From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
Today is the fifth and last Sunday of Lent. Our gospel passage today is particularly appropriate for us to reflect upon as we prepare to enter into the holiest of days on the liturgical calendar. Our Lord gives us the example of the woman caught in adultery. We see how everyone casts judgements upon her because of her actions, so much so that they are ready to kill her. Jesus gives us a profound statement when he says, “let he who is without sin, cast the first stone”. What a beautiful reflection for us today as we prepare for Holy Week. We are called to be less judgmental, and much more merciful and compassionate. We are called to lift one another up and not tear each other down. Each of us are sinners, praying that God will pour forth his merciful love upon us. As we commemorate Palm Sunday next week, let us pray that God our Father will give us the strength and courage to walk with Jesus to Jerusalem and ultimately to Calvary.
Holy Thursday Feet Washing
It has been the custom to imitate the Lord at the Holy Thursday liturgy with the washing of feet. We are asking for 12 volunteers from our parish community to have their feet washed. Please call the parish office to sign up. There will be a brief rehearsal on Wednesday April 13.
Holy Week Schedule
With Palm Sunday next week, we will begin the solemn celebrations of Holy Week. We will have a regular Sunday Mass schedule next week. Weather permitting, we will have an outdoor Palm Sunday procession at 9:00AM at Fulton Park (down the block from Holy Rosary Church), 10:15AM in front of the priest’s garage at Our Lady of Victory Church, and 11:30AM in the parking lot of St. Peter Claver Church. Palms will be distributed to everyone. The Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper will take place on Thursday, April 14 at Our Lady of Victory Church beginning at 7:30PM. The service of seven last words will take place on Good Friday, April 15 at St. Peter Claver Church beginning at 10:00AM. The Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion will take place at 3:00PM at Our Lady of Victory Church followed by a procession to Holy Rosary Church for Stations of the Cross. On Holy Saturday, April 16 we will pray Tenebrae at 9:00AM. The Solemn Easter Vigil will take place at Holy Rosary Church at 8:00PM. We will have a regular Sunday Mass schedule on Easter Sunday.
Reconciliation Monday
Next Monday, April 11 is Reconciliation Monday. Here at St. Martin de Porres, Father Franklin and I will be available for Confession beginning at 3:00PM. We will also hear confessions beginning at 7:00PM at Our Lady of Victory Church.
Solemn Stations of the Cross
We will pray the stations of the cross communally this Friday, April 8 beginning at 7:00PM at Our Lady of Victory Church. There will not be stations of the cross at St. Peter Claver or Holy Rosary.
We adore you O Christ and we praise you, for by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox