From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
We have come to the 4th and final Sunday of Advent. What a blessing to have 4 full weeks of Advent this year. Over these last few weeks we have been spiritually preparing for the coming of the Lord this Christmas season. We have been hearing from the prophet Isaiah to prepare the way of the Lord. Now in just a few short days, we will celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. Our gospel passage for Mass today gives us Joseph’s dream. The angel appears to Joseph and tells him not to divorce Mary, but that she would be the mother of the Savior. They will name him Emmanuel, which means, God is with us. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ, we pray that our hearts will be filled with gratitude and thanksgiving. I know that this is the season to give gifts to others, but ultimately, the only gift Jesus wants is our complete selves. May Christ continue to radiate his light through us to others.
Reconciliation Monday
Tomorrow, Monday, December 19 is Reconciliation Monday. One of the beautiful ways to prepare for Christmas is to celebrate the sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession). Here at St. Martin de Porres, both Father Franklin and I will be available for confessions next Monday from 3:00PM to 6:00PM at the parish office. We will also be available at 7:00PM for Confessions at Our Lady of Victory Church.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Mass Schedule
You will notice the banners located outside each of our three churches highlighting the schedule of Masses for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On Saturday, December 24th there will be a 5:00PM Vigil Mass for Christmas at St. Peter Claver Church. Midnight Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Victory beginning at 11:15PM with Carol Sing. On Christmas Day, December 25th, we will have a regular Sunday Mass schedule.
Christmas Flower Donation
To help offset the cost of Christmas flowers, you are invited to have a poinsettia plant donated in memory or in honor of a loved one. Please use the Christmas plant envelopes located at the doors of each of the three churches.
Wishing you a blessed and joyful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox