From The Pastor’s Desk
September 4, 2020
Dear Parishioners,
I cannot believe that we have arrived to Labor Day weekend. Under normal circumstances, many of us would be wrapping up that last visit to the beach or that last summer trip before the hustle and bustle of September begins. Students would be flocking to stores for back to school supplies and parents would be thrilled to send them off. The excitement of the Labor Day West Indian Day parade here in our neighborhood would be in the air. All of that of course is not the case this Labor Day weekend. Many of our students will begin this academic year remotely. Parents are still trying to find a way to juggle work responsibilities while their kids are learning from home. The West Indian Day parade this year being cancelled all encompasses the current state that we are living in. Even in the midst of disappointment, we continue to glory in the fact that Our Savior Jesus Christ journey’s with us today. Jesus reminds us in our gospel passage today that where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am in your midst. In the midst of living in the “unknown”, we do know of God’s infinite love for all of his people. St. Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans that each of us are called to love our neighbor as ourselves. As we begin a new Pastoral Year, may the love of Christ impel each of us here at St. Martin de Porres Parish.
St. Martin de Porres Parish School of Faith Formation and RCIA Program
Just this past Friday, all Pastors throughout the Diocese were informed that Faith Formation classes will be held remotely from September 2020 to January 1, 2021. This policy is meant to ensure the safety and health of both students and catechists. Our parish program will be conducted virtually with our catechists using modern technology. Students will be given materials for them to use for online courses. Registration for all grades, including sacramental preparation has now begun. The fee this year is $55 per student. You may register your child via our parish website, www.smdpp.org, or through our parish Give Central portal. We are in need of more catechists! Most especially catechists who are familiar with the modern technology that is available to us. If you should have any questions please feel free to contact myself or Ms. Michelle Joseph.
St. Peter Claver Church Centennial Celebration
We will kick off the 100th Anniversary of the establishment of St. Peter Claver Church on Sunday, September 20, 2020 at the 11:30AM Mass. Unfortunately, due to the current restrictions we are unable to have a large celebration that was planned. There will not be a reception after the Mass. The anniversary committee has a number of events planned for throughout the year that you will know more about. The Mass on September 20 will be livestreamed from St. Peter Claver Church.
Labor Day and Resuming Tuesday Mass at Holy Rosary Church
This Monday, September 7 is Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer. There will not be a 12:00Noon Mass at St. Peter Claver. One Mass will be celebrated at 8:00AM at Our Lady of Victory. On Tuesday September 8, the 11:00AM Mass at Holy Rosary will resume.
Wishing you a blessed and peaceful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox