From The Pastors Desk
Dear Parishioners,
Just this past Tuesday, we learned of the death of our former Pastor here at St. Martin de Porres, Monsignor Paul Jervis. As you know, Msgr. Jervis battled stomach cancer for the last 3 years. He was very open and honest with me about his battle with cancer. Monsignor had a tremendous devotion to St. Terese of Lisieux (the Little Flower) and of course, Servant of God, Monsignor Bernard Quinn. It was his love for these two spiritual figures and our Blessed Mother, that I believe got him through these last few years. I witnessed the pain and distress that he would go through, all without one complaint! Msgr. Jervis loved the Church and the priesthood, as he celebrated this year 40 years of ordained ministry. One of the moments that I will cherish with Msgr. Jervis was my transition from being the parochial vicar of St. Clare’s in Rosedale to being the new Pastor here. He made the transition very easy for me. One of the last things he said to me as he was giving me the keys to the rectory was so profound. I asked him, “what advice would you give me as a brand-new pastor?” Monsignor said simply, “love your people and they will love you.” Monsignor Jervis loved all of you here at St. Martin de Porres and I know that you loved him. His wake will be this Monday, September 11 from 4:00PM to 6:45PM. A Vigil Mass will follow at 7:00PM. On Tuesday, September 12, there will be a viewing from 9:00AM to 10:45AM. The Funeral Mass will follow at 11:00AM. All his arrangements will take place at St. Francis of Assisi-St. Blaise Parish in Crown Heights, where he was the sitting Pastor. May his soul rest in the peace of Christ the High Priest.
School of Faith Formation Registration
New registration and re-registration for our parish school of faith formation has begun. Children who need receiving the Sacraments of Initiation must register their children for faith formation classes. Registration fee is $55 per child. You may register online via our parish website or pick up a registration form at the parish office.
Curry Q Fundraiser
Our parish will be conducting a Curry Q fundraiser next Saturday, September 16 at Our Lady of Victory McGuinness Hall from 2:00PM to 6:00PM. You are invited to partake of some delicious curry flavored dishes. Tickets are $25 each. You may purchase a ticket at the parish office.
Diocese of Brooklyn Eucharistic Revival
The Catholic Church throughout the country has called for a renewal in the proclamation of the Most Holy Eucharist. As Catholics, we believe that Jesus is present body, blood, soul and divinity in the Eucharist. He is truly the center of the Church. Here in the Diocese of Brooklyn, we will have a Diocesan Eucharistic Revival which will take place on Saturday, October 7 at Maimonides Park Stadium (Brooklyn Cyclones in Coney Island) beginning at 8:00AM. The day will include praise and worship, Mass, Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Family Catechesis and much more. There will be a bus leaving from Our Lady of Victory Church for a nominal fee. You are all invited to join with the Diocese of Brooklyn for a day of prayer and worship, a celebration of Catholic families and the proclamation of the joy of the gospel and Eucharist.
Wishing you a blessed and peaceful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox