First Reading:
For so the Lord has commanded us, “I have made you a light to the Gentiles, that you may be an instrument of salvation to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 13:47)
Psalm:
We are his people, the sheep of his flock. (Ps. 100)
Or
Alleluia.
Second Reading:
For the Lamb who is in the center of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to springs of life-giving water. (Rev. 7:17)
Gospel:
“My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” (Jn. 10:27-28)
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:
Do we hear and follow? Before we can welcome Jesus as the Good Shepherd, we have to hear his voice. God’s voice breaks into the dialogue of our lives in myriad ways, but we have to be attentive and receptive in order to hear it. It comes through the beauty of creation, the warmth and energy of love, the gift of compassion both received and given, the sacred miracle of life, and the orderly and purposeful design of things and in the truth found in God’s commandments. Once we see the wisdom behind the commandments and teachings God places before us and are attentive to listening for His direction, we can begin to take the necessary steps and follow Him. We are easily misled and there are many convincing “shepherds.” Only one is Good. It is only the Good Shepherd who can lead us away from the evils that can hurt us and bring us to the good. We may not always like where God asks us to go, and it may not be the path others prefer to take. But we have to follow it because we trust that our kind Shepherd will keep us safe.
©LPi
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
©LPi
Events:
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
- Food truck: May 10, 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 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
- 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: May 18; June 1 & 15
- Holy Cross: May 11 & 25; June 8 & 22
- Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: May 18, June 1 & 15; 3:15 p.m.; St. James the Apostle
- Parish Council: May 12, 7:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
- Diocesan Missions Second Collection: May 14 & 15
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.
Mother’s Day:
Today we praise God for our mothers. Their continued loving service is rejoiced in and is an inspiration for us to imitate. We pray God to bless all mothers in our parish family and beyond. “Mothers enjoy the day dedicated to you. Rejoice in the expressions of love, reverence and gratitude that you receive this day.” For you this day we pray: “Loving God, as a mother gives life and nourishment to her children, so you watch over your Church. Bless the mothers of our parish that they may be strengthened as Christian mothers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect. Grant this through Christ our Lord.”
Birthright of Ithaca Flower Sale:
Birthright announced that the annual Mother’s Day flower sale is canceled due to an increase in costs. Birthright has relied on this fundraiser to provide supplies, clothing, and services to families. If you would like to send a monetary donation, you can go to their secure online site at birthright.org, or send a check payable to Birthright of Ithaca to 223 Elmira Rd Suite #1, Ithaca, NY 14850.
First Communion Sunday:
Elise Wright will be celebrating her First Communion on 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:
Next weekend we are being asked to assist our dedicated religious, the Sisters of St. Joseph in Brazil, and the Sisters of Mercy in Chile, in bringing the truth of the Gospel to God’s people and to love as He first loved us, for, “This is how all will know that you are my disciples ..”(John 13:35). Whatever you can give to support the sisters in their missionary endeavors would be appreciated greatly.
Parish Council Meeting:
The Parish Council will meet this Thursday, May 12 at 7:00 p.m. at the Parish Center, St. Francis Solanus Annex.
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.
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.
Regarding the Burial of the Deceased:
In 1963, an instruction was issued from Rome that “all necessary measures must be taken to preserve the practice of reverently burying the faithful departed”, adding however that cremation is not opposed … to the Christian religion” and that no longer should the Sacraments and funeral rites be denied to those who have asked that they be cremated. This directive was incorporated into the Code of Canon Law (1983) and the Code of Canons of Oriental Churches (1990). Following the most ancient Christian tradition, the Church insistently recommends that the bodies of the deceased be buried in cemeteries or other sacred places because this shows a greater esteem towards the deceased. When cremation of the body has been chosen, the ashes of the faithful must be laid to rest in a sacred place, that is in a cemetery or, in certain cases, in a church or an area, which has been set aside for this purpose. The reservation of the ashes of the departed in a sacred place ensures that they are not excluded from the prayers and remembrance of their family or the Christian community. It prevents the faithful departed from being forgotten, or their remains from being shown a lack of respect. For the reasons given above, the conservation of the ashes of the departed in a domestic residence is not permitted. The ashes may not be divided among various family members. It is not permitted to scatter the ashes of the faithful departed in the air, on land, at sea or in some other ways, nor be preserved in mementos, pieces of jewelry or other objects. Regarding Burial of the Deceased and the Conservation of Ashes was issued by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, August 15, 2016. Copies of the complete instruction can be obtained at the Parish Office.
World Day of Prayer for Vocations:
“Vocations are born in prayer and from prayers; and only in prayer can they persevere and bear fruit” –Pope Francis. May 8, 2022 has been designated as a day of prayer for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. For a vocation to the priesthood, one can take a discernment self-test and access a new “Nine Holy Hours to Discern the Priesthood” at GoPriest.com. For a list of all Vocation Directors in the U.S. go to Diocesanpriest.com.
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 area of focus for the 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.
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 Eileen.heptig@dor.org.
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 11 and 25, and June 8 and 22. Questions? Contact Sister Anne at 607–209–4206 or a.alder1980@gmail.com.
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 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 familyhopecenter@outlook.com.
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 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.
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 immmercy@dor.org 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.
