National Eucharistic Revival: June 19, 2022–Pentecost 2025
Parish Eucharistic Revival: June 11, 2023–June 2024
Christmas Readings:
First Reading:
For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. (Is. 9:5)
Psalm:
Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord. (Lk. 2:11)
Second Reading:
The grace of God has appeared, saving all and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age. (Ti. 2:11-12)
Gospel:
“For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.” (Lk. 2:11)
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:
Christ was born for you, exactly as you are. But he has come to offer you a new life. A better life. Don’t be afraid to cast off the darkness. Step into the light of Christ’s love.
@LPi
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
Events:
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
- Food Truck: First Tuesday of the month (Jan. 2), 4:00–6:00 p.m., South Seneca High School
- Interlaken Reformed church: Fridays, 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Trumansburg Food Pantry: Every other Monday (Jan. 8) 3:30–6:00 p.m. (note new closing time), Methodist church
- Lodi’s Community Pantry, Saturdays, 12:30–2:00 p.m., Lodi Rod & Gun Club, 9382 Lodi Center Rd.
- Family Hope Center: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Holy Cross
- Fr. Bernard is available: Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., no appointment necessary,St. Francis Solanus
- 2023–2024 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA): Pledges are being accepted. Parish goal is $31,000.
- Adult Inquiry & Confirmation Preparation classes: Saturdays, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
- Prayer for Healing and Harmony: St. James
- Wednesdays, 2:00 p.m.; January 11 & 25, 7:00 p.m.
- Book Study: Wednesdays, 3:15 p.m., St. James
- Encounter Night: January 4, 6:30 p.m., St. James
- Family Faith Formation: January 13, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
Christmas Mass Schedule: 
Sunday, December 24
- 4:00 p.m., St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg
- 8:00 p.m., Holy Cross, Ovid
Monday, December 25
- 9:00 a.m., St. Francis Solanus, Interlaken
Mass Obligation – December 24 and 25:
Because Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday, Bishop Matano sent a notice to remind Catholics that there is an obligation to celebrate Mass both Sunday and Christmas even though they are only a day apart.
Christmas Offering:
The Parish has always been most grateful for the parishioners’ most generous offerings at Christmas time, especially on Christmas day. The parish has come to rely on that collection to help keep our parish solvent. The Lord reward you many times over for your kindness to your parish.
“Thank you”:
The parish is most appreciative of all who volunteer their time and talent to the church. Among them are those who help with the celebration of Mass. The Worship Committee of the Parish Council requested at this time to thank our sacristans and altar servers who are present weekly. Thank you for your dedication and devotedness. Your service is appreciated greatly.
Sunday December 31st:
The feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph is celebrated on the first Sunday after Christmas. It is a family day celebration and a good time to gather families to celebrate the family’s union with Jesus in the Eucharist (Holy Communion).
January 1, 2024 (Monday):
New Year’s Day is the Octave Day (Eighth Day) of Christmas. It is also the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God. In celebration of that day, there will be one Mass at 9:00 a.m. at St. Francis Solanus, Interlaken. This year January 1st is not a holy day of obligation because it falls on a Monday.
Eucharistic Holy Hour – Encounter Night:
Spend time with Jesus in the Eucharist. Encounter Nights create the opportunity for a personal encounter with Our Lord. They are monthly opportunities to experience a powerful form of worship as a parish. The next Encounter Night will be Thursday, January 4, from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at St. James the Apostle Church, Trumansburg.
Jesus and the Eucharist Study:
The Word Committee of our Parish Council is planning a seven-session series on Jesus and the Eucharist sponsored by the National Eucharistic Revival. The goal is to have small study groups based on videos containing a main lesson that includes personal testimonies from Catholics across the country. The sessions allow time for small group discussion.
Currently parishioners are being asked to consider being facilitators. Facilitators would set the day, time, and place convenient to themselves to show the video and lead the small group discussion. The more facilitators the parish has, the more opportunities parishioners would have to participate in the study of Jesus and the Eucharist. Please notify the Parish Office if you are interested in being a facilitator.
Saturday Classes:
Adults and students eighth grade and above who are interested in knowing more about Jesus of Nazareth and Catholicism, or who desire to celebrate the sacraments of First Communion or confirmation, are invited to attend classes on Saturdays (except for the second Saturday of the month) from 5:00-6:15 p.m. in the St. Francis Solanus Annex. The topic for the next class, January 6, is “Sacraments of Service of Communion” (Holy Orders and Matrimony).
2024 Parish Calendars and Boxed Offering Envelopes:
Parish Calendars for next year (2024) have been placed in the foyers of the churches. Parishioners are welcome to take one for their home. 2024 boxed offering envelopes are now available for pick up at each church. If you did not order a box and would like one, please contact the parish office.
2023-2024 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA):
We thank those who have given generously to the Catholic Ministries Appeal, and ask all who have not yet given to prayerfully consider doing so. Participation in the Appeal is primary. What is pledged is secondary. The CMA helps our Church and our parish in many ways. Our given parish goal is $31,000.
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 problem, please e-mail Eileen at eileen.heptig@dor.org.
Prayer Vigil for Peace:
All are welcome to gather to pray for peace on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:00–2:00 p.m. and on Thursdays 8:30–10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Trumansburg.
Prayers for Our Parish:
The Sisters of St. Joseph have a prayer ministry for the Diocese of Rochester. Sister Anne Marie Burns and Sister Dolores Bachman will be praying for our parish and parishioners throughout 2023. We thank the Sisters for their thoughtfulness and kindness toward us. In our appreciation, please keep the Sisters of St. Joseph, especially Sisters Anne Marie and Dolores, in your thoughts and prayers.
Mass Intention Requests:
Those wishing to have someone remembered at a Mass may fill out a Mass Intentions Request form which is automatically submitted to the church office. You may also phone the parish office (607-294-0064) with your request or fill out one of the paper forms available in the foyer of each church and either mail it to the parish office or put it in the collection. There are several reasons why a person may ask a priest to offer a Mass for another individual: in thanksgiving; for the intentions of another person (such as on a birthday); or, as is most common, for the repose of the soul and in memory of someone who has died.
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.
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 immmercy@dor.org 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 and may they find hope in the Resurrection.
