Outreach is a part of our core identity as Christians. Projects supported include the following:
Irving Cares
One of our most active involvements in the Irving community is with Irving Cares. We have members volunteering in the food pantry once a week and others who work as client intake personnel. St. Mark’s also takes up a monthly offering of jelly to contribute to the food pantry. We have been asked by Irving Cares to be their “jelly” church.
Lee Britain Elementary School
We have adopted Lee Britain Elementary School to help with their uniform and school supply program. We also have a sock and underwear in-gathering to stock the nurse’s office for emergency use. There are a number of parishioners who also volunteer as student tutors and ‘buddies’ in Reading, Math, or their lunch program. Periodically we supply lunch for the teachers lounge as a way of thanking the teachers and staff.
Austin Street Center
Another ongoing ministry is the Austin Street Center. The last Saturday of each month, a faithful group of St. Markians meet in the kitchen to prepare breakfast for the indigent people this facility feeds. After preparation, volunteers bring the sweet rolls, milk and OJ in to Austin Street Center in Dallas.
Many Helping Hands
St. Mark’s collaborates with several other area churches through Many Helping Hands to provide a hot meal, winter clothing, and other resources to those in need in our neighborhood. We coordinate a meal about every second month, serving 80-100 people.
Tom Thumb Good Neighbor Program
St. Mark’s is enrolled in the Good Neighbor Program with Tom Thumb Grocers. If you use your reward card when you shop at any Tom Thumb, we receive 1% of all sales. The number is #2977. Please give this number to designate St. Mark’s when you shop at Tom Thumb.
Much of the funding for outreach comes from the generous offerings of the parish in thanksgiving for birthdays and anniversaries, from the Women’s Guild and also from the church budget.
If you are interested in volunteering for any of the above projects, please contact us or call the Parish Office at 972-253-7124.