From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
Today is the last Sunday of July. Summer seems to be flying right by. I do hope that each of you have had the opportunity to enjoy the rest and relaxation of these summer months because as soon as you know it, September will be right here! Last Sunday we were reminded in the gospel passage that the Lord invited us to take time to rest, but to rest in his presence. We see in today’s gospel of how Jesus feeds the five thousand. Miraculously, our Lord turns five barley loaves and two fish into enough food for the five thousand to eat. We know that Jesus feeds us with himself. Each time we approach the Eucharist, the Lord gives of himself for our nourishment and sustenance. How blessed we are to receive Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament so that we can be fed and sustained. St. Paul reminds us in today’s second reading from his letter to the Ephesians that we must live with humility, patience and love. If your anything like me, patience is one of those traits that I pray for every day! There are moments that I lose my patience, either with people or situations. The key is to not allow our impatience to get in the way of imitating Jesus Christ. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to strengthen and guide us closer to the heart of Christ, for the hand of the Lord feeds us, he answers all our needs.
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 $40,180. 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.
St. Martin de Porres Parish School of Faith Formation & RCIA
We will begin in-person classes for our school of faith formation this Fall. All students who are preparing to receive the sacraments of initiation must be registered in our school of faith formation. Registration forms can be filled out on our parish website at www.smdpp.org. Adults who are looking to join the Catholic Church or who need sacraments of initiation may begin the RCIA process this Fall. For inquires or questions, please contact Ms. Michelle Joseph our Director of Faith Formation or myself.
Seminarian Assigned to the Parish
Just a few months ago, I was informed by St. Joseph’s Seminary that Bishop DiMarzio has assigned a seminarian to our parish for his Pastoral Year. His name is Tobechukwu Tobe Jude Offiah. He is from Nigeria and is currently completing his third year of formation at the major seminary. He will arrive at the parish on August 15. Please be sure to welcome him to our parish community.
Wishing you a blessed and peaceful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox