From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
Last Sunday we celebrated the beautiful feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven. The Assumption is a holy day of obligation so we were blessed for it to fall on a Sunday this year. On the Church’s liturgical calendar, one week after the Assumption we would celebrate the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is today, August 22. Because the feast of the Queenship of Mary is not a holy day of obligation, the 21st Sunday of Ordinary Time takes precedence. I would invite you to say a special Hail Mary in honor of this beautiful feast that depicts Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth. Mary continues to intercede for us, allowing us to grow closer to the heart of her son, Jesus Christ. We are reminded by the disciples in today’s gospel that Jesus has the words of everlasting life. Jesus himself tells us that the words he has spoken are spirit and life. It is Peter who will tell the Lord, “We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God.” May these words echo in our minds and hearts as we continue to follow the Lord ever so closer to the eternal Kingdom of God.
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 $44,060. 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 this weekend. Please be sure to welcome him to our parish community.
Mary, Queen of Peace, pray for us.
Wishing all of you a blessed and peaceful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox