Parish History
In 1991 Archbishop Charles A. Salatka of the Oklahoma City Archdiocese names Father John Metzinger to create a new parish west of highway I-35 in Norman. The archdiocese donated ten acres of land on Tecumseh Road for the new parish that would serve a fast-growing community that extended from I-35 westward to Blanchard and north to Moore. Parishioners selected the name, St. Mark the Evangelist.
The organizational Mass was held on July 14, 1991 in the Norman Sheraton Hotel ballroom, and Catholics from throughout the area were invited. Father John greeted everyone, and it was immediately apparent that the planned seating was inadequate. Partitions were opened and chairs were added. When Mass finally began, it was "standing room only". Three hundred fifty faithful joined voices in the opening hymn, "City of God."
At the beginning of his homily, Fr. John asked those to stand who intended to be a part of the new parish. Nearly everyone present stood. He then continued. "Trust in the word. Trust is crucial for our new community. God has called us together. He has chosen me, and he has chosen you. God will build this house and the Holy Spirit will guide us."
The parish purchased a rectory adjacent to the proposed location of the Parish Center. A successful Capital Campaign allowed the parish to construct the first building. The Blessing of the Parish Center was held April 7, 1993 with Most Reverend Eusebius J. Beltran as Presider and Most Reverend Charles A. Salatka as the Principal Concelebrant. It was a joyous celebration for Fr. John and Deacon Jim Knight with all members of the parish. Although the original cost estimate of $675,000 grew to $1.3 million, the parish celebrated with a mortgage burning ceremony by April, 1997.
Cheryl Jacobson joined the parish staff as secretary in January 1995 and Sister Sara Dwyer joined St. Mark as Pastoral Associate and Director of Religious Education in 1997. Sister Bernita Leiker accompanied Sr. Sara to St. Mark and was an important part of parish life. Following the death of his wife, Dee, who organized the first religious education program, Deacon Knight left the parish in 1997 to enter the seminary. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City in May 2001. During that time, Deacon Byron Jacobson completed his formation and was ordained and assigned to St. Mark in 1998.
By March, 1998 the original 200 families had grown to more than 675 with 2,200 individual members. The need for a permanent church and education facility became pressing as the parish continued to grow. A second successful Capital Campaign was undertaken. Architectural Design Group and Flintco Construction began to design and build a new sanctuary, baptistery, chapel, and education & administration wing. With the parish totaling 860 families strong, construction began at a groundbreaking ceremony on April 25, 1999. The dedication of the new sanctuary was held on December 6, 2000.
June of 2000 saw another change in staff at St. Mark. Michael Briggs was hired to replace Sr. Sara as Director of Religious Education. Another staff member was added 2001 when the parish hired its first full-time Coordinator of Youth Ministry, Lori Hoehner.
In June, 2002 Father John Metzinger completed eleven years as Pastor at St. Mark and accepted a new assignment at St. John the Baptist parish in Edmond. Father Thomas Boyer became the second pastor of St. Mark's in that month as membership climbed past 1,100 families. IN the summer of 2003, the first building that served as the temporary church was rededicated as "Founders Hall" in honor of the original families who established the parish twelve year earlier.
