First Reading:
He got up, ate, and drank; then strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to the mountain of God, Horeb. (1 Kgs. 19:8)
Psalm:
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. (Ps. 34)
Second Reading:
So be imitators of God, as beloved children, and live in love, as Christ loved us and handed himself over for us as a sacrificial offering to God for a fragrant aroma. (Eph. 5:1-2)
Gospel:
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draw him, and I will raise him on the last day.” (Jn. 6:44)
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:
Are we willing to be taught by God? If we are, then we will begin to see things and make judgments using a Divine lens. Often, we perceive things with purely human eyes and reference points. When we do this, reality can lose its Divine spark and we miss what God is trying to say. When using human eyes exclusively, Jesus is at best perceived simply as a prophet who has some wise things to say. The human element has a difficult time seeing Jesus’ divinity and recognizing him as the Bread of Life that comes down from heaven. We can easily get stuck on Jesus’ human associations and overlook the marvelous wonders God wants us to see. If we really allow ourselves to be taught by God, we will then come to see the truth about Jesus and the abundant everlasting life God offers. Jesus becomes the key that unlocks all of our relationships: with God, others, ourselves, and creation. He, as the true and lasting bread from heaven, shows us the gifts of faith, hope, and love that God bestows on us. Through this divine lens we see that all life sparkles and glows with God’s love.
©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
- Prayer for Healing and Harmony with Sister Anne Alderman:
- August 18, 3:30 p.m., St. James the Apostle, Pine Room
- August 11 and 25, 3:30 p.m., Holy Cross Rectory
Funeral:
A funeral service was held at Covert Funeral Home on July 31, 2021 for Jane Taylor, who died on July 22, 2021 at the age of 82.
Wedding:
Jason Frank Day and Jean Marie Buddle were married on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Holy Cross Church, Ovid.
Thank You:
Some of our home-bound 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.”
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.
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 a.alder1980@gmail.com.
This event will take place Wednesday, August 18, at 3:30 p.m. in the Pine Room at St. James the Apostle Church, and Wednesdays, August 11 and 25, at 3:30 p.m. at the Holy Cross rectory.
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.
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.
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 Michaela.Cortright@dor.org or call 607–272–5062.
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.
Branches Center Summer Retreats:
At the Branches Christian Rest and Renewal Center on Seneca Lake, Fr. Richard Crawley, OFM Cap. will facilitate the topic, “Reuniting for Renewal” followed by a Healing Mass on Friday, August 20. On Monday, August 30, Nancy Potter and Donna Wieand will co-facilitate a presentation on “Fatima and Our World Today.” For more information visit branchescenter.org, contact Donna Wieand at 716–901–4313, or email branches1515@live.com.
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.
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 donald.smith@dor.org or katey.bourne@dor.org. 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 weddings@CatholicCourier.com or via mail to Wedding Anniversaries, Catholic Courier, P.O. Box 24379, Rochester, NY 14624-0379.
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.
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: branches1515@live.com.
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 immmercy@dor.org 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 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.
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 victgimsassistance@dor.org.
