Some changes are occurring in our St. Mark’s Youth Ministry.
Dean Jake Owensby continues to keep ministry to children, youth and their families among the Cathedral’s top priorities.
Canon Hope Benko has called together an energetic lay team who are making a commitment to Youth Ministry.
We are equipping and empowering the laity to play a central role in leading events, teaching, and chaperoning events. When our new Youth Minister arrives, they will continue these ministries in partnership with him or her.
Haley Harrington is continuing in her capacity as paid assistant in Youth Ministry.
Some have worried about the increased load upon Canon Hope. The Dean has addressed this in two specific ways.
• Joy Owensby has assumed leadership of the Children’s Workshop for Sundays on a volunteer basis. Having served as a Director of Christian Formation Joy is well equipped for this role.
• Fr. Carl Wright, Air Force Chaplain, has agreed to serve at the Cathedral as Assisting Priest without stipend (military regulations do not permit him to receive pay for his service in the Church). He will relieve Canon Hope of liturgical duties at the 6:00 service.
Perhaps most importantly for the immediate present, youth activities continue just as planned. And in fact, we are adding an outreach, service component to our offerings. This began this past Wednesday when the Youth Group packed lunches for the homeless.
Change can be trying. Be assured that we are pressing forward in positive and exciting ways. Canon Hope will be sending email reminders of activities on a regular basis, and Haley Harrington is doing the same on Facebook.
Please feel free to share with the Dean anything you have on your mind and to ask him for any information.
