August 23, 2026

21st Sunday in Ordinary Time

 

Matthew 16:13-20

In answer to Jesus' query about his identity, the disciples tell Jesus what others are saying about him.
Jesus is not simply initiating an open discussion, however;
he is leading the disciples to personal understanding and profession of who he is.
Peter arrives there when he acclaims, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”

Each of us must come to this same personal profession about who Jesus is.
The church is that community of individuals who have come personally to know who Jesus is
and have chosen personally to make Jesus known to the world.
Jesus himself will lead us there through ourpersonal encounters with him.

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40 Years of Serving God
and God's People

This weekend, Fr. Paul S. Siebert is celebrating his 40th anniversary as an ordained Priest.
On Sunday, August 30, 2026 the festivities will begin with a Mass at 12:00 PM at St. Mark.

Following Mass, there will be a receiving line, open to the public, in O’Connell Hall (basement of St Mark Church)
for anyone who would like to bring him well wishes.
A reservation dinner will then take place at 2:30 PM at the Emporium FireHall in honor of Fr. Paul.

After that, an open to the public, live Jam session back atSt. Mark O’Connell Hall with Fr. Paul performing with all three bands.
5:00 pm: PMF Acoustic, 6:00 pm: All Saints Band and 7:00 pm: Fr. Paul and Friends!

Please note, there will not be a Mass at St. James, Driftwood,Saturday, Aug. 29th nor the normal 9:00 am Sunday Mass.

All are encouraged to attend the 12:00 pm 40th Anniversary Mass.

Fr. Paul is the son of the late James & Mary Siebert. He grew upin Oil City Pa, the youngest of six children.
He was ordained on June 25, 1986.
Upon his ordination, he was assigned to St. Catherine Parish in DuBois. His other assignments were
Notre Dame, Hermitage and St. Leo, Ridgway.
In April 1997 he was assigned as pastor of St. Mark Catholic Church in Emporium and its Mission Church, St. James, Driftwood.
He also serves as president of Cameron County Food Pantry.
There he loves distributing food items and greeting everyone with a kind smile or cheerful laugh.
He is also president of the board of St. Mark Community Day Care since its inception,
as well as Vice President for the Cameron County Ministerial Association.

Anyone around him knows that music and guitar are his passions, even taking lessons at
University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University with Mr. Joe “Handyman“ Negri.

He has joyfully served as pastor of St Mark Church, Emporium for over 25 years.

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Welcome back St. Mark Staff

Jen Abriatis & Sr. Frances Therese

Faith Formation Office hours resume on
Monday. August 17th

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Wednesdays
11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m
Fridays as needed.

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Fr Paul receiving donation from Catholic Foundation of Northwest Pennsylvania
for much-needed upgrades to technical equipment in the Religious Ed office.

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Fr Paul's 40th Anniversary Celebration!!!

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HOLY HOUR & ADORATION 

Adoration will take place on Sunday after 9:00 AM with 

Benediction at 11:00 AM. Please join as this hour of Adoration ends on September 6th. 

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Holy Hours will return to Wednesdays at 6:00 PM beginning September 9th.

Please come if you’re able!
Can you adjust your schedule to spend a little time in prayer and devotion?
We hope that the summer Adoration has inspired people to grow in their devotion to the Blessed Sacrament.

Also, remember, Confession occurs on Wednesday nights shortly after 6:00 PM as well.

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There is an on-line giving platform from which to make your regular weekly / monthly donations
to St. Mark Church, or for any "special" donation, such as holydays, etc.  
Follow this link to sign in and make your donation - https://onrealm.org/StMarkParish/give/now

If you have any questions, you may call the rectory at 814-486-0569.

  

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Masses at St James - Saturdays at 5:30 pm

NO MASS ON AUGUST 29th
due to Celebration for Fr. Paul's Anniversary

St. James Church, Driftwood PA
from April to mid-October.

Come and visit this beautiful little church.
Originally established in 1874.