March 27, 2022 ~ Fourth Sunday in Lent

First Reading:
While the Israelites were encamped at Gilgal on the plains of Jericho, they celebrated the Passover. (Jos. 5:10)

Psalm:
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. (Ps. 34)

Second Reading:
And all this is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given us the ministry of reconciliation. (2 Cor. 5:18)

Gospel:
“But now we must celebrate and rejoice, because your brother was dead and has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.” (Lk. 15:32)

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.

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
Have you ever given thought to the fact that you are an “ambassador for Christ?” An ambassador is an accredited diplomat and official representative. We are asked to be ambassadors for Christ and his message of reconciliation. Within each one of us is a prodigal son who realizes the need to return home, an elder brother who struggles with entitlement and self-pity, and a forgiving father who simply wants to celebrate love. Realizing that all of these things are operative in our hearts, we can bring credibility to God’s ministry of reconciliation. Genuine witnesses are those who not only recognize their need for wholeness, mercy, and forgiveness but also their tendency to be over self-focused and stubborn. Then, discovering freedom from all that binds them, they can then extend the love they have received to others. These ambassadors embody unity, mercy, and reconciliation and can look on others with deep compassion because they know what it is to walk in their shoes. Can God count on you to deliver this message?
©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 (April 4) 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
• 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.
  • St. James the Apostle: April 6 & 20
  • Holy Cross: April 13 & 27
  • St. Francis Solanus: March 30
• Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: April 6 & 20; 3:15 p.m.; St. James the Apostle

Funeral:
Louis C. Iannone, age 77, died on March 5. A Funeral Mass was held on March 12 at St. James the Apostle Church.

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

Easter Egg Hunt:
After the 9:00 a.m. Mass on Easter Sunday there will be an Easter Egg Hunt. All children are welcome.

This Weekend a Second Collection:
This weekend our second collection is the annual Catholic Relief Services Collection which provides funding for the U.S. Catholic community’s global social ministries, such as the humanitarian aid we are providing to brothers and sisters in Ukraine at present. Thank you for your generous spirit.

Season of Lent Opportunity:
The parish is having a holy hour on Wednesdays beginning at 7:00 p.m. at St. Francis Solanus Church. The holy hour will begin with the Stations of the Cross, followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament and a writing from one of the early church fathers. The holy hour is offered as an opportunity for parishioners to come together in prayers, meditation and to receive the Lord’s blessing with the Blessed Sacrament.

Stations of the Cross:
A popular devotion during the Season of Lent is making the Stations of the Cross. Each station causes us to meditate on Jesus and what he encountered on his way to Calvary and his execution. They offer us inspiration as to how to be like Christ in our everyday living. We, individuals, and families, are invited to make the Stations of the Cross at least once during this Season of Lent. Public Stations of the Cross are held every Wednesday of Lent (except April 13) within a Holy Hour at St. Francis Solanus Church beginning at 7:00 p.m.

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

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.

2021-2022 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA):
Our parish has surpassed its assigned goal of $28,085. This was accomplished by 103 parish households who have pledged $28,550 to the CMA. Half of the amount over goal will be returned to the parish. The Appeal will continue to the end of May. We are most appreciative to those who pledged to the Appeal and invite others to make a pledge in support the works of the Diocese and our parish. Pledge envelopes are available in the foyers of the church. Participation is primary, what is pledged is secondary. Every gift is appreciated greatly.

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. At St. James the next dates are April 6 and 20, at Holy Cross: April 13 and 27, and at St. Francis: March 30. Questions? Call or email Sister Anne at 607–209–4206 or [email protected].

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.

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.

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 and for world peace, especially in Ukraine.

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.