First Reading:
They called the church together and reported what God had done with them. (Acts 14:27)
Psalm:
I will praise your name for ever, my king and my God. (Ps. 146)
Or
Alleluia.
Second Reading:
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, for the old order has passed away.” (Rev. 21:4)
Gospel:
I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. (Jn. 13:34)
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:
The resurrected Christ gives us the strength to do things we can never have imagined. Life will often give us mountains to climb, and we wonder how we will find the energy, ability, and determination to forge ahead. But, with a good dosage of faith and a fervent life of prayer we find ourselves succeeding and ascending to heights that once frightened us. What we realize after we have reached the other side is that this hardship we once saw as an obstacle has become a vehicle for something better and greater. We are stronger. The same is true with the Gospel. The prospect of loving one another may seem idealistic or unobtainable. Yet, when we risk moving beyond just looking out for or helping each other to actually LOVING each other, miracles happen. There is something wonderful that occurs with love. We see people in ways we never saw before, understanding and appreciating each other’s journey. Love leads to reverence. Faith is strengthened and we move on to try again.
©LPi
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
©LPi
Events:
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
- Interlaken Reformed church: Fridays, 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.,
- Trumansburg Food Pantry: Every other Monday (May 16) 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
- Prayer for Healing and Harmony: Wednesdays, 2:00 p.m.
- James the Apostle: May 18; June 1 & 15
- Holy Cross: May 25; June 8 & 22
- Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: May 18, June 1 & 15; 3:15 p.m.; St. James the Apostle
- Diocesan Missions Second Collection: May 14 & 15
Funeral:
A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. James the Apostle Church for Joan Hogan, 86, on May 7, 2022. The burial was at St. James the Apostle Cemetery.
Our Call To Protect God’s Creation:
In his encyclical Laudato Si’, Pope Francis makes it clear that we have a moral obligation to care for the Earth. The Laudato Si’ Action Platform is a new initiative by the Holy See calling all sectors of the Church, including families, parishes, and schools to participate in this crucial work. Learn more At laudatosiactionplatform.org. One action platform is ecological spirituality. We could start by praying this prayer from Laudato Si:
All powerful God, you are present in the universe and in the smallest of your creatures. You embrace with your tenderness all that exists. Pour out upon us the power of your love, that we may protect life and beauty. Fill us with your peace, that we may live as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
Persons between the ages of 21 and 45:
Plans are underway for a gathering of this age group. The gathering will take place on Sunday, June 5, at the St. Fidelis Friary Boathouse, 7790 County Road 153, Interlaken, NY beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a meal. After the meal there will be a brief faith presentation and sharing followed by a planned activity. Please contact the parish office if you are interested in helping to plan this event. Thank you.
First Communion Sunday:
Elise Wright will be celebrating her First Communion this Sunday, May 15, 2022, at the 9:00 a.m. Mass. We thank all who have helped prepare Elise for this day.
Diocesan Missions Sunday – Second Collection:
Today is Diocesan Missions Sunday honoring the Sisters of St. Joseph in Brazil and the Sisters of Mercy in Chile. We are called to take part in the missionary work of the Church. We may not all have to move to another town or city to do so, but impelled by the Holy Spirit, each one of us is to move beyond our daily concerns, important as they are, to help others live in the faith that sustains us. Bishop Salvatore Matano calls us to a responsible sharing in the missionary works of the Diocese of Rochester. No diocese is truly a diocese unless it extends beyond its own borders and allows itself to be touched by the presence of other churches. May we share the gift of faith today by helping our missionary friends with our prayers and a generous gift.
Call for Singers and Musicians:
Singers and Musicians are invited to sing and play at the three churches in the parish of Mary Mother of Mercy to praise our Lord. Anyone interested in participating or who wants more information can inquire with choir members, Fr. Bernard or contact Leo at [email protected] We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Priests’ Convocation:
The priests in the Diocese of Rochester will be gathering with Bishop Matano in Horseheads, NY, Monday afternoon, May 16, until Wednesday late morning, May 18. This annual event has been postponed the past two years. The convocation is a spiritual, intellectual and social event. Both Fathers Bernard and Richard will be attending. On Tuesday and Wednesday (May 17 & 18) there will be no 8:30 a.m Mass. However, Brother Francisco will celebrate a Communion Service at 8:30 a.m. at St. Francis Solanus Church.
Parish Council Nominations:
The terms of five Parish Council members end this June. Parishioners interested in being on the Parish Council can now nominate themselves or be nominated by another parishioner. The selection of new Parish Council members for a three-year term and the selection of three alternates for a one-year term will take place on Sunday, May 29. Newly selected members will attend the June 9 Parish Council meeting. The term of membership begins July 1. There are no scheduled meetings in the summer.
The Parish Council is a council to the pastor. It is not a governing body nor board. Through the Parish Council committees (Word, Worship, Witness and Fellowship), the members become aware of what is happening in the parish. Parish Council members are assigned to one of the committees after they give their preferences. From what is being done or proposed in the parish, the members offer advice to the pastor. The council can meet between 4–8 times a year, and the meetings are held at the Parish Center, Interlaken.
Parish Council nomination ballots are now available for the submission of nominees’ names. Parishioners, please consider being a Council member or nominating a parishioner. Thank you.
2021-2022 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA):
Our parish has surpassed its assigned goal of $28,085. This was accomplished by 106 parish households who have pledged $32,250 to the CMA. Half of the amount over goal will be returned to the parish. The Appeal will continue until May 31. We are most appreciative to those who pledged to the Appeal and invite others to make a pledge to 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.
Mom to Mom Sale:
St. Francis de Sales-St. Stephen School’s Mom to Mom Sale is Saturday, May 21 from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. in the DeSales High School Gym, 90 Pulteney Street and High Street, Geneva. Admission for adults is $1. Resell your children’s used items for cash! Spaces are $25 for two tables. Each additional table is $10. If you have any questions or need a registration form, call the school at 315–789–1828 or email [email protected].
Pending U.S. Supreme Court Decision:
Between now and the end of June, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The case involves a law in Mississippi that bans most abortions after the baby reaches 15 weeks. Jackson Women’s Health, as the only abortion provider in the state of Mississippi, sued, saying that the law is in direct violation of Roe v. Wade. In response, Mississippi essentially asked the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade as bad law, and barring that, to at least allow states to limit pre-viability abortions. While it is impossible to speculate what will happen, it is a hope that the Supreme Court will allow states to once again limit or prohibit abortion. Regardless of what happens, there will be significant coverage in the media giving rise to people being affected in various ways. Timely information and resources are available at our own diocesan website for life issues, liferoc.org, Join Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant Christians uniting in prayer. Online search: Pray for Dobbs and join.
Breach of Trust:
The New York State Catholic Conference released the following statement on behalf of the NYS Bishops: “The leaking of an internal draft opinion of the Supreme Court is an egregious breach of trust, and an attack on the integrity of the Judicial Branch of government. When our highest court cannot operate free of political interference or intimidation, it serves a stark example that nothing is sacred anymore. While we fervently pray for legal protections of unborn children, we will not dignify the goals of the leaker by commenting on the contents of the draft document.”
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 [email protected].
Easter Duty:
All the faithful, after they have been initiated into the Most Holy Eucharist, are bound by 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) Canon #920
Prayer for Healing and Harmony:
You are invited to gather for a time of quiet prayer for healing and harmony. These gatherings are Wednesdays and begin at 2:00 p.m. The upcoming dates at St. James are May 18; June 1 and 15. At Holy Cross, there will be gatherings on May 25, and June 8 and 22. Questions? Contact 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 May 18, June 1, and June 15. This event will run through June.
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.
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.
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.
