From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
Today is Palm Sunday, which officially concludes the season of Lent. This week, we enter into the most sacred of days on the Christian calendar, Holy Week. Today we recall our Lord’s triumphant entry into the city of Jerusalem. We recall that the people welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem by waving and throwing palm branches at him. Today, we are given palm branches as a sign of the Lord’s entrance into the city that will ultimately lead him to Calvary. As we begin Holy Week, we are invited to immerse ourselves into the sacredness of these days. Let us devote time in prayer this week, most especially during the days of the Triduum. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to touch our hearts to celebrate with joy the mysteries of our salvation.
Palm Crosses
There will be beautifully braided palm crosses available for purchase this weekend for $20 each. The proceeds will go to help offset the cost for Easter flowers. The palm crosses will be blessed at the beginning of all the Palm Sunday Masses this weekend.
Holy Week Schedule & Easter Sunday Schedule
Please be sure to see the bulletin for the schedule of Masses and liturgical services for Holy Week. There are banners located at the front gates of the three churches with the schedule of Holy Week. Please note that there will not be a 5:00PM Vigil Mass at St. Peter Claver Church. The Solemn Easter Vigil will take place at 8:00PM at Our Lady of Victory Church. We will have a regular Sunday schedule for Easter Sunday.
Reconciliation Monday
This Monday, April 3 is Reconciliation Monday. There will be a priest available in every Catholic Church in New York City for the celebration of the sacrament of Confession. Here at St. Martin de Porres, both Father Franklin and I will be available for Confession at Our Lady of Victory beginning at 2:00PM to 4:00PM and 6:00PM to 9:00PM.
Tenebrae Service
Our Tenebrae Prayer Service will take place this Wednesday, April 5 beginning at 7:30PM at Our Lady of Victory Church. Tenebrae is a beautiful prayer service of psalms and hymns that prepare us for the coming celebration of Holy Week. Please be sure to join us.
Easter Egg Hunt
As is the custom at Our Lady of Victory Church, there will be an Easter egg hunt on the lawn immediately following the 10:15AM Easter Sunday Mass next week. All families are invited to join us for this wonderful event.
We adore you O Christ and we praise you, for by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox
P.S. In your kindness I ask that you remember and pray for all the priests of the Diocese of Brooklyn who will gather for the Chrism Mass this Tuesday evening with Bishop Brennan.