St. Mark’s has a very active Pastoral Care Ministry which focuses on feeding the hungry and meeting extenuating needs of a downtown population. We depend on our parishioners and friends to provide contributions of money, supplies and time to support these ministries. All families of the church are encouraged to donate one dollar on the fourth Sunday of each month for our Pastoral Care Ministries. Please be sure to mark your donation separately for Pastoral Care.  All parishioners are considered to be pastoral care ministers.

Food Pantry

We have a small food pantry that is stocked with non-perishable food, personal hygiene items, laundry detergent, and paper goods year-round. Gift cards to local grocers and gas stations also are available in nominal amounts.  Donations can be made to our Food Pantry at any time. Our Priest and Church Secretary serve as the contact persons for those in need.

Referral Service and Emergency Ministry

Our Priest and Pastoral Care Chairperson assess the needs of persons seeking assistance and provides referrals to social service and housing agencies in our area. The Priest and Pastoral Care Chairperson also may provide assistance with utility costs, transportation costs, and emergencies.

Blanket Collection Ministry

Beginning in early October, we collect blankets to be given to individuals or families in Johnstown who need a warm blanket. New and gently used blankets can be placed in the designated box in the Parish Hall.

Holiday Meal Ministry

During November, Pastoral Care provides families who request assistance with the food items necessary for a holiday meal. If you know a family who might benefit, please share this information with our Priest or Pastoral Care Chairperson. Beginning November 1, we accept donations of turkeys and turkey breasts, hams and non-perishables items in order to assemble boxes for 10 families at Thanksgiving. Non-perishable items may be placed in boxes in the Conference Room. In addition to donations, church volunteers are needed to help assemble and deliver the meal boxes.

Holiday Stocking Stuffer Ministry

In cooperation with other places of worship in our area, each November we fill holiday stockings for patients of Torrance State Hospital. The “stuffings” include hygiene items, individually packaged snacks, paperback books, candy, socks, and more. For some patients, these stockings are the only holiday remembrance that they receive. More information is available here.

Saturday’s Kitchen Ministry

Saturday’s Kitchen is a group made up of interdenominational churches in the Greater Johnstown area that serves meals on Saturdays and Sundays at St. Vincent de Paul Family Kitchen located at 231 Bedford Street in downtown Johnstown. Twice a year, we provide at least six volunteers to work serving food and cleaning tables. In addition, during the Christmas season, we ask our parishioners to donate personal hygiene items, gift bags, and home-made cookies which we give to Saturday’s Kitchen as our part in providing their clients with a joyful Christmas.

Prayer Circle Ministry

The Prayer Circle is an integral part of Pastoral Care.  If you or someone you know is in need of prayers, please contact the Church Secretary at (814) 535-6797 or stmarks@atlanticbbn.net.