March 20, 2022 ~ Third Sunday in Lent

First Reading:
“This is what you shall tell the Israelites: I AM sent me to you.” (Ex. 3:14) 

Psalm:
The Lord is kind and merciful. (Ps. 103)

Second Reading:
These things happened to them as an example, and they have been written down as a warning to us, up on whom the end of the ages has come. (1 Cor. 10:11)

Gospel:
“But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will parish as they did!” (Lk. 13:5)

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:
God clearly reveals his identity as “I am who am.” God, who is really beyond all names, is the One who simply “is” as the ground of all being. This ever-existing, uncreated, and all-encompassing presence of unconditional God, who is Love, is very patient as he waits for us to grow and change. God is so near to us that it is easy to miss his presence. As true love requires, God seeks a devoted, intimate, free, and exclusive relationship with each of us. As we walk through the parched, desert experiences of our lives it is easily in our thirst for water and a respite from the heat that we reach for and construct idols that will bring us immediate relief and satisfaction. These false gods, made out of our comforts and earthly desires can quickly take the place of the One who really has first dibs on our hearts. Humans have often wandered far away from God as St. Paul reminds us. In helping each other cultivate and fertilize the ground upon which we walk, God gives us yet another chance to bear fruit and return.
©LPi

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

©LPi


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
  • 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
  • Catholic Relief Services collection: March 26 & 27
  • Religious education: March 27, 10:00 a.m., St. James
  • Prayer for Healing and Harmony: 2:00 p.m.
  • James the Apostle: April 6 & 20
  • Holy Cross: March 23, April 13 & 27
  • Francis Solanus: March 30
  • Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: April 6 & 20; 3:15 p.m.; St. James the Apostle

Easter Triduum Liturgical Services Schedule:
Thursday of the Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday), 7:00 p.m. at St. James the Apostle Church

• Friday of the Passion of the Lord (Good Friday), 3:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Church and Stations of the Cross at 7:00 p.m. at St. James the Apostle Church

• The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night (Holy Saturday), 8:00 p.m. at St. Francis Solanus Church (no 4:00 p.m. Mass)

Easter Sunday Masses:
• 9:00 a.m. St. James the Apostle Church
• 10:30 a.m. Holy Cross Church

Lenten Fridays:
The Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence, that is, meatless days. This Lenten practice affects Catholics over the age of 14.

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.

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.

Annual Catholic Relief Services Collection:
Next weekend our parish will take up the annual Catholic Relief Services Collection. This annual collection is separate from the Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl – their Lenten program of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. The Catholic Relief Services Collection provides basic operating funding for the US Catholic community’s global ministry carried out in their name by six Catholic agencies including: Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Migration and Refugee Services, Secretariat for Cultural Diversity in the Church, United States Bishops’ Justice, Peace and Human Development Ministry, Catholic Legal Immigration Network and the Holy Father’s Relief Fund. These US Catholic agencies touch the lives of more than 100 million brothers and sisters all over the world annually.

“Thank you”:
Deacon Paul Bork from the U.S. Mission Education Apostolate Church Engagement Division – Maryknoll the Catholic Foreign Mission Society of America, sent a letter of gratitude to the Parish for the hospitality and support he received from our parishioners on the weekend of February 20. He writes: “Needless to say, this is a great help towards our efforts to bring the “Good News” to all nations.”

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.

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: 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].

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 April 6 & 20. This event will run through June.

Couples Celebrating their Marriage Anniversary:
Anniversary couples are invited to a Mass of Recognition of the Sacrament of Matrimony. The Mass will be Sunday, May 8, at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral, (296 Flower City Park, Rochester). All married couples and their guests are welcome to attend and renew their vows with Bishop Salvatore R. Matano. Those celebrating milestone jubilees will be given special recognition. To register your attendance, go to: https://conta.cc/31DXmKu or email [email protected]. Additionally, the June 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 an email or a letter with the following information: Names, Church, Town where you were married, wedding date/year, and a wedding photo (optional). Email: [email protected] or mail Wedding Anniversaries, Catholic Courier PO Box 24279 Rochester, NY 14624-0379. Submissions are due by April 30.

Community Action Programs (CAP):
CAP Seneca’s Volunteer Transportation Program is seeking drivers to provide rides to essential health and wellness appointments. Drivers receive door-to-door mileage reimbursement and flexible schedules and routes. Volunteers pick the days, times and frequency. The Volunteer Transportation Program is an opportunity that makes a crucial difference in the lives of others. Volunteer by phoning: 315–255–1703 Ext. 141 or email: [email protected].

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:

  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].

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).

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.

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).

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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© 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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