From The Pastors Desk
Dear Parishioners,
It is hard to believe that we are entering the last week of the month of July! I know many of our young students don’t want to hear this, but September is right around the corner! We do have another full month of summer left, so I do hope that each of you can enjoy the rest and relaxation of these summer months. We continue to give thanks to the Lord for all the many gifts and blessings that he has bestowed upon us. We hear in today’s gospel our Lord speaking to us in parables. Jesus gives us this beautiful image of the mustard seed. The mustard seed is the smallest of plants, but once fully grown, can become the largest of trees. We must continue to sow seeds of faith here in our community. How blessed we are to be able to proclaim the goodness of the Lord here in Bedford Stuyvesant. The Kingdom of God grows tremendously when we, God’s children, sow seeds of faith, hope and love. May these weeks of rest and rejuvenation be a time of spiritual growth, as we grow as faithful and holy witness of Christ, the great and eternal High Priest.
Thank you to our Rosarians
Last weekend, members of our parish Rosary Society sponsored a bus trip to Our Lady of the Island Shrine. I was told that it was a beautiful and spiritually fulfilling day. I want to thank the members of our Rosary Society for organizing this trip, which raised $1,500 for the parish. The Rosarians are also working on getting another bus trip together for next year.
Thank you to our Annual Catholic Appeal Committee
Last Sunday, members of our Annual Catholic Appeal committee sponsored a bake sale after all of the Masses. We raised over $1,000 that will go towards our parish goal for the Annual Catholic Appeal. I am very happy to announce that of our $63,000 goal, we have pledged thus far $40,000. I thank all of you for your generosity as we continue to build up the Body of Christ here at St. Martin de Porres parish.
Kujenga Retreat
The Kujenga youth leadership retreat will take place August 4 to August 6 at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington, NY. Started by the late Father Martin Carter, the Kujenga retreat seeks to help educate the youth of our local community in the ways they can better serve their parishes, be a positive influence in their local neighborhoods and be proud of their history. Flyers for the Kujenga retreat can be found at the doors of each of the three churches.
Wishing you a blessed and peaceful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox
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