Question
24th SUNDAY in ORDINARY TIME
THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
On this feast day, Christians are invited to reflect on
the love and mercy of God as demonstrated through the crucifixion of Jesus.
The Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross commemorates several key events in Christian history:
1. The discovery of the True Cross in 326 by St. Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine.
2. Dedication of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in 335 where the True Cross was first exalted for public veneration.
3. Recovery of the Cross in 628 after it had been taken during the Sasanian conquest of Jerusalem.
In summary, the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is a significant celebration in the Christian liturgical calendar,
honoring the cross as a symbol of faith, redemption, and the profound love of God for humanity.
begins at St. Mark soon.
Here’s the schedule:
FAITH FORMATION KICK-OFF:
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST at 9:00 AM
with a Family Mass, followed by Outdoor Activities & Food FOR THE ENTIRE PARISH, youth and adults alike!
*****
CONFIRMATION for Grade 9 and EDGE SESSIONS for Grades 6-8
will be held on Sundays from 10:00 AM –11:15 AM
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FAITH FORMATION for Grades 1-5 on Wednesdays, starting Oct 1st, 3:30-5:00 PM
*****
Please return your child’s registration form if you haven’t already done so.
If you have any questions, or need to register a child, please contact:
Mrs. Jen Abriatis at the Faith Formation office: 814-486-0569
There is a new 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.
St. Mark Catholic Church Inquiry
Please join us on Monday, October 6, 2025 at 6:30 PM, for less than one hour,
for adults 18 years or older who are trying to find meaning in their life.
Those who have questions like the following are invited to come: Can you help me be a better person?
I want to find a safe place to belong.
I wonder where is God?
If you have these or similar question, please come to O’Connell Hall (Basement of St. Mark Church, 235 East Fourth St., Emporium).
There we can help you start beginning to answer questions about these matters.
No religious affiliation is required.
Refreshments will be served following this first inquiry session. For more information please call Jen at 814-486-0569 or 814-335-4871.
BLESSING OF PETS
In honor of St. Francis of Assisi, Patron Saint of animals and the environment,
Fr. Paul Siebert will preside over a special Blessing of Pets on Thursday, Oct. 2nd at 5:00 PM, in front of St. Mark Church.
Please bring your pets; dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits, etc. to St. Mark Church, where we’ll meet out front
(by the Statue of St. Mark) to have your pets blessed.
This custom is conducted in remembrance of Saint Francis of Assisi’s love for all creatures.
We hope to see you and your beloved pets there!
All pets must be on lease or in a carrier.
This event is open to the public! Tell your friends! All are welcome!
Rosary Society
Meets every 2nd Tuesday of each month at 1:00 PM.
New members are always welcome!

St. James Church, Driftwood PA
Saturday evening mass at 5:30 pm
from April to mid-October.
Come and visit this beautiful little church.
Originally established in 1874.
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