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St. Mark's Gulfport Initiative
Following the Spirit's Lead -- St. Mark's Gulfport by Andrew Carlson
We are being called! Our parish has been given a remarkable opportunity in the form of a parish on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi. St. Mark’s Gulfport was devastated by Hurricane Katrina, and as a result of prayer, information gathering and new-found knowledge, we now have new friends in that part of the world, and a chance for deepening our own faith as we help them overcome a disaster. They have a long road ahead of them, but the Holy Spirit is leading them to a new beginning, and we have a chance to follow!
After the hurricane hit and we all saw the pictures of destruction, the Vestry and Fr. Craig thought we should reach out to a parish, perhaps a sister St, Mark’s parish, somewhere in the Mississippi or Louisiana region. After a little research we found St. Mark’s Gulfport, what had been a lovely parish on the water with a 150 year history. Our parish made contact, and we almost immediately opened up to Gulfport by donating $2000 for their rebuilding efforts. However, the Vestry and Fr. Craig all felt that we wanted to do more. As a result, Dave Quinones and I took a fact finding trip to see how we could help, and both of us saw the devastation and the hope amidst the ruins. Dave and I pitched in & helped build their handicap ramp (it’s true – I was dangerous with the nail gun!) Once we were back, Fr. Craig sent down a copy of the Red Book (an Episcopal publication of clergy and parishes around the Church). We also determined to send choir music to help them replenish what they lost from the storm.
St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Gulfport, MS before and after Hurricane Katrina
All these things were or will be appreciated. But Dave and I STRONGLY felt we were being moved by the Spirit to do something else, something more than give money: we felt we were being called to open our hearts to these people and make a major difference in their lives. What that ‘major difference’ is unclear to us – but we clearly feel the need to bring this message to our own parish and ask for your participation. Our Vestry committed to a long-term relationship to these good people. As Fr. Craig announced, a St. Mark’s Gulfport Committee is being formed to discern what our direction will be. Fr. Craig has asked all the staff and the Vestry to contact their counterparts and establish relationships. Eventually, we would like to bring volunteers to help rebuild Gulfport/Biloxi in conjunction with St. Mark’s Gulfport and the Lutheran/ Episcopal Disaster Response teams that are the primary change agents for the Diocese of Mississippi. Last but certainly not least, we want to commit our time, talents and money for as long as it takes them to re-establish their ministries.
An Episcopal flag marks the location of the old church
There's so much to be done. If you, too, are feeling moved by the Spirit to help these brothers and sisters in Christ, please consider serving on the Gulfport Committee. Thanks so much.
For more information or to volunteer, please email St Mark's Episcopal Church at