From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is one of my favorite Holy Days of Obligation. I am thrilled that we are able to celebrate this beautiful feast day on Sunday! As Catholics, we know that it was from the womb of the Blessed Mother that came forth the savior of the world, Jesus. Mary herself knows that she is not God, but the Immaculate Virgin God-Bearer. Once Mary’s earthly pilgrimage was complete, she was assumed into heaven, body and soul. The solemnity of the Assumption highlights this moment in the life of the Church where Mary is taken and seated as Queen of Heaven and Earth. As many of you know, most non-Catholics do not understand the role and image of Mary within the Church. We have many images and statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary, but we do not worship them or her. Our worship belongs to God, but we do ask for Mary’s powerful intercession on our behalf. We pray that though the intercession of Mary the mother of Jesus, that we will grow to be better and holier disciples of him. Our gospel passage today gives us Mary’s prayer known as the Magnificat. It is in visiting her cousin Elizabeth, that Mary prays these words beginning with, my soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior. Mary knows exactly who the savior is. Let us pray that as we commemorate the feast of the Assumption of Mary that we will allow our soul to proclaim the greatness and goodness of God, our savior.
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 $42,540. 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.
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 next Sunday, August 22. Please be sure to welcome him to our parish community.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death, Amen
Wishing you a blessed and peaceful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox