This Sunday at Saint Mark's

The Last Sunday after the Epiphany, February 15

8 a.m. - Low Mass

A spoken service, with traditional language and sermon

Sermon by Mother Johnson

9 a.m. - Family Mass

A contemporary-language service in the Nave, with music sung by the Boy & Girl Choristers, congregational hymns, and sermon

Sermon by Father Sawicky

The music for the Mass is:
Christ is the World’s True Light – Walter Kendall Stanton (1891-1978)

10 a.m. - Formation for all ages

11 a.m. - Choral High Mass

A contemporary-language service at the High Altar, with music sung by the Parish Choir, chant and incense, congregational hymns, and sermon

Sermon by Mother Johnson

The music for the Mass is:
Saint Mark’s Mass – David Hurd (b.1950)
Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies  T. Frederick Candlyn (1892-1964)
Christus Jesus Splendor – Luca Marenzio (1553-1599)

Lent at Saint Mark's

Ash Wednesday, February 18
Ash Wednesday marks the official beginning of Lent. We will keep this day with Low Mass (Rite I) at 7:30 a.m., Low Mass with Hymns (Rite II) at 12:10 p.m., and Choral High Mass (Rite II) at 7 p.m. There will be imposition of ashes at all Masses.

Lenten Prayer Devotions

Centering Prayer, Wednesdays at 6 p.m. starting February 25
All are invited to pray in the Lady Chapel as we are present with God in silence. Instruction and/or guidance will be offered for those who desire it.  If you have never done centering prayer before, this will be an opportunity to learn.  Please reach out to Mother Dure with any questions.

Stations of the Cross, Fridays after Evening Prayer, starting February 27
Fridays in Lent are days of special devotion. At Saint Mark’s it’s our custom to walk the Stations of the Cross, after Evening Prayer on Fridays in Lent, and we’ll continue that practice this year. Evening Prayer is said at 5:30 p.m. with Stations following.

Parish-Wide Lenten Practice

To Known and Be Known: A Parish Lenten Discipline

During Lent, we usually think about “what to give up?” but Lent is also a time to take on a new practice or discipline to strengthen one’s faith and sense of connection. This Lent, the parish is invited to enter into a shared Lenten discipline of helping Father Sawicky to get to know us, us know Father Sawicky, and hopefully getting to know others at the parish better in the process. To find out how you can participate, click here.

Formation

Adult Forum: How to Be a Christian in the Midst of Crisis

These are anxious and uncertain times, and many of us are asking how we are to respond as Christians—how to move forward together amid disagreement, how to face injustice, and how to manage the intense emotions stirred by our national life. This Lent, our Sunday Adult Forum at 10 a.m. will offer thoughtful, collaborative discussion grounded in the Gospel of Matthew and guided by the witness of theologians, leaders, and activists, as we discern how we are called to act, individually and together. For more information, including session topics, please check the Adult Forum page.

Lenten Book Study, March 19 at 7 p.m.

All are welcome to a book study of Richard Rohr’s latest book, “The Tears of Things,” examining the writing of the Hebrew prophets and its relevance for our time.  Rohr writes, “When we lack self-knowledge, we will unconsciously project our disliked and unknown self upon others, condemning them for the very faults we share.”  Join us at the rectory to discuss!  For more information, please get in touch with Mother Dure.

News from Saint Mark's

Upcoming and Announcements

Soup Making Session, Thursday, February 12 from 8 am. to 11 a.m.
The Saturday Soup Bowl feeds approximately 140 guests each Saturday, and it takes many gallons of soup to feed those folks! The parish is now hosting group soup making sessions in the parish kitchen for folks to drop in to assist with chopping, stirring, and storing soup. We will provide the ingredients and utensils, just bring yourself and a can-do attitude! If you would like to help, please contact Kenny Pearlstein.

Thursday Coffee Gathering, February 12 at 10:30 a.m.
These gatherings take place on the 2nd, 4th, and 5th Thursdays each month, and are an opportunity to come together for fellowship during the week. Please join us in the Food Court at Liberty Place for coffee and conversation with fellow parishioners. To find folks, walk to the windows, turn right and you will see the less crowded area where we will be the group with a red Saint Mark’s coffee mug on our table. If you have any questions about the gathering, contact Susan McDonald.

Modified Parish Office Schedule, Monday, February 16
The parish office will be closed on Monday, February 16, in observance of Presidents’ Day. There will be Low Mass at 10 a.m., but no other liturgies or programming.

Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Supper, February 17 at 6 p.m.
Before the penitential season of Lent begins, we will have one last feast, a Pancake Supper on Shrove Tuesday! Pancakes, sausage, bacon, and vegetarian options will be served. There will also be activities for kids, including the much-anticipated annual Pancake Race and burning of palms for the following day.  Bring your friends and family to enjoy the food and fellowship! The parish Youth Group will be hosting, but if you’re interested in helping, please contact Gabriela Montequin and arrive in the Parish Hall at 5:15 p.m.

Ash Wednesday, February 18
Ash Wednesday marks the official beginning of Lent. We will keep this day with Low Mass (Rite I) at 7:30 a.m., Low Mass with Hymns (Rite II) at 12:10 p.m., and Choral High Mass (Rite II) at 7 p.m. There will be imposition of ashes at all Masses.

Annual Parish Meeting, March 1 at 10 a.m.
The Annual Parish Meeting presents us with an opportunity to discuss the life and ministry of the parish. The meeting will include a presentation of the annual budget some discussion about challenges and opportunities for ministry in the upcoming year and an opportunity for questions and open discussion. It’s a lot to fit into 45 minutes, but it’s an important opportunity for communicating and sharing ideas. Please plan to come to the meeting!

Newcomer Brunch, March 22 at 12:30 p.m. in the Parlor
If you are new to the parish or have been here for a while but would like to get more connected, the parish Welcome Committee invites you to our next Newcomer Brunch on March 22 at 12:30 p.m., following High Mass. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and meet committee and staff members. We’ll answer any questions you have about the life of the parish, our history, and ways to get involved. If you have any questions, please contact Gabriela Montequin.

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