Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph ~ December 31, 2017

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

First reading:
The Lord took Abram outside and said, “Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. Just so,” he added, “shall your descendants be.” (Gn. 15:5)
Or:
God sets a father in honor over his children; a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons. (Sir. 3:2)

Psalm:
The Lord remembers his covenant for ever. (Ps. 105)
Or:
Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. (Ps. 128)

Second reading:
By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was ready to offer his only son. (Heb. 11:17)
Or:
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful. (Col. 3:15)

Gospel:
“For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” (Lk. 2:30–32)

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
Families face many challenges. All of the demands of work, school, and society can easily put a strain on even the best intentioned of families. Hurt, anger, and bitterness can grow in our families especially when conflicts are not properly resolved or relationships nurtured. Human beings require time, patience, love, and nurturing. We need to take time to celebrate the gift of family and not allow other demands to rob us of the time we need to spend together. Life is short. The Holy Family stands before us today showing us that love, commitment, and perseverance can see us through any difficulty or challenge life can bring. May we learn from their example!

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
“We cannot see Christ and remain as we are.” ~Pére Jacques

© 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. (January 9 and 23). 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. (January 8 and 22)
• Eucharistic Holy Hour: January 5 and 12, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., in St. Francis Solanus church
• January 1 Solemnity: This is not a holy day of obligation but Mass will be said at St. Francis at 9:00 a.m. There will be no communion service at St. James.
• Book Discussion: A five-week discussion of Mother Teresa: No Greater Love begins on January 2 following the 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. James.
• Confirmation Candidates’ Program: Classes on January 7, 14, 21, and 28
• Catholic Education Open Forum: January 10 at 6:30 pmat St. Catherine’s of Siena, Ithaca

Parish Weekend Mass Schedule Change:
All households have been notified that the parish weekend Mass schedule change will begin next weekend, January 6, 2018. If you did not receive a notification letter please let us know by phoning the parish office. The times and places of the parish Masses are as follows:

• Saturday at 5:00 p.m. at St. Francis Solanus, Interlaken
• Sunday at 9:00 a.m. at St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg
• Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross, Ovid

January 1 Solemnity:
January 1 is the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. This year it is not a holy day of obligation because it falls on a Monday but there will be a 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Francis Solanus church instead of the communion service at St. James. January 1 is also a day in which the Church celebrates a World Day of Prayer for Peace. All are welcome to celebrate the Solemnity and pray that all peoples of the world live in harmony devoid of terror, exploitation, and war.

2018 Calendar:
2018 calendars for the Parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy, are available in the foyers of each church. Please be aware that the notation at the bottom of the calendar stating the times of the parish weekend Masses is not up to date. The calendars were printed before the changes were announced.

Sacrament of Reconciliation:
The opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (confession) will continue on Friday evenings at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Solanus church in Interlaken. At this time, due to the weekend Mass schedule change, the sacrament will not be celebrated on Saturdays at St. James the Apostle Church in Trumansburg.

2018 Offertory Envelopes:
Parishioners using the boxes of offertory envelopes may pick up their box at the following locations: at St. James the Apostle in the Pine Room; at St. Francis Solanus in the annex, and at Holy Cross in the church vestibule/foyer. The boxes at each location are labeled with your name and address. If you would like a box of offertory envelopes please contact the parish office.

Maintenance Fund Envelopes:
In regard to the 2018 boxes of offertory envelopes, this year there is no date on the envelope marked “Maintenance Fund.” Last year one church had dates on the maintenance envelope and we tried to adhere to that date for the other two churches. The maintenance envelope is placed at the beginning of each month in the box of envelopes. This year when making a contribution to the fund, please deposit the envelope in the regular weekly Sunday collection on the Sunday of the month convenient for you. Your help with the cost of the maintenance of our buildings and grounds is always greatly appreciated.

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 outcaste. 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 first meeting will be, after the 9:00 a.m. Mass on Tuesday, January 2, 2018. Books will be provided. If you need additional information, call Camille Taranto, 387-3125.

2017-2018 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
An update as of December 8, 2017: our parish goal for the appeal is $30,549. One hundred and thirteen households have pledged $24,991, which represents 81.81% of our goal. A “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.”

Transportation in Seneca County:
The Seneca County Transportation Corps provides rides for residents of Seneca County to medical and dental appointments and other health related destinations. If you need a ride phone 315 333 2179 or email [email protected].

Cemeteries:
The parish has two cemeteries, St. James the Apostle in Trumansburg and Holy Cross in Ovid. To purchase a burial plot in either cemetery, please contact the parish office. The burial plot cost is $650.

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. “Belief in the Eucharistic presence of Christ also means that we approach the Holy Eucharist properly disposed, that is, not conscious of serious sin that requires that we avail ourselves of the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Confession, before the reception of Holy Communion. An examination of conscience before the worthy reception of the Body and Blood of Christ in the Eucharist is a serious obligation for all Catholics. (Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, no. 1454).” The Bishop’s letter in its entirety may be found on the diocese website.

Pope Condemns Death Penalty:
On October 11, 2017, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, before an international gathering of church leaders and ambassadors from many nations the pope declared that the death penalty is “contrary to the Gospel.” The Holy Father said that, “No man ever, not even the murderer, loses his personal dignity, because God is a Father who awaits the return of the son who, knowing that he has done wrong, asks pardon and begins a new life.” For this reason he declared, “life cannot be taken away from anyone.” The full address can be read here.

World Day of Peace, January 1:
Pope Francis’s message for this day carries the theme of migrants and refugees: men and women in search of peace. He writes: “Peace to all people and to all nations on earth! Peace, which the angels proclaimed to the shepherds on Christmas night, is a profound aspiration for everyone, for each individual and all peoples, and especially for those who most keenly suffer its absence. Among these whom I constantly keep in my thoughts and prayers, I would once again mention the over 250 million migrants worldwide, of who 22.5 million are refugees. Pope Benedict XVI, my beloved predecessor, spoke to them as ‘men and women, children, young and elderly people, who are searching for somewhere to live in peace.’ In order to find that peace, they are willing to risk their lives on a journey that is often long and perilous, to endure hardships and suffering, and to encounter fences and walls build to keep them far from their goal. In a spirit of compassion, let us embrace all those fleeing from war and hunger, or forced by discrimination, persecution, poverty and environmental degradation to leave their homelands.” The fifty-first World Day of Peace is January 1, 2018.

Catholic Education Open Forum:
Curious about the possibility of being able to pursue a Catholic Education for your child(ren)? Join us on Wednesday, January 10, at 6:30 pm at St. Catherine’s of Siena, Ithaca. Deborah Franklin, principal of Notre Dame High School; Karen Jennings, Notre Dame 7th & 8th grade coordinator; and Jean Yorio, principal of St. Mary Our Mother Elementary School in Horseheads will be present to discuss the academic opportunities each school has to offer. Additionally, information will be on hand regarding a bus option that will transport students from the Ithaca area to Notre Dame High School Grades 7–12 and St. Mary Our Mother Elementary School (PreK–6). Questions regarding the open forum may be directed to Michelle Barkley, director of public relations and marketing at Notre Dame High School, by calling 607-734-2267 ext. 321 or email: [email protected].

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.

Ministry Schedules for St. James the Apostle

Schedule for January 7, 2018 (First Sunday):

9:00 a.m. Mass
Lectors: Maria Connell and Lynne Stager
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Patty Messmer, Mark Scibilia-Carver, Joan Hogan

January 2018:

Lector Schedule

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:

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

Altar Server Schedule:

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