Hello and Happy Friday!
Here’s what is going on at St. Mark as we prepare to celebrate the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time.
THERE IS ONE COLLECTION THIS WEEKEND: Stewardship.
STATE OF THE CHURCH ADDRESS – This Monday, October 26th at 6:30 p.m.
Please join Fr. Reggie for the State of the Church Address this Monday, October 26, 2026, at 6:30 PM in the Church Basement. Fr. Reggie will share an update on the life of our parish, reflect on where we are today and discuss our hopes, challenges and vision for the future of St. Mark. This is an opportunity for us to come together as a parish family, celebrate our blessings and look ahead to how we can continue to grow in faith and community. All parishioners are encouraged to attend.
OUR KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Daily Rosary and Litany Devotion to our Blessed Mother continues through Saturday, October 31. Join the Knights weeknights at 7:00 pm, Saturdays after the 5:00 pm Mass, and Sundays after the 11:30 am Mass. The devotion takes about 30 minutes, and everyone is welcome!
NEMERGUT FENCE PROJECT: Thank you—You Did It!
Thanks to your generosity, we have reached 100% of our goal! You did it! Thank you for helping to make our campus a safer and more secure place!
WINTER COAT DRIVE: Deacon Paul is collecting gently used or new winter coats and gloves (please, no spring jackets) for those at the Lord's Kitchen and Merton House. Please leave your donated items in the Upper Room. The Winter Coat Drive will end on October 29th.
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS NEEDED! Deacon Paul needs additional Eucharistic Ministers to bring Holy Communion to Catholics at Lord Chamberlain on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Saturdays of the month, from 10:15 to 11:30. Volunteers choose the dates they can serve even if it's only once a month. The more ministers, the fewer dates needed. This is an important and highly rewarding ministry, for both the residents and the ministers.
Please consider this request prayerfully and contact Deacon Paul at 203-378-8025 (or e mail pkurmay@stmarkstfd.org). Thank you so much. " I was sick, and you visited me."
HEY KIDS, TRICK-OR-TREAT AT THE RECTORY after the 5:00 p.m. Mass on Halloween, Saturday, October 31st. Fr. Reggie and Fr. Jacob will have special treats for all!
THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE: Each year, St. Mark Parish and St. Mark School work together to help fill the food pantries for Thanksgiving at Blessed Sacrament and St. Charles in Bridgeport.
Donations of the following are requested: beans (especially black beans), rice, canned vegetables, cranberry sauce, stuffing, boxed mashed potatoes, gravy, canned meats, tuna fish, spaghetti sauce, pasta, cereal, Chef Boyardee canned pastas, canned soups, peanut butter, brownie mix, cake mix, soap, and toilet paper. Please drop your food donations in the Upper Room.
Both churches have asked that we provide them with turkeys this year. Jared and the Youth Group will be collecting monetary donations for the turkeys on the weekend of November 14th and 15th.
Thank you for helping provide the less fortunate with a delicious Thanksgiving dinner!
COME SING WITH US! Choir Members Wanted! Father Reggie says we all have something we love to do that we could offer to the Saint Mark community! Perhaps you love to sing! Our choir sings for the Sunday 9:30am Mass. Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 7-8pm. Basic music reading skills are a help. God is asking you to share your love of singing with the choir....
hopefully your response will be: " HERE I AM LORD!!"
Please email Don Brelsford for information: dbrelsford@stmarkstfd.org
OUR HANDS TO HEARTS GROUP is asking for donations of yarn, any type or color, as their supply has dwindled. There is a collection box for donated yarn in the Upper Room. The Hands to Hearts group knits and crochets baby blankets for all children who are baptized at St. Mark, they make prayer shawls for the sick, and warm winter hats and mittens for the needy. New members are always welcome. Their meeting schedule is in the bulletin. Thank you!
PEACE IN THE STORM: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Reflect. Renew. Respond.
Are you interested in supporting fellow parishioners through faith, hope, and conversation?
Peace in the Storm is a parish ministry for those facing chronic pain, caregiving, bereavement, loneliness, or other life challenges.
We are looking for kind, welcoming, and prayerful volunteers to help facilitate monthly faith-filled conversations.
No special training is needed. Materials and support will be provided.
ST. MARK SCHOOL PRE-K & KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, November 8th | 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Come discover the difference of a Catholic education rooted in faith, love, and academic excellence. On Sunday, November 8th, St. Mark School will host private tours for prospective Pre-K and Kindergarten families.
Experience our safe and nurturing environment, meet our dedicated and faith-filled teachers, and see how we foster a culture of vibrant Catholic identity. At St. Mark, we partner with families to educate the whole child — spiritually, academically, and emotionally — through our Catholic Virtue Education Program, helping young children grow in faith, character, and confidence.
TEAM SOCIAL INVITES YOU TO COME BE PART OF THE FUN! Team Social meets every first Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. in the Upper Room. Newcomers are always welcome. Please email Lucille Marottolo for more information about Team Social: Lucille.Marottolo@quinnipiac.edu
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.
Episodes are posted on the St. Mark Parish website: The Eucharist: Heaven on Earth – St. Mark R.C. Church or on YouTube: The Eucharist: Heaven on Earth - YouTube. We currently have twelve episodes posted on our website!
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. Please see the attached poster.
FALL PROGRAMS AT ST. MARK
Divorced, Separated & Widowed Support Group
Are you navigating the challenges of divorce, separation, or the loss of a spouse? You are invited to join our confidential Divorced, Separated & Widowed Support Group, a safe, faith-filled space to share experiences, explore emotions, find support, and begin or continue the journey toward healing.
We will discuss the emotions that accompany loss, including grief, anger, loneliness, guilt, and forgiveness, as well as the Catholic annulment process.
When: Thursdays at 6:00 PM Where: Rectory Living Room Privacy: All sessions are private and confidential.
Meeting Dates:
- October: 22, 29
- November: 12, 19
- December: 3, 10, 17
- January: 7, 14, 21
- February: 4, 11, 18
You do not have to attend every session. Come when you can. Whether your loss is recent or from years ago, you are welcome. Together, we will support one another as we seek healing, renewed hope, and strength through faith and community. Please email Fr. Reggie to RSVP
Cooking with Fr. Reggie: Food, Family & Faith
Join Fr. Reggie for Cooking with Fr. Reggie, an opportunity to learn the basics of air fryer and Instant Pot cooking while renewing the meaningful traditions of cooking, eating, and praying together as a family.
These sessions are about more than preparing a meal. They are an opportunity to spend quality time together, share the joy of cooking, strengthen family bonds, and rediscover the importance of gathering around the table in prayer and fellowship.
All members of the family are invited!
Dates: November 2, 16, and 30 Space is limited to 25 people per session. Additional dates will be added if needed.
Reservations are required. Please reserve your spot by emailing rnorman@stmarkstfd.org.
Come ready to cook, learn, pray, and enjoy good food and fellowship with Fr. Reggie!
Seniors’ Ministry Planning Meeting
Building Community, Sharing Ideas, Shaping the Future
St. Mark Parish invites our senior parishioners to a special planning meeting to share ideas and discuss how we can better serve the needs, interests, and well-being of our senior community.
We recognize that many of our seniors face challenges with transportation, especially driving at night or traveling long distances. We want to hear directly from you about the programs, activities, services, and opportunities for fellowship that would make St. Mark more accessible, welcoming, and supportive.
This is an opportunity to share your experiences, voice your concerns, offer suggestions, and help shape the future of our parish’s senior ministry. Your voice matters, and your ideas can make a difference!
Date: Tuesday, November 10, 2026 Time: [Time to be announced] Location: The Upper Room, St. Mark Parish
A light lunch will be provided.
Please RSVP to rnorman@stmarkstfd.org so we can plan accordingly.
We look forward to coming together, listening, sharing, and finding new ways to ensure that our seniors remain an active, valued, and connected part of the St. Mark parish family.
Advent Day of Reflection
Prepare the Way of the Lord
Join Fr. Reggie and Fr. Jacob for a special Advent Day of Reflection as we take time away from the busyness of daily life to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ.
Through prayer, Scripture, and spiritual reflection, we will deepen our relationship with God and rediscover the hope, peace, joy, and love that Advent brings. Each day will feature a different reflection presented by one of our priests, offering a unique perspective to help us grow spiritually during this holy season.
Dates and Times:
- Saturday, November 28, 2026, at 6:30 PM
- Sunday, November 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM
Location: St. Mark Church
All parishioners are invited to join us for this opportunity to slow down, renew our faith, and prepare for the celebration of Christmas.
Come and make room in your heart for Christ this Advent!
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BLOOD DRIVE: Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Parish Center. All donors will receive an exclusive Red Cross x Wheel of Fortune oversized mug, while supplies last. PLUS, those who come to give during that time frame will automatically be entered for a chance to win a trip for two to Los Angeles to see a taping of Wheel of Fortune!
Help save lives and empower your health by learning key medical insights. In November during National Diabetes Awareness Month, successful donations will get free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes. (One test result per calendar year; do not fast before you donate). Visit RedCrossBlood.org/Maze for details.
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Many patients battling cancer require blood transfusions. As 1 in 3 people are diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime, it’s critical to keep the blood supply stable. Support patients with cancer or those needing transfusions by securing a time to give. Please see the attached poster for all details and sign up to give at www.redcrossblood.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.
There was just one question for this week’s Flocknote:
How Is the Catholic Eucharist Made?
In the Catholic Church, the Eucharist is not understood as something human beings manufacture. Bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and the words of consecration spoken by a validly ordained priest during the Mass. This change is called transubstantiation.
To understand how this happens, we need to look at both the preparation of the bread and wine and what takes place at the altar.
1. The bread and wine are prepared
The bread
The Latin Catholic Church ordinarily uses unleavened bread made from wheat flour and water. It contains no other ingredients that would change it from true bread. The hosts are baked, prepared, and brought to the altar.
The wine
The wine must be natural grape wine, made from grapes and not spoiled. A small amount of water is mixed with the wine during the preparation of the gifts, following the Church's liturgical tradition.
These ordinary elements have a biblical foundation. At the Last Supper, Jesus took bread and wine, gave thanks, and gave them to His disciples.
See Matthew 26:26–28, Mark 14:22–24, and Luke 22:19–20.
2. The gifts are brought to the altar
During the preparation of the gifts, the priest receives the bread and wine. He offers prayers of blessing and thanksgiving and prepares them for the Eucharistic Prayer.
At this point, the bread and wine are still bread and wine. They have not yet been consecrated.
The priest then begins the Eucharistic Prayer, the central prayer of the Mass.
3. The priest invokes the Holy Spirit
During the Eucharistic Prayer, the priest invokes the Holy Spirit upon the gifts. This invocation is called the epiclesis.
The priest asks God to sanctify the gifts so that they may become the Body and Blood of Christ.
This reminds us that the Eucharist is not the result of the priest's personal power or holiness. It is God's work, accomplished through the liturgical ministry of the priest.
4. The priest speaks the words of Jesus
The priest then recounts what Jesus did at the Last Supper and speaks the words of consecration:
Over the bread
“Take this, all of you, and eat of it, for this is my Body, which will be given up for you.”
Over the chalice
“Take this, all of you, and drink from it, for this is the chalice of my Blood, the Blood of the new and eternal covenant, which will be poured out for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Do this in memory of me.”
These are the words of the Roman Catholic liturgy, based on Jesus' words at the Last Supper.
At the consecration, the substance of the bread becomes the Body of Christ, and the substance of the wine becomes the Blood of Christ. Christ becomes truly present under the appearances of bread and wine.
This is the mystery Catholics call the Real Presence.
5. What exactly changes? The meaning of transubstantiation
This is one of the most important questions in Catholic theology.
The Church teaches that the change is real, but it is not a physical or chemical transformation that laboratory equipment can detect.
Before consecration
After consecration
The substance is bread.
The substance is the Body of Christ.
The substance is wine.
The substance is the Blood of Christ.
The appearances of bread and wine are present.
The appearances of bread and wine remain.
The word substance refers to what something fundamentally is. The appearances—what we can see, taste, touch, and measure—remain those of bread and wine.
That is why the consecrated Host still looks and tastes like bread, and the consecrated wine still looks and tastes like wine.
The Church calls this change transubstantiation. It does not mean that Jesus is physically hiding inside the bread as though the Host were a container. Rather, the whole substance of the bread is changed into Christ's Body, while the appearances of bread remain.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains this teaching in paragraphs 1373–1377.
6. Why do Catholics receive the whole Christ under either form?
Here is another extraordinary part of Catholic teaching.
After the consecration, Christ is wholly present under the appearance of bread and wholly present under the appearance of wine. His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity are present in the Eucharist.
Therefore, a Catholic who receives only the consecrated Host receives the whole Christ—not merely His Body without His Blood.
Likewise, Christ is wholly present under the consecrated wine.
This is why receiving Communion under one kind, such as the Host alone, is a complete reception of Christ in the Eucharist.
7. Is the Eucharist Jesus being sacrificed again?
No. The Mass does not crucify Jesus again.
At Calvary, Jesus offered Himself once for all for the salvation of humanity. At Mass, that same sacrifice is made sacramentally present to us. The Eucharist is the memorial of Christ's Passover: His Passion, Death, and Resurrection.
The Mass allows us to participate sacramentally in the one sacrifice of Christ, not in a new or repeated crucifixion.
See Hebrews 7:27 and 9:26–28, and Catechism paragraphs 1362–1367.
8. What happens after the consecration?
The Mass continues with the Eucharistic Prayer, the Lord's Prayer, the sign of peace, the breaking of the bread, and Holy Communion.
When Catholics receive Communion, they are not simply receiving a reminder of Jesus or a symbol of His love. They receive Jesus Christ Himself, truly and sacramentally present.
The Eucharist unites us more closely to Christ, strengthens our spiritual life, deepens our unity with the Church, and calls us to love and serve others.
The remaining consecrated Hosts are kept in the tabernacle for Communion to the sick and for prayer and adoration.
The most important point to remember
The Eucharist begins with ordinary gifts of bread and wine. During the Eucharistic Prayer, God acts through the Holy Spirit and the ministry of the priest, and the bread and wine become the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ.
The priest does not make Jesus present by his own power. Christ is the one who acts, and the priest serves as His ordained minister.
At every Mass, Catholics believe that the same Jesus who was born of Mary, who died on the Cross, who rose from the dead, and who lives forever is truly present to nourish His people.
That is why the Eucharist is not simply something Catholics receive. It is the gift of Christ Himself.
GROWING IN FAITH: ONE BOOK AT A TIME: Please contact Fr. Reggie if you are interested in either of the “Must Read” books below!
An Hour with Christ: Seven Meditations by Blessed Fulton Sheen
One hour with Jesus can change every other hour.
“Could you not watch one hour with me?”
Christ asked this question in the Garden of Gethsemane. For Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, it became a lifelong invitation. As a young priest, Sheen began spending one hour each day in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, a practice he continued for more than sixty years and called “the hour that makes my day.”
In this book, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen invites you to make that same hour with Christ a source of peace, transformation, and deeper friendship with God. Through his meditations, Sheen teaches you how to pray, listen to God, meditate on the mysteries of the faith, and bring your own life before Jesus.
First published as The Holy Hour: Could You Not Watch One Hour with Me?, this classic collection of Fulton Sheen’s meditations for Eucharistic Adoration returns in a new Ascension edition, with practical guidance and beautiful additions to help you make the most of your time with Jesus.
Inside this book, you’ll discover:
- How a Holy Hour can bring greater peace, clarity, and closeness to God
- How to begin a Holy Hour and learn to truly meditate with God
- How to speak honestly with God, quiet your thoughts, and listen for His voice
- Reflections on the Eucharist, the Blessed Mother, Scripture, and your call to holiness
- Practical guidance for making the most of your time before the Blessed Sacrament and letting prayer transform your daily life
This Ascension edition also includes a practical guide for using the book in prayer, a foreword by Fr. Mike Schmitz, a biographical introduction to Fulton Sheen’s life and legacy, and photographs from his life and ministry. Learn to pray with greater intention, listen with greater attentiveness, and allow time in God’s presence to transform the rest of your life.
$15 each for bulk order and shipping - if interested send email to rnorman@stmarkstfd.org
How to be His: a 33-Day Dedication to Our Eucharistic Jesus by Dan Burke, Fr. Ignatious J. Schweitzer, O.P.., Fr. Jesse Maingot
This thirty-three-day dedication is a powerhouse of grace to help you grow in loving union with Jesus in the Holy Eucharist to experience and foster an ongoing Eucharistic revival.
Taste the richness of the Church’s teaching on the Real Presence.
As you grow in Eucharistic wisdom and amazement, you will savor the writings of saints who were great lovers of the Blessed Sacrament-including John Paul II, Charles de Foucauld, Peter Julian Eymard, John of the Cross, Pier Giorgio Frassati, Teresa of Calcutta, Manuel Garcia Gonzalez, and Catherine of Siena-and absorb fresh insights through penetrating reflections about them.
Additionally, you will meditate on the mystery of God’s Word and thereby drink at the source of divine revelation to ignite your interior life.
As you let the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus transform you, you will learn:
- How to fall in love with our Eucharistic Lord and “waste time” with Him
- The secret to releasing God’s healing power and grace in your life and in the world
- How Holy Communion and Eucharistic Adoration will help you grow from virtue to virtue
- Ways obedience to God’s Word opens your heart to a flood of Eucharistic graces
- The connection between Eucharistic devotion, love of the poor, and charitable works
This must-read book includes short reflection questions at the end of each chapter, a sample dedication prayer, and potent Eucharistic prayers and is ideal for parish, small-group, and personal enrichment. The profound meditations in its pages will inspire you to give Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament the time, reverence, love, and adoration that He deserves from you. They will urge you to more fruitful preparation for Mass and thanksgiving after Mass and, above all, will guide you in deepening your personal relationship with Jesus and stirring you to become intentional about promoting Eucharistic Adoration.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT STRATFORD CATHOLIC CHURCHES:
Ivan Diaz Concert, tonight, Friday, October 23rd at Our Lady of Peace, and again on Sunday, October 25th at St. Ann Church. Please see the attached posters for all details. Click here to see an interview about the concerts: Ivan Diaz | Videos & Movies on Vimeo
UPCOMING EVENTS SPONSORED BY THE TOWN OF STRATFORD:
Community Building & Conversation:
Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026, from 6PM to 8PM
Location: First Congregational Church, 2301 Main St. Stratford CT
Event Description: In this community conversation, we will explore the challenges facing our neighbors, available resources, and how we can all work together to build a stronger community.
No Place to Grow Old - Screening and Networking:
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 5:30PM to 7:30PM
Event Description: No Place to Grow Old is the first documentary to capture a growing crisis unfolding quietly across America: older adults aging into homelessness. This screening allows community members to connect with local grassroots housing organizations to support efforts to keep our aging population housed.
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
