Dear Parishioners,

Over these last few weeks, we have seen reports both on television and in the newspapers of the ongoing effects of the coronavirus. It is important to stay healthy during this time and to practice some preventative steps to avoid getting sick, most especially at church. The Diocese of Brooklyn has come up with a number of directives for the celebration of Mass during this time. You will find in the bulletin this weekend an insert outlining these directives both at home and here in church. I would ask that each of you look over this insert and follow these guidelines. Also, it should be noted that if you are not feeling well at home, please do not attempt to come to Mass. You are not obligated to attend Sunday Mass if you are sick. Coming to Mass while you are sick not only hinders your ability to get better but may put others at risk of getting sick. We hear in today’s gospel the encounter Jesus has with the Samaritan woman at the well. Jesus tells her that life giving water will be hers to drink of. It is in this encounter that this Samaritan woman recognizes and proclaims that Jesus is the Messiah. It was from that moment that the Samaritans came to believe that Jesus was the Christ, the son of the living God. In just a few weeks, that life giving water will be blessed and sprinkled upon us, his disciples. Here at St. Martin dePorres we will baptize two new members of the Church, in which they will be immersed into the life-giving waters of baptism. We hear in today’s second reading from the letter to the Romans that God’s love has been poured into our hearts. We pray today, on this this third Sunday of Lent, that God will continue to reveal the joys of his son Jesus, as he did to the Samaritan woman. For we know and proclaim that Jesus is truly the savior of the world.

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 17th, Vespers will be held at St. Peter Claver Church beginning at 7:00PM. We will welcome Father Luke Leighton, CFR as the homilist. Father Luke is a member of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal. We will also pray stations of the cross every Friday night at each of our three churches beginning at 7:00PM.

Parish Photo and Art Contest

Due to an abundance of caution the Brooklyn Waldorf School has suspended all non-essential activities in its building. Therefore, the Parish Art Exhibit that was to happen there this weekend has ben cancelled. However, the book signing, the drawing of the wining 50/50 raffle ticket, and the determination of the Youth Creativity Contest winners will take place at St. Peter Claver lower hall on Saturday, March 14th at 3:00PM and Sunday March 15th immediately after the 11:30Am Mass

Annual Catholic Appeal 2020

We are now in the beginning stages of the 2020 Annual Catholic Appeal. 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.

Have a great week,

Father Alonzo Q. Cox