Pastor's Message 5-8-20

Dear Parishioners and Friends of St. Mark Church, 

I hope and pray that you are all staying physically and mentally healthy, and spiritually positive and joy-filled amidst this challenging time of social isolation. This pandemic is causing much disruption to our daily lives and can bring added stress with the uncertainty of these times. Not only is the pandemic causing illness and death, but the ramifications of the pandemic have led to people being laid off, or at least suspended from work, and struggling to pay bills. It is certainly a difficult time and one in which we now more than ever need to rely on the power of prayer and the strength of God. 

Certainly things are troubling and difficult, yet there are many positive takeaways from this time as well. I have spoken to many people over the phone and through Zoom meetings and have heard how neighbors are reaching out to help each other, and family members are caring for their older more at-risk aunts, uncles and grandparents. People are truly rising up to live the way we are called to live as disciples of Jesus - to love each other as God loves us. I have been encouraged and edified by hearing of the generosity, kindness and love that is being shared by many through this time. I prayerfully and personally thank all of you for the efforts you are making to help the people in your home, neighborhoods and greater community. 

In the meantime, I continue to encourage everyone to use some of the extra time that many of us have available now for prayer and study of the faith. There are many resources online through Formed.org as well as diocesan and parish resources at www.stmarksvt.com. In addition, there is an excellent opportunity to learn from a myriad of world renowned scholars and speakers through an online conference beginning this Friday, May 8th through Sunday, May 10th. It is called: Theology of the Body Virtual Conference (just click to sign up, it’s FREE). The Knights of Columbus will be holding a non-perishable food drive on May 9,2020 at both St.Marks and St. Joseph Cathedral parking lots from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Please come by to drop off some items to help those in need.  

Now that we are approaching nearly two months of social isolation, we are beginning to experience some movement toward getting back to some regular activities with limited numbers and specific restrictions and precautions. St. Mark Church will also begin opening our doors for private prayer starting May 11th. Bishop Coyne has given us the permission to allow people to come into the church for private devotions only. Below please see the days and times that the church will be open starting on May 11th. For our parishioners with existing medical conditions and those in the at-risk age groups: Due to the increased risk of illness, we still encourage you to stay home and stay safe. For those who choose to come for private devotion we will have specific locations for you to sit so that we can continue to disinfect the area regularly, keeping it safe for everyone.

Schedule of Church open hours* for private devotion beginning on May 11th:

• Monday thru Friday: 8AM to 5PM

• Saturday and Sunday: 3PM to 8PM

* Due to renovation work in the church, these hours may be adjusted. Please see the website and current bulletin for the most recent updates.