There is something to be said about the intimacy of sharing a meal with someone. Jesus was constantly sharing meals with his disciples. It was often through breaking of bread that Jesus evangelized and grew in relationship with his disciples. The reason The Eucharist is referred to as Communion is because it unites us together a body and people of God.  

St. Mark is blessed to cover a wide geographical region of parishioners. Our youth come from as many as five school districts. For many, Sunday night is the only time they are able to see their friends. The meal time allows a brief ~30 minutes to socialize and hear about each others week. It is a time of reprieve from their busy schedules where they can relax and enjoy the company of their peers. By providing for their physical needs we are able to provide for their spiritual needs.

MSYM has four meal teams composed of roughly 30 families designed around the youth's small group.  Each team provides one meal every month for 100-150 participatants that include the youths, parents and lesson leaders. Meals are organized in a round-robin rotation by the MSYM leaders who also share various responsibilities. 

Youths and their parents are encouraged to prepare together or donate the food items.  During the meal,  that specific small groups serve the rest of the class as well as lesson leaders, parents and visitors.  The MSYM meal teams are designed to bring small community of faiths within the youth's small groups in the hopes of those families with their son/daughter build friendships as Christ continues to strenghten them . Some responsibilies can include cooking a main dish, providing a side dish, providing a dessert or helping serve the meal on Sunday night.

Since we are blessed with many teens, and that number continues to grow, the church can only cover the cost at minimum of 1 night per month.  This is pizza night during the dates of XLT or Christmas Party. Therefore, the meals are being asked as a family donated event that is designed fairly and consistently as well as provide an educational moment to teach their youth's service to each other and stewardship to their parish.  For parents who may be unable to commit to cooking or serving a meal for that rotation a donation is also available for you as an option.