Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
Today’s feast of the Epiphany reminds us that Jesus came into the world for all, not just a select group of people. Into all nations a light has come and today we reflect on the wonderful gift Jesus gives us in light. If we journey with him, there is always hope and the darkness of confusion, ignorance, sin, and even death is dispelled. God is with us and knows every aspect of what it means to be truly human.
Upcoming Events:
- AA Meetings: St. Francis Church, on Tuesday, at 8:00 p.m.
- Food Pantries: Ovid Federated Church on Mondays, 10:00 a.m. The Food Truck is available to everyone every other Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. (January 10 and 24). The food pantry is at the Interlaken Reformed Church on Fridays, 3:00 p.m. The Trumansburg food pantry is at the Methodist Church every other Monday 1:00–2:00 p.m. and 5:30–6:00 p.m. (January 16 and 30).
- National Migration Week 2017: January 8–14, 2017
- Liturgy Planning Committee: The first meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. at the Parish Center.
- Parish Council meeting: Thursday, January 12, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Francis
- Sunday collection counters meetings: Thursday, January 19, at 1:00 p.m. or at 7:00 p.m. at the Parish Center, Interlaken. A snow date will be the following Thursday, January 26.
- Usher meetings after Masses: 5:00 p.m. January 21 at St. James the Apostle, 9:30 a.m. on January 22 at Holy Cross, 8:15 a.m. on January 29 at St. Francis Solanus, and 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass on January 29 at St. James the Apostle
- Scripture study classes of the Gospel: will resume on Tuesdays beginning January 24, 2017, after the 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. James the Apostle church.
- March for Life 2017 Diocese of Rochester (DOR) to DC: Buses leave Thursday night, January 26 and return Friday night, January 27.
- Public Policy Weekend: February 4 and 5, 2017.
- Planning for Your Legacy: Two free seminars, one on March 13 at St. Francis DeSales Parish Center, 130 Exchange Street, Geneva; and second at St. Mary’s of the Lake Parish Center, 905 N. Decatur St. Watkins Glen. Both seminars will be at 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Maintenance Fund Collection:
The maintenance fund collection is taken up at the beginning of the month, either the first or second Sunday, depending on how the box of offertory envelopes has them placed. This month the collection will be taken up this weekend—January 8. As in the past your help given in this collection is needed and appreciated greatly. Thank you.
Creating a Culture of Encounter:
For nearly a half century, the Catholic Church in the United States has celebrated National Migration Week, which is an opportunity for the church to reflect on the circumstances confronting migrants, including immigrants, refugees, children, and victims and survivors of human trafficking. The theme for National Migration Week 2017 (January 8–14) draws attention to Pope Francis’ call to create a culture of encounter, and in doing so to look beyond our own needs and wants to those of others around us.
Donations/Contributions Made by Check:
When making donations to the church, please make checks out to: the Parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy. On the memo line of the check you may name of the church be it St. James the Apostle, St. Francis Solanus, or Holy Cross.
Parish Mailing Address:
When mailing items to one of the three churches, please use the Parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy’s address: P.O. Box 403, Interlaken, NY 14847 (as on the front cover of the bulletin). The U.S. post office is continuously encouraging that we remind parishioners to use only the new address and not the names and addresses of the individual churches.
Liturgy Planning Committee:
The Parish Council Worship Committee announces the formation of the Liturgy Planning Committee. The Liturgy Planning Committee is a subcommittee of the Worship Committee and any parishioner of Mary, Mother of Mercy who is interested in planning liturgies is welcome. The first meeting will be held this Tuesday, January 10, at 7:00 p.m. at the Parish Center (Interlaken). Meetings will recur once a month. We encourage all who are interested to participate.
Sunday Collection Counters:
It is a diocesan policy that an annual meeting be held in the month of January for the Sunday collection counters, to review the policies and procedures related to those responsibilities. Sunday collection counters please schedule yourself for one of two meetings to be held on Thursday, January 19, at 1:00 p.m. or at 7:00 p.m. at the Parish Center, Interlaken. A snow date will be the following Thursday, January 26. This is an important service to the parish. Parishioners interested in helping with this service, please phone the parish center to volunteer. Attending this annual meeting would be a great way to begin this ministry as a Sunday collection counter.
Ushers (Greeters of Hospitality)
It is the diocesan policy that an annual meeting be held in the month of January for ushers to review the policies and procedures related to taking up and securing the collections. The schedule for usher meetings after Mass is as follows:
- 5:00 p.m. Saturday Evening Mass on January 21 at St. James the Apostle
- 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass on January 22 at Holy Cross
- 8:15 a.m. Sunday Mass on January 29 at St. Francis Solanus
- 11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass on January 29 at St. James the Apostle
2016-2017 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
Thank you to everyone who has responded with a gift or pledge. We need all parishioners to help reach our parish given goal of $29,855. A report issued on December 16, 2016, stated that our parish has pledged $20,740. We are a distance from our goal. Pledge envelopes are located in the vestibules of the church. Please respond as soon as possible.
St. James the Apostle Food Donations:
Food donations may be brought to the church this weekend and placed on the table located in the front of the church. Monetary donations are accepted also. All donations go to help the Trumansburg Food Pantry.
March for Life 2017 Diocese of Rochester (DOR) to DC:
Buses are leaving from around the diocese to the March for Life in D.C. Join 1000’s marching for a day when every human life will be valued and protected. Buses leave Thursday night, January 26 and return Friday night, January 27. There will be a Mass with Bishop Matano at 10 a.m. at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. March with Bishop Matano and others from the DOR. Make your bus reservations today. Contact: Ithaca [email protected] or 315-246-7479.
Assisting those Who have Been Wounded by Abortion
Trust in the mercy of God’s love. Do you know someone who is carrying the grief and sorrow of past abortions? Share with them the Good News of God’s merciful love. Call Project Rachel for a confidential referral to those who can help: 585-328-3210 or email: Deacon David Snyder, [email protected] or
Suzanne Stack, [email protected].
Planning for Your Legacy:
Two free seminars to help you make informed choices regarding wills and estate planning, health care proxies, the power of attorney and other legal documents and legacy gifts that make an impact will be offered: March 13 at St. Francis DeSales Parish Center, 130 Exchange Street, Geneva, and at St. Mary’s of the Lake Parish Center, 905 N. Decatur St., Watkins Glen. Both seminars will be at 7:00–8:30 p.m.
Public Policy Weekend—No Assisted Suicide in NY:
Legislation has been introduced in New York State that would authorize assisted suicide by allowing doctors to legally prescribe a deadly does of pills at the request of a patient with terminal diagnosis. While proponents may call it “death with dignity” or “aid in dying,” in reality this bill would authorize the direct and intentional taking of human life. Catholic teaching upholds the dignity of all human life from the moment of conception to natural death. Check out more information about the diocesan public policy agenda on the diocese’s website (http://www.dor.org/index.cfm/catholic-charities/public-policy/). Sign a letter or petition to your legislators opposing assisted suicide on Public Policy weekend February 4–5.
Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga:
Share the warmth by donating winter outerwear. Items needed: children’s coats, snow pants and boots, adults’ coats and boots, hats, gloves/mittens, and scarves. Regarding household goods and personal care products, what is needed: sheets, towels, blankets, work boots, black slacks for men and women, deodorant, hair conditioner, hand lotion, and diapers. Drop-off times: Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–Noon and 1:00–3:30 p.m. at 324 West Buffalo St. Ithaca. For more information call 607 272 5062.
Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes Job Opportunity:
Are you interested in part-time employment that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children? Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes is hiring per diem (limited part-time) caseworkers. The job entails providing supervised visitation to families involved in the child-welfare system. Must have an associate’s degree or related experience, excellent written and oral communication skills, computer literacy in MS Word, a dependable car and valid driver’s license, and a willingness to travel within the region. Some evening or weekend hours may be required. Email resumes to [email protected] or mail to 94 Exchange Street, Geneva, NY 14456. No phone calls please. This is an equal employment opportunity.
Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester:
The sisters have a prayer ministry and throughout 2017, Sister Dolores Bachman and Sister Anne Marie Burns will be praying for our parish and parishioners. Let us keep the sisters in our prayers as an expression of gratitude. Sisters of St. Joseph website: www.ssjrochester.org.
Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes:
Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes, located at 551 Exchange St. in Geneva, is offering a “Forgiven and Set Free” post abortive ten-week session beginning October 4 until December 13. There is no cost involved. “If you regret your abortion, you are not alone. Let us help you learn to forgive yourself. Pleased join us for this healing ministry program.” For more information phone 315 789 0708.
Toiletries and Hygiene Products:
There is a basket in the vestibule of St. James church for donations of toiletries. The request comes from Catholic Charities which is in need of items like shampoo, toothpaste, diapers etc. The items will be transferred to the Catholic Charities office in Ithaca.
Cancer Services Program (Cortland and Tompkins Counties):
This a program that provides free cancer screenings (breast, cervical, and colorectal) to women from ages 40–64 and men ages 50–64, who are uninsured or have health insurance that does not cover these screenings and who meet income eligibility requirements. These services are provided in local health centers, doctor’s offices, and hospitals. For more information call 1-866 442 2262.
Scripture Study:
Parishioners are welcome to join an informal study of The Gospel According to Mark which will resume January 24, 2017, on Tuesday mornings after the 9:00 a.m. Mass (St James the Apostle Church). The study is facilitated by Debbie Short and Camille Taranto. The Liguori Catholic Bible Study will be used. Questions: contact Camille at (607) 387-3125.
Ministry Schedules for St. James
Schedule for January 9 and 10, 2017 (second Sunday):
5:00 p.m. Mass
Lectors: Kathleen Rourke and Scott Hamula
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Barbara Willers, Carol Kuklo, Robin Hamula
11:00 a.m. Mass
Lectors: Rich and Hilary Wong
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Lynne Stager, Glenn Stamps, Susan Stafford
Schedule for January 14 and 15, 2017 (third Sunday):
5:00 p.m. Mass
Lectors: Carol Kuklo and Barbara Willers
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Kathleen Rourke, Cathy DelSignore, Traci Bump
11:00 a.m. Mass
Lectors: Glenn Stamps and Nancy Olszewski
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Mark Scibilia-Carver, Susan Stafford
Ministry schedule for Holy Cross
January 2017
1/8/17 | 1/15/17 | 1/22/17 | 1/29/17 | |
Greeter in addition to Usher | M. Maleski | C. Conroy | M. Maleski | |
Altar Ser 1 | G. Frank | G. Frank | G. Frank | P. Schirmer |
Altar Ser 2 | ||||
Lector 1 | N. Shumway | P. Motill | K. Knapp | L. Kurkchi |
Lector 2 | E. Moore | J. Swanson | J. Leidefrost° | M. Frank |
Extraordinary Min 1 | D. Moore | L.A. Fox | F. Grasak | D. Moore |
Extraordinary Min 2 | D. Brandow° | M. Frank | D. Brandow | A. Calice |
Extraordinary Min 3 | D. Traphagen | S. Limoncelli | K. Sinkiewicz | D. Traphagen |
2 Envelopes | ||||
Usher 1 (Lead) | S. Brandow° | A. Reagan | S. Brandow | J. Taylor |
Usher 2 | J. Taylor | E. Conroy | S. Limoncelli | E. Conroy |
Usher 3 | T. Grasak | P. Marrella | M. Maleski | P. Marrella |
Usher 4 | M. Maleski | T. Grasak | A. Reagan |
Ministry Schedules for St. Francis Solanus Church
Lector Schedule
January through March 2017
DATE | FIRST READING from OLD TESTAMENT | SECOND READING from NEW TESTAMENT |
January 8 Epiphany of the Lord | Karl Messmer | Pat Messmer |
January 15 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time | Millie Messmer | Gerry Messmer |
January 22 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time | Stephanie Houck | Jeff Houck |
January 29 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Sheila Haddad | Marie Roloson |
February 5 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Barbara Willers | Ann Buddle |
February 12 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Gerry Messmer | Millie Messmer |
February 19 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Charlotte Huyler | Sheila Haddad |
February 26 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Pat Messmer | Karl Messmer |
March 1 Ash Wednesday | Volunteers needed if | there is a Mass. |
March 5 1st Sunday of Lent | Marie Roloson | Barbara Willers |
March 12 2nd Sunday of Lent | Jeff Houck | Stephanie Houck |
March 19 3rd Sunday of Lent | Ann Buddle | Charlotte Huyler |
March 26 4th Sunday of Lent | Heather Cranford | Barbara Willers |
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion
January through March 2017
DATE | Precious Blood | SET UP AND PURIFICATION | Precious Blood |
January 8 Epiphany of the Lord | Millie Messmer | Cathy Millspaugh | Maryann Dendis |
January 15 2nd Sunday in Ordinary Time | Pat Messmer | Charlotte Huyler | Patti Perry |
January 22 3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time | Chris Duthie | Marie Roloson | Mary Ruckdeschel |
January 29 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Jennifer Sharp | Maryann Dendis | Michele Barr |
February 5 5th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Jeanie Wiggins | Pat Messmer | Charlotte Huyler |
February 12 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Cathy Millspaugh | Patti Perry | Michele Barr |
February 19 7th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Millie Messmer | Jennifer Sharp | Marie Roloson |
February 26 8th Sunday in Ordinary Time | Charlotte Huyler | Chris Duthie | Mary Ruckdeschel |
March 1 Ash Wednesday | Volunteers | needed if there | is a Mass |
March 5 1st Sunday of Lent | Maryann Dendis | Chris Duthie | Pat Messmer |
March 12 2nd Sunday of Lent | Mary Ruckdeschel | Jeanie Wiggins | Jennifer Sharp |
March 19 3rd Sunday of Lent | Cathy Millspaugh | Marie Roloson | Patti Perry |
March 26 4th Sunday of Lent | Chris Duthie | Charlotte Huyler | Millie Messmer |
REMEMBER: to take Communion to Richard Suchocki before giving to congregation.
12/29/16-cmh