Hello and Happy Friday!
Here’s what is going on at St. Mark as we prepare to celebrate the Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
THERE IS ONE COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND: Stewardship.
BOTTLES & CANS! St. Mark School will hold its Bottles and Cans collection THIS Saturday, August 1, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon in front of the Parish Center. Thank you for supporting St. Mark School!
ASSUMPTION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY: On August 15, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, honoring Mary's being taken body and soul into heavenly glory. This feast reminds us of the hope of eternal life promised to all who follow Christ.
Because the Solemnity falls on a Saturday this year, it is not a Holy Day of Obligation in the United States. Even so, all are warmly encouraged to celebrate this beautiful feast by attending Mass and honoring our Blessed Mother.
There will be only one collection on the weekend of August 15/16. Please drop your envelope for the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in the basket with your Stewardship envelope. Thank you for your generosity.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLIES NEEDED! Our Knights of Columbus are collecting back-to-school supplies to make sure that local kids have everything they need for a great school year. Especially needed: backpacks, pencils, pens, markers, crayons, notebooks, and glue sticks. A collection box has been placed in the Upper Room. Thank you for your generosity!
SAVE THE DATE for the St. Mark Parish Cookout Sunday, September 13. The cost will be $10 per person. Details and a registration form will be available in next weekend's bulletin.
TEAM SOCIAL is sponsoring a Pilgrimage to The Shrine of Lourdes in Litchfield on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The cost is $65 per person and includes transportation, donation to the shrine, and tip for the bus driver. Please see the attached poster for all details. Members of Team Social will be at the main church entrance after all Masses this weekend to answer questions and take reservations!
2026 ANNUAL BISHOP’S APPEAL: For more than a century, Catholic Charities of Fairfield County has offered a wide range of social services to the greater Fairfield County community. The need for these services continues to surge as rising food prices, a shortage of affordable housing, and limited access to mental health care increasingly impact low-income and homeless families.
Thanks to the time, talent, and treasure of so many parishioners around the Diocese, Catholic Charities of Fairfield County continues to be one of the largest private social service providers in Connecticut, helping throughout the 23 towns in the Diocese. The agency’s mission is to help the needy and most vulnerable in our County to permanently improve their lives. Catholic Charities provides supportive services that enable families to rise out of poverty, overcome barriers, and achieve self-sufficiency and independence.
Your gift to the Diocese of Bridgeport Bishop’s Appeal will assist Catholic Charities in serving our most vulnerable neighbors. To learn more please visit: www.2026BishopsAppeal.org. Thank you for your support.
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN THE COLUMBIETTES! The Columbiettes are an international Catholic women's organization affiliated with the Knights of Columbus, dedicated to faith, charity, and community service. Induction for our Auxiliary at St. Mark will be held in September. We have 40 parish women signed up, but we are holding a space for you! Please email Chris Duffy, cthyse@yahoo.com or call the church office for more information.
SHARE THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS!
Help Wanted – Christmas Giving Tree Coordinator (Volunteer)
St. Mark Church is seeking a compassionate and organized volunteer to coordinate our annual Christmas Giving Tree ministry. This beautiful outreach helps provide Christmas gifts for families in need by partnering with Bridgeport parishes.
Participating parishes submit the names of individuals and families, along with their Christmas wish lists. St. Mark Church organizes these requests by placing gift tags on our Giving Tree, inviting parishioners to purchase and donate the requested gifts.
Volunteer Responsibilities:
- Coordinate and organize the overall Giving Tree project.
- Create and prepare gift tags for the Giving Tree.
- Monitor and organize returned gifts.
- Sort gifts for distribution to participating parishes.
- Assist with the delivery of gifts.
No experience is necessary. Guidance and support will be provided throughout the project, making this a wonderful opportunity to serve while helping bring the joy of Christmas to those in need. If you have a heart for service, enjoy organizing projects, and would like to help make Christmas brighter for families throughout our community, we would love to hear from you.
To volunteer or for more information, please contact the St. Mark Parish Office. Virtus compliance is required.
FOOD DONATIONS FOR BLESSED SACRAMENT: With the kids out of school, Fr. Skip is now asking for peanut butter donations, small jars are best. Donations may be left in the food donation box in the Upper Room. Thank you for your endless generosity.
2026 WEDDING JUBILEE MASS: Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, Bishop of Bridgeport will celebrate the Annual Diocesan Wedding Jubilee Mass on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Cathedral of Saint Augustine in Bridgeport.
Couples celebrating their 25th, 40th, 45th, 50th, and more years of marriage are eligible to attend. All couples who are recognized at the Mass will receive a commemorative certificate in recognition of this important milestone in their married life in addition to pictures with the Bishop.
Couples celebrating their 10th, 15th, 20th, 30th and 35th wedding anniversaries are invited to attend the 11:30 a.m. Mass at St. Mark on Sunday, October 4, 2026. Fr. Reggie will recognize the anniversary couples and offer them a special blessing.
To register for either of these Masses, please email lrobertson@stmarkstfd.org, or call the church office at 203 377 0444.
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:
Do the souls in Heaven miss or have sorrow over family and friends who have chosen Hell over Heaven?
This is one of the most profound questions in Christian theology. The Catholic Church does not give a detailed explanation of exactly how the blessed experience this reality, but Scripture and Catholic tradition provide principles that help answer it.
The Short Answer
No. The souls in heaven do not experience sorrow as we do on earth, even if someone they loved freely rejected God. Heaven is a state of perfect happiness and complete union with God. Nothing can diminish the joy of those who behold God face to face.
Why Not?
1. Heaven is Perfect Happiness
The Book of Revelation says:
"He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain." (Revelation 21:4)
Those in heaven possess what theologians call the Beatific Vision—they see God "face to face" (1 Corinthians 13:12). Seeing God perfectly fulfills every desire of the human heart.
2. They See as God Sees
On earth, our love is mixed with limited knowledge and emotion. In heaven, our minds and wills are perfected.
This does not mean the saints stop loving their family and friends. Rather, their love becomes perfectly united with God's love. They understand God's justice, mercy, and respect for human freedom in a way we cannot fully grasp now.
As Isaiah reminds us:
"My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways." (Isaiah 55:8)
What About a Loved One Who Is Lost?
Suppose a parent has a child who ultimately rejects God.
On earth, that possibility causes immense grief because we hope for the child's conversion and cannot see the whole picture.
In heaven, the parent would know that:
- God loved that child infinitely more than they did.
- God gave every grace necessary for salvation.
- The person's final destiny was the result of a free and definitive choice.
- God's judgment is perfectly just and perfectly merciful.
The blessed would not rejoice that someone is lost. Rather, they would fully understand and affirm God's perfect justice while remaining completely at peace in Him.
What Did St. Thomas Aquinas Teach?
Thomas Aquinas addressed this question in the Summa Theologiae. He argued that the blessed do not experience sadness over the damned because their wills are perfectly conformed to God's will. Their happiness cannot be diminished by anything contrary to God's perfect justice.
This can sound harsh if misunderstood. Aquinas did not mean that the saints become cold or indifferent. He meant that their love has become perfectly ordered and united with God's wisdom.
Does This Mean We Should Stop Praying for Loved Ones?
Absolutely not.
As long as a person is alive, we should never give up hope.
- Pray.
- Offer sacrifices.
- Share the Gospel.
- Trust in God's mercy.
The Church has never declared that any particular individual is in hell. Even in cases where someone's life appears far from God, we cannot know what graces they may have received at the moment of death.
A Helpful Analogy
Imagine watching the final scene of a complex movie after having seen the entire story unfold. During the movie, confusing events can seem tragic or unfair. Once the whole story is revealed, however, everything makes sense.
Our understanding of God's justice is like watching only part of the story. The saints in heaven see the whole story in the light of God.
The Hope We Live With
The Catechism teaches that God:
- "desires everyone to be saved" (cf. 1 Timothy 2:4),
- gives every person sufficient grace to respond to Him,
- forces no one to love Him.
Hell exists because God respects human freedom. Love cannot be coerced.
What is a good way to start reading the bible?
For many people, the biggest mistake is trying to read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation like a novel. While that works for some, most people get bogged down in the detailed laws of Leviticus or the genealogies and give up. A better approach is to begin with the person at the center of Scripture: Jesus Christ.
Here's a reading plan I often recommend, especially from a Catholic perspective.
Step 1: Pray Before You Read
Begin with a simple prayer such as: "Lord, open my mind to understand Your Word and open my heart to live it. Help me hear what You want to say to me today through the Holy Spirit. Amen."
Step 2: Start with the Gospels
Read one chapter a day.
- The Gospel of Mark – The shortest Gospel. It introduces Jesus' ministry quickly and powerfully.
- The Gospel of Matthew – Shows Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament and is rich in His teachings.
- The Gospel of Luke – Highlights God's mercy, compassion, and concern for the poor and marginalized.
- The Gospel of John – A more reflective Gospel that reveals Jesus' divine identity and deepens your understanding of who He is.
Step 3: Read the Acts of the Apostles
Acts tells the story of the early Church after Jesus' Resurrection and Ascension. It shows how the Holy Spirit guided the apostles and how Christianity spread throughout the world.
Step 4: Read the Letters
Start with some of the shorter letters before tackling longer ones.
A good order is:
- Philippians
- James
- Ephesians
- Colossians
- 1 Peter
- Romans
These letters explain how Christians are called to live their faith.
Step 5: Return to the Old Testament
Once you've come to know Jesus, begin reading the books that prepared the way for Him.
A good order is:
- Genesis
- Exodus
- Joshua
- Ruth
- 1 & 2 Samuel
- 1 & 2 Kings
Then explore the wisdom books:
- Proverbs
- Ecclesiastes
- Song of Songs
- Psalms (read a psalm every day)
Finally, read the prophets:
- Isaiah
- Jeremiah
- Ezekiel
- Daniel
Read Slowly
Rather than asking, "How much can I read?" ask:
- What does this passage tell me about God?
- What does it reveal about Jesus?
- What does it teach about human nature?
- What is God inviting me to do today?
Even reading just one chapter—or a short passage—each day is enough if you take time to reflect on it.
A Catholic Way to Pray with Scripture
A beautiful method is Lectio Divina, which has four simple steps:
- Read – Read the passage slowly.
- Meditate – Notice a word or phrase that stands out.
- Pray – Speak to God about what you have read.
- Contemplate – Sit quietly and rest in God's presence.
If You Read for Just 15 Minutes a Day
A simple routine could be:
- 2 minutes – Opening prayer.
- 10 minutes – Read one chapter or a short passage.
- 3 minutes – Reflect: What is one thing God is saying to me today?
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
NEMERGUT FENCE PROJECT: HELP US REACH THE FINISH LINE!
Thanks to your generosity, we have reached 86.62% of our goal and installation of the fence has begun! 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.
BIBLE STUDY is held on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm in the Upper Room. Newcomers are always welcome. Please email Laura (Lrobertson@stmarkstfd.org) to register. If we have your email address, we can send you the readings in advance and notify you of any last-minute meeting changes. Thank you!
ST. MARK RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CATECHISTS NEEDED: 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 not already in the system.
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.
CONNECTICUT CATHOLIC MEN’S CONFERENCE – OCTOBER 10, 2026
Men of the parish are invited to attend the 2026 Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference on Saturday, October 10 at Holy Cross Catholic High School in Waterbury. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. and the program begins at 8:30 a.m.
This inspiring day of faith and fellowship features nationally known Catholic speakers:
Dr. Karlo Broussard, Fr. Dan Reehil, Jeanne Mancini, and Fr. Declan Gibson, along with opportunities for Confession, Eucharistic fellowship, Catholic exhibits and ministries, and concludes with Vigil Mass celebrated by Archbishop Christopher J. Coyne.
Lunch is included. Tickets are $45 for adults and $30 for students. Deacons and seminarians attend free.
Whether you have attended before or are considering coming for the first time, this is an outstanding opportunity to deepen your Catholic faith, strengthen your relationship with Christ, and share a memorable day with men from throughout Connecticut. Register today at: CTCatholicMen.org
ST. MARK SCHOOL AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM STAFF: HELP WANTED!
5 days a week 2:00pm-6:00PM
St. Mark Catholic School - Stratford, CT
Job Description
The St. Mark School After-School Program provides a safe, dependable, convenient place for children after dismissal. The program aims to reinforce the values of school and enrich the lives of the students.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The description below is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
After-school Staff:
1. Reports to the School Principal and After School Coordinator.
2. Ensures that all after school activities reflect the mission of St. Mark School and the Diocese of Bridgeport.
3. Ensures that the guidelines, policies and expectations of St. Mark School and that of the Diocese of Bridgeport are followed.
4. Ensures a safe and engaging environment for all students by:
5 days a week 2:00pm-6:00PM
St. Mark Catholic School - Stratford, CT
Job Description
The St. Mark School After-School Program provides a safe, dependable, convenient place for children after dismissal. The program aims to reinforce the values of school and enrich the lives of the students.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The description below is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.
After-school Staff:
1. Reports to the School Principal and After School Coordinator.
2. Ensures that all after school activities reflect the mission of St. Mark School and the Diocese of Bridgeport.
3. Ensures that the guidelines, policies and expectations of St. Mark School and that of the Diocese of Bridgeport are followed.
4. Ensures a safe and engaging environment for all students by:
- Supporting a program that keeps children safe and busy from dismissal until pick-up
- Providing homework support
- Signing out students with pick-up adult, verifying correct pick-up consents
- Verifying children are properly supervised
- Properly handling discipline problems as they arise
- Treating injuries properly if they occur
Scheduled Hours: Monday - Friday when school is in session, from 2:00pm – 6:00pm.
Preference Given to availability on Tuesday, Wednesdays, Thursdays.
Early Dismissal Days extended from 11:30am – 6:00pm.
Qualifications:
Early Dismissal Days extended from 11:30am – 6:00pm.
Qualifications:
- Minimum of a High school Diploma or GED - Associate’s Degree or higher in Education Preferred
- Background clearance
Physical/Mental Requirements:
Requires coordination and manual dexterity. Usual and customary methods of performing job's functions require: lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; walking, standing, sitting.
Travel Requirements:
Travel to school building.
Requires coordination and manual dexterity. Usual and customary methods of performing job's functions require: lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; walking, standing, sitting.
Travel Requirements:
Travel to school building.
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
