National Eucharistic Revival: June 19, 2022–Pentecost 2025
Parish Eucharistic Revival: June 11, 2023–June 2024
Events:
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
- Food Truck: First Tuesday of the month (October 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 (October 9) 3:30–6:30 p.m., Methodist church
- Family Hope Center: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Holy Cross
- Fr. Bernard is available: Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
- 2023-2024 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA): Pledges are being accepted. Parish goal is $31,000.
- Prayer for Healing and Harmony: St. James the Apostle
- Wednesdays, 2:00 p.m.
- October 12 & 26; 7:00 p.m.
- Book Study: Wednesdays, 3:15 p.m., St. James
- Taizé Prayer: October 5 & 19; 7:30 p.m.; St. James
- Sweet Sunday: October 1, 10:00 a.m., St. James
- Blessing of Animals: October 4, 6:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
- Game Night: October 4, 6:30 p.m., Holy Cross
- Family Faith Formation: October 14, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
- Parish Cemetery Collection: October 7/8
Eucharistic Miracles:
The Knights of Columbus (Ithaca Council 277) is sponsoring a photographic display of Blessed Carlo Acutis’ exhibition of Eucharistic Miracles at Immaculate Conception Church, Ithaca from 10:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. on October 21–22 and November 11–12. Blessed Carlo Acutis created the art for the Eucharistic Miracles panels before his death from leukemia at age 15. His goal during his short life was to help bring others closer to Jesus through awareness of the mystery of the Eucharist.
40 Days for Life:
Ithaca 40 Days for Life will be praying at Ithaca Planned Parenthood from September 27–November 5. For details contact Becky Fluger at [email protected] or 607–423–7015. Sign-up at 40daysforlife.com/ithaca.
Sweet Sunday:
This Sunday, and the first Sunday of every month, parishioners are invited to a social time after the 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg.
Parish Game Night:
Join us for an evening of games on October 4 from 6:30–8:30 p.m. This month’s Game Night is hosted by Holy Cross Church, Ovid. Invite a friend and bring a snack if you wish.
Blessing of Animals: 
The Blessing of Animals will take place Wednesday, October 4, at 6:00 p.m. at the parish center, St. Francis Solanus, Interlaken. It is the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi who had a love for all God’s creation. It is traditional to bless animals on his feast day.
Parish Eucharistic Revival – June 2023–June 2024:
Every parish throughout the United States is inviting parishioners to: Reinvigorate Worship by parishes diligently being faithful to the norms prescribed for the celebration of the Eucharistic Liturgy (Mass); provide monthly holy hour Encounter Nights to help parishioners personally encounter Jesus in the Eucharist; create a Faith Formation opportunity through a small group seven session study guide titled “Jesus and the Eucharist”; and to launch an “Invite One Back” initiative, that is, reaching out to one who has abandoned the gift of Jesus himself, the Eucharist.
With the help of Patrick Miller, who is our Eucharistic Revival Point Person and the Parish Council, especially the Worship and Word Committees, our parish will begin to schedule, in October, events proposed for the Parish Eucharistic Revival.
NYS Eucharistic Congress:
This event will be held October 20–22, 2023 at Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine, Auriesville, NY. We need a parishioner to plan and organize our participation in this Congress. One vision is to arrange a parish bus trip. If you, or know of anyone who can organize such an event, please notify the parish office. Thank you. For more information on the Eucharistic Congress go to nyseucharisticcongress.org.
Parish Cemeteries Second Collection:
Next weekend there is a second collection to benefit the Mary, Mother of Mercy parish cemeteries. The cemeteries do not generate regular income and do not have a fully funded Permanent Maintenance Fund. Please give what you are able as this collection helps to defray costly maintenance expenses. Donations may also be made online using WeShare Online Giving. Thank you.
2023-2024 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
Our Diocese of Rochester has launched the 2023-2024 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) to serve people in need; provide diocesan wide services to parishes and institutions; support seminarians, Deacons and Pastoral Leaders; educate the young in the Catholic faith, fund the operation of diocesan offices/ministries, etc. The CMA goal is $6,725,000. Our given parish goal is $31,000. As in the past, please participate in the Appeal. Participation is primary, what is pledged is secondary.
CROP Hunger Walk:
The CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty) Walk is October 8 at 2:00 p.m. at the Trumansburg Methodist Church. Sign-in begins at 1:45 p.m. 25% of funds raised go to our local Food Pantry. To register, see our CROP Walk coordinator, Camille Taranto, or visit events.crophungerwalk.org/2023/team/st-james-church.
Volunteers Needed for Coat Distribution:
The Seneca County Community Christmas Project (SCCCP) Coat Distribution is October 14 from 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at the Ovid VFW. Volunteers are needed for set-up/clean-up and to help children choose coats. Families can fill out applications for the SCCCP December gift distribution at this time. If you are interested in helping, please contact Gerry Frank at [email protected].
Food Donations Needed
St. James the Apostle Church: every second Sunday of the month non-perishable food and hygienic items can be placed on the table in front of the Blessed Mother statue.
Holy Cross and St. Francis Solanus: food and hygienic items can be placed at the foyers at any time. Monetary donations by check are accepted (Mary, Mother of Mercy with food pantry in the memo line).
Vocation Discernment Weekend:
The Capuchin Franciscans, Province of St. Mary are sponsoring a Come and See Discernment Weekend November 17–19 at San Lorenzo Friary, Jamaica Plain, MA. For further information please contact Fr. Erik Lenhart, OFM Cap. at [email protected] or 857–615–3893.
Notre Dame Retreat House, Canandaigua:
- October 12: “My Life with God, an Ignatian Day of Prayer” presented by Fr. Daniel Ruiz. There is a $35.00 fee.
- October 20–22: a Women’s Retreat, “Keep Hope Alive” presented by Fr. Dennis Billy, C.SS.R.; Fr. Danial Ruiz; Sr. Donna DelSanto, SSJ; Nancy Lynch; and Jodie Scordo.
To register: phone 585-394-5700 or email nlynch@notredameretreat.org. For more information, visit: notredameretreathouse.org.
American Red Cross:
A blood drive will be held October 7, from 8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. at the Trumansburg American Legion. To schedule an appointment to donate, phone 1-800-733-2767 or visit redcrossblood.org.
Programs at St. James the Apostle:
Sister Anne Alderman, SSJ facilitates three programs in the Pine Room at St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg.
- Prayer for Healing and Harmony meets on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month at 7:00 p.m. and every Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. This time of silent prayer provides an opportunity for personal reflection and healing. The session closes with a time to share any reflections that came to you.
- The Taizé Prayer is facilitated on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month at 7:30 p.m. Taizé Prayer was developed by an ecumenical community of monks in Taizé, France. It consists of readings and prayers interspersed with quiet, repetitive songs—a good way to quiet your soul and psyche after a busy day.
- Every Wednesday at 3:15 p.m., all are invited to participate in a book study. The current book is Wisdom Distilled from the Daily by Joan Chittiston.
Questions? Contact Sister Anne at 607-209-4206 or [email protected]
Private Prayer:
• St. Francis Solanus Church in Interlaken is open at all times.
• St. James the Apostle Church in Trumansburg is open most days from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For more information on many of these and other events please visit the bulletin page.
Also, check our web page on ways to help support our local senior community.
Sweet Sunday in October: Another successful sweet Sunday at St. James this morning following Mass.
Catechetical Sunday: This past Sunday, 9/17, was Catechetical Sunday. After families learned about the Good Shepherd from Father Bernard, kids had fun creating their own flock of sheep. It’s not too late to join our program! Contact the parish office if you’d like to sign up.
Parish Picnic 2023:
Everyone had a great time at the parish picnic on September 10, 2023, at the St. Fidelis Friary. Fr. Bernard Maloney, pastor of the three churches in the parish, opened the gathering in a prayer of thanksgiving. The rain held out and the many parishioners who attended enjoyed a delicious meal and convivial conversations. Everyone in the parish is grateful for our Parish Council Fellowship Committee and the large number of volunteers that stepped up to help.
Rite of Reception into the Catholic Church:
Cheryl Sue Hine celebrated the Rite of Reception into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church and the Sacrament of Confirmation on Sunday, August 27, during the 9:00 a.m. Mass. She chose St. Teresa of Avila as her confirmation saint name. Our parish happily welcomes Cheryl into the congregation.
Sweet Sunday in August: Everyone had a relaxing time enjoying coffee, sweet pastries, and conversation after Sunday Mass. Thanks to everyone who helped make this possible.
Ice Cream and Games: The ice cream social and game night held at St. Francis on Aug. 2 was well attended. Thank you to the parish fellowship committee for organizing and running this fun and sweet event!
Eucharistic Procession: The parish held a Eucharistic Procession on Sunday—the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. It was a beautiful demonstration of faith made public to all. All present enjoyed Fr. Bernard’s homemade cavatini in the annex afterwards. 
New Parish Council: The new parish council met on June 8 to thank the people completing their terms and to welcome new members. During this first meeting of the parish council, the various committees met in separate groups to discuss their plans for 2023–2024.
Game Night at Holy Cross:
Some serious fun was had at our parish Game Night on June 7. If you missed out, don’t worry! There’s another opportunity to join in on July 5 at 6:30 pm when St. James the Apostle hosts the fun!
Widows’ Brunch:
On June 1 the parish offered a delightful brunch in the St. Francis annex to honor our widows. A wonderful group of women came together to enjoy fantastic food. Thank you to Meg and Terry for their work in organizing this successful event!
Pentecost Brunch at Holy Cross:
After Mass on Pentecost Sunday there was an enjoyable gathering for brunch in the Holy Cross rectory. Thank you to our dedicated volunteers who made this event possible.
First Communion and Sweet Sunday:
We welcomed Emma and Sally to the table of the Lord on May 7, during the Sunday morning Mass at St. James. May God bless them and may the love of Jesus be with them always. “Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty’.” John 6: 35
There was a celebratory Sweet Sunday reception after Mass.
Blessed Mother’s Garden:
Feel free to come over anytime and enjoy the quiet of the BVM and her garden at St. James. The daffodils, Easter’s trumpets, are in full bloom.
Here is a link to St. Augustine’s prayer to Mary, Mother of Mercy.
Walk with Christ:
The parish’s religious education class worked on a banner with the message, “Walk with Christ.” Keep an eye out for it in the vestibule of your church!
Easter Egg Hunt at St. James 2023
Soup at Holy Cross:
Some of our parishioners enjoying a soup supper following Stations of the Cross at Holy Cross Church, Ovid. There’s one more opportunity to attend this event next Thursday, March 30th, at 6:00 pm at Holy Cross.
Sweet Sunday at St. James in March 2023:
Christmas Social:
The Christmas Social that was held on Sunday, December 18th, 2022, was delightful. The large variety of cookies and pastries were delicious and everyone did a great job making decorations for the Christmas trees in the church.
Thank you to all who contributed desserts and to the committee who arranged this event.
Parish Picnic 2022:
Our parish picnic at the Friary was a joyous event! A huge thank you to our Fellowship Committee and volunteers for putting this event together and to all who were able to bring food to share. This parish is blessed to have such dedicated members.
Br. Francisco with Gerry and Grace
Brother Francisco has completed his pastoral year at Mary, Mother of Mercy. On his last Sunday in our parish there was a social after Mass at St. James so people could express their gratitude for his service to our parish.
Brother Francisco, we will miss your positive attitude and vibrant energy. We wish you well for what comes next. God bless you!
Volunteer Appreciation Week:
During the week of June 26th, the parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy, celebrated a week of dinners at the St. Fidelis Friary in appreciation of our parish volunteers who give of their time and energy for the benefit of our parish. The weather was lovely, the food was delicious, and the view across the lake was amazing. Thank you to all who do so much to keep our three churches running smoothly. Whether it’s through the liturgy or behind the scenes, your help is greatly appreciated!
Food, Faith, and Fun on Cayuga Lake:
The Food, Faith, and Fun event for young adults on June 5, 2022, was a delight. The parish is grateful for Meg and Charlie Mullins who prepared an excellent meal. Brother Francisco provided an array of entertaining games that kept guests laughing until sunset. Thank you to all who organized this event. Everyone had a great time!
Welcome to the table of the Lord!
Congratulations to Elise on celebrating her first communion at St. James on May 15, 2022. Blessings to her and all who made this day possible.
Easter Egg Hunt: Through snow flurries and sun, the kids had fun!
Thanks to Andy Morpugo for making this happen.
