First Sunday of Advent ~ December 2, 2018

First reading:
“In those days, in that time, I will raise up for David a just shoot; he shall do what is right and just in the land.” (Jer. 33:15)

Psalm:
To you, O Lord, I lift my soul. (Ps. 25)

Second reading:
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we have for you. (1 Thes. 3:12)

Gospel:
“Be vigilant at all times and pray that you have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Lk. 21:36)

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
As we begin our Advent journey in preparation for the celebration of Christ’s birth and in anticipation of his coming again in glory, we are reminded of our need to be vigilant and prepared. This short season of Advent can be a mini-retreat for us who find ourselves living in a world that is often counterproductive to developing mature, focused, and meaningful relationships with God. Being a Christian and standing firm in our faith requires a strength that can only come from prayer. These four short preparatory weeks can help us look back to what God has done in history, to what God continues to do in our lives today, and to what God promises for the future. May we use this Advent time wisely, calling us to greater holiness.

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:

© Liturgical Publications Inc.

Upcoming Events:

• AA Meetings: St. Francis Solanus church, Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m.
• Food Pantries: There is a food pantry at the Ovid Federated church on Mondays at 10:00 a.m. The food truck is available to everyone every other Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. (December 11). A 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. (December 3).
• Robotics: Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 6:00–8:00 p.m. in the church hall (basement) of St. James the Apostle
• Confirmation Candidates: Eight and ninth graders meet on Sundays at 4:00 p.m. at St. James.
• RICA Classes: at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays in St. James the Apostle
• Time with Fr. Bernard: He is available for conversation or confessions each Friday at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis and no appointment is needed.
• Coffee hour: Dec. 2 after the 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. James and sponsored by the Knights of Columbus
• TAC Advent Concert: December 2 at 4:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian church, Trumansburg
• Praying Your Way through Advent: December 4 at Notre Dame Retreat House, Canandaigua
• Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception: Holy day of obligation on December 9
• Breads Needed: In the St. James pine room after Mass on December 16.
• Share the Warmth Distribution: Friendly volunteers are needed at Immaculate Conception School in Ithaca for two hour shifts on December 3–7 and 10–14, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
• Gifts for Angel Trees: Due December 9 at Holy Cross and St. Francis
• Ceremony of Remembrance: on December 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Church of the Transfiguration, Pittsford, N.Y.

Funeral:
Joyce Ann Hurd, age 84, died on November 18, 2018. A graveside service was held for her on November 23 at St. James the Apostle Cemetery.

Holy Day of Obligation:
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the patronal feast day of the United States, is this Saturday, December 8. Catholics are obliged to attend Mass on that day. There will be two Masses: a Vigil Mass on Friday evening at 6:00 p.m. at St. Francis Solanus and a 9:00 a.m. Mass on Saturday at St. James the Apostle.

The Season of Advent and Reconciliation
During the season of Advent, the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) will be available on Friday evenings at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Solanus Church and in all three of our parish churches after each of the weekend Masses.

Advent Concert:
The annual Advent Concert sponsored by the Trumansburg Area Churches (TAC) will take place on this Sunday, December 2, at 4:00 p.m. in the Presbyterian church, 69 East Main St., Trumansburg. Members from our parish, that is, musicians, choir members and song leaders, have prepared a selection of music for the concert. All are welcome. Year after year, this concert has been a joy in the community.

Bakers Needed:
The Trumansburg Food Pantry needs 15 loaves of breads (banana, pumpkin, cranberry, etc) for the Christmas distribution at the Trumansburg Food Pantry on December 17. Breads may be left in the St. James pine room after Mass on December 16. There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer. Thank you for sharing your baking skills!

Catholic University of America Collection:
There is a second collection today in support of The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.

Christmas Flower Offering:
In the boxes of offertory envelopes there is an envelope titled the “Christmas Flower Offering.” The date for the collection is today, December 2. Please deposit your Christmas flower offering envelope in the regular collection.

Ring those Bells:
Bell ringers are needed to help collect donations at the entrance to the Shur Save for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign. The Salvation Army provides invaluable assistance to Trumansburg community members in need throughout the year. Please contact Judy Robertson at 387-6488 if you can take a shift. Come add some music to your life while helping others.

Shur Save Donations:
At the Shur Save there is a box into which you can donate food for the food pantry to distribute. If you contribute, please check the expiration date first as they cannot use food items that are past the printed date. We can never have enough food to distribute but it needs to be safe too. Thank you for your consideration of this request and any possible donations you might be able to make.

Food Donations at St. James:
Next Sunday, please bring a non-perishable food item to church and place it on the table in front of the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Monetary gifts are also welcome. All will be shared with the T’burg food pantry.

Family Activity for Advent:
A reverse Advent calendar is a creative way to help our local food pantries. Set out a box or basket near your kitchen and add one food item or personal care item to it each day of Advent. After Christmas donate the contents to your local food pantry.

Free Christmas Tree:
St. Francis Solanus church has an artificial Christmas tree in good condition. If interested in providing it with a new home, please contact the parish office.

Share the Warmth Volunteers Needed:
Donate coats, gloves, mittens, hats, scarves, and boots to the annual “Share the Warmth” drive. Collection bins, including one in St. James the Apostle parking lot, have been placed around the area. Catholic Charities will be distributing the items for free during the first two weeks of December. Friendly volunteers are needed at Immaculate Conception School in Ithaca, to wait on customers and help them find the items they need. Two hour shifts are available, December 3–7 and 10–14, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. It’s a great way to start Advent! If interested in volunteering or need more information, contact Shay: [email protected] or 607-272-5062 ext.14.

Angel Tree Tags:
The angel trees are available at both St. Francis and Holy Cross churches. If you take a child’s tag, the unwrapped gifts, with tags included, must be returned no later than Sunday, December 9. All presents will be picked up Monday morning, December 10. Wrapping paper, ribbon, or bows would be appreciated. Distribution of the gifts is scheduled for Wednesday, December 12. If you have helped in the past you will be contacted for your assistance again. First time volunteers should contact Gerry Frank at 607 869 5009.

Praying Your Way through Advent:
Begin your new liturgical year by preparing yourself spiritually for the birth of Christ by attending “Praying our Way through Advent” with Sr. Carole Proia, SSJ, and Nancy Lynch who will offer Advent practices that will enhance this time of anticipation. The day of prayer will take place on Tuesday, December 4, at Notre Dame Retreat House (5151 Foster Rd., Canandaigua, N.Y.), beginning at 9:00 a.m. and concluding at 3:00 p.m. There is a $25.00 fee payable day of the retreat that includes the conference, lunch, time for confessions, and Mass. Register today by calling 585-394-5700 or email: [email protected].

Generous Parishioners:
Seventy-five people in our parish have generously responded with a gift or pledge to the diocese’s Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA). Their contributions or pledges come to $12,762 as of November 21, just over 42% of our goal of $29,979. If you have not yet responded, please consider your financial participation as the CMA provides funding for important programs, services, and ministries that strengthen our whole Church. In the vestibule of the churches there are CMA pledge envelopes. CMA has produced an extraordinary video in connection with this year’s appeal. It is posted to the diocesan website (www.dor.org). For those who have already contributed, thank you and please continue to pray for the success of our efforts.

Maintenance Fund Collection:
Maintenance costs are always prevalent. Your help to cover these costs is always appreciated. Please deposit the Maintenance Fund Collection envelope in the regular Sunday collection at any time during the month.

Five Minutes With the Word:
These booklets are available in the foyer of the churches and contain daily Advent meditations. They are a great way to bring prayer into your lives this season.

2019 Calendar:
2019 calendars for the parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy, are available in the foyers of each of the churches. Please take only one per household.

Blue Christmas Service:
Mecklenburg United Methodist Church will again be hosting a Blue Christmas service on Sunday, December 9, at 3:00 p.m. All are welcome! Christmas can be a hard time for many reasons, and this will be a time of reflection, when all come together, accepting the emotions and challenges of the season, finding comfort and even hope. The service will include readings and music with a simple reception to follow. All are welcome!

Reflections During Advent:
Prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ this Advent with “Everyday Stewardship Advent Reflections.” Sign up to receive daily reflections and challenges from Tracy Earl Welliver, straight to your inbox. See the Liturgical Publications website for more details on this and other options for Advent: http://4lpi.com/

Daily Gospel Reflections:
If you are interested in daily reflections on the Gospel, you can sign up to receive “Word on Fire” via your e-mail’s inbox. Once you sign up at DailyCatholicGospel.com, you’ll receive a brief email each morning that will contain a link to that day’s Gospel passage, so you can read the Scripture yourself. Then that will be followed by a short reflection on the passage from Bishop Robert Barron. It’s short, simple, but extremely powerful, like getting a mini-homily each morning from Bishop Barron.

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.

Cancer Services Program (CSP):
Cortland and Tompkins Counties offer free cancer screenings to those who are uninsured or have health insurance that does not cover these screenings. The screening services are provided in local health centers, doctors’ offices, and hospitals. For more information, contact CSP at 866 442 2262.

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.

Saturday Vigil Mass at 5:00 p.m.

December 1, 2018 (first weekend):
Lectors: Barbara Willers [for Marie Roloson], Scott Hamula
EMs: Kathleen Rourke, Millie Messmer, Robin Hamula

December 8, 2018 (second weekend):
Lectors: Scott Hamula [for Kathleen Rourke], Barbara Willers
EMs: Lee and Mary Davidson, Robin Hamula

Sunday Mass at 9:00 a.m.

December 2 (first Sunday):
Lectors: Lynne Stager and Barbara Willers
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Joan Hogan,  Mark Scibilia-Carver

December 9  (second Sunday):
Lectors: Mark Scibilia-Carver and Maria Connell
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Lynne Stager, Beth Koeng, Mary Szymanski