There will be a pre-Baptismal meeting in the Dean’s office this Sunday -  right after the 10:00 am service. This is the last instructional opportunity for the May 27, June 17 and July 29 Baptism dates.

St. Mark’s is helping out the Northwest Louisiana Food Bank this month – to increase the supply of food during the upcoming summer months. Collection boxes will be located in the back of the church and outside the church office. All donations are welcome, especially canned meat/fish, canned fruit and rice and beans. Please make your donations by this Monday, May 21.

EYC will be Paintballing this Sunday! – We will leave from the church right after the Almost Pentecost Picnic.
We will also be traveling to the Alligator Farm in Natchitoches on May 26. Meet at the church at 9:00 am..

As the Vestry begins its search process to call a new Dean to St. Mark’s - it has been determined that the Parish profile created in 2007 remains largely accurate. However to allow candidates to better learn the thoughts of the parish, a survey has been prepared to give all members of the Cathedral a chance to express themselves. All parishioners, age 13 and over are encouraged to go online and fill out the survey. Go to our website www.stmarkscathedral.net and click on “Take the Parish Profile Survey.”

The Women’s Bible Study is having a “Bring A Dish” luncheon – this Monday, May 21 at their regular 11:00 am meeting time in the Ministry Center. There will also be a showing of the art of Dr. Reba Neel who will be an honored guest at the festivities.

The Wonderful Story of God is coming! – Registration is underway for our Vacation Bible School which is July 9-13 from 9:00 am till noon here at the Cathedral. VBS is open to all children who turned 3 by January 1, 2012 (they must be potty-trained), up through kids who complete 5th grade this spring.  The cost, which includes a t-shirt, is $20 per child if you register by May 31, and $25 per child after that date.  To register, go to stmarkscathedral.net and click on event registration. You may also register to be a volunteer.

There will be a Safeguarding God’s Children class - on Saturday, June 9 from 9:00 am till noon in the Ministry Center. Anyone who plans to volunteer for Vacation Bible School who has not taken the class should attend. For more information, contact Joy Owensby at joy@stmarkscathedral.net.

 St. Mark’s will offer a free summer Music Camp for children in grades 2-8 June 4-8 from 9am till noon. - The Camp will be directed by Bryan. T. Mitnaul, St. Mark’s Assistant Organist and Choirmaster.  The week-long camp will consist of singing, music theory, games, arts and crafts, as well as many other fun and educational activities.  Your child does not need to be currently singing in the choir to participate in the camp, nor is previous musical experience necessary.  The camp is offered free or charge. However, it is important to register in advance. To register, or if you have questions, please call Bryan Mitnaul at 226-4034. The registration deadline is May 28.

Dean Jake Owensby will be honored  - at a reception on June 17 immediately following the 10:00 am service. This will give us a chance to thank him for his leadership as he transitions from our Dean to our Bishop beginning in July. The following Sunday, June 24, Bishop D. Bruce MacPherson will make his last visit to St. Mark’s for Confirmation at the 10:00 am service. There will be a reception honoring the Bishop and his wife, Susan, after the service. Please plan to be here for both of these events!

From: Don Smith, St. Mark’s Cathedral

RE: Forming a Diocesan Choir for The Ordination and Consecration of The Very Rev. Dr. Jacob W. Owensby.

Download Diocesan Choir Registration Form

I am writing to invite singers throughout the diocese to form a Diocesan Choir for this service. It will take place on Saturday, July 21, 2012 at 10:00 am, in St. Marks Cathedral.

In the past, our diocesan choirs have offered inspirational singing! I am looking forward to welcoming back many whom have sung in the previous choirs as well as welcoming new singers within our diocese. We have approximately 100 seats for singers and instrumentalists in the balcony.

The mandatory dress rehearsal, our only combined choir rehearsal, will be on Friday evening, July 20th, from 7:00 – 9:00 pm in the Cathedral. As in the past, we will attempt to assist singers with information concerning housing and hotels for that evening.

Download the registration form which is to be completed by all singers who would like to participate. As my office receives these registration forms, the sheet music will be provided as quickly as possible.

I ask that all singers come to the dress rehearsal knowing their choral parts. I ask choir directors and organists to assist choristers in the rehearsal of this music. I also encourage convocational rehearsals, so singers can meet each other and rehearse in a larger ensemble prior to the dress rehearsal.

It promises to be another spectacular occasion for our diocese and I look forward to directing the choir. Please encourage your singers to participate!

Download Diocesan Choir Registration Form

St. Mark’s is helping out the Northwest Louisiana Food Bank this month – to increase the supply of food during the upcoming summer months. Collection boxes will be located in the back of the church and outside the church office. All donations are welcome, especially canned meat/fish, canned fruit and rice and beans. Please make your donations by May 21.

Come and join us in serving dinner at the Providence House, this Friday May 11. -  Dinner is from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm, but we need volunteers to arrive at 5:45 pm.  We only need 15-20 people and ages 10 and above are welcome to help out.  We will serve dinner (no cooking!) to the residents at the Providence House. This is a great family activity and a wonderful way to help out those who are working so hard to change and improve their lives!  If you would like to volunteer or have questions contact Jennifer Beruvides at jennifer@stmarkscathedral.net.

Camp Hardtner is hosting Music Fest this Saturday – from 9:00 am till 3:00 pm. There will be a day of music, fellowship, food and jumpies for the kids plus a silent auction. Lunch will be served. All proceeds go to the Cursillo movement.  Everybody is invited! Please RSVP  to Barbara Alexander (Secretary)  balexander@cox-internet.com

Our ‘Almost Pentecost’ Picnic – is set for Sunday, May 20, right after the 10:00 am service.  There will be food, games and jumpies for the kids and fellowship. Make plans to be there!

EYC will be taking a trip to the Alligator Park - in Natchitoches on Saturday, May 26. Meet at the church at 9:00 am.

The Wonderful Story of God is coming! – Registration is underway for our Vacation Bible School which is July 9-13 from 9:00 am till noon here at the Cathedral. VBS is open to all children who turned 3 by January 1, 2012 (they must be potty-trained), up through kids who complete 5th grade this spring.  The cost, which includes a t-shirt, is $20 per child if you register by May 31, and $25 per child after that date.  To register, go to stmarkscathedral.net and click on event registration. You may also register to be a volunteer.

St. Mark’s will offer a free summer Music Camp for children in grades 2-8 June 4-8 from 9am till noon. - The Camp will be directed by Bryan. T. Mitnaul, St. Mark’s Assistant Organist and Choirmaster.  The week-long camp will consist of singing, music theory, games, arts and crafts, as well as many other fun and educational activities.  Your child does not need to be currently singing in the choir to participate in the camp, nor is previous musical experience necessary.  The camp is offered free or charge. However, it is important to register in advance. To register, or if you have questions, please call Bryan Mitnaul at 226-4034. The registration deadline is May 28.

Dean Jake Owensby will be honored  - at a reception on June 17 immediately following the 10:00 am service. This will give us a chance to thank him for his leadership as he transitions from our Dean to our Bishop beginning in July. The following Sunday, June 24, Bishop D. Bruce MacPherson will make his last visit to St. Mark’s for Confirmation at the 10:00 am service. There will be a reception honoring the Bishop and his wife, Susan, after the service. Please plan to be here for both of these events!

Dean Jake has set aside the following dates for Baptisms to take place in 2012 at the 10:00 a.m. Sunday service.       
                                
May 27
June 17
July 29
August 26
September 30
November 4
December 2

All candidates for Baptism or parents of candidates for infant Baptism are required to meet with the Dean for pre-Baptismal instruction. These meetings are scheduled for Sundays, May 20, August 5, September 23 and October 28 after the 10:00 am service.  The May 20 date is the last instructional opportunity for the May, June and July Baptism dates. Please contact Liz Montelepre at 221-3360 to attend this meeting or to set a Baptismal date.

The Wonderful Story of God is coming! – Registration is underway for our Vacation Bible School which is July 9-13 from 9:00 am till noon here at the Cathedral. VBS is open to all children who turned 3 by January 1, 2012 (they must be potty-trained), up through kids who complete 5th grade this spring.  The cost, which includes a t-shirt, is $20 per child if you register by May 31, and $25 per child after that date.  To register, go to stmarkscathedral.net and click on event registration.

St. Mark’s will offer a free summer Music Camp for children in grades 2-8 June 4-8 from 9am till noon. - The Camp will be directed by Bryan. T. Mitnaul, St. Mark’s Assistant Organist and Choirmaster.  The week-long camp will consist of singing, music theory, games, arts and crafts, as well as many other fun and educational activities.  Your child does not need to be currently singing in the choir to participate in the camp, nor is previous musical experience necessary.  The camp is offered free or charge. However, it is important to register in advance. To register, or if you have questions, please call Bryan Mitnaul at 226-4034. The registration deadline is May 28.

The United Thank Offering Ingathering is this Sunday. -  Please remember to bring your child’s United Thanks Offering (UTO) ‘little blue box’ this Sunday!  They will meet in the back of the church at offertory to return their boxes.  There will also be UTO envelopes in the church bulletins for congregation members to make donations.  Thank you for your support.

EYC will be camping - and participating in a YOGO event this weekend at Cypress-Black Bayou. Meet at the church Friday at 4:30 pm.

This Sunday is the last week for all Christian Formation classes before the summer break. -  Dr. Cheryl White leads a short course on Pillars of Christian Thought, examining the lives and teachings of some of the great intellects of Christianity. Adult Blend moves toward summer with the topic of Transitions, taught by Dr. Bart Wagner. The Adult Confirmation Class continues under the leadership of Patrick Caraway.

St. Mark’s is helping out the Northwest Louisiana Food Bank this month – to increase the supply of food during the upcoming summer months. Collection boxes will be located in the back of the church and outside the church office. All donations are welcome, especially canned meat/fish, canned fruit and rice and beans. Please make your donations by May 21.

Come and join us in serving dinner at the Providence House, Friday May 11. -  Dinner is from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm, but we need volunteers to arrive at 5:45 pm.  We only need 15-20 people and ages 10 and above are welcome to help out.  We will serve dinner (no cooking!) to the residents at the Providence House. This is a great family activity and a wonderful way to help out those who are working so hard to change and improve their lives!  If you would like to volunteer or have questions contact Jennifer Beruvides at jennifer@stmarkscathedral.net.

Youth Sunday is May 13! – Our youth, especially our graduating seniors, will be honored and will participate in the 10:00 am service. Mark your calendars.

Our ‘Almost Pentecost’ Picnic – is set for Sunday, May 20, right after the 10:00 am service.  There will be food, games and jumpies for the kids and fellowship. Make plans to be there!

St. Mark’s Cathedral School Field Day is this Friday! – Rutherford Street beside the Cathedral will be blocked off for the entire morning and no traffic or parking will be allowed there. If you have business in the church office, you might want to wait till the afternoon to come by.

Dean Jake has set aside the following dates for Baptisms to take place in 2012 at the 10:00 a.m. Sunday service.       
                                
May 27
June 17
July 29
August 26
September 30
November 4
December 2

All candidates for Baptism or parents of candidates for infant Baptism are required to meet with the Dean for pre-Baptismal instruction. These meetings are scheduled for Sundays, May 20, August 5, September 23 and October 28 after the 10:00 am service. Please contact Liz Montelepre at 221-3360 to attend this meeting or to set a Baptismal date.

The Wonderful Story of God is coming! – Registration is underway for our Vacation Bible School which is July 9-13 from 9:00 am till noon here at the Cathedral. VBS is open to all children who turned 3 by January 1, 2012 (they must be potty-trained), up through kids who complete 5th grade this spring.  The cost, which includes a t-shirt, is $20 per child if you register by May 31, and $25 per child after that date.  To register, go to stmarkscathedral.net and click on event registration.

St. Mark’s will offer a free summer Music Camp for children in grades 2-8 June 4-8 from 9am till noon. - The Camp will be directed by Bryan. T. Mitnaul, St. Mark’s Assistant Organist and Choirmaster.  The week-long camp will consist of singing, music theory, games, arts and crafts, as well as many other fun and educational activities.  Your child does not need to be currently singing in the choir to participate in the camp, nor is previous musical experience necessary.  The camp is offered free or charge. However, it is important to register in advance. To register, or if you have questions, please call Bryan Mitnaul at 226-4034. The registration deadline is May 28.

The Young Families and Singles Crawfish Boil  - is April 28 at Lee and Patrick Harrison’s home from 3:00 pm till 6:00 pm. You don’t want to miss it!

Mandatory training for all Vacation Bible School Youth staff-  is Saturday, April 28 from 9:30 am till 11:00 am OR Sunday, April 29 from 11:30 am till 1:00 pm.  All youth volunteers must attend one of these sessions.

EYC Pirate Movie Adventure! - We are seeing Pirates: Band of Misfits Sunday at 3:35 pm in costume!!  Meet at Tinseltown at 3:15 pm. Wear a costume, and Brooks will buy your dinner!

The United Thank Offering Ingathering will be Sunday May 6.-  The mission of United Thank Offering, since 1889, is to invite people to offer daily prayers of thanksgiving to God and to demonstrate outward and visible signs of those prayers which will benefit others.The traditional ‘blue box’ was distributed  through children’s programs, at the beginning of Lent, and were placed around the church facility for the congregation. Next Sunday, children will have an opportunity to join ushers, during the offering, to return their boxes.There will also be UTO envelopes in the pew to provide an opportunity for everyone to share with this wonderful organization.

On Sunday, May 6, all Christian Formation teachers -  will be recognized during the 10:00 am service and invited to a luncheon at the Owensby home at 12:30 pm that day.

Come and join us in serving dinner at the Providence House, Friday May 11. -  Dinner is from 6:00 pm-7:00 pm, but we need volunteers to arrive at 5:45 pm.  We only need 15-20 people and ages 10 and above are welcome to help out.  We will serve dinner (no cooking!) to the residents at the Providence House. This is a great family activity and a wonderful way to help out those who are working so hard to change and improve their lives!  If you would like to volunteer or have questions contact Jennifer Beruvides at jennifer@stmarkscathedral.net.

Youth Sunday is May 13! – Our youth, especially our graduating seniors, will be honored and will participate in the 10:00 am service. Mark your calendars.

Our ‘Almost Pentecost’ Picnic – is set for Sunday, May 20, right after the 10:00 am service.  There will be food, games and jumpies for the kids and fellowship. Make plans to be there!

Dean Jake has set aside the following dates for Baptisms to take place in 2012 at the 10:00 a.m. Sunday service.       
                                
May 27
June 17
July 29
August 26
September 30
November 4
December 2

All candidates for Baptism or parents of candidates for infant Baptism are required to meet with the Dean for pre-Baptismal instruction. These meetings are scheduled for Sundays, May 20, August 5, September 23 and October 28 after the 10:00 am service. Please contact Liz Montelepre at 221-3360 to attend this meeting or to set a Baptismal date.

The Wonderful Story of God is coming! – Our Vacation Bible School is July 9-13 from 9:00 am till noon here at the Cathedral. VBS is open to all children who turned 3 by January 1, 2012 (they must be potty-trained), up through kids who complete 5th grade this spring.  The cost, which includes a t-shirt, is $20 per child if you register by May 31, and $25 per child after that date.  Registration information begina May 1!

July 9-13, 9 a.m. – noon
It is time to register for this summer’s Vacation Bible School!

VBS is open to all children who turned 3 by January 1, 2012 (must be potty-trained), up through kids who complete 5th grade this spring. 

The cost, which includes a t-shirt, is $20 per child if you register by May 31, and $25 per child after that date.  Children of VBS staff attend for free.

There are also many opportunities for adults and teenagers to help with VBS:
• Donate snacks, supplies, or breakfast for the staff
• Help with preparations and decorations
• Serve as krewe leaders or assist with activities (games, snacks, art, Bible story, music)
• Remember that service hours for youth are available.

Registration is now open! Click the link below!

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/saintmarks/event/4699/

Dean Owensby, who has been at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Shreveport since January 0f 2009, was elected on the sixth ballot from a field of three candidates. One other nominee withdrew after the second ballot, two others withdrew after the third, and a fourth after the fifth. Owensby received 78 votes of 143 cast in the lay order and 30 of 58 cast in the clergy order.

The election was held at a special convention at St. James’ Church in Alexandria. Delegates participated in a service of holy Eucharist before balloting began.

Dean Owensby will succeed the Rt. Rev. D. Bruce MacPherson, who will retire in July after 10 years as bishop of the diocese.

 Shortly after his election, Dean Owensby said: “I am humbled to be called to be the fourth Bishop of Western Louisiana and filled with affection for the good people who make this part of our state their geographical and spiritual home.  Joy, excitement, and anticipation have me a little tongue-tied right now.  But I can say that my first and most important job is to love the people of this Diocese and to help them grow in their witness to the extravagant love of God in Jesus Christ.  I am especially looking forward to building deep relationships with my fellow clergy, visiting with our congregations and helping them to grow in vitality, and serving our Lord together with these wonderful people.”

 Pending necessary consents, the consecration is due to take place at 10 a.m. on July 21 at St. Mark’s Cathedral

The last activity of the year for C.I.A.  - will be a party this Sunday from 2:00-4:00 pm at the Cathedral.  In addition to 4th and 5th graders, all 3rd graders are invited to attend.  Middle School EYC members, along with Youth Minister Brooks Boylan, will also be there. Besides food, fun, and games, there will be a special ceremony to welcome the 3rd graders into C.I.A. for next year and to send off the 5th graders into EYC. 

All St. Mark’s Senior Acolytes will be recognized –  this Sunday at a luncheon at the Lasseigne’s.

This year’s Holocaust Remembrance Service – is this Sunday at 4:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church in Shreveport. All are invited.

EYC have a YOGO event and camping this weekend! - Meet at the church Friday at 4:30 p.m.

The Feast Day of St. Mark is Wednesday, April 25. – At 5:30pm, our choirs will offer Choral Evensong to conclude their choir season.  Your presence at this service is an expression of your gratitude for these boys and girls, teens and adults who weekly rehearse, lead the congregational music and offer special choral music in our Choral Eucharist on Sunday and feast days.  We are grateful for their gift of music in our lives.  Stop by the Cathedral after work or between afternoon activities to honor our choir and to celebrate our patron saint, St. Mark!

The Young Families and Singles Crawfish Boil  - is April 28 at Lee and Patrick Harrison’s home from 3:00 pm till 6:00 pm. You don’t want to miss it!

Mandatory training for all Vacation Bible School Youth staff-  is Saturday, April 28 from 9:30 am till 11:00 am OR Sunday, April 29 from 11:30 am till 1:00 pm.  All youth volunteers must attend one of these sessions.

The United Thank Offering Ingathering will be Sunday May 6 - Children will deliver their ‘little blue boxes’ during the 10:00 am service.  There will be an opportunity for all parishioners to make a contribution during the service.  Please mark your calendars and look for further instructions.  .

On Sunday, May 6, all Christian Formation teachers -  will be recognized during the 10:00 am service and invited to a luncheon at the Owensby home at 12:30 pm that day.

Our ‘Almost Pentecost’ Picnic – is set for Sunday, May 20, right after the 10:00 am service.  There will be food, games and jumpies for the kids and fellowship. Make plans to be there!

Dean Jake has set aside the following dates for Baptisms to take place in 2012 at the 10:00 a.m. Sunday service.       
                                
May 27
June 17
July 29
August 26
September 30
November 4
December 2

All candidates for Baptism or parents of candidates for infant Baptism are required to meet with the Dean for pre-Baptismal instruction. These meetings are scheduled for Sundays, May 20, August 5, September 23 and October 28. Please contact Liz Montelepre at 221-3360 to attend this meeting or to set a Baptismal date.

The Wonderful Story of God is coming! – Our Vacation Bible School is July 9-13 from 9:00 am till noon here at the Cathedral. VBS is open to all children who turned 3 by January 1, 2012 (they must be potty-trained), up through kids who complete 5th grade this spring.  The cost, which includes a t-shirt, is $20 per child if you register by May 31, and $25 per child after that date.  Registration information is coming soon!

Our first graders who have been enrolled in the Communion Celebration Class  - will be recognized during the 10:00 am service this Sunday.  A reception for these children and their families will take place in the Parlor immediately following the service.

EYC will be Paintballing - this Sunday from 1:00 pm till 7:00 pm. There will also be a YOGO event and camping April 20 and 21. We will meet at the Cathedral at 4:30 pm that Friday.

The Young Families and Singles Crawfish Boil  - is April 28 at Lee and Patrick Harrison’s home from 3:00 pm till 6:00 pm. You don’t want to miss it!

The last activity of the year for C.I.A.  - will be a party on April 22 from 2:00-4:00 pm at the Cathedral.  In addition to 4th and 5th graders, all 3rd graders are invited to attend.  Middle School EYC members, along with Youth Minister Brooks Boylan, will also be there. Besides food, fun, and games, there will be a special ceremony to welcome the 3rd graders into C.I.A. for next year and to send off the 5th graders into EYC. 

All St. Mark’s Senior Acolytes will be recognized –  on Sunday, April 22 at the 10:00 am service and afterward at a luncheon at the Lasseigne’s.

This year’s Holocaust Remembrance Service – is Sunday, April 22 at 4:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church in Shreveport. All are invited.

On Wednesday, April 25, the Feast Day of St. Mark- at 5:30 pm, our choirs will offer Choral Evensong to conclude their choir season.  Your presence at this service is an expression of your gratitude for these boys and girls, teens and adults who weekly rehearse, lead the congregational music and offer special choral music in our Choral Eucharist on Sunday and feast days.  We are grateful for their gift of music in our lives.  Stop by the Cathedral after work or between afternoon activities to honor our choir and to celebrate our patron saint, St. Mark!

Mandatory training for all Vacation Bible School Youth staff-  is Saturday, April 28 from 9:30 am till 11:00 am OR Sunday, April 29 from 11:30 am till 1:00 pm.  All youth volunteers must attend one of these sessions.

The United Thank Offering Ingathering will be Sunday May 6 - during the 10:00 am service.  Please mark your calendars and look for further instructions.

On Sunday, May 6, all Christian Formation teachers -  will be recognized during the 10:00 am service and invited to a luncheon at the Owensby home at 12:30 pm that day.

Our new Parish Directory has been out for a few weeks now - and we want to make sure we have all of our information correct. If there are any corrections to your information, such as address or phone number, please contact Liz Montelepre in the church office.

Dean Jake has set aside the following dates for Baptisms to take place in 2012 at the 10:00 a.m. Sunday service.       
                                
April 29
May 27
June 17
July 29
August 26
September 30
November 4
December 2

All candidates for Baptism or parents of candidates for infant Baptism are required to meet with the Dean for pre-Baptismal instruction. The next meeting is scheduled for this Sunday, April 15 and this will be the last meeting for anyone wishing to have a Baptism on April 29. Please meet in the Dean’s office after the 10:00 am service.