First Reading:
“We cried to the LORD, the God of our fathers, and he heard our cry.” (Dt. 26:7)
Psalm:
Be with me, Lord, when I am in trouble. (Ps. 91)
Second Reading:
For, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. (Rom. 10:9)
Gospel:
Filled with the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the desert for forty days, to be tempted by the devil. (Lk. 4:1-2)
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:
Human beings did not come to believe in God just because of someone’s private testimony about him. Rather, belief in God became real when human beings understood that all of human history is being guided and lead, kept and sustained by a God who is incredibly in love with all that he has made. It is this realization that leads us to thanksgiving and gratitude for the one who gives us “this land flowing with milk and honey.” It also leads us to adoration and worship as we continue to see the creative power of God’s presence in all of the events of our lives. The Church stands as a living witness to all of these things and calls us this Lent to reflect and remember. There is a great temptation for human beings to leave the truth of who they are, where they came from and who created them. Falling into this temptation we cease giving thanks to and worshipping our Creator as we pursue our own self-sufficiency, power, and prestige. While having more may seem better, the only thing we really need more of is love. This fortifies us and keeps us from falling.
©LPi
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
©LPi
Events:
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
- Food truck: March 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 (March 7) 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
- Prayer for Healing and Harmony: 2:00 p.m.
- James the Apostle: March 16, April 6 & 20
- Holy Cross: March 9 & 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
- Black, Native American, and Hispanic Mission second collection: March 5 & 6
- Parish Council meeting: March 10, 7:00 p.m., St. Francis
- Easter Flower offering: March 12 & 13
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).
- During the Season of Lent, the Church urges all the faithful to reflect a spirit of prayer, penance (conversion), and charity.
Lenten Fridays:
The Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence, that is, meatless days. This Lenten practice affects Catholics over the age of 14.
Second Collection – This Weekend:
The Black, Native American, and Hispanic Mission collection to be taken up this weekend exists to help local African American, Native American and Hispanic diocesan communities throughout the United State spread the Good New of Jesus Christ and respond to real and pressing needs on the ground. You help would be appreciated greatly.
Parish Council:
The members and alternates of the Parish Council will meet this Thursday, March 10, at 7:00 p.m. at the Parish Center, St. Francis Solanus Annex, Interlaken.
Food Donations Needed:
The Trumansburg Food Pantry is in desperate need of non-perishable food items. The food pantry relies on the generous donations from the members of all the Trumansburg churches. Due to the decline in church attendance because of Covid during the past three years, donations have been sparse. Please make an effort to bring your donations, non-perishable food or monetary, to St. James the Apostle on the second Sunday of each month. A table is set up in front of the statue of our Blessed Mother for donations. Thank you for caring and helping to feed your community neighbors in need.
Second Collection – Next Weekend:
The Easter Flower Offering collection will be taken up next 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.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Rice Bowl:
Our faith community will join with more than 14,000 Catholic parishes and schools across the United States to journey through Lent with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Rice Bowl. CRS Rice Bowl offers us an opportunity to reflect as a community on what it means to live our Gospel call to seek out those in distress to offer practical and life-giving help. Rice Bowls are available in the foyers of the churches or donations can be made online through the WeShare Online Giving.
2021-2022 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
To support important Diocesan programs, services, and ministries that strengthen our Church in the Diocese of Rochester, our parish has been given an appeal goal of $28,085. To meet this goal, we need your help. Every parish household’s participation is primary, what is pledged is secondary. Please do what you are able. CMA pledge envelopes are available in the foyers of the Church. A “thank you” to all who have already participated in the Appeal.
Prayer for Healing and Harmony:
You are invited to gather for a time of quiet 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 2 & 16. The gathering dates at Holy Cross are on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month: March 9 & 23. There is also 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 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, meet new friends, and challenge themselves. The mission of Camp Stella Maris is to create a fun, Christ-centered, safe environment for a diverse group of campers of all ages. Located 30 minutes south of Rochester on Conesus Lake, CSM has programs for campers ages 5–17. Traditionally an overnight summer camp, CSM also offers day camp and teen leadership programs. To register or for more information visit campstellamaris.org
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.
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 at 585–328–3228 ext. 1555, toll-free 1–800–388–7177 ext. 1555, or by email at [email protected].
On-line Giving:
The WeShare online giving provides the opportunity for donors to pledge to the Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA).
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.
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.
