Today is the Third Sunday of Lent which focuses on encountering Jesus as the “Living Water”. He is the one who quenches our deepest spiritual thirst. Through the story of the Samaritan woman, we are called to confront our inner truths, and receive grace, transforming us into missionaries.
You are invited to listen to Deacon Gordon Lee’s engaging and powerful homily delivered during this morning’s Mass at St. Mark Parish. His statement, ‘Evangelization is the process of making disciples’ invites us to consider how we might reach out to those in need of compassion, empathy, understanding, and the love of Christ. We don’t even need to say a word, just be present.
Glory and Praise: 21:00 – 22:15
Gospel Reading: 22:15 – 25:12
Homily: 25:21 – 37:40
Holy Land Board-Wide Fundraiser
As part of our Lenten observances, our school participated in a board-wide fundraising initiative to support Christian schools in the Holy Land. On Friday, March 6th, 2026, students were invited to donate a toonie for our school pyjama day.
Our school raised $416.75!
Thank you to all families who donated to this fundraiser. Your generosity is appreciated.
Athletics
We wish the St. Mark CES’ junior hockey team, the best of luck as they prepare for The Cup Junior Classic Hockey Tournament, hosted by Sacred Heart CHS, on March 30th at the Magna Centre in Newmarket, and The Battle of the School Blades Charity Tournament, on April 14th at Stouffville Arena. GO LIONS!!!
Charity Hockey Tournament
Kindergarten Registration
Don’t forget, the 2026-2027 Kindergarten registration at the York Catholic District School Board is open! We invite you to share this information with friends and family who have children of Kindergarten age in our St. Mark CES community.
Parents and guardians are invited to register online at: www.ycdsb.ca/admissions .
Catholic School Council (CSC) Fundraiser
Thank you to all families who supported our BIG Box fundraiser!
BIG Box orders will be available for pick up on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 from 3:00-5:00pm in the school library.
More information will follow regarding monies raised, as well as the class and individual top seller prizes per division.
Thank you for all your support of this fundraiser!
World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) is observed annually on March 21 (3/21) to represent the triplication of the 21st chromosome. This day celebrates the abilities and contributions of people with Down Syndrome.
See the attachment for more information about Down Syndrome.
DSA-Flyer-Did-You-Know
This year’s WDSD theme focuses on creating a more inclusive world and standing together against loneliness.
As WDSD takes place over the March break, St. Mark CES will celebrate WDSD on Friday, March 13th. Students and staff are invited to wear bright, mismatched “Rock Your Socks” to raise awareness.
Let’s work together to support students in becoming a friend who…
– creates a welcoming space;
– invites someone to join a conversation, a game, or a group;
– challenges exclusion when they see it.
Next Week’s Activities and Events
Here is a look ahead to next week…
Tuesday, March 10th:
– Pick up of BIG Box Orders, 3:00-5:00pm in the school library
Thursday, March 12th:
– Board-Wide Lenten Mass (virtual; viewed in class), 1:45pm
Friday, March 13th:
– Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day; students and staff are invited to wear mismatched socks!
Upcoming Activities and Events
March 16th-20th: March Break (no school)
March 24th: Praying with the Rosary Apostolate, all classes
March 26th: HERO program, facilitated by St. Mark Parish Youth Minister
> Grade 5 (Bufalini), 12:10-12:50pm
> Grade 6 (McGinnes), 12:50-1:30pm
> Grade 6 (DeAcetis), 1:45-2:25pm
March 26th: CSC Meeting at 6:30pm in the library; all parents and guardians are welcome to attend
March 27th: Stations of the Cross, 12:30pm in the gymnasium; all families are welcome to attend
March 30th: The Cup Junior Classic Hockey Tournament at the Magna Centre, all day
April 2nd: World Autism Day
April 2nd: Holy Thursday Liturgy at 12:30pm in the gymnasium; all families are welcome to attend
April 3rd: Good Friday (no school)
April 6th: Easter Monday (no school)
April 7th-10th: Easter & Spring Spirit Week!
April 8th: Grade 6 Marlies Game Celebration Trip at Coca-Cola Coliseum, all day
April 10th: Virtue Buddies: A Focus on Reverence
April 14th: Battle of the School Blades Charity Hockey Tournament at Clippers Arena, 4:15pm
April 17th: SHAKE for ShareLife! Charity Fundraiser
Closing Prayer
Throughout the season of Lent, we close with our Lenten prayer.
God of the Journey,
Walk with us this Lent.
Teach us to pray, fast, and give
in ways that bring us closer to you.
Help us to persevere in staying with you
on the journey through Lent to Easter.
Amen.
St. Mark, pray for us.
Our weekly update will resume on Sunday, March 22nd, 2026.
Wishing all families a wonderful March break!
Sincerely,
C. Quadrini, Principal