PARISH DIRECTORY MINISTRIES/ACTIVITIES

PARISH DIRECTORY MINISTRIES/ACTIVITIES ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC COMMUNITY Address: 7296 Gale Road Grand Blanc, MI 48439-7416

MISSION STATEMENT St. Mark the Evangelist Parish is a growing community of faith, which strives to help its members follow Christ s command: Love one another, as I have loved you. John 13:34 Parish Ministers: Pastor Parochial Vicar Director of Faith Formation Fr. Joseph Krupp E-Mail: frjoe@hfgb.org Fr. Dan Westerman E-Mail: frdan@hfgb.org Deacon Ronald Kenney E-Mail: rkenney@stmarkgoodrich.org Director of Music Ministry Michael Goetz E-Mail: mfjgoetz@gmail.com Parish Staff: Administrative Asst. Business Manager Stewardship Coordinator Karen Mackey E-Mail: kmackey@stmarkgoodrich.org Susan Griffith E-Mail: sgriffith@stmarkgoodrich.org Sharon Roberts E-Mail: sroberts@stmarkgoodrich.org Parish Councils: Pastoral Council Finance Council Mary Crosby Dale Gousseux 2

PARISH OFFICE OFFICE HOURS: Monday Thursday 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Friday 8:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Tuesday & Thursday 6:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. CONTACT INFORMATION: Phone: (810) 636-2216 Email: kmackey@stmarkgoodrich.org WEBSITE: http://www.stmarkgoodrich.org FACEBOOK: Goodrich Saint Mark Weekends: Saturday Sunday Weekdays: Tuesday Friday SACRAMENTAL LIFE 5:30 p.m. 9:30 a.m. 6:30 p.m. 8:30 a.m. Holy Days, Christmas and Easter Penance Infant Baptism Matrimony see bulletin Saturday, 4:30-5:15 p.m. Contact Parish Office Contact Parish Office (9 months in advance) Anointing of the Sick Contact Parish Office (After Masses, at home, or in hospital) 3

A MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR Greetings in Christ! Our patron is St. Mark the Evangelist. Our Catholic Tradition tells us the story of how Mark became the author of a Gospel as well as a Saint. It all starts with St. Peter who, after receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem, began to travel about the known world, sharing with people his experience of being a follower of Jesus and a witness to His life, death and resurrection. It was in those travels that he encountered a young man named Mark and took him under his wing. Mark traveled with St. Peter for many years, writing St. Peters sermons and stories. As he approached his death, St. Mark compiled the stories Peter shared into the Gospel that we now read. Like St. Mark, we listen to the words of the successor of Peter and ask God to plant the Sacred Tradition and the Sacred Scriptures deep within our hearts so that we can, like St. Mark, share with others the wonder of an encounter with Christ. You are holding in your hands something much more than a Parish Directory. You are holding in your hands a testimony to God s goodness and the faithful loving, response of God s People in Goodrich, Michigan. In the pages of this book, you ll see the faces of the faithful, hardworking people who come and worship our God as a family. You will see the faces of people who have faithfully come to worship our God and allow Him to heal our wounds. You ll see the people who have given much of their time to keep the parish family alive and growing. You will see the people who pour out their lives in loving service: helping others in need, guiding people into the Catholic faith and serving our parish needs. You will see within these pages an image of the blessing of being a part of the family of God. You will see in these pages an invitation to dive deeper into our Parish Family; to offer your gifts and talents to God. May God bless our efforts to be His Saints. Fr. Joseph J Krupp 4

HISTORY OF ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST PARISH In 1978, in the southeastern corner of Genesee County, the first Mass was celebrated in a new Mission Church. The efforts of a group of families, that petitioned Bishop Kenneth Povish to consider a Catholic Church for the Goodrich area had paid off. It was evident at the first Mass that the Lyceum (the present Goodrich Library) was not large enough to accommodate the number of interested faithful, so a larger facility was quickly sought. The Goodrich High School cafeteria became the Mission s new home. Religious Education programs began that Fall, with high school classrooms serving as religious education classrooms. In 1979, land was purchased for the building site and a fund drive began. The groundbreaking ceremony took place in 1981, with 150 registered families by this time. The Parish Pastoral Council, an Altar Society, and the Men s Club were formed. The first Mass was celebrated in the newly constructed Church in January 1982. In 1989, Bishop Povish recommended that a Pastoral Coordinator be appointed. On June 28, 1989, Sr. Joan M. May, SSJ, a Sister of St. Joseph of Nazareth, Michigan, became the first Pastoral Coordinator at St. Mark. In December 1989, the home west of the Church on Burpee Road was purchased as a pastoral residence. Seeing the need for more space, for classrooms, offices, and a hall, plans began for expansion. Bishop Povish dedicated the Parish Center on March 20, 1994. Sr. Joan M. May served as the St. Mark Pastoral Coordinator from June 28, 1989 until her death in January 2009. Bishop Earl A. Boyea appointed Fr. Michael W. Kuchar Pastor beginning July 1, 2009 and he was installed as the first Pastor on September 20, 2009 serving until his retirement on June 30, 2018 Bishop Earl A. Boyea then clustered St. Mark the Evangelist with our neighbor, Church of the Holy Family in Grand Blanc, naming Fr. Joseph Krupp as our new shared Pastor on July 1, 2018 St. Mark the Evangelist Parish continues to strive and grow in faith, hope and love demonstrated through our responsible stewardship. 5

Parish Ministries and Organizations FINANCE COUNCIL The Parish Finance Council assists the Pastor in the administration of Parish financial decisions. Members are appointed by the Pastor to act as a resource and advisory body for all financial aspects of the Parish. The Council has four sub-committees: Budget, Building & Grounds, Personnel & Policies, and Stewardship. It meets 4 times each year on a quarterly basis and the subcommittees meet as required to prepare reports and feedback for the Finance Council s quarterly meetings. This includes the annual presentation by the Pastor in his State of the Parish address, including the review of the Time, Talent & Treasure of the previous pastoral year. PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) is the primary and established means for Parishioners and the Pastor to respond to the pastoral mission of the Catholic Church and listen to the needs and hopes of our Parish. Its purpose is to sustain pastoral excellence by creating a vision for the Parish Community. This involves a planning process to bring the vision to fruition. The PPC is governed by the norms of the Diocesan Bishop. Four meetings are held each year on a quarterly basis. All Parishioners are invited to present their suggestions and/or comments at a published scheduled Council meeting. Please contact the Parish Office to schedule a time/date to formally meet with your Pastor and Parish Pastoral Council. As the primary and established means of communicating goals for the Parish, the Council is the overseeing entity for the four Parish Commissions: Education/Formation, Parish Life, Social Justice and Spiritual Development. 6

PARISH COMMISSIONS There are four Parish Commissions, which report directly to the Parish Pastoral Council. They are: Education/Formation, Parish Life, Social Justice, and Spiritual Development. These Commissions meet six (6) times a year on the 3 rd Tuesday of the month July, September, November, January, March and May for each Pastoral year. There are Pastoral Council representatives on each Commission who attend the Parish Pastoral Council meeting quarterly to report on each Commission s activities. Any Parishioner is welcome to join a Commission, which coordinates the efforts of our communal life in living out our Mission Statement. EDUCATION/FORMATION This Commission serves the Parishioners in their life-long faith formation from childhood through adulthood. Faith Formation is that process by which individuals integrate into their daily lives beliefs, sacred scripture, and traditions of our Catholic faith. People s hearts are changed by the relationships they have with Jesus Christ and with one another. This is the primary purpose of catechesis, and it is always orientated toward adults. Religious Education and Formation is so much more than educating people about God and religion. God is alive here in each and every one of us. The experiences of our faith help us to know and understand this reality. We believe that at the core of our being, we are all spiritual creatures that live by faith even though our faith expressions may be different. What is sometimes lacking is awareness. As parishes continue to call all the baptized to exercise their vocation to ministry within the Church, the role of the Education Formation Commission is vitally important in shaping hearts as well as minds. Sub-committees include: Religious Education Formation (REF), Youth Ministry and Adult Formation. 7

Religious Education Formation (REF) Religious Education Formation serves to educate our children in the teachings of the Catholic Church, Sacred Scripture and Sacred Traditions. Along with parents, the first teachers of the faith, the role of REF is to assist our children in the development of a mature Catholic Christian faith. REF also offers all necessary Sacramental preparation for Eucharist, Penance and Confirmation as well as Vacation Bible School (VBS) for young students. Catechists - Catechists are needed each Sunday, from September to early May for the REF Program; in the morning from 11:00 a.m. 12:30 p.m. (Grades 1-5) and in the evening from 6:00 7:30 p.m. (Grades 6-8). It is the Catechist s responsibility to present the traditions, prayers, and practices of the Catholic faith to our children and to bring them to know the person of Jesus Christ. Any baptized Catholic, 18 years or older, who actively participates in their faith and enjoys working with children can be involved. This requires a commitment of 1-2 hours a week in addition to the Sunday session. Volunteers are required to complete VIRTUS training and a background check. Elementary - Sessions for children in Grades 1-5 are weekly after Sunday morning Eucharist, from September to May. The Sacraments of Eucharist and Penance are a two-year process beginning in Grade 1 and celebrated in Grade 2. Middle School - The Church s ministry with adolescents and their families contributes to building healthy communities and providing the developmental and relational foundation essential to a young person s healthy growth. Parishes must be a place where youth feels welcome. Young people must feel a sense of belonging and are more likely to achieve a sense of identity in the community if they are considered as full-fledged members. The feeling of approval helps adolescents to develop a higher self-esteem as well as self-acceptance. Young people need a community in which they are listened to and valued. We make a commitment to the youth and their growth. 8

Sessions are held on Sunday evenings. A two-year period of preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation (Grades 8-9) is required for students to celebrate this Sacrament. Confirmation is celebrated during the Easter Season. Children s Liturgy of the Word (CLW) - 'Children's Liturgy of the Word' refers to the practice of children leaving the Sunday assembly before the Liturgy of the Word and gathering elsewhere to celebrate a separate Liturgy of the Word that is age appropriate for their understanding. After the Introductory Rites at the Sunday 9:30 a.m. Liturgy, children ages 3 to 8 are invited to participate in CLW. The children rejoin the Community at the Preparation of the Gifts. The purpose of adapting liturgical celebrations to make them more accessible to children is to gradually lead them to full, conscious and active participation in the Sunday Eucharist. Youth Group - Youth group helps families flourish in their spiritual journey. Even though the family has the main responsibility for the faith formation of young people, the church s ministry with adolescents aims to lead youth into a stronger faith within their own families. These experiences enrich family ties as well as the entire parish faith community. Here at St. Mark the Evangelist, we have a united Parish that is welcoming and willing to help our youth grow and develop in their faith. Our Youth Group meets every Sunday in a comfortable, caring environment that nurtures spiritual growth and maturity. Fun activities occur throughout the year, as well as a number of service opportunities where our youth can help people in need. Retreats, service projects and recreational activities are offered as well. The Church s ministry with our youth is centered on three essential goals: 1. encouraging young people to live as disciples of Jesus Christ in our world today; 2. inspiring young people to responsible participation in the life, mission, and work of the faith community; 3. nurturing the personal, spiritual growth of each young person. 9

Adult Faith Formation Adult Faith Formation assists in the on-going conversion of adults. As Christians, we are called to be life-long learners. Adult Faith Formation seeks to enable adults to transform their lives by adapting an attitude of conversion to the Lord. This attitude helps the Christian take on the mind of Christ. It fosters a baptismal spirituality in which faith in Jesus is continuously deepened through the participation in the Sacraments, the works of charity and justice, and the prayer life of the Church. Formation for adults helps one to make a conscious and firm decision to live the gift and choice of faith through membership in the Christian community. It allows adults to develop a deeper sense of their cooperation with the Holy Spirit for the mission of the Church. It enables adult disciples to accept their place in the Church s mission to evangelize, to hear the cry for justice, to promote unity among Christians, and to bear witness to the salvation won by Jesus Christ for all. Adult Faith Formation may be carried out in a variety of ways. Seasonal workshops and retreats are an excellent way to enter into the Advent or Lenten liturgical season. A series of topical presentations serve to expand our understanding of our Catholic faith and to grow in holiness. Bible studies help us to better understand the Word of God. All of these venues also help to build lasting friendships. A number of opportunities for Adult Faith Formation are offered throughout the year. Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) This is a program which serves to guide people in their faith journey into the Catholic Church. RCIA facilitates the entry into full communion with the Church for the non-baptized and those baptized in other Christian faiths. There are classes as well for those Catholics who need to complete their Sacraments of Initiation, be it Eucharist and/or Confirmation. Presently RCIA is offered once a year between September and Easter, with a series of weekly classes. 10

Volunteers are needed to serve as sponsors and to help with refreshments, set-up, and overall support. If you know someone interested in learning more about our Catholic Faith, call the Parish Office. Rite of Christian Initiation for Children (RCIC) is similar for children. PARISH LIFE This Commission advises and supports the Parishioners and Pastor in matters that pertain to fostering community spirit at St. Mark. Its purpose is helping Parish members experience our faith community through social and recreational activities and Parish celebrations. All Parishioners are encouraged to become active in the important ministry of the various groups within our Church Community. Activities Euchre - Euchre is usually held on the 4 th Friday of the month, September thru June, at 10:00 a.m. It is followed by a light lunch. Hospitality Hour - Coffee, juice, donuts and bagels are served after the 9:30 a.m. Mass on Sundays during the months of September thru May. The Parish Finance and Pastoral Councils and four Commissions serve as hosts. It is an opportunity for you as a Parishioner to get to know each other and build community. Monthly Breakfast - Generally on the 3 rd Sunday of the month, September thru May, Parish Life sponsors a breakfast after the 9:30 a.m. Mass. The breakfast meal often has a theme to encourage better eating. These meal opportunities are great for community building. 11

Monthly Dinner - On the 1 st Saturday of the month, September thru May, Parish Life sponsors a dinner or pot luck after the 5:30 p.m. Mass. These meals provide opportunities to enjoy fellowship with other Parishioners. Parish Feast Day Celebration (April 25, St. Mark the Evangelist) - Annually, there is a Parish celebration in honor of our patron, St. Mark the Evangelist. Our feast day coincides with the annual National Volunteer Appreciation Week at the end of April. This is a wonderful way to acknowledge and give thanks for all the Stewardship ( Time, Talent & Treasure ) given for the service of the common good of our Parish and community. Groups Council of Catholic Women (CCW) - All Catholic women of the Parish are encouraged to become members. The CCW unites the women of our Parish in spiritual, to the Sacrament of Eucharist. Projects are sponsored by the CCW for social and educational development; and for the good of the Parish. Funds are raised for specific Parish needs, especially those related to Parish Life. Some of the activities include: scrapbook weekends, bake sales, and teas. CCW members also assist, whenever called upon, for Parish activities - such as funeral luncheons, Art & Environment, and participation in various Parish Life events. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. following the 6:30 p.m. Liturgy. Funeral Lunch Teams - This special service is offered to parishioners to gather family and friends together for a meal after a funeral. Parish members through Time & Talent, host a catered luncheon in the Parish Center (set-up, serve and cleanup). There is a 2-3 hour commitment per funeral reception. Time & Talent is also used to provide freshly made deserts for these funeral receptions: cakes, pies, cookies, bar cookies, whatever you wish to create. 12

St. Joseph Guild - Women and men gather to do church work, minor repairs, and miscellaneous projects each week. The Guild gathers every Wednesday morning, after the 8:30 a.m. prayer service from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. This is ideal for retirees and second shift workers. SOCIAL JUSTICE This Commission serves to coordinate and develop programs for those in need in our area, and to respond to social justice issues in our Parish, city and world. Proceeds from fund raiser activities go to the needy and to various outreach programs. The goal of the Social Justice Commission is to implement the Corporal Works of Mercy: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, sheltering the homeless, clothing the naked, visiting the sick, visiting the imprisoned, and burying the dead. AA (Alcohol Anonymous) - AA meets every Wednesday morning at 10:00 a.m. in the Parish Center, Rooms 1 and 2. Contact the Parish office for more information Advent Giving Tree - Through the Giving Tree, parishioners provide our community an opportunity to spread the joy of Christmas to the disadvantaged in an organized gift gathering and delivery project. Most efforts take place during Advent and may include contacting charities regarding their needs, making tags for the tree, putting up and decorating the tree, organizing incoming gifts and delivering gifts to charities and families. Catholic Charities of Shiawassee & Genesee Counties - Our Parish Community, through participation in the various programs offered by Catholic Charities, partners for building the Reign of God here on earth. Some of the programs offered by Catholic Charities are: Annual Genesee County Lenten Appeal (envelope collection on Ash Wednesday), Hope in a Box (monthly collection of a specific item(s), St. Patrick s Day Box Lunch Sale, etc. For further information and/or contribution, contact Vicky Schultz, President/CEO, 901 Chippewa St, Flint, MI 48503, (810) 232-9950, vschultz@catholiccharitiessg.org. 13

North End Soup Kitchen - Members from the parish help prepare and serve the noon meal on the fifth Friday of each month at the Soup Kitchen. The North End Soup Kitchen is located at 735 E. Stewart Street in Flint. Prayer Shawl Ministry - The Prayer Shawl Ministry members knit or crochet soft, warm shawls, which are then given to persons who are ill, have suffered a loss, or are in the midst of a life crisis. When the shawl is completed, it is prayed over by the shawl creator and others. It is then taken to the person in need of comfort, along with a copy of a prayer. This group meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m., September through May. If you know of someone in need, please contact the Parish Office. Recycling - As good stewards of this earth, the Social Justice Commission manages the recycling program at St. Mark. Batteries, cellphones and eyeglasses are taken to recycling centers. Paper and plastic bags and plastic water bottles are collected and taken to Catholic Charities. Bins have been set up in the kitchen for plastic, metal and glass to be recycled with our waste management collection supplier. Support Groups - Support Groups for divorced, grieving, recovering alcoholics, and others are available at St. Mark and/or in neighboring parishes. Times and places are printed in the weekly bulletin. 14

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT This Commission works to help foster the spiritual growth of the people of our Parish. It is responsible for the planning and implementation of the Advent and Lenten programs, evenings of reflections, and various prayer opportunities throughout the year. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (First Friday) The Blessed Sacrament is exposed in the Church the first Friday of each month from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Participants are asked to spend one hour in prayer or spiritual reading. There is a sign-up sheet in the Church Gathering space. Art & Environment Parishioners work behind the scenes to prepare the Church s sacred space and environment for worship. A wide range of talents are constantly needed to enrich and enhance the celebration of the Liturgy, whether it involves arranging colorful flowers, watering plants, designing, producing and suspending art within the Church, or building a manger for the Nativity crèche. Contact the Parish Office to volunteer or receive more information. Liturgical Ministry (Training is provided for all) Altar Servers Children beginning in the 4 th grade, youth and adults are invited to serve. Altar Servers assist at scheduled weekend Masses. Children s Liturgy of the Word During the Sunday 9:30 a.m. Mass, Catechists present the reading and Gospel in a childfriendly version (ages 4-1 st grade), lead a discussion with the children and oversee a very basic, simple craft or coloring page. Eucharistic Ministers Eucharistic Ministers distribute the Eucharist at Mass. 15

Eucharistic Ministry to the Sick & Homebound These ministers fulfill an important role in our Parish by taking Eucharist and the Word of God weekly or monthly to those who are recovering from illness, are homebound, in a hospital or other health care facilities. Readers Readers proclaim God s Word at weekend and daily (Tuesday and Wednesday) Masses. Usher/Greeter (Hospitality Ministers) Ushers/Greeters are ministers who welcome, assist with seating, collections and distribute bulletins after Mass. Prayer Chain Individuals within our Parish offer daily prayers in their own homes for those that request it. The contact is J. Turner at joanturner38@sbcglobal.net. Retreats Two retreats (one for adult men and one for adult women) are planned annually for each parish within the Diocese of Lansing at the St. Francis Retreat Center in DeWitt. For further information call the Parish Office or visit the St. Francis Retreat Center website: http:/stfrancis.ws. Spiritual Direction A Spiritual Director is available for individuals who seek to deepen their prayer life. A Director is someone to whom you can talk freely about your personal spiritual life. The Director helps you to understand your spiritual journey and makes suggestions for your spiritual growth. Call the Parish Office for more information. 16

