From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
Today is Mother’s Day. I take this opportunity to wish all of you who are mother’s, godmother’s, grandmother’s, stepmother’s and spiritual mother’s a very happy and blessed Mother’s Day. During the month of May, we pay special devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary. She is the example of motherhood, as she was the mother of the savior, Jesus Christ. We pray that through the powerful intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary, that she will continue to strengthen and guide all Christian mother’s to be patient, gentle and ardent with their children. Today is also the 4th Sunday of Easter, which is known as Good Shepherd Sunday. Our gospel passage today shows Jesus as the good and gentle shepherd who tends to us as his flock. Today, we pray in a very special way for priests, who serve as shepherds of the flock here on earth. Traditionally, the Pope will ordain new priests for Rome on this day. In your kindness, I ask all of you to pray Father Franklin and I, that we may be good and holy shepherds to you. May Christ in his infinite love and mercy bless all of us here at St. Martin de Porres Parish.
Father Daniel Kingsley Installation as Pastor of St. Clare Parish
Next Sunday, May 15, Father Daniel Kingsley, the former Parochial Vicar here at St. Martin de Porres, will be formally installed as the new Pastor of St. Clare Parish in Rosedale Queens. The Mass of Installation will take place at 11:00AM. He has invited parishioners from St. Martin de Porres to attend the Mass. As you know, St. Clare’s has a special place in my heart as it was my first assignment as a newly ordained priest. I ask that you continue to keep Father Kingsley and the parishioners of St. Clare’s in your prayers during this historic moment of transition.
Annual Catholic Appeal
I thank all of you for your generous contribution to this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal. As you know, this appeal supports the works of the Diocese of Brooklyn such as Catholic Charities, Migration Services, Vocations, the aid of our Senior Priests and much more. Each parish is assigned a goal to raise within the year. Our goal here at St. Martin de Porres is $63,586. The key to a successful campaign is full participation. If every parishioner participates in this year’s appeal, we will most definitely make our goal and maybe go above it. Any monies raised beyond the goal comes directly back to the parish. If you have not made a pledge to this year’s appeal, I ask that you consider making one. I thank all of you for the gift of your time, talent and treasure.
Adult Confirmation Classes
If you are an adult and have not yet received the sacrament of Confirmation, we are beginning preparation classes for reception of the sacrament this Pentecost. Deacon Rachid will continue with virtual classes for the adults of our parish who are in need of receiving the final sacrament of initiation this Wednesday, May 11th. For more information, please call the parish office.
Wishing you a Blessed and Joyful Easter Season,
Father Alonzo Cox