First Reading:
“This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words of his.” (Ex. 24:8)
Psalm:
I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of the Lord. (Ps. 116)
Or
Alleluia.
Second Reading:
How much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works to worship the living God. (Heb. 9:14)
Gospel:
He said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed for many.” (Mk.14:24)
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:
As we gather today to reaffirm our faith in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, we are reminded that we are also the Body of Christ. The mission of the Gospel calls us to be Christ for others. There is so much brokenness and pain in our world. Many people are lost and feeling lonely, marginalized and oppressed, victimized and abused. Every time we receive the Body (and Blood) of Christ, we are asked to become what we eat. Are we willing to step aside from our preoccupations and concerns so that we can be Christ for others? The power and presence of Christ in the Eucharist becomes present in us. In receiving this transforming presence of Christ, we can truly effect change in the lives of those we meet. We can show them God’s unconditional, ever-present love and the beauty that can come from loving others. We are given the grace to become temples of justice and peace, carrying God’s sacred Presence within us wherever we go.
©LPi
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
© Liturgical Publications Inc.
Events:
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
- Food truck: Every other Tuesday (June 8), 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 7) 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 begins this weekend, 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. Parishioners who have not been fully vaccinated are reminded to wear masks and social distance. Parishioners who have been fully vaccinated may choose not to wear masks nor social distance.
Catholic Communication Campaign:
Next week our special collection supports the Catholic Communication Campaign. This campaign connects people with Christ and builds Catholic communities in the United States and developing countries using the internet, television, radio and print media. Half of the money collected remains here in the Diocese of Rochester to fund local communications efforts. Your support helps spread the Gospel message! To learn more, visit www.usccb.org/ccc.
First Holy Communion Celebration:
This Sunday, June 6, on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, Nicolas Angulo-Stevenson, a parish teenager who has celebrated the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, will complete his initiation into the Church with the reception of First Holy Communion. This will take place at the 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. James the Apostle.
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.
The Most Sacred Heart of Jesus:
This Friday, June 11, 2021, is the feast day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is a day celebrating the love of God for us especially as demonstrated through Jesus who is our servant and questions us: “What is it that you want me to do for you?”
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.
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. Religious freedom means that all people have the space to flourish. Religious freedom is both an American value and an important part of Catholic teaching on human dignity. When we promote religious freedom, we promote the common good and thus strengthen the life of our nation and the community of nations. Learn more at: usccb.org/ReligiousFreedomWeek.
Expressions of Gratitude:
“Birthright of Ithaca would like to thank everyone who contributed to the Mother’s Day collection for our organization. It was an overwhelming response and we will be able to help many clients with these donations. Any time we can help lighten the financial burden of diapers, formula, wipes, clothing, etc… then we are easing the mind of these mothers and they are better able to spend time loving their children instead of worrying. We are so thankful for all the many ways in which the Mother of Mercy parishes share their support for our mission. May God bless you all.”
Did you know?
“All the gospels agree that Jesus refused armed defense. … ‘He who lives by the sword perishes by the sword.’ It is a nice quotation but we do not need it to establish that Jesus was totally opposed to the use of violence for any purpose. Christians have never questioned either that Jesus said it or that it admits no qualification. Christians have simply decided they do not wish to live according to these sayings.” -Fr. John McKenzie, Biblical scholar
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: victimsassistance@dor.org.
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.
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.
Mecklenburg’s Best Thrift Shop:
The “Check-It-Out” Thrift Shop is open every Friday and Saturday from 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. for the rest of the summer. Stop by the Mecklenburg United Methodist Church, 6069 Turnpike Road (just off Route 79 in the heart of Mecklenburg).
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 Eileen.heptig@dor.org.
Offertory Collection:
During this time of the pandemic, offertory collections cannot be taken up. When parishioners attend Mass, please place your offertory in the new collection stand at the entrances of the church. The new stand replaces the baskets at the entrances and offers security to your offering.
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 four counties including Seneca, Schuyler, Tioga, and Tompkins.
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 immmercy@dor.org 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 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.
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