Patrice Oliver

About

Each of the Vestry members were asked to reflect on the following questions:

WHY DO YOU FEEL CALLED TO SERVE ON THE VESTRY OF ST. MARK’S?

I have been involved in many areas of St. Mark’s during the years that my husband, Joey, and I have been members. I have enjoyed many community-building experiences with the members and staff of St. Mark’s. I have an appreciation for the church history and programs while at the same time I am open to new ideas and change. I can listen with an open mind, have an appreciation of art and music, and think creatively. I served on Vestry once before when I was in a younger demographic. I look forward to serving on this Vestry under the leadership of Beth, Matt, and Ann.

PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR PARTICIPATION AT ST. MARK’S AND/OR IN THE COMMUNITY, INDICATING EXPERIENCES THAT YOU THINK WILL BE HELPFUL FOR THE VESTRY.

When our family first attended St. Mark’s, our daughters were in elementary school and junior high. I have been involved as a parent supporter of the Youth Program, as well as a Sunday School teacher, Confirmation leader, and assisted with various creative VBS programs. I have been to and volunteered with several of our community partners. I was a co-coordinator of the first Day of Prayer and Service. I have been an Altar Guild member and leader beginning when Mike Chalk was rector, through the interim period with Ned Bowersox and Carol Morehead, to the welcoming of Beth as our first female rector. I continue to value serving the church and clergy through the behind-the-scenes dedication of the Altar Guild. Serving on a Funeral Reception team, I know the value and comfort of this ministry to grieving St. Mark’s members and their families.

ST. MARK’S CORE VOCATION IS “FEEDING SAN ANTONIO WITH THE BREAD OF LIFE: FEEDING THE HUNGRY WITH REAL FOOD; FEEDING THOSE WHO ARE HUNGRY FOR KNOWLEDGE AND MEANING; AND FEEDING THOSE WHO ARE HUNGRY FOR BEAUTY AND CREATIVITY.” HOW DO YOU ENVISION THE VESTRY WORKING IN SUPPORT OF THIS VOCATION?

Over the years I have had the pleasure of being involved in creative projects with St. Mark’s members of all ages from youth painted birdhouses, ceramic tile projects and art canvases to animal mask making for the choir production of Noye’s Fludde. I imagine the Vestry will continue to support the programs aligned with our core vocations recognizing when infusions of new energy may be helpful to continue with the vision and success of these valued programs.

WHEN DID YOU JOIN ST. MARK’S AND WHAT CONTINUES TO DRAW YOU TO THIS COMMUNITY?

Our family joined St. Mark’s around 2001 after a work-related move from Houston. In addition to the music program adding to the beauty of the church, we were especially drawn to the mix of clergy at St. Mark’s. There were both male and female clergy serving at that time, each ably delivering thought-provoking and meaningful sermons. That continues today with Beth, Matt, and Ann. I value hearing different styles and points of view to challenge and add diversity of thought and understanding as we navigate the highs and lows of daily life in community.