From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
I take this opportunity to wish all of you a happy and blessed New Year 2022. We pray that this year will bring us the blessings and the graces needed to continue the mission of preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ. On the liturgical calendar, we celebrate today the Feast of the Epiphany. We recall how the Magi was sent by Herod to find the child Jesus to bring him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. These were gifts that were fit for a king, as the Magi knew that they were in the presence of the baby Jesus, king of kings and lord of lords. On this feast day, we are invited to bring to Jesus the gift of ourselves. The Lord is asking us to give ourselves totally to him, because it is from that self-gift that we encounter the presence of God the Father. The Magi were led to the manger by the light of a star. May that light continue to lead us closer to the heart of Christ, our savior and king.
Father Martin Carter, SA (1930-2021)
Just one week ago, I was informed of the passing of Father Martin Carter, former Pastor of Our Lady of Victory Church. Father Carter served as Pastor from 1995 to 2008. Father Carter loved Our Lady of Victory Church so much! He was influential in restoring the church to its original beauty. He oversaw the refurbishment of the grand pipe organ, that continues to sound to this very day. Over the last few days, I have heard so many beautiful stories about Father Carter’s ministry and his love for the people of God not just at OLV but throughout the entire Diocese. In addition to being the Pastor of OLV, Father Carter served as the first Director of the Office of Black Ministry for the Diocese of Brooklyn. I am honored to have succeeded him both as Pastor and Diocesan Director of Ministry to Black Catholics. Father Carter was a pioneer, who brought Black Catholic Spirituality to this vibrant neighborhood. As I write this letter, his funeral arrangements are still be planned. Let us continue to pray for the repose of his soul and the consolation of his brother Friars, friends and family.
First Friday Devotions
This Friday, January 7 is the first Friday of the month. First Friday devotions will take place at Our Lady of Victory Church following the 8:00AM Mass. Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place with the recitation of the rosary for life followed by Benediction. There will also be a first Friday Mass at 12:00Noon at St. Peter Claver Church.
Installation to the Ministry of Acolyte
Our pastoral year seminarian, Mr. Tobechukwu Offiah will formally be installed to the ministry of Acolyte. It will take place next Sunday, January 9 at the 10:15AM Mass at Our Lady of Victory Church. Bishop James Massa, Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn and Rector of St. Joseph Seminary in Yonkers will be the Main Celebrant and Homilist. Before a man is ordained to the diaconate and to the priesthood, they must formally be installed to the ministry of Lector and Acolyte. This is a very important moment in formation for Tobe and we pray for him as he perseveres to ordination to the priesthood. There will be a light reception in McGuinness Hall after Mass next week. All are welcomed.
Wishing you a happy, joyful and prosperous New Year,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox