From the Pastor - 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time

June 24, 2022

Today’s readings take us back to the basics, inviting us to reflect honestly on our deepest priorities in life.



In today’s Gospel, from Luke, Christ refers to the struggle to put Him above all else as He encounters two “would be” disciples on His way to Jerusalem. “‘Follow me,’” Jesus says to the first man. “But he replied, ‘Lord let me go first and bury my father.’ The other said, “I will follow you, Lord, but first let me say farewell to my family at home.” These two want to follow Christ but only on their own terms, only after taking care of some other, more pressing matters (at least in their own minds).


To this, Christ says thanks but no thanks! Following Him requires an unqualified “yes” not a “yes but…” We are called to put Christ and His kingdom ahead of our own plans if we truly wish to be his disciples and to find victory in the battle of selfishness.


Living stewardship as a way of life can go a long way in arming us for victory. Stewardship living provides us with a custom-made “training plan” — the commitment to a specific offering of our time, talent, and treasure to the Kingdom of God. It is a plan discerned through prayer and by looking at the realities of our unique circumstances, strengths, and limitations. The daily discipline of committing to the plan strengthens us and helps us gradually move away from the “yes, but” attitude and towards an unqualified “yes!” to Christ and His will.

Do not be afraid to give the best of yourself and your gifts to Christ. He deserves nothing less. And this way of life, while challenging, will be characterized by a joy and peace that only comes from living for Him. © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2022


Pastoral Pondering

Yesterday I concelebrated the funeral of one of our retired priests, Father Kurt Fohn. Father Fohn’s life was an interesting one. He grew up in Germany and after college moved to the US for work. He married and raised a family. He was ordained a deacon and served in that role faithfully. When his wife died, and after lots of prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament, he approached the Diocese and was sent to study for the priesthood. His first and final pastorate in the Diocese was at St. Philip’s in Statesville. He was a gentle German shepherd 😊 and a genuinely good man.


I share this simply to show how wonderfully God can work in our lives when we give him room to do so. Father Kurt was obedient at each stage of his life including and up to being obedient to the final call of the Father. None of us knows how many lives we touch and impact along the way, for good and ill, but I know that when we are attentive to the promptings of the Spirit and seek to daily say “yes” to his call, amazing and wonderful things can truly happen. I do hope everyone is enjoying these hot days of summer and finding some time to just enjoy being with family, friends, and, of course, the Lord.


From the Pastor

From the Pastor - Baptism of the Lord

By John Putnam • January 9, 2026
Today marks the close of the Christmas season, but before we return to Ordinary Time, we have one more great feast to celebrate — The Baptism of the Lord. Today’s feast is a perfect opportunity to consider the privileges and responsibilities we all share as Christian stewards by virtue of our own Baptism. At the moment of our Baptism, we became adopted sons and daughters of God, members of his holy, Catholic Church. Though we may not have realized it, the moment of our Baptism is also the moment we become Christian stewards, disciples of Jesus Christ, tasked with the work of following in His footsteps day by day and sharing the Gospel message with all those around us. In our second reading from the Acts of the Apostles, St. Peter gives us a glimpse of the person of Jesus we should imitate. “He went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” We must live our lives like Jesus, seeking to do good to everyone we encounter; not just those in our inner circle of family and friends, but everyone in our community since the Father loves us all and Jesus sought out everyone with His saving message. In the Gospel passage from Matthew, we see yet another aspect of Jesus in action, this time as he humbly stands before John to be baptized by him. What humility and what willingness to unite Himself to us our Lord demonstrates by this act. We can do no less as we live out our daily lives as his disciples. And when we do strive with all our might to live out our Baptismal call to Christian stewardship, we will experience the deep honor of knowing that we, too, are God’s “beloved” sons and daughters “with whom He is well-pleased.” © Catholic Stewardship Consultants, 2025 Pastoral Pondering As many of you know, on December 17 Bishop Martin issued a pastoral letter concerning the reception of Holy Communion. In that letter, he directed that non-fixed altar rails and kneelers be removed no later than January 16. I want to acknowledge, very simply and honestly, that this has been difficult for many in our parish. I feel that weight as well. I love St. Mark, and I am grateful for the reverence and devotion so many of you show toward the Holy Eucharist. I do not take lightly the concerns, questions, or disappointment this has raised. I am also aware that some of the faithful have made use of the appropriate channels within the Church to petition for clarification or reconsideration, and those processes may continue. At the same time, as your pastor, I am entrusted with leading this parish in fidelity to the Church and her discipline in those matters that do not contradict Catholic law. While there are sincere and thoughtful discussions about posture for receiving Holy Communion, the current liturgical discipline in the United States indicates that Communion is ordinarily received standing, whether on the tongue or in the hand. It is important to state clearly that the right of an individual communicant to kneel remains fully intact, and no one may ever be denied Holy Communion for choosing to do so. Therefore, unless a suspensive decision is issued by the Bishop or by the Dicastery for Divine Worship, we will comply with the directive and remove the kneelers from around the sanctuary. To assist with the reverent and timely distribution of Holy Communion, we will also increase the number of Communion stations. I know this change will be challenging for some. It is not something I approach lightly. My hope is that we can carry this moment together, offering whatever frustration or sorrow we may feel as a personal sacrifice, united to Christ present in the Eucharist. Crosses come in many forms, and how we bear them matters greatly. Let us remain united in prayer and charity, so that anger, bitterness, or division never take root at St. Mark. The weight of the Bishop’s office is a heavy one. I pray for Bishop Martin daily, and I ask that you do the same. Bishop’s office is a heavy one. I pray for him everyday, and I hope that you will as well.  On a happier note, as we come to the end of the Christmas season, I want to thank everyone who dropped off Christmas greetings and goodies. Your kindness is very much appreciated.

From the Pastor - Epiphany

By John Putnam • January 2, 2026
Today we celebrate the Epiphany — the manifestation of Christ to the world. The stewardship way of life is nothing other than a grateful response to God’s countless manifestations in our lives, and a commitment to make His love manifest to others through the sharing of our gifts. St. Paul reminds us in Ephesians that the grace given to him was “for your benefit.” Every gift we have received is meant to benefit others and give glory to God. The Magi show us how to live this out: Worship is their highest priority.They travel far, ask openly, and refuse to let anything stop them from honoring the newborn King. Is Sunday Mass the non-negotiable center of our week? 2. They are watchful. “We saw his star at its rising.” Good stewards stay alert to God’s presence and gifts in daily life. 3. They persevere through difficulty. Herod deceives, dangers threaten, yet God guides and protects them. Our stewardship journey will have twists, but God is faithful. 4. They are overjoyed True stewards radiate the deep, lasting joy that only comes from encountering Christ. 5. They prostrate and open their treasures. Overwhelmed with awe, they give totally of themselves and their gifts — the perfect act of worship. This year, let us rejoice in every manifestation of God in our lives, stay watchful for His star, and open our own treasures — our time, talent, and treasure — in generous gratitude to our King.  Come, let us adore Him — and then go and make Him known.