First Reading:
Rise up in splendor, Jerusalem! Your light has come, the glory of the Lord shines upon you. (Is. 60:1)
Psalm:
Lord, every nation on earth will adore you. (Ps. 72)
Second Reading:
It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (Eph. 3:5-6)
Gospel:
“Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star at its rising and have come to do him homage.” (Mt. 2:2)
Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
Human beings easily get bored. Life’s routines can become so predictable that there is often little time for excitement or freshness. Today is all about the new and the wonderful. In celebrating the beauty and simplicity of the Epiphany, we see in tangible ways God’s creative, redemptive, and restorative power. This refreshment and revitalization is offered not only to a select few but to everyone throughout the world. There is nothing routine or static about God. Surprises, wonders, miracles, opportunities, healings, and joy without measure are available to those who believe. There are never any endings, just beginnings. And, when darkness, boredom, and gloom seem to be the order of the day, a bright new light now shines pointing us to truth and reminding us that we are loved.
©LPi
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
©LPi
Events:
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
- Food truck: Next date TBD, 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 (January 10) 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 available: Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
- Confirmation program: Sundays, 4:00 p.m., St. James
On-line Giving:
The WeShare online giving provides the opportunity for donors to pledge to the Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA).
Parish 2022 Calendars:
The parish 2022 calendars are available in the foyers of the churches. Please note one error. The time of the Saturday Vigil Mass is recorded as 5:00 p.m. Our parish Saturday Vigil Mass is 4:00 p.m.
Financial Support for the Parish:
There are several ways to financially support the parish:
- Boxes of Offertory Envelopes: For those who continue to use offertory envelopes and for those who requested them, check the church for the box with your name on it.
- Writing a check: If you support the parish with a check, there is no need to use boxes of offertory envelopes.
- On-line Giving – WeShare Program: Confer with the weekly bulletin announcement, Donating to Your Parish.
Boxes of Offertory Envelopes:
Boxed offertory envelopes for 2022 are available in the foyers of the churches for parishioners who presently use the boxed envelopes or who have recently requested them. Parishioners wishing to have boxed offertory envelopes, please notify the Parish Office and a box of envelopes will be made available for pick-up.
Next Sunday:
The feast of the Baptism of the Lord is next Sunday. This feast day marks the ending of the Christmas Season. After next Sunday the Christmas decorations are taken down and the beautiful Christmas carols that sing of the nativity of the Lord are held in our hearts until next year. Hope your Christmas Season was most enjoyable.
2022 Food Pantry Volunteers Needed:
Every two months the churches of Trumansburg and Jacksonville take turns providing volunteers for the Trumansburg Food Pantry located in the Trumansburg United Methodist church. January is one of our months this year for Mary Mother of Mercy/St. James to provide volunteers (we will do this again in December 2022). Please consider helping by signing up on the list provided in the foyer, which also has a chart providing more details about each task. We especially need younger people to help carry boxes and bags up and down stairs. The dates are January 10 and 24. Don’t forget to leave your phone number if you would like a reminder call. Start out your new year by following Jesus’s example of caring for those in need. “…whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Mt. 25: 40). Thank you.
Food Donations at St. James:
Next Sunday, and every second Sunday of the month, please bring non-perishable food items to St. James Church. You may place the items in front of the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Monetary gifts are also welcome.
Prayers for our Parish:
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester sent Christmas greetings to our parish. They informed us they have a Prayer Ministry and Sr. Anne Marie Burns will be praying for the Parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy. We thank the Sisters for their thoughtfulness and kindness toward us. In our appreciation, please keep the Sisters of St. Joseph in your thoughts and prayers.
2021-2022 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
We received word on December 15, 2021 that 81 parish households have pledged $17,930 toward our given goal of $28,085. This represents 63.84% of goal. We are most appreciative of those who have made a pledge and encourage all our parish households to made a pledge according to their means. Participation is primary, what is pledged is secondary. CMA pledge envelopes are available in the foyers of the church. Please do what you can to support important programs, services, and ministries that strengthen our whole Church.
United States Saints:
This week we celebrate the feast days of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (January 4) and St. John Neumann (January 6). These two people did much to promote the well-being of our country and the church. Please do not hesitate to go on-line to learn of their devotion to God and how God was able to work through them in effecting so much good.
Synod Of Bishops, Rome, October 2023:
As you know, the diocesan phase of the Synod called by Pope Francis is underway! In the new year, the Diocese of Rochester is offering Zoom sessions to answer any questions regarding logistics, possible formats for conversations, or any other concerns you may have. Here is the registration link. Please email Shannon Kilbridge at (Shannon.kilbridge@dor.org) or Elizabeth Johnston (Elizabeth.johnston@dor.org) if you have any questions. The East Deanery Synod Zoom is this Wednesday, January 5 from 1:30–3:00 p.m.
Help for Homeowners from Catholic Charities:
Homeowners in New York State who were financially affected by COVID-19 and who are behind on their mortgage or other housing payments/fees (property taxes, water, sewer, lot fee etc.) may be eligible for help from the New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund (NY HAF). Contact Catholic Charities Elmira office at 607–734–9784 or visit www.cs-cc.org for more information. NYS HAF application window is only open from January 3–February 3, 2022.
Local Respect Life Events:
The annual Ithaca March For Life will take place Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 10:00–11:00 a.m. across the street from Planned Parenthood at 620 W. Seneca St, Ithaca. We hope the following week that leads to the National MFL on January 21, the Anniversary of Row v. Wade, in Washington D.C., will encourage families and faith communities to educate and promote life affirming choices for the protection of the most vulnerable, the unborn.
Living Wage and Workers Rights:
The Church has been teaching about the importance of a living wage since the 1890s, and it is still a pressing issue today. The Tompkins County Workers’ Center is one of the recipients of this year’s Catholic Campaign for Human Development in the Diocese of Rochester, and they are partnering with parishes in Tompkins County to advocate for workers’ rights. To learn more, please attend our Zoom info session on January 17, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting ID is 270 486 9117. Email April Michael with questions at amichael3@luc.edu.
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 Eileen.heptig@dor.org.
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.
Please take time this week to pray the rosary for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.
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.
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 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.
