About St. Mark the Evangelist · Plano, Texas
St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church is a large, multicultural Roman Catholic parish in Plano, Texas, in the Diocese of Dallas. Founded in 1966 by Bishop Thomas K. Gorman, it has grown from 325 founding families to over 10,100 registered households. The parish celebrates Mass in both English and Spanish, runs St. Mark Catholic School (preschool–8th grade), and serves roughly 1,300 children in faith formation plus 560 youth in middle and high school ministries. Worship is supported by an extensive music ministry of nine choirs, perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, and a broad range of outreach ministries including a Baby Shop, St. Vincent de Paul, Habitat for Humanity, and a Columbarium.
- Established
- 1966
- Patron
- St. Mark the Evangelist
- Rector
- Fr. Jason Cargo
- Diocese
- Diocese of Dallas
Why belong here
St. Mark offers a rare combination of large-parish resources and personal warmth — a multicultural community of more than 10,100 households where four weekend Masses are celebrated in Spanish and the rest in English. Daily Mass, perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, and four weekly confession slots (plus special 'Leave the Light On' nights) make it easy to grow in prayer. Parents can enroll children in St. Mark Catholic School (preschool–8th grade) or in faith formation serving over 1,800 children and youth, while adults can join RCIA/OCIA, Alpha, Bible study, or one of nine parish choirs. Outreach is a major part of parish life — the St. Mark Baby Shop, St. Vincent de Paul, Habitat for Humanity, Communion to the Homebound, and the newly forming Sentinels Safety Ministry all invite parishioners into service.
Mass times at St. Mark the Evangelist
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Tuesday 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Thursday 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
- Friday 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
- Saturday 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Special 'Leave the Light On' Confession Night events (e.g. April 1, 6–10 PM)
Adoration times
- Monday 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Tuesday 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM, 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM, and 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Weekly Holy Hour)
- Wednesday 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday 5:30 AM – 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
- Friday 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM in the Chapel
- Friday 8:00 PM overnight until Saturday 8:00 AM
Our History
St. Mark the Evangelist was established in 1966 by Bishop Thomas K. Gorman as a new parish to serve the Catholic families of Plano. Before the first church building was constructed, local Catholics attended Mass at a nearby public elementary school. Founding pastor Fr. Claude Smyth famously went door-to-door visiting parishioners within parish boundaries — founding member Bibi Phillips recalled, 'As the new church was being built, Fr. Claude Smyth, the Pastor at the time, would visit parishioners who lived within the church boundaries to remind them that they belonged to St. Mark. It was like he was looking for his flock.' In 1978, the parish began plans for a permanent church and rectory; the new church was dedicated January 18, 1980, and the former church building was remodeled into classrooms for faith formation and the new Catholic elementary school. The parish celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2016, closing with a Mass on April 25 — the feast of St. Mark the Evangelist — celebrated by Bishop Kevin Farrell.
- Founded 1966 by Bishop Thomas K. Gorman
- Founding pastor: Fr. Claude Smyth
- Permanent church dedicated January 18, 1980
- 50th Anniversary closing Mass April 25, 2016 with Bishop Kevin Farrell
- Smyth Pastoral Center named in honor of founding pastor
Faith Formation & Religious Education
St. Mark runs an extensive faith formation program serving more than 1,800 children and youth from preschool through high school. Elementary Faith Formation is led by Coordinator Meysi Frias under Director Cathy Esteban (Children and Youth Sacramental Preparation). Youth Ministry for middle school and high school students is directed by Tim Schlich with Coordinator Breana 'Bre' Benavidez. Adult Faith Formation and the Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA/OCIA) process is led by Ruth Sanchez.
- Elementary Faith Formation (preschool–5th grade, ~1,300 children)
- Youth Ministry for middle & high school (~560 students)
- First Communion & Confirmation sacramental preparation
- RCIA / OCIA for unbaptized adults and candidates for full initiation
- Adult Confirmation preparation for already-baptized Catholics (next session began April 7, 2026, Tuesdays 6 PM)
St. Mark Catholic School
St. Mark Catholic School is the parish's preschool-through-eighth-grade Catholic elementary school, located at 1201 Alma Drive, Plano, TX 75075 (phone 972-578-0610, web stmcs.net). The school has grown from 113 students with 8 faculty members at its founding to over 570 students and 65 faculty members today, under Principal Pam Steinkirchner. Office hours are Monday–Friday 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM.
- Preschool through 8th grade
- Over 570 students, 65 faculty members
- Principal: Pam Steinkirchner
- 1201 Alma Dr., Plano, TX 75075
- Phone: (972) 578-0610
Music, Choirs & Liturgy
St. Mark's Music Ministry is led by Director of Music James Dering and is one of the largest in the diocese, comprising nine parish choirs that provide music at weekly Masses in a variety of styles. The ministry welcomes singers of all abilities — 'You don't have to be a great musician or singer to join a choir — we help you develop your talents at every rehearsal in a loving and encouraging environment.'
- 9 AM Folk Choir — rehearses 7:45 AM Sunday before Mass
- Children's Choir — rehearses Wednesdays 4–5 PM
- 10:30 AM Traditional Choir — rehearses Wednesdays 7:30–9:30 PM
- Additional choirs for the 5 PM, 7 PM, and other Mass times (contact Parish Office 972-423-5600)
- Director of Music: James Dering
Parish Life & Community
Parish Life ministries are coordinated by Senior Director Debbie Betz and Associate Director Lupe Saucedo. The parish offers something for nearly every age and interest — from a senior potluck group to a parish library to a newly forming safety ministry.
- Parish Library (English and limited Spanish collection of books, DVDs, magazines)
- Golden Treasures — senior potluck 4th Saturday after 5:00 PM Mass, Sept–May
- St. Mark Sentinels Ministry — Safety and Security team (contact Jack Ternan Sr., [email protected])
- Bible Study
- Parish office staffed Mon–Thu 9 AM – 5 PM, Fri 9 AM – 12 PM
Outreach & Charity
Outreach is a defining mark of St. Mark the Evangelist. The parish's St. Mark Baby Shop — housed in the Smyth Pastoral Center — distributes diapers, clothing, formula, cribs, car seats, and other baby supplies free of charge to families in need and served nearly 400 families last year, according to pastor Fr. Jason Cargo. Other outreach arms include St. Vincent de Paul (972-282-8077) for bill-pay and food assistance, the Habitat for Humanity Team working with South Collin County Habitat to build low-cost housing, and Communion to the Homebound for parishioners who are ill or shut-in.
- St. Mark Baby Shop — open 1st & 3rd Tuesdays and Saturdays
- St. Vincent de Paul — 972-282-8077
- Habitat for Humanity Team (with South Collin County Habitat)
- Communion to the Homebound ministry
- Annulment information: Deacon Federico Marquez, ext. 280
Sacraments
St. Mark celebrates all seven sacraments and offers thorough preparation for each. Infant Baptism is celebrated typically on Saturdays at 10:00 AM, with required Baptism Preparation Classes (English: 1st Tuesday 7–9 PM; Spanish: 2nd Tuesday 7–9 PM, McGivney Hall). Families should begin the process 2–3 months in advance and submit paperwork at least 30 days before selecting a date. Marriage preparation is coordinated by Maria Ojeda ([email protected]). Adult Confirmation is offered annually for practicing Catholics 18 and older who have already received Baptism and Eucharist.
- Infant Baptism — Saturdays 10:00 AM
- Baptism Prep Classes (English/Spanish) in McGivney Hall
- Child & Adult Baptism / OCIA (Christian Initiation of Adults)
- First Communion & Confirmation preparation
- Marriage preparation
- Funerals coordinated by Maria Ojeda
St. Mark Columbarium
The parish maintains an on-site columbarium for the inurnment of cremated remains of parishioners and their loved ones. Niche purchases must be made by active St. Mark parishioners of at least six months standing. As of the parish's most recent announcement, the niche price is $5,000 and is set to rise to $6,000 on July 15. Inquiries should be directed to Isabel Mireles in the Parish Office (972-423-5600, ext. 222).
- On-site columbarium
- Current niche price $5,000 (rising to $6,000 July 15)
- Must be active St. Mark parishioner 6+ months
- Contact: Isabel Mireles, 972-423-5600 ext. 222
Clergy, Staff & Leadership
St. Mark is pastored by Fr. Jason Cargo and assisted by three Parochial Vicars — Fr. Jack Hopka, Fr. Peter Whitfield, and Fr. Michael Likoudis — and six permanent deacons: Dcn. Fred Rotchford, Dcn. Dominic T. Hoang, Dcn. Juan Jorge Hernandez, Dcn. Luis Garzon, Dcn. Luis Boy, and Dcn. Nick Weiss. The parish is supported by a large lay staff handling faith formation, communications, facilities, business, and parish life.
- Pastor: Fr. Jason Cargo
- Parochial Vicars: Fr. Jack Hopka, Fr. Peter Whitfield, Fr. Michael Likoudis
- Deacons: Rotchford, Hoang, Hernandez, Garzon, Boy, Weiss
- Parish Business Manager: Rick Alvizo
- Pastoral Assistant: Isabel Mireles
- Director of Communications: Spencer Kelly
- Director of Music: James Dering
- Senior Director of Faith Formation & Parish Life: Debbie Betz
- Director of Youth Ministry: Tim Schlich
- Director of Faith Formation for Children & Youth Sacramental Prep: Cathy Esteban
- Director of Adult Faith Formation & Christian Initiation of Adults: Ruth Sanchez
- School Principal: Pam Steinkirchner
- Director of Security & Safety (Parish & School): Jack Ternan Sr.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Claude Smyth1966 (founding pastor)
Founding pastor of St. Mark the Evangelist; known for personally visiting parishioners within parish boundaries to welcome them to the new parish.