FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
Dear Parishioners,
On this third Sunday of Easter, we continue to bask in the joy of the resurrection. Our scripture passages allow us to enter spiritually into the appearances of Jesus to his disciples after his resurrection. Our gospel passage today shows Jesus in the midst of his disciples and he says to them, “peace be with you.” His disciples are afraid and terrified because they think it’s a ghost! The Lord invites them to touch him and all of a sudden, their hearts are no longer filled with terror or fear but with the peace of Christ. During these next few weeks of Easter, we are invited to pray for peace. We pray that the peace of Christ will resonate throughout our community and throughout the world. Our second reading from the letter of St. John reminds us to keep the word of God alive in our hearts. It is the word of God, that is Christ himself that is perfected in us. Let us pray that Christ, the risen Lord will bestow His love, mercy, and peace upon all of us his children.
St. Peter Claver Church Raffle Fundraiser
I would like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who have purchased a raffle ticket for the St. Peter Claver 100th anniversary fundraiser. It has been a great success so far! There is still plenty of time to purchase a raffle to win one of the five amazing prizes. Tickets are $10 each and they can be purchased after all of the masses from any anniversary committee member or by coming to the parish office during business hours.
Holy Rosary Church Lower Hall
Since my arrival as Pastor over six years ago, plans were underway to create a warming kitchen in the lower hall of Holy Rosary Church. As we were making those plans, we found that more pressing work needed to be done in the body of the church, which then led to the full restoration of the upper church. Work was begun a few weeks ago to create a warming kitchen and to replace in its entirety the 4 large windows in the lower hall. We also had to replace the floor behind the stage in the lower hall leading up to the church. All of this work will be completed by early May. I thank all of you for your patience, support and generosity in allowing all of this to be done.
2021 Diocese of Brooklyn Annual Catholic Appeal
I wish to thank all of you who have already contributed to this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal. As you know, the ACA supports the workings and programs of the Diocese of Brooklyn such as Catholic Migration Services, Vocations to the Priesthood, Hospital Chaplains, and Youth Ministry. Our goal here at St. Martin de Porres is $63,586. We have pledged thus far $11,845. The key to having a successful ACA is participation. We are asking everyone to participate in this year’s ACA that we will be able to achieve our goal. Next week, April 24/25 at all of the Masses both Father Franklin and I will be talking about the importance of the Appeal and conduct an in-pew pledge for those who have not yet done so. Any monies collected beyond the goal comes directly back to the parish. I thank each of you for your financial support here at St. Martin de Porres.
Have a great week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox