Annual Events

Note: To volunteer for any of the events described on this page, please contact our Outreach Coordinator, Chris Nolan: chrisn@stmarks-cityheights.org or complete the form at the bottom of this page.

Back-to-School Bash

For the last ten years, this has been our biggest single day event. While some of the parts of this event have changed over the course of the last decade, the intent has remained the same: providing our neighborhood children—from refugee and low-income families–with new backpacks and supplies so that they start each new school year with pride and joy. All of this happens within the context of a festive event in July with such things as music, balloons, games, crafts, book giveaways, haircuts, photo booth and food. To make the Bash possible, we work in close collaboration with tutoring organizations and sister parishes for sign-ups. Sign-ups also occur through our Food Pantry for our regular clients. The event is funded through donations of parishes and individuals throughout the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego and community members.

Volunteers are typically needed in May for registration, and in July to prepare for the event. This includes sorting supplies along with various tasks related to preparing a specific backpack for each student. Volunteers are also needed on the day of the event (typically in late July) for a variety of tasks.

For more information about how to sign up your child for a backpack or to volunteer for the Back to School Bash event, please contact our office at office@stmarks-cityheights.org.

Joy to the World

This annual Christmas Eve event is intended to bring Christmas cheer to our unhoused and lonely neighbors. The day begins with Showers of Blessings (hot showers), breakfast, haircuts and clothing giveaway for our unhoused neighbors. This is followed by a festive holiday luncheon, with carol singing and a filled backpack giveaway. St. Bartholomew Church–one of our partners-in-ministry parishes–people from across our Diocese and the community help make this event possible.

Volunteers are needed for this event on Christmas Eve. Volunteer tasks include: helping with set-up and clean-up, guest welcome and registration, cooking and preparing food, being a table host, serving the luncheon, providing live music, visiting with guests. 

If you are wanting to attend this event as a guest, look for information provided via our food pantry in early December, or contact our office at office@stmarks-cityheights.org.

To inquire about volunteering, please contact our office at office@stmarks-cityheights.org.

Footwashing

St. Mark’s yearly footwashing event is intended to celebrate Holy Week and to put Jesus’ Maundy Thursday command to love one another into action by serving our neighbors. The event includes footwashing, sock & hygiene kit give-away, clothing, prayer & healing. 

Volunteers are needed for a variety of tasks principally on Maundy Thursday. These include: guest welcome, give-away tasks, footwashing tasks, praying and visiting with guests.

If you’d like more information about this event, or would like to volunteer for the next community footwashing, please contact our office at office@stmarks-cityheights.org.

Ashes To Go

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season of reflection and preparation before Easter. We take Ash Wednesday out into City Heights by offering ashes—placed on people’s foreheads—and prayers to our neighbors. While standing on the four corners of Fairmount and University Avenues, and roaming its adjacent shopping center, we meet folks on their way to their daily activities. It is a simple but sacred moment grounded in tradition with the gifts of grace and connection.

Pride 

July marks Pride celebration in San Diego. St. Mark’s participates in our city’s annual pride parade which joyfully celebrates our LGBTQ+ siblings. After attending the street eucharist of St. Paul’s Cathedral, we walk the parade route alongside fellow Episcopalians of our Diocese.