First reading:
Many signs and wonders were done among the people at the hands of the apostles. (Acts 5:12a)
Psalm:
Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love is everlasting. (Ps. 118)
or
Alleluia
Second reading:
“Once I was dead, but now I am alive forever and ever. I hold the keys to death and the netherworld.” (Rev. 1:18b)
Gospel:
Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” (Jn. 20:21)
Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
Peace be with you! Of all of the things the resurrected Christ could have said, he chose this: Peace be with you! These calming words lessened the disciples’ anxiety and gave them a wonderful sense of reassurance. Words have the power to do that. Jesus touches his friends with his breath and breathes his Spirit upon them. This intimate gesture of peace begins to alleviate the uncertainty and fear that no doubt consumed their thoughts and hearts. Words and gestures are so important in doing God’s work. Even the simplest of greetings and actions can profoundly move people and direct them to God. On this Sunday of Divine Mercy, we are reminded that God’s all-forgiving and merciful love comes to us through the risen Christ. By our words and actions, may we show that forgiveness and merciful love to others.
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 30)
- 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 29)
- 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
- Blue Sunday: April 28, day of prayer for victims of child abuse
- Diocesan Social Ministry Conference: May 2, 10:30 a.m., Notre Dame Retreat House, Canandaigua.
- Coffee Hour: May 5, after 9:00 a.m. Mass, St. James
- Renewing Wedding Vows: May 19, 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral
- Discerner retreat: May 31 to June 1, at St. John Fisher College
- Ministers on Retreat: June 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Abbey of the Genesee
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 precept the Easter season is considered the First Sunday of Lent until Trinity Sunday (this year June 16).
March Attendance and Collections:
On an average in the month of March there were 65 people at the 5:00 p.m. Mass, 83 at the 9:00 a.m. Mass, and 73 at the 10:30 Mass. The average Mass collections during the month were: $770 at the 5:00 p.m. Mass, $748 at the 9:00 a.m. Mass, and $662 at the 10:30 a.m. Mass. Parishioners participating through the WeShare online giving contributed $2,240. “Thank you all for your attendance and offerings.”
2018–2019 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
It was reported on April 16 that 108 parish households have pledged $30,597 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 Council Nominations:
During the month of May we ask parishioners to nominate themselves or others for membership on the Parish Council. The council meets a minimum of four times a year and members are assigned, after expressing their preference, to one of the standing committees: Word, Worship, Witness, or Fellowship. The selection of members will take place on Sunday, May 26. New members will be invited to attend the council’s meeting on June 13.
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 [email protected].
Renew Your Marriage Vows:
All married couples and their families are welcome to attend and renew their marriage vows with Bishop Matano on Sunday, May 19, at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 296 Flower City Park, Rochester, NY. Those celebrating milestone jubilees will be given special recognition. To register go to: https://conta.cc/2Ep7Ptw. Additionally, as part of the recognition, the June issue of the Catholic Courier will feature a wedding jubilee section. To be included in this, please send an email, or a letter, with the following information: names, church, town where you were married, wedding date/year, and a wedding photo (optional). To be included you need to e-mail [email protected] by May 6.
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.
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.
Mass for Individuals with Special Needs:
All are invited to a Mass at St. John of Rochester on Sunday, May 5, at 12:00 p.m., to celebrate the special members of our community and the unique gifts that they offer to our Church and the world. St. John of Rochester is located at 8 Wickford Way in Fairport. Refreshments will be served in the “Gathering Room” immediately following Mass. This event is sponsored by the Diocese of Rochester, St. John of Rochester, and the Knights of Columbus. For more information contact Steve Coyle at 585-503-2858.
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.
Retreat Day for Ministers:
A retreat day for those in ministry will be held on Wednesday, June 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Abbey of the Genesee. The theme of the day will be: “Come Holy Spirit: God’s Presence in My Life.” To register go to www.dor.training and click on “register for live events.” For additional questions, please contact Katey Bourne at [email protected].
24 Hours with the Lord:
A discerner retreat is being sponsored by the Diocese of Rochester’s vocations office for young adult Catholic men ages 18–35. Join in a time of prayer, fellowship, food, and reflection on Friday, May 31, through Saturday, June 1, at St. John Fisher College. Please reply by Friday, May 24, by phoning 585 328-3210 ext, 1327 or by email [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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).
Ministry Schedule for St. Francis Solanus Church, Interlaken
April 27, at 5:00 p.m. (fourth weekend):
Lectors: Gerry and Millie Messmer
EMs: Cathy DelSignore, Mary Davidson
May 4, at 5:00 p.m. (first weekend):
Lectors: Karl Messmer, Scott Hamula
EMs: Kathleen Rourke, Millie Messmer, Robin Hamula
Ministry Schedule for St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg
April 28, at 9:00 a.m. (fourth Sunday):
Lectors: Beth Duff and Tim Davis
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Tom Duff, Tim O’Boyle
May 5, at 9:00 a.m. (first Sunday)
Lectors: Donna Ryan (for Lynne Stager) and Barbara Willers
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Mark Scibilia-Carver, Beth Koeng
Ministry Schedule for Holy Cross, Ovid
Not available at this time