From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
We have come to the last Sunday of October. Time is flying by so quickly! In just a few weeks, we will enter a new liturgical year. Over the next few weeks, our scripture passages will highlight the second coming of Christ. Today’s gospel is one of my favorite passages, as we see Zacchaeus have a life-changing encounter with Jesus. We know that Jesus is meant to change and transform our lives. Our relationship with the Lord must be transformative, so that we are able to grow as his disciples. Jesus invited himself to the home of Zacchaeus when from there, he has this life-changing vocation to follow the Lord. No matter what vocation we have been called to, we are called to follow the Lord, as he leads us to the eternal kingdom of heaven.
All Saints & All Souls Day
This Tuesday, November 1st is All Saints Day. It is a holy day of obligation. Masses will be celebrated at each of our three churches, 9:00AM at Holy Rosary Church, 12:00Noon at St. Peter Claver Church and 7:30PM at Our Lady of Victory Church. The next day, November 2nd is All Souls Day. Masses will be celebrated at 12:00Noon at St. Peter Claver Church and 7:30PM at Our Lady of Victory Church. Please note that both on Tuesday and Wednesday there will not be an 8:00AM Mass at Our Lady of Victory.
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 $47,157. 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.
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. Classes have begun.
First Friday Devotions
This Friday, November 4th is the first Friday of the month. First Friday devotions will take place at Our Lady of Victory Church following the 8:00AM Mass with exposition of the Blessed Sacrament and the recitation of the rosary for life. Benediction will follow. There will be a first Friday Mass at St. Peter Claver church at 12:00 Noon.
This Monday, October 31st is Halloween. I wish all our kids who are trick or treating this Monday a safe and fun Halloween.
Wishing you a peaceful and joyful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox