From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
It’s hard to believe, but we have come to the last few days of August. Next weekend is Labor Day weekend, which is the un-official end of summer. I don’t know about you, but I felt as if the summer just flew right by! I do hope that all of you were able to enjoy the rest and relaxation of these summer months. As we prepare to jump into Fall, let us pray for the grace to embrace the Lord a bit more deeply. Jesus calls us each day to hear his voice, even during the hustle and bustle of our lives. Let us never forget to allow his voice to be heard through our lives, so that we may be able to grow as faithful and holy witnesses of him. Our gospel today reminds us that we must be humble servants of the Lord. Jesus teaches us the gift of humility. We need not look for places of honor or authority, but ways in which we can embrace the poor, lonely and afflicted. May we live lives of humility, always allowing Jesus to be the source and center of our lives.
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.
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. Or goal here at St. Martin de Porres is $63,586. We have pledged to date $39,342. The key to having a successful campaign is 100% participation. If you have not yet made a pledge, please consider doing so. Thank you all for you your generosity.
Memorial of St. Teresa of Calcutta
We are blessed to have Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity nuns living at the Our Lady of Victory convent. This year we will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the death of St. Teresa of Calcutta. Mass will be celebrated on Monday, September 5, which is her Feast Day, at 10:00AM at Our Lady of Victory Church. We are happy to welcome His Excellency, Bishop Robert Brennan, Bishop of the Diocese of Brooklyn as the Main Celebrant and Homilist. All are welcomed to join us for this very special Mass as we commemorate the feast day of St. Teresa of Calcutta.
First Friday Devotions
This Friday, September 2 is the First Friday of the month. First Friday devotions will take place following the 8:00AM Mass at Our Lady of Victory with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the recitation of the rosary followed by Benediction. First Friday Mass at Noon at St. Peter Claver church will resume this Friday afternoon.
Wishing you a blessed and peaceful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox