Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord ~ April 14, 2019

Processional Gospel:
They proclaimed: “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord.” (Lk. 19:38a)

First reading:
The Lord GOD is my help, therefore I am not disgraced. (Is. 50:7a)

Psalm:
My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? (Ps. 22) 

Second reading:
He humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. (Phil. 2:8)

Gospel:
Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit;” and when he had said this he breathed his last. (Lk. 23:46)

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
Once hailed with blessings and hosannas as he approached the Mount of Olives, the same God is nailed to a cross amid cries for His crucifixion. What an ironic twist of fate. What an unjust end to this compassionate, simple, and loving life. Life’s ironies and cruelties are dramatically witnessed today and throughout this Holy Week. The thread of God’s love is woven through it all as it reveals God’s transforming, redemptive, and salvific plan. It is all necessary: the hardship and the joy, the suffering and the glory, the disappointment and the inheritance. When life takes a turn for the worse, we often question where God is. Are we ready to walk through our lives as did Jesus, with a persistent trust that regardless how difficult our journey, all will work out in the end. “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:

© Liturgical Publications Inc.

Events:

• AA Meetings:
  • Tuesdays, 8:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus, Interlaken
  • Thursdays, noon, St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg
• Food Pantries:
  • Ovid Federated church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m. Food Truck is every other Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. (April 16)
  • Interlaken Reformed church: Fridays, 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
  • Trumansburg Food Pantry: Methodist church every other Monday, 1:00–2:00 p.m. and 5:30-6:00 p.m. (April 15)
• Confirmation Candidates: Eighth and ninth graders, Sundays, 4:00 p.m., St. James
• Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA): Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m., St. James
• Robotics: Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 6:00-8:00 p.m., St. James
• Bernard is Available: Fridays, 6:30 p.m., St. Francis
• Sacrament of Reconciliation: April 15, St. Francis, at 6:30 p.m.
• Day of Prayer: “Praying the Psalms,” April 16, at Notre Dame Retreat House in Canandaigua, N.Y.
• Chrism Mass: April 16, 7:00 p.m., Cathedral of the Sacred Heart
• Mass of the Lord’s Supper: April 18, 7:00 p.m. at St. James the Apostle church.
• Good Friday, April 19: It is a day of fast and abstinence.
• Stations of the Cross: Good Friday, April 19, 3:00 p.m. St. James
• Celebration of the Lord’s Passion: April 19 at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Cross.
• Holy Saturday, April 20: The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night, 8:00 p.m., St. Francis
• Shroud of Turin presentation: April 22 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis-St. Clare Ministry Center, Waterloo
• Blue Sunday: April 28, day of prayer for victims of child abuse
• Diocesan Social Ministry Conference: 10:30 a.m., May 2, Notre Dame Retreat House, Canandaigua.
• Coffee Hour: May 5, after 9:00 a.m. Mass, St. James
  

Annual Chrism Mass:
Bishop Salvatore R. Matano will celebrate the annual Chrism Mass at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart on Tuesday, April 16, at 7:00 p.m. During the Chrism Mass, the Oil of Catechumens and the Oil of the Sick will be blessed, and the Oil of Chrism will be consecrated. At the conclusion of the Mass, parishioners may obtain the oils and bring them back to their parish churches. Please let Fr. Bernard know if you intend to attend this year’s Chrism Mass.

Sacrament of Reconciliation:
The Sacrament of Reconciliation, with the opportunity for private confession, will take place on Monday of Holy Week, April 15, at St. Francis Solanus church at 6:30 p.m.

Washing of Feet Ritual:
This ritual takes place during the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7:00 p.m. at St. James. We need of 12 adult parishioners to volunteer to participate in this rite. Please volunteer. There are sign-up sheets in the foyers of each church.

Holy Thursday on April 18:
Mass of the Lord’s Supper, will take place on Holy Thursday, April 18, 7:00 p.m. at St. James the Apostle church. The Mass will include the ringing of bells at the Gloria and the washing of feet ritual (see above). The Mass concludes with a procession with the Blessed Sacrament to the Pine Room. For those who wish, adoration and private prayer will continue until 10:00 p.m.

Good Friday, April 19:
It is a day of fast and abstinence. When fasting, a person between the ages of 18–59 is permitted to eat one full meal, as well as two smaller meals that together are not equal to a full meal. All those over the age of 14 cannot eat meat. There will be Stations of the Cross at 3:00 p.m. at St. James the Apostle and a Celebration of the Lord’s Passion at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Cross. The passion liturgy has three major parts: the Liturgy of the Word, the adoration of the Holy Cross, and Holy Communion.

Holy Saturday, April 20:
The Easter Vigil in the Holy Night will take place at 8:00 p.m. at St. Francis Solanus. The liturgy begins outdoors with the blessing of the fire and preparation of the Paschal (Easter) candle, the procession, the Easter proclamation (Exsultet), the Liturgy of the Word, the blessing of Baptismal water, the renewal of Baptismal promises, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

Easter Sunday of the Resurrection of the Lord:
Easter Sunday, April 21, will follow our regular Sunday Mass schedule: 9:00 a.m. at St. James and 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross. At both Masses there will be the rite of the renewal of baptismal promises. There will also be an Easter egg hunt after Mass at St. James.

Good Friday Collection:
Pope Francis has asked our parish to support the Pontifical Good Friday Collection, which helps Christians in the Holy Land. Your support helps the church minister in parishes, provide Catholic schools and offer religious education as well as helping to preserve the sacred shrines. The wars, unrest, and instability have been especially hard on Christians. In these times of crisis, the Pontifical Good Friday Collection provides humanitarian aid to refugees. When you contribute, you become an instrument of peace and join with Catholics around the world in solidarity with the Church in the Holy Land. For more information about Christians in the Holy Land, visit www.myfranciscan.org/good-friday.

Easter Offering:
There is one collection on Easter. In previous years parishioners on Easter generally increase their offering by being more generous on that day than usual. The parish has come to rely on the Easter offering collection. Please do what you are able. “Thank you.”

2018–2019 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
It was reported on April 9 that 108 parish households have pledged $30,472 to the Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA). We have reached and surpassed the given goal of $29,979! This is exceptional and good news. A “thank you” to all who have made this possible. Be aware that our parish will receive 50% of what is received over goal. Those wishing to make a pledge to the CMA can still do so. The CMA provides funding for important ministries, services and programs that support our parish and strengthen our whole Church. To make a pledge to the CMA, there are pledge envelopes in the foyer of each church that may be mailed directly, sent to parish office, or deposited in the offertory collection. To make a gift online go to www.dor.org/cma.

Parish Is on Social Media:
Social media got you down?  Come and follow Mary, Mother of Mercy, on Facebook and Instagram! Both platforms will keep you updated on parish events (including photos), and the church community. It is also a good way to view positive devotional messages. The Facebook link is www.facebook.com/marymotherofmercyparish and on Instagram you can find us at @marymotherofmercyparish. If you have something you would like to add to our parish pages, please contact Susan Guydosh at smguydosh@gmail.com.

Shroud of Turin:
A presentation on the Shroud of Turin, providing the latest scientific evidence, will be held on April 22 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis-St. Clare Ministry Center, 25 Center St. in Waterloo. The presentation is based on six days of the highest-level forensic studies. “This review provides the forensic evidence behind the belief that the Shroud is not a forgery but holds the miraculous image of a man, Jesus Christ.” For more information call presenter Frank Netti at 315 246-7021.

40 Days For Life:
We thank all of who have participated in our largest campaign ever! What’s next you ask? Day 41! Come join others praying peacefully on Fridays throughout the year, or, any day that suits your schedule. Stay up to date with state legislative motions that will protect women, the unborn, and families affected by abortion expansion-join the Catholic Action Network of the NYS Catholic Conference. For more information go to http://www.nyscatholic.org.

Trumansburg Food Pantry:
A reminder that April is one of the months for St. James/Mary, Mother of Mercy, parishioners to help-out with the local food pantry at Trumansburg United Methodist church. See the sign-up sheets in the St. James foyer as there are various times and tasks still available on April 15 and 29. Also, the pantry’s main fundraising campaign is occurring now through the month of April. Please make checks payable to “Trumansburg Food Pantry” and mail it to PO Box 162, Trumansburg, N.Y. 14886. Your support helps the Food Bank of Southern Tier Backpack Program for Trumansburg Central School District students and maintains an emergency hotline for those in need of immediate food assistance (607 387 8260), in addition to the regular food pantry distribution. Thank you for your support!

Scholarship for High School Seniors:
The Dyke, Brown, and Lange Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a college-bound senior (university, college, business, or vocational school) who has been actively involved in their school and community, displayed excellent citizenship and sensitivity to the needs, concerns, and feelings of others, and who has a positive outlook on life and the future. Applications for the scholarship may be obtained at the Trumansburg High School Guidance Office or through the following link: https://fpcu.info/our-community/memorial-scholarship/. Please return the application by April 15, marked Attention Scholarship Trustees, to the First Presbyterian Church of Ulysses, P.O. Box 597, Trumansburg, N.Y. 14886.

Right to Life:
A video is available to help you understand the different procedures of abortion at different stages of fetal development. Go to: https://www.liveaction.org/news/court-rules-ohio-defund-planned-parenthood.

Day of Prayer:
There will be a day of prayer on Tuesday of Holy Week, April 16, at Notre Dame Retreat House in Canandaigua, N.Y. The day’s theme is “Praying the Psalms” and it is presented by Dr. Joseph Kelly, Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies at Nazareth College of Rochester. The day begins at 9:00 a.m. with morning coffee and concludes at 3:00 p.m. after confessions and Mass. There is a $25.00 fee payable on the day of the retreat. Please call 585-394-5700 or email: ndretreat@rochester.rr.com to register.

Annual Diocesan Social Ministry Conference:
This year’s conference is entitled “Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love” and is an opportunity to learn about the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ recent pastoral letter on the sin of racism and how to promote this teaching in your parish. The conference is open to pastors, parish staff, and parishioners, especially parish council members, religious education teachers, youth group leaders, and social ministry committee members. The conference will be held on May 2, beginning with Mass at 10:30 a.m. at the Notre Dame Retreat House, 5151 Foster Road, Canandaigua. There will be workshops on Catholic social teaching issues and their connection to racism and social division, including farmworker rights, pro-life issues, and care for creation. The registration fee is $20 (including lunch) and is due April 26. For more information, or to register, contact Kathy.Dubel@dor.org or phone 607-734 9784.

Blue Sunday:
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. Since 1983 the number of abused children has grown from half a million to over 6 million along with 1,600+ children dying annually as a result of their abuse. These numbers do not include missing or children exploited through trafficking. Additional resources including videos and fact sheets, are available online at www.bluesunday.org. Blue Sunday is a national faith-based movement to pray for victims of child abuse and for those who rescue them on the last Sunday of April, April 28.

Rice Bowl Collection:
Parishioners participating in the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Lenten Rice Bowl program may bring their full CRS Rice Bowl to Mass, or count the amount in the bowl and write a check to Mary, Mother of Mercy, with a memo “Rice Bowl” and deposit the check in the weekend collection. You can also give online at crsricebowl.org/give. One can still participate in this Lenten program. Rice bowls are available in the foyers of the churches.

Prayers from the Sisters of St. Joseph:
The Sisters of St. Joseph have a prayer ministry and Sr. Dolores Bachman and Sr. Anne Marie Burns will be praying for our parish throughout 2019. Let us keep the sisters in our prayers as well.

Support Group:
Many people who have suddenly lost a family member, friend, classmate or colleague find that sharing openly with fellow survivors about what they have lived through can help with the healing process. The Seneca County Suicide Prevention Coalition hosts twice-monthly support groups which meet in Waterloo and Ovid for convenience of the entire community. These groups are held on the first- and third- Monday of every month; and provide people who are survivors of loss or survivors of suicide the opportunity to talk in an open and inclusive environment, free of judgment or stigma. The Waterloo Public Library plays host on the first Monday of every month and the Ovid session takes place on the third Monday at the Ovid Federated Church. Both sessions run from 6:30 until 8:00 p.m. For more information see www.facebook.com/SenecaSuicidePrevention or contact Mary Joslyn at mjoslyn11@gmail.com.

Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes:
Pregnancy Care Center of the Finger Lakes, located at 551 Exchange St. in Geneva, is offering a “Forgiven and Set Free” post abortive ten-week session beginning October 4 until December 13. There is no cost involved. “If you regret your abortion, you are not alone. Let us help you learn to forgive yourself. Pleased join us for this healing ministry program.” For more information phone 315 789 0708.

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.

Toiletries and Hygiene Products:
There is a basket in the vestibule of St. James church for donations of toiletries. The request comes from Catholic Charities which is in need of items like shampoo, toothpaste, diapers etc. The items will be transferred to the Catholic Charities office in Ithaca.

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).

Palm Sunday: April 14, (second weekend)
First reading: Kathleen Rourke
Epistle: Barbara Willers
Narrator (at Ambo): Scott Hamula
Speaker/voice (at cantor’s stand): Carol Kuklo

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Mary Davidson, Robin Hamula, Cathy Del Signore

Altar servers: Ben and Alex Hamula

Easter Vigil, April 20, beginning at 8:00 p.m.
First reading, Gen. 22: 1-18: Scott Hamula
Second reading, Ex. 14:15-15:1: Ann Buddle
Third reading, Is. 54: 5-14: Tony Humulock
Epistle, Romans 6: 3–11: Michelle Humulock

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Robin Hamula, Cathy DelSignore,

Altar servers: Alex and Ben Hamula, Gerry Frank

Fire starter: Mark Scibilia-Carver

Palm Sunday: April 15 (second Sunday)
First reading: Mark Scibilia-Carver
Epistle: Beth Duff
Narrator (at Ambo): Barbara Willers
Speaker/voice (possibly at altar, next to Father): Lynne Stager

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Lynne Stager, Tom Duff,

Easter Sunday: April 21 (third Sunday)
Lectors: Donna Ryan and Nancy Olszewski (2^nd reading is Col. 3:1–4)
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Beth and Tom Duff, Debbie Short

Ministry Schedule for Easter Triduum

Holy Thursday, April 18
7:00 p.m. Mass of the Lord’s Supper at St. James the Apostle
Lectors: Nancy Olszewski and Scott Hamula
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Cathy DelSignore, Robin Hamula, and Fran Grasek

Good Friday, April 19
Stations of the Cross at 3:00 p.m. at St. James and
the Liturgical Celebration of the Passion of the Lord at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Cross