Dear Parishioners,
Today, November 1st, we commemorate All Saint’s Day. It is a Holy Day of Obligation, which make it even more special that it falls on a Sunday this year! We thank Almighty God for the gift of the saints in heaven. As Catholics, we believe that the saints intercede for us. We never look at them as God. The saints themselves acknowledged the fact that they are not God. Ultimately, saints are just like us. Many of them walked this earth, trying their very best to be good and holy disciples of the Risen Lord. On the day of our Confirmation, we are asked to choose a saints name to be confirmed with. It is with hope that saint will watch after us from the halls of the heavenly kingdom. On this All Saint’s Day, let us ask and beg for their powerful intercession that with the Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of All Saints, they will lead all of us to the eternal kingdom of heaven.
All Soul’s Day and Remembrance of the Faithful Departed
Tomorrow, November 2nd is All Soul’s Day. We remember the souls of the faithful departed. We continue to pray for the consolation of their family and friends. In a special way, we pray for those who died of the coronavirus over these last few months. All Soul’s Day masses will be celebrated at the usual time, 8:00AM at Our Lady of Victory Church and 12:00Noon at St. Peter Claver Church. Throughout the month of November we will remember in a special way all of the faithful departed. Their names will be placed on the altar and remain there for the entire month. If you wish to have a loved one remembered, please use the special All Soul’s envelopes at the doors of the churches, write their names on the back of the envelope and place the offering in it. You may put it in the collection basket at Mass or drop it off at the parish office. May their soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.
Feast of St. Martin de Porres
We will celebrate as a parish community the Feast Day of St. Martin de Porres. It will take place next Sunday, November 8 beginning at 10:30AM at Our Lady of Victory Church. As is the custom, only one Mass will be celebrated that day. Masses will not be celebrated at Holy Rosary or St. Peter Claver churches. The capacity seating for the church will be 175. Once we reach that number, the overflow will be directed to McGuinness Hall where a big screen will be set up for those to participate via livestream. There will be the Saturday night vigil Mass at 5:00PM next Saturday November 7 at St. Peter Claver Church. This year we will welcome His Excellency Most Reverend Witold Mroziewski as the Main Celebrant and Homilist. Bishop Witold is one of the Auxiliary Bishops of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Because of the Covid-19 restrictions, there will not be a reception after Mass. Through the generosity of a few parishioners, everyone will be given a “to go” bag with breakfast items after Mass.
Parish Stewardship Program
I want to thank all of you who have responded so generously to our parish stewardship program. You will continue to hear more updates from me on how we are doing with the program.
Wishing you a peaceful and blessed week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox