From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
Today we gather as a parish community to celebrate Black History Month. Throughout the month of February, we as a nation celebrate the accomplishments men and women of color have achieved and the impact they have had in our society. Every February we remember those who shed their blood fighting for peace, justice and equality. We continue to follow in their footsteps, fighting that we will be able to live together in harmony. Each year here at St. Martin de Porres, we gather as a parish community to pray that God will continue to give us the strength and courage that is needed to celebrate but to never forget that the struggle is still here and that it is a reality. I take this opportunity to thank our parish Black History Month committee who have worked tirelessly to make today’s celebration beautiful. Immediately following the Mass, there will be a reception in McGuinness Hall with light refreshments. All are welcomed to join us as we continue this celebration of Black History Month.
Diocese of Brooklyn Black History Month Mass of Thanksgiving
The Diocese of Brooklyn, in collaboration with the Diocese of Rockville Centre will hold the annual Black History Month Mass of Thanksgiving on Saturday, February 11 at the Cathedral of St. Agnes in Rockville Centre beginning at 2:00PM. There will be a bus leaving from St. Matthew Church in Crown Heights at 12:30PM for a $20 donation. If you plan on taking the bus, you must call to reserve your seat. You may call the Vicariate for Black Catholic Concerns Office at 718-924-2549.
Parish Superbowl Sunday Party
For those of you who are football fans, the most important game of the year, the Superbowl, will take place next Sunday, February 12. As has been the custom, the men of the Holy Name Society and the Knights of St. Peter Claver will sponsor a Superbowl party this year. It will take place in Msgr. Rogers Hall at St. Peter Claver Church beginning at 5:00PM. A $20 suggested donation is asked for in covering the cost for the evening. For more information, please see one of the Holy Name society members, Holy Name society members or call the parish office.
RCIA Classes and Bible Study
Those adults who need to receive the sacraments of initiation: Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation, classes will continue this Tuesday evening at Our Lady of Victory. Following RCIA, parish Bible study classes will follow. For more information about RCIA and Bible study, please call the parish office.
Old Palms
We will begin the season of Lent in two weeks with Ash Wednesday on February 22. It is the tradition that blessed palm from the previous Palm Sunday be burnt to make the ashes for distribution on Ash Wednesday. You are invited to bring your palm branches to church to have them burnt. You may leave them with any of the ushers at Mass.
Wishing you a joyful and peaceful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox