For more than twenty years, St. Mark the Evangelist has been blessed with continual growth. What began as a small mission church has become a vibrant spiritual home for over 3,300 parishioners — and our community continues to expand.
Today, we stand at an important moment in our parish’s history. New neighborhoods surrounding our campus will soon bring 4,400–5,000 new residents, many of whom are expected to join St. Mark. This growth is a gift — a sign that the Lord continues to entrust souls to our care. But it also brings real needs: more space for ministry, more room for staff, and facilities suited to spiritual formation, prayer, and service.
Since 2019, parish leaders, clergy, and the Finance Committee have been discerning how best to respond. Through this prayerful process, one conviction became clear.
What began as a discussion about an Adoration Chapel grew into a broader vision:
a dedicated building that would strengthen our spiritual life and support the administrative needs of a growing community. This new space will allow us to:
Provide a reverent, dedicated chapel for Eucharistic Adoration
Expand offices for priests and staff who serve our parish family
Support ministries for children, families, and adults
Welcome new parishioners with hospitality, care, and accessibility
Strengthen safety and traffic flow for everyone who comes to worship
This campaign is not simply about construction. It is about mission. It is about ensuring that St. Mark remains a place where faith is nourished, sacraments are celebrated with dignity, and every person who walks through our doors encounters the love of Christ.
Using Our Current Space Wisely
As we plan for this new building, we are also committed to making the best use of the space we already have. With only minimal adjustments, our current offices can be repurposed to meet important pastoral needs:
Large Office → Family Meeting Room, providing a dedicated space for funeral planning and for the ministry of consolation.
Small Offices → Private Pastoral Rooms for sacrament preparation (such as baptisms and marriages), the annulment process, and deacons’ pastoral meetings and ministry.
Glass Window Area → Religious Articles Center offering a more welcoming, accessible space for devotional items
Chapel Considerations, as our existing chapel is often overcrowded during major liturgical seasons
These changes will allow us to care more effectively for parishioners now, while preparing for the growth still to come.
What is the goal of the campaign?
Our goal is to raise a minimum of $2.5 million to take the first major step toward building the new Adoration Chapel and Administrative Building. This amount allows us to begin construction and move the project from vision to reality.
We also have a stretch goal of $3.5 million, which would provide the additional resources needed to move forward with greater security and fewer financial obstacles.
Why do we have a stretch goal?
The total cost of the project falls within a projected range.
Raising $2.5 million allows us to start construction with diocesan assistance.
Reaching $3.5 million would enable us to fully fund the project with minimal reliance on a diocesan loan, giving our parish greater financial freedom as we build for the future.
This campaign invites each of us to participate in shaping the next chapter of St. Mark’s mission — ensuring that our parish continues to be a place of prayer, welcome, and spiritual growth for generations to come.
There are many meaningful ways to participate in building the future of St. Mark. Every gift — large or small — is a blessing to our parish and helps move this project forward.
Pledges, One-Time Gifts and Online Gifts
Gifts can be given via cash, credit/debit card, or check payable to: St. Mark the Evangelist. Please note in the memo line: St. Mark Capital Campaign.
Gifts of Appreciated Stocks, Bonds, or Mutual Funds
We will gladly accept gifts of appreciated stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, which may provide you with special tax advantages.
Please email stockgifts@orlandodiocese.org or call 407.246.7186 to identify the incoming stock/check to ensure it is attributed to the St. Mark Capital Campaign.
Visit here for more details.
Gifts from Retirement Accounts or Donor Advised Funds
Please contact your account administrator to request the distribution.
Gifts should be payable to:
St. Mark the Evangelist
Memo: St. Mark Capital Campaign
Mailed to: 7081 SE HWY 42, Summerfield, FL 34491
Parish Tax ID: 20-3311234
Gifts of Life Insurance, Real Estate, or Planned Gifts
For more information or help with planned gifts, contact the Catholic Foundation at 407. 246.7177 or donorservices@cfocf.org.
Corporate Matching Gifts
Because each situation is unique, we urge you to discuss stock, appreciated securities, annuities, property, or other valuable assets with a financial advisor.
For more information, please contact our Parish Office.
