Good Afternoon!
Here’s what’s going on at St. Mark as we prepare to celebrate the Third Sunday of Easter.
THERE IS ONE COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND: Stewardship.
THE ADORATION CHAPEL will be closed for cleaning this Monday, May 5, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.
PLEASE JOIN DEACON PAUL for First Friday Holy Hour today (Friday) at 3:00 p.m., and the Rosary Group for First Saturday Rosary Devotion to the Blessed Mother tomorrow (Saturday) after the 8:00 a.m. Mass.
NAME TAG WEEKEND: This weekend, May 3rd and 4th, is Name Tag Weekend. Let’s try to get to know each other by name! Name tags will be given out at all Masses. Please plan to stop in the Upper Room after the Saturday, 5:00 Mass, or outside on the front patio after the Sunday Masses for light refreshments and friendly conversation!
ST. MARK ANNUAL RESPECT LIFE DIAPER DRIVE will take place during the weekends of May 3rd and 4th and May 10th and 11th. The drive benefits young families at Malta House and Birthright. Larger sized diapers are especially needed (size 3, 4, toddler). Collection boxes will be at the church entrances.
BIBLE STUDY with Fr. Reggie begins THIS Wednesday, May 7, 2025! The group will meet on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Upper Room. Please email Laura (lrobertson@stmarkstfd.org) to register.
THE EASTER FLOWERS HAVE BEEN REMOVED and the church cleaned, thank you to Paula Mollica and the Beautification Committee. Pansies and lily plants have been moved outside by the parking lot entrance (near the elevator) and may be brought home, planted, and loved by you. Please do not take the hydrangea plants that are in the Upper Room, those will be planted on the church property.
IT IS WITH GREAT PLEASURE that we announce two new members to the St. Mark Parish Council. With the desire to have our youth represented throughout the parish, and to gain insight into their unique needs, Abigaelle Brutus and Emery Dagostine have accepted the opportunity to become part of the team. Both of these wonderful young adults have been active in the parish for many years, serving as altar servers, youth group members and volunteers for many activities. They both attend high school, and through their energy and ideas, will serve the parish well going forward. Please join us in congratulating them on their appointments.
A NEW FOOD DONATION BIN has been put in the Upper Room. Please help us keep the vestibule and side entrances clear and clean by using this bin for all food donations for Blessed Sacrament and all other food drives. Thank you!
PLEASE JOIN OUR KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS for Daily Rosary and Litany Devotion to our Blessed Mother, which began on Thursday, May 1, and continues through the month of May. The devotion will begin at 7:00 p.m. on weeknights, after the 5:00 p.m. Mass on Saturdays, and after the 11:30 a.m. Mass on Sundays. All are welcome, the Rosary will be prayed in the church or outside by the statue of the Blessed Mother if the weather is nice.
MAY CROWING: Please join the Ladies Guild on Monday, May 12, at 7:00 p.m. in the church for recitation of the Rosary and crowning of the Blessed Mother. Refreshments will follow the prayer service in the Upper Room. All are invited!
FORMED.ORG: St. Mark has purchased the subscription to Formed, an on-line program that provides extensive reading and viewing materials for our Catholic faith. Books, videos, commentary, family programs, Spanish materials, and much more are available to you FREE OF CHARGE! Instructions for accessing FORMED.ORG are as follows:
Go to Formed.org
Click on “sign up”
Click on “sign up as parishioner”
Type in St. Mark Stratford CT
Type in your name
Type in your eMail address
ST. MARK SCHOOL NEWS:
Handmade blankets needed:
In celebration of St. Mark School’s 60th Anniversary, we are excited to partner with Project Linus for a heartfelt, school-wide service initiative. Our goal is to create 60 handmade fleece blankets to bring warmth, comfort, and hope to children in need.
We invite our parish community to support this effort! The 60th Anniversary Committee is gratefully accepting donations of handmade blankets.
Donations can be dropped off at the St. Mark School Main Office by June 2, 2025. Questions .. contact Jennifer Tayman at AMENTeam@stmarkschool.org.
Thank you for helping us share love and comfort, one blanket at a time!
Golf Tournament:
St. Mark School will be hosting their Golf Tournament on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Orange Hills Country Club. The tournament kicks off at 8:00 a.m. with a shotgun start. Sponsor opportunities are available. Please visit https//birdease.com/stmarkgolfclassic for more information or to reserve your foursome! Please see the attached poster.
DO YOU HAVE A QUESTION FOR FR. REGGIE ABOUT OUR FAITH? Write it down and drop it in the “Ask your Pastor a Question” box, there’s one by each entrance of the church. Fr. Reggie will answer your questions in the weekly Flocknote.
Here’s what came in this week:
What is the Surrender Novena Prayer?
