National Eucharistic Revival: June 19, 2022–Pentecost 2025
First Reading:
Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. (Acts 2:46)
Psalm:
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love is everlasting. (Ps. 118)
Or
Alleluia.
Second Reading:
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in his great mercy gave us a new birth to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. (1 Pt. 1:3)
Gospel:
On the evening of that first day of the week, when the doors were locked, where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” (Jn. 20:19)
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:
Doubting Thomas is a mood, and we’ve all had it. We hang our every hope on this sign, that proof. We challenge God: “Make me believe.” To each of us he extends his wounded hand, to each of us he shows his pierced side. He will always meet us in our unbelief.
©LPi
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
©LPi
Events:
- Food Pantries:
- Ovid Federated Church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m.
- Food Truck: First Tuesday of the month (May 2), 4:00–6:00 p.m., South Seneca High School
- Interlaken Reformed church: Fridays, 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
- Trumansburg Food Pantry: Every other Monday (April 24) 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:15–6:00 p.m., Methodist church [Note: Distribution times will change May 8]
- Family Hope Center: Tuesdays 10:00 a.m.–12:00 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
- Confirmation Class: Saturdays, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis
- Prayer for Healing and Harmony: St. James
- Every Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.
- Thursdays, April 27, 7:30 p.m.
- Taizé Prayer: April 20, 7:30 p.m., St. James
- Book Study: Wednesdays, 3:15 p.m., St. James
- Game night: May 3, 6:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
- First Communion: May 7, 9:00 a.m., St. James
- Sweet Sunday: May 7, 9:00 a.m., St. James the Apostle
April—Child Abuse Prevention Month:
It is reported that over six million children are abused annually, and over 1,500 die annually because of abuse. Please join in creating an environment of awareness in our society. Sunday, April 30, is the National Blue Sunday Day of Prayer. Resources, including videos and fact sheets, are available online at www.bluesunday.org.
Divine Mercy Sunday and Service:
This Sunday is the Second Sunday of Easter, also known as the Sunday of Divine Mercy. This day is a reminder to always celebrate that God’s love conquers all adversity. At 3:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Church, 113 N. Geneva Street, Ithaca, Deacon George Kozak will be leading a Divine Mercy Service with recitation of the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Rosary, and Adoration and Benediction. All are welcome.
Game night!
Mary, Mother of Mercy is hosting a game night! Scrabble and Euchre are just two games that will be available. Snacks to share are welcome but not required. No childcare? No problem! Children’s games will be offered as well. This event will take place from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month and will rotate between our three churches.
- May 3, 6:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus, Interlaken
- June 7, 6:00 p.m., Holy Cross, Ovid
- July 5, 6:00 p.m., St. James, Trumansburg
First Communion Sunday:
Emma Durling and Sally Rovitz will be celebrating their First Communion on Sunday, May 7, 2023, at the 9:00 a.m. Mass. We thank all who have helped prepare Emma and Sally for this day.
2022-23 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
Our given parish goal is $31,000 and we have surpassed it. One hundred parish households have pledged $31,355 which represents 101.15% of the goal. “Thank you” to all who have made this possible. Because our parish has exceeded its goal, the parish will receive back, half of what is over goal. Pledges can continue to be made until the end of the month of May. Our parish household participation in the Appeal is primary, what is pledged is secondary. The Appeal appreciates a pledge no matter how small or great the amount. Pledge envelopes are available in the foyer of the church. Your pledge helps support important Diocesan programs, services and ministries within our parish and the diocese.
Trumansburg Food Pantry News:
To better serve the community, the food pantry is going to new hours on Monday, May 8. The pantry will now be open from 3:30–6:30 p.m. which extends the time customers can pick up groceries.
COLLIS Institute:
This Friday, April 21st , COLLIS Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture will present a public lecture entitled “Laudato Si’: Taking Stock and New Challenges” at 230 Anabel Taylor Hall, Cornell University. To learn more, visit collisinstitute.org/publicevents.
World Prayer for Vocations:
April 30th, the Fourth Sunday of Easter, is Good Shepard Sunday. Fostering vocations to the priesthood and religious life is continuous. The Diocesan Vocations Awareness Team is honored to collaborate with the Catholic Courier on a new video series, “Called to Priesthood: Priestly Life and Ministry in the Diocese of Rochester,” created and produced by the Catholic Courier. The videos, along with other vocations links and resources, can all be found on the Courier’s website: catholiccourier.com/priestlife. New videos in the series will be shared on that page and on the Courier’s YouTube channel Fridays through April 28, ahead of the 60th annual World Day of Prayer for Vocations on April 30. The videos are a help to increase awareness.
You Are What You Eat:
Most of us remember from our childhood using this phrase in fun. However, this expression describes well our experience of Holy Communion. When we consume earthly food, it is absorbed into our system, digested, converted into energy or waste; our food becomes part of us. Yet when we receive Holy Communion, we become united with Jesus Christ so much that we truly become what we receive. Jesus became human so that we might become divine, and in the Eucharist, we truly gain a share in God’s own life.
Word of Life:
If you or someone you know has had an abortion, be assured that it is never too late to seek God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Other confidential, compassionate help is available. Select “Find Help” from the menu on hopeafterabortion.org to find the diocesan Project Rachel Ministry near you.
Alzheimer’s Association:
The Alzheimer’s Association Early-Stage Social Engagement provide opportunities for individuals living with early stage Alzheimer’s or another dementia to interact through group activities in a community setting and enjoy the company of others through planned social events. For more information please contact 585–358–4955 or via email at [email protected].
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: 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 problem, please e-mail Eileen at [email protected]
Celebration of Marriage:
All married couples and guests are invited to join Bishop Matano for a Mass and renewal of their vows on Sunday, May 21. You can register online (head count for planning purposes only) at https://conta.cc/3Pne1pD or email [email protected]. The Catholic Courier will also be recognizing those celebrating Jubilees this year (25, 50, and 50+). If you would like to be included in their June issue you can submit your information when you register at the link above, or email your your names, church and town where you were married, wedding date/year, and a wedding photo (optional) to [email protected]. Submissions are needed by April 30.
Retrouvaille (pronounced: retro-vi):
Retrouvaille is a Catholic marriage help program. Local programs will be held April 21. Register at helpourmarriage.org or call 585-293-1552.
Community Dinner:
The Ovid Federated Church, 7173 Main St., is hosting a free dinner on Thursday, April 27th, from 4:00–6:00 p.m. The menu is chicken alfredo, broccoli, garlic bread, and a dessert challenge with PIES!
Opportunities for Prayer and Sharing – St. James Pine Room:
- Prayer for Healing & Harmony: every Wednesday, 2:00–3:00 p.m., and the 2nd & 4th Thursdays (April 27), 7:30–8:30 p.m.
- Read and Reflect: every Wednesday, 3:15–4:15 p.m. (Hope Against Darkness by Richard Rohr)
- Taizé prayer: 2nd and 4th Thursdays (April 20), 4:00–5:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please phone Sr. Anne at 607-209-4206 or email her at [email protected].
National Eucharistic Revival:
The three-year National Eucharistic Revival is happening in our Diocese and across the country. The mission of the Revival is “to renew the Church by enkindling a living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist.” In regard with our Diocesan Eucharistic Revival efforts, the chosen theme is “Christ Always with Us”. It is the hope to generate great enthusiasm during this Eucharistic Revival and work to renew our love for Jesus Christ in the Most Holy Eucharist. Sign-up for the weekly newsletter, “Heart of the Revival.” at eucharisticrevival.org. This newsletter contains weekly reflections, videos, and resources from trusted voices in every corner of the Church designed to help you deepen a living relationship with Jesus in the Eucharist.
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. In reference to this law the Easter season is considered from the First Sunday of Lent until Trinity Sunday (this year June 4). (Church Law #920)
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. 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.” To learn more visit familyhopecentergeneva.org, call 315–789–0708, text: 315-945-1019, or email [email protected].
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 have a prayer ministry for the Diocese of Rochester. Sister Anne Marie Burns and Sister Dolores Bachman will be praying for our parish and parishioners throughout 2023. We thank the Sisters for their thoughtfulness and kindness toward us. In our appreciation, please keep the Sisters of St. Joseph, especially Sisters Anne Marie and Dolores, 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.
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 [email protected] 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 and may they find hope in the Resurrection.
