First Reading:
It was on that occasion that the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying: “To your descendants I give the land, from the Wadi of Egypt to the Great River, the Euphrates.” (Gn. 15:18)
Psalm:
The Lord is my light and my salvation. (Ps. 27)
Second Reading:
He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified body by the power that enables him also to bring all things into subjection to himself. (Phil. 3:21)
Gospel:
Jesus took Peter, John, and James and went up the mountain to pray. While he was praying his face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white. (Lk. 9:28b-29)
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.
Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
While we have to be cognizant of our societal and personal responsibilities in this world, we can never lose sight of where our true citizenship lies — heaven. When we become too immersed in earthly things and too preoccupied with our temporal responsibilities, we can actually become numb to our faith. Becoming ambivalent about our faith, our belief in Jesus Christ and the promises of heaven become more a source of agitation rather than a source of promise and hope. It is easy to become an enemy of Christ without even knowing it is happening. God has given us a very clear destiny. We are definitely not meant to conform ourselves to this world but to the transfiguration and glorification of our bodies to come. It is here where we can see clearly not only who God is but who we are. The way many conduct the daily business of their lives suggests that such a promise or hope is of little importance. What does the way you live your daily life say about you?
©LPi
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
From the Lorica of St. Patrick (ca. 377)
Events:
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
- Food truck: April 12, 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 (March 21) 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
- Holy Hour: Wednesdays of Lent, 7:00 p.m., St. Francis
- Prayer for Healing and Harmony: 2:00 p.m.
- James the Apostle: March 16, April 6 & 20
- Holy Cross: March 23, April 13 & 27
- Francis Solanus: March 30
- Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: March 16, April 6 & 20; 3:15 p.m.; St. James the Apostle
- Easter Flower offering: March 12 & 13
Prayer for Healing and Harmony:
You are invited to gather for a time of prayer for healing and harmony. These gatherings begin at 2:00 p.m. and take place at St. James on the first and third Wednesday of each month: March 16 and April 6 & 20. The gathering dates at Holy Cross are on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month: March 23 and April 13 & 27. There is a gathering at St. Francis on March 30. Questions? Call or email Sister Anne at 607–209–4206 or [email protected].
Online Giving:
The WeShare online giving provides the opportunity for parishioners to give to the Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA), Easter Flowers, Easter collection and the Rice Bowl.
Easter Flower Collection – This Weekend:
The Easter Flower Offering collection will be taken up this weekend. This collection is always a great help to the parish to help meet the cost of Easter flowers that beautify the sanctuary for the great feast of Easter. Whatever you can do to help will be appreciated.
Lenten Reminders:
- The season of Lent runs from Ash Wednesday (March 2) until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday (April 14).
- “Alleluia” is not sung or said from the beginning of Lent until the Easter Vigil.
- During Lent the altar is not to be decorated with flowers.
- Musical instruments may be played only to give necessary support to the singing.
- The readings for the Lenten Masses have been chosen in relation to the themes of baptismal renewal and conversion.
- The Easter celebration is: Holy Thursday, Good Friday & Holy Saturday – the Easter Triduum (Three Days of Easter).
Season of Lent Opportunity:
During this Season of Lent, the parish will have a holy hour on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. at the Parish Center, (St. Francis Solanus Church, Interlaken). The holy hour will begin with the Stations of the Cross, followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and a brief sermon. The holy hour is offered as an opportunity for parishioners to come together in prayer, meditation and to receive the Lord’s blessing with the Blessed Sacrament.
Lenten Fridays:
The Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence, that is, meatless days. This Lenten practice affects Catholics over the age of 14.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Rice Bowl:
In some villages in Guatemala, malnutrition is high and many communities struggle with water scarcity, poor education, poverty, and a changing climate. Raul and Lilian Chanchavac live in the village of Xequemeya where they grow tomatoes that were often destroyed by plant diseases. With help from a CRS program they received agricultural training and nutrition education. The CRS training helped them expand their crops adding onions, chili peppers and oranges, and CRS helped them register with the government to begin selling their produce to local schools. This helped the school children and allowed them to provide jobs for their family and others in the community. The sacrifices we make to support the CRS Rice Bowl during Lent have the power to change lives – deepening our faith and our connection to our one human family.
2021-2022 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
The parish has exceeded our assigned goal of $28,085. The March 2, 2022, CMA report revealed that one hundred and one parish households have pledged $28,435. Bishop Matano wrote a letter to the parish expressing his most sincere gratitude. He further writes: “In keeping with the theme of this year’s Appeal, Forward in Faith, you are leading the way forward so that we can set about the work to reinvigorate, rebuild and renew our Church. I am so very thankful for, and, deeply encouraged by your continued commitment and dedication in these most challenging of times.” Pledges to the Appeal can continue to be made until the end of May. The parish will receive back half of what is over goal. “Thank you” to all who participated in the Appeal and “Thank you” for your generosity in achieving our assigned parish goal.
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 at 3:15 p.m. The next dates are March 16 and April 6 & 20. This event will run through June.
It’s not too early to think about Summer Camp!:
For over 95 years, Camp Stella Maris has been a home away from home for campers to try new and exciting things. Located 30 minutes south of Rochester on Conesus Lake, CSM has programs for campers ages 5–17. Traditionally an overnight camp, CSM also offers day camp and teen leadership programs. To register or for more information visit campstellamaris.org
40 Days For Life:
Visit 40daysforlife.com/Ithaca to select a time to pray at the vigil site across the street from Planned Parenthood, 620 W. Seneca St., Ithaca. Join others in this peaceful time of prayer, fasting, and witness to life. Now through Palm Sunday.
Input for the Synod of Bishops:
Pope Francis I has convened a Synod of Bishops for October 2023. (A synod is a meeting convened to discuss issues relating to the Church – it is an advisory council). Before the Synod of Bishops meet, Pope Francis desires the input of all members of the Church, not just Bishops. He is asking Catholics to share how they themselves, and people from all walks of life, are relating to the Church and/or how the Church is relating to them. He is asking Catholics to speak out about what they are experiencing in the Church and about the concerns that have been told to them. We have until the end of March to record this input. Please forward the voiced issues and concerns to the Parish Office, and, in turn, the Parish Office will forward your input to the Diocese. Pope Francis desires to listen to all people and for them to have the opportunity to be participants in the Synod.
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 [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.
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.
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.
Easter Duty:
(Church Law #920) All the faithful, after they have been initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, are bound by the obligation of receiving Communion at least once a year. The precept must be fulfilled during the Easter season unless it is fulfilled for a just cause at some other time during the year. In reference to this law the Easter season is considered from the First Sunday of Lent until Trinity Sunday (this year June 12).
Let Us Pray:
Please remember in your prayers those members of our parish who are in the hospital, sick at home, in a nursing home, or who have requested our prayers (see the list on the parish’s PRAYERS page). We also ask you to pray for those who have died. May the Lord bring comfort to their family and friends during this difficult time.
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