From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
We had such a beautiful celebration last week! Almost 250 people joined us in person for our Mass commemorating our patron, St. Martin de Porres. We also had several parishioners tune in to our livestream via Facebook and our parish website. I want to thank Father Frank Black, who serves as Pastor of St. Matthew’s parish and the Dean of our deanery for serving as the main celebrant and homilist for our Mass. I also want to thank our liturgical ministers from each of our three churches for their dedication and love for this parish community. In a special way, I want to thank our parish choir under the direction of Joan Delahunt and Joseph Murray. They worked tirelessly with rehearsal both in person and via ZOOM to make last week’s celebration so beautiful. I have said on numerous occasions, I am blessed to be the Pastor of such a wonderful community that continues to keep the image of Christ the King alive in mind, heart and soul.
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of Christ King of the Universe. It is also the last Sunday of the liturgical year. Next week we will celebrate the first Sunday of Advent. Our Lord speaks to us about a kingdom that is not of this earth. Our gospel passage depicts the encounter Jesus has with Pilate before his death on the cross. Pilate says to Jesus, “are you the king of the Jews?” Jesus, knowing what Pilate means, begins this dialogue by proclaiming a kingdom that is to come. As we prepare to begin a new liturgical year in the Church, let us pray that we will proclaim with courage a kingdom that is to come, with Christ as King of heaven and earth.
Advent 2021
Next week we will begin the season of Advent. As is the custom, we will celebrate Vespers on the Tuesdays of Advent, beginning Tuesday November 30. Vespers will be held at Our Lady of Victory Church beginning at 7:30PM. Each Tuesday night we will have a guest homilist. Please be sure to join us for prayer.
Thanksgiving Day Mass
This Thursday, November 25 is Thanksgiving Day. On behalf of the entire parish staff, I want to wish all of you a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving Day. Mass will be celebrated at 8:00AM at Our Lady of Victory Church. You are invited to bring a dish that you will serve at your Thanksgiving table to be blessed at Mass that morning.
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 $47,760. 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.
Wishing all of you a blessed and peaceful Thanksgiving,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox