Dear Parishioners,

I don’t know about you, but I love talking about my Catholic faith. As a lifelong Catholic, I thoroughly enjoy talking about the beauty and awe of the Roman Catholic Church. My faith has been engrained in me from birth and continues to evolve throughout my life as a priest of the Catholic Church. One of the unique aspects of the life of the Roman Catholic Church is its  hierarchy, particularly the role of the Pope. As Catholics, we believe that the Pope is the Successor to St. Peter. The Pope has many titles, in addition to his political one as Head of Vatican City, the smallest city-state in the world. The title that I believe sums up his role, is “servant of the servants of God”. I think of that title as we reflect upon today’s Gospel. Jesus is asking his disciples who people believe him to be. As they give Jesus answers to the question, Simon Peter makes a statement to Jesus that ultimately sums up who Jesus is. Simon Peter responds, “you are the Christ, the Son of the living God”. It was at that moment, Jesus gives him the keys to the Kingdom, with Peter becoming the first “Pope”. Peter makes that profound statement of faith that Jesus is the Son of God. We as Catholics continue to live that statement out. The sacraments are a reflection that Jesus is the living Son God, alive in our church to this very day. We hear in today’s second reading from Paul’s letter to the Romans, “For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever”. May our worship give the Lord all glory, honor, praise and majesty now and for the ages to come.

St. Martin de Porres Parish School of Faith Formation

It is almost the end of August, which means it’s almost back to school time! But, as we are still in the midst of this pandemic, we don’t know what “back to school” looks like. As I write this letter, the Governor of the State of New York along with the Mayor, have given the green light for students to return back to school next month. There is still much discussion and planning on both parts to logistically see what that looks like. Here at St. Martin de Porres, our Sunday school of Faith Formation is in the same predicament. It would usually be at around this time of the year that we would begin registration for the upcoming 2020-2021 academic year. Officials from the Diocese of Brooklyn will inform Pastors of what the plan for Faith Formation will be over the next few days. Both Michelle Joseph, our Director of Faith Formation and I will be in communication with parents who wish to register their child for Faith Formation classes, most especially for those students who need to receive the sacraments of initiation. Classes at this time will be conducted remotely.

Robin Hood Emergency Task Force Food Pantry

Our Lady of Victory Church will host a food pantry distribution for the next 4 Wednesday’s beginning this Wednesday August 26 starting at 12:00Noon until 2:00PM. There will be a food truck distributing healthy proteins, fruits and vegetables for free. The distribution is open to all parishioners and people in the community. There are flyers available at each of the three churches with more information. The distribution will take place in front of Our Lady of Victory School Hall entrance on Macon Street.

Wishing each of you a peaceful and blessed week,

Father Alonzo Q. Cox