Pastor's Notes
A special word of thanks for the prayers, cards, supports and birthday wishes that this community extended to my mother on her 82nd birthday! I was overwhelmed when I went home and saw the numerous cards from this community. You certainly have adopted my family, and for that I am most grateful. I remember back in December and January, the hospital waiting room filled with parishioners. I remember the many individuals that volunteered through the night and offered food, cards, prayer blankets/shaws to comfort my mother and my family. I often wonder, "How do individuals make it through crisis' in their life without their Faith? How blessed I am to have each of you -- regardless of whether we agree on every matter or forms of leadership etc (who does?), I am blessed because of you -- THANK YOU!
This weekend you have your first opportunity to "sign up" to spend some time with the FATIMA statue which will be visiting our St. Mark community on September 1st. This is a wonderful time to come and just be in the presence of Our Blessed Lady who teaches us how to follow Jesus' message by a simple "YES!". Mary ALWAYS leads us to her Son, and never detracts from HIS message but helps us understand, by her example, how to LIVE OUT HIS Message!
C.C.D., Religious Education begins this weekend/Sunday from 9:30 a.m. until 10:40 p.m. Parent's, please make sure your child, if not registered in a Catholic School, MUST BE REGISTERED in CCD. A Religious Education program is to help YOU the parent, in fulfilling that PROMISE TO GOD that you made long ago when your child was baptized, that you would raise and teach your child in the Catholic Faith. As you know and as you have heard me exclaimed many times, it is the Parent's responsibility to be the primary catechist of your child -- CCD, helps you fulfill this obligation.
Go ahead and mark your calendar now for SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th for our OLD FASHION PARISH PICNIC with Mass at 11:00 a.m. and LUNCHEON TO FOLLOW. We provide the Chicken/Meat and you provide a side dish and drinks. We will follow the tradition of having our Mass Saturday (4 p.m.) and Sunday (8:30 a.m.) Mass at Church, however, the 11 a.m. Mass will be held out on the picnic grounds. It's time now to pray for GOOD, COOL WEATHER. How about we add a dunking booth this year with the Pastor -- On ball for $5, or three for $10. WATCHA THINK? Nevermind!
We welcomed this weekend representatives from the Knights of Columbus, Catholic Daughters of Americas who spoke at all the Masses, hoping to encourage each of you to take an active role in these organizations. We also were very pleased to have Leo Brown from WMJR, at the 11:00 a.m. Mass sharing about Catholic Radio in our community.
As usual, let me remind you that I am available to you in my office via email at FatherJim.Sichko@SaintMarkCatholicChurch.net or, in cases of an emergency (i.e., death or imminent need of the Sacraments), by phone at 859-623-2989, prompt #3.
P.S. I am going to pick up Sydney today from the Animal Care Clinic in Lexington. It seems that her surgery went well and she has a long recuperation ahead. Thanks for your concern for her!
See you in Church,
Fr. Jim