Father Clifford G. Smith, or simply "Father Cliff," has been the Pastor of St. Mark Catholic Community since 2005. He is a strong advocate for Catholic education and his presence is widely felt throughout our school campus.
Of course our students know him as the celebrant at our weekly All-School Masses. But they also know him as a welcoming face on the first day of school; as a frequent guest teacher in their religion classes; as the person who inspired a revolving student art gallery in our school lobby; as the Pastor who gives them the opportunity to participate in Mass; and often times as a warm presence bidding them farewell at the end of the school day.
St. Mark is fortunate to be a beneficiary of Father Cliff's many talents. Utilizing his extensive background in theater, Father Cliff teaches two elective courses to St. Mark middle school students: Theater Production I and Theater Production II. Through these classes, students are exposed to all aspects of the theater arts. He also designs and creates elaborate costumes for the various elementary and middle school productions and projects, including the annual Christmas Nativity program. His great talent for cooking is also shared with our community in a number of ways. One in particular involves the annual school auction fundraiser where Father Cliff donates a gourmet dinner and wine party that goes to the highest bidder. At the dinner, he serves as the Chef de Cuisine, dazzling guests with a multi-course meal fit for royalty, and all for a great cause ... our students.
It is Father Cliff's enthusiastic involvement and his unwavering support that truly makes
St. Mark Catholic School a place "where faith and knowledge meet."
Click here to read "Cliff Notes" By Father Cliff.