From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
Summer seems to be arriving very quickly here in Brooklyn! As I write this letter, we are on day #2 of the 90-degree weather. As always, we must continue to thank God for the gift of his creation. We are blessed to be able to bask in God’s beauty in all that he created. As we move into these summer months, we are invited to take time for rest and relaxation, but to never forget our faith in Christ Jesus. We are reminded in today’s second reading from Paul’s letter to the Corinthians that we walk by faith not by sight. Our faith is at the very core of who we are as disciples of Christ Jesus. Jesus gives us this beautiful parable of the mustard seed in today’s gospel. The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed. It is the smallest of all seeds but when sown becomes the largest of plants. We must continue to sow the seeds of faith here in Bedford Stuyvesant to allow it flourish and grow. May these weeks of summer be a time of rejuvenation and renewal as we continue to be people of faith, hope and love.
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. Our goal here at St. Martin de Porres is $63,586. We have pledged thus far $32,155. 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. 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.
Father’s Day Remembrance
During the month of June, we will remember in a special way all Fathers. You are invited to use the Father’s Day envelopes located at the doors of the church to have your Father, whether alive or deceased remembered. All names will be placed on the altars of our churches during the month of June.
Honoring our Graduates
I take this opportunity to congratulate all of our 2021 graduates. As is the custom here at St. Martin de Porres Parish, on the weekend of June 26/27 we will bestow a special blessing upon all of our graduates at Mass. We will also print the names and schools of our graduates in the bulletin. Please be sure to fill out the sheet placed at the doors of each of the churches with the names of the graduates and the schools they have graduated from.
Update on Parish Buildings
I wanted to give you an update on some of the work that has been and will be done over these next few weeks. The warming kitchen at Holy Rosary Church has been completed. I know it has been on the wish list for Holy Rosary for a while now. Thank you for your patience. Work will begin to re-pave the driveway at St. Peter Claver Church. It had to be delayed for a few weeks, but will start soon. It is my hope that by the Fall we will be able to hold parish functions in our newly refurbished halls. More information will come soon.
Wishing you a peaceful and blessed week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox