HABITAT FOR HUMANITY MINISTRY---established at St Mark in 1997 and is a part of the Habitat for Humanity of San Antonio affilliate that came to San Antonio in 1976. HFHSA is an ecumenical Christian non-profit housing organization working in partnership with God's people in need to build simple, decent and affordable houses. St Mark is the first Catholic parish in the Archdiocese of San Antonio to sponsor and build a Habitat house.  Volunteers are always needed. Call 496-6310.
   Call Sam or Bev Szalwinski for more information at (210) 496-6310 for more information.


HABITAT UPDATE ON LAW SUIT

At a regular Habitat for Humanity meeting held on the 8^th of January, 2008, the Chairman of the Board, Rene Diaz, announced that a law suit was being filed by Habitat for Humanity, San Antonio, against Habitat for Humanity International headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. This information was furnished to the local media on the same day. The Metro Section of the San Antonio Express of January 10^th printed an article covering this matter.

At issue is Habitat for Humanity International’s desire to have affiliates sign a franchise agreement which the local affiliate claims would restrict local control. Mr. Diaz stated that negotiations have been on going for about a year without success. He further emphasized that all cost for litigation would be covered from proceeds earned from Habitat’s three local Home Centers (formerly called Restore). He further emphasized that 100% of local sponsorship funds will continue to be dedicated to building houses.

Since our Parish has just “kicked off” our fund drive to support construction of our next house, we feel that it is important for our parishioners to understand that the litigation will not affect what we do and that 100% of all funds donated to support construction of our next house will be used solely for that purpose.

Those of us throughout San Antonio who are intimately involved in this ministry regret that this issue has gone to the courts. Please continue to pray for the success of this ministry wherever it exists. If you have questions please call Sam or Bev at 496-6310.

ST. MARK PARISH TO SPONSOR 13^TH

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOUSE

By Sam Szalwinski

What has been achieved by the parishioners of St Mark through the Habitat for Humanity ministry over the past ten years is quite remarkable. It can be measured in many ways but the most important fact is that we have built houses for twelve families. More importantly we have built these houses for 47 people. Twenty nine are children and 18 are parents of these children. Through the efforts of our parishioners, these twelve families have been able to realize their dream of home ownership. These men and women all are hard working and deserving people but they just were not able to afford to buy a house without the opportunity offered through the Habitat for Humanity organization. Success can also be measured by the opportunities that families experience. This includes children pursuing education through high school and beyond. It includes raising these children in a safe environment. All of these people are very grateful.

Keep in mind that as these families become homeowners they not only improve their own standard of living but they also contribute to the welfare of the community as they pay taxes on their property. They are not on a government assistance program!!

Another way to measure the effort of this St Mark ministry is to look at the 12 plaques that are prominently displayed at the entrance to the Community Center. Each of these plaques represents the participation of approximately 800 to 1000 of our parishioners. Each plaque represents about 2200 hours of voluntary construction labor and many more hours of preparation to build each house. Lots of time has been devoted to the preparation of meals, refreshments and snacks for the volunteers. Many of our parishioners continue to pray for the success of this ministry. Each plaque represents an average cost of about $40,000. (During the first years of sponsorship the cost was in the mid $30k range and it is now $50k). Also two of the houses were co-sponsored meaning that the overall effort on these two houses was shared with other parishes and last year we were able to build two houses because funds for one were provided by a very generous parishioner.

Much more could be said about what our parishioners have achieved in this ministry but that will be left up to the reader’s imagination.

At this time it is important that we begin preparation for the construction of our next house. This will be the 13^th house built by our parishioners. Construction will start on February 29^{th and} will be completed when landscaping is done on May 5^th 2008. This start date is about 3 weeks earlier than past years. It may require wearing warmer clothing at the beginning of the build but it will also mean that we will be finished before the real warm weather kicks in.

One more big advantage is that it will present greater opportunities for our youth to get involved, especially those needing service hours for Confirmation, National Honor Society and other similar requirements.

A disadvantage of the early start date is that the preparation time is compressed. Commitment weekend will take place on January 5^th and 6^th. Please take a look at your calendar and at your bank account and be prepared to commit on that weekend. Interested parishioners will have the opportunity to tell us how and to what extent they wish to participate. Opportunities exist in four categories: 1) Prayer, 2) Volunteer Construction Work, 3) Financial Support, and 4) Meals, Refreshment and Snacks or any combination of these opportunities!! Currently the cost of sponsorship is $50,000. Funds remaining from our last construction, combined with regular support from several generous parishioners has made it possible to make a down payment of $10,000 that has secured our start date. We now have a requirement to raise the balance of nearly $40,000. We will need to raise that amount before construction begins. Because of our many generous parishioners, there is no doubt that this will be achieved.

The folks involved in our St Mark Habitat for Humanity ministry thank you in advance for your generous support.