From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
Today is the 4th Sunday of Easter. It is traditionally known as Good Shepherd Sunday. The gospel passage for Mass today speaks of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. We recognize the voice of the shepherd, who leads us through the pastures. Today, we pray in a very special way for priests, who serve as shepherds of the flock here on earth. Traditionally, the Pope will ordain new priests for Rome on this day. In your kindness, I ask all of you to pray for Father Franklin and I, that we may be good and holy shepherds to you. May Christ in his infinite love and mercy bless all of us here at St. Martin de Porres Parish.
Annual Catholic Appeal
I thank all of you for your generous contribution to this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal. As you know, this appeal supports the works of the Diocese of Brooklyn such as Catholic Charities, Migration Services, Vocations, the aid of our Senior Priests and much more. Each parish is assigned a goal to raise within the year. Our goal here at St. Martin de Porres is $63,586. The key to a successful campaign is full participation. If every parishioner participates in this year’s appeal, we will most definitely make our goal and maybe go above it. Any monies raised beyond the goal comes directly back to the parish. If you have not made a pledge to this year’s appeal, I ask that you consider making one. I thank all of you for the gift of your time, talent and treasure.
Diocese of Brooklyn Vicariate of Black Catholic Concerns Gala Dinner Dance
This year the Diocese of Brooklyn Vicariate for Black Catholic Concerns will sponsor a fundraiser Gala Dinner dance. It will take place on Saturday May 20th at Gargiulo’s restaurant in Coney Island. We will honor Msgr. Paul Jervis, current pastor of St. Francis of Assisi-St. Blaise Parish commemorating his 40th Anniversary of Priesthood Ordination. Tickets are $175 per person. For more information, please call the Vicariate Office.
Allow me to end with this prayer for priests on this Good Shepherd Sunday:
Lord Jesus, you have chosen your priests from among us and sent them out to proclaim your word and act in your name. For so great a gift to your Church, we give you praise and thanksgiving. We ask you to fill them with the fire of your love, that their ministry may reveal your presence in the Church. Since they are earthen vessels, we pray that your power shines out through their weakness. In their afflictions let them never be crushed, in their doubts never despair, in temptation never be destroyed, and in persecution never abandoned. Inspire them through prayer to live each day the mystery of your dying and rising. In times of weakness send them your Spirit, and help them to praise your Heavenly Father and pray for poor sinners. By your same Holy Spirit put your word on their lips and your love in their hearts, to bring good news to the poor and healing to the brokenhearted. And may the gift of Mary, your Mother, to the disciple whom you loved, be your gift to every priest. Grant that she who formed you in her human image, may form them in your divine image, by the power of your Spirit, to the glory of God the Father, Amen.
Wishing you a blessed and peaceful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox
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