Hello and Happy Friday!
Here’s what is going on at St. Mark as we prepare to celebrate the Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time.
THERE IS ONE COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND: Stewardship.
THE ST. MARK PARISH COOKOUT will be held on Sunday, September 13th the cost is $10 per person, children 4 and under are free. The cookout will feature hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage and peppers, veggie burgers and all the fixings, assorted salads catered by Lasses’s, beverages, homemade desserts, Jim’s Valley Ice Cream Truck, games, Raffle, Crafts and a live DJ. Please see the attached flyer and registration form. Members of Team Social will be at all Masses this weekend to take reservations.
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. THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER HAS BEEN EXTENDED UNTIL SEPTEMBER 27TH.
THANK YOU FROM THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS! Thanks to your generosity, the Knights of Colombus were able to donate more than 150 backpacks and a truck full of school supplies to Stratford Public Schools, St. Mark School, the St. Charles Religious Ed program and Blessed Sacrament Parish, both in Bridgeport. The Knights thank you for helping so many kids get off to a good start to this school year! Please see the attached photos.
GOD HAS ALWAYS DESIRED TO EAT WITH HIS PEOPLE
Dear Parish Family,
We are excited to share a new parish video series dedicated to one of the greatest mysteries and gifts of our Catholic faith: the Eucharist.
Through this series, we will explore the story of the Eucharist from Scripture and salvation history, and discover how God's desire to dwell with and feed His people reaches its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Beginning next month, we will release one episode at a time, giving us the opportunity to watch, reflect, and grow in our understanding together.
Episodes will be posted on the St. Mark Parish website:www.stmarkstfd.org
A QR code will also be available so you can easily access the series directly from your phone.
Our hope is that this series will do more than simply teach us about the Eucharist. We pray that it will deepen our love for Jesus in the Eucharist, help us to be more intentional and reverent when we receive Holy Communion, and challenge us to live differently because we have received Christ.
The Eucharist is not simply a symbol.
It is Jesus.
And the more deeply we understand that gift, the more deeply it should transform the way we worship, the way we pray, and the way we live.
We invite everyone in our parish family to join us on this journey.
God has always desired to eat with His people. Let us rediscover what it means to come to His table.
More information and the first episode will be available soon!
GLUTEN-FREE HOSTS AVAILABLE AT MASS:
Dear Parish Family,
St. Mark Parish provides gluten-free hosts for those who require them in order to receive Holy Communion.
If you need a gluten-free host, please let the celebrant know before Mass begins. The celebrant will have a special pyx containing the gluten-free hosts prepared for distribution.
When you come forward for Holy Communion, please receive the gluten-free host directly from the celebrant. This will help us ensure that you receive the host specifically prepared for you and avoid confusion during the distribution of Communion.
Please remember:
- Notify the celebrant before Mass.
2. The celebrant will have the gluten-free hosts in a separate pyx.
3. During Communion, receive your gluten-free host directly from the celebrant.
We want everyone in our parish family to be able to participate as fully and reverently as possible in the celebration of the Eucharist.
Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us serve one another with care.
DONATIONS NEEDED FOR THE MISSIONS: There will be a collection box in the Upper Room for Rosaries, Prayer Cards, Small Religious Books and Scapulars during August and the first two weeks of September.
There is a great need for these items in all the Missions around the world. Please donate what you can. Whatever we send now will reach the Missions by Christmas. Blessings to one and all.
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.
THE ST. MARK SCHOOL GOLF CLASSIC has been rescheduled for Tuesday, September 15, 2026. There is still room for a few more golfers. Please see the attached poster for registration details.
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.
THE SCOUTS ARE HOLDING TWO OPEN HOUSES FEATURING LEGO DERBYS on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, and Wednesday, September 30, 2026, both from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the church hall. Create and race a car! Supplies will be provided. Please see details on the attached poster.
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
MASS COMMEMORATING THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 9/11 ATTACKS, TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29: On September 11, 2026, the Diocese of Bridgeport will commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the day in which our country was brutally attacked by radical terrorists and thousands of innocent people lost their lives.
Bishop Frank Caggiano invites you to observe this solemn occasion with him during the celebration of Holy Mass on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 7:00 PM at Saint Aloysius Church in New Canaan. This later date was chosen to allow first responders and military personnel, who will be busy observing this anniversary in their respective towns the opportunity around September 11th to attend our diocesan commemoration.
Please come to pray for the repose of those who died that day and its aftermath, those who have subsequently died from the exposure to toxins released by the attack, to honor all those who served their fellow citizens with distinction and generosity and to pray for a just and lasting peace in our troubled world. Please see all details in the attached flyer.
NEMERGUT FENCE PROJECT: HELP US REACH THE FINISH LINE!
Thanks to your generosity, we have reached 90.2% 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.
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!
ARE YOU BEING CALLED TO A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING Of the Faith and Truth? Do you think you might want to be a Lay Dominican? Come follow in the footsteps of Saint Dominic through prayer, study, community and apostolate. Our Lady of Fatima, Lay Fraternity of St. Dominic is growing! Please join us for our annual Open House/ Inquiry on Monday, September 21 @ 7 PM, St. Theresa School Gym, 55 Rosemond Terrace Trumbull, CT. For more information about the Lay Dominicans please call, text or email our Formation Director, Mrs. Michelle Rowe, OP., @ 203-218-6882; orapronobis20@gmail.com. Please see the attached poster.
2026 LOURDES RETREAT: Please join us for a Special Day of Hope and Healing with Bishop Frank Caggiano on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM, St. Mary Church 566 Elm St, Stamford, CT. The retreat will feature Rosary, Procession, Lourdes Water and Courageous Witness from members of the Diocesan Committee for Healing. Refreshments immediately following. All are welcome. Please see the attached poster.
ST. CATHERINE CENTER FOR SPECIAL NEEDS presents the Joy & Gratitude Annual Gala on Sunday, September 27, 2026 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at The Inn at Longshore, Westport Connecticut. The evening will feature cocktails, dinner, and live and silent auctions. All proceeds will benefit the mission of Saint Catherine Center. Please see the attached poster for details and registration information.
DIOCESAN NOVENA IN HONOR OF ST. PADRE PIO: This year will mark the inauguration of an annual diocesan novena in honor of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, known as Padre Pio, which will take place from Wednesday, September 23 to October 1, 2026.
Mass will be celebrated each evening at 7:00PM followed by the Litany of St. Pio, and then the veneration of his relics. The following relics will be available for veneration: Saint Pio's brown glove, a lock of his hair, Saint Pio's handkerchief used during the Mass to wipe his tears, crusts of his wounds, and a piece of Saint Pio's mantle.
9/23/26 The Basilica of St. John the Evangelist, 279 Atlantic Street, Stamford
9/24/26 Church of the Holy Spirit, 403 Scofieldtown Road, Stamford
9/25/2026 St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 1719 Post Road, Fairfield
9/26/2026 St. Augustine Cathedral, 399 Washington Avenue, Bridgeport
9/27/2026 St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 220 Shelton Road, Trumbull
9/28/2026 St. Jude Parish, 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe
9/29/2026 St. Patrick Parish, 169 Black Rock Turnpike, Redding
9/30/2026 St. Philip Church, 1 Father Conlon Place, Norwalk
10/1/2026 Church of St. Cecilia, 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford
Books and other materials will also be available for purchase. We are grateful to the Saint Pio of Pietrelcina Foundation for helping us organize this novena and making the veneration of his relics possible to the faithful of our diocese.
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.
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
