From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
Our Advent journey continues today as we see the lighting of the second candle of our Advent wreath. As I mentioned in my homily last week at Mass, these days of Advent are important in order to celebrate with great joy the birth of Christ our Savior. Our gospel passage for Mass today introduces us to John the Baptist. John the Baptist tells us that the Messiah is coming and that we must be ready to welcome him. John echoes the words of the prophet Isaiah, “prepare the way of the Lord, make straight a highway for our God”. He is a clear reminder that all of us must be heralds of the good news of Jesus. We must have the courage and the strength to go out and tell the world about Jesus. As we continue our Advent journey, let us pray that through the intercession of St. John the Baptist, we will proclaim to the world, prepare the way, Jesus is coming!
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
This Thursday, December 8, is the solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. 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. Please note that there will not be an 8:00AM Mass at Our Lady of Victory on Thursday morning.
Christmas Poinsettia Sale
Next Sunday, December 11, we will be selling Christmas poinsettia plants as a parish fundraiser. There will be a representative at each of the three churches to sell poinsettia plants. All proceeds will help support parish ministries. Thank you for your support.
Advent Vespers and Eucharistic Adoration
As is the custom here at St. Martin de Porres, we will have Eucharistic Adoration with Vespers each Tuesday during Advent continuing this Tuesday, December 6th. Vespers will take place at Our Lady of Victory Church starting at 7:30PM. The service will be livestreamed, but all are welcomed to join us for prayer. This Tuesday we will welcome Deacon Thomas Murphy from Blessed Trinity Parish in Breezy Point as the homilist.
Wishing you a blessed and joyful week
Father Alonzo Q. Cox