Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ January 28, 2018

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

First Reading:
“I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their kin, and will put my words into his mouth; he shall tell them all that I command him.” (Dt. 18: 18)

Psalm:
If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts. (Ps. 95)

Second Reading:
I am telling you this for your own benefit, not to impose a restraint upon you, but for the sake of propriety and adherence to the Lord without distraction. (1 Cor. 7:35)

Gospel:
All were amazed and asked one another, “What is this? A new teaching with authority. He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.” His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee. (Mk. 1:27-28)

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
Jesus had a way of amazing the crowds. There was something very different about not only what he taught but how he taught it. He brought an authority to what he said that gave it a credibility that was not experienced elsewhere. His words were not only prophetic but rang true to the experience of the people, especially those who were poor, marginalized, victimized, lost, or forgotten. Do Jesus’s words ring true to you? The Gospel message transcends time and space and has a profound relevancy in every generation. Jesus is still trying to point us toward our truth and have us see and accept who we are in God. Are you ready to hear this? We are asked to bring credibility to this same Gospel message by how we live our lives.

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:

© Liturgical Publications Inc.

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 on January 28 (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
• Saint Blaisé Day: Saturday, February 3, with blessing of throats after the Saturday 5:00 p.m. Mass at St. Francis Solanus church
• SouperBowl of Caring: Food items may be brought to the churches on January 27 and 28 and 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

Funeral: There was a funeral on January 20 at Holy Cross church for Ida Elizabeth Bromka who died on January 11 at age 92.

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.

Mother Teresa’s No Greater Love:
Saint Teresa of Calcutta was known for her compassionate and selfless work with the poor, the ill, and the outcast. Come join a five-week discussion of Mother Teresa: No Greater Love, a collection of the essential wisdom of this saint. Let the words of Saint Teresa of Calcutta give you God’s strength, hope, and peace. The discussion will be after the 9:00 a.m. Mass on Tuesdays at St. James the Apostle. Books will be provided. If you need additional information, call Camille Taranto, 387-3125.

The Presentation of the Lord:
This feast day is Friday, February 2, and it is also called “Candlemas Day” because at the beginning of the liturgy there is the blessing of candles that will be used in the church during the year. The blessing is followed by a procession into the church with lighted candles. It is a simple but inspirational liturgy.

Saint Blaisé Day:
This feast day is Saturday, February 3, and it is traditional that on this day there is the blessing of throats using the blessed candles from Candlemas Day and incorporating a prayer for the healing of sicknesses. The blessing of throats will take place after the Saturday 5:00 p.m. Mass at St. Francis Solanus church. The blessing is for people of all ages.

2017-2018 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
An update of January 5 shows that, of our parish goal of $30,549, one hundred and twenty-three 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.”

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.

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.

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 side walk 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.

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 weekend of January 27 and 28 and the weekend of 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!

Diocese of Rochester Public Policy Committee:
The 2018 Public Policy Advocacy Weekend is February 10 and 11 and this year’s issue is the passage by Congress of “The Dream Act.” Jesus’s word in the Gospel of Mark has the power to heal as Jesus speaks in the synagogue and casts out an unclean spirit. Those who are present react with amazement. Later this becomes a cause of division among the people. As a nation, we suffer many divisions including opinions about whom we will accept as legal residents of our country. The Dream Act has strong bi-partisan support because those who are eligible have already fulfilled certain conditions. They have been educated in our schools and earned a college degree or equivalent in a two-year training program or have served honorably in our military. Persons who qualify went through a step-by-step process including eight years of conditional residence to apply for legal permanent residence. Applying for citizenship status may require up to another five years of residence.

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. “In his writings, St. John Paul II encourages Eucharistic Devotion outside of Mass and instructs us: ‘Let us take time to kneel before Jesus present in the Eucharist…’ (Mane Nobiscum Domine, no. 18). This includes making visits to church whenever possible, Eucharistic adoration, and the celebration of Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. Programs are good and necessary, but there is no substitute for our active worship of Christ present in the Most Holy Eucharist. Priests, deacons, parish administrators, and the leadership and faculties in our Catholic schools and religious education programs should foster Eucharistic devotions which become a source of renewed strength in the life of the parish, school and educational programs.” The bishop’s complete letter may be read on the diocese’s website.

Trumansburg Community Chorus:
Do you like to sing? Come join the Trumansburg Community Chorus! Rehearsals for the spring session will begin on Monday, January 29, and run each Monday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Jacksonville United Methodist Church, 1869 Trumansburg Road. Alice Ploss, director, has wide experience leading choral musicians of all ages. New members who like to sing are welcome, regardless of formal experience. The fee is $40 for adults and $25 for students. An optional extra $20 would help to purchase music. More information can be found at tburgchorus.com.

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.). Local expert chefs are donating their time and artistry, each preparing a course tailored to the evening, with wine pairings as well. Tickets are $100 per person and go on sale Tuesday, January 16. 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

January 28, 2018 (fourth weekend):
Lectors: Tim Davis and Lynne Stager
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:  Patty Messmer, Tim O’Boyle, Cathy DelSignore

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

January 2018:

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