Who We Are: An Invitation
St. Mark’s and St. John’s (SMSJ) is a center for mission and spiritual home where everyone is embraced exactly as they are. Together we share God's love by living out a Benedictine Spirituality where we work with, listen to and love all those we encounter. We are committed to accompanying our neighbors, especially those living in extreme poverty, because we believe that's what Jesus would do.
We pray for humility recognizing that "church" has not always been a safe and healing place for people over the past 125+ years of our history particularly for people of color, those in the LGBTQ+ community and women. And for this we earnestly pray for forgiveness.
If you are looking to be part of a community that's eager to love, that will challenge you, and pray with and for you, this might be the right one for you!
Who We Are: Our Team
The Rev'd Cindy Rasmussen, Ph.D.
She/Her
Rector
Cindy was installed as Rector of St. Mark's and St. John's in 2008. Cindy has a Ph.D. in History and Theology from Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond, Virginia. In addition to her role as Rector, she has also spent years in the classroom teaching Christian History, Public Theology, and Anglican Studies. Cindy serves as pastor, priest, and teacher for the St. Mark's and St. John's community - anyone who calls us their "spiritual home".
The Rev'd Maria Hartz-Clineburg
She/They
Associate Priest
Maria has been serving at SMSJ since July 2022, first as Operations and Missions Director. Maria holds a Master of Divinity from Northeastern Seminary and a Certificate in Anglican Studies from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School. Maria's work at SMSJ is centered in our mission programs and care for our neighbors in Beechwood. They also serve as the Eco-Fellow for the New York and Northern Freshwater Eco-Region.
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The Rev'd Patti Blaine, M.A. BCC
She/Her
Deacon
Patti has been a Deacon in the diocese since 2017. Along the way, she completed 8 units of Clinical Pastoral Education at the University of Rochester Medical School in 2019. She graduated with an MA in Religious Studies from Colgate Rochester Crozer Divinity School in 2022. Since Fall 2022, she has worked full-time as the Pediatric Chaplain for UR Medicine Golisano Children's Hospital. She was board-certified by the Association of Professional Chaplains in December of that year. Patti came to the diaconate after several years of serving in various volunteer coordinator positions and realizing, "Hey, this work is diaconal!" Serving God in the world has been her lifelong passion.
Rob Thornton
He/Him
AV Producer
Rob has been working at SMSJ since 2021. He was introduced to Pastor Cindy and the SMSJ community through Freedom Scholars Learning Center were Rob helped teach literary skills as well as tutor young scholars grades 7 and 8. He a teacher in the RCSD and has been teaching for well over a decade.
Who We Are: Our Volunteers
SMSJ relies on the time, talents, and hearts of volunteers from our own backyard and across the greater Rochester area. We'd love to have you with us!
Vestry
Robert Caruso (Clerk)
Terri Censak
Dave Everson
Heather Gilfoy
Michele Holmes
Sharon Kowalski (Co-Warden)
Nancy Ramsay (Co-Warden)
Deb Snyder
Nancy Willer
EDEN Mission Programs
Joe Casper
Terri & Steve Censak
Mary Estey
The Rev'd Mike Finn
Mary Ellen Forszt
Sharon Kowalski
Jane Munt
Nancy Ramsay
Gary & Ginnie Schindler
Deb & Walt Snyder
Nancy Willer
Volunteer Groups
Nazareth University
Phi Psi Service Fraternity
St. Thomas' Episcopal Church
St. John Fisher University
Teen Empowerment
Titan Service Scholars
University of Rochester
Who We Are: Our Partners
