From The Pastors Desk
Dear Parishioners
Here we are at the end of October! This Tuesday is Halloween. As I’m sure many of you know, the origin of Halloween is very much Christian. The actual day is known as All Hollow’s Eve, as it falls on the day before All Saint’s Day. Traditionally, Christians would dress up as saints and martyrs to celebrate the day. Over the years, it has become so commercialized, where costumes have become overelaborate and, in some cases, demonic and evil. As a kid growing up, I enjoyed Halloween, even to this day as an adult I enjoy the original spirit of the day. A very safe Halloween for those families who will be out in the neighborhood this Tuesday evening.
All Saints Day & All Souls Day
This Wednesday, November 1st is All Saint’s Day. 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 there will not be an 8:00AM Mass at Our Lady of Victory Church on Wednesday morning. The next day, Thursday, November 2nd is All Souls Day. Mass will be celebrated at 7:30PM at Our Lady of Victory Church. Please note there will not be an 8:00AM Mass at Our Lady of Victory Church on Thursday morning. During the month of November, we will remember in a special way those who have died. All Souls Day envelopes are located at the doors of the churches. You may place your offering in the envelope and place it in the collection baskets or bring it to the parish office. The names of the deceased will be placed on the altars of each of the churches throughout the month of November.
Parish Feast Day Mass
Next Sunday, November 5th, we will celebrate as a parish community the Feast of St. Martin de Porres, our patron. As has been the custom, each of our three church communities will come together for Mass at 10:15AM at Our Lady of Victory Church. There will not be a 9:00AM Mass at Holy Rosary Church and there will not be an 11:30AM Mass at St. Peter Claver Church. We will have a 5:00PM Vigil Mass on Saturday, November 4 at St. Peter Claver and a 7:30AM Mass at Our Lady of Victory on Sunday morning. Following the 10:15AM Mass there will be a reception in McGuinness Hall. As has been announced, our former pastoral year seminarian, Tobe, will be ordained a transitional deacon on Saturday, November 4 at St. Joseph Seminary in Yonkers. He will serve as deacon and preach for the first time as deacon on Sunday at the Feast Day Mass. We congratulate him as he makes this last step before ordination to the priesthood in June.
First Friday Devotions
This Friday, November 3rd is the first Friday of the month. Fist Friday devotions will take place at Our Lady of Victory following the 8:00AM Mass. There will be a 12:00Noon Mass at St. Peter Claver Church.
Wishing you a blessed and peaceful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox
