The People of St. Mark's

St. Mark’s has a comfortable mix of both long-standing and newer members. Some families are second and third generation parishioners and many have worshipped at St. Mark’s for decades. New members steadily arrive at St. Mark’s. Our congregation has always provided the city with active and influential business and community leaders who make a difference in our city. Among its numbers are leaders in every facet of community life in Jacksonville, local and national politics, business, finance, education, medicine and the arts.

St. Mark’s is the second largest Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Florida and is one of the 25 largest churches in the country. The parish acknowledges the opportunity for growth and the ability to build upon its many strengths.

Those who come to St. Mark’s enjoy the beautiful setting for worship, reflection, spiritual growth and fellowship. Parishioners reach out to each other through a multitude of pastoral care ministries such as Lay Eucharistic ministers, Lay Healing ministers, Moms and Ministry, Health Resources, Pastoral Assistants, and Samaritans. Grace House Pastoral Care and Hospitality Center is the site of weekly Wednesday lunches, and many small group meetings ranging from Bible study to support groups to bridge games.

Parishioners reach out not only to the larger community but to the world as well. St. Marks' parishioners care deeply about this community. We contribute both time and financial support to Habitat for Humanity, World Outreach, Westside Christian Outreach, St. Mary's, I.M. Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless, and our sister parish in Itabo, Cuba. We send youth on mission trips locally, regionally and internationally, teaching young people to reach out in both practical and spiritual ways.

The people of St. Mark’s want to make a difference. God has richly blessed us with both the vision and resources to make a difference for Christ in the world. Today we continue to celebrate our history, to plan for our future, and to offer the present time to God, giving thanks for our clergy who celebrate with us our life in Christ.