From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
Our country was once again horrified by the violence that occurred last weekend in Buffalo, New York. Ten innocent people lost their lives by the hands of a white supremacist. We must continue to pray for peace and justice in our world, now more than ever. As we quickly approach the solemnity of Pentecost, we pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to hover over us to combat the evils of racism. We continue to pray for those families who have been torn apart by this heinous act of violence. May our Blessed Mother Mary, Queen of Peace, wrap her mantle of love around us, as we journey with the Lord to the Kingdom of Heaven. Our Lord speaks to us about peace. In today’s gospel, Jesus tells his disciples that he is leaving to ascend to the Father, but that the Holy Spirit will teach them all they need to know. The Lord also leaves us his peace, not as the world gives though. As we prepare for the celebration of the Ascension, let us pray that our hearts will reflect God’s immense love and his Son’s peace.
Ascension Thursday
This Thursday, May 26th is Ascension Thursday. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses will be celebrated at each of our three churches: 9:00AM at Holy Rosary, 12:00Noon at St. Peter Claver and 7:30PM at Our Lady of Victory. Please note that there will not be an 8:00AM Mass at Our Lady of Victory next Thursday morning.
2022 Annual Catholic Appeal
Over these last few weeks, you have seen and heard me talk about this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal. As you know, the Annual Catholic Appeal assists financially for the ongoing pastoral work of the Diocese of Brooklyn. Each parish is assigned a financial goal to raise within a year for the Annual Catholic Appeal. Our goal here at St. Martin de Porres is $63,586. Of that goal, we have pledged to date, $20,487 from 44 families in our parish. I thank all of you who have made a pledge to this year’s Appeal. The key to reaching goal is full participation. If each family participates in this year’s appeal, we will be able to achieve our goal and maybe go over it! Anything that goes over goal comes directly back to the parish. Last weekend we received over $6,000 in pledges for the appeal. Thank you for your continued support and generosity.
Congratulations Graduates
As we approach graduation season, I want to take this opportunity to congratulate all of our graduates here at St. Martin de Porres Parish. If you are graduating this year, please send us your name, school, and level of school that you are graduating from. We will print this information in the bulletin. May the Holy Spirit continue to enliven the hearts of all of our graduates.
Wishing you a joyful and peaceful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox