Dear Parishioners,
Merry Christmas to all of you! We gather on this Holy Family Sunday still celebrating the joys of Christmas. I hope that each of you was able to celebrate Christmas safely and healthy. Although this was a Christmas that none of us will ever forget, we must never forget the reason for the season, who is Christ the Lord. It is my prayer that this Christmas season will allow us to bask in the glory of our newborn King, Jesus Christ. As Pastor of this wonderful parish, I take this opportunity to thank all of you for your kindness and generosity. Since the beginning of this pandemic, each of you has been so generous with your time, talent and treasure. This Christmas I am so grateful for the kindness that each of you has shown to both me and Father Franklin most especially with the many cards and gifts that you have given to us. Please know of our prayers for you and your families this Christmas season.
New Year’s Eve and Day Masses
This week we will end the year 2020 and begin anew with 2021. It would be safe to say that this was a year filled with unexpected events and months of quarantine. With all things though, we give thanks and praise to God for the many graces and blessings that he has bestowed upon all of us. On New Year’s Eve this Thursday, December 31 we will have a Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction beginning at 11:00PM at Our Lady of Victory Church. During this Holy Hour we will pray Night Prayer. Following the Holy Hour, Mass will be celebrated at Midnight for the Feast of Mary Mother of God. The next day, January 1, Masses will be celebrated at 10:00AM at Our Lady of Victory and 11:00AM at St. Peter Claver. All are welcomed to join us for Mass. The masses will also be live-streamed.
New Parish Deacon
I am very happy to announce that Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio has appointed a new permanent deacon here to St. Martin de Porres Parish. Deacon Rachid Murad was ordained to the diaconate just over a year ago for the Diocese of Brooklyn. He was born and raised in Queens Village and until his appointment here was serving as deacon at Incarnation Parish in Queens Village. Him and his wife have two children. He and his family are very much looking forward to beginning ministry here at St. Martin de Porres. He will officially begin January 31, 2021.
First Friday Devotions
This Friday, January 1 is the first Friday of the month. Ordinarily we would have first Friday devotions but because it is a holiday, we will not have first Friday devotions at Our Lady of Victory or St. Peter Claver. We will just have Mass celebrated at 10:00AM at Our Lady of Victory and 11:00AM at St. Peter Claver.
Wishing you a Blessed and Peaceful Christmas,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox