First Reading:
Then there appeared to them tongues as of fire, which parted and came to rest on each one of them. (Acts 2:3)
Psalm:
Lord, send out your Spirit, and renew the face of the earth. (Ps. 104)
Or
Alleluia.
Second Reading:
In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. (Gal. 5:22-23)
Gospel:
“But when he comes, the Spirit of truth, he will guide you to all truth.” (Jn. 15:27, 16:13)
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.
©LPi
Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
The phrase “being filled with the Holy Spirit” may summon forth images that are a bit too intense for some folks. They may conclude that when one is filled with the Holy Spirit that they immediately begin speaking in tongues, loudly praise God, sing alleluia from roof tops, and do other demonstrative things. In reality, being filled with the Holy Spirit means being filled with the fullness of God’s life and in touch with the power and wonder of God’s presence. It is the Holy Spirit that draws us together as a community of faith, inspires us with wisdom and right judgment, and turns us from the darkness of sin to the virtues that bring life. We live in a world where it is hard to discover truth. The Holy Spirit, through the ministry of the church, guides us to truth and shows us the way to be the graced human beings God made us to be. Come, Holy Spirit, and fill our hearts!
©LPi
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
© Liturgical Publications Inc.
Events:
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
- Food truck: Every other Tuesday (May 25), 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 (May 24) 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:15–6:00 p.m., Methodist church
- Family Hope Center: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:00–4:00 p.m., Holy Cross
- Fr. Bernard is Available: Fridays, 6:30–7:30 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
- Parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy’s Sunday Mass can be viewed at our parish website: marymotherofmercy.com
- Buildings and Grounds Committee meeting: May 27, 10:00 a.m., St. Francis Solanus
Funeral:
A funeral Mass was celebrated for Bill Hogan, age 88, on Friday, May 21, 2021 at St. James the Apostle Church. Bill died on May 13.
Litany of St. Joseph:
This year is dedicated to increase our love for St. Joseph, to encourage us to implore his intercession, and to imitate his virtues and his zeal. In some Christian cultures the weekday Wednesday has been a day dedicated to St. Joseph. Beginning this Wednesday, after the 8:30 a.m. Mass, we will pray the Litany of St. Joseph which is an inspiration as to St. Joseph’s many virtues and to ask his intercession for the increase of vocations to the priesthood and religious life and for the continuing awareness of the sanctity of life.
Reception into the Catholic Church:
This Sunday, Pentecost Sunday, at the 9:00 a.m. Mass, Karen Salino will make a Profession of Faith in the Catholic Church. For the past two years, Karen has been preparing for this celebration of reception. At Mass, Karen will be called forward to proclaim the Nicene Creed with the assembly. Immediately after she will make a profession of faith in the Catholic Church. The celebrant will accept her profession on behalf of the Church, and the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation will follow. Karen will also celebrate her First Holy Communion at the Mass. This is a joyful event for Karen and for the Parish. Alleluia – Praise God.
First Holy Communion Celebration:
On the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ, (Sunday, June 6) Nicolas Angulo-Stevenson, a parish teenager who has celebrated the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation, will complete his initiation into the Church with the reception of First Holy Communion. This will take place at the 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. James the Apostle.
Diocesan Catholic Ministries Appeal:
The CMA parish goals have been recalculated based on: 2020 collections; 2019 Mass attendance; 2020 households; and 2019 US Census Data – Median Household income. The 2021-2022 CMA goal for our parish has been decreased from $29,979 to $28,086. Again we offer “thanks” to the one hundred and twenty parish households that pledged $32,604 during the 2020–2021 Appeal. We were $2,625 over goal. Half of the overage will be returned to the parish. The parish is most appreciative of you all.
Cemetery Advisory Committee:
The Diocese of Rochester requires that parishes with a Cemetery or Cemeteries must establish a Cemetery Advisory Committee. At present, St. James the Apostle and Holy Cross have separate cemetery committees. These will be merged into the Cemetery Advisory Committee. Members of the parish who are able and willing are welcome to join. Please phone the parish office to volunteer. Thank you for your kind consideration of the help.
Buildings and Grounds Committee:
The parish has three Buildings and Grounds Committees. The Parish Finance Council proposed, and it was accepted, that the parish have one committee. The first meeting of the committee will be Thursday, May 27, at 10:00 a.m. at the Parish Center, Interlaken. The Diocesan Regional Finance Director, Ms. Rebecca Pizzirusso, will be present. Members of the parish interested in the Buildings and Grounds Committee please notify Fr. Bernard and/or phone the parish office.
Let Us Dream:
The Diocese of Syracuse and Ogdensburg are sponsoring three virtual evenings for prayer, music, insight, and sharing in response to Pope Francis’s request: “I urgently appeal…for a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet” (Laudato Si #14). The three virtual evenings will be May 25, 26, and 27 from 7:00–9:00 p.m. To register visit rcdony.org/dream. The deadline is May 23. Contact Thresa May at tmay@syrdio.org or 315–472–6753 with any questions.
Bible Study:
If you’ve struggled to read the Bible, this podcast is for you. Ascension’s Bible in a Year Podcast, hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz and featuring Jeff Cavins, guides Catholics through the 
Bible in 365 daily episodes. Each 20–25 minute episode includes: two to three scripture readings; reflection from Fr. Mike Schmitz; and guided prayer to help you hear God’s voice in his Word. Unlike any other Bible podcast, Ascension’s Bible in a Year Podcast for Catholics follows a reading plan inspired by the Great Adventure Bible Timeline® learning system, a groundbreaking approach to understanding Salvation History. One can participate by using any free podcast app on your smartphone or tablet or via your browser at ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.
The Bishop’s Reminder:
Due to the prevalence of the Coronavirus, the obligation to attend Sunday Mass is suspended until further notice. Those who are at a higher risk of COVID-19 and those concerned for their health are urged not to come to church for Mass. Those who feel in any way sick should not enter any parish building or church.
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 Eileen.heptig@dor.org.
Easter Duty:
“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.” (Church law #920) In reference to this precept the Easter season is considered the First Sunday of Lent until Trinity Sunday (this year May 30).
Offertory Collection:
During this time of the pandemic, offertory collections cannot be taken up. When parishioners attend Mass, please place your offertory in the new collection stand at the entrances of the church. The new stand replaces the baskets at the entrances and offers security to your offering.
COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program:
This program is designed to provide up to three months of rent relief to eligible households who have experienced a loss of income related to the public health crisis. To learn more or apply, visit ithacanhs.org/rentalassistance or phone 607–277–4500. Assistance is available to renters in four counties including Seneca, Schuyler, Tioga, and Tompkins.
Please take time this week to pray the rosary for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prayer Intentions:
Since we presently cannot have the prayer request books in our churches, do know that the prayer requests of fellow parishioners are still being listed on the parish website (see PRAYERS in top bar). If you would like to add a request, please email the parish at immmercy@dor.org or phone the parish office at 607–294–0064 and it will be added to the list.
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.
Prayers from the Sisters of St. Joseph:
The Sisters of St. Joseph have a prayer ministry for the Diocese of Rochester. They have informed our parish that Sisters Anne Marie Burns and Dolores Bachman will be praying for our parish and parishioners throughout 2021. Let us keep in our prayers the two sisters praying for us and for all the Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester.
Year of St. Joseph:
Pope Francis initiated the Year of St. Joseph in recognition of the 150th Anniversary of the declaration of St. Joseph as patron of the Catholic Church. This year is dedicated to increase our love for this great saint, to encourage us to implore his intercession and to imitate his virtues and his zeal.
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 familyhopecenter@outlook.com.
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.
Diocese of Rochester Request:
Victims of sexual abuse should always report to the civil authorities. To receive help and guidance from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, contact our Victim Assistance Coordinator: Deborah Housel, 585–328–3228, ext. 1555. Toll-free 1–800–388–7177 ext. 1555 or by email to victgimsassistance@dor.org.
