Dear Parishioners,
Each of our three scripture readings at Mass remind me of the famous phrase with regards to material possessions. The phrase is, “we own our possessions, our possessions do not own us”. We are reminded of the truth that each of us are on a pilgrimage from this world to the next. It is great that God has blessed us with possessions that can be of significant use not just for ourselves, but for the entire community. We are also challenged today to not allow those possessions to take ownership of us. We know, that we cannot take any of these things to the kingdom heaven. What we can take is our love for the Lord and for our brothers and sisters. St. Paul reminds us to seek what is above, not what is on earth. We must continue to seek the good thigs that are above, that is to be kind, merciful, loving and charitable in all that we say and do. May the Lord continue to pour out his abundant love and mercy upon all of us as we continue to seek what is above, the kingdom of heaven.
Parish Flea Market
Our new date will be Saturday, August 20. It will be held at Our Lady of Victory beginning at 9:00AM. New flyers and registration forms are located at each of the three churches.
School of Faith Formation Registration
New registration and re-registration forms are now available for the upcoming academic year for our parish school of Faith Formation (Sunday school). Students preparing to receive First Holy Communion and Confirmation must be registered in our parish school of Faith Formation. Registration forms are available online via our parish website. The registration fee is $55. For more information you may contact Ms. Michelle Joseph our Director of Faith Formation.
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 $34,627. 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.
Thank You Monsignor Tony
One of our summer priests, Msgr. Tony from Ghana will complete his time with us this weekend. We thank him for his assistance and beautiful homilies at Mass for the month of July. He will be back with us next summer.
Wishing all of you a blessed and joyful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox