Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord ~ March 25, 2018

Year of the Eucharist June 18, 2017–June 3, 2018

Processional Gospel:
Those preceding him as well as those following kept crying out: “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Mk. 11:9-10)

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

Psalm:
You, O Lord, be not far from me; O my help, hasten to aid me. (Ps. 22)

Second reading:
Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness.” (Phil. 2:6-7A)

Gospel: “Truly this man was the Son of God.” (Mk 16:39B)

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
Today some of the most poignant themes of human life come into clear central focus: the feeling of being praised and honored, fear, anxiety, betrayal, despair, doubt, uncertainty, trust, hope, sadness, separation, suffering, death, determination, and courage. These are the emotions and realities that every human being wrestles with often. Jesus, the Son of God, encounters them all. As we journey through life, we have to confront the existential meaning of each of these things. How do they fit into the bigger picture? Jesus shows us most clearly that even those things we fear the most lose their power when we discover that we are being led to new life. Suffering is redemptive. Sin and death give way to grace and life and God’s unconditional love conquers all. May we see in Jesus’s Way of the Cross the path of truth we all must follow.

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:

© Liturgical Publications Inc.

Upcoming Events:

• AA Meetings: St. Francis Solanus church, on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m.
• Food Pantries: Ovid Federated church on Mondays, 10:00 a.m. The food truck is available to everyone every other Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. (April 3 and April 17). The food pantry is at the Interlaken Reformed church on Fridays, 3:00–6:00 p.m. The Trumansburg food pantry is at the Methodist church every other Monday 1:00–2:00 p.m. and 5:30–6:00 p.m. (April 2 and April 16)
• Book Discussion: Mother Teresa: No Greater Love at 9:45 a.m. on Tuesdays at St. James the Apostle
• Sacrament of Reconciliation with Confession: March 26, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Francis Solanus church, Interlaken
• Holy Cross Cemetery Cleanup: all winter decorations should be removed by March 31
• Sacrament of Confirmation: April 5 at St. Mary’s church, Waterloo
• Small-group Retreat: “33 Days to Morning Glory,” beginning April 24 through May 29, from 6:50–8:30 p.m., Holy Cross parish house
• Parish Dinner Dance: “Spring Fling” on April 28, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion in Trumansburg.
• Renewing Wedding Vows: Sunday, May 6, at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart cathedral with Bishop Matano

Easter Triduum and Easter Sunday Schedule:
Please make plans now to celebrate the three days of Easter:

• March 29, Thursday of the Lord’s Supper (Holy Thursday), 7:00 p.m. at St. James the Apostle;
• March 30, Friday of the Passion of the Lord (Good Friday), 3:00 p.m. at Holy Cross; and
• March 31, Saturday, the Easter Vigil in the Holy Night, 8:00 p.m. at St. Francis Solanus.

The Easter Sunday Masses on April 1 will be the regular Sunday schedule, namely: 9:00 a.m. at St. James the Apostle and 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross.

Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession):
There will be a “Communal Celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation with Private Confession” this Monday, March 26, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Francis Solanus church, Interlaken. This is a special time of quiet reflection with prayer, sacred scripture readings, and hymns with the opportunity to go to confession and celebrate the love and mercy of God in the forgiveness of sins. Come spend an hour with the Lord and others.

Foot Washing Service:
There is a foot washing service within the Holy Thursday liturgy. Please help by volunteering to have your foot washed. There is a sign-up sheet in the churches. This year the Holy Thursday liturgy will be at St. James the Apostle at 7:00 p.m.

A Day of Fast and Abstinence:
This Friday is Good Friday. It is a day of fast and abstinence. Catholics over 14 years of age are to abstain from eating meat and those between the ages of 18 and 59 are to have one full meal—two other smaller meals may be taken during the day that do not equal the full meal in quantity.

The Pontifical 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. The Good Friday collection also helps to preserve the sacred shrines. The wars, unrest, and instability have been especially hard on Christians. In these times of crisis, the Good Friday collection provides humanitarian aid to refugees. When you contribute to the Pontifical Good Friday collection, 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 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 law the Easter season is considered from the First Sunday of Lent until Trinity Sunday (this year May 27).

Food Pantry Volunteers Needed:
Trumansburg Food Pantry relies on help from our parish during the months of April and May (April 2, 16, and 30; and May 14 and 28). There is a sign-up sheet in the vestibule of St. James church. Please consider helping during this limited time when the food pantry relies on our parish for volunteers.

Holy Cross Cemetery:
Please have all winter decorations removed by March 31. Thank you.

Parish Dinner Dance:
Please make plans to attend the parish dinner dance, “Spring Fling,” scheduled for Saturday evening, April 28, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion in Trumansburg. Music will be provided by the Tarps. Cost: adults are $25.00 and children under the age of ten are free. The sale of tickets will begin the weekend of April 8. At the “Spring Fling” dinner dance our parish will express gratitude to the following people: Ronnie Fairclough, Patricia Guinan, Sandy Hugh, and Teresa Kenney for the many years they have contributed and shared their musical talent at parish liturgies. We will also recognize Lena Douglas (deceased) for her fifty years as sacristan at St. James the Apostle.

Sacrament of Confirmation:
Bishop Salvatore Matano will confirm the following parishioners: Alexia Angulo-Stevensen, Eric Davis, Nicholas Houck, Joshua Knebel, Nicholas Knebel, Noah Koeng, Virginia Marion, and Makenzie Masters along with many other candidates on Thursday, April 5, at St. Mary’s Church in Waterloo. Let us keep those preparing for the celebration of this sacrament in our thoughts and prayers throughout this month.

Second Collections:
Beginning the weekend of April 29 the second collections will be taken up following the first collection. An announcement of the second collection will take place at the end of the general intercessions (prayer of the faithful).

Church Cleaners for St. Francis Solanus:
A petition is going out for willing and able volunteers to help clean the church. A sign-up sheet has been placed in the foyer of the church together with a job description. Please help.

Wedding Anniversaries:
All married couples are welcome to attend and renew their vows with Bishop Matano. Those celebrating milestone jubilees will be given special recognition. This event will take place on Sunday, May 6, at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Please register at http://conta.cc/2qXMHXQ

To Jesus through Mary:
If you’re looking for a simple way to be spiritually renewed, grow in holiness, and develop a deeper relationship with the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the Heart of Mary, join us for “33 Days to Morning Glory,” a small-group retreat co-hosted by the parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy, and Branches Christian Rest and Renewal Center, Inc. A small group will meet once a week for six weeks, beginning Tuesday, April 24 through May 29, from 6:50–8:30 p.m. in the Holy Cross parish house, ending with Mass on Thursday, May 31, at 7:00 p.m. For more information: pick-up a flyer at the church entrance, log on to www.branchescenter.org, e-mail: [email protected], or call Donna Wieand (716) 901-4313.

Thank You:
Carol Limner expressed gratitude to the parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy, for the donation of $345 in support of the South Seneca’s Week-end Backpack Program. The donation will purchase two weeks of food for about 50 students.

Healing After an Abortion:
Hope after abortion comes from the Project Rachel Ministry which offers a confidential referral to a compassionate volunteer trained to help women or men affected by abortion. They can be reached by phoning 888–972–2435 or through the website: [email protected]. Project Rachel is a ministry sponsored by Catholic Charities.

2017–2018 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA):
Our given parish goal for the CMA this year is $30,549. As of March 16, our parishioners, that is 133 households, have pledged $28,651 which represents 93.79 % of the goal. A “thank you” to all who have supported this necessary diocesan appeal that benefits our parish in many ways. If you have not made a pledge, there are pledge envelopes in the foyer of the churches. Please help us reach our goal.

Diocese of Rochester Permanent Diaconate:
The deacon is a man of faith, called from the community that already recognizes his dedication to service. He makes a lifetime commitment to serving the People of God by proclaiming the Word, assisting and presiding at liturgies, and ministering in the areas of charity and social justice. The diocese is inviting interested men who may wish to explore a possible call to ordained ministry as a permanent deacon, to first speak with their pastor for an initial conversation. For additional information they may also contact Deacon Edward Giblin, director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate at [email protected]. A potential candidate must be at least 35 years old and no older than 62 at the time of ordination after a five (5) year period of formation. He must be in good health, emotionally mature, have stable relationships, and have the wholehearted support of his wife (if married) and family to enter the phase of inquiry. The parish community is asked as well to invite from among its members men who exhibit strong faith and a spirit of service and encourage them to consider a possible vocation to the permanent diaconate.

Sisters of St. Joseph of Rochester:
The sisters have a prayer ministry and throughout 2018 Sister Anne Marie Burns will be praying for our parish and parishioners. Such an act of love offers us the opportunity to keep Sr. Anne Marie and the Sisters of St. Joseph in our prayers.

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.

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.

The Seneca County Transportation Corps:
This organization provides rides for residents of Seneca County to medical and dental appointments and other health-related destinations. If you need a ride phone 315–333–2179 or email [email protected].

Cancer Services Program:
The program is available for residents of Cortland and Tompkins Counties. It provides free cancer screenings (breast, cervical, and colorectal) to women from ages 40–64 and for men ages 50–64, who are uninsured or have health insurance that does not cover these screenings, and who meet income eligibility requirements. These services are provided in local health centers, doctors’ offices, and hospitals. For further information: 607-758-5523 or 1-866-442-2262.

Easter Triduum ~ 2018
Schedule of Lectors, Extraordinary Ministers, & Altar Servers for the Parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy

Holy Thursday: St. James, March 29, at 7:00 p.m.

1^st Lector, (Exodus 12:1–8, 11–14): Beth Duff
2^nd Lector, (1 Corinthians 11:23–26): Phyllis Motill
3^rd Lector, Prayer of Faithful: Maria Connell

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EM): Robin Hamula, Tom Duff, Deborah Short

Altar servers: Ben Hamula, Alex Hamula, Gerry Frank

Good Friday: Holy Cross, March 30, at 3:00 p.m.

1^st Lector, (Isaiah 52:13–53:12): Jo Swanson
2^nd Lector, (Hebrews 4:14–16; 5:7–9): Barbara Willers
3^rd Lector, (John 18:1–19:42), narrator: Patty Messmer
4^th Lector, (John 18:1–19:42), speaker/voice: Lydia Kurkchi

General intercessions: Marilynn Frank, Kathy Knapp, Jackie Liedenfrost

EM: Anne Haus

Altar server: Gerry Frank

Easter Vigil: St. Francis Solanus, March 31, at 8:00 p.m.                                                

1^st Lector, (#3 Exodus 14:15–15:1): Scott Hamula
2^nd Lector, (#4 Isaiah 54:5–14): Kathleen Rourke
3^rd Lector, (#6 Baruch 3:9–15, 32–4:4:): Phyllis Motill
4^th Lector, (Romans 6: 3–11): Jackie Liedenfrost
5^th Lector, intercessory prayers: Mark Sinkiewicz

EM: Robin Hamula, Millie Messmer

Altar servers: Ben and Alex Hamula, Gerry Frank

He is Risen!

Ministry Schedule for St. James the Apostle

Palm Sunday, March 25, 2018 (fourth Sunday):
Lectors: Beth Duff (for Tim Davis) and Lynne Stager with Barbara Willers as Gospel narrator and Patty Messmer as Gospel speaker/voice
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Joan Hogan, Tim O’Boyle, Cathy DelSignore

Easter Sunday, April 1, 9:00 a.m.:
Lectors: Beth Duff (for Lynne Stager) (#1 Acts of the Apostles 10:34a, 37–43) and Barbara Willers (Colossians 3:1-4)
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Patty Messmer, Mark Scibilia-Carver, Joan Hogan

Ministry schedule for Holy Cross

March 2018:

April 2018: