First Reading:
“It is the decision of the Holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities.” (Acts 15:28)
Psalm:
O God, let all the nations praise you! (Ps. 67)
Or
Alleluia.
Second Reading:
The angel took me in spirit to a great, high mountain and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. (Rev. 21:10)
Gospel:
“The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” (Jn. 14:26)
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:
Everyone wants to experience peace. When we look to the world to provide this for us, we can easily get disappointed. We associate peace with an absence of war and conflict, good relationships between neighbors and coworkers, the achievement of success and even the absence of noise! While all of these are worthy endeavors, pursuing them exclusively as a path to experiencing peace sets us up for failure. When we look for peace outside of ourselves, it will never be found. True and lasting peace is something that comes from within and not something we can produce on our own or receive from others. Peace is discovered when we experience an inner wholeness and harmony. It is born of a sense of connectedness with a God who is larger and greater than ourselves, gifting us with His presence. It is the only the peace offered by the Risen Christ that can settle our hearts and calm our fears. Regardless of the degree of turmoil around us, this sense of completeness that Jesus gives anchors our boats and prevents us from sinking.
©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 (June 6) 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
- Prayer for Healing and Harmony: Wednesdays, 2:00 p.m.
- James the Apostle: June 1 & 15
- Holy Cross: May 25; June 8 & 22
- Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: June 1 & 15; 3:15 p.m.; St. James the Apostle
- Parish Finance Council meeting: May 26, 11:00 a.m., St. Francis Solanus
- Pentecost brunch: June 5, after 10:30 a.m. Mass, Holy Cross
- Food, Faith, & Fun: June 5, 5:00 p.m., St. Fidelis Friary Boathouse
Funerals:
- Michael Huhn, age 66, died November 17, 2021. A graveside service was held at Lakeview Cemetery, Interlaken, NY on May 9, 2022.
- Christopher Carrican, age 59, died December 24, 2021. A graveside service was held at St. James the Apostle Cemetery on May 9, 2022.
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.
Ascension Thursday:
This Thursday, May 26, marks forty days after Easter. It is the Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord – a holy day of obligation. The parish will have two Masses:
- 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg
- 7:00 p.m. Mass at Holy Cross, Ovid
Parish Finance Council Meeting:
The Finance Council will meet on Thursday, May 26, at 11:00 a.m. at the Parish Center.
Parish Council Selection of New Members:
The selection of new Parish Council members will take place next Sunday, May 29 at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. The names of the nominees are placed in a basket and the needed number of new members are drawn (selected) from the basket. There are nomination ballots in the foyer of the church to nominate yourself or another parishioner. Ballots are to be submitted to the parish office by this Wednesday night (May 25). The Parish Council is a council to the pastor. It is not a governing body nor board. Newly selected members will attend the June 9 Parish Council meeting. It is the last Parish Council meeting of the year. At the June 9 meeting, in preparation for the September meeting, an executive committee will be elected, and members will be assigned to the Parish Council standing committees of their choice.
Pentecost Brunch:
The brunch will take place on Sunday, June 5, following the 10:30 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross Rectory. As in past years it is a potluck brunch held on Pentecost Sunday where the attendees bring a dish to the meal. Everyone is welcome to this grand parish event.
Food, Faith and Fun:
A gift has been given to the parish for a gathering of people between the ages of 21 and 45. The gathering will take place on Sunday, June 5 at the St. Fidelis Friary Boathouse, 7790 County Road 153, Interlaken, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a sit-down dinner. After the meal there will be a brief faith presentation and sharing followed by a planned activity. Space is limited. To register, contact the parish office at 607–294–0064 or [email protected] by next Sunday, May 29. If interested in helping to work on this event please notify the parish office. Thanks.
2021-2022 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA):
Our parish has surpassed its assigned goal of $28,085. This was accomplished by 107 parish households who have pledged $32,300 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.
Social Ministry Conference – Open to all:
The annual Diocesan Social Ministry Conference will take place virtually on Wednesday May 25 from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. over Zoom. The conference theme is the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, which calls all Catholics to take seriously our moral obligation to address environmental degradation and climate change. Through a variety of discussions and workshops we’ll learn about ways our families and parishes can embrace this mission and protect our common home. Join with Catholics from around the diocese to learn and share ideas. Register at www.dor.org/conference.
Desert Day of Prayer:
June 1, from 8:45 a.m.–3:00 p.m., Notre Dame Retreat House in Canandaigua, NY is offering a day for individuals seeking a one day retreat alone with God. During your time with us, our priests are available for confession and/or conversation and will offer mass at the closing of our day. The cost is $25.00 and includes lunch! Attendance is limited to 25. To register, please contact us at 585–394–5700 or [email protected]
Pending U.S. Supreme Court Decision:
“If Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health overturns Roe v. Wade, doesn’t that mean women in the US will no longer be able to get abortions?” The answer is “no”. The decision to overturn Roe v. Wade would allow each state to decide which restrictions it will allow on abortion. In states such as California and Vermont, abortion will continue to be permitted at least up until 24 weeks (when evidence show that preborn babies feel pain).
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 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 June 1 and 15. This event will run through June.
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.
