From the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Parishioners,
Today, in addition to it being the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time, it is also Halloween! Halloween has become one of the most popular “holidays” most especially amongst young children. I can remember as a kid growing up taking much effort in figuring out what I wanted to wear as a costume for Halloween. My nieces and nephews host Halloween parties for their friends, where the only admission to the party is that you are in a costume. The commercialization of Halloween has become associated with demons, goblins and ghosts. Halloween has a Christian origin though. Halloween is known as All-Hallows Eve, as tomorrow, November 1st is All Saint’s Day. Centuries ago, young children would dress up as popular saints on October 31 to honor the saints of the Catholic Church. Many of our Catholic schools have kept this tradition of students dressing as saints. On this Halloween, may we continue to call upon the intercession of the saints in heaven as we strive to live our lives as saints here on this earth.
All Saints Day and All Soul’s Day Mass Schedule
This Monday, November 1st is All Saint’s Day. Because this solemnity falls on a Monday, it is not a Holy Day of Obligation this year. We will though have Mass celebrated at each of the three churches, 9:00AM at Holy Rosary, 12:00Noon at St. Peter Claver 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 Church Monday morning. The next day, November 2nd is All Soul’s Day. Masses again 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. Again, please note that there will not be an 8:00AM Mass at Our Lady of Victory on Tuesday morning.
All Soul’s Day Envelopes
During the month of November, we will pray for all those who have died. Special All Soul’s Day envelopes are available at each of the three churches. You may place the names of the deceased along with the offering in the envelope which can be put in the collection basket at Mass or brough to the parish office. All envelopes will be placed on each of the altars of our churches during the month of November.
Parish Feast Day of St. Martin de Porres
We will celebrate as a parish community the Feast of St. Martin de Porres on Sunday, November 14. As is the custom, only one Mass will be celebrated which will be at 10:30AM at Our Lady of Victory Church.
2021 Diocese of Brooklyn Annual Catholic Appeal
I wish to thank all of you who have already contributed to this year’s Annual Catholic Appeal. Our goal here at St. Martin de Porres is $63,586. We have pledged thus far $46,745. The key to having a successful ACA is participation. We are asking everyone to participate in this year’s ACA that we will be able to achieve our goal. Any monies collected beyond the goal comes directly back to the parish.
Wishing all of you a joyful and peaceful week,
Father Alonzo Q. Cox