First reading:
When they arrived, they called the church together and reported what God had done with them and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. (Acts 14:27)
Psalm:
I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God. (Ps. 145)
or
Alleluia
Second reading:
The One who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” (Rev. 21:5a)
Gospel:
“I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another.” (Jn. 13:34)
Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
How do people know that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ? Some folks prefer to keep their faith a secret and rarely mention their belief in Jesus. Others are more vocal and readily tell people that they are Christian. For Jesus, there is another way to recognize whether one is a disciple. He tells his friends that all will know they are disciples if they have love for one another. The love to which Jesus calls us to is not just an earthly love. It’s not just about doing nice things for people or even keeping positive thoughts about others. Jesus’s love is divine love. Put simply, Jesus became human so that we can become divine. We are called to look at the world, people, and ourselves as God does. This requires unconditional compassion and a whole lot of mercy and forgiveness. We cannot do this alone. That is why the risen Christ remains with us, especially through the Eucharist, to help us become who he is. If done correctly, there will be no question about who has our allegiance.
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
© Liturgical Publications Inc.
Events:
- AA Meetings:
- Tuesdays, 8:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus, Interlaken
- Thursdays, noon, St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m. Food Truck is every other Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. (May 28)
- Interlaken Reformed church: Fridays, 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
- Trumansburg Food Pantry: Methodist church every other Monday, 1:00–2:00 p.m. and 5:30-6:00 p.m. (June 3)
- Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., St. James
- Robotics: Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 6:00-8:00 p.m., St. James
- Bernard is Available: Fridays, 6:30 p.m., St. Francis
- Personal Care Products Collection: During the month of May at each church
- Diocesan Missions Sunday: Second collection at each church, May 18 and 19
- Walk for Life: May 18 beginning at the Family Hope Center, Geneva, N.Y.
- Renewing Wedding Vows: May 19, 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral
- Selection of New Parish Council Members: May 26 at the 10:30 Mass
- Discerner retreat: May 31 to June 1, St. John Fisher College
- Conference for Catholic Women: June 1, from 9:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse in Pittsford, N.Y.
- Coffee Hour: June 2, after 9:00 a.m. Mass, St. James
- Ministers on Retreat: June 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Abbey of the Genesee
- Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes “Share the Light” Dinner: June 11, at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva beginning at 5:30 p.m.
- Celebration of Father’s Fiftieth Anniversary: September 8
Diocesan Missions Sunday:
Today we are honoring the Sisters of St. Joseph in Brazil and the Sisters of Mercy in Chile and we are invited to take part in the missionary work of the Church. We may not all have to move to another town or city to do so. Each of us is moved to help others live in the faith that sustains us. Bishop Salvatore Matano calls us to a responsible sharing in the missionary works of the Diocese of Rochester. May we share the gift of faith today by helping our missionary friends with our prayers and a generous gift in the second collection today.
Sacrament of Confirmation:
On Thursday, May 16, at the Immaculate Conception church in Ithaca, Bishop Salvatore R. Matano confirmed several of our parishioners: Clare Marie Carver, Madison Feely, Bryce Grove, Colby Grove, Tylor Hunt, Andrew Masters, and Ashton Wiggins. Our parish rejoices in their commitment to our Lord Jesus and to being like Jesus in promoting the Kingdom of God.
Parish Council Nominations:
During the month of May we ask parishioners to nominate themselves or others for membership on the Parish Council. The council meets a minimum of four times a year and members are assigned, after expressing their preference, to one of the standing committees: Word, Worship, Witness, or Fellowship. The selection of members will take place on Sunday, May 26. The final meeting of the council for this year will be June 13 at which both old and new members will be present.
Parish Part-time Position:
The parish is in need of a catechetical coordinator/office helper. The job would require five and a half hours per week plus a three-hour Sunday commitment once a month. Those interested in the position are asked to please speak with Fr. Bernard or phone the parish office. The job would begin July 1, 2019.
Third Quarter Finance Report:
The parish’s Finance Council met on April 25 and reviewed the fiscal year third quarter finance report that ended on March 31, 2019. Our operating revenue for the three quarters of the fiscal year amounted to $155,212.14 with operating expenses of $176,235.95, leaving the parish with an operating deficit of $21,023.81. Parish savings was used to cover that deficit. The weekend collections, in comparison to last year at this time, are down $11,637.79, largely attributed to the decrease in the number of parishioners attending weekend Mass. The report also showed that our ordinary expenses are down $10,047.65 from the previous year. At the time of the parish merger, $150,000 of parish savings was set aside for capital improvements. Of that amount this fiscal year, $52,459 has been spent on capital improvements and are not recorded as part of the regular operating expenses mentioned above.
Fiftieth Ordination Anniversary:
Fr. Bernard was ordained a priest on November 8, 1969, and so will celebrate his fiftieth anniversary of his ordination this year. A celebration of this event will take place on Sunday, September 8. A committee is forming to plan the celebration. Parishioners interested in helping are asked to phone Phyllis Motill 607-869-3818 or Kathy Sinkiewicz, 607-869-2285.
Personal Care Products Collection:
While many personal care items are donated to the food pantries throughout the year, during the month of May additional attention is being paid to these items as being needed on a constant basis. These items are not covered by SNAP/food stamps. Personal care products that are needed include items like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, body soap or washes, shaving soap, razors, or deodorants. This special collection will be held only during the month of May.
24 Hours with the Lord:
A discerner retreat is being sponsored by the Diocese of Rochester’s vocations office for young adult Catholic men ages 18–35. Join in a time of prayer, fellowship, food, and reflection on Friday, May 31, through Saturday, June 1, at St. John Fisher College. Please reply by Friday, May 24, by phoning 585-328-3210 ext. 1327 or by email [email protected].
Catholic Women:
Are you looking for signs of hope in our church? The executive director of FutureChurch, Deb Rose Milavec, and others will talk about recent developments that are happening in our church both internationally and locally, including honoring local Catholic women. The conference, open to both men and women, takes place on Saturday, June 1, from 9:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Sisters of St. Joseph Motherhouse in Pittsford, N.Y. Register before May 22 by sending $25 (includes breakfast and lunch) and your name and contact information to Karen Costello, 357 Marion St., Rochester, N.Y. 14610.
Right to Life:
A video is available to help you understand the different procedures of abortion at different stages of fetal development. Go to: https://www.liveaction.org/news/court-rules-ohio-defund-planned-parenthood.
Retreat Day for Ministers:
A retreat day for those in ministry will be held on Wednesday, June 5, from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm at the Abbey of the Genesee. The theme of the day will be: “Come Holy Spirit: God’s Presence in My Life.” To register go to www.dor.training and click on “register for live events.” If you have additional questions, please contact Katey Bourne at [email protected].
2018–2019 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
The Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) office reported on May 7 that nearly 24,000 generous donors have pledged more than $6 million to this year’s CMA. This represents 90% of the $6.725 million diocesan goal. Thirty-three parishes have reached their assigned goal (our parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy, being one of them) and another twenty-three have raised 90% or more of their assigned goal. Congratulations and sincere thanks to all of you for your hard and tireless work for the CMA. Please remember that only paid gifts/pledge payments received at the Pastoral Center by close of business Monday, June 3, 2019, will be counted toward this year’s campaign.
Walk for Life 2019:
The Family Hope Center (also known as the Pregnancy Care Center) will hold its annual “Walk for Life” on May 18 beginning at the Center located at 551 Exchange St., Geneva. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. for the two mile walk with prayers beginning at 10:00 a.m. Sponsor sheets may be attained by phoning 315-789-0708.
Sharing the Light:
Catholic Charities of the Finger Lakes will host their annual “Share the Light” award dinner on Tuesday, June 11, at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva beginning at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are required by May 24 and the cost is $50 per person. For more information please contact Rhonda at 315-789-2235, ext. 104 or email: [email protected].
Prayers from the Sisters of St. Joseph:
The Sisters of St. Joseph have a prayer ministry and Sr. Dolores Bachman and Sr. Anne Marie Burns will be praying for our parish throughout 2019. Let us keep the sisters in our prayers as well.
Support Group:
Many people who have suddenly lost a family member, friend, classmate or colleague find that sharing openly with fellow survivors about what they have lived through can help with the healing process. The Seneca County Suicide Prevention Coalition hosts twice-monthly support groups which meet in Waterloo and Ovid for convenience of the entire community. These groups are held on the first- and third- Monday of every month; and provide people who are survivors of loss or survivors of suicide the opportunity to talk in an open and inclusive environment, free of judgment or stigma. The Waterloo Public Library plays host on the first Monday of every month and the Ovid session takes place on the third Monday at the Ovid Federated Church. Both sessions run from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. For more information see www.facebook.com/SenecaSuicidePrevention or contact Mary Joslyn at [email protected].
Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes:
Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes, located at 551 Exchange St. in Geneva, is offering a “Forgiven and Set Free” post abortive ten-week session beginning October 4 until December 13. There is no cost involved. “If you regret your abortion, you are not alone. Let us help you learn to forgive yourself. Pleased join us for this healing ministry program.” For more information phone 315 789 0708.
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.
Toiletries and Hygiene Products:
There is a basket in the vestibule of St. James church for donations of toiletries. The request comes from Catholic Charities which is in need of items like shampoo, toothpaste, diapers etc. The items will be transferred to the Catholic Charities office in Ithaca.
Ministry Schedule for St. Francis Solanus Church, Interlaken
May 18, at 5:00 p.m. (third weekend):
Lectors: Scott Hamula, Ann Buddle
EMs: Robin Hamula, Kathleen Rourke, Cathy DelSignore
May 25, at 5:00 p.m. (fourth weekend):
Lectors: Gerry and Millie Messmer
EMs: Cathy DelSignore, Mary and Lee Davidson
Ministry Schedule for St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg
May 19, at 9:00 a.m. (third Sunday)
Lectors: Donna Ryan and Nancy Olszewski
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Beth and Tom Duff, Debbie Short
May 26, at 9:00 a.m. (fourth Sunday):
Lectors: Beth Duff and Tim Davis
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Tom Duff, Tim O’Boyle
Ministry Schedule for Holy Cross, Ovid
Not available at this time