Dear Parishioners,
Today is the fourth Sunday in Lent. It is also known as Laetare Sunday. Laetare is a Latin word which means rejoice. We have come to the midpoint of our Lenten journey. You will notice that the priests and deacons will wear rose-colored vestments. The color rose comes from a mixture of the Lenten purple and the Easter white. It is a clear example that Easter is coming soon (although the weather has not reflected that this past week). Our gospel today speaks to us about the light of faith. Jesus restores sight to the man born blind. Although the Lord restores his physical sense of sight, Jesus restores the gift of faith in this man. After his sight is restored, he proclaims boldly and courageously proclaims, “I believe”. We gather as a community of believers, proclaiming and professing that Jesus is Savior and King. We approach the Lord with eyes of faith, knowing that from the darkness of the cross comes the light of the resurrection. As we come to the middle of our Lentenjoumey, let us pray that Jesus will continue to allow us to see the light of his glory, as we sing the praises of God.
Stations of the Cross & Lenten Vespers
Stations of the Cross will be prayed each Friday night during the season of Lent beginning at 7:00 PM. Stations of the cross will be held at each of the three churches. As is the custom here at St. Martin de Porres, each Tuesday evening during the season of Lent we will have Eucharistic Adoration and pray Vespers. It will take place at Our Lady of Victory Church beginning at 7:30PM.
Easter Flower Envelopes
Easter flower envelopes are located at the doors of each of our three churches. Each Easter flower is $25. You may place the donation in the envelope and return it in the collection basket on Sunday or bring it to the parish office.
Women’s Day Celebration
I take this opportunity to thank all of you who came out for last week’s Women’s Day Mass and celebration at St. Peter Claver. It was a tremendous success! I thank the Women’s Day committee for all their work in making the day as wonderful as it was.
Good Friday Seven Last Words Prayer Service
As is the custom here at St. Martin de Porres, we will have our annual Seven Last words prayer service on Good Friday, April 7 at 10:00 AM at St. Peter Claver Church. Parishioners are invited to give a reflection on one of our Lord’s seven last words. The reflection should be 6 to 8 in length. If you would like to give a reflection, please contact Stanley Davis or Estella McDuffey from St. Peter Claver Church.
Solemnity of St. Joseph
The solemnity of St. Joseph is March 19. Because it falls on a Sunday, the liturgical celebration is transferred to Monday, March 20.
Wishing you a blessed and peaceful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox