First Reading:
After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. (Rev. 7:9)
Psalm:
Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face. (Ps. 24)
Second Reading:
We do know that when it is revealed we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope based on him makes himself pure, as he is pure. (1 Jn. 3:2b-3)
Gospel:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.” (Mt. 5:3)
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:
Especially with regard to living the Gospel, we are not alone. A great cloud of witnesses journey with us offering us inspiration, wisdom, intercession, and support. We look to them for the example of perseverance we desperately need in order to be faithful, and for what it means to “walk the talk!” The Beatitudes are indeed a blessed vision that people hunger to hear and embrace. But, they also clearly remind us that following Jesus is difficult. Poverty of spirit, meekness, mercy, and peace making are not virtues readily accepted by the world. Pursuing a purity of heart and acknowledging the hunger of our souls require not only a courageous stance, but a single-minded devotion to God. And, after going against the grain of the world and meeting resistance along the way, the true disciple may find themselves persecuted and paying a high price. Look to all the saints for the secret to happiness and the example of fidelity. Their lives speak volumes of how God can use even the weakest and most humble among us in tremendous ways. Saints are not even close to being perfect. They are just ordinary folks like us trying to give honor to God with their lives.
©LPi
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
© Liturgical Publications Inc.
Events:
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m. Food truck is every other Tuesday (November 10), 4:00 p.m., in the parking lot at South Seneca high school
- Interlaken Reformed church: 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m., Fridays
- Trumansburg Food Pantry: Methodist church 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:15–6:00 p.m., every other Monday (November 9)
- Bernard is Available: 6:30–7:30 p.m., Fridays, St. Francis Solanus
- Parish Churches: Opened daily for private visiting and prayer
Sacrament of Reconciliation – More Time Allotted:
Friday evenings, beginning October 30, Fr. Bernard will be available from 6:30–7:30 p.m. (or beyond that time if needed) at the Parish Center, St. Francis Solanus Church in Interlaken for Confessions and for anyone (Catholics and non-Catholics) wishing simply to speak with him.
2020/2021 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
The active phase of our parish CMA campaign continues. By now past CMA donors have received a special letter in the mail with a personalized pledge card. Thank you to everyone who has responded with a gift or pledge. If you have not yet responded, please prayerfully consider a gift. The CMA provides funding for important programs, services, and ministries that strengthen our whole Church. Every gift to the CMA helps those in need, supports the mission of the Church, and comes back to help our parish. Thank you. Let us continue to pray for the success of our efforts. We received a report on October 22 that sixteen Mary, Mother of Mercy parish donors have pledged $1,572 toward our given parish goal of $29,979.
Annual Financial Report:
Please consult the bulletin insert [available here] containing the parish annual financial report (July 1, 2019 – June 30, 2020). Copies of the report will also be placed in the churches and posted on the bulletin boards. Thanks to you all for your financial support; the report is positive. You are a blessing to your parish. We take this opportunity to thank our parish trustees, Lee Anne Fox and Ron Singer, and the other members of the Finance Council during last year’s fiscal year, Kathleen Rourke and Bob Duthie. A special thanks to our parish business manager Eileen Heptig, and a special thanks also to the Diocesan Regional Finance director, David Zellinger, who oversees the temporal matters and finances of the parish. Mr. Zellinger prepared the annual report. The details that went into the report are available upon request.
All Saints’ Day:
Liturgically, this Sunday, November 1, we are celebrating All Saints’ Day. This liturgical celebration will take precedence over the Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time.
All Souls’ Day:
Next Monday, November 2, is All Souls’ Day. It is not a holy day of obligation. At the daily 8:30 a.m. parish Mass at St. Francis Solanus Church, the names of our beloved parishioners and others who have died within the year (November 3, 2019–November 2, 2020) will be proclaimed, and a candle will be lit in their memory. All are welcome for this remembrance celebration.
All Souls’ Day Envelopes:
It is a tradition to have “All Souls’ Day” envelopes available for parishioners to record the names of their beloved deceased and to have them prayed for on that day and throughout the month of November. On November 2 the envelopes will be placed on the altar and remain there throughout the month. Remembrance envelopes are available in the Churches and in the offertory envelope boxes. You may also mail to the parish office (or phone the parish office) the names of the deceased loved ones you wish to have remembered and prayed for.
Cemetery Fund Collection:
The parish has two cemeteries: Holy Cross in Ovid, and St. James the Apostle in Trumansburg. They both operate with an annual deficit. Cemeteries must strive to maintain a fully funded “Permanent Maintenance Fund.” It is difficult to achieve this goal because the cemeteries do not have the opportunity to produce ongoing income to cover their costs. Your financial help is appreciated each year. Please mail contributions to the parish office, deposit them in the basket at the door of the churches, or make the offering through WeShare online giving. Thank you.
Cemetery Cleanup:
Please have all prior season’s decorations at Holy Cross and St. James cemeteries removed by November 13. Thank you.
Beatification of Fr. Michael McGivney:
The founder of the Knights of Columbus, Venerable Fr. Michael J. McGivney, will be beatified on October 31, 2020 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, CT. He will be the first American parish priest to be beatified. Fr. McGivney (1852-1890) was born in Waterbury, CT and ordained as a priest in 1877. He founded the Knights of Columbus 138 years ago to enable Catholic men to support one another and their families with spiritual and temporal needs. Today, this fraternal order has become the largest lay Catholic organization in the world with 2 million members, sponsoring a wide range of educational, charitable, and religious activities. For more information on the new Blessed in the Church, go online and search: Fr. Michael McGivney Guild.
Remember to Vote… Be a Faithful Citizen:
As you prepare to vote this week, read the U.S. bishops’ statement on Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship, watch videos, and access other great resources on faithful citizenship. Visit www.faithfulcitizenship.org to explore how you can love your neighbors by advocating as a faithful citizen on behalf of those who are poor and vulnerable.
Share the Warmth:
The annual Share the Warmth distribution of free winter outerwear (coats, hats, gloves, scarves, boots, etc.) will take place at Catholic Charities from November 9–13 and November 16–20. Volunteers are needed, especially needed during morning shifts. Covid–19 safety protocols will be enforced. Please contact Michaela at [email protected] or 607–272–5062 to sign up. There is a collection bin on the rectory porch at St. James the Apostle, and collection bins in stores around the area where you may leave donations.
Young Adult’s Bible Study – by Zoom:
Young adults, ages 19–29, are invited to attend a 6 week bible study where the words of scripture will inspire, ground, and provide one with spiritual guidance while deepening their relationship with God. It will be an opportunity to share the challenges we face, the things we aspire to and hope for, and the questions we have about life and faith. The first meeting will be Sunday, November 1 from 7–8 p.m. Please email [email protected] to get the Zoom link or for more information.
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.
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: 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].
~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 [email protected] or phone the parish office at 607–294–0064 and it will be added to the list.
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 Sr. Anne Marie Burns will be praying for the parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy, during 2020. In gratitude, let us pray for Sr. Anne Burns and all the Sisters of St. Joseph.
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.
