From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners
Today is the 6th Sunday of Easter. It is also Mother’s day. I take this opportunity to wish all our mother’s here at the parish a happy and blessed Mother’s Day. Throughout the month of May, we remember in a special way our Blessed Mother Mary. We continue to thank God for the gift of the Blessed Virgin Mary, for it is from her womb that we come into the presence of Christ, savior of the world. Today we thank God for the gift of motherhood. We thank God for those women who were a mother to us in nurturing and guiding us along the way. Today we will crown the statue of the Blessed Mother at each of our three churches as a symbol of her motherly love for us as Queen of Heaven and Earth. As we prepare to celebrate the feast of the Ascension and the Solemnity of Pentecost, may Christ the Lord continue to bestow his abundant blessings upon all of us. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we follow her son closer to the eternal Kingdom of Heaven.
Ascension Thursday
This Thursday, May 18 is Ascension Thursday. It is a Holy Day of Obligation. Masses will be celebrated at each of the three churches: 9:00AM at Holy Rosary Church, 12:00Noon at St. Peter Claver Church and 7:30PM at Our Lady of Victory Church. Please note that there will not be an 8:00AM Mass at Our Lady of Victory on Thursday morning.
ther’s Day Remembrance
During the month of May, we will remember in a special way all Mother’s both living and deceased. Mother’s Day remembrance envelopes are located at the doors of each of the three churches. You are invited to place the names of the mothers you wish to have remembered along with the offering in the envelopes. These names will be placed on the altars of each of the three churches during the month of May.
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.
Congratulations to our First Holy Communion Class
Our 3rd graders from our school of Faith Formation will receive their First Holy Communion at the 10:15AM Mass. We congratulate them and their families as they receive Jesus in the Most Blessed Sacrament for the first time.
Wishing you a blessed and joyful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox