First Reading:
“Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God.” (Jos. 24:18)
Psalm:
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. (Ps. 34)
Second Reading:
This is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the church. (Eph. 5:32)
Gospel:
Simon Peter answered him, “Master to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (Jn. 6:68)
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:
Many people give their allegiance to something until it asks them to do something challenging or radical. Then, they find themselves rethinking whether they want to be associated with it. The same holds for God. Either we serve God, or we don’t. There can be no lukewarm stance with regard to faith. If we are in, then faith in Jesus Christ asks us to do some difficult things: work in service of God’s kingdom, love our enemies, offer no resistance to injury, and trust that the Eucharist is in fact Jesus’ very Body and Blood. For some, buying into these things may prove too difficult and a return to a life without them is preferred. But truth is truth and it can only be found in God. If we find it hard to accept it from the mouth of Christ, where else can we go to find it? The task before us is to commit to the truth even when it may be easier to pursue something else. Truth is always worth obtaining even when it is difficult. Jesus offers us the truth of life, a life that is found in his own flesh and blood and a life of discipleship.
©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 (September 14), 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 23) 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
- Prayer for Healing and Harmony with Sister Anne Alderman:
- August 25, 3:30 p.m., Holy Cross Rectory
Funeral:
Robert Burns Mannix, 84, died April 30, 2021. A Funeral Mass was held at Holy Cross Church on August 13, 2021.
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.
Family Faith Formation at Mary, Mother of Mercy:
The Family Faith Formation program will begin Sunday, September 19, and is open to all families with children in grades K-7. This year, the program will be weekly and will begin with the family attendance at the 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. James the Apostle. Following the Mass, families will gather for fellowship and a doctrinal lesson and activities based on the Sunday readings. At this time, it is hoped that the Religious Formation Director will be Brother Francisco Serrano, OFM Cap. He has recently received his Master’s Degree of Divinity and has been assigned to St. Fidelis Friary to begin a pastoral year of formation at our parish. You can find the registration form available here. Call Susan Guydosh at the parish office, 607-294-0064, or email [email protected] with any questions.
St. James the Apostle Church – New Collection Baskets:
New collection baskets have arrived, and the plan is to start using them September 5. We will be using collection baskets without handles. The ushers will start the baskets at the front pew, and each person can make their donation and then give the basket to the next person in the pew. When the basket reaches the end of the pew, please pass it to the person behind you.
Food Pantry Donations Resume:
Non-perishable food items are once again being accepted at all three of our parish churches. Donations left at Holy Cross will go to the Ovid Federated Church; donations left at St. Francis Solanus will go to the Reformed Church in Interlaken; and food left at St. James the Apostle will be taken to the Trumansburg Food Pantry.
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.
Thank You:
Some of our homebound parishioners, recipients of notes sent monthly through our fellowship committee outreach, wanted to thank everyone involved in this important ministry. As one person said, “It gives you a heartwarming feeling that people are thinking and praying for you.” These personal notes, along with Father’s weekly communiqués and bulletins, help keep these honored parishioners a valuable part of our community. “I smile each time I see a new note in the mail.” Thank you to all who help make such smiles a reality. “Blessings to each person who writes such a cheerful note.”
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].
Lakeside Day Retreat:
Monday, August 30, Branches Christian Rest and Renewal Center on Seneca Lake is sponsoring a presentation by Nancy Potter and Donna Wieand called Fatima and Our World Today. For more information visit branchescenter.org or contact Donna Wieand, 716–901–4313, or email [email protected].
Day of Prayer:
On Wednesday, September 15, Rev. Robert Werth will present “Feeding the Spiritual Hungers” at the Notre Dame Retreat House, Canandaigua. Fr. Werth has been a priest within the Diocese of Rochester for the last 42 years. He is currently serving as Parochial Vicar at Cabrini Rochester. He has a Masters in Scriptures and in Social Work. The conference is from 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. followed by lunch, free time, confessions, and the day will end with mass at 2:00 p.m. There is a $25.00 fee. Please register by calling 585–394–5700 or email [email protected].
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.
Prayer for Healing and Harmony:
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 facilitator is 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]. This event will take place Wednesday, August 25, at 3:30 p.m. at the Holy Cross rectory.
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: 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].
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.
Respect Life:
All are welcome to come and pray every Friday morning from 8:30–11:00 a.m. at Planned Parenthood, 620 W. Seneca St., Ithaca, and be available to offer life-affirming options to women considering abortions. For more information contact Carolann Darling, 607–351–6668.
Please take time this week to pray the rosary for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
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.
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.
