From the Pastor’s Desk.
Dear Parishioners,
We had such a beautiful celebration last Sunday with our parish Black History Month Mass of Thanksgiving. As I did last week, I want to thank our Black History Month committee for their work in planning the Mass, decorating, reception and music for this celebration. I would also like to thank Deacon Rachid for his thought-provoking homily on the sin of racism. As we continue to celebrate Black History Month during this month of February, we pray through the intercession of St. Josephine Bakhita, whose feast day we celebrated this past Wednesday, that our world will be enlightened by Christ the Lord. We must continue to fight for peace, justice and equality in our society allowing Christ to dispel the darkness of racism and prejudice. In his letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul speaks to us of God’s wisdom. All of us are enlightened by God to speak words of wisdom, ultimately allowing the Holy Spirit to strengthen and empower us. May Christ, the great High Priest bless us with his love as we go out and build the Kingdom of God here in Bedford Stuyvesant.
Parish Superbowl Sunday Party
For those of you who are football fans, the most important game of the year, the Superbowl, will take place today, 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 the Waldorf School auditorium which is located directly across the street from St. Peter Claver Church on Jefferson Avenue 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.
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 one week 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.
Parish Fish Fry Fundraiser
Our annual parish fish fry fundraiser will take place on Friday, February 24. The meal includes fresh fried fish, potato salad, coleslaw and green salad. The cost per dinner is $20. Pre orders should be placed no later than 11:00AM on February 22. Please call the parish office to place your orders.
Wishing you a joyful and peaceful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox