First Reading:
Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will now rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather their daily portion; thus I will test them, to see whether they follow my instructions or not.” (Ex. 16:4)
Psalm:
The Lord gave them bread from heaven. (Ps. 78)
Second Reading:
… be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created in God’s way in righteousness and holiness of truth. (Eph. 4:23-24)
Gospel:
“I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst.” (Jn. 6:35)
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:
When we lose our ability to trust, we become afraid. When we are afraid, we may begin to grumble and question whether where we are is where we need to be. For us who have faith, we even question whether God is who God says He is. Trust is so important to our success on our journey. Often, the road of our lives can become a bit treacherous. We may find ourselves feeling more unsettled than comfortable and less fulfilled than we would like to be. As much as we try, the pieces of our puzzle don’t quite fit together as they ought. We wonder if we will ever experience happiness again. Then, something reminds us that God is very much present in this mess we call life. God is still bringing hope out of despair and life out of death. After all, God is the true bread that comes down from heaven to give life. All that is necessary is for us to trust in this truth, even when we may be lacking in some of life’s essentials. The God who gives life is the same God who sustains it. He is also the same God who assures us that we will not perish.
©LPi
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
©LPi
Events:
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
- Food truck: Every other Tuesday (August 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 (August 9) 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:15–6:00 p.m., Methodist church
- Family Hope Center (Summer Hours): Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Holy Cross
- Fr. Bernard is Available: Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
- New Saturday Mass schedule begins: July 31, 4:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
- Prayer for Healing and Harmony with Sister Anne Alderman:
- August 4 and 18, 3:30 p.m., St. James the Apostle, Pine Room
- August 11 and 25, 3:30 p.m., Holy Cross Rectory
Funeral:
On July 24, 2021, a memorial service was held for James Morley Hardesty, who died on June 9, 2021 at the age of 76.
Mary, Mother of Mercy Needs You:
The parish needs people who may be called upon to occasionally perform various small tasks, such as weeding one flower garden, changing a few light bulbs, or helping to move tables, chairs, fans, etc. Please sign up today. Sign up sheets are located on the churches’ bulletin boards.
Offertory Envelope Renewal Time:
Parishioners using boxes of offertory envelopes will receive a letter from the parish office inquiring about your continued use. Parishioners who desire to use boxes of offertory envelopes, please inform the parish office and an order will be placed for you. Please note that if one donates by personal check, there is no need to use an offertory envelope. What is always available is on-line giving. For this please consult the weekly bulletin.
Baptisms:
• Timothy Paul Connolly was baptized at Holy Cross Church on July 24, 2021.
• Liam Deane Madison was baptized at St. James the Apostle Church on July 24, 2021.
New Mass Schedule:
Beginning July 31, 2021, the parish Saturday evening Mass will be at 4:00 p.m. at our parish church, St. Francis Solanus, Interlaken.
Prayer for Healing and Harmony:
In this time of unrest, violence, and disease, when our society is polarized, you are invited to gather for a time of quiet prayer for the healing and harmony of each of us and all of God’s creation. The format will include self-introductions, a brief opening reflection, about 30 minutes of silent, shared prayer and a brief closing. The extended time of shared silence provides an opportunity for quieting personal reflection and healing. You do not need to attend every session.
This event will take place on Wednesdays, August 4 and 18, at 3:30 p.m. in the Pine Room at St. James the Apostle Church. It will also happen on Wednesdays, August 11 and 25, at 3:30 p.m. at the Holy Cross Rectory.
The facilitator will be Sister Anne Alderman, SSJ. There is a suggested donation of $2 or $3 to benefit the Sisters of St. Joseph (not required). Any questions? Contact Sister Anne at 607–209–4206 or [email protected].
Volunteer with Catholic Charities:
You can be a friend to elders, youth and families who visit Catholic Charities by volunteering in our free clothing closet. People stop by in search of outfits for job interviews, work, school, and general purposes. For some folks, having a friendly conversation is as important as getting a shirt or pair of pants. We’re seeking volunteers to commit to one morning shift per week, Tuesday through Friday, to wait on customers and help sort donations at our office in downtown Ithaca. COVID-19 safety protocols will be enforced. To sign up, email Michaela at [email protected] or call 607–272–5062.
Concert:
The Searsburg Community Church is sponsoring Sherry Anne in Concert. It will take place on Sunday, August 1, at the Trumansburg Fairgrounds at 3:00 p.m. In case of rain the concert will be held at the Searsburg Community Church (5719 Searsburg Road). A love offering will be accepted. For more information on Sherry Anne go to sherryanne.com.
Young Adult Summer Retreat:
“I came to cast fire upon the earth…!” (Lk. 12:49). A young adult retreat (ages 18–39) will be held on Saturday, August 14, from 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. at Branches Christian Rest and Renewal Center, Lodi, NY. Rocco Fortunato, Catholic speaker, evangelist, and founder of Spread the Blaze, will lead the life-transforming retreat. Capacity is limited to 30. Register ASAP to ensure a spot. The cost is $30 ($25 if by July 31) and financial help is available. A continental breakfast and lunch are included. To register or for more information, please visit branchescenter.org or call Donna at 716–901–4313.
Lakeside Day Retreat:
On Friday, August 20, Fr. Richard Crawley, OFM Cap. will facilitate the topic, “Reuniting for Renewal” followed by a Healing Mass at the Branches Christian Rest and Renewal Center on Seneca Lake. For more information visit branchescenter.org, contact Donna Wieand 716–901–4313 or email: [email protected].
Sacrament of Matrimony:
The Mass of Recognition for couples celebrating anniversaries of Matrimony will take place on Sunday, August 29, at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral with Bishop Salvatore R. Matano. Register online at https://conta.cc/3vjYs7x or by emailing [email protected] or [email protected]. Additionally, the September 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 the following information: names, church, town where you were married, wedding date/year, and a wedding photo (optional) to [email protected] or via mail to Wedding Anniversaries, Catholic Courier, P.O. Box 24379, Rochester, NY 14624-0379.
Fall Retreat Weekends for Men, Women, or Couples:
Explore how to find God in the midst of life’s graces and challenges at the retreat, “Finding God in Life’s Transitions” at the Notre Dame Retreat House in Canandaigua, NY. How we cope with the unexpected, how we discern ‘what next,’ and how we draw strength and wisdom from others will be the focus of the retreat weekend. To learn more, visit notredameretreat.org or call at 585–394–5700.
Five Day Plastic Challenge:
There is a worldwide movement encouraging people to refuse single-use plastic. For five days “choose to refuse single-use plastic” such as plastic drinking straws, plastic forks and spoons, plastid lids on take-out beverages… The list goes on and on, and the plastic does, too, because it takes centuries for plastic to disintegrate in landfills. Choose to Refuse Single-use Plastic for five days; it may inspire you to stop using it altogether.
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].
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.
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.
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.
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.
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].
