The Epiphany of the Lord ~ January 7, 2018

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

First Reading:
Nations shall walk by your light, and kings by your shining radiance. (Is. 60:3)

Psalm:
Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. (Ps. 72)

Second Reading:
Brothers and sisters: You have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace that was given to me for your benefit, namely, that the mystery was made known to me by revelation. (Eph. 3:2-3a)

Gospel:
They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Mt. 2:10-11)

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
Jesus came for everyone. No one has an exclusive claim on Christ and his birth not only transcends time and space but earthly boundaries as well. Every human being is a child of God. Jews and Gentiles alike are all coheirs, partners and members of the same body. This insight or epiphany is what we celebrate today. It also expresses our hope that one day every nation on earth will recognize and adore Jesus Christ. Jesus’ message of peace, justice, reconciliation and love are meant for everyone to hear and understand.

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
“The most important person is always the person with whom you are, who is right before you.” ~Leo Tolstoy

© 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 12 and 19, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., in St. Francis Solanus church
• 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 7, 14, 21, and 28
• National Migration Week: January 7–14, with the theme of “Many Journeys, One Family”
• Catholic Education Open Forum: January 10 at 6:30 p.m. at 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 this 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

National Migration Week:
For nearly a half century, the Catholic Church in the United States has celebrated National Migration Week, an opportunity for the Church to reflect on the circumstances confronting immigrants, refugees, children, and human trafficking survivors. This year the week will be January 7–14, 2018, and the theme is “Many Journeys, One Family,” which draws attention to the fact that all of our families have a migration story: some recent and others in the distant past. Regardless of where we are and where we came from, we remain part of the human family and are called to live in solidarity with one another. Join the U.S. Catholic bishops in support of protecting immigrants and refugees by sending an electronic postcard to Washington, D.C., asking that lawmakers ensure humane treatment and reforms towards migrants and refugees. The postcards may be sent from Justice for Immigrants’ (JFI) homepage at www.justiceforimmigrants.org. More information about the Catholic bishops’ JFI campaign may also be found at www.sharejourney.org.

Christmas Season and Ordinary Time:
The Christmas season begins on Christmas day and concludes with the celebration of the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, this year on January 8. As part of the liturgical year, ordinary time this year will begin on Tuesday, January 9, and will continue through Tuesday, February 13, the day before Ash Wednesday which begins the Lenten season. Ordinary time will resume again when the Easter season ends, that is, on Monday, May 21, the day following Pentecost.

Home Blessing Kit:
For many Catholics, Epiphany is traditionally a time to bless the home. At each of the Masses on Epiphany there will be “blessing kits” available to take home. Families who so desire may take a kit and use the materials to bless their homes for the coming year. Instructions, prayers and blessed chalk will be in the kits to assist you.

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 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.

2017-2018 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
An update of December 22, 2017, was issued: our parish goal for the appeal is $30,549. One hundred and twenty-one households have pledged $27,646 which represents 90.50% 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.”

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. “…the November 14, 2006, document of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops entitled: Happy Are Those Who are Called to His Supper: On Preparing to Receive Christ Worthily in the Eucharist. Here we read: ‘Manifesting the Father’s mercy, Jesus instituted the Sacrament of Penance to allow us to confess our sins in repentance, receive absolution from the priest, and so receive again the grace of the Holy Spirit, who once more makes us living members of Christ’s body, the Church.’ (p. 8). Further on, the instruction states: ‘Sin undermines and weakens our communion not only with the Blessed Trinity but also with one another. Therefore, in order to overcome the cause of sin, we are called to daily repentance and to regular participation in the Sacrament of Penance’ (p. 13).”

Catholic Charities for Tompkins/Tioga:
A thank you letter was sent to the parish: “We are so grateful for your kind donation of the many new hats, gloves and other warm clothing, which our agency will be distributing to low income families as part of our Samaritan Center program. Your generosity warms our hearts, and we know it will warm many bodies as well!”

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 and 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 (pre-K–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

January 14, 2018 (second weekend):
Lectors: Mark Scibilia-Carver and Barbara Willers
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:  Lynne Stager, Cathy DelSignore, Joan Hogan

January 21, 2018 (third weekend):
Lectors: Barbara Willers and Beth Duff
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Tom Duff, Mark Scibilia-Carver, Joan Hogan

January 2018:

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