From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany. We hear in today’s gospel the story of the three Magi. They were sent to bring gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus. There are many cultural customs throughout the world that considers today to be “Little Christmas”, in which gifts are exchanged amongst each other. On this Epiphany Sunday, the Lord asks us to bring only one gift, and that is ourselves! The Lord wants an undivided heart from us, allowing him to be at the center of our lives. We pray that the Holy Spirit will give us the strength and courage to give ourselves completely and totally to Jesus. One of the most beautiful images of today’s feast is light. The Magi were led by the light of a star to Jesus. We are called to be the light of Christ in this world to radiate his love and mercy. With the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord on Monday, we officially conclude the Christmas season, and we move to the Ordinary Time of the liturgical year. I hope and pray that these days of Christmas have been a time of deep spiritual renewal, as we continue to grow closer to Christ our Savior and King.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Service
Our annual Diocesan prayer service commemorating the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will take place on Monday January 16 at St. Kevin Parish in Flushing, Queens. We will begin with a continental breakfast followed by a panel presentation and dialogue discussing the the reality of racism in the Catholic Church and keeping the spirit of Dr. King alive. The day will begin at 10:00AM and conclude with Midday Prayer led by Bishop Brennan. The guest homilist will be Father Ajani Gibson, a priest of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. There will be a bus leaving from St. Matthew parish at 9:00AM for those who would need transportation. The cost is $10 per person. For more information, please call the Vicariate for Black Catholic Concerns Office at 718-924-2549.
Thank You Special Friends of Claver
I take this opportunity to thank the Special Friends of Claver group at St. Peter Claver Church for their generous financial gift to the parish. Please be assured of my deep and profound gratitude and appreciation for their work in promoting the spiritual needs of St. Peter Claver Church.
Wishing you a blessed a peaceful week,
Father Alonzo Cox