Group Day Chapel Middle School Girls Retreat New Legacy Women's ACTS Prayer Group Mass of the Anointing Retrouvaille CH # Elementary Program Reconciliation Knights of Columbus 1st Sunday Rosary Sunday, December 2nd TODAY'S 2ND COLLECTION - RETIRED MEN & WOMEN RELIGIOUS Early Childhood Program Special Needs Class Breaking Open the Word Festival Guadalupano 2012 Elementary Faith Formation Baptism Classes Life Night Teen Breaking Open the Word Lifeteen Choir Warm-up Insp./Charism Library /New Leg./Gym Library (Note: this is a highlight of events taking place this week at St. Mark the Evangelist)

4 FAITH FORMATION FAITH FORMATION CLASSES *Faith Formation for Pre-school age Children continues the weekend of December 1 & 2. *Formation for Special Needs Children - No class on November 25. *Faith Formation-Elementary (K-5 grade) continues the weekend of December 1 & 2. *Faith Formation for Middle School or The Edge continues on Monday, November 26 at 6:30pm and Sunday, December 2 at 3:30pm. *Faith Formation for High School or LifeTeen continues on Sunday, November 25 at 6:15pm. *The Catechumenate for Children (RCIA/CFC) the process for sacramental preparation for older children, meets every Sunday at the 10:00 am Liturgy and then in New Legacy. *RCIA (The Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) the conversion process for those wanting to inquire about entering the Catholic Church, or for those wanting to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church, meets Sunday mornings at the 10:00 am Mass, and Wednesday evenings from 7:15 pm 9:00 pm in the Room and the Holy Family Room. Find St. Marks on Facebook! Campbell s Soup Labels Elementary Faith Formation is collecting soup labels to purchase supplies needed for our parish. You can bring your labels with you on any Faith Formation Sunday. Please include the barcode as shown in the picture below. CHILDCARE INFORMATION Childcare is available in the Noah's Ark room for ages 1+, when scheduled ahead of the event. During evening events, for the safety of your children and the caregivers, please ONLY enter and exit through the doors across from the Community Center. Contact Donna Scalia at x 325 for more information. St. Mark Catholic Faith Formation for High School Youth LIFE NIGHT - Sunday at 6:15 pm - All High School Teens invited Theology of the Body - Sunday at 6:15 pm - Fall Semester for High School Freshman RCIA for Teens - Sunday at 3:30 pm - For all Teens who missed Baptism or Holy Communion Confirmation II - Sunday at 3:00 pm in the Spring - Preparation for Conf. II Candidates Reconciliation Preparation - Saturday January 19th at 10:00 am For more information about any of these areas call Cindy at Procession of Roses for Our Lady of Guadalupe Saturday, December 8th 5pm Mass ENGAGE Introducing ENGAGE for high school youth. ENGAGE - it's not your grandpa's SMYG, anymore!!! This year we are focusing on becoming engaged with your Community, Church and... Your relationship with Christ!! Our next meeting is November 28th from 7pm - 9pm Fall & Winter Workshops For All Cantors, Lectors, Deacons & Everyone Wishing to Give Pulpit Talks Our parish has a wonderful opportunity. We are blessed to have Catherine and John Nix with us facilitating and guiding us in a series of special workshops. Cathy and John will help us reflect upon our ministry as we strive to proclaim the Word, whether it is thru music and song, thru sharing of the Scriptures, or thru speaking after Mass on behalf of our particular ministry. The final workshop will be offered on Monday, January 14 from 7-9pm Please call Catherine or Carroll at for more info. All children are invited to participate in the Procession of Roses. The procession will follow the drama re-enactment of the apparition of Our Lady of Guadalupe at the Saturday 5pm Mass. Roses will be provided by the Society of Our Lady of Guadalupe. We will reserve pews in the back of the church for the children, and they will join their parents after the procession. Some costumes are available. If you have any questions, please contact: Aminta Garcia at or Veronica Salinas at If you would like for your child to participate in this spiritual and meaningful celebration, please visit the St. Mark website to download the form to complete and return to Theresa Crow, Children s Minister, by Monday, Dec 3rd or drop it in the collection basket.

5 FAITH FORMATION CHILDREN S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT Children ages 4-7 years old are invited to participate in the reenactment of the Christmas Gospel Story during the Children s Christmas Eve Mass on Monday, December 24th at 4pm. There are no lines to learn, and costumes will be provided. A mandatory rehearsal will be held on Saturday, December 1 pm in the Church. Children MUST be in Noah s Ark dressed in costume by 3:15 pm on Monday, December 24th. Group pictures will be taken at 3:30pm in the Main. If you would like for your child to participate in this spiritual and meaningful celebration, please visit the St. Mark website to download the form to complete and return to Theresa Crow, Children s Minister, by Monday, Dec 17th or drop it in the collection basket. LIBRARY NEWS Visit the St. Mark library where you will find a variety of books, videos, and DVDs for the whole family to enjoy. Library Hours Tuesday & Wednesday 8:30-10:30am Sunday 8:30-12pm November 28, 8 PM (New) IF ONLY WE HAD LISTENED: Follow Immaculee Llibagiza as she returns to Kibeho and shares the faith that sustained her throughout Rwanda s genocide and the message Kibeho has for the entire world. November 30, 9 PM XAVIER MIS- SIONARY AND SAINT: A documentary of exquisite cinematography which follows St. Francis Xavier s missionary journey through Europe and Asia. UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFO ON THE WEBSITE Have you moved recently? New phone numbers? New ? As we approach the end of another year we ask that anyone with new contact information please visit the St. Mark website. We now have an easy way for you to send in your new info. We ll even forward that information on to the ministries that you are involved in. Call Shane at x306 with any questions. YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY The Young Adult Ministry is a community of young adults from Holy Trinity, Padre Pio, and St. Mark that gather to share in fellowship and faith. Our hope is to grow and develop in stronger relationships with God. Here are some of our upcoming events: Sunday, December 2nd, Color Me Rad 5k. Please sign up online; the team name is Young Adult Community, and the team leader is Calvet. Sunday, December 9th, Advent Party. We will attend Mass at Holy Trinity at 11am, then gather for food and fun! Sunday, January 27th, Lion King on stage. We are driving to Austin to see The Lion King on stage. Tickets are limited. The show is at 6:30 pm. For more information, please contact Amy Calvet at aa_calvet@yahoo.com or Eric Mejia at eric@holytrinitysat.org, check out our Facebook group: The Young Adult Community of Holy Trinity, Padre Pio, and St. Mark. Tired of people judging you? Tired of feeling alone? Tired of not knowing what to believe? Come check out LifeTeen. Our Life Nights meet most Sundays after 5pm Mass and you can be sure that you will. Make some new friends. Learn more about your Catholic faith. Grow closer to God. Pray with a community of people who accept you for who you are. Come to one of our LifeNights and check out what s happening. We are praying that you will say Yes, Maybe, I ll try it one time. If you have questions or just need someone to talk with, call Cindy or Daniel in the Youth Office at Life Night 6:15pm November 25th December 2nd and 9th January 13th and 27th February 10th and 24th March 3rd, 17th and 24th April 7th, 14th and 21st We can be tired, weary and emotionally distraught, but after spending time alone with God, we find that He injects into our bodies energy, power and strength.

6 COMMUNITY AND SERVICE It s Not Too Late! Sign up for Jeff Cavins Bible Study: Acts of the Apostles: The Spread of the Kingdom Over 200 participants have signed up for this study and you can too! It s not too late! This study will inspire you and inform you as each week takes you on the journey that the Apostles took in Acts: The Spread of the Kingdom. For further information Contact: Sheryl Parker Classes on Tuesdays: Ricki Brady am or 7-9 pm Elida Robles Babysitting available David Kauffman, composer of many of the songs we use on our ACTS Retreats, will be in concert at St. Francis of Assisi on Friday, November 30 th at 7:30 pm. Highlights will include songs from David s new CD, A HAND TO HOLD, his first solo recording in 6 years. Don t miss this evening of song and story including new songs and old favorites like Behold and Be Still. Let s help fill the church with song at St Francis of Assisi. Mark your calendars now for November 30, 2012 at 7:30 pm. A Love Offering will be collected at the concert. For more info contact: cindy@goodforthesoulmusic.com St. Vincent de Paul For more information about SVdP please call Rich Miller at Today as we celebrate Christ the King, may we open the door of our heart so wide that we may listen to the voice of Jesus calling us to help build his kingdom here on earth. This month, through your gifts of food, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul was able to help build the kingdom of God by assisting families with food, utilities and rent bill to make Thanksgiving special this year. The pantry is in need of financial contributions at this time. Please give generously to the Blue Bag collections. Mass of Anointing of the Sick If you are experiencing illness physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual, you are invited to celebrate the Sacrament of the Sick with our community at Mass on Saturday, December 1st at 10:30AM. Your family is welcome to attend with you. It is our Catholic belief that sacramental anointing provides both spiritual and physical strength for those who are ill. We encourage you to avail yourself of these special graces. If you know of someone who is sick or homebound, and would like to have the Eucharist brought to them, please let us know. Our ministers to the sick and homebound are willing and prepared to do this. For more information please call Catherine Lopez, Pastoral Associate, at KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Hosting a Casino Night Fundraiser to Support Life Charities January 26, 2013 at 6:30pm For more information please contact Steve Cennamo at scenn@sbcglobal.net NUMBER EIGHTEEN!! For the past sixteen years, St. Mark parishioners have very generously supported the Habitat for Humanity Ministry. As a result of this generous support, SEVENTEEN houses have been built for seventeen families. Twenty-five adults and thirtyseven children lived in these houses when initially occupied. Each of these families has been very appreciative for what has been done for them. HOUSE NUMBER 18 will be built by parishioners starting the weekend of February 1st. Right after the New Year we will be asking for PRAYERS, VOLUNTEERS TO WORK, MEALS AND SNACKS FOR THE VOLUNTEERS AND YOUR FINANCIAL SUP- PORT. About 700 to 800 St. Mark families are involved in each build. Each year, except last year, Bev and I have visited these families at Christmas time. Many of them invite us into their home. They are very proud of some of the changes and modifications that they have done inside and outside. More importantly, they want to tell us about the successes that their children have achieved. To the best of my knowledge, all of the children who are old enough have graduated from high school. Several have gone to college, some with scholarships. Some have married and have children of their own. If you are new to our parish, it is important to know this is not a give away program. Families are carefully screened and must have a job that will enable them to pay the monthly mortgage. Additionally, they must work 300 sweat equity hours before occupying the house. Prior to signing a mortgage, homeowners must take classes in 12 subjects covering financial management, maintenance, anger management, etc. Watch for more information in future St. Mark publications.

7 COMMUNITY AND SERVICE A big thank you and kudos to all the wonderful St. Mark youth and parents who came out Saturday, November 10th to hang lights on the trees for the holidays. Those same youth also helped with preparing 900 loaves of bread for our Stewardship Commitment weekend. Great job helping your community! Beyond Cana Marriage Enrichment Retreat February 8-10, 2013 The Beyond Cana Marriage Enrichment Retreat is for couples in strong, Christ-centered marriages. It focuses on couple communication, love and intimacy, all vital components of stable and secure marriage relationships. It is composed of a blend of spiritual and practical talks, periods for couple reflection, prayer, and the introduction of useful tools designed to renew and invigorate your marriage through improved communication. This is all done from a Catholic perspective, with an understanding of marriage as a sacrament. Please contact: Dave & Jo Anne Dimitriou for details at SOCIETY OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE The mission of our Society is to increase devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe and protect the unborn child. Our next regular meeting will be December 4th. For more info., contact Lulu Garcia at or ahgarcia254@att.net. RCIA Prison Ministry For I was in prison and you visited me. Matthew 25: 36 Men and women are needed for the evangelization of the Gospel at the Briscoe State Corrections Unit in Dilley, Texas. After a successful ACTS Prison retreat, Mass attendance has gone from 10 regular participants to over 40 attendees. Currently, there are 25 men seeking entry into the Catholic Church through the RCIA program. We are in great need of individuals to help bring these men fully into the Church. Each Monday, Team Members leave St. Mark at 11am and return between 5pm and 6pm. If you are interested in assisting in this ministry contact Bill Schott at or Paul Vance at ext WINGS & BEYOND Wings is a supportive gathering of individuals sharing thoughts and feelings after the loss of a relationship through divorce, death or separation. Meetings are held on the 2nd Friday each month at 6:30pm in the Matthew/Mark Rooms. Snacks are provided. Call Jackie Salcito at or Mary Lou at for info. Please advise the Pastoral Office of all address changes so we can reduce returned mail postage costs. Thank you. St. Mark Quilters The Lion s Pride We always welcome new and advanced quilters. Everyone is welcome. We meet at Christopher Hall every Friday from 9am-3:30pm. Contact Pat Brookes at or Barbara Gordon at if you would like more information. YOUNG AT HEART SENIORS CLUB & THE SENIOR SOCIAL LUNCHEON A free nutritious meal is provided by San Antonio every Monday at 11:30 A.M. for all seniors over the age of 60. Afterwards, on every 2nd and 4th Monday, come and join "The Young at Heart Seniors Club" for fun and games. Membership annual dues are $ If you have any questions, please contact: or for info on the Seniors Club; or Catherine for info on the Senior Social Luncheon. No Senior Luncheon on December 10, 17, 24, 31. PRAYER BRUNCH with Bishop Oscar Cantu Saturday, December 1 at the OMNI Colonnade Hotel Ballroom. This annual event features a special presentation by Bishop Cantu on Encountering Christ, a delicious brunch, resources for spiritual growth, silent auction and door prizes. For tickets, contact the Pilgrim Center of Hope at or online at CHRISTOPHER HALL INFORMATION Book your holiday party today! Check out or call Gary Richmond at for more information.