The Surrender Novena is a prayer that emphasizes trust in God and surrendering one's worries and problems to Him. It is often attributed to Father Don Dolindo Ruotolo, an Italian priest known for his deep spirituality and devotion to the will of God. While the specific text of the Surrender Novena is not found in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the themes of surrender and trust in God are deeply rooted in Catholic spirituality.
The novena consists of a series of prayers to be said over nine days, typically starting with the following invocation:
**"O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything."**
Each day of the novena includes a meditation and a specific prayer, focusing on different aspects of surrendering to God's will and trusting Him with our lives.
The essence of the Surrender Novena is to cultivate a spirit of abandonment to God's providence, reminding the faithful that God is in control and that we can find peace by entrusting our concerns to Him. There are various forms on the internet.
The novena consists of a series of prayers to be said over nine days, typically starting with the following invocation:
**"O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything."**
Each day of the novena includes a meditation and a specific prayer, focusing on different aspects of surrendering to God's will and trusting Him with our lives.
The essence of the Surrender Novena is to cultivate a spirit of abandonment to God's providence, reminding the faithful that God is in control and that we can find peace by entrusting our concerns to Him. There are various forms on the internet.
How should men and women dress for mass?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church does not provide specific guidelines on how men and women should dress for Mass. However, it emphasizes the importance of reverence and respect for the sacredness of the liturgy.
While the Catechism does not detail dress codes, it does encourage the faithful to approach the celebration of the Eucharist with a spirit of humility and reverence (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1385). This can be understood to imply that one's attire should reflect the significance of the occasion.
In practice, many parishes suggest that attendees dress modestly and appropriately, often leaning towards semi-formal or dressy casual attire. This means avoiding overly casual clothing like shorts, flip-flops, or excessively revealing outfits. The goal is to show respect for the sacred space and the community gathered for worship.
Ultimately, the focus should be on the intention of attending Mass to worship God, and attire should reflect that intention. It may also be helpful to consider local customs and the specific culture of the parish community when deciding what to wear.
While the Catechism does not detail dress codes, it does encourage the faithful to approach the celebration of the Eucharist with a spirit of humility and reverence (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1385). This can be understood to imply that one's attire should reflect the significance of the occasion.
In practice, many parishes suggest that attendees dress modestly and appropriately, often leaning towards semi-formal or dressy casual attire. This means avoiding overly casual clothing like shorts, flip-flops, or excessively revealing outfits. The goal is to show respect for the sacred space and the community gathered for worship.
Ultimately, the focus should be on the intention of attending Mass to worship God, and attire should reflect that intention. It may also be helpful to consider local customs and the specific culture of the parish community when deciding what to wear.
Are you allowed to dip the host into the wine?
Yes, the practice of dipping the host into the wine is known as "intinction." According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Church allows for the practice of intinction, but it is subject to specific guidelines and should be done with reverence.
The Catechism states that the Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ, and the faithful are encouraged to receive both species (the consecrated bread and wine) when possible (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1390). However, the manner in which the faithful receive Communion can vary based on the norms established by the local bishop or the particular church.
In many places, the practice of intinction is permitted, but it is typically administered by the priest or deacon rather than by the communicant themselves. This is to ensure that the sacrament is treated with the utmost respect and to avoid any potential issues regarding the distribution of the Eucharist. In the Diocese of Bridgeport, it is limited to the priest when he cannot consume the precious blood due to illness. All other acts are not allowed.
The Catechism states that the Eucharist is the body and blood of Christ, and the faithful are encouraged to receive both species (the consecrated bread and wine) when possible (Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraph 1390). However, the manner in which the faithful receive Communion can vary based on the norms established by the local bishop or the particular church.
In many places, the practice of intinction is permitted, but it is typically administered by the priest or deacon rather than by the communicant themselves. This is to ensure that the sacrament is treated with the utmost respect and to avoid any potential issues regarding the distribution of the Eucharist. In the Diocese of Bridgeport, it is limited to the priest when he cannot consume the precious blood due to illness. All other acts are not allowed.
Can children receive the Precious Blood?
Yes with parental consent only. Remember in many European countries, children are also allowed to receive regular wine at an earlier age than in the USA.
I am wondering why you said we couldn't clap for Maggie singing, yet you allowed cell phone pictures and clapping at other things?
Please let me be specifically clear, clapping should not be done during the celebration of Mass. The Mass official begins at the Opening Prayer and concludes at the Closing Prayer. For Pastoral reasons outside of the Mass it is allowed. For instance, the Bishop always thanks the people who assisted and coordinated Mass or celebrating a milestone and this is always done after the closing prayer. On Easter, we had a parade of the children before the Mass began so that parents could take pictures and the community could see the children beautifully dressed. This is done to encourage them to take pictures at that point rather than during the Mass. Maggie has an amazing voice and is a beautiful singer and she should be complimented after Mass, however during Mass she is singing a Meditative song that is meant to allow the community to meditate on the message and movements of the Mass and clapping at this point disrupts the Mass and takes a meditative moment to a performance that can be equated to a concert performance which it is not. The Mass is celebrated for Jesus and should never compete with a song as we have not clapped for Jesus. It is a matter of solemnity and reverence.
GROCERY GIFT CARDS NEEDED: Deacon Paul is collecting grocery gift cards for the needy at The Lord’s Kitchen, Merton House, and Bethlehem House. Grocery gift cards should be from Stop and Shop or Shop Rite in $25 denominations and should be brought to the rectory office or put in the collection basket in an envelope marked "Grocery Gift Cards". Please make sure your name and address or envelope number are included so that we can properly credit your contribution. Deacon Paul thanks you for your endless generosity, the need is so great. May you be blessed many times over.
A NOTE FROM FR. REGGIE ABOUT DONATED GIFT CARDS:
Dear Sisters and Brothers In Christ,
Times have changed, morals have changed, needs have changed but we here at St. Mark have not changed in our desire to help those who are in need.
The current news tells me that we must brace ourselves for increased requests for assistance from our giving. The possible increased tariffs have frightened many and many have already seen their budgets tightened with increased prices. On top of this, there was an incident in the Archdiocese of Hartford where a priest has been accused of misappropriating funds meant for those in need.
After reviewing St. Mark and the Diocese of Bridgeport Policies, there are some minor changes we need to make here to protect everyone. Going forward all cash and gift card donations should go directly to the office via the collection basket or by handing them in at the office. Please make sure to include your name or envelope number with any donated cash or gift cards: we are required to account and post donations to every account. We are also required to document approved distributions with receipts. To help with this, we have created a receipt form and a distribution form. We have also set up a team of three to approve all distributions (2/3 vote needed for distribution). We have also set limits of $75 per month for individuals and $250 per month per family as we must ensure funds are available for as many as possible.
I understand the pride and fear of seeking help so I have set up an email account (pastor@stmarkstfd.org) and I will treat it with confidentiality - bringing it to the committee without a name on it.
I am so grateful for your overwhelming generosity, and I thank you in advance for helping us in this matter. I want to assure you that we are good stewards of your generous donations. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.
Fr. Reggie
THE CATHOLIC COMMUNITY OF STRATFORD is hosting a community event: Reflections on the Resurrection, on Tuesday, May 6, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Peace. Please see the attached poster for details.
THE STRATFORD VETERANS MUSEUM’S mission is to recognize those veterans from Stratford who have served our country honorably in war and in peace and to act as a repository for their stories. The museum is designed to accommodate schoolchildren to foster their appreciation of United States history and the sacrifices of those men and women who made our country possible. The Museum is seeking information about any present of former Stratford residents who served our country, especially any who served in World War II. Please call 203 583 4484 or email svm5952@gmail.com if you have information on veterans to share with the museum’s volunteers. You can read more on their website: www.stfdveteransmuseum.org
THE STRATFORD JUNIOR WOMENS CLUB awards a $500 scholarship annually to a high school senior pursuing higher education. The applicant must be a Stratford resident, however, can attend high school outside of Stratford. Application deadline is May 15. For additional information and an application, please email stratfordjuniorwomensclub@gmail.com
THE NATIONAL HELICOPTER MUSEUM in Stratford (at the Railroad Station Northbound side) is looking for volunteers to become docents. Basic duties are to sign-in visitors and direct them to exhibits. No helicopter experience is required. The Museum is open from June 1 through October 15, Wednesday through Sunday from 1-4 p.m. You can volunteer as much or as little as you want. Call Mike at 203 218 4087 to tour the Museum and meet the other volunteers.
THE LONG HILL GARDEN CLUB is having its’ annual Plant and Garden Tag Sale on Saturday, May 10th, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the grounds of the Trumbull Library at 33 Quality Street, Trumbull, CT. All plants are home-grown and repotted for sale to the public. The event features a children’s craft table, Mother’s Day gift baskets, and garden items at very reasonable prices. This is the Garden Club’s Major Fundraiser for the year. Stop by, shop, and enjoy the day!
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: 203-416-1407.
Additional resources are available and free to all parents at our parish. These resources include articles on human trafficking, youth protection, and care for vulnerable adults. Please visit the Virtus website Resources page for information:
The Diocese of Bridgeport also offers all parents the opportunity to attend Safe Environment training to supplement the Safe Environment training your child receives in public school. Please visit the Diocese of Bridgeport website to learn more and to sign up for this free and valuable training: https://www.bridgeportdiocese.org/safe-environments/home/.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Laura and Joan
