Hello and Happy Friday!
Here’s what’s going on at St. Mark as we prepare to celebrate the Third Sunday in Ordinary Time.
THERE ARE TWO COLLECTIONS THIS WEEKEND: Stewardship, and the Collection for Church in Latin America.
WEATHER RELATED INFORMATION: Because of the impending storm, St. Mark School is postponing its Open House until next Sunday, February 1, from 10:00 am until 12:00 noon. Please keep in mind it’s safety first when deciding if you should drive to Mass this Sunday, I’ll probably see a lot of you on Saturday at 5:00! Also remember that the Sunday Masses are livestreamed on our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@StMarkChurch.
COLLECTION FOR THE CHURCH IN LATIN AMERICA: The bishops of the Unites States established the annual Collection for the Church in Latin America as a practical expression of unity and love for their brothers and sisters in Central and South America and the islands of the Caribbean. For more than 60 years, Catholics in the United States have answered the invitation to “share your faith” by supporting pastoral ministries that strengthen the Church in the present day and help it pass on the Gospel to future generations.
Thank you for supporting the Church in Latin America through your generous contribution to our second collection this weekend.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: 2025 Year-end financial statements for your contributions to St. Mark Parish were mailed last week. Statements are mailed to parishioners whose yearly total contribution is $250.00 or more.
ST. MARK ANNUAL COLLECTION: Next Sunday, February 1, marks the beginning of the St. Mark Annual Collection. Please see the note below from Fr. Reggie:
Dear St. Mark Parish Family,
Grace and peace to you in Christ.
I am writing to you today with both a grateful heart and an urgent invitation. This past year has brought many changes to our parish, and while change can be challenging, it can also be a powerful blessing. New eyes see new needs—but they also see new opportunities. I truly believe God is doing something good at St. Mark, and I am excited about where the Holy Spirit is leading us.
At the same time, I want to speak honestly with you about our parish’s reality. Like your own households, our parish expenses continue to rise. Our utility costs alone are often ten times that of an average home, and expenses for maintenance, insurance, and essential services increase each year. Unlike household income, however, parish revenue does not automatically grow. That is why your support right now matters so deeply.
Please know this: we are careful stewards of your generosity. Every dollar is treated with respect and prayerful consideration. We actively seek cost-saving measures and efficiencies wherever possible, always striving to reduce expenses without diminishing the ministries, worship, and care that define St. Mark Parish.
There is an important truth about parishes today: they are either declining, maintaining, or growing. I firmly believe St. Mark is called to be a growing and vibrant parish—alive with faith, hospitality, service, and hope. That vision cannot happen without the faithful sharing of time, talent, and treasure from our parish family. No amount given to our Annual Collection is too small or too large, I pray that all will participate.
This parish is more than a building—it is our spiritual home. It is where we gather to worship God, celebrate sacraments, mourn our losses, and rejoice in God’s blessings. Because this is God’s house, we are called to maintain it in a way that is truly worthy of our worship. We also have several important projects ahead that will help ensure St. Mark remains strong, welcoming, and mission-driven for years to come.
I ask you today—urgently and joyfully—to support our Annual Giving effort as generously as you are able. I also invite you to bring us your ideas. If you have fundraising suggestions or creative ways to strengthen our parish, please share them. This is your parish, and your involvement makes a real difference.
Together, with faith and generosity, we can ensure that St. Mark does not merely survive, but truly thrives. Thank you for your continued love, sacrifice, and commitment to this community of faith. I am deeply grateful to serve as your pastor, and I look forward with hope to all that God will continue to do through us.
May God bless you abundantly for all you give and all you are.
In Christ,
Fr. Reggie Norman
Pastor, St. Mark Parish
Pastor, St. Mark Parish
SACRED HEART OF JESUS ICON: The St. Pope John Paul II Knights of Columbus Council #8 will be sponsoring a holy hour in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Friday February 6, 2026, at 6:30 pm in the church. During the Holy Hour an Icon of the Sacred Heart of Jesus will be on display. The Holy Hour will include readings from scripture, reflections from Pope Francis as well as the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Prayer cards and prayer booklets will be distributed at the service. All are welcome and are encouraged to attended to help grow in their love of God and devotion to his Most Sacred Heart.
PEACE IN THE STORM: For many who suffer from chronic illness or pain, they find themselves questioning their faith or relationship to God. Our Peace in the Storm group here at St. Mark Church will meet in fellowship once a month.
Our first session was January 20th, and future sessions will be on Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm (Upper Room) February 10th and March 10th. We will offer a Zoom link. We will join in conversation and reflect on pain and suffering as part of our faith journey. We will be using the book Peace in the Storm by Maureen Pratt as our basis for discussion. We would love to have you join us. If you have any questions, please reach out to Darlene at dference@stmarkstfd.org
OUR PARISH NOW HAS A FULL SUBSCRIPTION TO THE HALLOW APP—the #1 Catholic prayer and meditation app. Hallow will help you grow closer to God every day with over 2000 years of prayer, meditation, and contemplative tradition. Enjoy features such as Daily Rosary, Sacred music and Christmas playlists, audiobooks, games, trivia, and novenas. Please see the attached poster for information on how to sign up.
COLUMBIETTES: Are you a Catholic woman looking for a way to get involved in parish events? Do you enjoy social activities? Do you want to enrich your Catholic faith? We are looking to see if there is interest at St. Mark for a chapter of the Columbiettes.
There will be an informational meeting on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at St. Mark in the Upper Room. Donna Rahtelli from Our Lady of Peace will give an overview of the Columbiettes organization and answer any questions. All women of the parish are invited!
ST. MARK SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE:
EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE!
St. Mark School’s Open House has been postponed to Sunday, February 1, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm, because of the weather forecasted for this weekend.
If you’re looking for an elementary school where your child will love to learn, schedule a tour of St. Mark School. Visit our classrooms and meet our faculty and school community. Limited school tours for prospective families are available by reservation only. Click below to reserve your 15-minute Open House tour today!
Limited openings available.
Registrations for next year will be accepted.
Reserve your tour today!
Registrations for next year will be accepted.
Reserve your tour today!
St. Mark is proud to be a 2009 Nationally Recognized Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and a New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accredited school.
For more information, call (203) 375-4291, visit www.stmarkschool.org or email contactus@stmarkschool.org.
HELP US BUILD A SAFER FUTURE FOR OUR CHILDREN
Nemergut Road Fence Project – We’re at 47.5% to Our Goal!
Thank you to everyone who has already supported the Nemergut Road Fence Project. We are currently at 47.5% of our $45,000 goal!
This important project will install a 6-foot white PVC fence, set 25 feet off the road, along with automated security gates. Your generosity directly helps us keep our school, children, and parish community safe.
Every donation makes a difference.
If donating by check, please write “Fence” in the memo field.
If donating by check, please write “Fence” in the memo field.
Thank you for helping us provide a safe and welcoming environment for all!
Fr. Reginald D. Norman
CORNED BEEF AND CANNOLIS: Save the date—Saturday, March 14, 2026, 6:00 p.m. The event will feature dinner, dessert, and music featuring Bill Lopez. Details coming soon!
STEUBENVILLE EAST! Join youth from all over the Northeast for a weekend of Fun, Faith and Fellowship! Experience your Catholic faith in a profound, life-changing way. The Steubenville Youth Conference takes place the weekend of July 24-26, 2026, at the MassMutual Center, Springfield MA. Please contact Jared Forcier at 203 984 6037 or jared@stmarkyouthgroup.org for more information. Please see the attached poster.
HOMEBOUND MINISTRY: We are looking for additional Eucharistic Ministers to bring Communion to the Homebound. The ministry involves bringing communion to those who are shut-in; perhaps once a week to 1-2 people.
If you are a Eucharistic Minister and would like more information, please email Deacon Andy, adzujna@stmarkstfd.org, with your name, email address, and phone number. Thank you!
BIBLE STUDY with Fr. Reggie meets on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Upper Room. Newcomers are always welcome, please email Laura (lrobertson@stmarkstfd.org) to register.
BISHOP’S LECTURE SERIES:
RENEWED AND TRANSFORMED: HOW CHRIST READS AND FULFILLS THE SCRIPTURES: Save the date for Scripture Study from Scott Hahn, Jon Bergsma, & Jeffrey Morrow on January 23-24, 2026, at St. Catherine of Siena in Trumbull. Please see the attached poster for all details.
OUR LADY OF PEACE PRESENTS She Shall Be Called Woman: a parish-based program designed for women who desire to grow in their faith and strengthen their spiritual lives alongside other women. For information, please see the attached poster or call the Our Lady of Peace Office at 203 377 4863.
THE ART OF CATHOLIC FAMILY LIFE: A program being offered by Our Lady of Peace, Lordship which will be held on Thursday evenings from February 12 through March 26, 2026, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Please see the attached poster for all details.
ST. JAMES EXCURSION TO SIGHT & SOUND THEATER IN PENNSYLVANIA: June 24-25, 2026 to see the spectacular performance of “Joshua” the biblical epic brought to life on the stage. The trip includes transportation, lodging, meals, and shopping. Please see the attached poster for details.
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 great weekend, stay safe in the storm!
Laura, Joan, and Dana
