About St. Mark's · Boise, Idaho
St. Mark's Catholic Church is a large Roman Catholic parish in west Boise, Idaho, in the Diocese of Boise, founded in 1970 as an outgrowth of Sacred Heart Parish on the Bench. Today it serves more than 1,500 families and is home to 70+ ministries, a Catholic school serving Pre-K through 8th grade, a 24-hour perpetual Eucharistic Adoration Chapel, a food bank that distributes over 26,000 meals annually, and the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program. Its current sanctuary, completed in January 2004, seats 1,650 for Mass and is the liturgical heart of a busy multi-building campus at the corner of Cole Road and Northview Street. The parish is staffed by a pastor, a parochial vicar, a deacon, school principal, and directors of music, youth ministry, faith formation, communications, and administration.
- Established
- 1970
- Patron
- Saint Mark (the Evangelist)
- Rector
- Father John Mosier
- Diocese
- Diocese of Boise
Why belong here
St. Mark's is one of the largest and most active parishes on the Boise Bench, with more than 1,500 registered families, 70+ active ministries, and a full Catholic Pre-K–8 school on site. Visitors are welcomed into a full sacramental life — daily and weekend Mass, Saturday and Thursday confessions, perpetual Eucharistic Adoration in its own chapel, OCIA (formerly RCIA) for adults and returning Catholics, and outreach through St. Vincent de Paul and a parish food bank that distributes over 26,000 meals a year. With strong youth and confirmation ministry, the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd program for young children, and a worship space that seats 1,650, St. Mark's offers both the breadth of a large parish and the warmth of long-tenured ministries.
Mass times at St. Mark's
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 9:00 am – 11:00 am
- Thursday 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
- By appointment (call 208-375-6651)
Adoration times
- Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration, 24 hours / 7 days a week, in the Adoration Chapel (call the parish office for the access code)
About St. Mark's Parish
St. Mark's Catholic Church is a Roman Catholic parish in the Diocese of Boise serving west Boise, Idaho, with more than 1,500 registered families. Founded in 1970 as a mission outgrowth of Sacred Heart Parish, the parish has grown into one of the largest faith communities in the Treasure Valley, with over 70 ministries, a Pre-K–8 Catholic school, a 1,650-seat worship space, and a 24/7 Adoration Chapel. Visitors are welcome at any Mass, and the parish invites newcomers to register online or in person.
Parish History
Bishop Edward J. Kelly purchased land at Cole and Northview in 1956. The Sacred Heart Mission School opened on the property in 1967 under Father James Hallissey, growing one classroom per year until 1970. Bishop Sylvester W. Treinen formally approved the new parish in June 1970; parishioners chose Saint Mark as patron that summer. Father Raymond Peplinski became the first pastor in January 1974; the first Mass in the original church was midnight Christmas Eve 1975. Father John F. Donoghue succeeded him in 1986 and served until 1998, when Fathers Len MacMillan and Steve Rukavina were appointed as a pastoral team. The current sanctuary was completed in January 2004 after the parish purchased the adjacent Treasure Valley Bible Church property. The parish celebrated the sanctuary's 20th anniversary on January 21, 2024.
- 1956 – Bishop Kelly purchases land at Cole and Northview
- 1967 – Sacred Heart Mission School opens with grades 1–3
- 1970 – Parish formally established under Bishop Treinen; patron chosen
- 1974 – Father Raymond Peplinski named first pastor
- 1975 – First Mass in the original church, midnight Christmas Eve
- 1986 – Father John F. Donoghue becomes second pastor
- 1998 – Father Len MacMillan and Father Steve Rukavina appointed pastoral team
- 2004 – Present sanctuary completed (seats 1,650)
- 2013 – Father Ben Uhlenkott appointed pastor
- 2022 – Father Paul O'Donnell appointed pastor
- 2024 – 20th anniversary of current church; Father John Mosier appointed pastor
- 2025 – Father Celestine Agwu joins as Parochial Vicar
Pastoral Leadership & Staff
Father John Mosier is the current pastor of St. Mark's, appointed in August 2024. Father Celestine Agwu serves as Parochial Vicar, having joined the parish in August 2025. Deacon Don Blythe assists with parish ministry. The lay staff includes Mary Wonacott (Director of Administration), Kris Foster (Director of Communications & Events), Anna Nunez (Director of Music & Liturgy), Angela Labrum (Director of Youth Ministry and Confirmation), Ginger Mortensen (Director of Children's Faith Formation), Lisa Andrews (Receptionist Lead), Renee Hankel (Administrative Specialist), Sheryl Hanson (Bookkeeper), Sergio Gonzales (Facilities Maintenance Manager), and John Huerta (Maintenance).
- Pastor: Father John Mosier
- Parochial Vicar: Father Celestine Agwu
- Deacon: Don Blythe
- Director of Music & Liturgy: Anna Nunez
- Director of Youth Ministry & Confirmation: Angela Labrum
- Director of Children's Faith Formation: Ginger Mortensen
- Director of Administration: Mary Wonacott
- Director of Communications & Events: Kris Foster
Sacraments
The parish prepares Catholics for all seven sacraments. OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults) follows the Diocese of Boise's two-year preparation norm. Children's Faith Formation and the parish school catechize for First Communion and Confirmation. Couples should contact the parish office for marriage preparation. Anointing of the Sick is available to the homebound and hospitalized on request. Funeral liturgies are coordinated with the Music Director; only trained Catholic musicians and cantors may minister at funerals at St. Mark's.
- Baptism
- Confirmation (youth and adult)
- First Holy Communion
- Marriage / Matrimony
- Anointing of the Sick
- Reconciliation (Confession)
- Holy Orders / Vocations support
- OCIA for adults
Faith Formation & Catholic School
St. Mark's Catholic School serves students from Preschool through Grade 8 under Principal Donna Gordon, who has led the school since 2016. Erin Martin serves as Vice Principal and Middle School Math teacher. The school partners closely with the parish in sacramental preparation and faith formation. Beyond the school, parish life includes Children's Faith Formation (Ginger Mortensen), the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd atrium program for early childhood, and Youth Ministry & Confirmation (Angela Labrum). The Diocese of Boise's catechetical norms (typically a two-year preparation track) are followed for the sacraments of initiation.
- St. Mark's Catholic School (Pre-K–8)
- Principal: Donna Gordon
- Vice Principal & Middle School Math: Erin Martin
- Preschool Director: Anita Martin
- Faith and Development Coordinator, CGS: Trina Hauck
- School Counselor: Sarah Lynch
- Children's Faith Formation (parish): Ginger Mortensen
- Youth Ministry & Confirmation: Angela Labrum
- Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (atrium program)
Music & Liturgy
Liturgical music at St. Mark's is directed by Anna Nunez, Director of Music & Liturgy. The parish choir is highlighted on the website, including a recording of them singing 'Cantate Domino.' The Music Director coordinates music for all parish Masses and funeral liturgies, sets the repertoire for weddings and funerals from an approved list, requires at least two St. Mark's musicians assigned by the Director for funerals, and does not permit recorded music. Only trained Catholic musicians familiar with the liturgy are permitted to minister at funerals.
- Director of Music & Liturgy: Anna Nunez
- St. Mark's Parish Choir (recordings featured on website)
- Funeral music planning through the Music Director
- Two assigned St. Mark's musicians required per funeral liturgy
Parish Outreach: Food Bank and St. Vincent de Paul
St. Mark's Catholic Foodbank partners with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul's larger Treasure Valley food distribution network. The food bank is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (food bank phone: 208-327-0345). Its mission is to gather, manage, and distribute resources to families and individuals in crisis. The parish's St. Jude Fund underwrites food and essential-item purchases. Major donors include the Knights of Columbus, St. Mark's School students and staff, parishioners, Bishop Kelly High School, and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. The St. Vincent de Paul conference responds to helpline calls, makes paired home visits to the homebound, and oversees the parish's Thanksgiving Food Basket and Coat Collection drives. St. Vincent de Paul helps with food, rent, transportation, medicine, and utilities, while praying with and for those served.
- St. Mark's Food Bank (Mon/Wed/Thu 10 am–1 pm; 208-327-0345)
- St. Vincent de Paul Conference
- St. Jude Fund (parish outreach fund)
- Thanksgiving Food Basket drive
- Coat Collection drive
- Helpline and home-visit ministry
- Contact: Denise Quintana, [email protected]
OCIA, Returning Catholics, and Eucharistic Formation
St. Mark's hosts OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation for Adults), the parish's adult initiation program, with Tuesday evening classes following the Diocese of Boise's two-year preparation norm. A separate 'Catholics Returning Home' outreach invites those who have been away from the Church to reengage, often via OCIA or the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The parish also publishes a series of Eucharistic Talks — catechetical videos and slide decks on the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist, the Eucharist in the New Testament, the Theology of the Eucharist, a Walk Through the Mass, and Adoration: How to Make a Holy Hour.
- OCIA — Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (Tuesday evenings)
- Catholics Returning Home
- Eucharistic Talks series (5-part video + slide series)
- Contact: Renee Hankel, 208-375-6651, [email protected]
Parish Identity & Community
St. Mark's describes itself as a 'vibrant Catholic Community' welcoming new parishioners, visitors, and returning Catholics. The parish grounds include the church (seating 1,650), the perpetual Adoration Chapel, the parish school (Pre-K–8), parish offices, and grounds with free parking. The parish supports the Idaho Catholic Appeal; St. Mark's goal for the appeal was $229,033. The Knights of Columbus maintain an active council at the parish, and over 70 ministries and groups meet regularly on campus.
- 1,500+ registered families
- 70+ ministries and groups
- Idaho Catholic Appeal (parish goal: $229,033)
- Knights of Columbus council
- Free parking on campus
- Wheelchair-accessible front and back entrances
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father James T. Hallissey1967–1970 (Mission School founder; pastor of Sacred Heart)
Built the Sacred Heart Mission School on the Cole/Northview land that became St. Mark's; first principal was Sr. M. Amelia, followed by Sr. Agnes, Sr. Mary Romanus, and Sr. Dorothy Mary.
- Father Raymond PeplinskiJanuary 1974 – June 1986
First pastor of St. Mark's Parish. Oversaw construction of the original church and rectory; first Mass in the new church was midnight, Christmas Eve 1975. Also served as principal of the school.
- Father John F. Donoghue1986 – 1998
Second pastor. Purchased separate priests' residence; converted old rectory into parish offices; added Cry Room; completed the Shrine for the Tabernacle.
- Father Len MacMillan1998 – (later)
Co-pastor of the Pastoral Team with Father Steve Rukavina from 1998.
- Father Steve Rukavina1998 – 2013
Co-pastor from 1998; pastor of record through 2013. Led beautification campaign with statues, building improvements, and relics; oversaw purchase of Treasure Valley Bible Church property and completion of the new sanctuary in January 2004.
- Father Paul Materu2003 – 2004
Served one year on the pastoral team alongside Father Steve Rukavina.
- Father Ben Uhlenkott2013 – May 1, 2022
Transferred to Risen Christ Parish on May 1, 2022.
- Father Adrian Leszko2021 – 2024
Parochial Vicar during this period; subsequently assigned as pastor in Salmon, Idaho.
- Father Paul O'DonnellJuly 2022 – July 2024
Pastor; afterward served as Senior Priest in retirement before moving on.
- Father John MosierAugust 2024 – present
Current pastor. Born Dec. 1, 1962 in Kansas City; attended Marquette University; U.S. Marine Corps veteran; former Sony Biotechnology senior VP; ordained in Boise June 6, 2019 by Bishop Peter Christensen; previously parochial vicar at St. Thomas the Apostle and pastor in Salmon, Idaho.
- Father Celestine AgwuAugust 2025 – present
Current Parochial Vicar (Eberechi Agwu, SMMM). From Nigeria; raised Catholic; called to priesthood while in college; ordained July 22, 2000; served in Cameroon (4 years) and Canada (17 years) before joining the Diocese of Boise.