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12Jun, 2009

The Fifth Mark of the Church

Posted by Scott

mark A few years back, we based the theme of the annual Pilgrimage on “One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic,” the four marks of the Church.  Accompanying the large pilgrimage cross through the streets of Baltimore on that Palm Saturday were individual banners for each mark.

At the day’s end, Cardinal Keeler gave thanks to the many collaborators who made the day a success.  Then, he thanked the director of the Division of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, Mark Pacione, quipping that perhaps “Mark Pacione is the fifth mark of the church.”  And it was hard to disagree about that possibility . . .

Today is Mark’s last day in the office as Director. After almost twenty-four years of serving in that capacity, Mark has been asked to work with the Archdiocese’s newly created Office of Schools Planning.  Through our country, catholic schools are struggling and Archbishop O’Brien has formed a markawardsblue ribbon committee locally to help create a plan.  Mark will now be in the middle of that whirlwind.

Which, needless to say, is an immense loss to our offices.  To sit with Mark is to be able to get “the vision thing” about church, youth ministry, young adult and campus ministry, the role of parents, the mission of our retreat house, national and international perspective of our work . . .  Mark has been the “programming” guy, “the guy” behind the events of World Youth Day in Denver and John Paul’s visit to Baltimore.   Mark has that intuitive feel for what works on both grand scales and on the personal level.staffDCpope

It is not an over-exaggeration to say that when I returned to work for the Archdiocese of Baltimore, I came back because I intentionally chose to work with Mark and the team he had assembled.

And, come Monday morning, Mark will still be with us in the Catholic Center building, still be a partner in our ministry, but will not be a direct collaborator in our fifth floor offices.  And, I and our office staff, while soldiering through towards the next tasks of the future, are clearly saddened by this turn of events.

Please keep us all in your prayers.  If you want to send your well-wishes, you can contact Mark here.

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7 Comments

  1. Scott – what great comments and photos. You have captured in very few words what has been rolling through my head since I heard the news. He truly leaves an indeliable MARK on the Church of Baltimore, and the entire field of youth ministry in the United States.

    Comment by Chris Weber Prime — Friday, June 12, 2009 @ 8:54 am

  2. As I meet with my pastor for new ideas for confirmation and talk with my team later today on youth ministry for our teens, in the back of my mind and in my soul I have Mark to thank. DYYAM will be held in prayer today.

    Comment by Joe — Friday, June 12, 2009 @ 10:42 am

  3. Mark provides vision and an energetic can-do spirit while sharing his joy and love of laughter. Hard to beat in a leader. To Mark – all of the best wishes and support for the continuance of your work for our Church and our schools. (I will never forget the NCEA “Welcoming Crab” video that you showed me and the relief you expressed when I laughed!One of many good thoughts…Priceless.)

    Comment by Jan Peck — Friday, June 12, 2009 @ 12:38 pm

  4. Scoot,
    What a wonderful sentiment!
    Mark has left his “mark” on the young people of the Archdiocese and will continue to do that in his new capacity.

    Thank you, Mark, for your leadership, friendship, and wisdom over the years. May God continue to bless you.

    Comment by David Cataline — Friday, June 12, 2009 @ 1:13 pm

  5. As Mark’s daughter, I have only known my dad as the Director for Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Since I was born Dad has been in that office. I have come to the office from a young age and I always made Dad a photo copy of my hand for him to hang up. At age 24 I still do that…I will have to make him one for his new office. Thank you to everyone who has welcomed my dad and our family into their lives. It has been great to grow up as Mark’s daughter. I have been honored to be his daughter. AND I am so proud that he shares his good work and faith with so many.
    Peace and Love
    Beth Pacione

    Comment by Beth Pacione — Friday, June 12, 2009 @ 2:53 pm

  6. Only the best to you Mark as you continue on your journey answering the Lord’s call. You have blessed the lives of many people, including myself, and we have been positively changed because of you. Having worked for the church for over twenty years, many of my wonderful memories include you and the work you have done. Thank you, and may God continue to Bless you abundantly as you continue to touch the lives of others.
    Love and gratitude,
    Melissa Main

    Comment by Melissa Main — Friday, June 12, 2009 @ 8:42 pm

  7. Faith is the greatest thing in the world, Thanks for letting me know about this.

    Comment by youth ministry — Tuesday, June 16, 2009 @ 8:52 am

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