Open to the Holy Spirit, we, the parish family of St.

Mark, are a sacramental community with the Eucharist

at our center. We exist to love God and one another, to

grow in our personal relationships in our Lord, and to

share our enthusiasm for our faith with our community.

We support one another, reach out to all, spread the

Gospel, and practice our faith in our daily lives.

Church of St. Mark the Evangelist 695 Smithson Avenue

Lawrence Park, Erie, Pennsylvania 16511 Phone: 814-899-3000 Fax: 814-899-5212

website: www.stmarkslp.org e-mail: stmarks@stmarkslp.org

Baptisms: It is the custom at St. Mark to celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism with the parish community at any of the weekend liturgies. Parents are requested to attend a class prior to the baby’s baptism. Godparents are encouraged to attend. Please contact the office to make arrangements.

Marriages: Diocesan Common Policy requests six months advance notification of the priest and attendance at Pre-Cana Instructions or Engagement Encounter. Please contact the rectory to make arrangements.

Anointing of the Sick: Anytime. A person need not be dying, but simply sick from a serious illness or even weak due to old age. Those wishing to be anointed, please contact the rectory.

Communion to the Sick: For visits and/or Communion calls to the sick, shut-ins and those confined to hospitals, please notify the rectory.

Bulletin Deadline: Wednesday afternoon

Parish Membership: Please fill out the form on the back of the bulletin and we will mail you a registration form. All those who are out of high school should register individually. Parish membership is required to be a sponsor for Baptism.

MAY 3, 2015

FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

Office Hours: Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m. Friday: Office Closed

Weekend Eucharistic Liturgy Schedule: Saturday Evening: 5:00 p.m. Sunday Morning: 8:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

Weekday Eucharistic Liturgy Schedule: 7:30 a.m. in Our Lady’s Chapel (Ward Center)

Sacrament of Reconciliation: Every Saturday beginning at 4:00 pm. By appointment (call rectory)

Nursery: During 10:30 a.m. Sunday Liturgy in the nursery off of Hilbert Hall.

Children’s Liturgy of the Word: During 10:30 a.m. Sunday Liturgy 4 year olds through 2nd graders.

To contact us: Pastor: Rev. Msgr. Daniel Arnold, ext. 11 frdan@stmarkslp.org Senior Deacon: Frederick Weaver Director of Parish Operations: Pat Marshall, ext. 12 Maintenance: Kathy Crotty, ext.15 Music Director: Maripat Grant, ext. 14 Religious Ed. Facilitator, K-5: Geri Hadlock, ext. 17 Religious Ed. Coordinator, 6-12: Pat Marshall, ext.12 Youth Minister: Geri Hadlock, ext. 17 St. Mark Prayerline: Carol (899-6207) jperrotto62@hotmail.com Bereavement Committee: Sandy Jordan (899-0984) Wedding Committee: Kathy Spiegel (866-7263) Eat Alone Dinner: Sandy Jordan (899-0984) Emmaus Ministries: Kathy Spiegel (866-7263)

1st Friday Cakes: Kathy Thornton (898-2549) 3rd Wednesday Meat: Mary Beveridge (899-0792)

Finance Council: Gary Miller Knights of Columbus: Jim Smith (899-3581) Legion of Mary: Barbara Gainer (899-7296) Liturgy Committee: Evy Seyboldt (899-8460) Pastoral Council: Susan Grant (899-0083) PAL: Judy Brieger (899-8545)

ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST CATHOLIC CHURCH

THE WEEK AHEAD May 4 - 10

Altar Aide: Kathy Lewis Hospital Visitors: Hamot - Pat Wisniewski St. Vincent - Gloria Ferritto

Monday May 4 SCC 7:00 pm Scouts Tuesday May 5 Legion of Mary 8:15 am SCC 10:00 am & 7:30 pm Morrison Class - Hilbert Hall Wednesday May 6 Building Committee 5:15 Choir 7:00 Thursday May 7 FA - Hilbert Hall SCC 7:00 pm Saturday May 9 2nd Harvest / Mail Carrier Food Drop Off

Sunday May 10 HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! SCC after 8:00 Mass Brieger Baptism 10:30 Mass

Readings for the week

May 4 - 10

Mon. Acts of the Apostles 14:5-18; John 14:21-26

Tues. Acts of the Apostles 14:19-28; John 14:27-31a

Wed. Acts of the Apostles 15:1-6; John 15:1-8

Thurs. Acts of the Apostles 15:7-21; John 15:9-11

Fri. Acts of the Apostles 15:22-31; John 15:12-17

Sat. Acts of the Apostles 16:1-10; John 15:18-21

Sun. Acts of the Apostles 10:25-26,34-35,44-48;1 John 4:7-10; John 15:9-17

Happy Birthday

May 4: Andy Gottschling, Joey Noonan May 5: Brent Bricker

May 7: James Mullaney May 8: Riley Chilcott, Lorraine Zacherl

May 9: David Major, Ann Perkins, Theresa Roth May 10: Christine Boutwell, Sierra Jaskiewicz, Henry Krasinski,

Rebecca Morrison

Happy Anniversary

May 4: Ed & Rita Kaliszewski, Rudy & Kate Surovick May 6: Kevin & Susan Grant, Dan & Julia Morris

May 7 : Jeffrey & Kathleen Hazen May 8: Robert & Anita Klein, John & Marcia Palmer

May 9: Ronald & Lisa Habursky

Our Sanctuary Light burns this week

In Loving Memory of

Donna Titko

Bob Titko

MASS INTENTIONS: (Daily Masses are in Our Lady’s Chapel - Ward Center) Mon. May 4 Easter Weekday 7:30 a.m. Tom Burick (BIRTH ANN. 5/1) - Margie & Carolyn Hammers

Tues. May 5 Easter Weekday 7:30 a.m. Theresa M Perrotto (DEATH ANN.) - Andrew Badagliaccia Wed. May 6 Easter Weekday

7:30 a.m. Gertrude Krahe - Jerry Szul, Sr. Thurs. May 7 Easter Weekday

7:30 a.m. John Bell (BIRTH ANNIVERSARY) - Kathy & Chuck Lewis

Fri. May 8 Easter Weekday

7:30 a.m. Jerry Szul - Rodger & Pat Gregorich

Liturgies for the weekend of May 9/10 (Sixth Sunday of Easter)

Time of Liturgy

Intention Altar Servers Lector Cantor

Eucharistic Ministers

Ushers Offertory CLW

Nursery

5:00 p.m.

May 9

Richard Chilcott

Dave & Patty Parmenter

Jared Anderson

Trevor Stetson

Marycatherine Major

Terri Michael

Cheryl LaBoda

Gary Miller

Karen Anderson

C Tom May John Mulligan Rich Pottorf

Need 1 Volunteer

8:00 a.m.

May 10

Theresa M. Perrotto

St. Mark Knights of Columbus

Joe Kohler

Gail Warren

Dave & Evy Seyboldt

Carol Gilmore

Mark DiVecchio C Mike Krahe Charles Lewis Al Renshaw

10:30 a.m.

May 10

Rose Lachowski

Nesselhauf Family

Caitlin Daley

Kylie Humphreys

Ann Badach Michael Jaskiewicz

Dorothy Pamula

Kori Curtis

Geri Hadlock

Maggie Santiago

Cathy Baker John Baker

Noreen Brown C Thomas Podskalny

Frank Wargo Need 1 Volunteer

Loretta Nesselhauf

Shelly Sheridan

MONTHLY STEWARDSHIP – April 2015 / Year-to-date April 2015 YTD 10 mo.

Offertory collection $19,369.00 $189,729.00

Budget Needs $18,800.00 $202,100.00

(Deficit)/Surplus $569.00 ($12,371.00)

Good Shepherd Collection: $1,203.00

Last week: 421 envelopes issued 110 envelopes returned 1043 parishioners 461 attended Mass

Thank you to all who give of their time, talent, and treasure to St. Mark’s.

Congratulations St. Mark’s First Communicants! Grace Abele Hayden Beatty Timothy Bricker Grace Freer

Amara Graham Ryan Humphreys Samuel Kightlinger

Logan Kuhn Kaydee Kuhns Gavin Lewis Brooklyn Maas

Giovanni Main Gavin Merritt Joel Noyes Jacob Powers

Dominic Russo Matthew Walker

and from OLM: Connor DeVore & Kayla Foresythe

SMALL CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES

SUNDAYS AFTER 8 AM Eucharist MONDAYS AT 7 PM

TUESDAYS AT 10 AM & 7:30 PM

THURSDAYS AT 7 PM There are still opportunities to form new groups on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

If interested please contact Kathy Spiegel at 866-7263

For information about a particular group contact: Sunday (after 8 am Mass) Sandy Jordan 899-0984 Monday (7 pm) - Joe Kohler 897-9502 Tuesday (10 am) - Kathy Spiegel 866-7263 (7:30 pm) - Greg & Ann Badach 899-5698 Thursday (7 pm) - Geri Hadlock 323-4188

Family Perspective Like the vine grower in today’s gospel, parents must “prune and cleanse” the branches in their family if their children are going to be rooted. Discipline, limits and setting goals are a necessary part of parenting so our children will grow and “bear fruit.”

SAINT MARK CARING NOTES If you know someone who could benefit from this ministry please call the office

at 899-3000 or e-mail their name and address to stmarks@stmarkslp.org. Florence Modzelewski Diane Conti Saint Mary’s East C2304 5416 East Lake Rd BP A8 607 East 26th Street Erie, PA 16511 Erie, PA 16504

Martha Patrick Dolly Cagnoli c/o Karen Dame Twinbrook Rm. 928 B 12046 Harcum Road 3805 Field St Gloucester, VA 23061 Erie, PA 16511

Eric Smith (son of Denny & Janet ) 1235 West Gore Rd Erie, PA 16509

Thought for the week…

“The world calls for and expects from us simplicity of

life, the spirit of prayer, charity towards all, especially

towards the lowly and the poor, obedience and

humility... Without this mark of holiness, our word will

have difficulty in touching the heart of modern man. It

risks being vain and sterile.”

- Pope Paul VI

St. Mark Pastoral Council: Bob Angelucci Marion Armstrong Tex Brieger, recorder Noreen Brown June Detar Susan Grant, facilitator Cheryl LaBoda Mary Shchouchkoff Kathy Thornton Ex officio: Maripat Grant Geri Hadlock Pat Marshall Pastor: Msgr. Daniel Arnold

Mission Statement: Sound pastoral decisions are informed by the wisdom of the people of God. The pastoral council of the Church of St. Mark the Evangelist is called, through prayerful discernment, to study and summarize pastoral issues in order to provide a shared wisdom and balanced perspective that will help the pastor make decisions which best serve the parish and larger community.

MARRIAGE MOMENTS: If you're too busy to have a weekly date with your spouse, you may be too busy. Tonight choose several hours next weekend that you can devote just to each other. This week the wife plans what to do, next week it's the husband's turn.

Erie Diocesan Cemeteries reminder: Just a reminder all artificial decorations are to be removed now for spring cleanup at the Erie Diocesan Cemeteries. A listing of cemetery rules and regulations is available on our website www.eriedc.org or visit our office at 3325 West Lake Rd. Erie, Pa.

Recite the Rosary: Recite the Rosary Saturday's in May 9:15 a.m. Mary, Queen of Peace Cemetery mausoleum chapel 6000 Lake Pleasant Road.

Are you a person with a disability and looking for more in your Faith Life?: Are you someone with a disability or do you know someone with a disability who wants more out of their Faith Life? The Office of Disabilities and Deaf Ministry has a number of groups that will provide the faith-filled social interaction you’re looking for. Call Michael Adamus at 814-824-1257 or email him at madamus@eriercd.org for more details. You can also learn more about our ministry on the diocesan website www.ErieRCD.org under Catholic Charities Disability Ministries.

NOVA: NOVA is a one-day marriage preparation program for couples free to remarry in the Catholic Church. Topics include adjustments, blending families, legal issues and others. Contact the Family Life Office at 814 824-1261 or by email at: familylife@erieRCD.org to register. Offered only four times per year, the next NOVA is scheduled for Saturday, June 6th in Erie. Couples preparing for convalidation are encouraged to apply.

Families Always Matter: Blending a family and looking for some tips from the experts? Check out the articles on http://www.eriercd.org/fam_blended.htm. Also, don’t forget to visit the Families Always Matter website to register for monthly prizes that will benefit your family! Check out the web site to see the great prizes and to enter: http://www.eriercd.org/fam.htm

PALS Support Group: PALS Support Group (People After Loss from Suicide) is a grief support group that offers encouragement and education to all who suffer from the loss of a loved one by suicide. PALS meetings are held every 3rd Tuesday from 7 pm to 9 pm at St. Marks Catholic Center, 429 East Grandview Blvd. in Erie in the Bishop Michael J. Murphy Conference Room (entrance located in the back of the building on the west side). For more information contact the Catholic Charities Office at 814/824-1250. Our next session is Tuesday, May 19, 2015.

Attention all 7-12 grade students, Cedar Point information and permission slips can be found on the church web site. The trip date is Wednesday, June 10th and the cost is $63. Permission Slips and money are due May 10th

Fr. Dan’s 40th Anniversary Celebration between Masses May 17 Ministry Commitment Weekend - May 23/24 Parish Garage Sale - August 13-15 Parish Picnic - August 23 at Shades Beach

OUR LADY OF MERCY KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

22nd Annual GOLF & SPORTS RAFFLE

May 15 from 6 to 11pm

Our Lady of Mercy Church 837 Bartlett Rd, Harborcreek, PA, 16421.

Tickets are $8.00 each or 2 for $15.00.

Free food and refreshments are provided.

Must be over 21 to attend.

Tickets will also be available at the door.

If you have questions, please call Tom Palisin at 572-5437.

We hope to see you there for a great evening of fun, food and prizes.

DECOLORES!!!! Now that spring and summer is upon us, it is time to start thinking about the Cursillo Picnic! We are very excited for the 45th Annual Cursillo Picnic “Love One Another” July 31st – August 2nd. We will be taking reservations for both the picnic on Saturday as well as reservations for camping starting in June. We will be sending out reminders often to remind you of this great gathering of our friends and family in Christ. If you have any questions or would like to help out in any way, please give us a call, text or email. All our prayers and love to you all! Adam & Kelley Majczyk 814-392-7043 kelleymajczyk@gmail.com

ST MARK EVANGELIST MEMBERSHIP FORM - 695 Smithson Ave., Erie, PA 16511 – phone: 899-3000

Family Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Phone ______________________

Address:____________________________________________ City/State:_____________________________ zip_______________

CHECK ONE: New Registration___ Change of Address___ Moving out of Parish___ Want Envelopes___

Place in offertory basket, give to an usher or send to church office.

For Next Week’s Readings Reflecting on the Word:

Easy love doesn’t require obedience and openness to its demands. It doesn’t call for followup. It doesn’t demand that we work to stay vulnerable. The Gospel, however, doesn’t speak of easy love, which is really not love at all. The second reading tells us that the love demanded of us is possible because God has first loved us. When love is spoken of in the two readings attributed to John, we see how important it is to understand and appreciate that Jesus is the manifestation of God’s abiding love. Through him, God’s love is poured out. John calls us to recognize this and then to respond by loving one another. Our loving brings full circle the love of God manifest in Jesus.

The entrance antiphon for this Sunday reminds us all: “Speak with a voice of joy; let it be heard to the ends of the earth …” This hearing to the ends of the earth began with Peter, but the Holy Spirit set Peter free and led him by the hand, as it were, to the house of Cornelius, and then by extension to the rest of the world.

gospel, Peter states that he is prepared to go to prison and to die with the Lord (Lk. 22:33). St. Peter is reported in Mark’s gospel (Mk. 14: 68) to be totally unfamiliar with Jesus. His betrayal of Jesus is well documented. In the post Easter readings found in the Acts of the Apostles Peter’s behavior is drastically different. He who had been denying completely any connection with the Christ was now declaring emphatically in a face to face encounter with the religious leaders of Israel his intimate association with Christ risen from the dead (Acts 4: 8-12) and that salvation was available only through him. Not only is this bold behavior, it is a new standard of discipleship for St. Peter and his confreres, a new normal. Even bolder is the fact that Peter does what Jesus had been doing: proclaiming the presence of the Kingdom and healing the sick (Acts 3: 1-10). Of course the priests and Sadducees confronted Peter and John for their behavior and their teaching that Jesus was the Messiah risen from the dead. Two questions flow from this. First, why would the early Christians, knowing that St. Peter and the Apostles betrayed Jesus, still accept them

as their leaders? Second, how could St. Peter’s behavior reveal such a stark change from betrayer to “alter Christus,” another Christ?

The answer to the first question lies in the fact that the early Christians saw what Peter was doing and heard what he was teaching and understood that if they were going to personally the transformative mercy of God, they were going to have to associate with people who knew personally God’s mercy and its transformative power. If you want to know how to cook your Aunt Kay’s “to-die-for pot pie,” you’ll need to associate with Aunt Kay or those who have her recipe. If you want to know God’s mercy, you need to have a personal relationship with the author of that mercy, and then, like St. Peter be transformed by it. Second, since Jesus’ death and resurrection, the capacity to love as God himself loves is the new normal. St. Peter was not a perfect person. He was faithful. If we’re going to love as Christ loved, we have to be faithful and hang out with those who know his love. Christianity is the new normal!

Fr. Dan

Questions for the week: Loving one another requires that we follow certain rules. The first rule is always to follow the Golden Rule—treat others as you would want to be treated (Matthew 7:12). What is it we like about other people? We like it when they don’t try to change us, when they accept us the way we are. We like to be around people who don’t take themselves too seriously and can laugh at themselves with a sense of humor. None of us likes being criticized or embarrassed publicly. As a matter of fact, anger and resentment often grow when others speak harshly to us. We want people to be tolerant of us even when we know we have annoying habits and mannerisms. It will be easier for people to love us unconditionally when we first model God’s love for them. What are the hardest circumstances for living out the Golden Rule? What

do you think it means to lay your life down for someone in that situation? What kind of courage do you suppose Cornelius needed to come to

Peter? What may have caused Cornelius to be unaccepted? What causes us to feel unaccepted? How does God change these feelings for us?

When have you ever felt joy at sharing God’s love? How did this experience change you from a “servant” to a “friend” of Jesus?

Copyright © 2002, World Library Publications. All rights reserved.

The New Normal A phrase that has crept into our

vocabulary, “the new normal,” is used to indicate a new baseline or starting point, a departure from the established way of doing something. For example, it is used by economists when they explain that high paying jobs that were common in America are harder to find because we compete now in a world market. Those jobs still exist, but they are now being done by workers in second or third world countries where labor is cheaper and where government regulation of a particular industry has not made the cost of production as high as it is in our country. If American workers want to do the work, they have to compete in the world market place. As a result, income for American workers is reduced. This reduced level of income has become the new normal income. The phrase can also refer to the raising of standards or costs.

I find the Easter readings to be full of stories with a new energy that I describe as the new normal. Recall the ambivalence and timidity that characterized St. Peter’s behavior in the accounts of Jesus’ arrest, trial and brutal execution. In St. Luke’s