April 25, 2021 ~ Fourth Sunday of Easter / Year of St. Joseph

First Reading:
“There is no salvation through anyone else, nor is there any other name under heaven given to the human race by which we are to be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

Psalm:
The stone rejected by the builders has become the cornerstone. (Ps. 118)
Or
Alleluia.

Second Reading:
Beloved, we are God’s children now; what we shall be has not yet been revealed. We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (1 Jn. 3:2)

Gospel:
“I am the good shepherd, and I know mine and mine know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I will lay down my life for the sheep.” (Jn. 10:14-15)

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.
©LPi

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
The cornerstone is the first stone that is laid and the stone that not only determines how the other stones are placed but the position of the entire structure. As human beings, we need a cornerstone or reference point so that our lives can be properly placed and positioned. Our cornerstone determines not only how we see ourselves but who we will become. Without a cornerstone or reference point, we will be disconnected, disoriented, and poorly positioned for effective action in our world. In order to be the children of God we are, Jesus Christ needs to be our cornerstone and the reference point for all that we do. He alone is the Good Shepherd who can guide through life’s questions and challenges, bringing us to proper pasture. Without this proper base, we can easily fall into the trap of self-aggrandizement and quickly lose our way. If that happens, then moral principles, proper conduct, justice, wisdom, and virtue will be difficult to find. We need to listen to the right voices and allow God to show us how to build our house well. Salvation only comes from God and only God will protect us, no matter the cost.
©LPi

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Liturgical Publications Inc.


Events:

  • Food Pantries:
    • Ovid Federated church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
    • Food truck: Every other Tuesday (April 27), 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 (April 26) 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:15–6:00 p.m., Methodist church
  • Family Hope Center: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:00–4:00 p.m., Holy Cross
  • AA Meetings:
    • Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus, Interlaken
    • Thursdays, Noon, St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg
  • Bernard is Available: Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
  • Parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy’s Sunday Mass can be viewed at our parish website: marymotherofmercy.com
  • Catholic Home Missions Appeal Offering: April 24 and 25
  • First Holy Communion: May 2, 9:00 a.m., St. James
  • Easter Sacraments presentations: 7 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
    April 27: Baptism
    May 4: Confirmation
    May 11: Eucharist

2020/2021 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
Bishop Salvatore R. Matano wrote a letter, dated April 12, to the parish expressing his sincere gratitude for exceeding our parish CMA goal of $29,979. He stated that this year’s theme was Christ, Our Light, beckoning us to look to the Light of Our Savior to navigate us through these challenging times especially in this time of great uncertainty during the tragic pandemic affecting so many aspects of our daily life. Parishioners have pledged $32,079 to the CMA. The bishop referred to this as a living testament to our faith in our mission and good works. He added, “I am so very thankful for and deeply encouraged by the parish’s commitment and dedication. I pray that the Lord will continue to bless your parish family.”

Parish Finance Council:
At the end of March, 2021, Ms. Rebecca Pizzirusso, who is the Diocesan Regional Finance Director for the Geneva, Seneca Falls and Waterloo parishes, was appointed to be also our parish Reginal Finance Director. She will be introduced and welcomed at the Parish Finance Council meeting this Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at the Parish Center, Interlaken. We take this opportunity to express our thanks to Mr. David Zellinger who, for the past five years, has been our Regional Finance Director and a counselor and overseer of our parish finances and property.

Catholic Home Missions Appeal:
Support the Catholic Home Missions Appeal today! Right now, over 40% of dioceses in the United States and its territories are considered mission territory, 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. (No collections can be taken up in church during pandemic times. Please make your donations to the Home Missions Appeal as you do your Sunday offering. Thank you.)

First Communions:
Three parishioners will celebrate their first communion on Sunday, May 2, at the 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. James the Apostle Church. They are: Christopher Clarke-Cabezas, Grace Guydosh and Porter Landon.

The Easter Sacraments:
Fr. Bernard will give a presentation on the Sacraments of Initiation (also referred to as the Easter Sacraments) on three consecutive Tuesday evenings at the Parish Center, Interlaken, beginning at 7:00 p.m: — Baptism, April 27; Confirmation, May 4; and Eucharist, May 11. The Sacrament of Reconciliation will be included with the presentation on Baptism. All are welcome.

“Lord, when did we see You… in prison?” Matthew 25:39:

“Today we state clearly that the death penalty is inadmissible, and the Church is firmly committed to calling for its abolition worldwide.” ~Pope Francis, Fratelli Tutti

In July 2019, capital punishment in federal cases was resumed in the U.S. after a 16 year hiatus. At the very heart of Catholic teaching is reverence for the inviolable dignity of the human being and the belief that every person, made in the image and likeness of God, is given the opportunity for redemption. This includes those who have caused great harm. Saint Pope John Paul II in his encyclical The Gospel of Life, emphatically proclaimed, “Not even a murderer loses his personal dignity.” (EV, 9). This week, please contact the White House at 1–202–456–1111 or whitehouse.gov/contact to thank President Biden for his public opposition to capital punishment and to ask him to declare an official moratorium on executions at the federal level; commute the sentences of all those currently on the federal death row; advocate to end the death penalty in law with Congress and the states.

National Blue Sunday:
The last Sunday of April is a day of prayer for abused children. Blue Sunday is a national faith-based movement when churches take time to pray for victims of child abuse and for those who rescue them. This year it will be April 25, 2021. There are over 3 million confirmed cases of child abuse in our nation annually and 1640 child deaths from child abuse (most were under the age of three).

Documentary on Pope Francis I:
There is a new documentary about Pope Francis entitled Francesco. It is a beautiful film, which will make you weep and make you cheer. Most of all it will give you hope.  See the trailer: francescofilm.com. You can access it through the Ithaca-based not for profit movie house Cinemapolis, cinemapolis.org.

World Day of Prayer for Vocations:
The church has set aside this Sunday, April 25, to highlight vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and life as a sister or brother in a community of religious. The day is highlighted to remind Catholics that every day we are to encourage and support young people who might be called to dedicate their lives to God in His holy church. Part of the encouragement is to personally and continually pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

Year of St. Joseph:
Pope Francis initiated the Year of St. Joseph in recognition of the 150th Anniversary of the declaration of St. Joseph as patron of the Catholic Church. This year is dedicated to increase our love for this great saint, to encourage us to implore his intercession and to imitate his virtues and his zeal.

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: https://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 problems, please email Eileen at [email protected].

The Bishop’s Reminder:
Due to the prevalence of the Coronavirus, the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is suspended until further notice. Those who are at a higher risk of COVID-19 and those concerned for their health are urged not to come to church for Mass. Those who feel in any way sick should not enter any parish building or church.

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.

Easter Duty:
“All the faithful, after they have been initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, are bound by the obligation of receiving Communion at least once a year. The precept must be fulfilled during the Easter season unless it is fulfilled for a just cause at some other time during the year.” (Church law #920) In reference to this precept the Easter season is considered the First Sunday of Lent until Trinity Sunday (this year May 30).

Offertory Collection:
During this time of the pandemic, offertory collections cannot be taken up. When parishioners attend Mass, please place your offertory in the new collection stand at the entrances of the church. The new stand replaces the baskets at the entrances and offers security to your offering.

COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program:
This program is designed to provide up to three months of rent relief to eligible households who have experienced a loss of income related to the public health crisis. To learn more or apply, visit ithacanhs.org/rentalassistance or phone 607–277–4500. Assistance is available to renters in four counties including Seneca, Schuyler, Tioga, and Tompkins.

Please take time this week to pray the rosary for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prayer Intentions:
Since we presently cannot have the prayer request books in our churches, do know that the prayer requests of fellow parishioners are still being listed on the parish website (see PRAYERS in top bar). If you would like to add a request, please email the parish at [email protected] or phone the parish office at 607–294–0064 and it will be added to the list.

Prayers from the Sisters of St. Joseph:
The Sisters of St. Joseph have a prayer ministry for the Diocese of Rochester. They have informed our parish that Sisters Anne Marie Burns and Dolores Bachman will be praying for our parish and parishioners throughout 2021. Let us keep in our prayers the two sisters praying for us and for all the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester.

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.

Diocese of Rochester Request:
Victims of sexual abuse should always report to the civil authorities. To receive help and guidance from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, contact our Victim Assistance Coordinator: Deborah Housel, 585–328–3228, ext. 1555. Toll-free 1–800–388–7177 ext. 1555 or by email to [email protected].


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© 2024 The Parish of Mary Mother of Mercy
3660 Orchard St., P.O. Box 403, Interlaken, NY 14847
607-294-0064

St. James the Apostle, 17 Whig St, Trumansburg, NY
Holy Cross, 7231 Main Street, Ovid, N.Y.
St. Francis Solanus, 3660 Orchard St., Interlaken, N.Y.
Diocese of Rochester
www.dor.org

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