PARISH LIFE
Choosing Community
In recent years, many of us have greater intentionality about the places and people we choose as our primary communities. While there are a variety of settings and groups to which we belong, my hope is that your church is one that is foundational for your identity. Episcopalians are perhaps notorious for not wanting to be too outspoken about their faith, but the reality is that regular attendance in worship, prayer, study, fellowship, and service are hallmarks of the Christian faith. The more we take seriously those expressions of our faith, the more likely it is people will notice our actions. As St. Francis was quoted as saying, “Proclaim the gospel at all times. Use words when necessary.”
Our witness as we serve in the world is a necessary expression of love and care that the world desperately needs. As our society drifts evermore in a secular direction, it’s worth taking the time to really reflect on what it is we think is happening with our church community. How does what we do matter, both for our members and those who have no idea where we go to church? How as a parish do we continue to feed San Antonio with the bread of life?
At St. Mark’s, we take these questions seriously. We believe they are worthy of our attention through prayer and a commitment to thoughtful discernment. The Vestry and leadership of the congregation are asking the important questions about the future of the church, and especially our beloved parish. What are the needs of our members? Do they feel that their faith is a vital and important component in their life? Do they feel they have the tools they need to rely on God and a faith community in good times and those that are more challenging? Where are the areas they are hoping for growth?
As we intentionally survey our community around these topics, we trust that we will start to discern at a deeper level where God is calling us in this particular time and place. To do this fully requires broad participation by all of us, from those who are the most active to those who aren’t sure what role the community is serving in their lives.
This parish life handbook gives you a wonderful overview of the ways in which we are community. There are many different entry points. We hope you will take the time to listen to where God might be inviting you to become more deeply connected here. We need all of us to really be a flourishing and dynamic community. We are inclusive and trust that all of us are works in progress. Wherever you are in your journey, trust that you have something to offer and receive here. Feel free to reach out to our talented clergy and staff with any questions you have. We look forward to getting to know you, and trust that God’s glory is revealed as we all walk the way of Jesus Christ together.
Peace,
I’m New
The People of St. Mark’s Welcome You!
Getting started at a new church, especially a large one like St. Mark’s, can be overwhelming at first, but we’re here to help. Our hope for you is that the information in this handbook will help you feel at home very quickly. And of course our staff and volunteers are always here to answer your questions, introduce you to other St. Mark’s people, and help you find the ministries where you can grow in your faith, connect with others, and serve our neighbors.
Throughout this parish life handbook, you’ll find information about the rhythms of our ministry and worship, and contact information for the clergy and staff who are excited to help you connect and make St. Mark’s your church home.
Church Office
The church office is located in the Parish House and is accessed through the double doors under the portico, opposite the church. When you enter, you’ll find a warm greeting at our reception desk, and we will help you find who you’re looking for. During the program year, the office is open Monday-Thursday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm and Friday 9:00 am - 2:00 pm.
Parking
We have two parking lots reserved for Sunday mornings and other St. Mark’s events: one at the corner of E. Pecan and Navarro and one at the corner of E. Pecan and Jefferson. Parking decals are available in the office for you to use when you’re here for a service, class, or meeting. We’ll also make sure you have one when you come to one of our newcomer gatherings. When attending other downtown events, please pay to park. Parking revenue makes up over 10% of our operating budget.
Feeding San Antonio with the Bread of Life
Newcomer Gatherings
The easiest, and most delicious, way to meet our clergy and some of our Vestry, ministry leaders, and others who are new to St. Mark’s is at one of our newcomer gatherings. These gatherings often include sharing dinner at Café Kairos with current St. Mark’s members and others who are new to our community. Watch the eNews for more information and an RSVP form about a month before each gathering.
eNews
Each week, we send out our eNews with all kinds of information about upcoming events, important announcements, and a brief reflection from a member of our clergy or staff. The eNews is your weekly lifeline to all things St. Mark’s. Sign up for the eNews either by filling out a visitor card or at the bottom of any page on the website.
Website
The church website is www.StMarks-SA.org. The website is a great place to find information about life events like baptisms, weddings, children, youth, music programs, and adult Bible studies and classes. When you cannot attend in person, you can join us for worship and formation classes on the Watch Live page. If you are unable to join us in real time, you can find full recordings of our services and sermons on our website, and for those that like to listen to podcasts, you can find our sermons on all streaming platforms. Create an account for giving and access the church directory on the My Account page, and let us know when you’re ready to join St. Mark’s as a member.
We hope this parish life handbook will be a great resource for you as you settle in and get to know us. We can’t wait to get to know you!
“St.
Mark’s has been a breath of fresh air for me and my family. I feel like I’m more theologically
at home than I’ve ever been.”
Zachary Leal
Sunday Morning SCHEDULE
Spoken Rite I Eucharist | 8:30 am
Bethlehem Chapel (Cloister and Gosnell Hall Entrance)
Formation for All Ages | 9:15 am
Adults in Gish Hall (3rd Floor) - Children in Jerusalem Chapel (2nd Floor)
Rite II Eucharist with Music | 10:30 am The Nave
Worship
Liturgy
Worship is what binds us together. Sacramental liturgy reflects the belief of incarnational theology; that tangible and finite things may reveal divine grace and glory.
Holy Eucharist is the principal act of Episcopal worship and is the liturgy where we participate in and receive the sacrament of Christ’s body and blood. Eucharist comes from the Greek word “thanksgiving”. We gather weekly to hear and reflect on the Good News of Jesus Christ, to give thanks, to confess, and to offer the brokenness of the world to God. As we break bread around God’s table, our eyes are opened to the presence of Christ. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we become the Body of Christ sent forth to live the way of love in the world. Therefore, Eucharist is both the beginning of and the culmination of all we do as Episcopalians.
Evensong is a sung version of the Daily Office liturgy of Evening Prayer. The clergy and choir chant and sing this office in the ancient tradition of marking the hours of the day with prayer. Services of Evensong are periodically offered at St. Mark’s at 4:00 pm and are typically preceded by a concert or recital beginning at 3:30 pm. See our website or printed program calendars in the bell tower for details on upcoming Evensong services.
Holy Days like Ash Wednesday and the liturgies of Holy Week give us ways to participate communally in the mysteries of Christ’s death and resurrection.
Liturgical Volunteers
Within our liturgies, there are ample opportunities for volunteers to become engaged in helping us lead worship. From Altar Guild members to acolytes, lectors to lay eucharistic ministers, choir members to ushers and greeters, there are opportunities for everyone to participate. Reach out to the clergy to discuss options.
Life Events Grounded by Our Faith
St. Mark’s walks alongside you through the many stages of life. When it’s time for weddings, baptisms, or funerals, please consult our website for guidelines on planning these liturgies.
“I enjoy being involved with ushering because it engages me with other parishioners directly.”
Ryan Holt
The Rev. Ann Fraser Associate Rector
The Rev. Beth Knowlton Rector
The Rev. Matthew Wise Associate Rector
Meet Our Clergy
Formation
Overview
Feeding
those who are hungry for knowledge and meaning
As Episcopalians we recognize intellectual engagement with our faith as a source of individual and communal growth. When we learn and reflect together, we are exercising one of our values, Feeding those who are hungry for knowledge and meaning. Curiosity, discovery, and study create a framework for drawing closer to God and one another. Intentional and prayerful reflection invites us to make meaning out of our experiences, to challenge our assumptions, and to trust that God’s Spirit is always at work within and all around us. We approach formation as a lifelong practice. The following are opportunities for adults in our community.
Looking for an entry point?
The opportunities on this page are the most accessible options for participants who are new to the Episcopal Church or for those wanting to brush up on the basics of our faith. Typically, these offerings don’t require regular attendance, but stand alone as entry points for engaging your Christian formation.
Regular Offerings
The Lectionary Bible Study spends an hour every Monday morning exploring the scriptural readings assigned for the upcoming Sunday. Led by the Rector.
The Rector’s Bible Study meets on Wednesday evenings and practices reading and studying the scriptures, typically one book at a time. Led by the Rector.
Faith Formation for Daily Life is a weekly series that meets on Sundays from 9:15-10:15 am. In these discussion based classes, we explore the intersection of our scripture and tradition with the challenges and joys of our day to day living. Taking a practical approach to topics in spiritually, theology, and Christian practice help us to incorporate our faith into the rest of our lives. Led by the Clergy.
Time Out Bible Study meets on Thursday mornings in 4-to-6 week intervals and considers authorship, audience, and context in the interpretation and application of the scriptures. Led by the Clergy.
Occasional Offerings
Parents’ Book Club is a small group for the parents of children in the choir, where they will read and discuss a book during choir rehearsals on Wednesday evenings.
St. Mark’s Bookstore Events bring writers and poets for offerings like readings, “Tea Scones, and Conversation” and our annual Bookstore Luncheon.
“I have so much to learn about living as a faithful Christian. When we were searching for a new parish, finding a community of others with that same desire was one of our highest priorities. And I am blessed to have been learning from amazing people these past 7 years.”
Brian Zook
Ready to go deeper?
These offerings will help you engage your formation more deeply and require regular attendance. They often include work to be completed outside of class.
Confirmation Class is designed for those who desire to join The Episcopal Church or who want to reaffirm their baptismal promises. The class covers many of the basics of our baptismal life lived out through the Episcopal tradition and is offered for 6 to 8 weeks each spring. Confirmation, Reception, or Reaffirmation are not required at the conclusion of the class, though the class is required for those rites.
Education for Ministry (EfM) is a 4-year course offered through the School of Theology at Sewanee. St. Mark’s has two EfM groups that meet weekly August through May and practice theological reflection as they study the Hebrew Scriptures, the New Testament, Church History, and Theology.
Sacred Ground is a facilitated small group addressing personal and systemic racism in our nation’s history. This 11-session course encourages reflection and learning that moves us closer to being a beloved community where the dignity of every human being is not only acknowledged but is actively honored.
If you’d like more information about any of our formation offerings, email the Rev. Matthew Wise.
Giving in Gratitude
As parishioners, we engage in year-round giving to support ministry within our community and beyond. Together we participate in the Gospel, bringing hope, relief, and peace to God’s kingdom. We do this by being formed as followers of Christ and by generously supporting the ministry of the parish.
The Book of Common Prayer reminds us of who we are as a people of God and what it means to follow the teachings of Christ in our ordinary, day-to-day lives, grounded in gratitude.
Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love. We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side. We thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us. …. Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know Christ and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen. — Book of Common Prayer p. 836
How to Pledge
In the fall, we ask all who identify St. Mark’s as their faith community to make a pledge of financial support for the following year. This commitment allows us to plan our worship and community offerings with confidence that, collectively, we will enable it financially. Whether you plan to pledge or give regularly without pledging, your annual gifts are the main support of our budget.
You can pledge online at www.StMarks-SA.org/Give or pick up a pledge card in the bell tower. Pledge cards are also mailed to all members in October. Then we gather to celebrate and bless our pledge offerings during worship services.
To learn more about our how we steward our finances, see the Annual Report. It can be found on the website and in the bell tower.
Your Ministry
The ministry of lay persons is to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church. (BCP p. 855)
Jack Mitts Parish Business Administrator
“I think of stewardship as an active choice that blends components of spirituality, gratitude, and practicality. We are growing spiritually when we follow Christ’s teachings to help the poor and come together as a Christian community, and it also reflects my gratitude to God for my family, friends, gifts, and our St. Mark’s community. Also, we need to be able to turn on the lights and support our ministers and staff in order to pursue a closer relationship to God in fellowship with each other!”
Marilou
Wednesdays at St. Mark’s
Know and Be Known
Wednesdays at St. Mark’s provide time for community to gather and find meaningful connection through fellowship, study, prayer, or rehearsal. Stop in for Evening Prayer and dinner, and stay for a book study while your child rehearses with the choir. Let your teen enjoy youth group time while you take part in a Rector’s Bible Study discussion. Whether you rehearse with the choir or participate in a formation offering like Education for Ministry or Curiosity Street, you will grow deeper connections with the people you worship with on Sunday mornings.
We are intentional about creating space for you. One way we do that is through our Café Kairos ministry, which makes dinner and fellowship available for participants in the various classes and activities. Come to be fed with a gracious meal and nourishing company. Children and youth eat free; adults who are able to donate towards our meal together help make that hospitality available to all. Children’s activities and nursery care further support families sharing in community life together.
Wednesday evening offerings include:
• Dinner served through Café Kairos
• Evening Prayer
• Choir rehearsals for children, youth, and adults
• The Rector’s Bible Study
• Education for Ministry
• Children’s Ministry
• Youth Ministry
• Nursery Care
• Newcomer Gatherings
• Parents Book Club
For more information on these programs, see our website at www.StMarks-SA.org. We update our online calendar frequently with descriptions of each offering and the ability to register as an attendee when necessary. We look forward to growing in community with you!
Café Kairos
Outreach
Outreach: Loving Others as Christ Loves Us
Feeding those who are hungry for
real food
Throughout many seasons of our parish’s history, this congregation has readily turned toward our neighbors to share the gifts of God and create opportunities for mutual health and thriving. Though the language of our core vocation to feed San Antonio with the bread of life emerged in recent memory, the value that it articulates is an enduring aspect of this congregation’s identity. The desire to do meaningful things with and for our community has been expressed by volunteers cooking thousands of meals for service members in the 1940’s; delivering devotional materials and casseroles during the “safer at home” days of the pandemic; shepherding asylum seekers to shelter for the night as they make their way to new homes; and serving cheerfully at partner agencies across San Antonio in several iterations of a Day of Prayer and Service, among many other projects and offerings.
What we tend to call “outreach” is truly about being present to and in relationship with our neighbors. There is mutual benefit in these relationships; we need one another. We know that the nature of serving attentively is adaptive and responsive; it needs to change with time and circumstances. As we come to know our neighbors and partners more deeply, ministries naturally emerge and shift. What might God be inviting us into as we see and respond to the moment at hand?
Ministry With, Rather Than Ministry To
Some of our companions in ministry are non-profits that have been long-term partners or share roots with St. Mark’s. This includes CAM, Good Samaritan Community Services, Morningside Ministries, SAMMinistries, and several ministries of the Diocese of West Texas. We value being connected to civic and interfaith partners like the City of San Antonio’s Faith-Based Initiative, the Interfaith San Antonio Alliance, and others.
St. Mark’s has a relationship with Crockett Academy, a nearby neighbor, through Communities in Schools San Antonio. St. Mark’s community members can serve in a variety of ways, from one-time events to weekly engagement. For example, you might consider being paired with a student as a mentor or pen pal, contributing to projects that celebrate and support teachers, or helping with a fall festival or holiday celebration.
Our Outreach Grants Committee engages each year with applicants to award several grants to organizations whose work aligns with our Core Vocation. Grant recipients become partners for the following year, providing our members avenues to engage in meaningful work and thereby investing in our partners’ mission. Our aim is not to be a grant-making foundation—the pool of funds and scope of awards remain purposefully modest. Instead, we value the opportunity to discover important work happening in our community and the means to support and share in it.
Special service-oriented events can be wonderful ways to get to know others in our parish and share your gifts. Watch for offerings like parish service days and occasional affinity-group service opportunities such as for youth or young adults.
There is a place for the gifts of all in the St. Mark’s community. The weekly e-News, website, and printed calendars are all up-to-date sources of information on opportunities to love our neighbors as Christ has loved us.
Community Care
Caring for one another in community is part of how we are church. At St. Mark’s, community care includes specific ministries of clergy and laity within a culture of loving attention to one another.
Companionship
Don’t suffer alone! We want to hear from you and offer support through prayers and presence. Let the church know when you have a need for prayer or companionship in a difficult time. If you are facing surgery or a hospitalization, request a visit from a priest or notify the church. If you want to be on the prayer list, let us know that as well. The easiest way to share a need, whether urgent or not, is by calling the church. After hours, you’ll find an option to press 7 to reach the priest on call. We welcome any call, for whatever reason a member is led to be in contact, and we value the deep relationships that form as we share one another’s sorrows and joys. Give yourself the gift of community when you join a group – whether a Bible study or ministry group. Watch for opportunities to connect with affinity groups as well, whether young adult events or gatherings of seniors or empty-nesters. Knowing others and being known adds richness and depth to our life together in Christ.
It is a joy to be present with one another. We do this by phone calls, visits, note writing—and the simple, loving act of asking about and listening to one another. Visitors make rounds to share communion with members who have difficulty getting out. Members of the Community of Hope are trained in the spiritual art of pastoral presence, to serve as regular visitors for a period of time, such as a season of illness or bereavement. When you welcome a child by birth or adoption, a member of the clergy will be happy to visit and offer a blessing. The Flower Delivery Ministry delivers smaller arrangements of Sunday altar flowers to share joy and encouragement with others. Our Mental Health Ministry seeks ways to support the deepening of community relationships and the readiness of support for mental health needs.
Prayer
Prayer is an important part of our care for one another. Our public Sunday prayer list includes names of members and relatives of members. The Daughters of the King, an order of laywomen who have undertaken a Rule of Prayer, maintain an unpublished list to be prayed for daily. You may request that a prayer concern be included on this list. Any person may be included in the Sunday prayers for those who have died.
Serve with Us
Together we seek to provide compassionate and confidential spiritual support to the St. Mark’s community. If you are interested in serving in caring ministries, please email the Rev. Ann Fraser.
Sharing Faith Dinners
A time of small-group storytelling, beginning with a shared meal, in parishioner homes. The gatherings are designed to bring members together over a simple dinner and get to know each other by sharing stories in a guided conversation. Sharing personal faith stories help us to deepen our own faith, and hearing others’ stories of God’s presence in their lives brings us into deeper relationship with each other.
Music
Feeding those who are hungry for beauty and creativity
St. Mark’s enjoys a great tradition of music in worship and in concert. Music exists to glorify God, to inspire the congregation, and is an essential feature of Episcopal liturgy. Everyone has a musical role in the liturgy which includes the singing of service music and hymns by the congregation, anthems and psalms sung by the choir, the clergy chanting the Sursum Corda during the Holy Eucharist, and the voluntaries performed on the Austin-Kegg pipe organ.
People are involved in St. Mark’s choirs for similar reasons they attend church: they are ultimately seeking community. Music-making is greater than ourselves, and the power of music-making in a choir not only provides musical enrichment, but also serves as Christian formation and spiritual development. Our choirs include children and youth of all ages, adult volunteers, staff singers, and choral scholars (high school and college students who commit to spending a year of musical formation in the St. Mark’s music program). Together they provide music for the many services that are offered throughout the year.
Additionally, we invite the San Antonio community to experience the beauty of worship and creativity through the Music from St. Mark’s offerings. These programs, free to all with complimentary parking, provide musical outreach to the San Antonio community thanks to the generous support of the St. Cecilia Guild.
Adult Choir
St. Mark’s Choir Wednesdays 6:30 - 8:45 pm
The St. Mark’s Choir, comprised of youth and adults, sings at the 10:30 am service each Sunday during the program year, September through May. The St. Mark’s Choir also sings at choral evensongs, concerts, lessons and carols, and major holy days. We welcome new singers at any time of the year by a brief audition and meeting. To find out more information, contact Jon or see the website.
Jon Johnson Director of Music and Organist
Children and Youth Choirs
The Chorister program is an educational opportunity for children that integrates musical training and Christian formation. These choirs are open to boys and girls, grades K-12, and are joined by St. Mark’s Choir to provide music for the 10:30 am worship service throughout the program year. These children learn about liturgy and the seasons of the church year as they rehearse service music, hymns, and anthems. Children involved in a choir learn and develop in their role as leaders in worship, being part of a team, building self-confidence, and maturing in their musical skills and formation. All choirs are affiliated with, and based on, the Royal School of Church Music America (RSCMA) model. These choirs rehearse on Sundays at 9:45 am in the choir room for the 10:30 am service.
Novices (Grades K-2) Wednesdays 5:00 - 6:00 pm
The Novice Choir is led by Becca Morgan. This preparatory group sings one Sunday a month. To find out more information, contact Becca or see the website.
Junior Choristers (Grades 3-6) Wednesdays 5:00 - 6:00 pm
The Junior Choristers are led by Ana Hernandez and Jon Johnson. To find out more information, contact Jon or see the website.
Senior Choristers (Grades 7-12) Wednesdays 5:30 - 6:30 pm
The Senior Choristers are led by Jon Johnson. Entry into the Senior Choristers is through a brief audition and is a continuation of the musical skills gained as a Junior Chorister. To find out more information, contact Jon or see the website.
I’ve sung in many excellent choirs since my college years, and the musical standards set by Jon as he rehearses the St. Mark’s choir are the equal of any choir in my experience. It is especially rewarding for me to be able to participate in presenting high-quality music in the English cathedral tradition at St. Mark’s every Sunday.
David Heller Artist-in-Residence
Becca Morgan Children’s Music Assistant
Ana Hernandez Children’s Music Assistant
Gerald Self Member
Vestry
The Vestry is the primary visioning body of the parish. It is made up of a diverse group of people with different skills, qualities, and wide experience who have all demonstrated, in one way or many, devotion to the vision of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church as expressed in our Core Vocation.
Your Vestry members are carefully selected by the Vestry Discernment Committee to represent the broadest possible swath of people and interests in the parish. Five candidates are presented as a slate to the congregation at the annual meeting in November for affirmation by members of St. Mark’s. Shortly after the new Vestry takes office, they spend a weekend in retreat with senior staff under the direction of a facilitator. Although practical in nature, Vestry service is also a spiritual practice, and the group starts off the year recognizing that aspect of the role and learning how best to fulfill it. Each monthly meeting during the year begins and ends with prayer. After a reflection on a Bible passage or other writing, the group moves on to discuss the work at hand. Most of the budget details are handled by the Finance Committee, and the Vestry reviews and approves their work. There is usually a report from a ministry area — children, music, outreach, etc. — with questions and discussion. Any decisions are made by discernment and consensus, not win-or-lose voting.
The Vestry is the legal representative of the parish with regard to all matters pertaining to its corporate property. At St. Mark’s,15 Vestry members serve staggered three-year terms. The presiding officer of the Vestry is the Rector. There are two wardens who have additional leadership responsibilities in support of the Rector. A treasurer and a clerk act in support of the Vestry and may or may not be Vestry members. The basic responsibilities of the Vestry are to help define and articulate the vision of the congregation; to support the church’s mission by word and deed; and to attend to finances and other business matters.
Get to know your Vestry members in their own words on the website.
Stewards of St. Mark’s
Your Vestry spends time considering how to be the best stewards of this historic place, the community, and our Core Vocation.
Feeding San Antonio with the Bread of Life
Feeding the hungry with real food; Feeding those who are hungry for knowledge and meaning; Feeding those who are hungry for beauty and creativity.
Youth Ministry
Responding to the spiritual needs of teenagers is, first and foremost, about building trusting relationships. Through formation classes, outreach opportunities, and social events designed for community building, we create and then nurture the space for our youth to safely explore their faith and more fully discover who they are and want to become as they transition from children to young adults. Witnessing and affirming God’s presence in the chaos of adolescence, recognizing students’ gifts for ministry, and raising them up as fully engaged young people is the work of the whole church, encouraged and modeled by our youth ministry.
