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.

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.

                    





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

FR. PAUL’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 

YOU’RE INVITED!! 

The Anniversary Celebration is Sunday Aug. 30th beginning with a 12:00 PM Mass.
Immediately following mass, there will be a receiving line for the general public in O’Connell Hall then a reception dinner will follow at the Emporium Fire Hall.
If you’d like to join in the celebration at the receiving line or the Fire Hall, please take an RSVP card, found in the back of the church.
Please fill it out, mail it to the address on the pre-addressed envelope, drop it in the collection basket or leave it at the rectory.
 RSPV’s need to be returned by Aug. 1st.

Anyone interested in helping with the preparations, please reach out to Sister Therese @ 814-594-0511, Jen Abriatis 814-335-4871 or the rectory 486-0569.


Open the following link to see the schedule of events for Fr. Paul's Anniversary Celebration!

/images/ATTENTION SCHEDULE FOR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.pdf

Or see the complete schedule in this week's bulletin

NO 9:00 AM MASS ON AUGUST 30.  MASS WILL BE AT 12:OO PM.

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. 

***

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.

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.