Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ February 4, 2018

Year of the Eucharist June 18, 2017–June 3, 2018

First reading:
If in bed I say, “When shall I arise?” then the night drags on; I am filled with restlessness until the dawn. (Job 7:4)

Psalm:
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Ps. 147)

Second reading:
To the weak I became weak, to win over the weak. I have become all things to all, to save at least some. (1 Cor. 9:22)

Gospel:
When it was evening, after sunset, they brought to him all who were ill or possessed by demons. The whole town was gathered at the door. He cured many who were sick with various diseases, and he drove out many demons, not permitting them to speak because they knew him. (Mk. 1:32-34)

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
When we suffer, we can easily find ourselves thinking that we have been abandoned by God or have done something to displease him and are now paying the price. Suffering is not God’s fault. The reality of suffering and death is much more complicated than this and even somewhat mysterious. When Jesus preached the Gospel, it was made clear that suffering has meaning and always brings with it new life. It requires faith in order to understand this mystery. The Gospel brings us new life both here and in the life to come. This is truly Good News! When this Good News is understood by the believer it stirs within us a passion to urgently preach this healing and life giving message to others.

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
“Use what talent you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang except those that sang best.” ~Henry Van Dyke

Upcoming Events:

• AA Meetings: St. Francis Solanus 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. (February 6 and 20). The food pantry is at the Interlaken Reformed Church on Fridays, 3:00–6:00 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. (February 5 and 19)
• Book Discussion: Mother Teresa: No Greater Love at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesdays at St. James the Apostle
• Confirmation Candidates’ Program: Classes cancelled during February
• Eucharistic Holy Hour: Fridays, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., in St. Francis Solanus church, cancelled during February
• Trumansburg Community Chorus: Rehearsals begin on January 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Jacksonville United Methodist Church
• SouperBowl of Caring: Food items may be brought to the churches on February 3 and 4.
• 2018 Public Policy Advocacy Weekend: February 10 and 11
• Beyond the Plate: at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Ithaca on February 11 from 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
• Ash Wednesday: February 14

Visiting Priest:
Fr. John Mellitt, OFM Cap., will be visiting the parish and helping out while Fr. Bernard is away, from February 5–28. Please welcome Fr. John to our parish.

SouperBowl of Caring 2018:
February 4 is Super Bowl Sunday and across this nation it is also the date for the “SouperBowl of Caring.” The parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy, will be participating in this event by collecting donations of non-perishable food items and cash that would go directly to the local food pantries. Food items may be brought to the churches the this weekend, February 3 and 4. On February 4, at St. James the Apostle church, the second year Confirmation students will assist in taking up a collection for monetary donations after Mass as part of their community service. Please consider being as generous as you possibly can—all items and monies collected will be going to our local food pantries to help those who have the need!

2017–2018 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
An update of January 5 shows that, of our parish goal of $30,549, one hundred and twenty-four households have pledged $28,196, which represents 92.30 % of our goal. “Thank you” to all who have made a pledge to the appeal. Pledge envelopes have been mailed and there are envelopes in the foyers of the churches. If we are to reach our given goal—“Participation is primary, what is pledged is secondary.”

Sixth Month Financial Report:
The Parish Finance Council met on January 18 for its quarterly meeting. Our church fiscal year is from July 1 through June 30. The December report reflects six months into our fiscal year. The year to date revenues amounted to $122,532.82 with year to date expenses amounted to $119,165.51. The net is $3,367.31. Thank you for keeping us solvent for the first six months. It is greatly appreciated. Please continue.

Ushers and Collection Counters:
In order to follow diocesan policies and procedures, those involved in the ministry of ushering and collection counting need to annually sign (every January) an acknowledgement form stating they have received a copy of the “Handling and Collection Counting Procedures.” Each usher and collection counter is asked to please pick up your envelope in the church and return the completed acknowledgement form to the church office as soon as possible.

Buildings and Grounds:
In our parish each church has a Buildings and Grounds Committee. The three committees met at their locations on January 10 to discuss the needs of their particular churches. Among some of the items brought forth: Holy Cross is in need of painting the trim on the rectory and church, some interior house repair, and major work on the back side of the garage. St. James the Apostle is in need of parking lot and sidewalk repair with possible additional parking, front porch replacement on the rectory, and garage wall repair. St. Francis Solanus needs a reconstruction of the sacristy and replacement of the sanctuary doors. These are projects beyond ordinary maintenance and repair work. All three churches are also in need of a change to the outdoor signs stating the times of the Masses at that particular location.

Ash Wednesday:
Valentine’s Day, February 14, is also Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. The Worship Committee met on January 16 and, among other items, set the Ash Wednesday liturgical services times and places. Please note and plan to be present at one of the following: there will be a 9:00 a. m. Mass at St. James the Apostle (therefore no 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Francis Solanus); there will be a Distribution of Ashes Service at 12:15 p.m. at Holy Cross, and there will be a 7:00 p.m. Mass at St. Francis Solanus.

Rice Bowl:
Every year the Catholic Relief Services sponsors a Rice Bowl project encouraging our faith community—and nearly 14,000 Catholic communities across the United States—in a life-changing Lenten journey of encounter with CRS Rice Bowl. Pick up your family’s CRS Rice Bowl at church on the weekend of February 11. During the forty days of Lent, as companions on the journey, we will encounter our neighbor.

Thank you:
The Interlaken Reformed Church expressed its appreciation to the parish for our participation in the 2017 “Operation Rice Bowl.” This participation helped with local hunger relief efforts. “We are seeing new families and are often feeding close to 100 families a week.”

Diocese of Rochester Public Policy Committee:
In today’s first reading from the Book of Job, Job begins to lose hope when trials set in. In the second reading, Paul presses on as does Jesus who cures the ill and those possessed by demons although the day has passed and it is already sunset. We cannot allow young people who have applied themselves, worked diligently, and desire to contribute to our U.S. society and economy to be brutally turned away and sent back to their countries of origin where they may not know either the culture or the language. It is currently estimated that approximately 800,000 young people qualify as Dreamers and that about 91% are employed. If they are deported over 700,000 jobs would be lost to the economy. Those who work pay taxes and contribute to the economic growth of our nation. Next weekend is the Diocese of Rochester’s Public Policy Weekend. You will have the opportunity at church to lend your support urging our government officials to work with all deliberate speed to find a bipartisan solution for Dreamers that includes a path to citizenship.

Year of the Eucharist:
The following is taken from Bishop Salvatore R. Matano’s pastoral letter announcing a “Year of the Eucharist” in celebration of the 150 (sesquicentennial) anniversary of the diocese. “The more the Most Holy Eucharist clearly becomes the source and focus of our diocesan life, the greater the possibility for increasing vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life, which, in turn, reaches out in service to the laity and assures the continued firm foundation of our Diocese into the future through the proclamation of Jesus Christ in Word and Sacrament.” The bishop’s complete letter may be read on the diocese’s website.

Daily Meditations:
The Center for Action and Contemplation offers daily meditations that have proved most helpful to thousands of people. Please go to https://cac.org or email [email protected].

Flu Season:
The faithful should be aware that, using their best judgment, they may offer the sign of peace with a simple nod or bow of the head, and simply say: “Peace be with you.” The response is “And with our spirit.” To read more about the diocese’s recommendations during this flu season see the diocese’s web site.

Food Donations at St. James:
Next Sunday, and every second Sunday of the month, please bring non-perishable food items to church and place them on the table in the front beneath the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary at the front of the church. Monetary gifts are also welcome.

Ithaca MobilePack:
“Beyond the Plate,” is an evening of local cuisine in support of the Ithaca MobilePack for Feed My Starving Children (www.ithacamobilepack.org). “Beyond the Plate” will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Ithaca on Sunday, February 11, 5:00–9:00 p.m. (first course served at 5:30 p.m.). Tickets are $100 per person. Go to St. Catherine’s website for more information and to order tickets: www.stcathofsiena.org (under “News and Events”), or call 516-319-6752. All proceeds from the dinner will go to the Ithaca MobilePack.

Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester:
The sisters have a prayer ministry and throughout 2018 Sister Anne Marie Burns will be praying for our parish and parishioners. Such an act of love offers us the opportunity to keep Sr. Anne Marie and the Sisters of St. Joseph in our prayers.

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.

Ministry Schedules for St. James the Apostle

February 4, 2018 (first Sunday):
Lectors: Lynne Stager and Barbara Willers
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Patty Messmer, Mark Scibilia-Carver, Joan Hogan

February 11, 2018 (second Sunday):
Lectors: Mark Scibilia-Carver and Maria Connell
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Lynne Stager, Beth Koeng, Ron Singer

February 2018:

REMEMBER: to take Communion to Richard Suchocki and Maryann Dendis before giving to congregation.