From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
Just this past Tuesday, we formally welcomed the 8th Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn, Bishop Robert Brennan. It was a beautiful celebration filled with pomp and circumstance along with the ancient and traditional elements of the installation of a Bishop. As many of you know, I serve as Diocesan Liturgical Master of Ceremonies so much of my responsibilities was behind the scenes making sure the liturgy flows well. The installation of a Bishop is a historic moment for a diocese, most especially for a diocese like ours here in Brooklyn. Tuesday’s installation reflected the great diversity of the Catholic community of Brooklyn and Queens. Each Sunday, Masses are celebrated in 33 different languages. We are blessed to be called the “Diocese of Immigrants”. I ask all of us to pray for our new Bishop, that the Lord will continue to bestow his blessings upon him and the grace he needs to shepherd the 1.5 million Catholics in Brooklyn and Queens. Today is the second Sunday of Advent. You will notice that the second purple candle on our Advent wreath is lit. Our gospel passage today introduces us to John the Baptist. John foretells the coming of Christ, announcing to the people, prepare the way of the Lord, make straight a path for our God. We look to John the Baptist as an example of faith, as we are called to go out and announce the coming of the Lord. These weeks of Advent should prepare us to make straight a highway for our God. Let us pray that through the intercession of St. John the Baptist, we can be heralds and proclaimers of the Good News that Jesus is coming!
Advent Vespers and Eucharistic Adoration
As is the custom here at St. Martin de Porres, we will have Eucharistic Adoration with Vespers each Tuesday during Advent continuing this Tuesday, December 7. Vespers will take place at Our Lady of Victory Church starting at 7:30PM. We will welcome Monsignor Guy Massie, Pastor of Sacred Heart/St. Stephen’s parish in Carroll Gardens Brooklyn as the homilist. The service will be livestreamed, but all are welcomed to join us for prayer.
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
This Wednesday, December 8 is the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a holy day of obligation this year. Masses will be celebrated at each of our three churches: 9:00AM at Holy Rosary Church, 12:00Noon at St. Peter Claver Church and 7:30PM at Our Lady of Victory Church. Please note that there will not be an 8:00AM Mass at Our Lady of Victory Church this Wednesday 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 $52,215. 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 also want to thank all of you who contributed to the parish for Giving Tuesday this past week. May God bless you for your thoughtful generosity.
Wishing you a blessed and peaceful Advent season,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox