FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK
Dear Parishioners,
As we enter into the month of August, we are continuously reminded of God’s love for us through the beauty of creation. I think that we can agree that the weather these last few days have been nothing less than spectacular. I do hope that each of you have been enjoying the beauty of God’s creation these last few days. St. Paul tells us in today’s second reading from his letter to the Ephesians that we must be renewed in the spirit. We are called to put away our old selves and former way of life and be renewed in Christ Jesus. Summer has always been a time of renewal and rejuvenation doing so always in Christ our Savior. Today, we begin to hear from St. John’s Gospel’s Bread of Life discourse. Throughout these next weeks, we hear Jesus tell us, “I am the bread of life”. Jesus tells us that whoever comes to him will never hunger and will never thirst again. We as Catholics know that the Eucharist is the source and summit of our faith. We gather as a community to celebrate the great gift of the Eucharist as Jesus gives of himself for us. May these remaining weeks of summer allow us to live in the image and likeness of Christ the great High Priest.
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 $42,040. 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.
Catholic Charities Pop-Up Food Distribution Day
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Brooklyn will host a pop-up food distribution this Thursday August 5 at Our Lady of Victory Church beginning at 10:00AM. Any family from the parish or neighborhood that is in need of food are welcomed to receive food. Please be sure to spread the word to friends, family and neighbors. We are also in need of volunteers to help with the food distribution. If you are able to help, please call the parish office this week.
First Friday Devotions
This Friday August 6 is the first Friday of the month. We will have Eucharistic Adoration following the 8:00AM Mass at Our Lady of Victory followed by the recitation of the rosary and Benediction. There will not be a first Friday Mass at St. Peter Claver Church this Friday .
Wishing you a peaceful and blessed week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox