First Reading:
But you shall say to them: Thus says the Lord GOD! And whether they heed or resist—for they are a rebellious house—they shall know that a prophet has been among them. (Ez. 2:4-5)
Psalm:
Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy. (Ps. 123)
Second Reading:
I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. (2 Cor. 12:9)
Gospel:
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” (Mk. 6:4)
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.
©LPi
Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
God never ceases to proclaim His Word. His life-giving presence continues to sustain all things and keep them in being regardless of whether there is the faith to receive or perceive Him. Our personal agendas, preconceived ideas, misconceptions, and expectations can often cause us to be so hard of heart and obstinate that we fail to see what God is trying to do. While God remains ever present, faith is necessary for God’s power to bear fruit. As we celebrate our country’s independence, let us not forget the difference between liberties and freedom. While the liberties we have are most welcome treasures, only freedom from what blinds, deceives, and weighs us down can bring happiness. God is all about healing, transformation, and hope. In order for God to do what God does best, we have to invite Him in and see Him for who he is. Otherwise, God’s will for humanity will be something at which we simply take offense, a common reaction when something challenges or unsettles us.
©LPi
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
©LPi
Events:
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
- Food truck: Every other Tuesday (July 13), 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 (July 12, there will be no Pantry on July 5 due to holiday) 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:15–6:00 p.m., Methodist church
- Family Hope Center: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:00–4:00 p.m., Holy Cross
- Bernard is Available: Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
- Prayer for Healing and Harmony with Sister Anne Alderman:
- July 7 & 21 and August 4 & 18, 3:30 p.m., St. James the Apostle, Pine Room
- July 14 & 18 and August 11 & 25, 3:30 p.m., Holy Cross Rectory
- Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe: July 10 & 11
Coronavirus Restrictions Lifted:
New York State has lifted Coronavirus restrictions. The church buildings will not be divided into “Distancing and No Distancing Sections” and the churches can be filled to capacity. People who have not been vaccinated, however, are asked to continue to wear masks. There will be a return to having altar servers, lectors and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion and offertory collections. There will be a return to singing. Church pews, etc., do not have to be sanitized after services. What will be maintained is the reception of Holy Communion under one form – the Sacred Host. The exchange of the sign of peace (which is always optional) is without shaking hands and all holy water fonts are to remain empty.
The Church in Central & Eastern Europe:
Next week we will take up the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe. The collection supports the Church in more than 25 countries that still struggle to recover from former communist rule. Funds from this collection support pastoral care, catechesis, building renovations, and seminary formation. Your support restores the Church and builds the future in the region. Please prayerfully consider how you can support the collection next week. More information can be found at www.usccb.org/ccee.
Parish Council:
The 2021-2022 Parish Council met on June 24 at the Parish Center, Interlaken. It was primarily an organizational meeting with the election of an Executive Committee and the appointment of members to one of the standing committees.
- Executive Committee: Tim Davis, Chair; Gerald Frank, Vice Chair; and Kathleen Rourke, Secretary.
- Word Committee: Andrew Morpurgo, Chair; Marc Albanese; Susan Guydosh; and Jacqueline Leidenfrost.
- Worship Committee: Thomas Duff, Chair; Leo Kawczenski; Donna Ryan; and Barbara Willers.
- Witness Committee: Lynne Stager, Chair; Bill Masterson; Charles Mullins; and Richard Pell.
- Fellowship Committee: Scott Hamula, Chair; Laurenda Denmark; and Martha Wooledge.
Prayer for Healing and Harmony:
In this time of unrest, violence, and disease, when our society is 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.
This event will take place on Wednesdays, July 7 & 21 and August 4 & 18, at 3:30 p.m. in the Pine Room at St. James the Apostle Church. It will also happen on Wednesdays, July 14 & 28 and August 11 & 25, at 3:30 p.m. at the Holy Cross Rectory.
The facilitator will be Sister Anne Alderman, SSJ. There is a suggested donation of $2 or $3 to benefit the Sisters of St. Joseph (not required). Any questions? Contact Sister Anne at 607–209–4206 or [email protected].
Catholic Ministries Appeal:
Our given parish goal was $29,979 for the 2020-2021 CMA. Cash received at the CMA through June 7, 2021 was $32,804. Cash receipts in excess of goal were $2,825. 50% of cash, in excess of goal, returned to the parish was $1,413. Again, “Thank you” to all the parish households who contributed to the CMA. As was announced earlier our parish goal for 2021-2022 has been decreased. Out new parish goal will be: $28,086.
Fifth Anniversary:
On July 1, 2021, The Parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy, had its fifth anniversary.
Feast Day:
In the United States, July 16 is the feast day of St. Francis Solanus, the patron saint of one of Mary, Mother of Mercy Parish Churches in Interlaken, NY. St. Francis Solanus was born March 10, 1549 in Montilla, Spain and died on July 14, 1610 in Lima, Peru, South America. He was a very successful Franciscan missionary and is called the “Apostle of the Tucuman,” that is today northwestern Argentina and Paraguay.
Offertory Envelope Renewal Time:
Parishioners using boxes of offertory envelopes will receive a letter from the parish office inquiring about your continued use. Parishioners who desire to use boxes of offertory envelopes, please inform the parish office and an order will be placed for you. Please note that if one donates by personal check, there is no need to use an offertory envelope. What is always available is on-line giving. For this please consult the weekly bulletin.
Sacrament of Matrimony:
The Mass of Recognition for couples celebrating anniversaries of Matrimony will take place on Sunday, August 29, at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral with Bishop Salvatore R. Matano. Register online at https://conta.cc/3vjYs7x or by emailing [email protected] or [email protected]. Additionally, the September issue of the Catholic Courier will feature a Wedding Jubilee section. If you would like your name and anniversary (25, 50 and above) to be included, please send the following information: names, church, town where you were married, wedding date/year, and a wedding photo (optional) to [email protected] or via mail to Wedding Anniversaries, Catholic Courier, P.O. Box 24379, Rochester, NY 14624-0379.
The Bishop’s Reminder:
The resumption of the obligation to attend Sunday Mass began June 5/6 for those who are healthy and not at great risk. Anyone who is frail or at risk due to advanced age or medical conditions is excused from the obligation to attend Holy Mass on the Lord’s Day.
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: https://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].
Please take time this week to pray the rosary for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prayer Intentions:
Since we presently cannot have the prayer request books in our churches, do know that the prayer requests of fellow parishioners are still being listed on the parish website (see PRAYERS in top bar). If you would like to add a request, please email the parish at [email protected] or phone the parish office at 607–294–0064 and it will be added to the list.
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.
Prayers from the Sisters of St. Joseph:
The Sisters of St. Joseph have a prayer ministry for the Diocese of Rochester. They have informed our parish that Sisters Anne Marie Burns and Dolores Bachman will be praying for our parish and parishioners throughout 2021. Let us keep in our prayers the two sisters praying for us and for all the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester.
Year of St. Joseph:
Pope Francis initiated the Year of St. Joseph in recognition of the 150th Anniversary of the declaration of St. Joseph as patron of the Catholic Church. This year is dedicated to increase our love for this great saint, to encourage us to implore his intercession and to imitate his virtues and his zeal.
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.
Diocese of Rochester Request:
Victims of sexual abuse should always report to the civil authorities. To receive help and guidance from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, contact our Victim Assistance Coordinator: Deborah Housel, 585–328–3228, ext. 1555. Toll-free 1–800–388–7177 ext. 1555 or by email to [email protected].
