St. Mark's Youth Group

Game show hosts Maddie Barth, Drew Conley, Edward & Fiona Tomlins

We are fortunate at St. Mark's to have clergy who are excited to work with our children. From our Pastor Msgr. Browney to our associate Fr. Gifford to our two deacons, John Skender and Jim Heatwole, our children have wonderful, involved role models for the Christian life.

Fr. Gifford has taken on our youth ministry, and we are so happy Luke and other SMS students have this opportunity to develop their faith. Today we met at the school and after a potluck lunch, our high school students led us in a fun activity: the parent-child version of the Newlywed Game. 

Luke and I were up first and I must say that he knows his mom pretty well. He was asked, "What would your mom take with her on a desert island?" I immediately wrote my answer on the white board. When it came time for Luke to guess what I wrote, he said, "Her family."

                           

Yay! That is correct!

He also answered correctly my favorite university (University of Wisconsin--could have been Bradley too!) and my favorite compliment from him (Love you, mom!)

The other families present had an opportunity to play. When asked what she would do first with the money if she won the lottery, Jamie Stortz, mother of Sara and Ben, answered, "Give some to SMS." We love that answer!

After the game, a Bradley student gave a talk on the importance of family. Then the students broke off into small groups for discussion.

The parents went up to the library to listen to Fr. Gifford explain the plan and schedule for the youth group for the coming year.

 Here is a quote from Pope Francis in the youth group pamphlet that Fr. Gifford gave us: "When we come into contact with life, with people's lives, not just images on a screen, something powerful happens. We all feel the need to get involved. . . Our response to a world at war has a name: its name is fraternity, its name is brotherhood, its name is communion, its name is family."

In the pamphlet, Fr. Gifford goes on to say, "Pope Francis called the youth of our world to appreciate the beauty of encountering one another, communicating with compassion and care, understanding each other, and sharing  life in community, especially joining in prayer in the communion of the Church. In our world today, broken in so many ways, living the Christian life is hard. But we don't have to live it alone. In fact, we are not made to try. We need each other. And we were made to enter into communion with Him and with each other, to support each other on the often difficult journey of moving closer to Christ and becoming the saints he made us to be."

We are looking forward to all that the youth group has to offer our students.

The Rosary at Courtyard Estates

The West Bluff is home to a wonderful mix of people--all races, ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, religions, and ages. Besides the county nursing home, Heddington Oaks, the St. Mark's Parish boundaries also encompass Courtyard Estates.

Above is Courtyard Estates. If you're thinking it looks familiar, it used to be the famous Peoria restaurant and hotel, Jumer's Castle Lodge. The building now serves as an independent living facility for seniors and does so while still retaining some of its grandeur. 

Mrs. Pat Nedza, recently retired secretary of St. Mark's School, thought it was important to reach out to the residents of Courtyard Estates. She has arranged for students from St. Mark's to serve Mass there and also help pray the Rosary.

Luke and his classmate Kaden had the opportunity to go with Pat to Courtyard Estates today and pray the Rosary with some of the residents, including a few St. Mark's parishioners.

Afterwards, the boys talked with the residents a little about their activities.

 

Sometimes in our lives, we can get segregated into our own little worlds--particularly older people, who may live in specialized settings. Our faith teaches to reach out to others, reach out beyond our comfort zone. We are happy that Luke and other St. Mark's students have the opportunity to pray and visit with the residents of Courtyard Estates. Thanks, Pat, for making this happen!

Bye Bye Braces!

This photo will make sense as you read the post!

Dr. Kathy Arkwell and Luke after she removed his braces. Doesn't he look great

After three years of wearing them, I got my braces off in 2010. As I was headed to one of my last appointments, John said, "Why don't you have Dr. Arkwell take a look at Luke to see if he might have any orthodontic needs." He won't, I thought.

Ha! Was I ever wrong. Dr. Arkwell explained that Luke had an open bite. What that meant was that it was good we were having this conversation when we did, because after a certain point in dental development, it becomes impossible to correct an open bite.

So when Luke was seven and a half, he got a palate expander, tongue gate, and front teeth brackets. I remember thinking, "How is the poor kid going to eat with all that stuff in his mouth?" But, like thousands of other kids, he managed. This was stage one of his orthodontic experience. It lasted a couple of years. Then he had a break before he started stage two.

Stage two was full braces, which Luke has had the past few years. Until today. Below is the photo this morning before he had his braces off. 

During the entire time that Luke has had his braces, he has been very faithful regarding his dental care. From flossing to wearing rubber bands, he has made sure to follow Dr. Arkwell's instructions.

We give a lot of credit for Luke's wonderful outcome to Dr. Arkwell and her team, too, for their conscientious, professional care. Besides being a fantastic orthodontist, Dr. Arkwell is also a devout Christian. For the past several years, she has given of her talent by donating a hot air balloon ride (piloted by her) to the St. Mark's School Auction.

Here she is in action!

In the summer of 2015, Luke and I went up with her. What a spectacular experience!

Here we are high above Dunlap. You can see the Illinois River behind us.

Back on the ground.

It was an unforgettable experience! We are grateful to Dr. Arkwell for that. And for the great smile!

Look at those pearly whites!

All School Mass

6th graders singing in the choir loft.

The St. Mark's students attend 9 am Mass every Friday.

Each week, one of the classes is responsible for some of the ministries in the Mass. This past week it was the 8th graders' turn. Above our DRE and middle school religion teacher Mrs. Terry Mischler gives some last minute instructions to the students.

Fr. Gifford celebrates the Mass. His garments are red as it is the feast day of St. Cornelius and St. Cyprian, martyrs of the Church. They were also friends of each other.

Luke reads the first reading from 1 Corinthians 15:12-20. "But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep."

Will Drew and other 8th graders read the Prayers of the Faithful.

 The Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mary, and St. Teresa watch over us. The mural above Mary's altar is a reproduction of Fra Angelico's, "The Coronation of the Virgin." c. 1435

Music teacher Ms. Ashleigh Koch leads the glorious singing.

 Amen.

Soccer Sky

The parochial soccer season is short--only about five weeks. For the last couple years, it has taken place at FC Peoria, a huge soccer complex in Mossville. It's a little bit of a hike from the West Bluff, but there is room for a lot of games.

Luke had fun, playing with old friends and new.

All of their games were very competitive.

Go get it, Luke!

Look at that footwork!

What goes up. . .

I took all of these photos in this post on the same Saturday morning. The sky was amazing and ever-changing.

Luke tells me that I'm addicted to taking pictures of the sky. I think he might be right.

 

Good bye to soccer for now!