Dear Parishioners,
Today is the first Sunday of Advent. We also begin a new liturgical year of Grace. Advent is my favorite liturgical season, it is also the shortest (only 4 weeks long). The season of Advent is filled with beauty both in its liturgy and appearance. You will notice at each of our churches the Advent wreath placed in the sanctuary. Each of the 4 candles represents the weeks of the season. Throughout these next weeks, we will hear from the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah tells of the coming of the Lord. Isaiah of course being a book within sacred scripture can also be looked at as poetry. We are also reminded to prepare and be on alert. Our gospel passage today tells us to be watchful and alert for we do not know the day nor the hour when the Lord will come again. We are invited to prepare our minds, hearts and souls for the coming of the Lord. Allow me to share with you one of my favorite Advent hymns. The words of this hymn beautifully depict this season:
O come divine Messiah, the world in silence waits the day when hope shall sing its triumph and sadness flee away. Dear Savior haste, come, come to earth. Dispel the night and show your face, and bid us hail the dawn of grace. O come divine Messiah, the world in silence waits the day, when hope shall sing it triumph and sadness flee away.
Tuesday Evening Advent Vespers & First Friday Devotions
As has been the custom, we will continue to hold our Advent Vespers with Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction on the Tuesdays of Advent. The first will be held this Tuesday, December 1 at Our Lady of Victory beginning at 7:30 PM. All are welcomed to join us. It will also be livestreamed. This Friday, December 4 is the First Friday of the month. First Friday devotions will be held at Our Lady of Victory Church following the 8:00 AM Mass. There will a 12:00 Noon Mass this Friday at St. Peter Claver Church. All are welcome.
Parish Stewardship Program
Last Sunday we conducted our in-pew commitment for increased offering at Sunday Mass. I thank all of you who were able to make a commitment to increasing your Sunday Mass offertory. I know that these are difficult times and many of you have said to me that our parish is a spiritual home that must continue to be cared for. Thank you for your continued support and generosity to St. Martin de Porres Parish. May the Lord bless each of you in giving of your time, talent and treasure.
100th Anniversary of St. Peter Claver Church
We continue to celebrate the milestone anniversary of St. Peter Claver Church this year. There is a rich history to St. Peter Claver Church that must be documented. We would like to hear from families from St. Peter Claver of their stories and tributes to this historic church. There are flyers in the back of the church directing where you can send your testimonials.
Wishing you a Blessed week and a Holy Advent,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox