First Reading:
See, I am doing something new! Now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? (Is. 43:19)
Psalm:
The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy. (Ps. 126)
Second Reading:
I consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things (Phil. 3:8)
Gospel:
“Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” (Jn. 8:7)
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:
Mercy makes us attentive to the voice of truth. We do not know what ever happened to the woman caught in adultery, after her encounter with Jesus. It is hoped that she found what she needed to feel true sorrow. What we do know is that through his gentle and wise persuasiveness, Jesus puts the Pharisees in their place and opens the door to grace for this child of God. Being exploited and used to test and discredit Jesus, she who is publicly known to be a sinner is now the victim. Jesus never tolerates people being used and immediately rushes to her defense. As the author of mercy, Jesus became her advocate and opened the door for her to God’s love. Jesus also stands between us and the harsh, judgmental, and often hurtful stance of our world. He invites us to grace, to leave the sin that binds us, and for which we are often criticized, and pursue a life of virtue and freedom.
©LPi
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
©LPI
Events:
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
- Food truck: April 12, 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 4) 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
- Fr. Bernard is available: Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
- Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions): 7:00-8:00 p.m.
- April 11, St. James the Apostle
- April 12, Holy Cross
- Confirmation program: Sundays, 4:00 p.m., St. James
- Holy Hour: Wednesdays of Lent, 7:00 p.m., St. Francis
- Prayer for Healing and Harmony: 2:00 p.m.
- James the Apostle: April 6 & 20
- Holy Cross: April 13 & 27
- Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: April 6 & 20; 3:15 p.m.; St. James the Apostle
Easter Triduum Liturgical Services Schedule:
- April 14, Thursday of the Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday), 7:00 p.m. at St. James the Apostle Church
- April 15
- Friday of the Passion of the Lord (Good Friday), 3:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Church Stations of the Cross, 7:00 p.m. at St. James the Apostle Church
- April 16, The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night (Holy Saturday), 8:00 p.m. at St. Francis Solanus Church (no 4:00 p.m. Mass)
Easter Sunday Masses, April 17:
- 9:00 a.m., St. James the Apostle Church
- 10:30 a.m., Holy Cross Church
Easter Egg Hunt:
After the 9:00 a.m. Mass on Easter Sunday there will be an Easter Egg Hunt. All children are welcome.
Sacrament of Confirmation:
This Tuesday, April 5, 2022, three parishioners, Lucas Grove, Grace Olney, and Michael Torres, will be confirmed by Bishop Salvatore Matano at the Immaculate Conception Church, Ithaca. Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist completes one’s initiation into the Kingdom of God. Confirmation celebrates one’s faith and trust in Jesus and the commitment to imitate him in thought and deed. The parish rejoices in our newly, fully initiated Christians.
Next Sunday: Palm Sunday:
The weekend Masses will begin with the Commemoration of the Lord’s Entrance into Jerusalem. The “Commemoration” will be celebrated outside (weather permitting) followed by a procession into the church. Palms will be distributed to the assembly before the “Commemoration.” Palms will be available throughout the day in the foyer of the Church.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions):
Besides the regularly scheduled time for Confession (Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., at St. Francis Solanus Church), the Sacrament may be celebrated at 7–8 p.m. on Monday, April 11, at St. James the Apostle Church and Tuesday, April 12, at Holy Cross Church. These are wonderful opportunities to be shriven of one’s sins and the guilt attached to them and to be reconciled to God and his church. It is the Sacrament of Peace.
Season of Lent Opportunity—Holy Hour:
The parish has a holy hour on Wednesdays beginning at 7:00 p.m. at St. Francis Solanus Church. The holy hour begins with the Stations of the Cross, followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and a writing from one of the early church fathers. The holy hour is offered as an opportunity for parishioners to come together in prayer, meditation and to receive the Lord’s blessing with the Blessed Sacrament.
Stations of the Cross:
A popular devotion during the Season of Lent is making the Stations of the Cross. Each station causes us to meditate on Jesus and what he encountered on his way to Calvary and his execution. They offer us inspiration as to how to be like Christ in our everyday living. We, individuals, and families, are invited to make the Stations of the Cross at least once during this Season of Lent. Public Stations of the Cross are held every Wednesday of Lent (except April 13) within a Holy Hour at St. Francis Solanus Church beginning at 7:00 p.m.
Lenten Fridays:
The Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence, that is, meatless days. This Lenten practice affects Catholics over the age of fourteen.
Martin Luther King Jr.’s Life and Vision:
This Sunday, April 3, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine Arts (1 Congress St.) there will be a celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of nonviolence through hands-on education, art and writing activities, and discussion for people of all ages. Also featured are open mic readings of King’s speeches. The event is free. Sponsors include the Trumansburg Area Churches (TAC), Trumansburg Middle School Social Justice Club, and the Town of Ulysses.
Food Donations Needed:
On the second Sunday of each month, (next Sunday) 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!
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
2021-2022 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA):
Our parish has surpassed its assigned goal of $28,085. This was accomplished by 103 parish households who have pledged $28,550 to the CMA. Half of the amount over goal will be returned to the parish. The Appeal will continue to the end of May. We are most appreciative to those who pledged to the Appeal and invite others to make a pledge in 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.
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 donald.smith@dor.org. 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: weddings@CatholicCourier.com or mail Wedding Anniversaries, Catholic Courier PO Box 24279 Rochester, NY 14624-0379. Submissions are due by April 30.
Day of Prayer:
A “Day of Prayer” will be held on April 5, from 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m., at Notre Dame Retreat House, Canandaigua, NY. The theme will be “The Hope of Easter” and will be presented by Fr. Tom Travers, C.Ss.R. Fr. Tom is a Redemptorist Priest serving the ministry and mission of Notre Dame Retreat House. There is a $25.00 Fee. Please call 585–394–5700 or email us at ndretreat@rochester.rr.com to register.
Online Giving:
The WeShare online giving provides the opportunity for parishioners to give to the Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA), Easter Flowers, Easter collection and the Rice Bowl.
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. At St. James the next dates are April 6 and 20, at Holy Cross: April 13 and 27. Questions? Call or email Sister Anne at 607–209–4206 or a.alder1980@gmail.com.
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 6 & 20. 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.
Lenten Reminders:
- The season of Lent runs from Ash Wednesday (March 2) until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday (April 14).
- “Alleluia” is not sung or said from the beginning of Lent until the Easter Vigil.
- During Lent the altar is not to be decorated with flowers.
- Musical instruments may be played only to give necessary support to the singing.
- The readings for the Lenten Masses have been chosen in relation to the themes of baptismal renewal and conversion.
- The Easter celebration is: Holy Thursday, Good Friday & Holy Saturday – the Easter Triduum (Three Days of Easter).
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 Eileen.heptig@dor.org.
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 familyhopecenter@outlook.com.
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 familyhopecenter@outlook.com.
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 immmercy@dor.org or phoning the parish office at 607–294–0064 and it will be added to the list.
Easter Duty:
(Church Law #920) 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. In reference to this law the Easter season is considered from the First Sunday of Lent until Trinity Sunday (this year June 12).
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.
