Dear Parishioners,
We have come to the midpoint of our Lenten observance. Traditionally, the fourth Sunday of Lent is known as Laetare Sunday. The word Laetare means rejoice. You will notice that the priest and deacons for Mass are wearing rose colored vestments. The rose color is an outward sign that the celebration of Easter is close at hand. These last few weeks of Lent are meant to be a time of prayerful preparation as we enter the most sacred of days, that is the Lord’s Passion, Death and Resurrection. Today’s gospel is the story of the prodigal son. This passage should remind us of the importance of forgiveness and mercy. All of us are called to be merciful, just as our Father is merciful to us. We must not allow anger, resentment or jealously to get in the way of truly being imitators of Christ here on earth. May these next few weeks of Lent be an opportunity for us to grow in love and mercy, as we continue to journey with Christ on the road to Calvary.
Lenten Evening Vespers & Stations of the Cross
As is the custom here at St. Martin de Porres, each Tuesday of Lent we will have Eucharistic Adoration with Vespers. It will be held at Our Lady of Victory Church continuing this Tuesday, March 29 at 7:30PM. It will also be livestreamed. We will also continue the Lenten practice of praying the stations of the cross every Friday during the season of Lent at each of the three churches beginning at 7:00PM. All are welcomed to join us for prayer.
Lenten Coin Cards
One of the three traditional practices of Lent is almsgiving. It is in that spirit, that we will continue with the custom of distributing Lenten coin cards. These cards are meant to serve as a practice of giving what we have for the poor and needy of our community. There will be coin cards available at the doors of each of our three churches. Please return these cards in the collection basket or to the parish office on Palm Sunday.
First Friday Devotions
This Friday, April 1st is the first Friday of the month. First Friday devotions will take place at Our Lady of Victory Church following the 8:00AM Mass with Eucharistic Adoration, the recitation of the rosary for life and Benediction. There will also be a 12:00Noon Mass celebrated at St. Peter Claver Church.
Good Friday Seven Last Words
As is the custom, we will pray the seven last words of Christ on Good Friday, April 15 at St. Peter Claver Church beginning at 10:00AM. Parishioners are invited to give a 5-to-7-minute reflection on one of our Lord’s seven last words. If you would like to participate, please speak with Estella White McDuffy or Stanley Davis at St. Peter Claver Church, or you may call the rectory office.
We adore you O Christ and we praise you, for by your holy cross you have redeemed the world,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox