Hello and Happy Friday!
Here’s what is going on at St. Mark as we prepare to celebrate the Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity:
THERE IS ONE COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND: Stewardship.
2026 ANNUAL BISHOP’S APPEAL: We received the awesome news that as of today, May 29, 2026, we have surpassed our goal of $110,000. We have received 241 gifts totaling $112,671.57 and have reached 102.4% of our goal. We are so thankful to all who have contributed! Because we have reached our goal before June 30th, 100% of additional contributions stay right here at St. Mark Church! If you have not had a chance to make a donation, please prayerfully consider making one knowing that your donation will stay here to help with projects at St. Mark.
THE ST. MARK KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BLOOD DRIVE will be held this Saturday (Tomorrow), 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.
THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS invite you to join the Daily Rosary and Litany Devotion to our Blessed Mother during these last few days of May. The Knights 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.
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
THE 2027 MASS BOOK opened Monday, May 4, 2026, and requested Masses have begun to be processed. Thank you for your patience as we work through the many requests. 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.
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
CONSECRATION OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
On June 11, 2026, as part of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. bishops will consecrate the United States of America to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Parishes around the country are encouraged to join the bishops in celebrating the consecration of our nation to the Sacred Heart by praying the Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jeus. This Novena draws its daily devotions from the Litany of the Sacred Heart. Each day reflects on the wisdom of saints and pontiffs on the Sacred Heart and offers opportunities for prayer and action, framed by Pope Francis’ encyclical Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us) and Pope Leo XIV’s apostolic exhortation Dilexi Te(I Have Loved You).Join the U.S. Church from June 3-11 in praying this Novena to the Sacred Heart, which will conclude with the consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is attached.
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.
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.
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 few questions for this week’s Flocknote:
Why does the choir receive the Eucharist First?
They receive first so that they can clear their throats and return to the choir loft and sing our beautiful communion songs that help elevate the mass.
Why do the gifts start in the back?
They are the people's offering as part of the Eucharist and similar to the opening procession they start at the back and travel the whole church on behalf of all the people.
What are the names of the liturgy of the hours like matins? what time is each prayed and what are the prayers?
The Liturgy of the Hours (also called the Divine Office or Breviary) is the official daily prayer of the Church. Priests, deacons, many religious, and an increasing number of lay faithful pray it throughout the day to sanctify time and unite themselves to the prayer of Christ and His Church.
Historically, the Hours had names such as Matins, Lauds, Prime, Terce, Sext, None, Vespers, and Compline. Following the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, some names and structures were simplified.
Traditional and Current Names of the Hours
Traditional Name Current Name Typical Time
Matins Office of Readings Any time, often early morning
Lauds Morning Prayer Dawn to morning
Prime Suppressed (1960s reforms) Around 6:00 AM
Terce Midmorning Prayer Around 9:00 AM
Sext Midday Prayer Around 12:00 PM
None Midafternoon Prayer Around 3:00 PM
Vespers Evening Prayer Around sunset or early evening
Compline Night Prayer Before bed
1. Office of Readings (Matins)
Traditional Time
Midnight or very early morning.
Current Practice
May be prayed at any time of day.
Purpose
Deep reflection on Scripture and the writings of the Church Fathers and Saints.
Structure
- Invitatory (if first prayer of the day)
- Hymn
- Three Psalms or portions of Psalms
- Scripture Reading
- Patristic or spiritual reading
- Responsories
- Concluding Prayer
Many priests pray this before Morning Prayer.
2. Morning Prayer (Lauds)
Time
Approximately 6:00–9:00 AM
Purpose
Consecrate the beginning of the day to God.
Structure
- Opening Verse
- Hymn
- Psalm
- Old Testament Canticle
- Psalm
- Scripture Reading
- Responsory
- Benedictus (Canticle of Zechariah)
"Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel..." (Luke 1:68-79)
- Intercessions
- Our Father
- Closing Prayer
Principal Theme
Praise and thanksgiving for the new day.
3. Midmorning Prayer (Terce)
Time
Around 9:00 AM
Purpose
Recall the descent of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.
Structure
- Opening Verse
- Hymn
- Three Psalm sections
- Short Reading
- Versicle
- Prayer
4. Midday Prayer (Sext)
Time
Around Noon
Purpose
Pause in the middle of the workday to remember God.
Structure
Same general structure as Terce.
5. Midafternoon Prayer (None)
Time
Around 3:00 PM
Purpose
Remember Christ's death on the Cross.
Structure
Same general structure as Terce and Sext.
6. Evening Prayer (Vespers)
Time
Around 4:00–7:00 PM
Purpose
Offer thanks for the day and praise God as evening approaches.
Structure
- Opening Verse
- Hymn
- Two Psalms
- New Testament Canticle
- Reading
- Responsory
- Magnificat (Canticle of Mary)
"My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord..." (Luke 1:46-55)
- Intercessions
- Our Father
- Prayer
Principal Theme
Thanksgiving and praise.
Many consider Vespers the most beautiful Hour of the day.
7. Night Prayer (Compline)
Time
Before bed
Purpose
Entrust oneself to God before sleep.
Structure
- Examination of Conscience
- Opening Prayer
- Psalm(s)
- Reading
- Responsory
"Into your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit."
- Nunc Dimittis (Canticle of Simeon)
"Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace..." (Luke 2:29-32)
- Final Prayer
- Marian Antiphon
Examples:
- Salve Regina
- Alma Redemptoris Mater
- Regina Caeli (Easter Season)
- Ave Regina Caelorum
The Invitatory
The first Hour prayed each day begins with the Invitatory:
Leader:
"Lord, open my lips."
"Lord, open my lips."
Response:
"And my mouth will proclaim your praise."
"And my mouth will proclaim your praise."
Then Psalm 95 (or another Invitatory Psalm) is prayed.
The Three Major Hours
For parish life and most lay people, the most important Hours are:
Morning Prayer (Lauds)
Consecrates the day.
Evening Prayer (Vespers)
Consecrates the evening.
Night Prayer (Compline)
Entrusts the night to God.
These three Hours are often recommended as the easiest place to begin.
Why Priests Pray the Liturgy of the Hours
At ordination, diocesan priests promise to pray the Liturgy of the Hours faithfully for the Church and the world. It is not merely personal prayer but the official prayer of the Church, joining the priest to the prayer of Christ Himself.
As the Catechism teaches, the Liturgy of the Hours extends the sacrifice of the Mass throughout the day, allowing the Church to fulfill Saint Paul's command:
"Pray without ceasing." (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
For many priests, the daily rhythm is:
- Office of Readings – early morning
- Morning Prayer (Lauds) – before Mass
- Midday Prayer – around noon
- Evening Prayer (Vespers) – late afternoon
- Night Prayer (Compline) – before bed
In this way, the entire day becomes an offering of praise to the Father through the Son in the Holy Spirit.
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.stratfordchorus.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.
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
