Dear Parishioners,
What a beautiful celebration we had last week commemorating Black History Month! I take this opportunity to thank the Black History Month committee who worked so hard to make last week’s celebration so beautiful. I also want to thank our parish choir under the direction of Ms. Joan Delahunt and Mr. Joseph Murray. Our dedicated choir has worked so hard in making our liturgies prayerful and beautiful. Throughout the month of February, we continue to celebrate Black History Month, most especially in thanksgiving for our ancestors who shed their blood fighting for equality, peace and justice. As Father Mario Powell said so beautifully in his homily, Black History should be celebrated not just during the month of February, but every month of the year. May Christ our Savior continue to bestow his love and mercy upon us, his children as we grow in charity and peace.
Diocese of Brooklyn Black History Month Mass of Thanksgiving
As you all know, I serve as the Vicar for the Vicariate for Black Catholic Concerns for the Diocese of Brooklyn. Each year, the Diocese of Brooklyn sponsors a special Mass in Thanksgiving for Black History Month. This year’s Mass will take place next Sunday, February 20 at Immaculate Conception Parish in Jamaica, Queens beginning at 4:00PM. His Eminence, Wilton Cardinal Gregory, Archbishop of Washington DC will be the Main Celebrant and Homilist. Cardinal Gregory is the first African American Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church. All of you are welcomed to join us for this most historic Mass and celebration.
Bishop Robert Brennan Official Parish Visit
It is with great joy that we will welcome Bishop Robert Brennan, the new Bishop of Brooklyn to our parish community. Bishop Brennan will celebrate the 11:30AM Mass at St. Peter Claver Church on Sunday, February 27. At that Mass, Bishop Brennan will bless the new organ console, the newly renovated shrine to St. Therese of Lisieux and the newly refurbished choir pews. There will be a reception to follow in Msgr. Rodgers Hall.
Welcome Deacon Leroy Branch
As I announced last week, Bishop Robert Brennan has appointed an additional deacon to our parish. Deacon Leroy Branch will officially begin his assignment here at St. Martin de Porres parish this weekend. He lives in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. He is very familiar with Bedford Stuyvesant, since he grew up in this neighborhood and attended Holy Rosary Church as a young boy. Please be sure to introduce yourself to Deacon Leroy and welcome him to our parish community.
Death of Mrs. Mary Offiah
It is with sadness that we announce the death of Mrs. Mary Offiah, the mother of our seminarian Tobe Offiah. There will be a viewing and a Vigil Mass celebrated next Saturday, February 19 at 11:00AM taking place at St. Clement Pope Parish located at 141-11 123rd Avenue in Jamaica Queens. Mrs. Offiah will be buried back home in Nigeria within the next few weeks.
Wishing you a blessed and peaceful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox