Hello and Happy Friday!
Here’s what is going on at St. Mark as we prepare to celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Easter:
THERE ARE TWO COLLECTIONS THIS WEEKEND: Stewardship and the Special Collection for Catholic Home Missions and Black and Indian Missions.
PARISH SAFETY TRAINING: THIS SATURDAY, (tomorrow) APRIL 25, 2026 10:00 a.m. in the Upper Room with Larry Ciccarelli, Stratford’s Public Safety Director and Emergency Management Director. Larry holds DHS certifications and will help us review practical ways to strengthen both physical security and operational safety protocols in our parish community.
The training will include:
• Tools for conducting parish threat-level evaluations
• Guidance on security planning for church, rectory, and school facilities
• A group training session to help ministries and volunteers recognize and respond to safety concerns
• Possible facility safety reviews
• A diocesan representative explaining Razor technology for new security fobs
This is especially helpful for ushers, ministry leaders, staff, and volunteers, but all interested parishioners are welcome.
ST. MARK SCHOOL will hold their monthly Bottles & Cans collection next Saturday, May 2nd, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Please drop off your returnables in front of the Parish Center. Thank you for supporting St. Mark School!
EASTER LILY PLANTS have been removed from the altar and are in the Upper Room. Please feel free to stop in and take one home.
MR. COLIN PETRAMALE, the Stratford Director of Discipleship for the Diocese, has accepted a new position at the Diocese effective June 1, 2026. We thank Colin for his support over the past few years, especially his help with coordinating faith formation and sacramental preparation in the five Stratford churches. We wish Colin well in his new position!
DIAPER DRIVE: The Respect Life team will again be collecting Diapers for the Bridgeport Rescue Mission and Malta House for needy Moms and their babies. Containers will be at the entrances of the Church on the weekends of May 2nd and 3rd, and May 9th and 10th, for the Diaper Collection. Please donate the larger sizes of diapers (size 2 and larger). Diapers are so appreciated. Thank you for your generosity.
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS invite you to join the Daily Rosary and Litany Devotion to our Blessed Mother during the month of May. Beginning on May 1, the Knights will lead the Rosary on weeknights at 7:00 pm, Saturdays at 6:00 pm, and Sundays at 12:30 pm. The devotion takes about 30 minutes and is held either in the church or the Upper Room. If you don’t know how to pray the Rosary, they will teach you! All are invited!
THE ST. MARK GUILD OF OUR LADY will pray the Marian Mysteries of the Rosary and Crown the Blessed Mother on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the church. All are welcome and refreshments will be served in the Upper Room following the May Crowning.
THE 2027 MASS BOOK will open on Monday, May 4, 2026. Masses may be arranged in writing or email (email requests will not be fulfilled until payment is received.) Masses are booked on a first-come, first served basis.
NO PHONE CALLS OR IN-PERSON REQUESTS WILL BE ACCEPTED
Stipends are required at the time of scheduling. Masses and Collective Intention Masses are $15.00 each. Each family may schedule three (3) Masses: two (2) weekend Masses and one (1) weekday Mass. Also, the Perpetual Candle which runs Sunday through Saturday may be scheduled at $10.00 per week.
Please print legibly. Please provide the date(s) you would like. Please provide alternate date(s) in case someone has already selected your date. Please provide the time for your Mass and alternate times in case someone has already selected your time. Please print legibly how you wish the intention to be remembered e.g., Smith Family,etc. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR PHONE NUMBER WITH YOUR REQUEST The office will send you a receipt for your payment as well as a sheet listing your Mass intentions. Please save the sheet.
THE DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT PRESENTS A MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL on Saturday, May 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. right here at St. Mark! The Festival will feature music, dance, food, Mass with Bishop Frank, and Adoration. Please see the attached poster for all details.
THE ST. MARK KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BLOOD DRIVE will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Parish Center. Please make your appointment by visiting www.redcross.org and click on the Give Blood link.
DONATIONS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS: This project has ended and the Divine Mercy Cenacle extends a Very Special "Thank You" to all our St. Mark Parishioners who so generously donated a wide variety of religious articles which will be distributed around the world to so many needy Missions beginning the middle of May. They will be packed by our Divine Mercy Cenacle Ladies and sent to Dallas. From there, they will be shipped to the numerous Missions around the world. Please take note to the "Bulletin Board" set up at the exit door by the elevator with a variety of Mission pictures and "thank you" messages from the various Mission priests. Their words of appreciation are beyond description.
NEMERGUT FENCE PROJECT: HELP US REACH THE FINISH LINE!
Dear Parish Family,
Thank you to everyone who has already supported the Nemergut Fence Project. Because of your generosity, we have reached 76.6% of our goal. We are very grateful.
A few people have asked whether a fence is necessary. While we understand the question, recent events nationally—and even a few concerning incidents here at our own school—remind us that the safety of our children must always come first. When it comes to protecting our students and providing a secure environment, it is always better to err on the side of caution.
This project is about creating a safer space for the children entrusted to our care and helping ensure that our school grounds remain protected.
If you have already contributed, thank you. If you have not yet had the opportunity, please consider making a gift to help us close the final gap and bring this important project to completion. Please send your contribution in the mail or by the Sunday collection and note: "Fence" in the memo field.
Together, we can finish this effort and continue providing a safe and welcoming place for our children and families.
Thank you for your continued generosity and support.
Fr. Reggie
YOUTH GROUP CAMPFIRE NIGHT! Join the St. Mark Youth group for a night of hot dogs and s’mores around the campfire on Sunday, May 3rd, 6:00-7:30 pm. Area youth in grades 7 and up are invited, you don’t need to be a Youth Group member to come and join the fun! Please contact jared@stmarkyouthgroup.org to RSVP so they can be sure to have enough Hershey bars and marshmallows!
PEACE IN THE STORM: So many of us wake up to a new morning and begin our day with wonder…..wondering how much pain we might have that day. Those with chronic pain and illness understand how much uncertainty they face. Our ministry, Peace in the Storm Project, at St. Mark parish allows us to meet in prayer, fellowship and discussion with others in a small group setting. Our discussions are based on the book by Maureen Pratt, Peace in the Storm. Our last meeting before the summer break will be on Tuesday, May 19th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. For more information please email dference@stmarkstfd.org.
ASK THE PASTOR!
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 over the last couple of weeks:
Why don't we see you at Thursday Mass?
Every priest is given two days per week off. Thursday and Friday are my official days off. I still go to the office and some events but usually don't celebrate Mass. These days were chosen as it is easier to get another priest in on those days. Stay tuned, it may change. Thanks for missing me.
If the rings that were used for the wedding ceremony were changed or replaced - will they lose their blessing and value?
The rings used in a wedding ceremony hold significant symbolic meaning, representing the love and commitment between the spouses. In the context of the Catholic Church, the blessing of the rings during the wedding ceremony is an important ritual that signifies God's grace upon the couple and their union.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the sacrament of marriage is a covenant that is established between the couple and God, and it is the couple's commitment to each other that is central to the sacrament (CCC 1601). The physical rings are symbols of this commitment, but the essence of the sacrament lies in the vows exchanged and the love shared between the spouses.
If the rings are changed or replaced after the wedding ceremony, the original blessing associated with the rings does not diminish the marriage itself. The sacrament of marriage remains valid as long as the couple continues to live out their commitment to each other. The rings serve as a reminder of that commitment, but they are not the source of the sacrament's validity or value.
In summary, while the rings are important symbols, changing or replacing them does not affect the blessing or the value of the marriage. What truly matters is the love and commitment that the couple shares. You could also have the new rings blessed.
How can I make my faith stronger while I'm still in high school? I've strayed away from God before. How can I make sure it doesn't happen again?
First—don’t ignore this question. The fact that you’re asking it means your faith is already alive and trying to grow.
Let’s be direct: you probably won’t avoid every moment of drifting. Even strong disciples go through seasons where they feel distant. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s building a faith that brings you back faster and stronger every time.
Here’s how to make that real while you’re still in high school:
1. Build a Simple, Daily Habit (Non-Negotiable)
You don’t need an hour. You need consistency.
Start with:
“Jesus, stay close to me today. Help me not forget You.”
That’s it. Short. Honest. Consistent.
Faith grows through repetition, not intensity.
2. Stay Close to the Sacraments
This is where a lot of people drift—quietly.
If you want stability, stay connected here.
3. Expect Distractions—and Plan for Them
High school is full of:
Say: “When I drift, I already know what I’ll do.”
Your reset plan:
4. Choose One Catholic Anchor
Pick one thing that keeps you grounded:
Examples:
“I belong to God.”
5. Watch Your Influences (This Matters More Than You Think)
Your environment shapes your faith.
Ask yourself:
Faith fades quietly through what you consume daily.
6. Find Even One Person Who Takes Faith Seriously
You don’t need a big group.
Just one:
Faith isolated = faith weakened
Faith shared = faith strengthened
7. Understand This: Faith Is a Relationship
You’re not maintaining a rule—you’re building a relationship.
And relationships grow through:
Especially then.
8. When You Mess Up—Come Back Immediately
This is the biggest difference between people who stay close to God and those who drift far:
They don’t wait.
They don’t say:
“I’ll fix it later.”
They say:
“God, I messed up. I’m back.”
Right away.
Bottom Line
You don’t need to be perfect.
You need to be consistent and willing to return.
If you:
It will get stronger because of it.
Is swearing in verbal words, thinking, accidental thing, in dreams, or hearing the swear word or reading them a sin?
That’s a good, honest question—and it shows you’re trying to form your conscience, which matters.
In Catholic moral teaching, sin isn’t just about the word itself—it’s about intention, choice, and context. So we have to look at each situation differently:
1. Saying swear words on purpose
This can be sinful—but not always in the same way.
Careless habits = something to work on, but not automatically serious sin
2. Thinking swear words
Thoughts themselves are not sinful unless you choose and dwell on them.
3. Accidental slips
If it just comes out without thinking:
Not a sin
There’s no deliberate choice. At most, it shows a habit you might want to clean up over time.
4. Swearing in dreams
Not a sin at all
You have no control over dreams, so there is no moral responsibility.
5. Hearing or reading swear words
Not a sin
You’re not choosing it. The only concern would be:
Ask:
If yes → it could be, depending on seriousness
Practical advice (especially for you right now)
Don’t get stuck in overthinking every word. Instead:
A sin is mortal only if ALL 3 of these are present:
1. Grave Matter (serious action)
2. Full Knowledge (you knew it was seriously wrong)
3. Full Consent (you freely chose it)
If even one is missing, it is not mortal → it’s venial.
Think of It Like This
Mortal Sin = “I knew it was seriously wrong… and I chose it anyway.”
Venial Sin =
1. Grave Matter (Is it serious?)
Some things are clearly serious, like:
Ask: “Did I know this was seriously wrong when I did it?”
Ask: “Did I really choose this, or did it just happen?”
Things that reduce consent:
Quick Examples (Your Situation)
Swearing accidentally
Not mortal
Usually not even venial
No real choice
Swearing out of habit
Not mortal
Venial at most (working on it matters)
Intentionally insulting someone
Could be venial or serious depending on harm
Using God’s name seriously disrespectfully on purpose
Could be mortal if all 3 conditions are there
Thoughts popping into your head
Not sin
No consent
A Very Important Truth (So You Don’t Get Anxious)
If you are unsure whether it was mortal… it probably wasn’t.
Mortal sin is not subtle. It’s usually clear:
1. Don’t overanalyze every moment
God is not trying to trap you.
2. Go to Confession regularly (not just for mortal sin)
Say: “God, I’m sorry. Help me do better.”
And move on.
Final Simple Summary
Mortal Sin
Serious + I knew + I chose it
Venial Sin
Anything less than that
Most Important Thing to Remember
God is not watching you like a judge waiting to punish you.
He’s a Father helping you grow.
And honestly—the fact that you’re asking these questions? That’s already a sign your heart is in the right place.
BIBLE STUDY is held on Wednesdays at 6:00pm in the church. Newcomers are always welcome. Please email Laura (Lrobertson@stmarkstfd.org) if you would like to have the readings emailed to you ahead of time.
SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE TO HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS: The Stratford Junior Woman’s Club awards a $1000 scholarship annually to a high school senior pursuing higher education. The applicant must be a resident of Stratford, however, can attend a high school outside of Stratford. Application deadline is May 1st. For additional information and a scholarship application, please email stratfordjuniorwomansclub@gmail.com. Please see the attached poster.
SAVE THE DATE FOR RAINFOREST FALLS! Monday, August 10 – Friday, August 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Kids and volunteers: come join the fun at St. Mark as we explore the awesome nature of God! Program information and registration forms are available on our website: 2026 VBS! – St. Mark R.C. Church
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.
ST. MARK SCHOOL GOLF CLASSIC registration is now open! The tournament will begin with an 8:30 shotgun start on Monday, June 22, 2026, at Orange Hills Country Club. See the attached poster and reserve your foursome today!
OUR BULLETIN AD REPRESENTATIVE, Robin Ungaro, will be visiting St. Mark Church at the end of May and would love to meet with anyone who might be interested in placing an ad in our bulletin. Please contact Robin at 203 747 5671 or email her at rungaro@4lpi.com for more information or to set up an appointment to meet with her.
HOLY NAME OF JESUS KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PORKETTA DINNER Saturday, May 16, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Dine in or take out, all are welcome. The dinner features porketta, mashed potatoes, green beans, and more! Please see the attached poster for details and reservations.
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.
PILGRIMAGE TO OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Accompany Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano and Chris McMahon on a 4 day pilgrimage to Mexico City.
This life-changing pilgrimage will take place from Friday, October 9- Monday, October 12, 2026. Experience the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe- the most visited Marian shrine in the world. See the miraculous tilma of St. Juan Diego (an image created by God) and attend a pilgrim Holy Mass with the Bishop at the Basilica. Go to Tepeyac Hill where the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Juan Diego and see so much more. Next, travel to the Sisters of Mary at the World Villages for Children (WVC) Girlstown in Chalco, Mexico, to witness how the Sisters are transforming the lives of impoverished children in the most desperate circumstances through education, faith formation and vocational training.
Act Fast! Limited Space Is Available.
Visit https://worldvillages.org/events/caggiano for information.
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:
https://www.virtusonline.org/virtus/virtus_resources.cfm.
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/.
Laura and Dana
Here’s what is going on at St. Mark as we prepare to celebrate the Fourth Sunday of Easter:
THERE ARE TWO COLLECTIONS THIS WEEKEND: Stewardship and the Special Collection for Catholic Home Missions and Black and Indian Missions.
PARISH SAFETY TRAINING: THIS SATURDAY, (tomorrow) APRIL 25, 2026 10:00 a.m. in the Upper Room with Larry Ciccarelli, Stratford’s Public Safety Director and Emergency Management Director. Larry holds DHS certifications and will help us review practical ways to strengthen both physical security and operational safety protocols in our parish community.
The training will include:
• Tools for conducting parish threat-level evaluations
• Guidance on security planning for church, rectory, and school facilities
• A group training session to help ministries and volunteers recognize and respond to safety concerns
• Possible facility safety reviews
• A diocesan representative explaining Razor technology for new security fobs
This is especially helpful for ushers, ministry leaders, staff, and volunteers, but all interested parishioners are welcome.
ST. MARK SCHOOL will hold their monthly Bottles & Cans collection next Saturday, May 2nd, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Please drop off your returnables in front of the Parish Center. Thank you for supporting St. Mark School!
EASTER LILY PLANTS have been removed from the altar and are in the Upper Room. Please feel free to stop in and take one home.
MR. COLIN PETRAMALE, the Stratford Director of Discipleship for the Diocese, has accepted a new position at the Diocese effective June 1, 2026. We thank Colin for his support over the past few years, especially his help with coordinating faith formation and sacramental preparation in the five Stratford churches. We wish Colin well in his new position!
DIAPER DRIVE: The Respect Life team will again be collecting Diapers for the Bridgeport Rescue Mission and Malta House for needy Moms and their babies. Containers will be at the entrances of the Church on the weekends of May 2nd and 3rd, and May 9th and 10th, for the Diaper Collection. Please donate the larger sizes of diapers (size 2 and larger). Diapers are so appreciated. Thank you for your generosity.
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS invite you to join the Daily Rosary and Litany Devotion to our Blessed Mother during the month of May. Beginning on May 1, the Knights will lead the Rosary on weeknights at 7:00 pm, Saturdays at 6:00 pm, and Sundays at 12:30 pm. The devotion takes about 30 minutes and is held either in the church or the Upper Room. If you don’t know how to pray the Rosary, they will teach you! All are invited!
THE ST. MARK GUILD OF OUR LADY will pray the Marian Mysteries of the Rosary and Crown the Blessed Mother on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the church. All are welcome and refreshments will be served in the Upper Room following the May Crowning.
THE 2027 MASS BOOK will open on Monday, May 4, 2026. Masses may be arranged in writing or email (email requests will not be fulfilled until payment is received.) Masses are booked on a first-come, first served basis.
NO PHONE CALLS OR IN-PERSON REQUESTS WILL BE ACCEPTED
Stipends are required at the time of scheduling. Masses and Collective Intention Masses are $15.00 each. Each family may schedule three (3) Masses: two (2) weekend Masses and one (1) weekday Mass. Also, the Perpetual Candle which runs Sunday through Saturday may be scheduled at $10.00 per week.
Please print legibly. Please provide the date(s) you would like. Please provide alternate date(s) in case someone has already selected your date. Please provide the time for your Mass and alternate times in case someone has already selected your time. Please print legibly how you wish the intention to be remembered e.g., Smith Family,etc. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR PHONE NUMBER WITH YOUR REQUEST The office will send you a receipt for your payment as well as a sheet listing your Mass intentions. Please save the sheet.
THE DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT PRESENTS A MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL on Saturday, May 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. right here at St. Mark! The Festival will feature music, dance, food, Mass with Bishop Frank, and Adoration. Please see the attached poster for all details.
THE ST. MARK KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BLOOD DRIVE will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Parish Center. Please make your appointment by visiting www.redcross.org and click on the Give Blood link.
DONATIONS FOR FOREIGN MISSIONS: This project has ended and the Divine Mercy Cenacle extends a Very Special "Thank You" to all our St. Mark Parishioners who so generously donated a wide variety of religious articles which will be distributed around the world to so many needy Missions beginning the middle of May. They will be packed by our Divine Mercy Cenacle Ladies and sent to Dallas. From there, they will be shipped to the numerous Missions around the world. Please take note to the "Bulletin Board" set up at the exit door by the elevator with a variety of Mission pictures and "thank you" messages from the various Mission priests. Their words of appreciation are beyond description.
NEMERGUT FENCE PROJECT: HELP US REACH THE FINISH LINE!
Dear Parish Family,
Thank you to everyone who has already supported the Nemergut Fence Project. Because of your generosity, we have reached 76.6% of our goal. We are very grateful.
A few people have asked whether a fence is necessary. While we understand the question, recent events nationally—and even a few concerning incidents here at our own school—remind us that the safety of our children must always come first. When it comes to protecting our students and providing a secure environment, it is always better to err on the side of caution.
This project is about creating a safer space for the children entrusted to our care and helping ensure that our school grounds remain protected.
If you have already contributed, thank you. If you have not yet had the opportunity, please consider making a gift to help us close the final gap and bring this important project to completion. Please send your contribution in the mail or by the Sunday collection and note: "Fence" in the memo field.
Together, we can finish this effort and continue providing a safe and welcoming place for our children and families.
Thank you for your continued generosity and support.
Fr. Reggie
YOUTH GROUP CAMPFIRE NIGHT! Join the St. Mark Youth group for a night of hot dogs and s’mores around the campfire on Sunday, May 3rd, 6:00-7:30 pm. Area youth in grades 7 and up are invited, you don’t need to be a Youth Group member to come and join the fun! Please contact jared@stmarkyouthgroup.org to RSVP so they can be sure to have enough Hershey bars and marshmallows!
PEACE IN THE STORM: So many of us wake up to a new morning and begin our day with wonder…..wondering how much pain we might have that day. Those with chronic pain and illness understand how much uncertainty they face. Our ministry, Peace in the Storm Project, at St. Mark parish allows us to meet in prayer, fellowship and discussion with others in a small group setting. Our discussions are based on the book by Maureen Pratt, Peace in the Storm. Our last meeting before the summer break will be on Tuesday, May 19th from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. For more information please email dference@stmarkstfd.org.
ASK THE PASTOR!
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 over the last couple of weeks:
Why don't we see you at Thursday Mass?
Every priest is given two days per week off. Thursday and Friday are my official days off. I still go to the office and some events but usually don't celebrate Mass. These days were chosen as it is easier to get another priest in on those days. Stay tuned, it may change. Thanks for missing me.
If the rings that were used for the wedding ceremony were changed or replaced - will they lose their blessing and value?
The rings used in a wedding ceremony hold significant symbolic meaning, representing the love and commitment between the spouses. In the context of the Catholic Church, the blessing of the rings during the wedding ceremony is an important ritual that signifies God's grace upon the couple and their union.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the sacrament of marriage is a covenant that is established between the couple and God, and it is the couple's commitment to each other that is central to the sacrament (CCC 1601). The physical rings are symbols of this commitment, but the essence of the sacrament lies in the vows exchanged and the love shared between the spouses.
If the rings are changed or replaced after the wedding ceremony, the original blessing associated with the rings does not diminish the marriage itself. The sacrament of marriage remains valid as long as the couple continues to live out their commitment to each other. The rings serve as a reminder of that commitment, but they are not the source of the sacrament's validity or value.
In summary, while the rings are important symbols, changing or replacing them does not affect the blessing or the value of the marriage. What truly matters is the love and commitment that the couple shares. You could also have the new rings blessed.
How can I make my faith stronger while I'm still in high school? I've strayed away from God before. How can I make sure it doesn't happen again?
First—don’t ignore this question. The fact that you’re asking it means your faith is already alive and trying to grow.
Let’s be direct: you probably won’t avoid every moment of drifting. Even strong disciples go through seasons where they feel distant. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s building a faith that brings you back faster and stronger every time.
Here’s how to make that real while you’re still in high school:
1. Build a Simple, Daily Habit (Non-Negotiable)
You don’t need an hour. You need consistency.
Start with:
- 2–5 minutes every day
- Same time (morning or before bed)
“Jesus, stay close to me today. Help me not forget You.”
That’s it. Short. Honest. Consistent.
Faith grows through repetition, not intensity.
2. Stay Close to the Sacraments
This is where a lot of people drift—quietly.
- Mass every Sunday (non-negotiable anchor)
- Confession regularly (once a month is a strong rhythm)
If you want stability, stay connected here.
3. Expect Distractions—and Plan for Them
High school is full of:
- social pressure
- busyness
- comparison
- distractions
Say: “When I drift, I already know what I’ll do.”
Your reset plan:
- Say a quick prayer
- Go to Mass
- Talk to someone you trust
- Start again immediately
4. Choose One Catholic Anchor
Pick one thing that keeps you grounded:
Examples:
- A daily prayer (Our Father, Angelus, Rosary decade)
- Wearing a cross or scapular
- A short Scripture verse
“I belong to God.”
5. Watch Your Influences (This Matters More Than You Think)
Your environment shapes your faith.
Ask yourself:
- Do my friends help me grow or pull me away?
- What am I constantly watching/listening to?
Faith fades quietly through what you consume daily.
6. Find Even One Person Who Takes Faith Seriously
You don’t need a big group.
Just one:
- friend
- youth group leader
- teacher
- family member
Faith isolated = faith weakened
Faith shared = faith strengthened
7. Understand This: Faith Is a Relationship
You’re not maintaining a rule—you’re building a relationship.
And relationships grow through:
- time
- honesty
- showing up
Especially then.
8. When You Mess Up—Come Back Immediately
This is the biggest difference between people who stay close to God and those who drift far:
They don’t wait.
They don’t say:
“I’ll fix it later.”
They say:
“God, I messed up. I’m back.”
Right away.
Bottom Line
You don’t need to be perfect.
You need to be consistent and willing to return.
If you:
- pray a little every day
- stay close to the sacraments
- reset quickly when you drift
It will get stronger because of it.
Is swearing in verbal words, thinking, accidental thing, in dreams, or hearing the swear word or reading them a sin?
That’s a good, honest question—and it shows you’re trying to form your conscience, which matters.
In Catholic moral teaching, sin isn’t just about the word itself—it’s about intention, choice, and context. So we have to look at each situation differently:
1. Saying swear words on purpose
This can be sinful—but not always in the same way.
- Using God’s name disrespectfully (like “Oh my God” in a careless way) → this is more serious because it touches on reverence for God (Second Commandment).
- Swearing out of anger or to insult someone → sinful because it harms others (uncharitable speech).
- Casual bad language without intent to harm → usually not grave, but still not ideal because it can weaken virtue and respect.
Careless habits = something to work on, but not automatically serious sin
2. Thinking swear words
Thoughts themselves are not sinful unless you choose and dwell on them.
- A word pops into your head → not a sin
- You entertain anger or insulting thoughts on purpose → can become sinful
3. Accidental slips
If it just comes out without thinking:
Not a sin
There’s no deliberate choice. At most, it shows a habit you might want to clean up over time.
4. Swearing in dreams
Not a sin at all
You have no control over dreams, so there is no moral responsibility.
5. Hearing or reading swear words
Not a sin
You’re not choosing it. The only concern would be:
- If you seek it out constantly in a way that affects your thinking or behavior
Ask:
- Did I choose it?
- Did I intend harm or disrespect?
- Did it go against love of God or others?
If yes → it could be, depending on seriousness
Practical advice (especially for you right now)
Don’t get stuck in overthinking every word. Instead:
- Aim for respectful speech
- Replace bad habits slowly
- If you mess up, just say: “Lord, help me do better” and move on
- Not everything involving a swear word is a sin
- Sin requires freedom + knowledge + choice
- God is not looking to catch you slipping—He’s helping you grow
A sin is mortal only if ALL 3 of these are present:
1. Grave Matter (serious action)
2. Full Knowledge (you knew it was seriously wrong)
3. Full Consent (you freely chose it)
If even one is missing, it is not mortal → it’s venial.
Think of It Like This
Mortal Sin = “I knew it was seriously wrong… and I chose it anyway.”
Venial Sin =
- Not serious OR
- I didn’t fully know OR
- I didn’t fully choose it
1. Grave Matter (Is it serious?)
Some things are clearly serious, like:
- Missing Mass on Sunday (without a real reason)
- Serious dishonesty or harming someone
- Sexual sins
- Using God’s name in a deeply disrespectful way
- Minor impatience
- Small lies without serious harm
- Casual bad language
Ask: “Did I know this was seriously wrong when I did it?”
- If yes → this condition is met
- If you were unsure, confused, or didn’t think about it → this is reduced
Ask: “Did I really choose this, or did it just happen?”
Things that reduce consent:
- Habit
- Strong emotions (anger, fear)
- Pressure
- Accidents
Quick Examples (Your Situation)
Swearing accidentally
Not mortal
Usually not even venial
No real choice
Swearing out of habit
Not mortal
Venial at most (working on it matters)
Intentionally insulting someone
Could be venial or serious depending on harm
Using God’s name seriously disrespectfully on purpose
Could be mortal if all 3 conditions are there
Thoughts popping into your head
Not sin
No consent
A Very Important Truth (So You Don’t Get Anxious)
If you are unsure whether it was mortal… it probably wasn’t.
Mortal sin is not subtle. It’s usually clear:
- You knew
- You chose
- It was serious
1. Don’t overanalyze every moment
God is not trying to trap you.
2. Go to Confession regularly (not just for mortal sin)
- Once a month is strong
- It builds peace and clarity
Say: “God, I’m sorry. Help me do better.”
And move on.
Final Simple Summary
Mortal Sin
Serious + I knew + I chose it
Venial Sin
Anything less than that
Most Important Thing to Remember
God is not watching you like a judge waiting to punish you.
He’s a Father helping you grow.
And honestly—the fact that you’re asking these questions? That’s already a sign your heart is in the right place.
BIBLE STUDY is held on Wednesdays at 6:00pm in the church. Newcomers are always welcome. Please email Laura (Lrobertson@stmarkstfd.org) if you would like to have the readings emailed to you ahead of time.
SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE TO HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS: The Stratford Junior Woman’s Club awards a $1000 scholarship annually to a high school senior pursuing higher education. The applicant must be a resident of Stratford, however, can attend a high school outside of Stratford. Application deadline is May 1st. For additional information and a scholarship application, please email stratfordjuniorwomansclub@gmail.com. Please see the attached poster.
SAVE THE DATE FOR RAINFOREST FALLS! Monday, August 10 – Friday, August 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Kids and volunteers: come join the fun at St. Mark as we explore the awesome nature of God! Program information and registration forms are available on our website: 2026 VBS! – St. Mark R.C. Church
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.
ST. MARK SCHOOL GOLF CLASSIC registration is now open! The tournament will begin with an 8:30 shotgun start on Monday, June 22, 2026, at Orange Hills Country Club. See the attached poster and reserve your foursome today!
OUR BULLETIN AD REPRESENTATIVE, Robin Ungaro, will be visiting St. Mark Church at the end of May and would love to meet with anyone who might be interested in placing an ad in our bulletin. Please contact Robin at 203 747 5671 or email her at rungaro@4lpi.com for more information or to set up an appointment to meet with her.
HOLY NAME OF JESUS KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PORKETTA DINNER Saturday, May 16, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Dine in or take out, all are welcome. The dinner features porketta, mashed potatoes, green beans, and more! Please see the attached poster for details and reservations.
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.
PILGRIMAGE TO OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE
Accompany Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano and Chris McMahon on a 4 day pilgrimage to Mexico City.
This life-changing pilgrimage will take place from Friday, October 9- Monday, October 12, 2026. Experience the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe- the most visited Marian shrine in the world. See the miraculous tilma of St. Juan Diego (an image created by God) and attend a pilgrim Holy Mass with the Bishop at the Basilica. Go to Tepeyac Hill where the Blessed Mother appeared to St. Juan Diego and see so much more. Next, travel to the Sisters of Mary at the World Villages for Children (WVC) Girlstown in Chalco, Mexico, to witness how the Sisters are transforming the lives of impoverished children in the most desperate circumstances through education, faith formation and vocational training.
Act Fast! Limited Space Is Available.
Visit https://worldvillages.org/events/caggiano for information.
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:
https://www.virtusonline.org/virtus/virtus_resources.cfm.
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/.
Laura and Dana