Music Ministry There are music opportunities for people who wish to cantor (especially Sunday evenings), and sing in the choir, or play an instrument. Prospective musicians do not need to be able to read music. Contact Michael Goetz, Director of Music Ministry or the Parish office for more information. Evangelization Committee Evangelization is a long-term process to reach out to inactive Catholics as well as others in our community. A Committee was formed several years ago to focus on the Evangelization of our Catholic faith. With much discussion and discernment, by the Committee, three goals emerged. The first was to create an awareness of where our Parish, St. Mark, is located. The second was the invitation to Catholics and others in the area to come and see what our faith community is about in ministry. This was held on February 7, 2015. The third was for the individuals preparing this event to deepen their relationships with one another. 17

SACRAMENTS BAPTISM The preparation for Baptism begins by contacting the Parish Office. Baptism is celebrated during one of the weekend Liturgies on several specified dates in conjunction with our liturgical seasons. EUCHARIST Eucharist (First Holy Communion) is received in the second grade and beyond. Completion of first and second grade Religious Education is a pre-requisite. PENANCE (Reconciliation) First Penance (Confession) occurs in the second grade and beyond. Completion of first grade Religious Education/Formation is a pre-requisite. Individual Reconciliation is every Saturday from 4:30 p.m. 5:15 p.m. or by appointment. Communal Penance Services are scheduled during the Advent and Lenten seasons. CONFIRMATION Confirmation is celebrated by students in ninth grade. Preparation begins in the fall of the eighth grade year, with two years of formation for the Sacrament MARRIAGE Registration and active participation at the Parish is understood. Contact the Parish Office at least 9 months in advance to begin the marriage preparation process. ANOINTING OF THE SICK This Sacrament can be celebrated after Mass, at home, in the hospital or in the Parish Office. There are two scheduled weekends (May & October), in which the Anointing of the Sick is celebrated communally. 18

PARISH ATTRIBUTES Logo and Flag The winged lion from St. Mark Square in Venice, Italy Sacred Scripture Act Justly, Love Tenderly and Walk Humbly With Your God. Micah 6:8 Motto for the Parish 10-Year Plan Building within the Building. Refrain: Song: We Are Called We are called to act with justice, We are called to love tenderly, We are called to serve one another; To walk humbly with God. Verses: Come! Live in the light! Shine with the joy and the love of the Lord! We are called to be light for the kingdom, to live in the freedom of the city of God! Come! Open your heart! Show your mercy to all those in fear! We are called to be hope for the hopeless, so all hatred and blindness will be no more! Sing! Sing a new song! Sing of that great day when all will be one! God will reign, and we ll walk with each other as sisters and brothers united in love! 19

Schedule of Regular Meetings and Events for Pastoral Year July 1, 2018 June 30, 2019 Parish Pastoral Council: July 11, 2018; October 16, 2018; January 8, 2019, April 2, 2019 Joint Council Meeting (Finance & Pastoral) June 4, 2019 Parish Finance Council: August 7, 2018, November 6, 2018; February 6, 2019, May 1, 2019 Joint Council Meeting (Finance & Pastoral) June 4, 2019 Parish Commissions - Education/Formation, Parish Life, Social Justice, and Spiritual Development: July 17, 2018; September 18, 2018; November 20, 2018; January 15, 2019; March 19, 2019; May 21, 2019 Council of Catholic Women (CCW): Second Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. after 6:30 p.m. Mass, September through June. Men's Fellowship: The first Saturday of each month at 7:00 a.m. Euchre: Normally the fourth Friday of each month at 10:00 a.m. September through June with light lunch to follow. Please check the calendar for alternative dates. Parish Breakfasts: Normally the third Sunday of the month after 9:30 a.m. Mass, September through May. Parish Dinners: Normally the first Saturday of the month after 5:30 p.m. Mass, October through June. 20