From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
Today is the 7th and last Sunday of Easter. Next Sunday we will celebrate the great Solemnity of Pentecost. Today’s gospel is the beautiful prayer that Jesus proclaims before taking his seat at the right hand of the Father. The Lord offers himself to the Father not for his own glory, but for that of the one who sent him. He prays for us, that we might know that he is in the Father and the Father is in him. As we come to the end of this Easter season with Pentecost next week, we are reminded of the importance and power of prayer. We must continue to listen to the voice of the Lord, who calls us to greater and deeper discipleship. May these days leading up to Pentecost be filled with God’s love and mercy as we prepare to welcome the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Bethlehem Missionaries
This weekend we will welcome a representative from the Bethlehem Christian families to speak to us of the work of Evangelization in the city of Bethlehem in the Holy Land. They will also be selling handmade olivewood religious articles at each of our three churches. Proceeds will go directly back to the work of helping Christian families in the city of Bethlehem. Thank you for your generosity and your prayers.
Plant and Cake Sale
Our annual parish plant and cake sale will take place next weekend, May 27th/28th. You are all invited to purchase a beautiful plant or a delicious piece of cake. Proceeds will help support the social outreach of our parish community.
Mother’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.
Wishing you a blessed a peaceful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox