FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK - DECEMBER 16, 2022
Dear St. Martin’s Parishioners,
In this Sunday’s gospel, the Archangel Gabriel, who first revealed God’s plan to Mary, now appears to St. Joseph in a dream. He says, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.” It strikes me that Gabriel says almost the exact same thing to Mary: “Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God.” On December 12th, we celebrated Our Lady of Guadalupe. When Mary appeared to St. Juan Diego, she told him, “Do not fear any illness or vexation, anxiety or pain. Am I not here who am your Mother?” God is clear with us: Do not fear! Do not be afraid! The reasons he gives us not to fear are manifold, but here are two of them:
1. God has a plan: Nothing that happens to us is random or outside of God’s Providence. He knows what he is about, even if we’re momentarily left in the dark. We can trust him with whatever we experience in life. “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28).
2. God and Mary are with us: We fear when we sense ourselves to be alone, unsupported and unassisted. That is not the case with us; we have our guardian angel, the Blessed Mother and God himself who accompany us at every moment. “The Virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel (“God is with us”)” (Is. 7:14).
Thank you to all who contributed on Giving Tuesday for the cause of The Dominican Sisters of Our Lady of Fatima. We were able to raise almost $3,000 for the recovery efforts after their houses in Puerto Rico were damaged by a hurricane in October!
The funds for our St. Vincent de Paul Society, which financially and spiritually support those who are facing difficult circumstances, have been running low. If you are looking to support a worthy cause in this Christmas season, please consider supporting our SVDP.
Thank you to all who participated in the Walk with Mary On Saturday, December 10. We were able to bring five buses with over 250 people participating in the Archdiocesan Our Lady of Guadalupe pilgrimage. What a great showing by St. Martin’s!
Thank you to Rocio Bermudez and her team which coordinated the Our Lady of Guadalupe festivities on Sunday night! The turnout was huge, the Mass was beautiful, and the celebration with the mariachi was festive. I can imagine her smiling brightly at our parish.
Lastly, I remind you that on Wednesday, December 21, we have our Live Nativity from 6:00p-8:30p on Fr. Meyer Field. Dress warm and enjoy the walk-through, hot chocolate, and Fr. Kiko’s Nativity scene on Fr. Meyer Field!
In Christ,
