Dear Parishioners,
We continue to give thanks to the Lord for the many gifts and blessings that he has bestowed upon us. As we enjoy these summer months of rest and relaxation, we must always thank the Lord for allowing us to rest in his love and mercy. Our gospel passage for Mass this weekend is one of the most popular in the New Testament, that of the Good Samaritan. Jesus gives the parable to remind us that we must be people of love and mercy. We see in the story of the Good Samaritan that we must practice love and mercy each day! To be a disciple of Jesus Christ, we are called to love one another, in the same way that God loves us. We must be ready to help one another, to lift each other up and not tear each other down. We must be ready to give of our time, talent and treasure to help our brothers and sisters who are in need. Our first reading at Mass this weekend reminds us to listen to the voice of the Lord and to carry those words out in how we live out our lives. May these weeks of summer be a time of leisure and rest, but also a time for us to grow closer to the Christ the Lord and to imitate him in love, peace and mercy.
Crafts and Art Market
Next Saturday, July 16 our parish will once again host a crafts and art market. Vendors are welcomed to purchase a table for $25 to sell any of their crafts or art. It is a wonderful way for the community to come together to share some of their artistic talent or to share some of their treasures. It will take place at Our Lady of Victory Church beginning at 10:00AM. Please be sure to fill out the form located at each of the three churches to purchase a table.
Annual Catholic Appeal
I once again want to thank all of you who have made a pledge to this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal. As you know, monies that are raised through the appeal go to help support the work of the Diocese of Brooklyn, such as Catholic Charities, Catholic Migration Services and Vocations to the Priesthood. Each parish is assigned a goal to raise throughout the year. Or goal here at St. Martin de Porres is $63,586. We have pledged to date $33,327. The key to having a successful campaign is 100% participation. If every family in our parish made a pledge we would definitely make our goal and even go over it. Any monies that are received over the goal comes directly back to the parish. If you have not yet made a pledge, please consider doing so. Thank you all for you your generosity.
Wishing all of you a blessed and joyful week in the Lord,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox