January 9, 2022 ~ The Baptism of the Lord

First Reading:
Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken. (Is. 40:5)

Psalm:
O bless the Lord, my soul. (Ps. 104)

Second Reading:
He saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. (Ti. 3: 5)

Gospel:
After all the people had been baptized and Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. (Lk. 3:22)

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
Jesus stood in line with everyone else and was baptized. There is something incredibly humbling about how this must have played out. Then, God did something truly awesome and inspiring. Through a very gentle and simple action he let the world know about the special relationship He shares with Jesus. That’s exactly what is so incredible about our baptisms as well! Through those holy waters God announces to the world the special place we also occupy in His heart. We no longer have to wonder about the purpose of our lives or struggle to find our way. We do not need to fumble around, tripping over ourselves and wondering why we are even here. The answer has been given. All we have to do is live out the vocation we have received, to live the Gospel in fidelity to our Creator. There is nothing to fear and worry has no place. Standing in line with other sinners, we have our anchor and God is very pleased.
©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
  • Religious Education: January 9, 10:00 a.m., St. James
  • Prayer for Healing and Harmony: January 19; February 2 & 16; 2:00 p.m., St. James the Apostle, Pine Room
  • Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: January 19; February 2 & 16; 3:15 p.m., St. James the Apostle, Pine Room

Funeral:
Niles J. English Sr. died on December 21, 2021 at the age of 94. Niles’s Funeral Mass was celebrated at St. James the Apostle Church on December 28.

Baptism:
Tucker William Robertson was baptized on December 30, 2021 at St. James the Apostle Church.

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.

Christmas Season Ends:
The feast of the Baptism of the Lord is this Sunday. This feast day marks the ending of the Christmas Season. 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.

2021-2022 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
We received word on December 29, 2021 that 92 parish households have pledged $23,065 toward our given goal of $28,085. This represents 82.13 % of goal. We are most appreciative of those who have made a pledge and encourage all our parish households to make 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.

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. 

Prayer for Healing and Harmony:
In this time of unrest, violence, and disease when our society is so polarized, you are invited to gather for a time of quiet prayer for the healing and harmony of each of us and all of God’s creation. The format will include self-introductions, a brief opening reflection, about 30 minutes of silent shared prayer, and a brief closing. The extended time of shared silence provides an opportunity for quieting personal reflection and healing. You do not need to attend every session. The gatherings begin at 2:00 p.m. and will take place at St. James on the first and third Wednesday of each month: January 19; February 2 & 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. Any 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 upcoming dates are January 19 and February 2 & 16 and will run through June. Please come with your own copy of the book. Suggested Donation: $2 or $3 (Not required. Benefits the Sisters of St. Joseph)

Joining the Conversation: An Interactive Celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.:
On Sunday, January 16 from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at the Trumansburg Conservatory of Fine arts, 1 Congress St., Trumansburg, the public is invited to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy of nonviolence through hands-on education, art, writing activities, and discussion for people of all ages. There will be open mic readings of Martin Luther King Jr’s speeches, an interactive art activity for teens, and various organizations offering a variety of materials and presentations. This is a free event and all are welcome. Masks are required.

Want To Keep Up To Date?
Stay on top of the issues of concern to Catholics. Get the latest news on our Bishops and Dioceses. Find inspiring content to deepen your spiritual life and more. Visit: Facebook: @nyscatholicconf, Twitter: @NYSCatholicConf, or Instagram: @NYSCatholicConf

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.

Donating to Your Parish:
Online giving by WeShare is safe, simple and convenient. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3:

  1. Visit the parish website’s giving page: https://marymotherofmercy.com/giving.
  2. Follow the directions under the “Donate Online” section.
  3. 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].

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 ([email protected]) or Elizabeth Johnston ([email protected]) 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.

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 [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.

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.

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.

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© 2024 The Parish of Mary Mother of Mercy
3660 Orchard St., P.O. Box 403, Interlaken, NY 14847
607-294-0064

St. James the Apostle, 17 Whig St, Trumansburg, NY
Holy Cross, 7231 Main Street, Ovid, N.Y.
St. Francis Solanus, 3660 Orchard St., Interlaken, N.Y.
Diocese of Rochester
www.dor.org

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