Saint Mark Catholic Church
Weekly Newsletter
November 8, 2019
Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time  

This weekend’s readings urge us to remain strong in faith, knowing that God is God of the living. While the readings take some careful explanation, the message is clear: God is alive and active in our lives, ready to strengthen us to live as people of faith who stay focused on God’s higher purpose for our lives. 

Living faithfully can be a challenge. To what extent are you ready to allow faith to influence your lives? How has God’s strength and peace comforted you in difficult times? God will not abandon you if you bring your petitions to Him and offer praise and thanksgiving for the blessings He has given you. 

This weekend we will have a collection for the Archdiocese of the Military Services (AMS). The AMS supports 1.8 million Catholic active-duty and retired military and their families. Donation envelopes will be available in the pews or you may donate through Online Giving.

Blessings,
Father John
First Communion Meetings:

1. Make Up Meeting for 2nd Grade Faith Formation
and Saint Mark Elementary School Students
November 19, 6:20 pm at Saint Mark Elementary School
 
If you were unable to attend one of the first 5 meetings, this is the LAST
First Communion meeting and is REQUIRED for the sacrament.
 
2. Rite of Christian Initiation of Children (RCIC) Meeting
November 12, 6:15 pm at Saint Mark school
 
 A parent meeting for all second year students will be held regarding your child’s sacraments for First Communion Masses, Confirmation Masses and Easter Vigil.
 
For questions, please contact Maryanne Pape at maryanne.pape@stmarknc.org .
Protecting God's Children (PGC)
for Volunteers

It is very important to keep your PGC training updated so that you may remain an active volunteer. This is done by reading the monthly bulletins and completing the related question.

Each registered volunteer should be receiving monthly email reminders from Virtus. If you do not receive these emails, please confirm that your Virtus account is set to your current email address and check your clutter or junk mail.

If have not been completing the bulletins and questions regularly, your certification may have been suspended by the Diocese. This means that you cannot be an active volunteer.

Please log onto your www.virtus.org account, if you do not see the training tab at the top, your account has been suspended. Please contact the Diocese at safeenvironment@charlottediocese.org and ask them to release your suspension.

In addition, Virtus will invite you to recertify each year. Please complete the recertification online.
 
For questions about Saint Mark Safe Environment requirements, please contact Celi Anatrella at celi.anatrella@stmarknc.org.