Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity ~ May 27, 2018

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

First reading:
“This is why you must now know, and fix in your heart, that the LORD is God in the heavens above and on earth below, and that there is no other.” (Dt. 4:39)

Psalm:
Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. (Ps. 33)

Second reading:
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. (Rom. 8:16)

Gospel:
Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” (Mt. 28:18-19)

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
The love relationship that exists among the Persons of the Holy Trinity is both intense and intimate. As beautiful as this teaching is, it demonstrates how human language really pales in trying to capture the essence of God. The Father brings us to the creative, powerful, yet gently meticulous part of God who has brought mountains and hills into being, as well as each of his children. Still the Father is more than this. The Son demonstrates the unconditional love of God filled with endless mercy and compassion. This love really understands the journey of the marginalized and the poor and has no use for created powers and structures that alienate and hurt people. But the Son is even more than this. The Holy Spirit is the breath of God who teaches wisdom and brings understanding, who governs the seasons and discerns the thoughts of human hearts. Yet the Holy Spirit is still more than this. We worship a God who is beyond and also intimately bonded to all that he has made, without whom nothing could be sustained in being. Praise the Holy Trinity!

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, 3:00 p.m. (May 29 and June 12). 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. (May 28 and June 11)
• Meeting with Fr. Bernard: 6:30 p.m. every Friday at St. Francis Solanus church, Interlaken, no appointment needed.
• Small-group Retreat: “33 Days to Morning Glory,” through May 29, from 6:50–8:30 p.m., in the Holy Cross parish house
• Parish Council Nominations: The selection of new members will take place this weekend at each of the churches
• Financial Peace University: A nine week course of learning and exploration that has the power to transform your financial life begins May 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the Traders Village, State Route 89, Romulus
• Priesthood Vocation: For Catholic men, ages 17–35 who have expressed interest in the priesthood, “24 Hours with the Lord,” will take place June 1 and 2
• “Sharing the Light” Award Dinner: Honoring Phyllis Motill, June 14, at the Hobart and William Smith College, Geneva, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
• A Grand Adventure by Bus: Visit Our Lady of Victory national shrine (Fr. Baker shrine) and the Buffalo-Erie County Botanical Gardens in Lackawanna on Tuesday, June 19
• Summer Religious Education: from Monday, August 13, through Friday, August 17, at the St. Fidelis Friary boathouse. Each day will begin at 8:30 a.m. and last until 3:30 p.m.

Funeral:
Beverly Marie Cleveland died on May 13, 2018, at the age of 92. Fr. Bernard led a prayer service at the Perkins Funeral Home in Dryden on May 16.

Wedding:
Benjamin Wright and Amber Denman were married on May 19, 2018, at Holy Cross Church in Ovid with Fr. John Tokaz, OFM Cap., officiating.

Easter Duty:
“All the faithful, after they have been initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, are bound by the obligation of receiving Communion at least once a year. The precept must be fulfilled during the Easter season unless it is fulfilled for a just cause at some other time during the year.” (Church Law #920) In reference to this law the Easter season is considered from the First Sunday of Lent until Trinity Sunday (this year May 27).

2017–2018 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA):
We not only reached our given goal, we surpassed it! On May 18, 2018, it was reported that our parishioners pledged $30,973, 101.39% of the parish goal of $30,549. Our appreciation goes to the 145 households who have participated in the CMA and a special expression of gratitude to parishioners who made extraordinary contributions. We would not have reached our goal without your contributions. The appeal concludes this week. “Thank you all!”

Summer Faith Formation Program:
The parish’s summer religious education program will run from Monday, August 13, through Friday, August 17. Each day will begin at 8:30 a.m. and last until 3:30 p.m. at the St. Fidelis Friary boathouse, 153 County Road 153, Interlaken. There is a fee of $50 per child, with a discount if siblings are attending. Do not let the registration fee prevent your child from attending. If you have questions please contact Helen Arco at [email protected]. Parents are asked to please sign up their children by Friday, June 29. The registration form is available here.

Personal Care Products Collection:
During the month of May donations of personal care items for the clients of our local food pantries are being solicited. While many personal care items are donated to the food pantries throughout the year, additional attention is being paid to these items that are needed on a constant basis. Personal care products that are needed include soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body soap or washes, shaving soap, razors, and deodorants. This special collection will end this Sunday, May 27.

Sharing the Light Award Dinner:
The Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes sponsors the “Sharing the Light” award dinner to honor those who give so much of their time and talent to the betterment of our community. This year, our parishioner, Phyllis Motill, will be one of the recipients of the award. The event, at $50 per person, will take place Thursday, June 14, at the Hobart and William Smith College, Geneva, N.Y. beginning at 5:30 p.m. For more information phone Rhonda at 315 789 2686 X 104. Register on website at https://www.catholiccharitiesfl.org.

Financial Peace University:
Using timeless principles imparted by the Bible and proven methods, all are invited to undertake a nine-week course of learning and exploration that has the power to transform your financial life. Classes begin Wednesday, May 30, at 6:30 p.m. at the Traders Village, 6128 State Route 89, Romulus. To register phone Peter Arena (607) 280 0064, email at [email protected], or go to: fpu.com/1064632.

A Grand Adventure:
St. Mary’s of the Lake Parish, Watkins Glen, is hosting a bus trip to Our Lady of Victory National Shrine (Fr. Baker Shrine) and the Buffalo-Erie County Botanical Gardens in Lackawanna on Tuesday, June 19. The bus departs from St. Mary’s in Watkins Glen, 905 Decatur Street, at 8 a.m. arriving at the shrine around 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a relaxing, spiritually uplifting day while also visiting the Fr. Baker museum, the gift shop, and attending Mass at 12:10. The Botanical Gardens, with an array of flowers and plant life, are just a block away. The bus will depart at 4:00 p.m. arriving at St. Mary’s at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $40 and you should bring your own lunch. For more information and reservations phone 607 525 2786.

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.

Cemeteries:
The Parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy has two cemeteries: St. James the Apostle and Holy Cross. The cost of a burial plot at either location is $650. If you are interested in purchasing a plot of have other questions about the cemeteries, please phone the parish office for further information.

Diocese of Rochester Permanent Diaconate:
The deacon is a man of faith, called from the community that already recognizes his dedication to service. He makes a lifetime commitment to serving the People of God by proclaiming the Word, assisting and presiding at liturgies, and ministering in the areas of charity and social justice. The diocese is inviting interested men who may wish to explore a possible call to ordained ministry as a permanent deacon, to first speak with their pastor for an initial conversation. For additional information they may also contact Deacon Edward Giblin, director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate at [email protected]. A potential candidate must be at least thirty-five years old and no older than sixty-two at the time of ordination after a five year period of formation. He must be in good health, emotionally mature, have stable relationships, and have the wholehearted support of his wife (if married) and family to enter the phase of inquiry. The parish community is asked as well to invite from among its members men who exhibit strong faith and a spirit of service and encourage them to consider a possible vocation to the permanent diaconate.

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.

The Seneca County Transportation Corps:
This organization 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].

Ministry Schedule for St. James the Apostle

May 27, 9:00 a.m. (fourth Sunday):
Lectors: Lynne Stager (for Beth Duff) and Tim Davis
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Mark Scibilia-Carver for Tom Duff, Joan Hogan, Tim O’Boyle

June 3, 9:00 a.m. (first Sunday):
Lectors: Lynne Stager and Barbara Willers
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Joan Hogan, Patty Messmer, Mark Scibilia-Carver

Ministry Schedule for St. Francis Solanus Church

5:00 p.m. Mass on Saturdays

Ministry schedule for Holy Cross

May 2018:

(forthcoming)