I am grateful and joyful to have been chosen to become your Pastor.  I want us to know each other, support one another, pray together, and laugh together.  So that this is possible, I will tell you a bit about myself.
 
I was born in Poland in 1964, where my mother still lives; and I have one brother.  I have always loved the out of doors, kayaking and canoeing.  My brother and I still try to find time to deep sea fish once a year when possible; and I travel to Poland, most years, to the town I grew up in to visit my mother and our relatives which make up most of that town!
 
Following my discernment and vocation, I attended the Catholic Seminary in Poznan, Poland, and graduated from the Papal Theological Department at the University of Poznan, with Masters Degrees in Philosophy and Divinity.  In 1991, I arrived in the United States and studied English at SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Michigan.
 
On December 5, 1992, I was ordained a priest by the Most Reverend John C. Favalora, for the Diocese of St. Petersburg  Following my ordination, I served as Parochial Vicar at Espiritu Santo, Safety Harbor; Holy Cross in St. Petersburg; and Our Lady Queen of Peace in Port Richey.  My first assignment as Pastor was at St. Scholastica Church, in Lecanto, in 2000.
 
In 2006, I became the Pastor of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, in Spring Hill, a parish of over 3500 families.  These families have become cherished members of our parish family.  I have been blessed to work with many exceptional Clergy and parishioners who have made my life experiences rich in the Spirit of the Lord.
 
And, in this new chapter, I feel very blessed to become a part of the spiritually guided future of St. Mark the Evangelist, as your new Pastor.
 
Let us pray for one another in this new beginning.
 
Yours in Christ,
 
Father Richard Jankowski