First Reading:
Yet more than ever, believers in the Lord, great numbers of men and women, were added to them. (Acts 5:14)
Psalm:
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting. (Ps. 118)
Or
Alleluia.
Second Reading:
“I am the first and the last, the one who lives. Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever.” (Rev. 1:17-18)
Gospel:
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst. (Jn. 20:19)
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:
Life is about to get very interesting for the disciples. Finding themselves questioning what happened to Jesus and whether he actually was raised from the dead, they are afraid and uncertain. In the midst of this fear, questioning, and uncertainty, Jesus decides to surprise them with a visit! This visit, complete with the gift of peace, fills the disciples with great excitement and joy. But their detailed testimony is not enough to convince their absent friend Thomas. He wants to see for himself. We struggle with belief as well. It is hard for some to give themselves over to the testimony of another. We want to see the resurrected Christ in person. God, through the gift of eyes of faith, gives us the ability to do precisely that: when we witness the healing that comes from forgiveness, the beauty that flows from love, the wonder of creation, the new life that comes after we fall, and the unique soul that lives behind each person’s life. Christ is risen. Life will get very interesting for us too, when we stop unbelieving and believe!
©LPi
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
©LPi
Events:
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
- Food truck: May 10, 4:00 p.m., South Seneca High School parking lot
- Interlaken Reformed church: Fridays, 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.,
- Trumansburg Food Pantry: Every other Monday (May 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.–2:00 p.m., and Thursdays 4:00–6:00 p.m., Holy Cross
- Bernard is available: Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
- Confirmation program: Sundays, 4:00 p.m., St. James
- Prayer for Healing and Harmony: 2:00 p.m.
- James the Apostle: May 4 & 18
- Holy Cross: May 11 & 25
- Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: May 4 & 18; 3:15 p.m.; St. James the Apostle
- Catholic Home Missions Appeal collection: April 23 & 24
The Catholic Home Missions Appeal:
Support the Catholic Home Missions Appeal today! Nearly 40% of dioceses in the United States and its territories are considered mission territories because they are unable to fund essential pastoral activities needed in their communities. Your support funds religious education, seminary formation, lay ministry training, and other programs that build vibrant faith communities right here in the United States. Please be generous. More information can be found at usccb.org/home-missions.
Eater Triduum – “Thank you”:
The three days of Easter, that is, Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Resurrection of the Lord, were wonderful celebrations in the parish made so by those who decorated the churches for the liturgies, ushers, musicians, song leaders, altar servers, lectors and Eucharistic ministers and of course by all the participants in those liturgies which includes those who were in attendance. You were all a blessing to the parish, and God bless you many times over for your presence.
Sunday of Divine Mercy- Second Sunday of Easter:
On Sunday April 24 at 3:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 113 N. Geneva Street, Ithaca, NY, Deacon George Kozak will be leading a Divine Mercy Service with recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Rosary and Adoration and Benediction. All are welcome.
First Communion Sunday:
Elise Wright will be celebrating her First Communion on Sunday, May 15, 2022, at the 9:00 a.m. Mass. We thank all who have helped prepare Elise for this day.
Parish Council Nominations:
The terms of five Parish Council members end this June. Parishioners interested in being on the Parish Council can now nominate themselves or be nominated by another parishioner. The selection of new Parish Council members for a three year term and the selection of three alternates for a one year term will take place on Sunday, May 29. Newly selected members will attend the June 9 Parish Council meeting. The term of membership begins July 1. There are no scheduled meetings in the summer. The Parish Council is a council to the pastor. It is not a governing body nor board. Through the Parish Council committees (Word, Worship, Witness and Fellowship), the members become aware of what is happening in the parish. Parish Council members are assigned to one of the committees after they give their preferences. From what is being done or proposed in the parish, the members offer advice to the pastor. The council can meet between 4–8 times a year and the meetings are held at the Parish Center, Interlaken. The last weekend of April, Parish Council nomination ballots will be available for the submission of nominees’ names. Parishioners, please consider being a Council member or nominating a parishioner. Thank you.
Blue Sunday:
The last Sunday in April is a day when churches take time in their service to pray for the victims of child abuse and for those who rescue them. There are over 3 million confirmed cases of child abuse in our nation annually. Of the 1,640 child deaths from child abuse most were under the age of 3. To end this violence, prayer is needed. Additional resources including videos and fact sheets are available online at www.bluesunday.org.
World Day of Prayer for Vocations:
“Vocations are born in prayer and from prayers; and only in prayer can they persevere and bear fruit” –Pope Francis. May 8, 2022 has been designated as a day of prayer for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. For a vocation to the priesthood, one can take a discernment self-test and access a new “Nine Holy Hours to Discern the Priesthood” at GoPriest.com. For a list of all Vocation Directors in the U.S. go to Diocesanpriest.com.
2021-2022 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA):
Our parish has surpassed its assigned goal of $28,085. This was accomplished by 104 parish households who have pledged $28,650 to the CMA. Half of the amount over goal will be returned to the parish. The Appeal will continue until May 31. We are most appreciative to those who pledged to the Appeal and invite others to make a pledge to support the works of the Diocese and our parish. Pledge envelopes are available in the foyers of the church. Participation is primary, what is pledged is secondary. Every gift is appreciated greatly.
Camp Stella Maris:
Each year, Camp Stella Maris sends hundreds of kids to camp through the Charles M. Bayer Campership Program. Campership awards are extended to families who may not have the opportunity to send their children to camp. Camp Stella Maris awards more than $150,000 to campers-in-need annually. For more information phone 585–346–2243.
Summer Academies & Girls Basketball Camp:
Notre Dame High School is accepting registrations. Visit: notredamehighschool.com/summer-camps-and-academies. All registrations will be taken online. Email: Michelle Barklet at [email protected] with questions. All academies and camps are held at Notre Dame High School, Elmira, NY.
Donating to Your Parish:
Online giving by WeShare is safe, simple and convenient. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:
- Visit the parish website’s giving page: https://marymotherofmercy.com/giving.
- Follow the directions under the “Donate Online” section.
- 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 problems, please email Eileen at [email protected].
Easter Duty:
All the faithful, after they have been initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, are bound by obligation of receiving Communion at least once a year. The precept must be fulfilled during the Easter Season unless it is fulfilled for a just cause at some other time during the year. In reference to this law, the Easter season is considered from the First Sunday of Lent until Trinity Sunday (this year June 12) Canon #920
Couples Celebrating their Marriage Anniversary:
Anniversary couples are invited to a Mass of Recognition of the Sacrament of Matrimony. The Mass will be Sunday, May 8, at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral, (296 Flower City Park, Rochester). All married couples and their guests are welcome to attend and renew their vows with Bishop Salvatore R. Matano. Those celebrating milestone jubilees will be given special recognition. To register your attendance, go to: https://conta.cc/31DXmKu or email [email protected]. Additionally, the June issue of the Catholic Courier will feature a Wedding Jubilee section. If you would like your name and anniversary (25, 50, and above) to be included, please send an email or a letter with the following information: Names, Church, Town where you were married, wedding date/year, and a wedding photo (optional). Email: [email protected] or mail Wedding Anniversaries, Catholic Courier PO Box 24279 Rochester, NY 14624-0379. Submissions are due by April 30.
Prayer for Healing and Harmony:
You are invited to gather for a time of prayer for healing and harmony. These gatherings begin at 2:00 p.m. The next dates are May 4, and May 18 at St. James and May 11, and May 25 at Holy Cross. Questions? Call or email Sister Anne at 607–209–4206 or [email protected].
Spiritual Book Reading and Discussion:
Sister Anne Alderman, SSJ is facilitating a discussion of the book Hope Against Darkness by Richard Rohr & John Feister on the first and third Wednesday of each month at St. James at 3:15 p.m. The next dates are April 20, May 4, and May 18. This event will run through June.
40 Days For Life:
Visit 40daysforlife.com/Ithaca to select a time to pray at the vigil site across the street from Planned Parenthood, 620 W. Seneca St., Ithaca. Join others in this peaceful time of prayer, fasting, and witness to life. Now through Palm Sunday.
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected] 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.
