Dear Parishioners,
I want to thank all of you who prayed with us at Our Lady of Victory Church last Monday to commemorate the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Although it was not as large a celebration as we have had in previous years, it was a beautiful and uplifting liturgy. Just earlier that morning, Bishop Raymond Chappetto, who serves as Vicar General for the Diocese of Brooklyn asked if he could attend the prayer service. He was joined by retired Auxiliary Bishop Guy Sansaricq. I take this opportunity to thank our parish choir under the direction of Ms. Joan Delahunt and Mr. Joseph Murray. They have been working tirelessly to make our upcoming liturgies prayerful and beautiful. Our gospel passage today continues with the beginning of Jesus public ministry. Jesus proclaims that the kingdom of God is at hand, repent! As we prepare to enter into the season of Lent in just 4 weeks, we are called to repentance. Jesus is reminding us today that gospel must be at the center of our lives. May these next few weeks of ordinary time be a moment of grace as we carry out the words of Christ today, repent and believe in the gospel.
St. Peter Claver Church 100th Anniversary
We have looked forward over these last few months to celebrating with joy the 100th anniversary of the establishment of St. Peter Claver Church. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, we have not had the opportunity to gather in celebration the way that we would have. Our anniversary committee has come up with some creative ideas to commemorate this milestone. Of course, with every anniversary, there will be a gala dinner and a fundraising raffle. Our gala dinner has been scheduled for Friday, May 21, 2021, to be held at Glenn Terrace. Not knowing what the Spring will bring us with the coronavirus, we still have secured the date. If it is unable to take place, the date will be changed and you will have the option to have your money refunded. Raffles are available for $10 per ticket which will be on sale this week after all of the masses at each of the three churches. Prizes include an Apple iWatch, Apple iPad, a Smart TV with Bose soundbar with CD player and a $500 gift card. All proceeds will go to support St. Peter Claver Church.
Parish Black History Month Mass of Thanksgiving
Our annual parish Black History Month Mass of Thanksgiving will take place on Sunday, February 7 at 10:30 AM. This year’s Mass will be held at St. Peter Claver Church. We will welcome as the Presider and Homilist this year, Father Patrick West. Father West is the former Pastor of St. Peter Claver Church. The maximum capacity for St. Peter Claver Church is 75 people. The overflow will be asked to go downstairs to Msgr. Rogers Hall to watch the livestream. There will be a 7:30 AM Mass at Our Lady of Victory Church on February 7 but there will not be a 10:15 AM or 11:30 AM.
Contribution Letters for 2020 Taxes
Parishioners who need a letter from the parish outlining their financial contributions for the year 2020 to file their taxes may call the parish office to receive one.
Wishing you a blessed and peaceful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox