September 27, 2026

Gospel: Mt 21:28-32

This Gospel challenges the complacent, those who presume that things are good enough betweenthemselves and God,
to examinethe integrity of their discipleship.

To the father’s command to go outand work in the vineyard, the first son replies literally in the Greek,
“I don’t want to,” but laterchanges his mind and goes.

The second assents to go work but carries on with his usual routine.

The parable reinforces Jesus’ insistence that words alone do not prove that one is his disciple.

They must be accompanied by actions. Jesus’ parable is open-ended, which son are you?

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Jen Abriatis & Sr. Frances Therese
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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BLESSING OF PETS - 800th ANNIVERSARY

In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of animals and the environment,

Fr. Paul Siebert will preside over a special Blessing of Pets on FRIDAY, October 2nd at 4:30 PM, in front of St. Mark Church.

  Please bring your pets; dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits, etc.

to St. Mark Church, where we’ll meet out front (by the Statue of St. Mark) to have your pets blessed.

All pets must be on lease or in a carrier. This custom is conducted in remembrance of Saint Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures.

We hope to see you and your beloved pets there! This event is open to the public! Tell your friends! All are welcome! 

After the blessing...everyone, pets included, are encouraged to join with us and march in the Homecoming Parade!

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We are signing up parishioners for our upcoming Church Photo Directory.
We have not had once since 2013 and we're asking all parishioners to sugn up for the photo shoot taking place here October 7 - 10.
If you are not able to sit for a photo, you can send one of you and your family to us and we will submit it for you.
(Send photos to:  stmarkcatholiceemp@gmail.com )
We want everyone included in this directory!

Please sign up prior to mass in the back of the church or following mass.  If you'd prefer to sign up online, go to
www.ucdir.com and click Photograhy Session Sign Up, enter code 'pa1287' with password: smile1287.

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FAITH FORMATION KICK-OFF:

SUNDAY, SEPT. 20th  at 9:00 AM with a Family Mass,

followed by Outdoor Activities & Food FOR THE ENTIRE PARISH, youth and adults alike!

CONFIRMATION: Grade 9 - Catechists: Audra Reid & Laure Richnafskyand

EDGE SESSIONS: Grades 6-8 - Catechist Jen Dixon

will be held on Sundays from

10:00 AM–11:15 AM begining Sunday Sept. 27th.

FAITH FORMATION:

Grade 1: Catechist - Mary Gelnet
Grade 2: Catechist - Lea Purcell
Grade 3: Catechist - Joe DeBello
Grades 4 & 5: Catechist - Sr Frances Therese
begins Wednesday,September 30th, 3:30-5:00 PM

Children's 9 a.m. Sunday Liturgy: Catechist - Elizabeth Vicic

Please return your child’s registration form if you haven’t already done so.
If you have any questions, or need to register a child, please contact:
Mrs. Jen Abriatis at the Faith Formation office:
814-486-0569

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The rosary will be recited every weekday afternoon in October at 4:15 in church.

(except for October 2nd when it will be recited prior to morning mass, at 7:50)
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Rosary Society Meetings

Every 2nd Tuesday of each month at 1:00 PM

New members welcome!

  Rosary said in church, then a short meeting to follow.

Next meeting,

Tuesday, October 13 at 1:00 PM

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HOLY HOUR & ADORATION 

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

The last Mass of 2026 will take place on October 17th at 5:30 pm

Masses will resume in the Spring of 2027.

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

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