Our Churches Decorated for Easter
St. James the Apostle
St. Francis Solanus
Holy Cross church
St. James Church Decorated for Christmas
Helping to End Hunger, CROP Walk 2021:
Thank you to all who walked or supported the annual Trumansburg Tom Lange Memorial CROP Hunger Walk, sponsored by the Trumansburg Area Churches (TAC), which took place on Sunday, October 10, 2021, and was hosted by St. James the Apostle church. The initials CROP stand for Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty and their goal is “ending hunger one step at a time.”
Blessing of Animals:
At St. Francis Solanus church in Interlaken, Fr. Bernard, with Brother Francisco’s assistance, blessed a number of pets as part of the celebration of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis had a love for all of God’s creation and it is a tradition to bless animals in his honor.
First Communion 2021:
Working on pew banners for their First Holy Communion on May 2
Father Bernard Maloney with Grace Guydosh and Porter Landon following their first communion
Susan and Grace Guydosh
Porter Landon and his family
Religious Education:
The parish’s religious education kids are doing their monthly activities from home this year. This past month they learned about St. Margaret of Scotland whose feast day was November 16. In addition to her charity and prayerfulness St. Margaret was known for her literacy and love for reading scripture. The kids made and decorated origami bookmarks to honor her and here are some of their finished products.
The Blessing of Animals:
October 4 was the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. Liturgically, it is not celebrated because Sunday liturgies take precedent. However, in keeping with the spirit of Francis’s Day and as an expression of his love for all creation, the blessing of animals took place at the St. Francis Solanus church in Interlaken. Two canine companions, Daisy and Luke, and Little Bits the hamster attended the event and received a blessing from Father Bernard.
Each church in our parish put on their own St. Patrick’s day celebration. Our thanks to the parish’s fellowship committee for arranging these events. ☘️
Fr. Bernard enjoying the food at one of the socials.
Parishioners enjoying the St. Patrick’s day social at St. Francis Solanus church.
Parishioners and their pastor enjoying the Holy Cross’s social in honor of St. Patrick.
Enjoying a good time in honor of St. Patrick at St. James the Apostle.
A lovely St. Valentine’s Day social was held at Holy Cross church in
People enjoying the St. Patrick’s day social at Holy Cross church.
February, 2020 💕 Thank you to the parish’s fellowship committee for arranging this event!
A thank you to everyone who helped decorate our churches for Christmas, especially the children who made ornaments for the trees at St. James the Apostle.
After enjoying a wonderful spread of food, Father Bernard led the kids on a tour of the sanctuary and sacristy so they could learn more about the Eucharist. This was part of the monthly gathering in November for families involved in religious education.
Parishioners enjoying chili as part of the ministry fair at St. Francisn October 26 and 27 all three churches had ministry fairs where paParishioners could sign up for different ministries while enjoying food. Thank you to the worship and fellowship committees for planning these events!
All Saints’ Day is around the corner! After learning about this holy day, families at the monthly religious education gathering prayed for the deceased while lighting votives. The kids also played a trivia game. We have some very bright young people in our parish!!
Blessing of Pets:
October 4, was the feast day of St. Francis. Blessing of animals took place at St. Francis Solanus church, Interlaken, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
September 15 was Catechetical Sunday and a great group of families came to St. James as we kicked off the new school year with pizza and an activity. Check out the finished projects hanging in the Pine Room at St. James.
We are pleased to have nine students this year but we always have room for more. If you’d still like to sign up, call the church office or email the religious education coordinator, Susan Guydosh, at [email protected]. The next meeting is after the 9 a.m. Mass on October 20.
On September 8, the parish celebrated the 50th anniversary of Father Bernard Maloney’s ordination. Father Bernard said Mass at the St. Fidelis Friary amongst parishioners, friends, family, and the Capuchin Franciscans. Thank you, Father Bernard, for the energy, time, and commitment you have selflessly shared with us. We are blessed to have you lead our parish.
The ice cream social at St. James on July 25, 2019, was a delight! Thank you to our fellowship committee for arranging this event; our parish is blessed to have so many dedicated volunteers!!
Parishioners enjoyed sensational sangria, Lucas wines, and an array of snacks while celebrating the feast day of Saint Francis Solanus on Saturday, July 13, 2019. Thank you to Norm, Scott, and all volunteers for your hard work!
