January 8, 2026 Dear St. Mark’s Family, I am writing to you today to share some transition news about St. Mark’s staff. Lauren Johnsen has served at St. Mark’s in our children/youth ministries since 2015. When I arrived in August of 2021, I quickly saw how faithfully and creatively Lauren served. She was then leading our children’s ministry and a couple of years later assumed leadership of our youth ministry. All can witness the remarkable growth and renewal in these ministries and so much of what we celebrate today is because of Lauren’s ministry. While Lauren, Chris, and their family will actively remain with us at St. Mark’s and in Beaumont, they have a new business opportunity to undertake together. This is indeed an exciting new chapter for the Johnsen family. Because of this new possibility, Lauren will need to transition away from her ministry staff positions at St. Mark’s. Though will still see the Johnsen family still regularly participate in our shared life at St. Mark’s, Lauren will not be doing so as a staff member. Lauren and I are working together right now to plan all the ministry activities for the Spring and then at Easter, she will transition out of her staff role. I will be gathering and meeting with our families with children and youth in early February. This will be a chance for all of us to reflect together about how we best move forward in such vital ministry areas at St. Mark’s. During this time, I am discerning as to how we can fill this leadership positions. As we do this work together, please share your gratitude with Lauren for her amazing work at St. Mark’s. We have a robust and growing children and youth group that we will continue to build upon. As their parish family, let us together pray for Lauren and Chris as they step into this new chapter in their lives. Together, we at St. Mark’s will move forward in 2026 as we FOLLOW JESUS TOGETHER! Faithfully,  Father James