Dear Parishioners,

Today is the first Sunday of Lent. As we begin this time of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we hear in today’s gospel of how our Lord was tempted by the devil. The devil attempts to lure Jesus in to the desires of worldly allurements such as gluttony and power. Just as the devil tempted Jesus, Satan tempts us as well. The devil wants to lure us with worldly allurements when ultimately our eyes should be fixated on Christ. These weeks of Lent are meant to be a time of prayer and penance, allowing our hearts to be prepared for the joyful celebration of Easter. In his Lenten message to Catholics this year, Pope Francis reminds us to never take our eyes off Christ. He says, “ Keep your eyes fixed on the outstretched arms of Christ crucified, let yourself be saved over and over again. And when you go to confess your sins, believe firmly in his mercy which frees you of your guilt.  Contemplate his blood poured out with such great love, and let yourself be cleansed by it. In this way, you can be reborn ever anew”. Let us pray that this Lent will be a time of spiritual renewal and rejuvenation.

Lenten Coin Cards

Each year during the season of Lent, we as a parish community practice almsgiving. Throughout the 40 days of Lent, we are invited to give of our treasure to those who are less fortunate that we are or to those who are in need. This year we have as our Lenten almsgiving practice Lenten coin cards. The cards are available at the doors of each of the three churches. The proceeds from the coin cards will go to St. Jude’s Hospital for Children. Thank you for your generosity.

Youth Art, Photo and Poetry Contest

Our parish will once again hold an art contest. This contest is aimed for the youth of our parish to participate in. This year’s theme is to illustrate the life of Blessed Isidore Bakanja, who was a Carmelite from the Congo. Instructions for the contest can be found in this week’s bulletin. The deadline to enter is Saturday March 7. There will be three prizes awarded. All work will be displayed at the Brooklyn Waldorf School on March 14 and 15.

Annual Catholic Appeal 2020

We are now in the beginning stages of the 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal. As you know, the ACA is an annual campaign appeal which helps support the works of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Each parish is given a goal to meet each year. Here at St. Martin dePorres our goal this year is $65,024. We had a very successful ACA last year and I hope that this year will be the same.

Lenten Vespers and Stations of the Cross

Each Tuesday night during the season of Lent we will pray Solemn Vespers with Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction. This Tuesday evening, March 3rd, Vespers will be held at Holy Rosary Church beginning at 7:00PM. We will welcome Father Anthony Rosado as the homilist. We will also pray stations of the cross every Friday night at each of our three churches beginning at 7:00PM.

Have a great week,

Father Alonzo Q. Cox