Dear Parishioners,
I cannot believe that we have come to Labor Day weekend! Summer just seemed to fly right by this year. As we begin another pastoral year together, we pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide and unite us together as a community of believers. We pray most especially for our youth who will begin another academic year. May the spirit of knowledge and fortitude be with them as they grow in the image and likeness of Christ the Lord. In today’s Gospel Jesus says to a deaf man: “Ephphatha”—”be opened.” his speech impediment was removed, and he spoke plainly. The opening of the man’s ears is a sign. Consider what it means for ears to be opened to hear the Word. As we begin a new pastoral year together, let us take heed of the words of Christ today as we journey together this year, may Christ the great High Priest be the core of all that we say and do. May Jesus Christ be praised, now and forever.
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 $44,860. 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.
Feast of St. Peter Claver
The Church celebrates on its liturgical calendar the Memorial of St. Peter Claver on Thursday, September 9. A special Mass will be celebrated at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph on September 9 at 7:30PM. Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, the Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn will be the main celebrant and homilist. The Mass will also be televised live on NET-TV. The entire faithful of the Diocese of Brooklyn are invited to celebrate the memorial of St. Peter Claver and to honor the church dedicated to him here in Brooklyn. We as a parish community will celebrate the feast day on Sunday, September 12 at St. Peter Claver Church at the 11:30AM Mass.
Wishing you a peaceful and blessed week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox