The mission of St. Mark Catholic Church is to invite, inspire, educate, and lead people to know and love Jesus Christ; to understand and live their Catholic faith; to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel through
love and service to one another.”
St. Mark Roman Catholic Church and School
1011 Eastwood Road, Wilmington, NC 28403 Parish Office: (910)392-0720 / www.stmarkcc.net
Welcome to St. Mark Catholic Church
Clergy: Pastor — Fr. Gregory Spencer (910) 392-0720 Vicar — Fr. Cesar Torres Martinez (910) 392-0720 Church Office Staff: Campus Business Manager —Denise Leuci (910) 398-6526 [email protected] Pastoral Secretary— Stephanie Watts (910) 398-6509 [email protected] Parish Office Coordinator — Dawn Wood (910) 398-6508 [email protected] Youth Ministry — Melissa Quaranto (910) 398-6510 [email protected] Children’s Faith Formation — Anne Doyle (910) 398-6511 [email protected] Music & Liturgy—Angela Daughtry (910) 398-6514 [email protected] Campus Accountant & HR—Frank DeMonte (910) 398-6512 [email protected] Realm Project Manager—Mike Krawczyk (910) 398-6517 [email protected]
Sacraments & Preparation: Baptism, Matrimony & Funerals [email protected] (910) 398-6509 First Holy Communion — Anne Doyle (910) 398-6511 [email protected] Confirmation — Melissa Quaranto (910) 398-6510 [email protected]
School: St. Mark Catholic School Principal—T. Burton (910) 452-2800 [email protected] School Admissions—Lisa Erling (910) 398-6532 [email protected]
Weekend Events - Pre-Registration By Signup Genius Required. Links emailed weekly to parishioners & on our website “www.stmarkcc.net”
Friday Eucharistic Adoration: 9:30am-4pm Saturday Vigil: 5pm (English) 6pm (Spanish at CTK in Riegelwood, NC) Confession: 3:30-4:30pm
Sunday: 8:30am, 10:30am(English) and 12:30pm (Spanish)
Weekday Masses (Signup Not Required) Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri.: 8:30am English, Wednesday Mass: 8:10am English Mon—Thurs.: 10am (Spanish)
Parish Offices Remain Closed to Walk-In Visitors. Staff are
available by phone, email or appointment.
Emergency Contact: (For life & death emergencies) During Office Hours call Stephanie (910)398-6509 Evenings/Weekends: (910)399-1591, Leave a message and your call will be returned.
For Bulletin Prayer List Requests email: [email protected] Names will remain on for one month
SOCIAL MEDIA Follow us and stay up to date!
Parish: www.stmarkcc.net School: www.smcsnc.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/
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Young Adult Ministry: [email protected]
Instagram @smccyam
For this Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Jesus addresses the religious leaders once again with yet another parable about their ill-behavior. The parable of the wicked tenants in last Sunday’s Gospel must have not been moving enough to get them to repent.
In today’s parable of the wedding feast, Jesus offers an image of the kingdom using the example of a wedding banquet. The context for this parable is the growing tension between Jesus and the Jewish religious leaders in Jerusalem.
Today’s parable is rather straightforward. The king dispatches his servants to invite the guests to the wedding feast that he is planning for his son. The listeners would have been surprised to learn that the first guests refused the invitation. After all, who would refuse the king’s invitation? Then a second dispatch of fellow guests follows. Again, they ignore the second invitation. Some of the invited guests even go so far as to mistreat and kill other servants. The king invokes his retribution against these murderers by destroying and burning their city.
We might do well to stop here for a moment. Why would some guests kill the servants sent to invite them to the king’s wedding feast? It is possible that the king was a tyrant, evidenced by the destruction of the city of those who refused his invitation. But if we follow this idea, then the allegory seems to be about something other than the kingdom of heaven. It is more likely that the destruction of the city would have been a powerful image corresponding to the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 A.D.
With the invited guests now deemed unworthy to attend the king’s wedding feast, the servants are sent to invite whomever they can find. We are reminded that while many are invited to the kingdom, not all are able to meet its requirements. God invites us to his feast, giving us his salvation. Yet he also asks us certain requirements such as to repent of our sins.
Jesus’ message in the parable cautions against exclusive beliefs about the kingdom of heaven. The parable also teaches us about humility. Those who assume that they are the invited guests may find that they have refused the invitation, and so others are invited in their place. To accept the invitation is also to accept its obligations. God wants our response for a complete acceptance of his mercy.
PS- Speaking about responses, every one should have received a mailing about our “Responding to God’s Call to Love and Serve”. A commitment card was enclosed. If you have not yet filled out the card, please prayerfully consider either giving a gift or increase what you already give to St. Mark Parish. Your sacrificial offering helps us to continue to meet the needs of our parish and community. The back of the Commitment Card has a place for you to include any prayer intentions you wish to share. We welcome all intentions and they will be prayed over during Prayer of the Faithful at Mass.
Our goal is 100% participation! Thank you for your generosity, support and continued prayers for St. Mark Catholic Church & School.
Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam, Fr. Greg
A Message From Our Pastor
New Parishioners We would like to welcome you to St. Mark. If you are
interested in registering and joining our Parish, please complete a registration form on our Parish website (stmarkcc.net) or by emailing [email protected] . If you decide to join us, we ask that you will consider giving your time, talent and treasure for the Lord’s work.
Bulletin Submission Requests must be emailed to [email protected] by noon on Tuesday, 11 days in advance of the weekend publication. All requests must have a contact name, phone # and dates requested to be in the bulletin. Articles are limited to 100-150 words & must include the who, what, where, when & why. Requests will be submitted to the Pastor for approval.
Baptism requires a minimum of 30 days notice to complete the requirements and to schedule. Please contact the Pastoral Secretary at (910) 398-6509 or [email protected].
Engaged couples must contact the office six months prior to their planned wedding date to enter Pre-Wedding preparation. Please contact the Pastoral Secretary at (910) 398-6509 or email [email protected].
Curious about the Catholic Faith?
Wondering? Seeking A Welcome?
St. Mark's process of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) can help you. If you have questions about the Catholic faith, please contact Paul Townend (910) 386-6468 or email: [email protected].
Parish News & Announcements Annual St. Mark Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and we at St Mark Catholic Church have looked forward to having our Thanksgiving Dinner for our Parishioners and guests. This year is no exception. We will have our dinner as usual, however do to the Corona Virus, we must make changes to how we serve and distribute the meals. We are still working out some of the details, and will share plans when finalized.
In the meantime, if you are interested in volunteering, please contact Dawn at (910) 398-6508 or email: [email protected] and give her your contact information. We will also begin accepting monetary donations for this meal that so many have come to rely on. Please make sure all donations are clearly noted “Thanksgiving Dinner.” Thank you.
Join us in welcoming our newest addition to the St. Mark Catholic Church and School team,
Stephanie Watts, Pastoral Secretary!
Stephanie is an educator with over 40 years of experience in teaching (grades 4-9) and administration, primarily in Catholic school. Her favorite class to teach
was Religion. She enjoys traveling, reading, antiquing, and crafting.
Stephanie is very pleased to be a part of the St. Mark staff where everyone has been warm and welcoming.
Call Stephanie for Weddings, Baptisms, Anointing of the sick and appointments with a priest.
Mass Intentions Mass times have changed since many of the current Mass Intentions were originally scheduled. Please check the bulletin weekly for accurate list of when Masses are being offered. Mass intentions can still be purchased by emailing Dawn at: [email protected]. Payment can be made with a credit card, Venmo, Realm or you can drop off cash or a check.
We held our 1st Family Faith Event on October 2nd with Dinner and Church Bingo Night. We had 15 Faith Formation families join us for this wonderful event!
Thank you to Fr. Greg, Denise Leuci, Michele and Ken Stoneman, and Val Huston for their help and support!
And congratulations to our Bingo winners! 1st Game – the Sanchez Family 2nd Game – the Mundorf Family 3rd Game – the Borelli Family
October is Respect Life MonthRemember a special baby during October Respect Life Month – Jesus St. Mark’s Respect Life ministry thanks all who adopted a baby bottle for Respect Life Month. Remember to
put your loose change, bills, or more into the bottle during October. Bottles should be returned before Mass on the weekend of October 24-25. A basket for this will be in the gathering space.
Our Respect Life Ministry is Hosting a Baby Shower Collection On the weekends of October 17/18 and 24/25, Respect Life will host a collection to benefit A Safe Place, Catholic Charities and Lifeline Pregnancy. On these weekends they will be collecting diapers, wipes and miscellaneous baby items. A collection bin will be located in the gathering space before and after all Masses.
Ministry News Thank you Meals on Wheels Ministry!! Join the Team!!
St. Mark Meals on Wheels Ministry (MOW) has been preparing and delivering hot meals to mostly needy seniors in our community for over 28 years. Currently, our combined number of clients on the 1st and 2nd Saturdays of each month runs between 150 and 160. Over 800 Meals have been prepared and served during the current Pandemic!
While our kitchen crews and delivery teams are presently well staffed, we do have an immediate need for volunteers to prepare or otherwise provide desserts to complement our monthly offerings on a rotating basis. It is customary that 24 servings be provided by each volunteer on a given Saturday. Individually wrapped or sandwich bagged cupcakes, sliced firm cake, banana or zucchini bread, or cookies (2 to 4 depending on size) work best. Those interested are asked to contact our dessert coordinator Joanne Catts ([email protected])for scheduling and delivery information.
While we appreciate the dedicated service of all of our volunteers, it is fitting that we recognize and thank Jim and Maureen Quinn who recently decided to "retire" from delivering meals after many, many years of dedicated service to our MOW Ministry.
Young Adult Ministry is for young adults in their 20’s or 30’s, married or single, with or without kids who are interested in exploring a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ through fellowship and formation in the Catholic Faith.
Our next Virtual Disciples Night will be Thursday, November 5 from 8-9pm! Reserve your seat here: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/110/5v1lgsy4
Love Never Fails with special guest Heather Khym. Building on our series on the theological virtues, Heather Khym will be speaking to us about the virtue of love or charity. One of the most talked about topics, love is often misunderstood and misconstrued. Heather will help us dive into the true and biblical understanding of love as Jesus communicates and exemplifies to us. Heather has been serving in ministry for over 25 years and has a passion for evangelization, discipleship, and creating an environment for people to have a
personal encounter with God. She attended Franciscan University where she studied Theology with a concentration in Catechetics and met her husband Jake. In 2005 they started Life Restoration, a ministry which seeks to help people experience freedom and restoration in Jesus. Currently, Heather leads retreats, speaks, and has a successful podcast called Abiding Together. She lives in British Columbia with Jake and their 3 children. Join us Tuesday, November 3 for Mass at 6pm followed by a social gathering. For more information about what we do, ways to get involved in our parish community, or if you’re interested in joining a small group contact: [email protected] or join our Facebook group YAASM and follow us on Instagram @smccyam
YOUNG ADULT & YOUTH MINISTRY Melissa Quaranto Director of Young Adult and Youth Ministry Phone (910)398-6510 Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
It is not too late to register for the 2020-2021 Youth Ministry year! We offer the following youth programs: Junior Youth Ministry (JYM) for grades 6-8. We use the LifeTeen “Edge” program. Check your email this week for this week’s video and challenge! We enjoyed seeing you all at our virtual kick-off on Wednesday! Senior Youth Ministry (SYM) for grades 9-12. Senior Youth Ministry is comprised of Confirmation preparation (typically a two year process beginning in 9th grade) and our post-Confirmation youth group called CrossWalk. SYM October dates: Sunday, Oct. 11: CrossWalk @5pm, Virtual Confirmation class @7pm Sunday, Oct. 18: HS Girls Bible Study @4pm followed by the Be Brave concert with Dana Catherine and Taylor Tripodi at 6pm!! JYM October dates: Wed. Oct. 14: In-person JYM @6:30pm RSVP here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094cada628a3f49-jyminperson1 Wed. Oct. 21: Virtual JYM @6:30pm Wed. Oct. 28: off Be safe and well. We are praying for you! Melissa and Kelly
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Matthew 22: 1-14 Living our Faith Jesus said, “Many are invited, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14)
Living the Word: In today’s parable, God is the king preparing a wedding feast for his son. God invites all of us to the table, but some reject the invitation. How do you respond to His invitation? Think about way you can prepare to be ready for God’s presence in your life? As a family, make a list of these ideas. Praying more as a family? Going to confession as a family? Doing acts of kindness for neighbors and others? Attending Mass in person or online and actively participating? When you are more aware of preparing for God’s presence in your life, how do you change? How does that make you feel? Do you feel the love of Jesus inside you during your day when you are more aware of helping others?
Questions of the Week: Child: What are 3 things you can do this week to show you are a follower of Jesus? Adult: What will you do this week to show God that you understand the relationship between faith and works?
Fun Facts for Catholic Kids: On October 13th, the Church celebrates the feast of St. Gerald – a saint who was from a noble family and had the title of “Count of Aurillac.” He was ill as a child and later in life became blind. He is the patron saint of the disabled, handicapped and physically challenged. He also founded a church and an abbey on his estate in Aurillac and devoted to his life to God. Wouldn’t this be a good day to COUNT your blessings? Think of all the good, happy things you have in your life. Think of all the reasons you have to be thank-ful! They say it’s IMPOSSIBLE to be unhappy AND grateful at the same time. So today and this week, be grateful and be happy! And don’t forget to thank God for the many blessings in your life!
Anne Doyle, Director of Children’s Faith Formation Phone (910)398-6511 Email: [email protected]
CHILDREN’S FAITH FORMATION
Be Brave Tour with Dana Catherine and Taylor Tripodi @6pm
"For we have not been given a spirit of fear but of power and love and self-control" -1 Timothy 1:7
Yes, life has been pretty crazy lately, but in the midst of the craziness, Dana and Taylor believe the Lord is calling each of us in this season of uncertainty out of fear and into bold faith. Now more than ever, God is at work. Taylor and Dana want to join you and your
community on the Be Brave Tour for a night of songs, stories, and worship to fill your heart with peace,
hope, and joy and to encourage you to be a light in the darkness.
Sponsored by the St. Mark Catholic Church Youth Ministry
RSVP here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094cada628a3f49-bebrave
Diocese & Community News
Join the Rosary Warriors at
the Our Lady of Fatima Rosary Rally “virtually” !
On October 10 at 12:00 NOON EST if you are not able to physically attend the
Rosary Rally, join VIRTUALLY! You are invited to be a part of this dynamic rosary rally, virtually. Dial: 712-775-7031 Access Code: 693689 If the line is busy: TEXT the word HELP on your cell phone to: 712-775-7031 and you will be re-routed. All callers can dial in as early as 11:30 AM EST to join and avoid a busy signal. Remember, where two or more are gathered in HIS Name, HE is there. Call and join the national Rosary Rally.
In honor of Our Lady and the Feast of the Miracle of the Sun in Fatima during the month of October, Wilmington Catholic Radio will host two Rosary rallies the weekend of October 10th and 11th to pray the Rosary in the public square. All are welcome to attend both rallies.
1). The rosary will be prayed to Our Lady of Fatima under the banner of America Needs Fatima, and it will be held in front of the old K-Mart on College Road on Saturday, October 10th beginning at 12 noon.
2). The Rosary Coast to Coast will be held on Sunday, October 11th, at 4 pm in Long Leaf Park at the intersection of Oleander Drive and Pine Grove Road. People from all over America will be praying the Rosary for our nation during this time of crisis.
Both events will happen rain or shine. For more information, please see website at wilmingtoncatholicradio.com.
The Columbiettes are participating (virtually) with “Wreaths Across America”
The wreaths that are purchased will be laid on a veteran’s grave at Wilmington National Cemetery on December 19, 2020. Each wreath purchased, at a cost of $15.00, will include a “In Honor” of a person of your choosing. It can, but does not have to be, a veteran.
You can also purchase, separately, an Honor of card to be sent to notify the receipient(s) you chose. You can find more information at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. There are two ways to purchase your wreath(s):
1) Call Maine office at 877-385-9504. They will ask for the following information: Location no: NCWNCE and Fundraising Group ID – NC0378P (this is how we get our profits). Please contact our Columbiette contact, Dale Spencer at [email protected] and let her know the
number of wreaths you purchased. We need this for our records.
2) Order online. Click on Sponsorship Group (below red wreath). Click on # of wreaths you want to sponsor. Type in “Father James E. Waters Columbiettes”. Payment is by Paypal or credit cards.
All orders must be in by December 2, 2020. Any questions please free to contact Dale Spencer at [email protected]. Makes a safe and beautiful tribute Christmas present!
The Legion of Mary, Mother of Mercy Praesidium would like to inspire you to a DO-IT-YOURSELF Retreat by committing 5 minutes of your day for 33 days to the Marian Consecration. What is the Marian Consecration? It is the act of entrusting one’s body, soul, possessions, works and entire life to the protection, guidance and intercession of Our Lady. Starting Nov. 4 and ending Dec. 8, on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, using a program developed by St. Louis de Monfort but in a simpler version, we will read, pray and reflect in the comfort of our homes, yet be spiritually united. A guide will be provided to help you through a power packed
and updated form of Marian Consecration following the teachings of our contemporary “Marian experts.” The Morning Glory Consecration Prayer will follow the 8:30AM Mass on Dec. 8 at Church.
Week One- St. Louis de Monfort Week Two- St. Maximillian Kolbe Week Three- St. Teresa of Calcutta Week Four- St. John Paul II Five Remaining Days: review Dec. 8-Consecration Prayer on Feast of the Immaculate Conception at St. Mark Church
For additional information, please contact Mary-Lou Cook, email: [email protected] or 910-232-0460. Guides will be distributed following Masses on October 24/25 and Oct. 31/Nov. 1 If you are unable to attend church, we will work with you to ensure you receive one.
Why Consecrate to Mary? It is a further deepening of our devotion to and relationship with Jesus through Our Lady. If you already have an affection for Mary and talk to her often, consecration can be that bridge that unites you to her more deeply. Give yourself to Mary- heart, mind and soul- in order to bring you closer to her Son, Jesus Christ!
Pray for our Sick Lord our God, you give us strength and support
Mass Intentions Oct 12 — Oct 18
Mon 8:30 AM † Allan Wright 10:00 AM † Francis Keenan
Tue 8:30 AM † Daniel Greenlee 10:00 AM Marie Basciano (Healing)
Wed 8:10 AM † Gary Hough 10:00 AM Marie Basciano (Healing)
Thurs 8:30 AM † John Sheehan 10:00 AM Marie Basciano (Healing)
Fri 8:30 AM Gina Brickett Campagna (Birthday)
Sat 5:00 PM † Domenica Bertetto 6:00 PM
Sun 8:30 AM † Richard S. Repko 10:30 AM † Anthony Vitale 12:30 PM † Miguel Angel
The 6:00 pm Mass on Saturday is celebrated at Christ the King Catholic Church, our Mission Parish in
Riegelwood, NC.
Names will remain on the list for a month. Please email [email protected] with requests.
Daniel Agnelli
Steven Agnelli
Andrea Baker
Dave & Mary Ballow
Marie Basciano
Toni Bellingrath
Julie Boardman
Michelle Boggiano
Jo Ann Branson
Lloyd Calkins
Richard E Canizaro
Teresa Carney
Patricia Carroll
Abby Coderre
Michael Doyle
James (Jim) Fagan
Hank Feith
Norine Ferko
Trish Fletcher
Greg Foppe
Amanda & Stephen Grimm
Eduardo Gonzalez
Mary Harrington
Monica Henderson
Al Hinn
Florence (Flo) Hough
KellyAnn Hough Holz
Mary Ellen Humphrey
Sharon Kane
Betsy King
Easton Knight
Hazel Lanier
Cheryl Marek
Grace McQuillan
Bob Milstead
Steve Mitchell
Max Morin
Tim Niggel
Omaira Reid
Val & Don Roberts
Patricia Ryaczewski
Bernadette Secondo
Joe Siccone
Henry Smith
Lenny Szlarski
Elaine Tedesco
Annelies Todd
Magdi & Jim Turner
Felice Van Eron
Geraldine Vasquez
Mary Fran Watson
Madelyne (Lyne) Welch
Joseph Wells
SPECIAL & SECOND COLLECTIONS
Oct. 18th is World Mission Sunday
Nov 1—All Saints Nov 2—All Souls
Your contributions are appreciated.
Flowers and Sanctuary Candles are provided by
The St. Mark Parish.
We pray for our deceased. May all who have died, rest in peace.
Offertory Sunday Oct 3/4:
Identifiable Gifts $ 22,084 Auto Draft 8,414 $ 30,498
Year to Date:
Budget YTD $ 352,000 Actual YTD $ 323,496
Unfavorable $ ( 28,507 )
St. Mark Catholic School News
