“Friends,
 
I know that these are some very strange times in all our lives to be facing a global pandemic and it also must feel like a strange time for you to get to know a new priest.  So allow me to introduce myself to you in this way first and along the way we will all do the best we can.  My name is Fr Mark Cote and I was ordained in 2004.  Currently I am assigned in the very unique role as a part time Associate Pastor of St Scholastica in Woodridge Illinois and I am also the part time Associate Director of the Diaconate. Prior to that I was a Pastor for 6 years at St Alexander in Villa Park Illinois.  My other assignments included terms as Associate Pastor of St Michael in Wheaton (2010-2012), St Isadore in Bloomingdale (2008-2010) and St Thomas the Apostle in Naperville (2004-2008).
 
I was born in Union Lake Michigan and lived there till I was 10 years old but my family moved around a lot when i was a child.  As a result I have lived in 5 different states while growing up including Michigan, Utah, Minnesota, Ohio and Illinois.  We moved to Illinois when I was 18 years old and have been here ever since.  Somehow I went to college to become a Geologist but ended up pursuing the priesthood instead (it's a long story and I'm sure I will share with you how that happened in the future).
 
Some of the things I enjoy in life include fishing, spending time with my friends and my family, and of course hanging out with my dog Lucy.  That's right, I'm bringing a special little gift with me to St Paul.  She is a bundle of energy wrapped up in what I can only describe as a border beagle.  Lucy is part border collie and part beagle.  Just imagine a really smart dog that is hungry all the time and on top of that has a keen sense of smell and you will get the picture.
 
Lucy and I are excited to be coming to St Paul and meeting all of you, in a socially distant way of course.  And I am excited to be your next full time Pastor and working side by side with the parish and school staff to serve the needs of our community and growing our faith together.  I'll be praying for you during this time of change and uncertainty, please keep me in your prayers as well.
 
I love you already!
 
God Bless and stay safe,
 
Fr Mark Cote