First Reading:
And all the trees of the field shall know that I, the LORD, bring low the high tree, lift high the lowly tree, wither up the green tree, and make the withered tree bloom. (Ez. 17:24)
Psalm:
Lord, it is good to give thanks to you. (Ps. 92)
Second Reading:
We are always courageous, although we know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Cor. 5:6-7)
Gospel:
“It is like a mustard seed that, when it is sown in the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth. But once it is sown, it springs up and becomes the largest of plants and puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade.” (Mk. 4:31-32)
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:
Jesus compares the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed, the tiniest of seeds. When planted, the tiny mustard seed grows into a tremendous tree with large branches. So too in each of our lives small things can have profound effects. God can use one of our more insignificant gestures to radically change another person’s life. It may be the kindness of a smile, our willingness to accommodate someone, listening to someone’s story, helping someone who is hurting, standing up for someone who is right or complimenting someone on something they did. We all have God given gifts and talents. What are some of yours? Our task is to use our talents creatively, consistently, lovingly, and generously. Because we are always guided by the Holy Spirit, things that may be insignificant or unnoticed to us can profoundly change the life of someone else. While we may think we are small and insignificant, God can make us large and magnificent. All we have to do is open ourselves to being used. We trust that God will take care of the rest.
©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 (June 22), 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 (June 21) 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
- Fr. Bernard is Available: Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
- Catholic Communication Campaign special collection: June 12 and 13
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.
Church Seating Arrangement:
According to new directives there are two seating sections in the churches. One section is NO SOCIAL DISTANCING (the ambo/pulpit side of the church) and the other is SOCIAL DISTANCING (the side of the church opposite the ambo side of the church). Parishioners are to use their judgement as to what section they choose.
Catholic Communication Campaign:
Today we take up the collection for the Catholic Communication Campaign (CCC). Your support helps the CCC connect people to Christ and builds Catholic communities in the U.S. and around the world using the internet, television, radio, and print media. Half of the funds collected remain in our Diocese to support local efforts. To learn more, visit www.usccb.org/ccc.
Weekend Mass Video Taping:
Now that the suspension of the Sunday Mass obligation has been lifted and the Sunday Mass obligation has resumed with this weekend (June 6), last weekend was the final weekend the Sunday Mass will be video-taped. We owe a debt of gratitude to Tom Duff, who throughout the pandemic, has faithfully recorded the Sunday Mass. We thank Kathleen Rourke who weekly has put the Mass on our parish website. The Lord reward you both for your service to our Parish. So greatly appreciated.
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.
Cemetery Advisory Committee:
The Diocese of Rochester requires that parishes with a Cemetery or Cemeteries must establish a Cemetery Advisory Committee. At present, St. James the Apostle and Holy Cross have separate cemetery committees. These will be merged into the Cemetery Advisory Committee. Members of the parish who are able and willing are welcome to join. Please phone the parish office to volunteer. Thank you for your kind consideration of the help.
Thank You for Advocating for the Hungry!
Thanks to all who participated in Diocesan Public Policy weekend in February, signing the petition to advocate for funding for Nourish New York. As the legislative session ends in Albany, we have great news to share: You helped to make Nourish New York a permanent program of the Department of Agriculture and Markets, and to secure $50 million for its work in 2021-22! This pandemic initiative, first launched in April 2020, provides funding to New York food banks for the purchase of produce, dairy products, meat, and other foods produced in New York State. To date, food banks have purchased 21 million pounds of agricultural products from New York farms through Nourish New York. This food was distributed through local food pantries, feeding 1.3 million food-insecure families across the state. Nourish New York invests in a statewide food system that expands market opportunities for farmers, eliminates food wastes and helps to ensure that no New Yorker goes hungry. Thank you for using your voice for good!
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.
St. Bernard’s School of Theology:
St. Bernard’s is having an upcoming event that’s both in-person and virtual: Preview Day. Preview day is happening Friday, June 18. You can learn about St. Bernard’s graduate programs, certificates, courses, and overall formation opportunities. In-person attendees have the option of a free lunch and campus tour, and virtual attendees can engage in all presentations via Zoom.
Lakeside Day Retreat:
Branches Christian Rest and Renewal Center on Seneca Lake is sponsoring Sr. Kathleen Murphy, OSF on Tuesday, July 13, in a presentation titled “Who is St. Francis of Assisi and What Does He Teach Us Today?” For more information visit www.branchescenter.org, contact Donna Wieand at 716–901–4313, or email [email protected].
Religious Freedom Week – June 22–29:
Beginning June 22, the Feast of Saints Tomas More and John Fisher, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops celebrates Religious Freedom Week. To learn more about Religious Freedom Week go to: www.usccb.org/ReligiousFreedomWeek.
New York State Catholic Conference:
Want to keep up to date? To stay on top of the issues of concern to Catholics, get the latest news on our Bishops and Dioceses, and find inspiring content to deepen you spiritual life and more, visit the official voice of the Catholic Church in the Empire State at nysccatholic.org, on Facebook: @nyscatholicconference, and Twitter: @NYSCatholicConf.
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].
Help for Victims:
Victims of abuse should always report to the civil authorities. To report a case of possible sexual abuse and to receive help and guidance from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, victims are encouraged to contact the Victims’ Assistance Coordinator: Deborah A. Housel. Phone: (585) 328–3228, ext. 1555 or Toll-free: 1–800–388–7177, ext. 1555. Email: [email protected].
Respect Life:
All are welcome to come and pray every Friday morning from 8:30–11:00 a.m. at Planned Parenthood, 620 W. Seneca St., Ithaca, and be available to offer life-affirming options to women considering abortions. For more information contact Carolann Darling, 607–351–6668.
COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program:
This program is designed to provide up to three months of rent relief to eligible households who have experienced a loss of income related to the public health crisis. To learn more or apply, visit ithacanhs.org/rentalassistance or phone 607–277–4500. Assistance is available to renters in Tompkins county.
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.
