First Reading:
This is why you must now know, and fix in your heart, that the LORD is God in the heavens above and on earth below, and that there is no other. (Dt. 4:39)
Psalm:
Blessed the people the Lord has chosen to be his own. (Ps. 33)
Second Reading:
Those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received a Spirit of adoption, through whom we cry, “Abba, Father!” (Rom. 8:14-15)
Gospel:
“And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Mt. 28:16)
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 immensity, scope, intimacy, and pervasiveness of God’s presence is too intense for the human mind. We often limit God by our expectations of Him and have a hard time just letting God be God. Some people all too easily lose faith because God does not meet their expectations. Worse still, the idea of faith is rejected altogether by others because of polarities and experiences they have that don’t square with who they need God to be. The Holy Trinity is one of those teachings that is best encountered rather than dissected. It is only through being present with the Trinity that we can experience both the immensity and otherness of God’s presence as well as the intimacy of the God who wants us to call Him “dad.” We feel the loving guidance of a God who wants to take us from fear and give us confidence. Our God of yesterday, today, and tomorrow is a God of all ages whose three-fold Presence invades all senses, seasons, and times. God, who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is much more than any of our expectations if we simply let God be who God is.
©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 (June 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 (June 7) 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
- 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
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.
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.
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-one parish households that pledged $32,704 during the 2020–2021 Appeal. We were $2,725 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.
New York State Catholic Conference:
Want to keep up to date? To stay on top of the issues of concern to Catholics, get the latest news on our Bishops and Dioceses, and find inspiring content to deepen you spiritual life and more, visit the official voice of the Catholic Church in the Empire State at nysccatholic.org, on Facebook: @nyscatholicconference, and Twitter: @NYSCatholicConf.
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.
Human Life Action:
Roe v. Wade, the movie, opened in theaters earlier this month. Visit roevwademovie.com to learn more. With some artistic liberties of the movie industry, the film provides insight into the cultural circumstance that resulted in the Court decision that led to more than 62 million American children killed by abortion over the past 48 years. The release of Roe v. Wade provides an opportunity to remember and reflect upon a seminal event that launched the long struggle for the lives of the unborn.
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.
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.
