We are recognizing Mark Ehmer as Knight of the Month. Many of you will know Mark from his wide welcoming smile as you enter church every Sunday morning. He is the first person you meet as he greets you at the main door. He believes that greeting people opens their heart for what God has prepared for them in the Mass. Mark started as a greeter in 2011 and now serves as the Greeter Ministry Leader. His wife Paula, co-leads by taking care of the paperwork and communication.
In 2011 Mark began to attend the Men’s Group. The Men’s Group meet every Thursday morning at 6:30 am and is open to any men who want to join. 52 weeks out of the year, Mark has donuts and coffee ready for the group. The Men’s Group normally includes about a dozen guys who spend 75 minutes sharing in prayer and discussing the relevance of the following Sunday’s readings.
In 1983, Mark began his career for a screen-printing company in Ohio. A few years later in ‘86, they promoted him to a sales position in Florida where he was responsible for opening the West Palm Beach territory. He specialized in selling vinyl graphics for fleet vehicles. That led Mark to his career in Automotive Sales working as a Sales Leasing Manager for Lincoln Mercury in 1992 and eventually to Mercedes Benz of North Palm Beach sales department, where he currently works. Mark believes that God put him there to act as a witness for people who do not believe in God and/or do not understand their faith.
Mark is married to Paula, who he met at Concord College, where he was a punter on the football team. Paula was the Mountain Lion team mascot. Mark graduated with a mathematics degree and Paula went on to Butler University and received her degree in radiology. Their relationship began as good friends and they stayed in contact following their separation which eventually grew into love and marriage at the Cathedral of St. Ignatius in 1989.
They have two sons, Brad (34), and James (30). Brad graduated from Jupiter High School and attended Florida Southern College. He graduated with a degree in Environmental Science. He is fondly known as “Brad the Baker” at our local Bread by Johnny bakery. James was the drum major for the Jupiter High School Marching Band and attended UCF. He now works at the University of Central Florida as a Program Assistant and manages the budget for the Study Abroad Department and assists in guiding new students on choosing courses for their major. Paula is currently a 6/7/8 grade teacher, primarily in the sciences, at St Juliana Catholic School in West Palm Beach.
We are fortunate to have Mark and his wonderful family as part of our parish, especially with his leadership in the St Peter Knights Council.
Congratulations Mark, and THANK YOU for your service.