Youth ministry with middle and high schoolers focuses on building community and being formed in Christ as we find a rhythm with one another. Students can gather for dinner and reconnection time each Wednesday evening. On Sunday mornings, Youth Formation Classes will be held 9:15 - 10:15 am. Youth ministry begins with 6th grade. Each semester, youth can participate in events like lock-in retreats, special Saturday outings for fun and fellowship, and service projects.
At St. Mark’s, youth will find lots of opportunities to be formed. Many of our middle and high schoolers serve as acolytes serving in the Sunday liturgies (beginning in fifth grade), or offering musical gifts in one of our choirs. Diocese of West Texas camping and retreat offerings like Happening, Camp Capers, and Duncan Park give our youth a connection to the wider church and are often an important addition to the practice of faith at home.
Youth in 8th grade and up are invited to explore confirmation as a next step in their faith practice. They will have the opportunity to learn about the history and faith traditions of the Episcopal Church, spiritual practices and theology, and living a life shaped by the values of our faith. Through learning together, acts of service, and community formation, participants will be able to make an informed decision about seeking confirmation when our bishop visits – often in the late spring. For more information or questions, please reach out to our Youth Ministry Intern, Luke Merritt.
“We support youth ministries at St. Mark’s because both Cliff and I grew up in church communities. The youth ministries were formative to our development and created a safe, welcome sanctuary during our teen years.”
Vanessa Hurd
Member Since 2010
Luke Merritt Youth Ministry Intern
Children’s Ministry
Lifelong Formation
Feeding those who are hungry for knowledge and meaning is a lifelong process and begins with our youngest members. Our greatest hope is that our children learn early on that St. Mark’s is a safe and loving community where they can discover, explore, and grow. Even before they can walk, our children have an important place here.
Nursery
Infant – 4 Years
A caring environment where your child is nurtured. Nursery staff are vaccinated and trained in Safeguarding God’s Children, CPR, and First Aid. Nursery care is offered every Sunday and for most parish events.
Children’s
Chapel
Kinder – 5th Grade
During the first half of the 10:30 am liturgy, our children are invited to gather in the Jerusalem Chapel on the second floor of the parish house. We use the Godly Play Montessori method to interact with the sacred stories and traditions of our faith. We realize that many children have had some experience of the mystery of God in their lives, but may lack the language, permission, and understanding to express and enjoy that in meaningful ways. Using Godly Play, we enter into the parables, into silence, and into the sacred liturgy to discover God, ourselves, one another, and the world around us.
Sunday School
4 Years – 5th Grade
On Sunday mornings at 9:15 am, children gather with those in their age group to dig deeper into the stories of the people of God. With the care and guidance of our loving volunteers, together we explore the ways that God loves us and practice recognizing God’s love in the world. Children learn to listen for God and to make authentic and creative responses to God’s call in our lives.
Cathy Villani Director of Children’s Ministries
Janet Carrizales Nursery Director
Special Events
We also have several formation and community events throughout the year designed to engage our children. Some of our favorites include:
• Stuffed Pet Adoption and The Blessing of the Animals – In the fall, each child can “adopt” a stuffed animal to become their pet prayer partner who will accompany them to church all year.
• Blessing of the Costumes and Trunk or Treat – During the month of October, we’ll have our annual festival for Halloween when we wear our costumes to church, share a meal, and get to play games with many of our parish ministry volunteers in the parking lot where they give us candy!
• Easter Egg Hunt – Each spring, we host our annual Easter egg hunt including a telling of the Easter story, an egg hunt, and a picnic lunch on the beautiful grounds of the Bishop Jones Center.
Little Hands at the Altar
This class is designed especially for young children and their families to explore the rhythms and meaning of the Holy Eucharist. We discuss parts of the service, handle the “holy hardware,” and better understand our sacred space. While certainly not a requirement, this class helps our children to be active participants on Sundays and prepares them to receive the bread and wine during the liturgy.
The Bookstore
The St. Mark’s Bookstore was founded as a ministry to support you, our readers, in your spiritual growth though the lens of books and reading. Through books, we can spend days and days being guided by the most important spiritual guides of our times, or of any time. Find Mary Earle, Philip Newell, and John O’Donohue on Celtic Christianity, biblical commentaries with solid scholarship, classic works by Walter Brueggeman, Abraham Heschel, and C.S. Lewis. Discover the works of Brené Brown, Anne Lamott, Mary Oliver, Richard Rohr, and other voices on our shelves. Need a prayer book, hymnal, or Bible? Maybe you need a liturgical calendar or other resource? We’ll have those! Our children’s section is growing, filled with classic titles and new discoveries. And, look for gifts from local artisans and fair-trade vendors.
Our bookstore in the Parish House is down the first-floor hallway to the left. Please come and visit us! We are open for in-person shopping throughout the week. To find our current operating hours, see our website.
Our website is also a fully operational online store. There you will find our Bookshop link, an online bookstore for independent bookstores. Call us at 210-507-3387 for any questions.
@stmarksbookstoresa
Sacred Ground
Sacred Ground is a sensitive, prayerful resource that creates space for difficult but respectful and trans formative dialogue on race and racism.
The 11-part series is built around a powerful online curriculum of documentary films and readings that focus on Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American histories as they intersect with European American histories. It invites participants to walk back through history in order to peel away the layers that brought us to today, reflecting on family histories and stories, as well as important narratives that shape the collective American story.
It holds as a guiding star the vision of beloved community—where all people are honored and protected and nurtured as beloved children of God, where we weep at one another’s pain and seek one another’s flourishing.
St. Mark’s has hosted many Sacred Ground small groups, known as “circles”. Taking part in a circle requires commitment to reading and preparation, and a willingness to be uncomfortable for the sake of deeper learning together. To participate, contact the Rev. Matthew Wise.
Susan
“I found Sacred Ground incredibly insightful. It opened my eyes to things around me that I hadn’t noticed before. It was powerful and difficult, realizing how much there is left to be done.”
Dee Francis
“As a person of color, I was familiar with most of the material covered. I felt challenged by the need to reserve my input and listen to other members of my group.”
Our Staff
John Aranda Sexton
Cindy Baker Receptionist cbaker@stmarks-sa.org
Janet Carrizales Nursery Director jcarrizales@stmarks-sa.org
The Rev. Ann Benton Fraser
Associate Rector for Outreach, Pastoral Care, and Parish Life afraser@stmarks-sa.org
David Heller
Artist-in-Residence
Ana Hernandez Children’s Music Assistant
Sonia Holguin Sexton
Jon Johnson
Director of Music and Organist jjohnson@stmarks-sa.org
Marsha Kimura
Music Department Administrator mkimura@stmarks-sa.org
The Rev. Elizabeth Knowlton Rector bknowlton@stmarks-sa.org
Zachary Leal
Director of Communications zleal@stmarks-sa.org
Richard Maldonado Chef
Chuy Mendoza Kitchen Supervisor & Chef cmendoza@stmarks-sa.org
Luke Merritt Youth Ministry Intern lmerritt@stmarks-sa.org
Jack Mitts Parish Business Administrator jmitts@stmarksa.org
Becca Morgan Children’s Music Assistant beccamorgan.music@gmail.com
Eric Nelson Director of Operations enelson@stmarksa.org
Angel Rivera Sexton
Dina Aboul Saad
Development Specialist dsaad@stmarks-sa.org
Derek Shively Head Sexton
Cathy Villani
Director of Children’s Ministries cvillani@stmarks-sa.org
Laura Wickham Administrative Assistant lwickham@stmarks-sa.org
The Rev. Matthew Wise
Associate Rector for Liturgy, Formation, and Family Ministries mwise@stmarks-sa.org
