COMMUNITY GROWTH COMMISSION
Bill Grossman, Pastoral Associate | 703-938-1936
Denise Argote, Secretary | 703-938-1936
Betsy Zolper, Chairperson | 703 -319-1592
Alpha Spiritual Series and Following Christ Series – Contact John at jhwmitchell@yahoo.com, or Fr. Tuck at grinnellhorace@gmail.com for times and days for spring Alpha sessions.
Bereavement Support Group
Have you lost a loved one? If you, or someone you know, is grieving the loss of a loved one, and would like to join with others to talk about your feelings and your journey, please consider joining a bereavement support group being jointly offered by ST. MARK Catholic Church and OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL Catholic Church.
We will be presenting a 9-week program that addresses many of the issues faced by those who are grieving. The volunteer facilitators will guide the participants through readings, exercises, prayers and sharing.
Programs run in the Fall (August-September) and the Spring (January-March) time frames. We will meet on Sundays, from 3:30pm to 5:00pm, in the St. Mark Church lower level in Room C104
If you have questions, or wish to sign up, please contact Ms. Sarah Kirk at skirkbtr@gmail.com, or phone/text her at 703-403-3072.
What other ST. MARK group, or event, can I join to assist me in my faith journey with Christ?
Do you need to learn more about the Alzheimers? what are the signs? how can I get help?
Prime Time Single Catholics is sharing Christian fellowship through religious, social, cultural, community, and recreational activities for older single Catholics.
* MOMS with children in college Calendar of Events
* Make a Spiritual Weekend through
Catholic Diocese of Arlington CURSILLO Weekends helping you with your spiritual growth!
Marriage Encounter-Making a good marriage better!
* Maybe you would like to start a new group not offered at ST. MARK!
* And many, many others below!!! Please come and join us!!
ST. MARK Ministries
Diocesan Recognized Groups
| Christians in Commerce | Cursillos in Christianity | Knights of Columbus |
| Teams of Our Lady | Worldwide Marriage Encounter |
ST. MARK Ministries:
ALPHA
Alpha – Contact John at jhwmitchell@yahoo.com, or Fr. Tuck at grinnellhorace@gmail.com for times and days for spring/summer Alpha sessions.
A loving support group to assist parents who have gay and lesbian children. We meet several times a year in a non-judgmental and compassionate setting.
“Always Our Children” – This ST. MARK ministry is a support group for those with gay and lesbian children/friends. Please join us for fellowship and conversation that helps foster compassion and understanding of gay and lesbian issues. All are welcome! For further information or questions, please, call Mary Purdy 703-385-9572, or Diana Stivison 703-255-9090.
Mary Purdy | 703-385-9572
Diana Stivison | 703-255-0909
Like to bake? Freshly made items needed for funeral receptions: cakes, pies, cookies, bar cookies, whatever you wish to create. This ministry is a wonderful expression of our caring community to families grieving the loss of their loved one. You will be called 48 hours before reception.
Mary Lou McIntire | 703-938-4276
Bereavement Group at ST. MARK: See below under “Grief Support”
Join in Celebrating the Season of Creation!
What is the Season of Creation? The Season of Creation is a time to renew our relationship with our Creator and all creation through celebration, conversion and commitment together. During the Season, we join with Christians around the world in prayer and action for our common home. And it is happening from Atlanta to Australia, from Paris to Pittsburgh!
When did this begin? In 1989 Patriarch Dimitrios 1 proclaimed 1 September as a day of prayer for creation for the Orthodox. This was embraced by other major Christian churches and by Pope Francis in 2015. The day of prayer was extended to a Season of Creation through the month of September culminating on October 4 with the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of ecology. Now tens of thousands of Christians around the world organize celebrations in their communities, ranging from prayer services to litter cleanups to advocacy actions. This particular year, the need for just and sustainable systems has been revealed by the far-reaching effects of the covid pandemic.
Please join us in our efforts to learn more about how our faith calls us to care for our common home. The goal of our ministry is to gather ideas for future projects from individuals and parish groups. All are welcome to join our ministry. We meet on the second Wednesday of each month via Zoom. For more information, contact Betsy Zolper, betsyzolper@verizon.net. As Pope Francis says in Laudato Si’, “Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or secondary aspect of our Christian experience.”
The Care for Our Common Home ministry works to promote the teachings of Pope Francis in Laudato Si’ through:
- Prayer and Reflection on the connectedness of all of God’s creation;
- Education on Church statements on the environment;
- Action to create a sustainable environment in the St. Mark community;
- Advocacy for policies that will protect the earth and our most vulnerable brothers and sisters.
Divorced or Separated Ministry at St. John Neumann
We would like to invite separated or divorced members of ST. MARK to join our small group at Saint John Neumann as we gather in support of those in need of this healing. We have many members of our faith community who are not sure how their status affects their relationship with the Catholic community. Please consider coming to find out more about what our Catholic faith has to say regarding divorce? We will meet at Saint John Neumann on Wednesday evenings, twice a month. If you are interested in more information regarding this ministry or in joining us please contact Jo Ann Dugan at (703)860-6149.
DONUT SUNDAY AT ST. MARK
I’m sure that you’ve seen or participated in (eaten) a donut or two at one of our monthly Donut Sunday events in the Cassidy Activities Center. Would you like to help? Each event is sponsored by one of the many ST. MARK ministries/groups under the guidance of our leader, Ann Brinkmann. Some groups don’t have enough volunteers to handle the event and call on other volunteers to pitch in. Please consider raising your hand to help in this easy and fun event. Contact Ann for more details. This program is on hold until COVID restrictions are lifted, AND a new leader is needed to help resurrect this fun activity. If interested, then please contact Bill Grossman at 703-938-1936.
Ann Brinkmann | 703-281-2322
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FUNERAL RECEPTIONS COMMITTEE
This special service is offered to parishioners so they can gather family and friends together for a meal after a funeral. Volunteers host a catered luncheon in the Activities Center. Set up, serve and clean up; mostly daytime, occasional evening; training and fellowship provided. 2-3 hour commitment per funeral reception. Most volunteers average volunteering for a reception 3 or 4 times per year. Please consider this most valuable ministry.
Bill Grossman | 703-938-1936
Denise Argote | 703-938-1936
Grief Support Group
Have you lost a loved one? If you, or someone you know, is grieving the loss of a loved one, and would like to join with others to talk about your feelings and your journey, please consider joining a bereavement support group being jointly offered by ST. MARK Catholic Church and OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL Catholic Church.
We present a 9-week program (starting at various times during the year) that address many of the issues faced by those who are grieving. The volunteer facilitators will guide the participants through readings, exercises, prayers and sharing.
If you have questions, or wish to sign up, please contact Ms. Sarah Kirk at skirkbtr@gmail.com, or phone/text her at 703-403-3072.
LE CERCLE FRANCAIS
Voudriez-vous parler français ensemble? Would you be interested in getting together for 1-2 hours once a week or once a month to speak everyday conversational French? If YES, please join us on Tuesday mornings at 10:30 am via ZOOM. The purpose of this group is to relax and talk about ordinary events, the weather, news, interesting (or not!) things that occurred at home, in the grocery store, etc. Prerequisite: ability to speak minimal French and to laugh at all the mistakes we’ll make. Please contact Donna Deeley if you have an interest in pursuing such a gathering.
Donna Deeley | 703-938-0986
Moms of ST. MARK! – Our ministry encourages its members in the myriad of ways that we serve God – as mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, co-workers, and friends. We are bonded by our vocation and our faith, and we come together to share the joys and struggles of motherhood. Join our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/MOSMV/ to start engaging with other Moms of ST. MARK today! Contact Katie Gruters at MomsOfStMark@gmail.com with any questions.
MOMS WITH CHILDREN OF COLLEGE AGE STUDENTS
MOMS with children in college Calendar of Events
Whether this is your first or last child off to college, all mom’s have feelings that are hard to explain as our children embark upon a new journey. The intent of this group is to better understand how we can support our children in their college years by using our spirituality, to support one another, and to create care packages to send to our children. We will be using Stormie Omaritians Praying Series-The Power of a Praying Parent to help guide us in the correct direction. The group meets once a month on the second Tuesday of every month via Zoom. This is an opportunity to talk with other mom’s and share experiences. MOMS with Children of College Age Students
Contact Christina Matthews at 609-405-1632 for more information!! Please come join us!!
Movie Night for Parishioners
Families are invited to a Montly Movie Showing in the Cassidy Activities Center. Ice cream is served at 6:30 pm, followed by the movie at 7 pm. Kids may bring blankets and sleeping bags. Children must be accompanied by an adult. To assist contact:
Andrea Kramer | 703-938-1216
This ministry is a fun way to work with fellow parishioners to greet and welcome newly registered parishioners to ST. MARK. Gatherings are 2 times per year-the spring and fall. This committee coordinates all the details for these two events, from sending out invitations, collecting RSVPs, determining the theme, menu selection to hosting the event. It’s fun and a GREAT way to welcome newcomers to the ST. MARK parish family. Requires approximately 3 hours per event.
Jessica Osvarek | 703-242-1998
Peggy Kelly | 703-281-6662
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PASTORAL CARE TEAM (PACT)
Pastoral Assistants Care Team (PACT) is an outreach ministry to ST. MARK Parishioners who are experiencing chronic and/or serious illness, or a temporary physical set back such as a hip or knee replacement. PACT Ministers have had training as Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, and receive additional training one-on-one with our more experienced PACT Ministers, as an observer on Home Visits. Most Home Visits occur on the weekend, but some happen during the week. The PACT Minister visits and brings Eucharist once per week to an assigned parishioner but may minister to other family members, as well. Time commitment varies as each arrangement is unique to the needs of the Homebound Parishioner
Bill Grossman | 703-938-1936
Blanket Sets for Babies – ST. MARK parishioner Judy Buchino displays handiwork of the ST. MARK Prayer Shawl
Ministry destined for a crisis pregnancy center. The mission of the shawl ministry is to make use of their needlework skills to provide knitted and crocheted blankets to those in need of comfort. For several years they have contributed beautiful blanket sets to families who would benefit from financial and emotional support through “A Woman’s Choice” in Herndon, Virginia. During the month of October the St. Mark Pro Life Committee hosted a “virtual” baby shower for clients of this facility.
Prayer Shawl Ministry, meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month at 1pm in C103 at ST. MARK Catholic Church. ALL ARE WELCOME!
The ministry’s message of caring is simple and enduring. The shawl maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient. Upon completion of a knitted or crocheted shawl a final blessing is offered and the shawl is sent on its way with prayers to give comfort to those in need. The prayer shawl ministry meets on the second Tuesday of every month from 1pm-3pm.
Maria Gillard | 703-591-8781
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Prayer Vigil for Peace
ST. MARK Parish has joined two nearby parishes, St. John Neumann and Christ the Redeemer, in holding a monthly Prayer Vigil for Peace on the second Saturday of each month, preceding the 5:30 vigil Mass. Each of the three parishes hold its own vigil, but they coordinate to the extent desired on themes and resources and draw encouragement from praying together for peace. The vigils include a Scriptural Rosary for Peace and Justice, readings from Scripture, and prayers. All are welcome.
Bill Grossman | 703-938-1936
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RESPECT-LIFE COMMITTEE
The Respect-Life Committee is in need of a leader for this group to help promote a renewed respect for human life by helping to make our parish a center where parishioners will pray for, witness to, and understand the issues and the importance of meeting the needs of those who are most vulnerable. These especially include mothers and their unborn children, the elderly or disabled at risk for euthanasia, and those on death row who proclaim innocence. We need parishioners to help with activities such as the spiritual adoption program, organizing our trip to the March for Life, organizing a presence at the Forty days for Life Campaign. We also need help in promoting educational materials and programming with speakers.
The Remembrance Ministry is an outreach to families who have recently experienced the death of a loved one. We contact the bereaved families through sympathy notes and by telephone. We share community resources and assure them that the thoughts and prayers of our ST. MARK community are with them. This ministry assists with the planning of the Mass of Remembrance. Training is provided. New members are very welcome! Commitment: 1-2 hours/month.
Kathy Kelmelis | 703-281-0838
SENIORS MINISTRY (M&M’S)
M&M = Maturing Matters – The 55+ Group of ST. MARK Church – For more information please contact Joyce Kerrigan at 703-262-0148 or Anne Shea 703-938-9049
The Seniors Ministry, also known as the “M&M’s” (Maturing Matters) is looking for anyone over 55 to join them. Senior parishioners would be gathering for social events, spiritual enrichment or other opportunities as the group evolves. One opportunity would be to meet your fellow parishioners. If you think you would enjoy participating in such events please contact us!
Also, please check out this National organization that helps Seniors in many ways: https://www.senioradvice.com/about-us
11 health and safety resources for our seniors
Joyce Kerrigan | 703-938-9049
Bill McCarthy | 703-938-7208
SMALL COMMUNITIES OF FAITH (SCoF)
Small groups meet in homes (with a trained facilitator) to read the Scriptures, pray, and discuss sacred readings emphasizing “What the Scriptures are saying, TODAY, in the 21st century.” Members share their faith and become better grounded in Catholic values. SCoFs build community and participants feel more connected to the larger parish. SCoF groups typically meet once or twice a month-fall through spring. Many groups meet weekly in Lent and Advent.
Julie Scott| 703-894-7917
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WELCOME AND INFORMATION DESK
Be the big smile in the Narthex behind the beautiful Information Desk. Greet people before and after Mass and assist those who need Welcome Packets. Quickest ministry there is – only 20 minutes once a month or every other month (10 minutes before Mass and 10 minutes afterwards). This is a great family activity – small children make wonderful greeters!
Sue Heard or Cathy Wright – 703-281-9103
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DIOCESAN RECOGNIZED GROUPS(NON-PARISH BASED) in which many ST. MARK parishioners are involved
Cursillo is a ministry that began in the Roman Catholic Church and has since spread to other Christian denominations. It was founded in Majorca, Spain by a group of laymen in 1944, while they were refining a technique to train pilgrimage leaders. It has since been adapted by numerous other Christian denominations, some of which have retained the name “cursillo” while others have given the program a different name. The Cursillo method focuses on training lay people to become effective leaders over the course of a three-day weekend. The weekend includes fifteen talks, some given by priests and some by lay people. One emphasis of the weekend is on preparing those undergoing it to take the movement’s methods back into the world, on what they call the “fourth day”. Upcoming weekends can be found at Catholic Diocese of Arlington CURSILLO Weekends helping you with your spiritual growth!
Bill Grossman | 703-281-1936
Teams of Our Lady is an international movement of married couples whose purposes in the Movement and in Team life are growth in the spiritual life of the couple and family through a program of prayer and study, a growth in communication between husband and wife with a developing intimacy through shared prayer and regular in-depth talks, and a way of life designed to make their Christian faith a daily living experience. Each Team is made up of 5 to 7 couples and a Spiritual Counselor.
Mark and Barbara Morneau | 703-620-5101
Worldwide Marriage Encounter offers a weekend experience designed to give married couples the opportunity to learn a technique of loving communication that they can use for the rest of their lives. It’s a chance to look deeply into their relationship with each other and with God. It’s a time to share their feelings, hopes and dreams with each other. The emphasis of the Marriage Encounter weekend is on the communication between husbands and wives. The weekend provides a conducive environment for couples to spend time together, away from the distractions and tensions of everyday life, while encouraging them to focus on each other and their relationship.
Mark and Cathy Stangler | 703-378-4150 | mstang1987@aol.com
RETROUVAILLE
Retrouvaille is helping couples put the pieces back together and rebuild loving relationships. Retrouvaille, pronounced re-tro-vi, is a French word meaning “rediscovery.” If your marriage is tearing the two of you apart, if there is little or no meaningful communication, if you are considering separation or divorce, then let Retrouvaille help you. Please call the 800 number below, visit our website below, or email Kim and Chris Kargas at the email below.
Kim and Chris Kargas |1 800 470 2230 or 703-351-7211| www.helpourmarriage.com
MEETINGS TAKE PLACE via ZOOM EVERY WEDNESDAY MORNING FROM 6:45-8AM.
Christians in Commerce is men and women working to bring change to their workplaces. We are young and old, Catholics and Protestants, owners and employees, blue collar and white collar, management and front line workers. Our purpose is to transform where we work – offices, schools, factories and hospitals – into places where the love and power of Christ is present and we produce goods and services with excellence. We support each other in living the life of Christ and building the Kingdom of God. We are eager to draw others into the life and work of Christ. All is done in Christ Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit, to the glory of our Father.
Bill Dalgetty | 703-938-5247
The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization. Founded in the United States in 1882, it is named in honor of Christopher Columbus. there are more than 1.8 million members in 14,000 councils, with nearly 200 councils on college campuses. Membership is limited to “practicing Catholic” men aged 18 or older. the Knights was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works.
Jon Engel | 703-319-4285 |