Hello and Happy Friday!
Here’s what is going on at St. Mark as we prepare to celebrate Pentecost Sunday:
THERE IS ONE COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND: Stewardship.
THIS SUNDAY May 24 is Pentecost Sunday. Celebrate the fire of the Holy Spirit by wearing red to Mass this weekend as a joyful sign of the Spirit’s presence and power in our lives.
THE CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAY, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.
2026 ANNUAL BISHOP’S APPEAL: We are happy to report that as of today, May 22, 2026, we have received 237 gifts towards the Bishop’s Appeal totaling $108,777.62. We have reached 98.9% of our goal of $110,000. We are so thankful to all who have already contributed! Please prayerfully consider making a donation. If we reach our goal before June 30th, 100% of additional contributions stay right here at St. Mark!
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS invite you to join the Daily Rosary and Litany Devotion to our Blessed Mother during the month of May. 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!
PROJECT FROM THE HEART: In honor of Memorial Day and the Fourth of July, Project from the Heart will be collecting supplies for the troops until July 5. Collection boxes will be placed at the main entrance of the church and in the Upper Room. Items especially needed include travel sized containers of body wash and shampoo, hand wipes and lotion, deodorant, ChapStick, and sunscreen.
We thank you, and our military thanks you, for your continued support.
MSGR. LAWRENCE J. MCMAHON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP: Applications for the 2026 Msgr. Lawrence J. McMahon Memorial Scholarship are available by emailing:
If you have any questions please contact Karen Derleth at (203)521-9546. The Scholarship is open to any 8th grade student of St. Mark School or St. Mark Parish who will be attending a Catholic high school in the fall. The application deadline is May 27th and can be submitted to the St. Mark School Office or the email address above.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ATTENDED THE MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL last Saturday, we had good food, great entertainment, Mass and Adoration, and perfect weather. An extra special thanks from Laura to Jared and to our Knights who took care of setup, cleanup, and breakdown. Take a look at the photos on the St. Mark Church Facebook and Instagram accounts!
A GENTILE REMINDER REGARDING OUR SACRED STATUES
We kindly ask everyone to help us care for the sacred statues around our church and grounds.
Please refrain from touching the statues, as the oils from our hands can damage the finish over time. We also ask that glass candles or containers not be placed near the outdoor statues because broken glass creates safety concerns. In addition, please do not place flowers directly in or against the statues, as this may discolor or stain them.
These sacred images are meant to inspire prayer and devotion, and with your help we can preserve their beauty for many years to come.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
MEN’S MINISTRY THROUGH HALLOW: Looking for a simple way to grow deeper in your faith and connect with other Catholic men?
Join our new Men’s Ministry group through the Hallow app! There are no in-person meetings to attend. Simply download the Hallow app, listen to the assigned podcast or content, and participate in the group discussion by sharing your thoughts and reflections online.
All materials and content are provided directly through the app, making it easy to participate on your own schedule wherever you are. A link to join the group will be provided soon. Our own Brother Knight will be hosting and facilitating the discussions as we grow together in faith, prayer, and brotherhood.
Come be part of a community of men striving to strengthen their relationship with Christ and one another. Our goal is to be better men, husbands, fathers and friends. Please join us.
Join the St. Mark Men Pray community on Hallow: https://hallow.app.link/vptViscIf3b
A NOTE FROM FR. REGGIE ABOUT OUR BULLETIN:
Dear Parishioners,
I hope this message finds you well. As we are securing new ad sponsorships for our full-color parish bulletin for the church, I invite you to consider being a part of this important effort.
The church bulletin is an important way we stay connected each week. With the support of local businesses and parishioners, it can continue to be provided at no cost to our church.
We are currently opening sponsorship opportunities and would love to have your support. Sponsorship is available to both businesses and individuals and is a meaningful way to support our parish community while also gaining consistent, year-round visibility.
We also want to thank our current sponsors for their support — their sponsorship helps cover the cost of printing and ensures the bulletin remains a valuable resource for keeping our parish community informed and connected. We would not have a beautiful bulletin without our sponsors.
For local businesses, this is a great opportunity to connect with parish families. Our community values and supports the businesses that support the bulletin, often turning to them first when a need arises.
Individuals and families are also welcome to participate by sponsoring in honor of a loved one, sharing a favorite scripture or prayer, or supporting something meaningful to them.
If you would like more information or are interested in reserving a space, please feel free to contact our very own bulletin representative, Robin Ungaro at 203-747-5671 or by email at rungaro@4lpi.com.
Thank you for your continued support of our parish community.
In Christ,
Fr. Reggie
Fr. Reggie
OUR BULLETIN AD REPRESENTATIVE, Robin Ungaro, will be visiting St. Mark Church on Wednesday, May 27th 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 rungaro@4lpi.com for more information or to set up an appointment to meet with her.
THE 2027 MASS BOOK opened Monday, May 4, 2026, and requested Masses have begun to be processed. 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 ST. MARK KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BLOOD DRIVE will be held next 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.
NEMERGUT FENCE PROJECT: HELP US REACH THE FINISH LINE!
Thanks to your generosity, we have reached 83.2% of our goal. We are very grateful.
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
FOOD DONATIONS FOR BLESSED SACRAMENT: Fr. Skip is so grateful for the generous food donations from St. Mark and sends his heartfelt thanks. The food pantry has plenty of breakfast cereals now but has an immediate need for pastas of all types. The food collection box can be found in the Upper Room, thank you for your donations!
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION REGISTRATION NOTICE 2026-2027
Registration is now open for the 2026–2027 Religious Education Program at St. Mark Church.
Classes are available for students in grades 1–7 as they continue to grow in their Catholic faith through prayer, Scripture, sacraments, and Church teachings. Families are encouraged to register early to help with class placement, ordering of materials and planning. The deadline is July 1, 2026. After that, there will be a $25 late fee added to General Tuition fees.
You can do the online registration AND the print the payment voucher via the St. Mark website using this link:
Payment voucher + payment can be returned via regular mail or dropped off at the Rectory office to Attn: Dana Donia, Director of Faith Formation.
For registration fee information or any other questions about the process, please contact:
We look forward to another faith-filled year with your family! Please see the attached poster.
CATECHISTS NEEDED for St. Mark 2026-27 Religious Education Classes
Our parish is seeking dedicated and faith-filled volunteers for the 2026-27 Religious Education classes. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your love of our faith with our children and support their spiritual growth. By volunteering, you will play an important role in helping our young parishioners grow in their knowledge of God, the teachings of the Church, and their relationship with Jesus.
If you are interested, please contact Dana Donia, Director of Faith Formation via email ddonia@stmarkstfd.org or call: 203-377-0444.
NOTE: Virtus training is required, if you are not sure if you have this already, please contact Dana for confirmation. Training will be provided for those who need it.
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.
There were a couple of questions for this week’s Flocknote:
What are the duties of a priest? What are the duties of a Pastor?
A Roman Catholic priest and a Roman Catholic pastor share many responsibilities, but they are not identical roles. A pastor is always a priest, but not every priest is a pastor. A pastor has additional leadership and administrative responsibilities for a parish entrusted to his care.
Here is a breakdown:
Duties of a Roman Catholic Priest
A priest is ordained to participate in the ministry of Christ through the threefold mission of teaching, sanctifying, and governing God's people.
1. Celebrate the Sacraments
The priest's central duty is sacramental ministry:
- Celebrate the Holy Mass and preach the Gospel
- Hear Confessions and grant absolution
- Baptize
- Witness Marriages
- Anoint the Sick
- Prepare and conduct funerals and burial rites
- Distribute Holy Communion
- Lead Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction
- Offer blessings and sacramentals
A diocesan priest ordinarily cannot ordain priests or confirm unless granted faculties by the bishop.
2. Teach the Faith
Priests are called to proclaim and explain Catholic teaching:
- Preach homilies
- Teach religious education
- Lead Bible studies and faith formation
- Defend Catholic doctrine
- Prepare people for sacraments
- Provide spiritual guidance
- Help parishioners grow in prayer and holiness
3. Pastoral Care
Priests care for souls:
- Visit hospitals, nursing homes, and homebound parishioners
- Counsel families and individuals
- Support people during grief, illness, crisis, and suffering
- Accompany the dying
- Encourage vocations
- Foster parish ministries
4. Governance and Leadership (as assigned)
Some priests serve as:
- Associate Pastor (Parochial Vicar)
- Chaplain
- Campus minister
- Hospital priest
- School chaplain
- Diocesan official
- Seminary formator
A priest promises obedience to his bishop and serves wherever assigned.
Duties of a Roman Catholic Pastor
A pastor has all the duties of a priest, plus canonical responsibility for a parish entrusted to him by the diocesan bishop.
The Code of Canon Law (especially Canons 515–552) outlines many pastor responsibilities.
1. Spiritual Shepherd of the Parish
The pastor is responsible for ensuring:
- The sacraments are celebrated properly
- Sound preaching and catechesis
- Faith formation programs
- Evangelization efforts
- Liturgical life of the parish
- Care of the sick and homebound
- Support for schools and parish ministries
Canon law describes him as shepherding through:
- Teaching
- Sanctifying
- Governing
2. Administrative Oversight
The pastor oversees parish operations:
- Parish finances and budgets
- Staff supervision
- Parish property and facilities
- Safe environment compliance
- Parish records (baptisms, marriages, funerals)
- Contracts and diocesan reporting
- Long-range planning
- Stewardship and fundraising
- Human resources responsibilities
3. Leadership of Staff and Ministries
The pastor supervises:
- Associate priests
- Deacons
- Directors of Religious Education
- Parish business managers
- School principals (if applicable)
- Music ministry
- Youth ministry
- Volunteers and ministry leaders
4. Stewardship of Parish Property
The pastor has responsibility for:
- Church buildings
- Rectory
- School buildings
- Parish halls
- Cemeteries (where applicable)
- Safety and maintenance
- Protection of sacred objects
5. Canonical Responsibilities
The pastor ensures:
- Sacramental registers are maintained
- Marriage preparation requirements are fulfilled
- Policies are followed
- Parish councils function appropriately
- Parish assets are protected
- Liturgical norms are observed
6. Community Leadership
The pastor often becomes:
- Spiritual father to the parish family
- Public representative of the parish
- Community leader
- Collaborator with diocesan initiatives
- Builder of parish unity
A simple way to summarize:
Priest: "Serves God's people sacramentally and pastorally."
Pastor: "Serves God's people sacramentally, pastorally, and carries responsibility for leading and governing an entire parish."
------------------
Who is better Lebron or Wemby?
I normally wouldn't answer this question as I respect them both so I went to the stats and ratings online and here it goes --
If you're asking career greatness, it's still clearly LeBron James.
LeBron has built one of the greatest careers in basketball history: championships, MVPs, longevity, scoring records, playoff success, and over two decades of elite play. He has over 43,000 career points and has sustained greatness longer than almost anyone in NBA history.
If you're asking who would I take to build a team around today for the future, the argument gets more interesting with Victor Wembanyama.
Wemby is already doing things the league has rarely seen—elite scoring, rebounding, shot blocking, and perimeter skills at his size. Many analysts believe his ceiling could become historically great if health and development continue.
Simple version:
- Greatest career / greatest player today: LeBron
- Most exciting future / highest ceiling argument: Wemby
- One game to win today in their primes: LeBron
- One player to start a franchise with for the next 10–15 years: Wemby
Wemby might someday enter the all-time conversation.
LeBron already lives there.
BIBLE STUDY is held on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm in the Upper Room. Newcomers are always welcome. Please email Laura (Lrobertson@stmarkstfd.org) if you would like to have the readings emailed to you ahead of time.
PARISH “SAFE FOOD HANDLING” TRAINING COMING IN AUGUST: Two sessions will be offered: Thursday, August 27th from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and Saturday, August 29th from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
In advance of our parish cookout in September, Team Social is hosting safe food handling training, led by Maureen K. Whalen, REHS, Environmental Health Supervisor, with the Town of Stratford Health Department. Learn the essentials of food safety to keep yourself and others safe. The training will include personal hygiene (handwashing), time/temperature controls, cross-contamination prevention, proper storage and more. This is especially helpful for those in ministries that serve food and/or sell food for fundraisers, but all interested parishioners are welcome.
Please see the attached poster for sign-up instructions.
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.
STRATFORD SISTER CITIES CHORUS presents Yacht Rock, Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Stratford High School. Please visit their website: www.stratfodchorus.org, and see the attached poster for ticket information. Tickets will be sold in advance and at the door.
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!
ST. MARK SCHOOL IS LOOKING FOR PRE-K TEACHING ASSISTANTS/AIDES
St. Mark Little Lions Preschool is searching for dedicated teaching assistants/aides to come grow with us!
The ideal candidates will support students' learning center environment under the supervision and direction of the classroom teacher and school principal. Aides assist with appropriate daily activities for children, establish and maintain a safe and healthy nurturing environment for children and supervise children for safety.
This is a 10 Month Position, M-F with part-time hours and Summers Off!
Qualifications/Skills:
- Patient, kind, flexible, positive, dependable, cooperative and a love for children
- Good communications skills including written, verbal, public speaking skills
- Be available for evening/weekend meetings/events as necessary
- Be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
- High School Graduate or equivalent is required
- Must be 18 years of age
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Practicing Roman Catholic, in good standing
- Demonstrated experience working in a Catholic School
- Associate degree from an accredited college or university in Early Childhood Education or related field preferred
Fingerprinting, background check, and Save Environment Training required
At St. Mark School, we are committed to providing an outstanding early childhood program that encourages the social, emotional, physical, intellectual, and spiritual growth of every child. Jesus is at the heart of all that we do. The teachers, staff, parents, and students in our faith community are called to be the face of Christ, the hands of Christ and most importantly the heart of Christ to others through our words and actions. Consider joining our school community and advancing the mission of Catholic education! For more information and to apply, email Principal Melissa Warner at principal@stmarkschool.org
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:
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/.
Enjoy the Weekend!
Laura and Dana
