Question 1

RELAUNCH 2.0 - September 13, 2026

Accepted Answer

Save The Date!
We will celebrate our parish community, relaunch our family faith formation program and opportunities for getting more involved and growing in your faith.

Question 2

Pope Leo's Intention - August

Accepted Answer

For evangelization in the city

Question 3

Welcome Fr. Mirek

Accepted Answer

We are delighted to welcome Fr. Mirek (Mirosław) Podymniak, OFM, to Most Holy Trinity – St. Mary's Parish as he begins his ministry with our parish community. A Franciscan Friar originally from Poland, Fr. Mirek brings more than three decades of priestly ministry and many years of pastoral experience serving Franciscan communities in both Poland and the United States. Most recently, he served as pastor of St. Adalbert Parish in Elmhurst, Queens.Fr. Mirek entered the Franciscan Order in 1985 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1992. Along with his pastoral ministry, he has pursued advanced studies in Moral Theology and has served in a variety of ministries, including teaching, parish leadership, and Catholic media. Since arriving in the United States in 1999, he has faithfully served Franciscan parishes in Boston, Queens, and New Jersey.As Fr. Mirek begins this new chapter of ministry with us, we invite you to join us in extending a warm welcome and keeping him in your prayers. We are grateful that God has brought him to our parish, and we look forward to the many ways he will serve our community through prayer, the sacraments, and pastoral care.

Question 4

Parish Survey Update

Accepted Answer

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Parish Survey. We expect to receive a few more this weekend and then we will begin to tabulate the information. Once we have the results we will share them with you. This will start our conversation about where we feel God is calling our parish community in the next four years. What should be our priority? How do we get there? Stay tuned!

Question 5

Parish Leadership Announcement

Accepted Answer

After consultation with the Parish Finance Council, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Felix Torres as Director of Operations for Most Holy Trinity–St. Mary Parish.Many parishioners already know Felix through his dedicated service to our community. In this expanded leadership role, he will continue to oversee our parish facilities, maintenance, construction and renovation projects, technology, and day-to-day operations, while serving as a member of our Senior Leadership Team.Please join me in congratulating Felix and thanking him for his faithful service to our parish family.

Question 6

Parish Survey - June 28

Accepted Answer

This weekend we are being invited to take part in a Parish Survey that measures how successful we are as a parish in helping one another be missionary disciples; in other words, people who are becoming holy themselves and are willing to invite others to join them. We thank you for your participation in making our parish a spiritual home for all who join us!

Question 7

Thinking about Getting Married?

Accepted Answer

Marriage in the Catholic Church is more than planning a wedding day. It is preparation for a lifetime vocation rooted in faith, prayer, and community.Most Holy Trinity - St. Mary has recently updated its Marriage Guidelines. Couples considering marriage are encouraged to review the guidelines, which explain the preparation process, required documentation, parish expectations, wedding policies, and frequently asked questions.Whether you are a parishioner, new to the area, or hoping to celebrate your wedding at our church, we encourage you to review these guidelines before contacting the parish.Visit our website and click: Sacraments → Matrimony, and begin your journey toward the Sacrament of Matrimony.

Question 8

The Year of Saint Francis: 800 Years of Grace

Accepted Answer

This year marks the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi—a moment the Franciscan tradition calls his Transitus, his “passing over” from death into life. For Francis, death was not an end, but a homecoming—an entrance into the fullness of life with God.

To commemorate this anniversary, Pope Francis has designated a special Holy Year for the entire Church. During this time, all Franciscan churches throughout the world are recognized as places of pilgrimage, where the faithful may receive the grace of a plenary indulgence.

That means something quietly remarkable:

Every time you walk into this church, you are stepping into a designated place of pilgrimage.
In addition, the Archbishop of Brooklyn has formally named our parish as a diocesan pilgrimage site, highlighting in a special way the spiritual significance of what is already true here.

How we will mark this year:
A relocated statue of Saint Francis in the church, inviting personal prayer and devotion
A reflective presentation of the Canticle of the Creatures, composed by Saint Francis 800 years ago, with opportunities for meditation 
Cultural and spiritual events throughout the year, celebrating Franciscan spirituality and joy

Save the Date:
October 3 – Transitus of Saint Francis (solemn celebration of his passing from death to life)

October 4 – Feast of Saint Francis (celebrated with special solemnity, including the traditional Blessing of Animals)

This Holy Year is not just 
about remembering the past. 
It is an invitation—to rediscover 
the simplicity, joy, and radical 
trust in God that marked the 
life of Saint Francis.

Question 9

A New Friar-Priest

Accepted Answer

Please remember in prayer Friar Edgar Varela, OFM Conv. who was ordained a friar-priest last weekend. This brings to completion a long journey of formation first and foremost as a Franciscan Friar and then for ministry as a priest. The son of Maribel and Manuel Varela, Friar Edgar was born in Phoenix. He has four siblings: Yessenia, Erica, Sergio, and German, and several nieces and nephews. 
In July while the friars are gathered in for the second part of their Chapter, two young friars will make their first vows. God is blessing us with great men as friars. Please pray for them. And don't forget... if you feel like God might be calling you, or if you know someone who may have a vocation as a Franciscan friar, priest or brother please reach out to the friars to find out more. www.franciscanvoice.org or franciscan.org

Question 10

New Handrails

Accepted Answer

We would like to install handrails in the church so that everyone—especially our elderly parishioners and those with limited mobility—can safely access the sanctuary and altar for devotion and to serve as lectors and in other ministries. Any funds raised beyond our Annual Catholic Appeal goal will go directly toward this long-needed improvement. We are getting close to our goal and ask every household to make or fulfill a pledge by the end of May so we can finish strong as one parish. Let’s get it done.

Question 11

Coming Events

Accepted Answer

May: Month of devotion to St. Mary
May 9: First Holy Communion
May 10: Mothers' Day
May 18-21: Friars' Chapter Gathering
May 24: Pentecost and Adult Confirmation
May 30: Youth Confirmation

Question 12

Pentecost Sunday

Accepted Answer

The season of Easter culminates with the Solemnity of Pentecost when we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit in the church. The color Red is used to signify the flames of fire that came down upon the disciples. We would like to invite parishioners to wear red on Sunday, May 24th in celebration of this feast.

Question 13

Plenary Indulgence – Year of Saint Francis

Accepted Answer

This church is a designated place for the plenary indulgence granted by Pope Leo XIV during the Year of Saint Francis.

How to Receive the Indulgence
Visit this Franciscan church with faith and a sincere desire to turn your heart toward God
Participate in Mass or spend time in prayer here
Pray the Our Father, the Creed, and for the intentions of the Holy Father
Receive Sacramental Confession and Holy Communion within several days of your visit
Be free from attachment to sin

The indulgence may be received for yourself or offered for the faithful departed.

What does a plenary indulgence do?

A plenary indulgence removes the spiritual effects that remain after sin is forgiven, restoring the heart to full freedom in God’s mercy.

Question 14

Opening the Tomb of St. Francis

Accepted Answer

This year marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi. To mark the occasion Pope Leo has proclaimed a Jubilee Year of St. Francis from January 10, 2026 to January 10, 2027. As part of this Jubilee the tomb of St. Francis in Assisi was opened for a recognition of his remains and veneration by the faithful. The Very Reverend Michael Heine, OFM Conv, Minister Provincial of Our Lady of the Angels Province (pictured, in prayer, touching the remains of St. Francis) carried with him the prayers and concerns of all the friars of our province and of the men and women we serve in our parishes, schools and ministries. Various special events will take place during this year of Jubilee including the Plenary Indulgence granted by Pope Leo to anyone who visits a Franciscan church.

Friar Michael Heine was recently re-elected as Minister Provincial by the friars. He will lead the Province as it gathers in its Ordinary Provincial Chapter in May and July to review the last 4 years and to plan for the future of the friars. Our Lady of the Angels Province of the Friars Minor Conventual spans along the east of the United States and Canada from Ontario to Florida and includes a presence in Brazil, the UK and Ireland.

Question 15

Annual Catholic Appeal 2026

Accepted Answer

Make your pledge today at www.annualcatholicappeal.org,
click the link on this page, or text DONATE to 917-336-1255

YOU ARE WELCOME HERE

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