Year: 2022

National Eucharistic Revival: June 19, 2022–Pentecost 2025

First Reading:
“So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites, and I will bless them (Nm. 6:27)

Psalm:
May God bless us in his mercy. (Ps. 67)

Second Reading:
When the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman. (Gal. 4:4)

Gospel:
The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph, and the infant lying in the manger. (Lk. 2:16)

Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass ©2001, 1998, 1970 CCD. The English translation of Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
The shepherds returned from Bethlehem “glorifying and praising God.” They were affected deeply by the sight of the infant Messiah and the message of the angels. What would the world look like, if we allowed ourselves to be likewise impacted by the word of God?
©LPi

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:

 

 

 

 

 

 

©LPi

---

Events:

• Food Pantries:
  • Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
  • Food Truck: First Tuesday of the month (Jan. 3), 4:00–6:00 p.m., South Seneca High School
  • Interlaken Reformed church: Fridays, 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Trumansburg Food Pantry: Every other Monday (January 2) 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:15–6:00 p.m., Methodist church
• Family Hope Center: Tuesdays 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., and Thursdays 4:00–6:00 p.m., Holy Cross
• Fr. Bernard is available: Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Confirmation program: Saturdays, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Religious Education: January 14, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Prayer for Healing and Harmony: St. James
  • Every Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, January 12 & 26, 7:30 p.m.
• Taizé Prayer: January 12 & 26, 4:00 p.m., St. James
• Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: Wednesdays, 3:15 p.m., St. James
• Bernard is away: January 27–February 25

2022-2023 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
The CMA report of December 14, 2022 reported that 85 parish households have contributed to the CMA. We thank those who have given generously and ask all who have not yet given to prayerfully consider doing so. The CMA helps our Church and our parish in so many ways. Please consider all the ways that God has blessed you and your family and think how the Church has brought goodness into your lives. Join our appeal and give back what you can so that we remain strong and able to do God’s great work. Thank you to everyone who has responded with a gift or pledge. The given parish goal is $31,000 and our parish households have pledged $23,795 which represents 76.76% of our parish goal. Let us continue to pray for the success of our efforts.

Christmas Season:
The Christmas Season always ends with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord. This year that feast day occurs on Monday, January 9, 2023. Next Sunday, January 8th in our country, is the celebration of the Epiphany of the Lord, many times referred to as “Little Christmas”.

Pastor Will be Away:
Fr. Bernard will be away Saturday, January 21, through Saturday, February 25, 2023, the weekend of the First Sunday of Lent. The Sacrament of Reconciliation and/or personal dialogue held on Fridays from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at St. Francis Solanus Church are cancelled while Fr. Bernard is away.

Coverage During the Absence of the Pastor:
Fr. Richard Crawley, OFM Cap. will be covering for Fr. Bernard for the weekend Masses and the 8:30 a.m. Mass on Tuesdays and Thursdays at St. Francis Solanus Church.

Kathleen E. Rourke will lead a communion service at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at St. James the Apostle Church.

Thank you:
Ron Singer is the Chair of the Parish Buildings and Grounds Committee. He spends hours volunteering to oversee the repairs and needed renovations required for the care of our buildings and grounds. The recent installation of heat pumps at St. James and St. Francis is an example of the hours spent with contractors and eventually hours spent with overseeing the installation. Our parish is indebted to him, and for this we want parishioners know of his service and publicly express our appreciation and gratitude.

Parish Christmas Social:
On Sunday, December 18th from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the St. James the Apostle Pine Room, a parish social was held. Parishioners from all parts of our parish territory were present. We “thank” the Fellowship Committee of the Parish Council: Russ Wedemeyer, Scott Hamula, Jacqueline Leindenfrost and Susan Guydosh for the planning and set-up for the event. We “Thank” also the many who brought Christmas pastries for the gathering.

Boxed Offertory Envelopes:
Boxed offertory envelopes for 2023 are available in the foyers of the churches for parishioners who are presently using them. Parishioners wishing to have boxed offertory envelopes, please notify the Parish Office and a box to envelopes will be made available for pick-up.

“Thank You”:
Carol Grove, Coordinator of the Trumansburg Food Pantry, sent Christmas greetings saying, “Thank you! Your Pantry volunteers are wonderful! … for helping our friends in the community feel supported and loved.”

Parish Cemeteries:
The Parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy has two cemeteries: St. James the Apostle Cemetery and Holy Cross Cemetery. The Parish Cemetery Advisory Committee met on November 29, 2022 to revise the cost for grave sites and burials set in 2016. The revised cost schedule for a grave site is $700. A “Green Burial Site” at St. James the Apostle Cemetery will cost $950. The following will be the cost for burials: for a full burial, that is, for a body and casket, the cost will be $800; and for cremation remains, $500. The new cost schedule will begin January 1, 2023.

Prayer For Our Parish:
The Sisters of St. Joseph have notified our parish that Sisters Anne Marie Burns and Sister Dolores Bachman will be praying for our parishioners and parish during this 2023 year. We thank the sisters for their thoughtfulness and kindness to us. In the same thoughtfulness and kindness may we pray for the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Come & See Discernment Weekend:
The Capuchin Franciscans of the Province of St. Mary will hold this weekend January 20–22, 2023, at St. Michael Friary, Brooklyn, NY. Men between 18 (post high school) and 40 interested in and actively discerning a vocation to religious life are welcome. For more information please contact Fr. Marvin Bearis, OFM Cap. at 203–382–4513 or .

Euchre Tourmament:
Beginning January 7 through April 15, The Knights of Columbus will be holding a monthly Euchre Tournament at St. Mary’s gym, 35 Center St., Waterloo. Games will take place on Saturday each month. Registration begins at 12:30 p.m. Game begins at 1:00 p.m. Cost is $20. Six games are played on each game date. There will be cash payouts for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, & 4th places.

Donating to Your Parish:
Online giving by WeShare is safe, simple and convenient. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Visit the parish website’s giving page: marymotherofmercy.com/giving
2. Follow the directions under the “Donate Online” section.
3. Set up your donation or payment.

That’s it! Your account will be created and you can put away your checkbook. If you experience any problem, please e-mail Eileen at

Opportunities for Prayer and Sharing – St. James Pine Room:

• Prayer for Healing & Harmony: every Wednesday, 2:00–3:00 p.m., and the 2nd & 4th Thursdays (January 12 & 26), 7:30–8:30 p.m.
• Read and Reflect: every Wednesday, 3:15–4:15 p.m. (Hope Against Darkness by Richard Rohr)
• Taizé prayer: 2nd and 4th Thursdays (January 12 & 26), 4:00–5:00 p.m.

Any questions? Phone Sr. Anne at 607-209-4206 or email .

Family Hope Center:
The Family Hope Center has two locations: one in Geneva and a satellite location in Ovid in the Holy Cross Church Rectory. Family Hope Center fights for life by valuing life above all else. It means offering support through free pregnancy tests, a limited ultrasound referral, parenting and life skills classes, bible studies, material aid such as diapers and clothing, and through our forgiven and set free post abortion study. It means looking at our clients and saying, “I see your life; I value your life. I see and value your children’s lives. You are important and loved.” Women come to the Family Hope Center to be valued. To learn more visit familyhopecentergeneva.org, call 315–789–0708, or email .

Please take time this week to pray the rosary for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic and for world peace, especially in Ukraine.

Prayers for Our Parish:
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester have a prayer ministry for the Diocese of Rochester. Sister Anne Marie Burns will be praying for our parish and parishioners throughout 2022. We thank the Sisters for their thoughtfulness and kindness toward us. In our appreciation, please keep the Sisters of St. Joseph, especially Sr. Anne Marie, in your thoughts and prayers.

Mass Intention Requests:
Parishioners requesting a Mass intention for a particular date and time can do so by completing the “Mass Intentions Request Form” located in the foyers of the churches. Mass intentions may also be requested by phoning the parish office.

Sanctuary Lamp:
In Catholic Churches, a candle is always lit to indicate that the Blessed Sacrament is present in the church. This candle is called the “sanctuary lamp.” Every week the candle or oil is renewed. In many churches, people donate to the church for the sanctuary lamp be lit for the week for the intention of the donor. This has been the custom at Holy Cross Church, Ovid and is now extended to St. James the Apostle and St. Francis Solanus Churches. In making the donation simply put on the envelope, “donation for the sanctuary lamp” and specify the week and, if so desired, your intention.

Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes:
The Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes is located at 551 Exchange St. in Geneva with an office in Ovid at 7231 Main St. “If you regret your abortion, you are not alone. Let us help you learn to forgive yourself.” For more information phone 315 789 0708, text: 315-945-1019, or e-mail .

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.

Prayer Intentions:
Please feel free to add your prayer requests in the books available for that purpose in each church. The prayer requests of fellow parishioners are listed on the parish website (see PRAYERS in top bar). You may also add a request by emailing the parish at or phoning the parish office at 607–294–0064 and it will be added to the list.

Let Us Pray:
Please remember in your prayers those members of our parish who are in the hospital, sick at home, in a nursing home, or who have requested our prayers (see the list on the parish’s PRAYERS page). We also ask you to pray for those who have died. May the Lord bring comfort to their family and friends during this difficult time and may they find hope in the Resurrection.

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National Eucharistic Revival: June 19, 2022–Pentecost 2025

First Reading:
For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. (Is. 9:5)

Psalm:
Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. (Ps. 96)

Second Reading:
Beloved: The grace of God has appeared, saving all. (Ti. 2:11)

Gospel:
“Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.” (Lk. 2:10-11)

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
The true meaning of Christmas is not found in the twinkling lights, the beautifully adorned trees, or the exchanged gifts. It is revealed when we find God along the way of our lives, especially when we feel displaced, desperate, and alone. Fleeing from their home, Joseph and Mary cautiously made their way through the uncertain, complex, and dark paths to a longed-for place of safety and welcome. Not sure where to lay their heads, they created makeshift preparations for the birth of their child, the Son of God. God, who always was, is, and will be, without beginning or end is the one constant in life who sees us through difficult and scary times. Jesus is the light, which enlightens everyone, and comes into the world to show us the truth. It is joyful good news that calms our fears and allows us to go forth into the nighttime of our lives, courageously. This is the meaning of Christmas. We are never lost or alone. God is with us, loving us and leading us where we need to be.
©LPi

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:

 

 

 

 

 

 

©LPi

---

Events:

• Food Pantries:
  • Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
  • Food Truck: First Tuesday of the month (Jan. 3), 4:00–6:00 p.m., South Seneca High School
  • Interlaken Reformed church: Fridays, 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Trumansburg Food Pantry: Every other Monday (January 2) 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:15–6:00 p.m., Methodist church
• Family Hope Center: Tuesdays 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., and Thursdays 4:00–6:00 p.m., Holy Cross
• Fr. Bernard is available: Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Confirmation program: Saturdays, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Religious Education: January 14, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Prayer for Healing and Harmony: James
• Every Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.
• Thursday, January 12 & 26, 7:30 p.m.
• Taizé Prayer: January 12 & 26, 4:00 p.m., St. James
• Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: Wednesdays, 3:15 p.m., St. James

Boxed Offertory Envelopes:
Boxed offertory envelopes for 2023 are available in the foyers of the churches for parishioners who are presently using them. Parishioners wishing to have boxed offertory envelopes, please notify the Parish Office and a box to envelopes will be made available for pick-up.

Christmas Mass Schedule:
Saturday, December 24:

•  4:00 p.m. St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg
•  8:00 p.m. Holy Cross, Ovid

Sunday, December 25 – one Mass only:

•  9:00 a.m. St. Francis Solanus, Interlaken

8:30 a.m. Daily Mass:

On Monday, December 26, and Tuesday, December 27, there will be no 8:30 a.m. Mass.

Friday, December 30:
The feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph is usually celebrated on the first Sunday after Christmas. However, because this year the Eighth Day of Christmas and the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God fell on the first Sunday after Christmas, the feast of the Holy Family has been transferred to Friday, December 30. It is a family day celebration and a good time to gather families to celebrate the family’s union with Jesus in the Eucharist (Holy Communion). There will be one Mass that day: 8:30 a.m. at St. Francis Solanus.

January 1, 2023 (Sunday):
New Year’s Day is the Octave Day (Eighth Day) of Christmas. It is also the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. In celebration of that day, the Masses will be the parish’s regularly weekend Mass schedule, that is: Saturday, December 31, 4:00 p.m. at St. Francis Solanus Church; and Sunday, January 1, 9:00 a.m. at St. James the Apostle Church and 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Church.

Update: 2022-2023 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
The CMA report of December 8, 2022, reported that 82 parish households have contributed to the CMA. We thank those who have given generously and ask all who have not yet given to prayerfully consider doing so. The CMA helps our Church and our parish in so many ways. Please consider all the ways that God has blessed you and your family and think how the Church has brought goodness into your lives. Join our appeal and give back what you can so that we remain strong and able to do God’s great work. Thank you to everyone who has responded with a gift or pledge. The given parish goal is $31,000 and our parish households have pledged $23,555 which represents 75.98% of our parish goal. Let us continue to pray for the success of our efforts.

Parish Cemeteries:
The Parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy has two cemeteries: St. James the Apostle Cemetery and Holy Cross Cemetery. The Parish Cemetery Advisory Committee met on November 29, 2022 to revise the cost for grave sites and burials set in 2016. The revised cost schedule for a grave site is $700. A “Green Burial Site” at St. James the Apostle Cemetery will cost $950. The following will be the cost for burials: for a full burial, that is, for a body and casket, the cost will be $800; and for cremation remains, $500. The new cost schedule will begin January 1, 2023.

2023 Parish Calendars:
Parish Calendars for next year (2023) have been placed in the foyers of the churches. Parishioners are welcome to take one for their home. The calendar theme is Feasts And Saints.

Priesthood:
Men interested in possibly being ordained a priest are invited to a dinner, discussion and prayer on Thursday, December 29, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Our Mother of Sorrows Rectory, 5,000 Mt. Read Blvd. Rochester, NY. Please phone or email Fr. Joseph Martuscello: 607–438–7337 or .

National Eucharistic Revival:
Sign-up for the weekly newsletter “Heart of the Revival.” The newsletter contains weekly reflections, videos, and resources from trusted voices in every corner of the Church designed to help you enkindle, rekindle, and deepen a living relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist.

The Catholic Catechism:
Ascension Press is launching The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) on January 1, 2023! With this podcast, Catholics will read the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 days and transform their relationship with the Church that Christ founded. If you have ever wanted to understand what it means to be Catholic—this podcast is for you! For more information and to sign-up go to: ascensionpress.com.

Donating to Your Parish:
Online giving by WeShare is safe, simple and convenient. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Visit the parish website’s giving page: marymotherofmercy.com/giving
2. Follow the directions under the “Donate Online” section.
3. Set up your donation or payment.

That’s it! Your account will be created and you can put away your checkbook. If you experience any problem, please e-mail Eileen at

Opportunities for Prayer and Sharing – St. James Pine Room:

• Prayer for Healing & Harmony: every Wednesday, 2:00–3:00 p.m., and the 2nd & 4th Thursdays (January 12 & 26), 7:30–8:30 p.m.
• Read and Reflect: every Wednesday, 3:15–4:15 p.m. (Hope Against Darkness by Richard Rohr)
• Taizé prayer: 2nd and 4th Thursdays (January 12 & 26), 4:00–5:00 p.m.

Any questions? Phone Sr. Anne at 607-209-4206 or email .

Family Hope Center:
The Family Hope Center has two locations: one in Geneva and a satellite location in Ovid in the Holy Cross Church Rectory. Family Hope Center fights for life by valuing life above all else. It means offering support through free pregnancy tests, a limited ultrasound referral, parenting and life skills classes, bible studies, material aid such as diapers and clothing, and through our forgiven and set free post abortion study. It means looking at our clients and saying, “I see your life; I value your life. I see and value your children’s lives. You are important and loved.” Women come to the Family Hope Center to be valued. To learn more visit familyhopecentergeneva.org, call 315–789–0708, or email .

Please take time this week to pray the rosary for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic and for world peace, especially in Ukraine.

Prayers for Our Parish:
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester have a prayer ministry for the Diocese of Rochester. Sister Anne Marie Burns will be praying for our parish and parishioners throughout 2022. We thank the Sisters for their thoughtfulness and kindness toward us. In our appreciation, please keep the Sisters of St. Joseph, especially Sr. Anne Marie, in your thoughts and prayers.

Mass Intention Requests:
Parishioners requesting a Mass intention for a particular date and time can do so by completing the “Mass Intentions Request Form” located in the foyers of the churches. Mass intentions may also be requested by phoning the parish office.

Sanctuary Lamp:
In Catholic Churches, a candle is always lit to indicate that the Blessed Sacrament is present in the church. This candle is called the “sanctuary lamp.” Every week the candle or oil is renewed. In many churches, people donate to the church for the sanctuary lamp be lit for the week for the intention of the donor. This has been the custom at Holy Cross Church, Ovid and is now extended to St. James the Apostle and St. Francis Solanus Churches. In making the donation simply put on the envelope, “donation for the sanctuary lamp” and specify the week and, if so desired, your intention.

Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes:
The Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes is located at 551 Exchange St. in Geneva with an office in Ovid at 7231 Main St. “If you regret your abortion, you are not alone. Let us help you learn to forgive yourself.” For more information phone 315 789 0708, text: 315-945-1019, or e-mail .

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.

Prayer Intentions:
Please feel free to add your prayer requests in the books available for that purpose in each church. The prayer requests of fellow parishioners are listed on the parish website (see PRAYERS in top bar). You may also add a request by emailing the parish at or phoning the parish office at 607–294–0064 and it will be added to the list.

Let Us Pray:
Please remember in your prayers those members of our parish who are in the hospital, sick at home, in a nursing home, or who have requested our prayers (see the list on the parish’s PRAYERS page). We also ask you to pray for those who have died. May the Lord bring comfort to their family and friends during this difficult time and may they find hope in the Resurrection.

---

National Eucharistic Revival: June 19, 2022–Pentecost 2025

First Reading:
Therefore the Lord himself will give you this sign: the virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel. (Is. 7:3-4)

Psalm:
Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory. (Ps. 24)

Second Reading:
The gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in power. (Rom. 1:15)

Gospel:
The angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.” (Mt. 1:20)

Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass ©2001, 1998, 1970 CCD. The English translation of Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
“God is with us.” This is the one constant in the unpredictability of life. The particulars of our lives can change, not only instantly but dramatically. People experiencing a time of peace can easily find themselves at war. Times of prosperity can rapidly become times of want. Our vision for the future can be destroyed, and our securities placed in jeopardy. These final days of Advent allow us to make final preparations. The true safety and security we seek can only come from God. The rest, harmony, and peacefulness we desire are found in God alone. How do we know this to be true? God Himself gave us a sign: Emmanuel, God with us. Do not be afraid, and do not be unbelieving. Hold fast to what God has done in giving us His only begotten Son. We do not have to anxiously attempt to control life’s unpredictability. All we need to do is make sure that our hearts are in the proper place and seeking the right things!
©LPi

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:

 

 

 

©LPi

---

Events:

• Food Pantries:
  • Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
  • Food Truck: First Tuesday of the month (Jan. 3), 4:00–6:00 p.m., South Seneca High School
  • Interlaken Reformed church: Fridays, 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Trumansburg Food Pantry: Every other Monday (December 19) 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:15–6:00 p.m., Methodist church
• Family Hope Center: Tuesdays 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., and Thursdays 4:00–6:00 p.m., Holy Cross
• Fr. Bernard is available: Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Confirmation program: Saturdays, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Christmas Social: December 18, 1:00–3:00 p.m., St. James the Apostle
• Prayer for Healing and Harmony: James
  • Every Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, December 22, 7:30 p.m.
• Taizé Prayer: December 22, 4:00 p.m., St. James
• Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: Wednesdays, 3:15 p.m., St. James

Update: 2022-2023 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA)
The active phase of our parish CMA campaign continues. Thank you to everyone who has responded with a gift or pledge. If you have not yet responded, please prayerfully consider a gift. The given parish goal is $31,000. It was reported on December 8th that 82 parish households have pledged $23,555 which represents 75.98% of our parish goal. Let us continue to pray for the success of our efforts.

Christmas Social at St. James the Apostle:
Spread the word! All are invited to a Christmas Social this Sunday from 1:00–3:00 p.m. at St. James the Apostle Church, Trumansburg. Come make decorations, enjoy hot chocolate, and spend time with your parish community. If able, bring your favorite Christmas treat to share.

Christmas Mass Schedule:
Saturday, December 24:

• 4:00 p.m. St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg
• 8:00 p.m. Holy Cross, Ovid

Sunday, December 25 – one Mass only:

• 9:00 a.m. St. Francis Solanus, Interlaken

Please do two things:
a) make preparations for attendance, and
b) spread the news regarding the schedule of Christmas Masses at the Parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy.

Volunteer for Trumansburg Food Pantry:
December is the month for our parish to provide volunteers for the Trumansburg Food Pantry. The sign-up sheets and more details can be found in the foyers. Monday, December 19, is the final date to help. Thank you.

Birthright Donations and Mitten Tree:
As we have done in the past during Advent, our parish will be collecting baby and toddler items for Birthright in Ithaca. Please place your donations, unwrapped, in the basket near the side altar at St. James. They are especially in need of diapers (size 4 &5).
Another tradition at St. James has been the Mitten Tree. Children’s or adults’ mittens, gloves, scarves, hats, and socks can be hung on the tree during Advent. Items will be brought to Catholic Charities in Ithaca. (There is a special need for men’s items.)

Parish Cemeteries:
The Parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy has two cemeteries: St. James the Apostle Cemetery and Holy Cross Cemetery. The Parish Cemetery Advisory Committee met on November 29, 2022 to revise the cost for grave sites and burials set in 2016. The revised cost schedule for a grave site is $700. A “Green Burial Site” at St. James the Apostle Cemetery will cost $950. The following will be the cost for burials: for a full burial, that is, for a body and casket, the cost will be $800; and for cremation remains, $500. The new cost schedule will begin January 1, 2023.

Boxed Offertory Envelopes:
Boxed offertory envelopes for 2023 are available in the foyers of the churches for parishioners who are presently using them. Parishioners wishing to have boxed offertory envelopes, please notify the Parish Office and a box to envelopes will be made available for pick-up.

Thank You:
Fr. Paul Gitau, Diocesan Director for The Society for the Propagation of the Faith for the Diocese of Rochester, sent a letter of gratitude to our parish for the collection taken up on the weekend of July 24, 2022, for the Diocese of Cuddapah, India. The collection amounted to $1,858. Fr. John Bosco Duraisamy visited our parish on that weekend and made the appeal on behalf of the Society of the Propagation of the Faith and his Diocese of Cuddapah, India.

Priesthood:
Men interested in possibly being ordained a priest are invited to a dinner, discussion and prayer on Thursday, December 29, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Our Mother of Sorrows Rectory, 5,000 Mt. Read Blvd. Rochester, NY. Please phone or email Fr. Joseph Martuscello: 607–438–7337 or .

2023 Parish Calendars:
Parish Calendars for next year (2023) have been placed in the foyers of the churches. Parishioners are welcome to take one for their home. The calendar theme is Feasts And Saints.

National Eucharistic Revival:
Sign-up for the weekly newsletter “Heart of the Revival.” The newsletter contains weekly reflections, videos, and resources from trusted voices in every corner of the Church designed to help you enkindle, rekindle, and deepen a living relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. Visit eucharisticrevival.org to sign-up for the free newsletter.

The Catholic Catechism:
Ascension Press is launching The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) on January 1, 2023! With this podcast, Catholics will read the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 days and transform their relationship with the Church that Christ founded. If you have ever wanted to understand what it means to be Catholic—this podcast is for you! For more information and to sign-up go to: ascensionpress.com.

Donating to Your Parish:
Online giving by WeShare is safe, simple and convenient. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Visit the parish website’s giving page: marymotherofmercy.com/giving
2. Follow the directions under the “Donate Online” section.
3. Set up your donation or payment.

That’s it! Your account will be created and you can put away your checkbook. If you experience any problem, please e-mail Eileen at

Opportunities for Prayer and Sharing – St. James Pine Room:

• Prayer for Healing & Harmony: every Wednesday, 2:00–3:00 p.m., and the 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:30–8:30 p.m. (Dec. 22)
• Read and Reflect: every Wednesday, 3:15–4:15 p.m. (Hope Against Darkness by Richard Rohr)
• Taizé prayer: 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 4:00–5:00 p.m. (Dec. 22)

Any questions? Phone Sr. Anne at 607-209-4206 or email .

Family Hope Center:
The Family Hope Center has two locations: one in Geneva and a satellite location in Ovid in the Holy Cross Church Rectory. Family Hope Center fights for life by valuing life above all else. It means offering support through free pregnancy tests, a limited ultrasound referral, parenting and life skills classes, bible studies, material aid such as diapers and clothing, and through our forgiven and set free post abortion study. It means looking at our clients and saying, “I see your life; I value your life. I see and value your children’s lives. You are important and loved.” Women come to the Family Hope Center to be valued. To learn more visit familyhopecentergeneva.org, call 315–789–0708, or email .

Please take time this week to pray the rosary for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic and for world peace, especially in Ukraine.

Prayers for Our Parish:
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester have a prayer ministry for the Diocese of Rochester. Sister Anne Marie Burns will be praying for our parish and parishioners throughout 2022. We thank the Sisters for their thoughtfulness and kindness toward us. In our appreciation, please keep the Sisters of St. Joseph, especially Sr. Anne Marie, in your thoughts and prayers.

Mass Intention Requests:
Parishioners requesting a Mass intention for a particular date and time can do so by completing the “Mass Intentions Request Form” located in the foyers of the churches. Mass intentions may also be requested by phoning the parish office.

Sanctuary Lamp:
In Catholic Churches, a candle is always lit to indicate that the Blessed Sacrament is present in the church. This candle is called the “sanctuary lamp.” Every week the candle or oil is renewed. In many churches, people donate to the church for the sanctuary lamp be lit for the week for the intention of the donor. This has been the custom at Holy Cross Church, Ovid and is now extended to St. James the Apostle and St. Francis Solanus Churches. In making the donation simply put on the envelope, “donation for the sanctuary lamp” and specify the week and, if so desired, your intention.

Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes:
The Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes is located at 551 Exchange St. in Geneva with an office in Ovid at 7231 Main St. “If you regret your abortion, you are not alone. Let us help you learn to forgive yourself.” For more information phone 315 789 0708, text: 315-945-1019, or e-mail .

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.

Prayer Intentions:
Please feel free to add your prayer requests in the books available for that purpose in each church. The prayer requests of fellow parishioners are listed on the parish website (see PRAYERS in top bar). You may also add a request by emailing the parish at or phoning the parish office at 607–294–0064 and it will be added to the list.

Let Us Pray:
Please remember in your prayers those members of our parish who are in the hospital, sick at home, in a nursing home, or who have requested our prayers (see the list on the parish’s PRAYERS page). We also ask you to pray for those who have died. May the Lord bring comfort to their family and friends during this difficult time and may they find hope in the Resurrection.

---

National Eucharistic Revival: June 19, 2022–Pentecost 2025

First Reading:
Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; with divine recompense he comes to save you. (Is. 35:4)

Psalm:
Lord, come and save us. (Ps. 146)
Or
Alleluia.

Second Reading:
Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. (Jas. 5:7)

Gospel:
When John the Baptist heard in prison of the works of the Christ, he sent his disciples to Jesus with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” (Mt. 11:2-3)

Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass ©2001, 1998, 1970 CCD. The English translation of Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
We can often feel parched, desolate, lifeless, and dark. Even though we still engage in the business and demands of life, we find ourselves somewhat detached, disengaged, and removed. We lack joy, wonder, awe, and zest. Rather than being an experience of freedom and excitement, life holds us captive. We are tethered to systems, agendas, protocols, regulations, and expectations that go against the grain of what it means to be God’s child. We find ourselves in a desert. Jesus came to release us from all of this negativity and desolation. John the Baptist announced the arrival of the One who embodies healing, reconciliation, freedom, and life. Stop complaining about what you don’t have. Prepare for the arrival of the remedy to life’s despair. Be strong, fear not! Christ will save us from life’s distortions, illusions, and disappointments. Be patient. With proper time and care, all will be well.
©LPi

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:

 

 

 

 

 

©LPi

---

Events:

• Food Pantries:
  • Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
  • Food Truck: First Tuesday of the month (Jan. 3), 4:00–6:00 p.m., South Seneca High School
  • Interlaken Reformed church: Fridays, 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Trumansburg Food Pantry: Every other Monday (December 19) 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:15–6:00 p.m., Methodist church
• Family Hope Center: Tuesdays 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., and Thursdays 4:00–6:00 p.m., Holy Cross
• Fr. Bernard is available: Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Confirmation program: Saturdays, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Prayer for Healing and Harmony: James Pine Room
  • Every Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, December 22, 7:30 p.m.
• Taizé Prayer: December 22, 4:00 p.m., St. James
• Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: Wednesdays, 3:15 p.m., St. James Pine Room

Update: 2022-2023 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
The active phase of our parish CMA campaign continues. Thank you to everyone who has responded with a gift or pledge. If you have not yet responded, please prayerfully consider a gift. The given parish goal is $31,000. It was reported on December 1 that 77 parish households have pledged $20,465 which represents 66.02% of our parish goal. Let us continue to pray for the success of our efforts.

2023 Parish Calendars:
Parish Calendars for next year (2023) have been placed in the foyers of the churches. Parishioners are welcome to take one for their home. The calendar theme is Feasts And Saints.

Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession):
A Catholic tradition in the Church is that before a major holy day or major event in one’s life, Catholics take the opportunity to be shriven of their sins, that is, to present oneself to a priest for confession of their sins since their last confession, receive a penance, and absolution. Jesus set people free from their sins and the guilt resulting from their sins. He gave his Church the Sacrament of Reconciliation for people to celebrate in an experiential way God’s forgiveness and be reminded that God will cast one’s sins behind them never to be remembered. The Sacrament will be celebrated in the parishes three churches from 6:30–7:30 p.m.:

• Wednesday, December 14, at St. James the Apostle Church
• Thursday, December 15, at Holy Cross Church; and
• Friday, December 16, at St. Francis Solanus Church.

Christmas Festival at St. James the Apostle:
Spread the word! All are invited to a Christmas Festival on December 18 from 1:00–3:00 p.m. at St. James the Apostle Church, Trumansburg. Come make decorations, participate in a cookie exchange, and enjoy hot chocolate while spending time with your parish community. To volunteer at this event, email Russ Wedemeyer at or contact the parish office. 

Christmas Mass Schedule:
Saturday, December 24:

• 4:00 p.m. St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg
• 8:00 p.m. Holy Cross, Ovid

Sunday, December 25 – one Mass only:

• 9:00 a.m. St. Francis Solanus, Interlaken

Please do two things:

a) make preparations for attendance, and b) spread the news regarding the schedule of Christmas Masses at the Parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy.

Volunteer for Trumansburg Food Pantry:
December is the month for our parish to provide volunteers for the Trumansburg Food Pantry. Find more details and the sign-up sheets in the vestibules of our Churches. Monday, December 19 is the final date to help. Thank you.

Birthright Donations and Mitten Tree:
As we have done in the past during Advent, our parish will be collecting baby and toddler items for Birthright in Ithaca. Please place your donations, unwrapped, in the basket near the side altar at St. James. They are especially in need of diapers (size 4 &5).
Another tradition at St. James has been the Mitten Tree. Children’s or adults’ mittens, gloves, scarves, hats, and socks can be hung on the tree during Advent. Items will be brought to Catholic Charities in Ithaca. (There is a special need for men’s items.)

Angel Tree Tags:
If you took a child’s tag, the gifts (unwrapped) must be returned by this Sunday, December 11. They will be picked up the following morning. Please include the tag information where it can easily be seen. Also, wrapping paper, ribbon or bows would be appreciated. If you would still like to participate, gift cards from Walmart or the Ovid Big M would be appreciated. Gifts can be returned to the churches. At St. Francis, please leave the gifts in the annex, and at Holy Cross please leave the gifts in the back of the church. If you have any questions, please contact Gerry Frank at 607-869-5009 or email

Season of Advent – Daily Prayer:
The booklet titled, The Word Among Us, is available in the foyer of the church. The booklet contains daily meditations for the Advent Season. Please take one for your home and for daily prayer.

National Eucharistic Revival:
Sign-up for the weekly newsletter “Heart of the Revival.” The newsletter contains weekly reflections, videos, and resources from trusted voices in every corner of the Church designed to help you enkindle, rekindle, and deepen a living relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. Visit eucharisticrevival.org to sign-up for the free newsletter.

The Catholic Catechism:
Ascension Press is launching The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) on January 1, 2023! With this podcast, Catholics will read the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 days and transform their relationship with the Church that Christ founded. If you have ever wanted to understand what it means to be Catholic—this podcast is for you! For more information and to sign-up go to: ascensionpress.com.

Donating to Your Parish:
Online giving by WeShare is safe, simple and convenient. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Visit the parish website’s giving page: marymotherofmercy.com/giving
2. Follow the directions under the “Donate Online” section.
3. Set up your donation or payment.

That’s it! Your account will be created and you can put away your checkbook. If you experience any problem, please e-mail Eileen at

Trumansburg Area Christmas Bureau:
For over 70 years, the Christmas Bureau has helped families by providing clothes and toys for children and food for their families for the holidays by anonymously connecting neighbors who can help with neighbors in need. Families requesting assistance must live in the Trumansburg School District and have children ages 18 or younger. To apply or to be a child sponsor, email or phone 607–387–3428. For more info, visit: trumansburgareachristmasbureau.org.

Opportunities for Prayer and Sharing – St. James Pine Room:

• Prayer for Healing & Harmony: every Wednesday, 2:00–3:00 p.m., and the 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:30–8:30 p.m. (Dec. 22)
• Read and Reflect: every Wednesday, 3:15–4:15 p.m. (Hope Against Darkness by Richard Rohr)
• Taizé prayer: 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 4:00–5:00 p.m. (Dec. 22)

Any questions? Phone Sr. Anne at 607-209-4206 or email .

Family Hope Center:
The Family Hope Center has two locations: one in Geneva and a satellite location in Ovid in the Holy Cross Church Rectory. Family Hope Center fights for life by valuing life above all else. It means offering support through free pregnancy tests, a limited ultrasound referral, parenting and life skills classes, bible studies, material aid such as diapers and clothing, and through our forgiven and set free post abortion study. It means looking at our clients and saying, “I see your life; I value your life. I see and value your children’s lives. You are important and loved.” Women come to the Family Hope Center to be valued. To learn more visit familyhopecentergeneva.org, call 315–789–0708, or email .

Please take time this week to pray the rosary for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic and for world peace, especially in Ukraine.

Prayers for Our Parish:
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester have a prayer ministry for the Diocese of Rochester. Sister Anne Marie Burns will be praying for our parish and parishioners throughout 2022. We thank the Sisters for their thoughtfulness and kindness toward us. In our appreciation, please keep the Sisters of St. Joseph, especially Sr. Anne Marie, in your thoughts and prayers.

Mass Intention Requests:
Parishioners requesting a Mass intention for a particular date and time can do so by completing the “Mass Intentions Request Form” located in the foyers of the churches. Mass intentions may also be requested by phoning the parish office.

Sanctuary Lamp:
In Catholic Churches, a candle is always lit to indicate that the Blessed Sacrament is present in the church. This candle is called the “sanctuary lamp.” Every week the candle or oil is renewed. In many churches, people donate to the church for the sanctuary lamp be lit for the week for the intention of the donor. This has been the custom at Holy Cross Church, Ovid and is now extended to St. James the Apostle and St. Francis Solanus Churches. In making the donation simply put on the envelope, “donation for the sanctuary lamp” and specify the week and, if so desired, your intention.

Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes:
The Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes is located at 551 Exchange St. in Geneva with an office in Ovid at 7231 Main St. “If you regret your abortion, you are not alone. Let us help you learn to forgive yourself.” For more information phone 315 789 0708, text: 315-945-1019, or e-mail .

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.

Prayer Intentions:
Please feel free to add your prayer requests in the books available for that purpose in each church. The prayer requests of fellow parishioners are listed on the parish website (see PRAYERS in top bar). You may also add a request by emailing the parish at or phoning the parish office at 607–294–0064 and it will be added to the list.

Let Us Pray:
Please remember in your prayers those members of our parish who are in the hospital, sick at home, in a nursing home, or who have requested our prayers (see the list on the parish’s PRAYERS page). We also ask you to pray for those who have died. May the Lord bring comfort to their family and friends during this difficult time and may they find hope in the Resurrection.

---

 

National Eucharistic Revival: June 19, 2022–Pentecost 2025

First Reading:
Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, but he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide aright for the land’s afflicted. (Is. 11:3-4) 

Psalm:
Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever. (Ps. 72)

Second Reading:
Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Rom. 15:7)

Gospel:
John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Mt. 3:1-2)

Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass ©2001, 1998, 1970 CCD. The English translation of Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
The God in whom we believe is “the God of endurance and encouragement.” Have you ever thought about God in those terms? Our sight can become limited by the concerns of the world and our individual lives. We can look to the past and see what is happening in the present, but the future is primarily left to our imaginations. God has a clear vision for the future. It is one where the “wolf shall be a guest of the lamb and the leopard shall lie down with the kid.” It is a vision of harmony and gentleness where all will live as one. We can see the complete picture of life in God. We see what we may be, what may come, and who we can become. Preparing the way for the Lord means moving beyond the limitations of ideology, time, space, preference, and self-focused concern so that we can see as God sees. God will give us what we need to endure whatever comes, and the encouragement we need to get where we can be.
©LPi 

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:

 

 

 

 

 

 

©LPi

---

Events:

• Food Pantries:
  • Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
  • Food Truck: First Tuesday of the month (December 6), 4:00–6:00 p.m., South Seneca High School
  • Interlaken Reformed church: Fridays, 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Trumansburg Food Pantry: Every other Monday (December 5) 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:15–6:00 p.m., Methodist church
• Family Hope Center: Tuesdays 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., and Thursdays 4:00–6:00 p.m., Holy Cross
• Fr. Bernard is available: Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Confirmation program: Saturdays, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Prayer for Healing and Harmony: James Pine Room
  • Every Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, December 8 & 22, 7:30 p.m.
• Taizé Prayer: December 8 & 22, 4:00 p.m., St. James
• Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: Wednesdays, 3:15 p.m., St. James Pine Room
• Sweet Sundays at St. James: December 4, 10:00 a.m., St. James the Apostle
• Religious Education: December 10, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis
  

Season of Advent – Daily Prayer:
The booklet titled, The Word Among Us, is available in the foyer of the church. The booklet contains daily meditations for the Advent Season. Please take one for your home and for daily prayer.

2023 Parish Calendars:
Parish Calendars for next year (2023) have been placed in the foyers of the churches. Parishioners are welcome to take one for their home. The calendar theme is Feasts And Saints.

Patronal Feast Day of the U.S.:
This Thursday, December 8, is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is the patronal feast day of the United States of America and a holy day of obligation. There will be two Masses:

• 9:00 a.m. at St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg, and
• 6:00 p.m. Mass at Holy Cross, Ovid.

After each Mass there will be an opportunity to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is being offered at this time because it is a good practice to do during the Season of Advent when we are more conscious about doing God’s will and following his way as we joyfully await Jesus’s second coming in glory.

Volunteer for Trumansburg Food Pantry:
December is the month for the Parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy to provide volunteers for the Trumansburg Food Pantry located in the Trumansburg United Methodist Church. Please consider helping by signing up on the list provided in the foyer, which also has a chart providing more details about each task. The Food Pantry dates are Monday, December 5 and Monday, December 19.

Birthright Donations and Mitten Tree:
As we have done in the past during Advent, our parish will be collecting baby and toddler items for Birthright in Ithaca. Please place your donations, unwrapped, in the basket near the side altar at St. James. They are especially in need of diapers (size 4 &5).
Another tradition at St. James has been the Mitten Tree. Children’s or adults’ mittens, gloves, scarves, hats, and socks can be hung on the tree during Advent. Items will be brought to Catholic Charities in Ithaca. (There is a special need for men’s items.)

Update: 2022-2023 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
The active phase of our parish CMA campaign continues. Thank you to everyone who has responded with a gift or pledge. If you have not yet responded, please prayerfully consider a gift. The given parish goal is $31,000. It was reported on November 24 that 73 parish households have pledged $17,565 which represents 56.66% of our parish goal. Let us continue to pray for the success of our efforts.

Angel Tree Tags:
The Angel Tree tags at both St. Francis and Holy Cross Churches for the Seneca County Community Christmas Project have all been taken. If you took a child’s tag, the gifts must be returned no later than Sunday, December 11th. All presents will be picked up Monday morning, December 12th. Please do not wrap the gifts – parents need to see what has been given for their children. You need to include the tag information where it can easily be seen. Also wrapping paper, ribbon or bows would be appreciated. If you would still like to participate, gift cards from Walmart or the Ovid Big M would be appreciated and would be going to families from our local communities. Gifts can the returned to the churches, at St. Francis, please leave the gifts in the annex and at Holy Cross please leave the gifts in the back of the church. If you have any questions, please contact Gerry Frank at 607-869-5009 or email, .

The Bigger Better Bottle Bill:
Good for our streets, waterways, municipal budgets, and the planet: environmental advocates across the state are pushing for the modernization of New York State’s 40-year-old Bottle Deposit Law. This would increase the deposit from a nickel to a dime and would expand the types of containers requiring a deposit to include sports drinks, iced teas, juices, wine, and liquor. The current bottle deposit law has greatly boosted recycling rates and reduced litter. Expansion would cut solid waste costs for municipal governments and decrease landfill use. And remember—your cost for beverages won’t go up, as long as you return the bottles and cans! Please sign the online petition at: actionnetwork.org/petitions/modernize-new-yorks-returnable-container-act-bottle-bill.

Catholic Relief Services:
Check out the handmade, fair trade goods offered by SERRV, a non-profit partner of Catholic Relief Services (CRS). Access SERRV via this special CRS web page: serrv.org?a=CRSRChap. 20% of your purchases through this site are donated to CRS to support global hunger relief and development programs. This on-line fair trade initiative is sponsored by the local CRS Chapter in the Diocese of Rochester. For more information on the local CRS Chapter in the Diocese, please contact , the CRS coordinator for the Diocese.

Donating to Your Parish:
Online giving by WeShare is safe, simple and convenient. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Visit the parish website’s giving page: marymotherofmercy.com/giving
2. Follow the directions under the “Donate Online” section.
3. Set up your donation or payment.

That’s it! Your account will be created and you can put away your checkbook. If you experience any problem, please e-mail Eileen at

Trumansburg Area Christmas Bureau:
For over 70 years, the Christmas Bureau has helped families by providing clothes and toys for children and food for their families for the holidays by anonymously connecting neighbors who can help with neighbors in need. Families requesting assistance must live in the Trumansburg School District and have children ages 18 or younger. To apply or to be a child sponsor, email or phone 607–387–3428. For more info, visit: trumansburgareachristmasbureau.org.

Opportunities for Prayer and Sharing – St. James Pine Room:

• Prayer for Healing & Harmony: every Wednesday, 2:00–3:00 p.m., and the 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:30–8:30 p.m. (Dec. 8 & 22)
• Read and Reflect: every Wednesday, 3:15–4:15 p.m. (Hope Against Darkness by Richard Rohr)
• Taizé prayer: 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 4:00–5:00 p.m. (Dec. 8 & 22)

Any questions? Phone Sr. Anne at 607-209-4206 or email .

Family Hope Center:
The Family Hope Center has two locations: one in Geneva and a satellite location in Ovid in the Holy Cross Church Rectory. Family Hope Center fights for life by valuing life above all else. It means offering support through free pregnancy tests, a limited ultrasound referral, parenting and life skills classes, bible studies, material aid such as diapers and clothing, and through our forgiven and set free post abortion study. It means looking at our clients and saying, “I see your life; I value your life. I see and value your children’s lives. You are important and loved.” Women come to the Family Hope Center to be valued. To learn more visit familyhopecentergeneva.org, call 315–789–0708, or email .

Please take time this week to pray the rosary for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic and for world peace, especially in Ukraine.

Prayers for Our Parish:
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester have a prayer ministry for the Diocese of Rochester. Sister Anne Marie Burns will be praying for our parish and parishioners throughout 2022. We thank the Sisters for their thoughtfulness and kindness toward us. In our appreciation, please keep the Sisters of St. Joseph, especially Sr. Anne Marie, in your thoughts and prayers.

Mass Intention Requests:
Parishioners requesting a Mass intention for a particular date and time can do so by completing the “Mass Intentions Request Form” located in the foyers of the churches. Mass intentions may also be requested by phoning the parish office.

Sanctuary Lamp:
In Catholic Churches, a candle is always lit to indicate that the Blessed Sacrament is present in the church. This candle is called the “sanctuary lamp.” Every week the candle or oil is renewed. In many churches, people donate to the church for the sanctuary lamp be lit for the week for the intention of the donor. This has been the custom at Holy Cross Church, Ovid and is now extended to St. James the Apostle and St. Francis Solanus Churches. In making the donation simply put on the envelope, “donation for the sanctuary lamp” and specify the week and, if so desired, your intention.

Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes:
The Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes is located at 551 Exchange St. in Geneva with an office in Ovid at 7231 Main St. “If you regret your abortion, you are not alone. Let us help you learn to forgive yourself.” For more information phone 315 789 0708, text: 315-945-1019, or e-mail .

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.

Prayer Intentions:
Please feel free to add your prayer requests in the books available for that purpose in each church. The prayer requests of fellow parishioners are listed on the parish website (see PRAYERS in top bar). You may also add a request by emailing the parish at or phoning the parish office at 607–294–0064 and it will be added to the list.

Let Us Pray:
Please remember in your prayers those members of our parish who are in the hospital, sick at home, in a nursing home, or who have requested our prayers (see the list on the parish’s PRAYERS page). We also ask you to pray for those who have died. May the Lord bring comfort to their family and friends during this difficult time and may they find hope in the Resurrection.

---

National Eucharistic Revival: June 19, 2022–Pentecost 2025

First Reading:
They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; one nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. (Is. 2:4) 

Psalm:
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. (Ps. 122)

Second Reading:
It is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand. (Rom. 13:11-12)

Gospel:
“Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” (Mt. 24:42)

Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass ©2001, 1998, 1970 CCD. The English translation of Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
Whether it is the surgeon performing an operation or the pilot directing a flight, one expects them to be alert. When we entrust our lives to someone, we presume that they will attend to them with the utmost care and vigilance. If we have this expectation of others, why would we not have it of ourselves? Our lives are precious vessels on an eternal journey. We can only stay afloat and on the course because of God’s love and mercy. It is easy to get distracted, lazy, preoccupied, and tired. Apathy can wreak havoc on the most dedicated of souls. God’s word transforms all that it touches, even a lukewarm heart. Let us seek God’s grace this Advent season so that we can walk more fully in His light. Then, finding ourselves more attentive, focused, alert, and watchful, we will be eager and well prepared to meet our Lord when He comes. Why would we not want to be ready, awake, and watchful for the One we have waited for so long?
©LPi

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:

 

 

 

 

 

 

©LPi

---

Events:

• Food Pantries:
  • Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
  • Food Truck: First Tuesday of the month (December 6), 4:00–6:00 p.m., South Seneca High School
  • Interlaken Reformed church: Fridays, 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Trumansburg Food Pantry: Every other Monday (December 5) 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:15–6:00 p.m., Methodist church
• Family Hope Center: Tuesdays 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., and Thursdays 4:00–6:00 p.m., Holy Cross
• Fr. Bernard is available: Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Confirmation program: Saturdays, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Catholic University of America second collection: November 26/27
• Cemetery Advisory Committee: November 29, 11:00 a.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Prayer for Healing and Harmony: James Pine Room
  • Every Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, December 8 & 22, 7:30 p.m.
• Taizé Prayer: December 8 & 22, 4:00 p.m., St. James
• Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: Wednesdays, 3:15 p.m., St. James Pine Room
• Sweet Sundays at St. James: December 4, 10:00 a.m., St. James the Apostle
• Religious Education: November 12, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis

Parish Funerals:

• Ana Maria Zavala died on October 30 at the age of 66. A Funeral Mass was held at St. James the Apostle Church on November 4.
• Frances Marie Harris died on November 4 at the age of 80. A Prayer Service was at Covert Funeral Home on November 11.
• Irene F. English died on November 7 at the age of 90. A Funeral Mass was held at St. James the Apostle Church on November 12.

Second Collection: Be The Light For Education:
Catholic University is a community of students, faculty, and staff who are committed to keeping everyone safe and upholding the highest standards of education. Under the guidance of its new president, Peter K. Kilpatrick, Ph.D., through its 12 schools, 32 research facilities, and more than 250 academic programs, the University community works tirelessly on behalf of its 5,700 undergraduate and graduate students to help educate them to serve the Church and nation as the Catholic leaders of tomorrow. When you contribute via the National Collection, you help the University maintain its legacy built upon 130 years of education in the Catholic intellectual tradition. You are the light for faith-based higher education.

Cemeteries:
The Parish Cemetery Advisory Committee will meet this Tuesday, November 29, at 11:00 a.m. at the Parish Center.

Season of Advent – Daily Prayer:
The booklet titled, The Word Among Us, is available in the foyer of the church. The booklet contains daily meditations for the Advent Season. Please take one for your home and for daily prayer.

2023 Parish Calendars:
Parish Calendars for next year (2023) have been placed in the foyers of the churches. Parishioners are welcome to take one for their home. The calendar theme is Feasts And Saints.

Angel Tree Tags:
The Angel Trees are up at both St. Francis and Holy Cross Churches for the Seneca County Community Christmas Project! If you take a child’s tag, the gifts must be returned no later than Sunday, December 11th. All presents will be picked up Monday morning, December 12th. Please do not wrap the gifts – parents need to see what has been given for their children. You need to include the tag information where it can easily be seen. Also wrapping paper, ribbon or bows would be appreciated. If you would like to participate and would prefer not to take a tag from the tree, gift cards from Walmart would be appreciated and would be going to families from our local communities. Distribution for gifts will be Wednesday, December 14th. If you have any questions, please contact Gerry Frank at 607-869-5009 or email . 

Update: 2022-2023 Catholic Ministries Appeal CMA):
The active phase of our parish CMA campaign continues. Thank you to everyone who has responded with a gift or pledge. If you have not yet responded, please prayerfully consider a gift. The given parish goal is $31,000. It was reported on November 10 that 63 parish households have pledged $14,375 which represents 46.37% of our parish goal. Let us continue to pray for the success of our efforts.

Communion Under Both Species:
Parishioners have been asking about receiving Holy Communion under both species – the Body and the Blood of Christ. The Chancery Office of the Diocese of Rochester has been contacted regarding this issue. No directive has been given, so for the time Holy Communion will be distributed under one species, the Body of Christ.

Day of Reflection:
Join us at Notre Dame Retreat House, Canandaigua, on December 6, from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Praying the Heart of the Liturgy will be presented by Fr. Robert Kennedy. As we continue to emerge from the pandemic and engage in a period of Eucharistic Revival, it is timely and appropriate to reflect on the dimensions of prayerful liturgical participation and how the liturgy shapes the spiritual life of the faithful. There is a $25.00 Fee. Please call 585-394-5700 or email to register.

Catholic Relief Services:
Please check out the beautiful handmade, fair trade goods offered by SERRV, a non-profit partner of Catholic Relief Services (CRS). Access SERRV via this special CRS web page: serrv.org?a=CRSRChap to view and order on-line fair-trade jewelry, clothing, home goods, and other items created by artisans and farmers in developing countries around the world. 20% of your purchases through this site are donated to CRS to support global hunger relief and development programs. This on-line fair trade initiative is sponsored by the local CRS Chapter in the Diocese of Rochester—a network of parishioners from across the diocese focused on global social ministry/advocacy. For more information on the local CRS Chapter in the Diocese, please contact , the CRS coordinator for the Diocese.

St. Bernard’s School of Theology & Ministry:
The school is holding its 48th Annual Otto A. Shults Lecture Series on December 8 at 7:00 p.m. (in-person or online via Zoom). The presenter will be Sr. Gill Goulding, C.J., Ph.D., who will address the topic of The Mystery of God at Work in the Voice of the People of God: The Spiritual Theology Underpinning the Synodal Process. This event is free. Further details and RSVP available at: www.bit.ly/Shults22.

Donating to Your Parish:
Online giving by WeShare is safe, simple and convenient. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Visit the parish website’s giving page: marymotherofmercy.com/giving
2. Follow the directions under the “Donate Online” section.
3. Set up your donation or payment.

That’s it! Your account will be created and you can put away your checkbook. If you experience any problem, please e-mail Eileen at

Trumansburg Area Christmas Bureau:
For over 70 years, the Christmas Bureau has helped families by providing clothes and toys for children and food for their families for the holidays by anonymously connecting neighbors who can help with neighbors in need. Families requesting assistance must live in the Trumansburg School District and have children ages 18 or younger. To apply or to be a child sponsor, email or phone 607–387–3428. For more info, visit: trumansburgareachristmasbureau.org.

Opportunities for Prayer and Sharing – St. James Pine Room:

• Prayer for Healing & Harmony: every Wednesday, 2:00–3:00 p.m., and the 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:30–8:30 p.m. (Dec. 8 & 22)
• Read and Reflect: every Wednesday, 3:15–4:15 p.m. (Hope Against Darkness by Richard Rohr)
• Taizé prayer: 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 4:00–5:00 p.m. (Dec. 8 & 22)

Any questions? Phone Sr. Anne at 607-209-4206 or email .

Family Hope Center:
The Family Hope Center has two locations: one in Geneva and a satellite location in Ovid in the Holy Cross Church Rectory. Family Hope Center fights for life by valuing life above all else. It means offering support through free pregnancy tests, a limited ultrasound referral, parenting and life skills classes, bible studies, material aid such as diapers and clothing, and through our forgiven and set free post abortion study. It means looking at our clients and saying, “I see your life; I value your life. I see and value your children’s lives. You are important and loved.” Women come to the Family Hope Center to be valued. To learn more visit familyhopecentergeneva.org, call 315–789–0708, or email .

Please take time this week to pray the rosary for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic and for world peace, especially in Ukraine.

Prayers for Our Parish:
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester have a prayer ministry for the Diocese of Rochester. Sister Anne Marie Burns will be praying for our parish and parishioners throughout 2022. We thank the Sisters for their thoughtfulness and kindness toward us. In our appreciation, please keep the Sisters of St. Joseph, especially Sr. Anne Marie, in your thoughts and prayers.

Mass Intention Requests:
Parishioners requesting a Mass intention for a particular date and time can do so by completing the “Mass Intentions Request Form” located in the foyers of the churches. Mass intentions may also be requested by phoning the parish office.

Sanctuary Lamp:
In Catholic Churches, a candle is always lit to indicate that the Blessed Sacrament is present in the church. This candle is called the “sanctuary lamp.” Every week the candle or oil is renewed. In many churches, people donate to the church for the sanctuary lamp be lit for the week for the intention of the donor. This has been the custom at Holy Cross Church, Ovid and is now extended to St. James the Apostle and St. Francis Solanus Churches. In making the donation simply put on the envelope, “donation for the sanctuary lamp” and specify the week and, if so desired, your intention.

Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes:
The Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes is located at 551 Exchange St. in Geneva with an office in Ovid at 7231 Main St. “If you regret your abortion, you are not alone. Let us help you learn to forgive yourself.” For more information phone 315 789 0708, text: 315-945-1019, or e-mail .

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.

Prayer Intentions:
Please feel free to add your prayer requests in the books available for that purpose in each church. The prayer requests of fellow parishioners are listed on the parish website (see PRAYERS in top bar). You may also add a request by emailing the parish at or phoning the parish office at 607–294–0064 and it will be added to the list.

Let Us Pray:
Please remember in your prayers those members of our parish who are in the hospital, sick at home, in a nursing home, or who have requested our prayers (see the list on the parish’s PRAYERS page). We also ask you to pray for those who have died. May the Lord bring comfort to their family and friends during this difficult time and may they find hope in the Resurrection.

---

National Eucharistic Revival: June 19, 2022–Pentecost 2025

First Reading:
When all the elders of Israel came to David in Hebron, King David made an agreement with them there before the LORD, and they anointed him king of Israel. (2 Sm. 5:3)

Psalm:
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord. (Ps. 122) 

Second Reading:
He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Col. 1:13-14)

Gospel:
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” He replied to him, “Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Lk .23:42-43)

Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass ©2001, 1998, 1970 CCD. The English translation of Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
Our king hangs on a cross. Onlookers saw this as the final defeat of a fool who many saw as an insurrectionist. They laughed at him and challenged his kingship by looking for proof: Save yourself! Historically, earthly kings are influential figures wielding significant power over the quality of their subjects’ lives. Where is Jesus’ power? Slowly fading away, he’s a failure in many eyes. Brokenness and vulnerability are often seen as failures. Something went wrong and exposed us, revealing our fragile and sometimes incorrect selves to others. Yet, what appears at first to be shameful is really a golden key to life. It is only when vulnerable that we learn how to love genuinely. Marking what seems the end of a failed mission, Jesus Christ our King hangs before us as the vulnerable, wounded key to God’s infinite love and life. The kingdoms of this world pass away. Jesus hangs as our king of a world that never ends. When we are vulnerable and broken in death, we fall into the fullness of Christ and are made one with him. This is more than any earthly king can promise and is the salvation we seek.
©LPi

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

Events:

• Food Pantries:
  • Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
  • Food Truck: First Tuesday of the month (December 6), 4:00–6:00 p.m., South Seneca High School
  • Interlaken Reformed church: Fridays, 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Trumansburg Food Pantry: Every other Monday (November 21) 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:15–6:00 p.m., Methodist church
• Family Hope Center: Tuesdays 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., and Thursdays 4:00–6:00 p.m., Holy Cross
• Fr. Bernard is available: Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Confirmation program: Saturdays, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Prayer for Healing and Harmony: James Pine Room
  • Every Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, December 8 & 22, 7:30 p.m.
• Taizé Prayer: December 8 & 22, 4:00 p.m., St. James
• Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: Wednesdays, 3:15 p.m., St. James Pine Room
• Sweet Sundays at St. James: December 4, 10:00 a.m., St. James the Apostle
• Religious Education: November 12, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis
• Lector gathering: November 19, 11:00 a.m., Holy Cross

2022-2023 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA):
The active phase of our parish CMA campaign continues. Thank you to everyone who has responded with a gift or pledge. If you have not yet responded, please prayerfully consider a gift. The given parish goal is $31,000. It was reported on November 3rd that 56 parish households have pledged $13,925 which represents 44.92% of our parish goal. Let us continue to pray for the success of our efforts.

Lectors:
Lectors, if you were unable to attend the November 12th gathering at St. James the Apostle, please plan to attend the next scheduled gathering at Holy Cross on this coming Saturday, November 19th to review the texts related to Lectors as published in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) and our own parish Lector procedures.

Liturgical Ministers Invite:
Our parish needs more liturgical ministers. If so inclined, please consider serving as an usher (minister of hospitality) an altar server, lector, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. The church also needs musicians, cantors, and choir members. Volunteer by speaking with Fr. Bernard and/or by phoning the parish office. You are needed.

2023 Parish Calendars:
Parish Calendars for next year (2023) have been placed in the foyers of the churches. Parishioners are welcome to take one for their home. The calendar theme is Feasts And Saints.

Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS):
On behalf of His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, USA (AMS), thank you to all those who contributed to the National Collection for the AMS last week. Thank you for supporting the men and women, and their families, from our own parish and diocese who serve and protect this great nation, and who defend the freedoms we hold dear. Please pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and military chaplaincy.

Communion Under Both Species:
Parishioners have been asking about receiving Holy Communion under both species – the Body and the Blood of Christ. The Chancery Office of the Diocese of Rochester has been contacted regarding this issue. No directive has been given, so for the time Holy Communion will be distributed under one species, the Body of Christ.

National Eucharistic Revival:
Sign-up for the weekly newsletter “Heart of the Revival”. The newsletter contains weekly reflections, videos, and resources from trusted voices in every corner of the Church designed to help you enkindle, rekindle, and deepen a living relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. Visit eucharisticrevival.org to sign-up for the free newsletter.

The Catholic Catechism:
In response to countless requests, Ascension Press is launching The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) on January 1, 2023! With this podcast, Catholics will:

• Read the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 days
• Understand the essentials of the Catholic Faith and why they matter
• See how Church teaching is rooted in Sacred Scripture
• Absorb over 2,000 years of Sacred Tradition
• Encounter God’s plan of sheer goodness
• Transform their relationship with the Church that Christ founded.

If you have ever wanted to understand what it means to be Catholic and allow those truths to shape your life—this podcast is for you! For more information and to sign-up go to: ascensionpress.com

The Family Zone Newsletter:
The Diocese of Rochester publishes a newsletter for everyone to learn and live our faith. To view this publication go to oec.dor.org/evangelization/the-family-zone-newsletter. Most informative and fun.

Manger Set:
A handmade manger uniquely constructed with cedar logs, 12” by 16”, with an eleven-piece set of figurines by Robert Stanley are available and ready for Christmas or as a Christmas gift. For more information, please phone Stanley’s at 607-387-5791.

Donating to Your Parish:
Online giving by WeShare is safe, simple and convenient. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Visit the parish website’s giving page: marymotherofmercy.com/giving
2. Follow the directions under the “Donate Online” section.
3. Set up your donation or payment.

That’s it! Your account will be created and you can put away your checkbook. If you experience any problem, please e-mail Eileen at

Trumansburg Area Christmas Bureau:
For over 70 years, the Christmas Bureau has helped families by providing clothes and toys for children and food for their families for the holidays by anonymously connecting neighbors who can help with neighbors in need. Families requesting assistance must live in the Trumansburg School District and have children ages 18 or younger. To apply or to be a child sponsor, email or phone 607–387–3428. For more info, visit: trumansburgareachristmasbureau.org.

Trumansburg Food Pantry:
The Trumansburg Food Pantry is looking for folks to fill volunteer leadership roles. Help brainstorm and follow through with new ideas to combat food insecurity. Come train in 2023 and be ready to take the reins in 2024. Contact Carol Grove, Pantry Coordinator at 607–387–6128. 

Opportunities for Prayer and Sharing – St. James Pine Room:

• Prayer for Healing & Harmony: every Wednesday, 2:00–3:00 p.m., and the 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:30–8:30 p.m. (Dec. 8 & 22)
• Read and Reflect: every Wednesday, 3:15–4:15 p.m. (Hope Against Darkness by Richard Rohr)
• Taizé prayer: 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 4:00–5:00 p.m. (Dec. 8 & 22)

Any questions? Phone Sr. Anne at 607-209-4206 or email .

Family Hope Center:
The Family Hope Center has two locations: one in Geneva and a satellite location in Ovid in the Holy Cross Church Rectory. Family Hope Center fights for life by valuing life above all else. It means offering support through free pregnancy tests, a limited ultrasound referral, parenting and life skills classes, bible studies, material aid such as diapers and clothing, and through our forgiven and set free post abortion study. It means looking at our clients and saying, “I see your life; I value your life. I see and value your children’s lives. You are important and loved.” Women come to the Family Hope Center to be valued. To learn more visit familyhopecentergeneva.org, call 315–789–0708, or email .

Please take time this week to pray the rosary for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic and for world peace, especially in Ukraine.

Prayers for Our Parish:
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester have a prayer ministry for the Diocese of Rochester. Sister Anne Marie Burns will be praying for our parish and parishioners throughout 2022. We thank the Sisters for their thoughtfulness and kindness toward us. In our appreciation, please keep the Sisters of St. Joseph, especially Sr. Anne Marie, in your thoughts and prayers.

Mass Intention Requests:
Parishioners requesting a Mass intention for a particular date and time can do so by completing the “Mass Intentions Request Form” located in the foyers of the churches. Mass intentions may also be requested by phoning the parish office.

Sanctuary Lamp:
In Catholic Churches, a candle is always lit to indicate that the Blessed Sacrament is present in the church. This candle is called the “sanctuary lamp.” Every week the candle or oil is renewed. In many churches, people donate to the church for the sanctuary lamp be lit for the week for the intention of the donor. This has been the custom at Holy Cross Church, Ovid and is now extended to St. James the Apostle and St. Francis Solanus Churches. In making the donation simply put on the envelope, “donation for the sanctuary lamp” and specify the week and, if so desired, your intention.

Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes:
The Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes is located at 551 Exchange St. in Geneva with an office in Ovid at 7231 Main St. “If you regret your abortion, you are not alone. Let us help you learn to forgive yourself.” For more information phone 315 789 0708, text: 315-945-1019, or e-mail .

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.

Prayer Intentions:
Please feel free to add your prayer requests in the books available for that purpose in each church. The prayer requests of fellow parishioners are listed on the parish website (see PRAYERS in top bar). You may also add a request by emailing the parish at or phoning the parish office at 607–294–0064 and it will be added to the list.

Let Us Pray:
Please remember in your prayers those members of our parish who are in the hospital, sick at home, in a nursing home, or who have requested our prayers (see the list on the parish’s PRAYERS page). We also ask you to pray for those who have died. May the Lord bring comfort to their family and friends during this difficult time and may they find hope in the Resurrection.

---

National Eucharistic Revival: June 19, 2022–Pentecost 2025

First Reading:
But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays. (Mal. 3:20)

Psalm:
The Lord comes to rule the earth with justice. (Ps. 98)

Second Reading:
We instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. (2 Thes. 3:10)

Gospel:
“You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.” (Lk. 12:17-19)

Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass ©2001, 1998, 1970 CCD. The English translation of Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
Jesus assures us that the world, as we know it, will one day come to an end. When will this be? In one sense, having an answer to that question really does not matter. Faith is faith and either we have it or we do not. Secure in that faith, we know that when one thing ends, another begins. In the meantime, we are asked to persevere and remain strong through all of life’s inevitable challenges and obstacles. What we see and experience as we journey to the day when all is one in Christ, may cause our faith to be shaken and tested. Trust and endurance are what are needed as world events unfold. Even though life can be uncertain and terrifying at times, faithful people will be protected. It does not matter what day or hour the end will come. We must remain ready and vigilant anyway.
©LPi

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:

 

 

 

 

 

 

©LPi

---

Events:

• Food Pantries:
  • Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
  • Food Truck: First Tuesday of the month (December 6), 4:00–6:00 p.m., South Seneca High School
  • Interlaken Reformed church: Fridays, 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Trumansburg Food Pantry: Every other Monday (November 21) 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:15–6:00 p.m., Methodist church
• Family Hope Center: Tuesdays 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., and Thursdays 4:00–6:00 p.m., Holy Cross
• Fr. Bernard is available: Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Confirmation program: Saturdays, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Prayer for Healing and Harmony: James Pine Room
  • Every Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, December 8 & 22, 7:30 p.m.
• Taizé Prayer: December 8 & 22, 4:00 p.m., St. James
• Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: Wednesdays, 3:15 p.m., St. James Pine Room
• Sweet Sundays at St. James: December 4, 10:00 a.m., St. James the Apostle
• Religious Education: November 12, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis
• Lector gathering: November 19, 11:00 a.m., Holy Cross

2022-2023 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA):
The active phase of our parish CMA campaign continues. Thank you to everyone who has responded with a gift or pledge. If you have not yet responded, please prayerfully consider a gift. The given parish goal is $31,000. It was reported on November 3rd that 56 parish households have pledged $13,925 which represents 44.92% of our parish goal. Let us continue to pray for the success of our efforts.

Lectors:
Lectors, if you were unable to attend the November 12th gathering at St. James the Apostle, please plan to attend the next scheduled gathering at Holy Cross on this coming Saturday, November 19th to review the texts related to Lectors as published in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) and our own parish Lector procedures.

Liturgical Ministers Invite:
Our parish needs more liturgical ministers. If so inclined, please consider serving as an usher (minister of hospitality) an altar server, lector, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. The church also needs musicians, cantors, and choir members. Volunteer by speaking with Fr. Bernard and/or by phoning the parish office. You are needed.

2023 Parish Calendars:
Parish Calendars for next year (2023) have been placed in the foyers of the churches. Parishioners are welcome to take one for their home. The calendar theme is Feasts And Saints.

Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS):
On behalf of His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, Archbishop for the Military Services, USA (AMS), thank you to all those who contributed to the National Collection for the AMS last week. Thank you for supporting the men and women, and their families, from our own parish and diocese who serve and protect this great nation, and who defend the freedoms we hold dear. Please pray for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and military chaplaincy.

Communion Under Both Species:
Parishioners have been asking about receiving Holy Communion under both species – the Body and the Blood of Christ. The Chancery Office of the Diocese of Rochester has been contacted regarding this issue. No directive has been given, so for the time Holy Communion will be distributed under one species, the Body of Christ.

National Eucharistic Revival:
Sign-up for the weekly newsletter “Heart of the Revival”. The newsletter contains weekly reflections, videos, and resources from trusted voices in every corner of the Church designed to help you enkindle, rekindle, and deepen a living relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. Visit eucharisticrevival.org to sign-up for the free newsletter.

The Catholic Catechism:
In response to countless requests, Ascension Press is launching The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) on January 1, 2023! With this podcast, Catholics will:

• Read the entire Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 days
• Understand the essentials of the Catholic Faith and why they matter
• See how Church teaching is rooted in Sacred Scripture
• Absorb over 2,000 years of Sacred Tradition
• Encounter God’s plan of sheer goodness
• Transform their relationship with the Church that Christ founded.

If you have ever wanted to understand what it means to be Catholic and allow those truths to shape your life—this podcast is for you! For more information and to sign-up go to: ascensionpress.com

The Family Zone Newsletter:
The Diocese of Rochester publishes a newsletter for everyone to learn and live our faith. To view this publication go to oec.dor.org/evangelization/the-family-zone-newsletter. Most informative and fun.

Manger Set:
A handmade manger uniquely constructed with cedar logs, 12” by 16”, with an eleven-piece set of figurines by Robert Stanley are available and ready for Christmas or as a Christmas gift. For more information, please phone Stanley’s at 607-387-5791.

Donating to Your Parish:
Online giving by WeShare is safe, simple and convenient. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Visit the parish website’s giving page: marymotherofmercy.com/giving
2. Follow the directions under the “Donate Online” section.
3. Set up your donation or payment.

That’s it! Your account will be created and you can put away your checkbook. If you experience any problem, please e-mail Eileen at

Trumansburg Area Christmas Bureau:
For over 70 years, the Christmas Bureau has helped families by providing clothes and toys for children and food for their families for the holidays by anonymously connecting neighbors who can help with neighbors in need. Families requesting assistance must live in the Trumansburg School District and have children ages 18 or younger. To apply or to be a child sponsor, email or phone 607–387–3428. For more info, visit: trumansburgareachristmasbureau.org.

Trumansburg Food Pantry:
The Trumansburg Food Pantry is looking for folks to fill volunteer leadership roles. Help brainstorm and follow through with new ideas to combat food insecurity. Come train in 2023 and be ready to take the reins in 2024. Contact Carol Grove, Pantry Coordinator at 607–387–6128.

Opportunities for Prayer and Sharing – St. James Pine Room:

• Prayer for Healing & Harmony: every Wednesday, 2:00–3:00 p.m., and the 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:30–8:30 p.m. (Dec. 8 & 22)
• Read and Reflect: every Wednesday, 3:15–4:15 p.m. (Hope Against Darkness by Richard Rohr)
• Taizé prayer: 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 4:00–5:00 p.m. (Dec. 8 & 22)

Any questions? Phone Sr. Anne at 607-209-4206 or email .

Family Hope Center:
The Family Hope Center has two locations: one in Geneva and a satellite location in Ovid in the Holy Cross Church Rectory. Family Hope Center fights for life by valuing life above all else. It means offering support through free pregnancy tests, a limited ultrasound referral, parenting and life skills classes, bible studies, material aid such as diapers and clothing, and through our forgiven and set free post abortion study. It means looking at our clients and saying, “I see your life; I value your life. I see and value your children’s lives. You are important and loved.” Women come to the Family Hope Center to be valued. To learn more visit familyhopecentergeneva.org, call 315–789–0708, or email .

Please take time this week to pray the rosary for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic and for world peace, especially in Ukraine.

Prayers for Our Parish:
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester have a prayer ministry for the Diocese of Rochester. Sister Anne Marie Burns will be praying for our parish and parishioners throughout 2022. We thank the Sisters for their thoughtfulness and kindness toward us. In our appreciation, please keep the Sisters of St. Joseph, especially Sr. Anne Marie, in your thoughts and prayers.

Mass Intention Requests:
Parishioners requesting a Mass intention for a particular date and time can do so by completing the “Mass Intentions Request Form” located in the foyers of the churches. Mass intentions may also be requested by phoning the parish office.

Sanctuary Lamp:
In Catholic Churches, a candle is always lit to indicate that the Blessed Sacrament is present in the church. This candle is called the “sanctuary lamp.” Every week the candle or oil is renewed. In many churches, people donate to the church for the sanctuary lamp be lit for the week for the intention of the donor. This has been the custom at Holy Cross Church, Ovid and is now extended to St. James the Apostle and St. Francis Solanus Churches. In making the donation simply put on the envelope, “donation for the sanctuary lamp” and specify the week and, if so desired, your intention.

Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes:
The Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes is located at 551 Exchange St. in Geneva with an office in Ovid at 7231 Main St. “If you regret your abortion, you are not alone. Let us help you learn to forgive yourself.” For more information phone 315 789 0708, text: 315-945-1019, or e-mail .

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.

Prayer Intentions:
Please feel free to add your prayer requests in the books available for that purpose in each church. The prayer requests of fellow parishioners are listed on the parish website (see PRAYERS in top bar). You may also add a request by emailing the parish at or phoning the parish office at 607–294–0064 and it will be added to the list.

Let Us Pray:
Please remember in your prayers those members of our parish who are in the hospital, sick at home, in a nursing home, or who have requested our prayers (see the list on the parish’s PRAYERS page). We also ask you to pray for those who have died. May the Lord bring comfort to their family and friends during this difficult time and may they find hope in the Resurrection.

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First Reading:
“You accursed fiend, you are depriving us of this present life, but the King of the world will raise us up to live again forever. It is for his laws that we are dying.” (2 Mc. 7:9)

Psalm:
Lord, when your glory appears, my joy will be full. (Ps. 17)

Second Reading:
May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting encouragement and good hope through his grace, encourage your hearts and strengthen them in every good deed and word. (2 Thes. 2:16-17)

Gospel:
“And he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive.” (Lk. 20:38)

Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass ©2001, 1998, 1970 CCD. The English translation of Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
Every believer wonders about what the experience of heaven will be like. Popular images of people walking around in white robes, becoming like angels, and reunions with those who have gone before us all tickle human imagination. Jesus never got too specific about what heaven actually looks like. But he assures us that it exists and that all are alive in God. Clinging to the traditions of our faith, we persevere through life’s challenges confident that God’s promise of eternal life will come to be. We are told that we shall become like God and see God as He is. As God has made us, He also loves us and sustains us. Desiring to be with God above all other desires gives us the hope that when we close our eyes in death, we will fall into the arms of the One who will gently bring us where we need to be. Knowing ahead of time what we find when we arrive changes little.
©LPi 

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:

 

 

 

 

 

 

©LPi 

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Events:

• Food Pantries:
  • Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
  • Food Truck: First Tuesday of the month (December 6), 4:00–6:00 p.m., South Seneca High School
  • Interlaken Reformed church: Fridays, 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Trumansburg Food Pantry: Every other Monday (November 7) 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:15–6:00 p.m., Methodist church
• Family Hope Center: Tuesdays 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., and Thursdays 4:00–6:00 p.m., Holy Cross
• Fr. Bernard is available: Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Confirmation program: Saturdays, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Prayer for Healing and Harmony: James Pine Room
  • Every Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, November 10, 7:30 p.m.
• Taizé Prayer: November 10, 4:00 p.m., St. James
• Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: Wednesdays, 3:15 p.m., St. James Pine Room
• Sweet Sundays at St. James: November 6, 10:00 a.m., St. James the Apostle
• Parish Council: November 10, 7:00 p.m., St. Francis
• Religious Education: November 12, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis
• Lector gatherings:
  • November 12, 11:00 a.m., St. James the Apostle
  • November 19, 11:00 a.m., Holy Cross

Food Donations Needed:
On the second Sunday of each month, non-perishable food items will be received at St. James the Apostle Church and placed on a table in front of the Blessed Mother statue. They will be donated to the Trumansburg Food Pantry. Monetary donations are also welcome. (Please make checks out to Mary, Mother of Mercy with “food pantry” in the memo line.) Thank you to all who contribute.

Two Second Collections:

• Cemetery Collection:

Annually, there is a second collection for the support of our cemeteries, St. James the Apostle Cemetery and Holy Cross Cemetery. This year the collection is taken up this weekend, November 5 & 6. The operating expenses for each cemetery override the ordinary income and therefore our cemeteries operate with an annual deficit. Your help will be appreciated greatly.

• Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS):

This week our parish will take a collection to benefit the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), a collection approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to be taken every three years. The AMS is the Archdiocese for the Military Services, not of the Military Services. This is an important distinction, because the AMS receives no funding from the U.S. Government or U.S. Military and has no parishes from which to receive a weekly assessment. Instead, it must rely on the generosity of those whose values and priorities align with its mission, programs, and services, to meet its costs. Please prayerfully consider a contribution to this special collection to support active-duty military men and women, and their families – including those from our own parish. Please give generously. 

Lectors:
Lectors, please plan to attend one of two scheduled gatherings to review the texts related to Lectors as published in the General Instruction of the Roman Missal (GIRM) and to review the procedures related to the GIRM. The gatherings will take place on Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. at St. James the Apostle Church on November 12 and at Holy Cross Church on November 19.

Liturgical Ministers Invite:
Our parish needs more liturgical ministers. If so inclined, please consider serving as an usher (minister of hospitality) an altar server, lector, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion. The church also needs musicians, cantors, and choir members. Volunteer by speaking with Fr. Bernard and/or by phoning the parish office. You are needed.

Parish Council:
Council members and alternates will meet this Thursday, November 10th at 7:00 p.m. at the Parish Center, St. Francis Solanus Church, Interlaken. The agenda, among other items, will be reviewing the reports from the standing committees, Word, Worship, Witness, and Fellowship and a report from the Finance Council.

Sweet Sundays at St. James:
Parishioners are invited for a social time after the 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. James the Apostle on the first Sunday of every month. The next Sweet Sunday is next Sunday, November 6.

Religious Education Program:
Families with children in 1st to 7th grades will meet after the 4:00 p.m. Mass in St. Francis Solanus Church Annex for the monthly meal, a presentation by Fr. Bernard, doing an activity and reviewing the students work for four lessons contained in their text book.

2022-2023 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA):
The active phase of our parish CMA campaign continues. Thank you to everyone who has responded with a gift or pledge. If you have not yet responded, please prayerfully consider a gift. The given parish goal is $31,000. It was reported on October 19^th that 52 parish households have pledged $13,450 which represents 43.39% of our parish goal. Let us continue to pray for the success of our efforts.

National Vocation Awareness Week (Nov. 6-12):
Did you know that in our country, compared to 50 years ago, there are 20,000 fewer priests and 129,000 fewer religious sisters? Many factors have contributed to the decline: secularism, prolonged adolescence, attitudes about commitment, freedom, and celibacy. But God does continue to call our young people to serve the community. Pray that our young men and women listen to that call. And please do your part to encourage them to consider this vocation.

National Eucharistic Revival:
Sign-up for the weekly newsletter “Heart of the Revival”. The newsletter contains weekly reflections, videos, and resources from trusted voices in every corner of the Church designed to help you enkindle, rekindle, and deepen a living relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist. Visit eucharisticrevival.org to sign-up for the free newsletter.

The Family Zone Newsletter:
The Diocese of Rochester publishes a newsletter for everyone to learn and live our faith. To view this publication go to oec.dor.org/evangelization/the-family-zone-newsletter. Most informative and fun.

Election Night – November 8th:
The Ovid Federated Church invites you to Election Night Supper at 5 PM. $12 per person, $6 age 3-9. Enjoy a pork dinner. Take-outs are available at $12 each, till sold out.

Donating to Your Parish:
Online giving by WeShare is safe, simple and convenient. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Visit the parish website’s giving page: marymotherofmercy.com/giving
2. Follow the directions under the “Donate Online” section.
3. Set up your donation or payment.

That’s it! Your account will be created and you can put away your checkbook. If you experience any problem, please e-mail Eileen at

Trumansburg Area Christmas Bureau:
For over 70 years, the Christmas Bureau has helped families by providing clothes and toys for children and food for their families for the holidays by anonymously connecting neighbors who can help with neighbors in need. Families requesting assistance must live in the Trumansburg School District and have children ages 18 or younger. To apply or to be a child sponsor, email or phone 607–387–3428. For more info, visit: trumansburgareachristmasbureau.org.

Trumansburg Food Pantry:
The Trumansburg Food Pantry is looking for folks to fill volunteer leadership roles. Help brainstorm and follow through with new ideas to combat food insecurity. Come train in 2023 and be ready to take the reins in 2024. Contact Carol Grove, Pantry Coordinator at 607–387–6128.

Opportunities for Prayer and Sharing – St. James Pine Room:

• Prayer for Healing & Harmony: every Wednesday, 2:00–3:00 p.m., and the 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:30–8:30 p.m. (Nov. 10; Dec. 8 & 22)
• Read and Reflect: every Wednesday, 3:15–4:15 p.m. (Hope Against Darkness by Richard Rohr)
• Taizé prayer: 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 4:00–5:00 p.m. (Nov. 10; Dec. 8 & 22)

Any questions? Phone Sr. Anne at 607-209-4206 or email .

Marriage Encounter Weekend:
The Marriage Encounter weekend is November 11-13 at the Notre Dame Retreat House, Canandaigua. The Marriage Encounter gives busy couples much needed time together to focus on each other and deepen their communication. The application fee is $100. For more information, contact Mike and Kathy Williams at 585–872– 5432 (home) or 585–217–3899 (Cell).

Family Hope Center:
The Family Hope Center has two locations: one in Geneva and a satellite location in Ovid in the Holy Cross Church Rectory. Family Hope Center fights for life by valuing life above all else. It means offering support through free pregnancy tests, a limited ultrasound referral, parenting and life skills classes, bible studies, material aid such as diapers and clothing, and through our forgiven and set free post abortion study. It means looking at our clients and saying, “I see your life; I value your life. I see and value your children’s lives. You are important and loved.” Women come to the Family Hope Center to be valued. To learn more visit familyhopecentergeneva.org, call 315–789–0708, or email .

Please take time this week to pray the rosary for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic and for world peace, especially in Ukraine.

Prayers for Our Parish:
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester have a prayer ministry for the Diocese of Rochester. Sister Anne Marie Burns will be praying for our parish and parishioners throughout 2022. We thank the Sisters for their thoughtfulness and kindness toward us. In our appreciation, please keep the Sisters of St. Joseph, especially Sr. Anne Marie, in your thoughts and prayers.

Mass Intention Requests:
Parishioners requesting a Mass intention for a particular date and time can do so by completing the “Mass Intentions Request Form” located in the foyers of the churches. Mass intentions may also be requested by phoning the parish office.

Sanctuary Lamp:
In Catholic Churches, a candle is always lit to indicate that the Blessed Sacrament is present in the church. This candle is called the “sanctuary lamp.” Every week the candle or oil is renewed. In many churches, people donate to the church for the sanctuary lamp be lit for the week for the intention of the donor. This has been the custom at Holy Cross Church, Ovid and is now extended to St. James the Apostle and St. Francis Solanus Churches. In making the donation simply put on the envelope, “donation for the sanctuary lamp” and specify the week and, if so desired, your intention.

Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes:
The Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes is located at 551 Exchange St. in Geneva with an office in Ovid at 7231 Main St. “If you regret your abortion, you are not alone. Let us help you learn to forgive yourself.” For more information phone 315 789 0708, text: 315-945-1019, or e-mail .

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.

Prayer Intentions:
Please feel free to add your prayer requests in the books available for that purpose in each church. The prayer requests of fellow parishioners are listed on the parish website (see PRAYERS in top bar). You may also add a request by emailing the parish at or phoning the parish office at 607–294–0064 and it will be added to the list.

Let Us Pray:
Please remember in your prayers those members of our parish who are in the hospital, sick at home, in a nursing home, or who have requested our prayers (see the list on the parish’s PRAYERS page). We also ask you to pray for those who have died. May the Lord bring comfort to their family and friends during this difficult time and may they find hope in the Resurrection.

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First Reading:
But you have mercy on all, because you can do all things; and you overlook people’s sins that they may repent. For you love all things that are and loathe nothing that you have made. (Wis. 11:23-24)

Psalm:
I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God. (Ps. 145) 

Second Reading:
We always pray for you, … that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, in accord with the grace of our God and Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thes. 1:11-12)

Gospel:
“Today salvation has come to this house because this man too is a descendant of Abraham. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.” (Lk. 19:9-10)

Excerpts from the Lectionary for Mass ©2001, 1998, 1970 CCD. The English translation of Psalm Responses from Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
God does not set things in motion or create something and then step back to attend to other matters. When God creates, God remains connected. God’s continued and constant presence is necessary for everything we see to exist. Without God, life as we know it would cease. God’s imperishable spirit is in all things! Being the author of love, God cannot despise or hate Himself. Therefore, God cannot despise or hate anything or anyone. How can God be repulsed by the image of Himself reflected in a human soul? Jesus goes to the homes of sinners. His very presence there is enough to change even the most conflicted and self-serving of hearts. The soul who realizes its utter dependency upon God is a soul who knows salvation. The beginnings of salvation’s blessings are discovered when we understand who God is, who we are, and how we are to act relative to our brothers and sisters. We find what our selfishness lost.
©LPi

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:

 

 

 

 

 

 

©LPi

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Events:

• Food Pantries:
  • Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
  • Food Truck: First Tuesday of the month (November 1), 4:00–6:00 p.m., South Seneca High School
  • Interlaken Reformed church: Fridays, 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
  • Trumansburg Food Pantry: Every other Monday (November 7) 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:15–6:00 p.m., Methodist church
• Family Hope Center: Tuesdays 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., and Thursdays 4:00–6:00 p.m., Holy Cross
• Fr. Bernard is available: Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Confirmation program: Saturdays, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
• Prayer for Healing and Harmony: James Pine Room
  • Every Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, November 10, 7:30 p.m.
• Taizé Prayer: November 10, 4:00 p.m., St. James
• Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: Wednesdays, 3:15 p.m., St. James Pine Room
• Sweet Sundays at St. James: November 6, 10:00 a.m., St. James the Apostle

Funeral:
A Funeral Mass was celebrated for our parishioner, Thomas D. Bennett, age 97, on Friday, October 21, 2022, at St. James the Apostle Church. Thomas died on October 9, 2022.

All Saints’ Day:
November 1st, Tuesday, is a holy day of obligation. It is the day the Church throughout the world rejoices in all the people, blest in the eyes of the Lord, who stand in God’s holy place and sing of the love the Father has bestowed upon them through the blood of the Lamb. There will be two Masses:

• 9:00 a.m. at St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg and
• 6:00 p.m. at Holy Cross, Ovid.

All Soul’s Day is November 2nd:
It is the day the Church commemorates all the faithful departed. It is the custom that the names of one’s beloved deceased be submitted to be remembered and prayed for on that day and throughout the month of November. Envelopes are available in the churches to record the names of those to be remembered and prayed for. The envelopes will remain on the altar for the month of November. On that day, at the 8:30 a.m. Mass, the names of all those whose burial took place through the ministry of the Parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy during the past year will be announced, and a candle will be lit in remembrance of them.

Next Weekend – Two Second Collections:

• Cemetery Collection:

Annually, there is a second collection for the support of our cemeteries, St. James the Apostle Cemetery and Holy Cross Cemetery. This year the collection will be taken up next weekend, November 5 & 6. The operating expenses for each cemetery override the ordinary income and therefore our cemeteries operate with an annual deficit. Your help will be appreciated greatly.

• Archdiocese for the Military Services (AMS):

Next weekend, our parish will take up the Collection for the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA (AMS), a collection approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to be taken every three years. The AMS provides pastoral care to Catholic men and women serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, being treated as a patient at any of the 153 U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, or who work for the federal government beyond U.S. borders – including those from our own parish and diocese. The AMS does not receive any funding from the government or military and has no parishes from which to receive a weekly assessment. To learn more about the AMS, go to www.milarch.org/nationalcollection.

Heat Pumps:
Heat pumps have been installed at St. Francis Solanus and St. James the Apostle Churches. They will provide heat in the winter (however, the boilers will continue to be in operation) and air conditioning in the summer. Switzer Services, Inc. installed and will maintain the heat pumps.

Trumansburg Area Christmas Bureau:
For over 70 years, the Christmas Bureau has helped families by providing clothes and toys for children and food for their families for the holidays by anonymously connecting neighbors who can help with neighbors in need. Families requesting assistance must live in the Trumansburg School District and have children ages 18 or younger. To apply or to be a child sponsor, email or phone 607–387–3428. For more info, visit: trumansburgareachristmasbureau.org. 

2022-2023 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA):
The active phase of our parish CMA campaign continues. By now, past CMA donors have received a special letter in the mail with a personalized pledge card. Thank you to everyone who has responded with a gift or pledge. If you have not yet responded, please prayerfully consider a gift. The CMA provides funding for important programs, services and ministries that strengthen our whole Church. Every gift to the CMA helps those in need, supports the mission of the Church, and comes back to help our parish. The given parish goal is $31,000. It was reported on October 19th that 45 parish households have pledged $12,155 which represents 39.21% of our parish goal. Thank you. Let us continue to pray for the success of our efforts.

COLLIS:
Join in celebrating the inaugural year of COLLIS Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture at an inaugural lecture and ceremony at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 5 in Sage Chapel (Cornell University). Prof. Jonathan Lunine (Astronomy, Cornell University) will be delivering a lecture entitled, “Faith and the Expanding Universe of Georges Lemaitre,” which will be followed by a blessing of the organization by Bishop Salvatore Matano. Learn more about the event and about this new Catholic organization at collisinstitute.org.

Online Giving – WeShare:
Online giving by WeShare is safe, simple and convenient. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:

1. Visit the parish website’s giving page: marymotherofmercy.com/giving
2. Follow the directions under the “Donate Online” section.
3. Set up your donation or payment.

That’s it! Your account will be created and you can put away your checkbook. If you experience any problem, please e-mail Eileen at

Opportunities for Prayer and Sharing – St. James Pine Room:

• Prayer for Healing & Harmony: every Wednesday, 2:00–3:00 p.m., and the 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7:30–8:30 p.m. (Nov. 10; Dec. 8 & 22)
• Read and Reflect: every Wednesday, 3:15–4:15 p.m. (Hope Against Darkness by Richard Rohr)
• Taizé prayer: 2nd and 4th Thursdays, 4:00–5:00 p.m. (Nov. 10; Dec. 8 & 22)

Any questions? Phone Sr. Anne at 607-209-4206 or email .