From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
I would like to thank all of you who came out for the Diocesan celebration for Black History Month with His Eminence, Wilton Cardinal Gregory, Archbishop of Washington DC. It was a beautiful celebration filled with the Holy Spirit. We had almost 900 people in attendance! As you know, we work in collaboration with the Diocese of Rockville Centre each year. I thank my counterpart in the Diocese of Rockville Centre, Mrs. Darcel Whitten-Wilamowski for her close collaboration and most especially for her work as Director of the Sister Thea Bowman Gospel Choir. It was truly a momentous and historic moment for both Brooklyn and Rockville Centre to welcome the first African American Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church for Black History Month.
This weekend we will have another momentous moment here at St. Martin de Porres Parish as we welcome the new Bishop of Brooklyn, Bishop Robert Brennan to St. Peter Claver Church. Almost two years ago, we began the celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the establishment of St. Peter Claver Church. We had several events planned, but due to the pandemic, many of those plans had to be postponed. I am so happy that we can hold this special Mass, celebrating the tremendous history of St. Peter Claver Church and its bright future. Bishop Brennan will celebrate the 11:30AM Mass and will bless the newly renovated St. Therese of Lisieux shrine along with the new pipe organ console and choir pews. Immediately following Mass, there will be a reception in Monsignor Rodgers Hall. All are welcomed to join us and to formally meet our new Bishop as he is eager to meet all of you.
Ash Wednesday & Stations of the Cross
This Wednesday, March 2 is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the season of Lent. Mass will be celebrated at 8:00AM at Our Lady of Victory Church, 12:00Noon at St. Peter Claver Church and 7:30PM at Our Lady of Victory Church. There will be a prayer service with distribution of ashes at 11:00AM at Holy Rosary Church and 12:00Noon at Our Lady of Victory Church. We will also continue with the custom of praying the stations of the cross each Friday evening at 7:00PM at the three churches.
Parish Fish Fry Fundraiser
We will hold our annual fish fry fundraiser this Friday, March 5. Fish dinners include potato salad, coleslaw and a beverage. Pre-Orders are $15, and orders placed on March 5 are $20.
First Friday Devotions
This Friday, March 5 is the first Friday of the month. First Friday devotions will be held at Our Lady of Victory Church, following the 8:00AM Mass with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the recitation of the rosary for life and Benediction. There will also be a first Friday Mass held at St. Peter Claver Church. All are welcomed to join us for prayer.
Wishing all of you a blessed and peaceful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox