Adult Religious Education ~ St. Mark offers an extended series of classes from September thru May each year.  Opportunities for parishioners to serve as Facilitator of classes as well as attending.

Altar Linens ~ Our members are at work year round preparing for each Liturgical Service. The altar cloths and linens are cleaned and prepared for each celebration according to the Liturgical Calendar. The cloths used by the celebrants, the purificators and corporals, are cleaned and ironed weekly. The joy of serving the Lord in this ministry never ends. It only requires good will and loving hands.

Altar Servers ~ This is an important ministry of both pray and service. Altar servers assist the Priest at the altar and in other ways during Mass and other liturgical activities. Servers are called to be special visible models of a prayerful spirit. Training is provided.

Bible Study ~ We meet in an informal setting to read, study and pray the Sacred Scriptures. The goal is to deepen understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and how to live the Gospel in the modern world. Sharing is allowed and encouraged but not required. Questions are welcomed. Any Catholic Bible version is suitable. This is a wonderful opportunity for study and fellowship.  (Not active at this time.)

Caregivers' Support Group ~ This group offers anyone who is a caregiver themselves to have some personal time to share with other caregivers who are experiencing what you are feeling and who share your concerns.  We try to provide a room for your loved one to be cared for while you are in your meeting if that is necessary.

Catholic Daughers ~ The purpose of the organization is to participate in the religious, charitable and educational Apostolates of the Church. Catholic Daughters engage in creative spiritual programs which provide its members with teh opportunity to develop their God-given talents in meaningful ways that positively influence the welfare of the Church and all people throughout the world. We strive to embrace the principle of faith working through love in the promotion of justice, equality and the advancement of human rights and human dignity for all.

Cenacle Prayer Group ~ In 1972 Father Stefano Gobbi was asked by Our Blessed Mother to begin a worldwide movement for priests, which she asked to be expanded to include the laity. The Cenacle Prayer Group is a direct result of this movement. The prayer group follows a specified prayer format that includes the Rosary, Litany to the Blessed Mother, quiet time, music, an Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart, and a reading from the Marian Movement of Priests' Book, which are words Our Lady gave to Father Gobbi and the world.

Charismatic Prayer Group ~ Come join us as we praise and worship God in song and prayer, listen to the Word of God, and share our testimonies and our petitions. Our desire is that we walk with the Lord in the power of His Holy Spirit. Join us in prayer.

Church Tours ~ Members of this ministry serve as guides for monthly tours of
St. Mark, providing information as to the origin of many of our religious articles.

Consolation Ministry ~ No member of the faith community should grieve alone. The compassion of God embraces all, the rich and poor, the active and inactive, the known and the unknown. The outreach of this ministry should be no less compassionate as it strives to be the loving comfort of God here and now. Consolation Ministry members meet with the family of the deceased and offer the condolences of the Parish family. Assistance is offered regarding the selection of Liturgy, readings and music for the Funeral Mass or Memorial Mass, and with their own participation in the service of their loved ones if desired.

Decorating Ministry ~ These volunteers are responsible for the beautiful holiday decorations and flowers in the Church, Chapel, and Narthex.  In addition, they    attend to the weekly/monthly decorations and flowers within the Church proper.

Dusting Angels ~ Parish members come together to perform a mulititude of tasks within the church. The main focus of this group is to maintain the beautiful and clean setting where the Lord can be honored and praised. This team works diligently to serve the entire parish community by the humble sacrifice of their time, talent and energy.

Emmaus ~ The Emmaus Experience is a retreat based on the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 24; "Journey to Emmaus" in which two disciples are walking along the road, and Jesus joins them, but they do not recognize Him.  Retreats for both men and women foster an environment in which it becomes more obvious that we never walk alone.  Retreat dates are published in the bulletin in advance to facilitate registration.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion ~ Here at Saint Mark Church, these Ministers assist the priest and deacons with the distribution of the Eucharist at the weekday, weekend and holiday Masses. Preparation for this minsitry includes formal instruction through the Diocesan Office of Liturgy upon the recommendation of the Pastor. In addition, parish instruction is provided pertaining to the local customs and responsibilities.

Garden Club ~ "Let's get digging!" We are all volunteers who enjoy landscaping and enhancing the grounds surrounding the church. We have been blessed with this great opportunity to work with the soil and see the beauty around us...some of which we have created.

Hospitality ~ This dedicated team hopes to make all parishioners feel welcome and a part of our Christian Community. On the last Sunday of each month, we enjoy serving coffee and donuts after Masses. There are a variety of other opportunities to serve our community through this unique ministry.

Knights of Columbus ~ We are a Catholic Society dedicated to the ideals of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism who support the Pope and the Church. St. Mark's Knights of Columbus meet monthly.

Lending Library ~  This ministry oversees the St. Mark Lending Library located on the side of the Social Hall.  Volunteers assist visitors and perform normal librariarn tasks.

Men's Guild ~ The mission of the Men's Guild is to assist the pastor in the sponsoring of activities and fund raising opportunities. This organization also assists with special maintenance and landscaping projects. There is a spiritual aspect to all that we do. Meetings are held monthly.

Ministry to the Sick ~ This is a pastoral ministry of caring for those who are hospitalized, in nursing homes, or confined to private homes. This ministry is provided by trained and certified lay men and women within the Diocese of Orlando. These ministers are trained and developed to conduct a pastoral visit with time to listen to and pray about concerns of the sick or shut-in person and to share the Eucharist with them. Please consider joining us in this ministry.

Money Counters ~ "A counting we will go!" This ministry is involved in counting the funds collected on Sundays and Holy Days, and preparing the bank deposits.

Multi-Media Ministry ~ This team prepares the overhead screens and operates the visual system before and during the Mass.

Music Ministry ~ This very important element in our Parish community's celebration has been blessed with many musically talented parishioners. You are cordially invited to join and participate in our music ministry. You will be offering your special gift to our assembly, while also becoming a part of a musical family.

Office Volunteers ~ Office Volunteers are a group of parishioners who are willing to volunteer their time and talent in various clerical duties. Some of the tasks include stuffing envelopes, making name tags, stuffing bulletins, copying, typing, taking and placing phone calls. This ministry is generally on a "as need" basis and primarily is needed between 9am and 3pm.

One Family ~ The purpose of this ministry is to "Welcome New Parishioners" into the family of St. Mark's.  They provide information about the various ministries and opportunities offered at St. Mark and hold periodic dinners to welcome the new parishioners in a meet and greet situation.

Pastoral Council ~ This is the pastoral planning body of the parish.  The council advises and assists the Pastor in areas of pastoral concern.  Members of the Pastoral Council are representatives of the entire parish recognizing and reflecting the parish's diversity.  Terms of service are normally 2 or 3 years.

Prayer Shawl Ministry ~ This group makes prayer shawls to be distributed to the sick or those in need of healing.  Shawls are either knitted or chrocheted.  Each one
is created with prayers for the recipient.

R.C.I.A (now called Order of Christian Initian for Adults) ~ The O.C.I.A. program is designed for adults who have never been Baptized and who are interested in becoming Catholic. Those who are Baptized into another denomination, and have an interest in becoming Catholic. Any Catholic who has not recieved the Sacrament of Holy Communion and/or Confirmation. And Catholics who wish to know more about their faith or are seeking a refresher course. This group typically meets weekly from October through April, concluding with the participants receiving the Sacraments they are seeking. Presentations and open discussions are part of the program.

Readers ~ This ministry offers members of the parish the opportunity to minister to the parish by proclaiming the Word of God. A reader spreads the Good News and gives witness to the central role of God's Word in the life of the Church. Readers assist with the weekday, Saturday morning, Saturday evening and Sunday Masses. Training is provided. We welcome you to join us in this ministry.

Respite Care ~ Respite Care is a short term visit in the home of a disabled or terminally ill person by non-medical volunteers with the intention of providing a break for the primary caregiver. This visit is generally 2-4 hours once a week. The respite volunteer (usually 2 volunteers per home) ensure supervision and offer companionship to the homebound family member. The respite visit is designed to allow the primary care giver an opportunity to emotionally recharge and become better prepared to handle the day-to-day challenges of 24/7 care. This is a wonderful opportunity to serve as the hands of Christ.

Retrouvaille ~ Don't let your marriage break your heart! Retrouvaille can help you rediscover what you once had. It is a Diocese-sponsored program to restore communication and trust in marriage. If you feel frustrated, hurt and angry with each other; if you feel trapped by frequent conflict and don't know where to turn; please know that thousands of couples have been helped. Even if you are seperated or divorced or are thinking about it - call and give yourself another chance. You and your relationship deserve it! Retrouvaille welcomes all married couples in a struggling relationship who want to save their marriage. For more information, check out www.retrouvaille.org or call (407) 977-8136. All calls are strictly confidential.

Right to Life ~ The Right to Life Ministry is dedicated to the truth that life is a gift from God, beginning at conception and ending at natural death. In this conviction, we commit ourselves to help all innocent human life by making abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, and destruction of human embryos socially, ethically and legally unacceptable. Working with the Diocesan Respcet Life committee, we educate fellow parishioners about the evil of abortion and promote postiive Christian alternatives to the evils of threating all human life. Additionally, we encourage communication with our legislators and the media to bring about public recognition of the value of innocent human life. If interested call Anne Russell (914) 907-1476.

Rosary Prayer Group ~ This spiritual group is strongly devoted to the Blessed Mother. Their purpose is to honor the Blessed Mother by bringing special attention to select Marian feast days during the year, and by trying to educate and foster awareness of the power of prayer to the Blessed Mother, especially through the Rosary. We also participate in other activities during the year including making rosaries and arranging trips to churches and other locations. We meet on the first Saturday of each month after Mass to say the Rosary.

Sacristans ~ The duties of the Sacristan are varied and diverse. They prepare the church for the celebration of Mass, as well as set up for other liturgical celebrations. The set up for Mass includes choosing the correct chalice for the celebrant, the correct number of ciboria for the Hosts, the correct goblets for the Precious Blood, the appropriate cloths, and additional items for a funeral or benediction. At the conclusion of the celebration, the Sacristan takes care of the vessels used during the Mass. Training and written instructions are provided.

Secular Franciscans ~ The Secular Franciscan Order (SFO) is an Order within the Catholic Church. We strive to live the Gospel in the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi. SFO was formerly know as Third Order Members. This Order was founded by St. Francis himself, after he founded the First Order of Priests, and the Second Order of Religious Sisters and Brothers. SFO members come from all walks of life. The only requirements to becoming a member is enthusiasm, a joyful, caring and giving spirit, and the willingness to share your love of Christ. It is wonderful being Franciscan! Members meet monthly to replenish themselves spiritually and to study the Franciscan lifestyle. Come find out about us.
 
Small Christian Communities ~ Christian communities is a practice of listening to the story of God's presence in our lives and our experiences. We are a small faith-sharing group focused on Sunday readings and exploring personal faith journeys. We open our gathering with prayer asking for an understanding of the scripture we are about to read, then after each reading we have open discussions. It is a time of prayer, discussion, and fellowship with your fellow Christian friends.

Spiritual Book Discussion Group ~ A monthly meeting of interested parishioners to discuss various religious books.  

St. Vincent dePaul Society ~ Our society is a faith driven ministry that is dedicated to helping the poor and needy. We offer financial assistance, emotional support and spiritual nourishment. We are indeed fortunate to have the financial support offered by the monthly collection here at St. Mark. This has enabled us to help families and individuals here in our area. You'd be suprised to learn of the many children who are homeless and in need of our help.

Ushers ~ Ushers are called upon to provide a very special service of hospitality as their liturgical ministry. They are the first people to greet and welcome those who come to participate in the Celebration of the Eucharist. In addition to this important duty, they are also responsible for taking up the collection, directing the Eucharistic procession during the Mass and distributing the parish bulletins and other materials after Mass. Training is provided, and volunteers are always welcome. 

Women's Guild ~ The purpose of the Women's Guild is to provide for the spiritual well being and social enjoyment of its members through a variety of programs, social events and fundraisers. Participating in our fundraisers is both an enriching and rewarding experience. Not only will you be helping to sustain our church but you will be making new friends along the way. Please join us on a monthly basis.

World Wide Marriage Encounter (WWME) ~ The mission of Worldwide Marriage Encounter is to proclaim the value of Marriage and Holy Orders in the Church and in the world. The purpose of WWME is to assist happily married couples to make their good marriages even better. Frequently in a marriage of 5-7 years, careers, raising children, and life in general intervene in a couple’s relationship. The goal of Marriage Encounter is to restore communication, renew commitment and rekindle romance. On a local level married couples who desire to make their good marriages better attend a Marriage Encounter Weekend to revive the feeling that they were experiencing when they decided to get married. The Weekend is facilitated by a WWME priest and two or three Encountered couples and is usually attended by 20-30 couples in a hotel type environment. During the Weekend communication techniques are demonstrated and practiced. After the Weekend is over there are on-going monthly meetings, called Circles or Images, held by WWME couples who continue to work on improving their couple-communication. WWME is not designed to rescue a troubled marriage, another organization, Retrouvaille (Pronounced ‘re-tro-vi’ with a long i) can be helpful for this purpose. To learn more about World Wide Marriage Encounter go to: www.wwme.org