Our Ministers

Bishop Beckwith

Lay Ministry

The ministry of St. Mark's Church is principally accomplished by the laity. All people of God are the ministers and are actively engaged in occupations throughout the region.

We believe that all are called to share in Christ's priesthood in the world, working for the reconciliation of the world to God. This is not something that happens primarily at church or in isolation, but in all that we do.

We recognize the diverse means and settings in which we experience, encourage, and support relationship with God – at home, in our workplaces, in our relationships and in many other involvements. In addition to vocational ministries, St. Markers minister through a wide range of community service, political, arts, and advocacy activities. Important relationships are also key vocational commitments.

Throughout the year, we lift up with special prayers and blessings the primary ministries of the people of St. Mark's: the arts, business, finance, law, public service, nurture and formation of children and youth, education, health care, healing, and relationships. Our educational and spiritual programs and small groups are designed to strengthen our awareness and response to God's call.

Lay leaders of St. Mark's Church include the Wardens, Vestry, Treasurer, and committee and guild chairs. The whole lay leadership group collaborates with clergy and other specialized ministers to set and accomplish the goals of the parish.

Laity also minister in a wide range of parish-based worship, outreach, education, and service roles. These important ministries are additional opportunities for expression of the life of the Holy Spirit active in each of us individually and in our corporate life as a faith community.

Ordained and Specialized Ministry

The Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith, Tenth Bishop of Newark

The Right Rev. Mark Beckwith was elected the Tenth Bishop of Newark on September 23, 2006. He was consecrated as Bishop of Newark on January 27, 2007 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark, NJ

Prior to his election, Mark Beckwith was Rector of All Saints Church, Worcester, Massachusetts, in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts since 1993. He also served as Associate Rector of St. Peter¡¦s, Morristown and Rector of Christ Church, Hackensack. Mark is a 1973 graduate of Amherst College, and a 1978 graduate of Berkeley Divinity School at Yale. While in the Diocese of Newark, Mark was a co-founder of Morris Shelter, Inc. and a co-founder and first President of the Inter-Religious Fellowship of the Homeless in Bergen County.

Mark has been married to Marilyn Olson since 1982, and they are the parents of two recent college graduates: Christine and Paul.