October 2016 Pilgrammage Trip

(Oct 2016)  Greetings to all of you!  (Pilgrimage)
 
As many of you might know by now, I accompanied a group of St. Mark parishioners on a Pilgrimage to Italy and Medjugorje which is located in Bosnia-Herzegovina.  I must say that the trip was incredible as we got the chance to visit many Holy sights in both countries.  In the next few weeks, I will be writing in the bulletin some of our experiences and I hope you will be as inspired by this brief synopsis of our trip as we all were upon living it.  
 
Of course, we had to begin our trip landing in historic Venice, Italy in which our Patron Saint, St. Mark, is buried. Our group was able to visit St. Mark Square in which the Church is located and visit his tomb.  Although it was just an overnight, we did as much as we could in beautiful Venice as we took in its great history and, of course, it's appetizing food and drink!   We also got to see the famous Lion guarding the Square there which reminded me of our very own copy that greets the parishioners here at our own Parish.  After a long flight, it was an early night for some of us as we went to bed and looking forward to our next stop: Padua, the city of St. Anthony, one of the patron saints of Italy.  More on that next week!  
 
In other happenings around here at St. Mark, our first annual Trunk and Treat was a huge success!  Over 1500 people gathered to see all the car trunks decorated with various Halloween items. Lots of children enjoyed collecting candy, playing games, and experiencing the "haunted" hallway!  I thank all those involved especially our Faith Formation director, Laura Rivera and Youth minister, Jarred Cunio!  I'm sure next year will be even bigger. 
 
Well, that is all for now.  May God continue to bless you and your family.
 
Peace,
Fr. David