Dear Parishioners,

This past Friday, we recalled the horrific acts of terrorism of September 11. In a very special way, we continue to pray for those innocent souls who lost their lives that day 19 years ago. We pray for those families who still grieve the loss of their loved one. Here in our neighborhood I had the opportunity to pray with the local firehouse who lost 5 firefighters that day. We must pray for peace in our world, now more than ever. Let us ask the Lord to bestow his peace upon our world. Through the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother, Queen of Peace, may we live in harmony with one another, bringing the light of Christ to this world in darkness. Our gospel passage today reminds us that we must be people of forgiveness. The Lord is challenging us to forgive our brother from the depths of our hearts. Forgiveness can be tough, especially when it comes to family. We are called to let go of the anger and resentment and be disciples of forgiveness.

Opening Mass for the 100th Anniversary of St. Peter Claver Church

Next Sunday, September 20, we will celebrate the Opening Mass commemorating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of St. Peter Claver Church. How blessed we are to be able to celebrate 100 years of this parish church proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ. The Mass will be celebrated at the usual time of 11:30AM. We must keep to the 25% capacity of the Church. If we reach capacity, the overflow crowd will be sent downstairs to watch the Mass via livestream. After Mass I will formally bless the newly renovated lower hall which will be named after the late Monsignor William D. Rodgers. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, there will not be a reception following the Mass. The anniversary committee has a number of events planned for the year that will be presented to all of you within the next few weeks.

St. Martin de Porres Parish School of Faith Formation and RCIA Program

Our parish 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.

Back to School Supplies

Our Catholic school students made their way back to school this past week. Our public school students will return next week. We continue to pray for them and their teachers for a successful academic year. We have collected school supplies for all the students of our parish. You may come to the parish office this week, Monday to Friday between 9:00AM and 5:00PM to pick them up. We did not collect as much as in previous years, so first come first served.

Wishing you a blessed and peaceful week,

Father Alonzo Q. Cox