8 WORSHIP AND WORD Knights of Columbus Hosting 24 EUCHARISTIC ADORATION November 30th at 5:00pm thru December 1 st at 5:00pm. All are welcome and security will be monitoring the parking lot. Weekly Sunday Holy Rosary St. Mark s prays the Rosary every Sunday before the 10:00 Mass. Parishioners are encouraged to come and pray the Glorious Mysteries and honor our Mother Mary. The Rosary begins at 9:25 am in the and finishes early enough for Mass preparations and announcements. WOMEN'S ACTS PRAYER GROUP MEETING All ACTS Sisters are invited to gather for Prayer and Fellowship on Saturday, December 1 at 10am in the Holy Family room. In keeping with the Year of Faith, we will be reflecting on Faith during the Advent Season. Please bring your Gentle Spirits, Kind Hearts and Beautiful Voices. Returning Sisters, remember to bring your Blessings Journal. Come One, Come All, to share Petitions, Blessings, Laughter and more. FIRST SATURDAY PRAYER GROUP For over 20 years, the First Saturday Prayer Group has been meeting for a Rosary and Communion Service. Come join us at 9am in the Day Chapel on the 1 st Saturday each month. Centering Prayer Jesus, meek and humble of heart, make our hearts like unto thine. Centering Prayer Group meets every Tuesday morning from 11am to 12pm in the Brides Room of the Church. For the answers to any of these questions, please contact either Jo Ann Anders at or Denise French at MEN S A.C.T.S. RETREAT January 17-20, 2013 Do whatever he tells you John 2:5 You are invited to attend this Men s ACTS Retreat to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ, to renew yourself spiritually, and to experience St. Mark Community fellowship. The retreat starts on Thursday evening, January 17 th and ends Sunday January 20 th with our return to the Noon Mass at St. Mark s. For additional information feel free to contact: Director: Sal Scalia Home: Cell: Co-Director: Gerald Gaenslen Home: Cell: Co-Director: Leo Forget Home: Cell: All men are welcome.all denominations! DIVINE MERCY: Jesus, I Trust In You The Cenacle meets on Mondays, from 7-9pm in Christopher Hall, room 202 (elevator available). The Cenacle is devoted to the Diary of Saint Faustina, the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, the Catechism of the Catholic Church and Holy Scripture. The Chaplet is sung every Friday at 3:00 pm (25 min) in the Chapel. Please call Jeri Minyon at for more info. The Secrets of the Rosary You are invited to come pray with us weekly and learn Mother Mary s secrets, using St. Louis de Montfort s holy book, Secrets of the Rosary. We will pray the Rosary and study a secret a week from this book. He shows us that the Rosary is the cure for every ill, not just for ourselves, but for our suffering world. When: Every Tuesday evening, from 7:00 pm 8:30 pm in the Charism Room Our prayer journey through the Rosary begins with St. Louis, but it will also take us to Guadalupe, Lourdes, Fatima, Medjugorjie, and other places for Mary s presence to us. For more information call David Nelson at or Stan Harmen at SACRAMENT OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick will be celebrated after the 6:30 am Mass on the third Thursday of the month, and on the first Monday after the 6:30 pm Mass. For more information please call Catherine Lopez, Pastoral Associate at