First Reading:
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” “Here I am,” I said; “send me!” (Is. 6:8)
Psalm:
In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord. (Ps. 138)
Second Reading:
Therefore, whether it be I or they, so we preach and so you believed. (1 Cor. 15:11)
Gospel:
Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men.” When they brought their boats to the shore, they left everything and followed him. (Lk. 5:10-11)
Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
When we encounter or even ponder God’s magnificence, power, and awesomeness, we easily begin to feel our own smallness and perceived insignificance. After all, who can compete with eternal greatness, seraphim, or the ability to catch great numbers of fish? We unfortunately think that God’s presence somehow overrides us, reduces our importance, and only seeks to judge our inadequacies and doubts. Things begin to change a bit when we realize that what we may have seen as overwhelming and frightening is really only unconditional, unmerited love. Love has tremendous majesty and power. When we listen to this power and stop seeing it as threatening or dooming, our fear dissipates and Divine friendship takes root. Remaining close to what we once preferred at a distance, we can journey to places we never thought possible and do things we never thought we could do. Strengthened by Divine friendship and encouraged by its life-giving power, we can say “here I am, send me!” when God asks, “whom shall I send?” Sin and fear no longer are of concern to the one who remains close to God in a bond of trust.
©LPi
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
©LPi
Events:
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
- Food truck: February 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 7) 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
- Catholic Courier second collection: February 12 & 13
- Religious Education: February 13, 10:00 a.m., St. James
- Prayer for Healing and Harmony: February 16; 2:00 p.m., St. James the Apostle
- Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: February 16; 3:15 p.m., St. James the Apostle, Pine Room
The Catholic Courier:
Each parish in the Diocese of Rochester is requested to financially support the publication of The Catholic Courier. Last fiscal year our parish bill amounted to $4,908. Every year in February we ask for help in paying that bill. The collection will be taken up next weekend, the weekend of February 13. The offertory envelope boxes have a recommended donation of $11.00. Whatever help you can give will be appreciated greatly. Thank you.
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: February 16; and March 2 & 16. The Holy Cross gathering dates are on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month and will begin March 9. 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 date is February 16, and this event will run through June.
Food Donations Needed:
On the second Sunday of each month, non-perishable food items, as well as non-food items (shampoo, deodorant, laundry and dish detergent, etc.), 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!
Thank you from Birthright of Ithaca:
“Birthright of Ithaca would like to thank all who contributed gifts to our organization through the Giving Tree at Christmastime. Many very useful items were given; assuring that many families will have warm clothes and outerwear for their children during this cold time of year. There were also many, many items given for the baby layettes that we give to new mothers prior to their baby’s birth. All of these gifts are greatly appreciated. Our hearts are full of gratitude. We thank you all.”
Thank you:
Catholic Charities was appreciative of the many hats, scarves, mittens, socks, and cash donations from our parish during Advent. Thank you for your generosity.
Trumansburg Food Pantry:
The food pantry was thankful for our participation in January. There were a number of people from our parish who showed up, making light work with many hands. Our community is fortunate in that many of our parishioners continue throughout the year, providing a solid base of volunteers that help to make the pantry a success. As St. Teresa of Calcutta said: “Good works are links that form a chain of love.” On behalf of our neighbors, thank you for your generosity of time and effort!
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.
Care for the Marginalized with an Equitable NYS Budget:
The pandemic has been emotionally hard on all of us; unfortunately, it has been harder on some than others. Did you know that overdose deaths have increased by 38%? Over 40% of people have reported mental health concerns. To make matters worse, as this need has spiked, agencies have been unable to maintain the critical staff who care for patients with addictions and mental illness.
This year, our Diocesan Public Policy Committee is asking parishioners to advocate for more support in our New York State budget for people who are struggling. One thing we’re advocating for is more funding for behavioral health programs, specifically, a long-delayed Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase and a $500 million investment in workforce development, service, and support for programs serving people with addictions and mental illness. Jesus preached the need to care for one another – we cannot allow people to go untreated in their time of most need! Learn more, and sign the petition for an equitable and just NYS Budget at www.dor.org/petition.
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.
Couples Weekend Retreat :
February 18–20 there will be a couples retreat at Notre Dame Retreat House, 5151 Foster Rd., Canandaigua. The retreat theme is: “Eucharist, God’s Gift To His People.” Join other couples for a weekend of listening, sharing, and building friendships. For more information visit notredameretreat.org or call 585–394–5700.
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.
