First Reading:
“Today, though the LORD delivered you into my grasp, I would not harm the LORD’s anointed.” (1 Sm. 26:23)
Psalm:
The Lord is kind and merciful. (Ps. 103)
Second Reading:
Just as we have borne the image of the earthly one, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly one. (1 Cor. 15:49)
Gospel:
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Lk. 6:36)
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:
“Love your enemies and do good to them.” We have such a hard time with this teaching! But it doesn’t end there. Jesus continues with turning the other cheek when struck, giving to everyone who asks, doing to others as you would have them do to you, being merciful, stopping our judgment of others, forgiving, and giving. We are okay when God does these things but get a little anxious when we realize that God really wants us to do them too! Secular justice and Gospel justice are definitely not the same. We need to remember that we are made in the image of God, not the image of ourselves. The Christian is called to act like Christ even in those situations where a more assertive or defensive response may seem more justifiable. In order to live up to this call we have to leave our resentment and need for retaliation behind, lose our defensiveness and bring into our mind and heart the realization of who we represent in this world. We are not here to satisfy or promote our own well-being and agenda. We are here for God’s. That’s a hard nut to crack especially when it comes to loving and forgiving people who do hurtful and violent things.
©LPi
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
©LPi
Events:
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
- Food truck: March 8, 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 (February 21) 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 away until March 1. Regularly scheduled Sacrament of Reconciliation/consultation held Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., are cancelled during February.
- Sacrament of Reconciliation: By appointment with Father Richard. For an appointment, please phone the parish office.
- Confirmation program: Sundays, 4:00 p.m., St. James
- Religious education: February 20, 10:00 a.m., St. James
- Maryknoll guest preacher: February 19 & 20; all Masses
- Prayer for Healing and Harmony: 2:00 p.m.
- James the Apostle: March 2 & 16
- Holy Cross: March 9 & 23
- Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: March 2 & 16; 3:15 p.m., St. James the Apostle
2021-2022 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
To support important Diocesan programs, services, and ministries that strengthen our Church in the Diocese of Rochester, our parish has been given an appeal goal of $28,085. To meet this goal, we need your help. Every parish household’s participation is primary, what is pledged is secondary. Please do what you are able. CMA pledge envelopes are available in the foyers of the Church. A “thank you” to all who have already participated in the Appeal.
Guest Preacher:
We welcome Maryknoll representative Deacon Paul Bork who will speak at all the Masses today about the mission ministry of the Maryknoll Fathers & Brothers. The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers minister in 21 countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa with ministries including health care and pastoral care, primary evangelization, education, famine relief, care for migrants, refugee camp chaplaincy and many other works of Corporal and Spiritual Mercy. Maryknoll was founded in 1911 by the Bishops of the US Catholic Church to provide training and support for overseas mission. More information can be found at www.maryknollsociety.org and www.maryknoll.us
Those who wish can receive the Maryknoll magazine, and / or information about a mission vocation through completing the Maryknoll envelope found in the pews. We are grateful for your help and prayerful support. Deacon Paul is happy to talk with any parishioners who are interested in doing overseas mission work as a Maryknoll Priest, Sister, Brother or lay Missioner.
March 2 – Ash Wednesday:
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the Season of Lent. On this day the Church invites us to receive a cross of ashes on our foreheads as a sign that during the Season of Lent we will make sincere efforts to cleanse our lives of sin and to discipline ourselves through prayer and fasting.
Reception of Ashes on Ash Wednesday:
On Ash Wednesday, March 2, 2022, ashes will be distributed:
- 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. James the Apostle Church, Trumansburg
- 12:15 p.m. Ash Wednesday Service, Holy Cross, Ovid
- 7:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday Service, St. Francis Solanus, Interlaken
Who May Receive Ashes:
Baptized individuals who have reached the age of reason may receive ashes. Babies and young children who have not yet received the Sacrament of Penance should not be presented to receive ashes. Ashes are intended for those who are capable of personal sin. The keeping of Ash Wednesday is for leading the baptized members of the Church to repentance and renewal of baptismal promises at Easter.
Lenten Reminders:
- Day of fasting affects Catholics between the ages of 18 & 59. That is, no food may be eaten between meals. Only one full meal a day is allowed. Two other small meals are allowed with the total amount of food not exceeding the full meal.
- Abstinence: Catholics over the age of 14 abstain from eating meat.
- Ash Wednesday is an obligatory day of fast and abstinence.
- Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence, i.e. meatless days.
Ashes and the Word of God:
As with all material things that are used as religious symbols, the symbolism of ashes is complex. In themselves ashes have little meaning. But received in light of God’s revealing Word, ashes can become for Christians the biblical symbol they are intended to be – a sign of our desire to turn back to God. It is for this reason that the Church has placed the reception of ashes within the framework of the reading of Scripture. Ashes are reminders of mortality and the fleetingness of life. God’s Word reminds us that it is not the death of the body, but rather the death of the soul that is to be feared. Through the Scripture readings God calls us to turn to Him with our whole heart and be faithful to the gospel again. In the light of these readings the reception of ashes becomes for us the symbol of hearts that desire to turn to God, a God who is “gracious and merciful, rich in kindness and relenting in punishment.”
Prayer for Healing and Harmony:
You are invited to gather for a time of quiet prayer for healing and harmony. These gatherings begin at 2:00 p.m. and take place at St. James on the first and third Wednesday of each month: March 2 & 16. The gathering dates at Holy Cross are on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month and will begin March 9 & 23. Questions? Call or email Sister Anne at 607-209-4206 or [email protected].
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 in the Pine Room at 3:15 p.m. The next dates are March 2 & 16. This event will run through June.
Input for the Synod of Bishops:
Pope Francis I has convened a Synod of Bishops for October 2023. (A synod is a meeting convened to discuss issues relating to the Church – it is an advisory council). Before the Synod of Bishops meet, Pope Francis desires the input of all members of the Church, not just Bishops. He is asking Catholics to share how they themselves, and people from all walks of life, are relating to the Church and/or how the Church is relating to them. He is asking Catholics to speak out about what they are experiencing in the Church and about the concerns that have been told to them. We have until the end of March to record this input. Please forward the voiced issues and concerns to the Parish Office, and, in turn, the Parish Office will forward your input to the Diocese. Pope Francis desires to listen to all people and for them to have the opportunity to be participants in the Synod.
On-line Giving:
The WeShare online giving provides the opportunity for donors to pledge to the Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA).
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].
40 Days For Life Prayer Vigil:
The prayer vigil continues at the vigil site, 620 W. Seneca St. Ithaca. Pray with others, especially on Thursdays and Fridays. For more info contact Carolann Darling at 607–351–6668.
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].
Please take time this week to pray the rosary for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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 [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.
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 [email protected] or phoning the parish office at 607–294–0064 and it will be added to the list.
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.
