First Reading:
Hear this, you who trample upon the needy and destroy the poor of the land! (Am. 8:4)
Psalm:
Praise the Lord who lifts up the poor. (Ps. 113)
Or
Alleluia.
Second Reading:
This is good and pleasing to God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth. (1 Tm. 2:3-4)
Gospel:
“No servant can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and mammon.” (Lk.16:13)
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:
Human beings are often very clever when managing money and making a profit. Sometimes, we place so much of our sense of security in money that we lower ourselves to deceit and fraud. Our need to produce a profit can easily lead to economic injustice and exploitation. Money is necessary to conduct the business of our lives. However, it cannot become the god we serve. Being smart, savvy, and creative with financial wealth can be good. Being smart, savvy, and creative with living out our relationship with God is even better. Our hearts have to find a home somewhere. Jesus reminds us of a choice we must make: God or mammon. We need to be cautious about “selling our souls” to what cannot fully satisfy us and falling into the traps of lust, gluttony, pride, and greed. Instead, we can better direct our efforts and our talents to the management of God’s kingdom, which in the end is the only thing that matters. Any ideas on how we can use the talents and skills God gave us to make for a better world?
©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 (October 4), 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 (September 26) 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:15–6:00 p.m., Methodist church
- 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 program: Saturdays, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis Solanus
- Prayer for Healing and Harmony: James Pine Room
- Every Wednesday, 2:00 p.m.
- Thursdays, September 22, October 13 & 27; 7:30 p.m., at 7:30 p.m.
- Spiritual Book Reading & Discussion: Wednesdays, 3:15 p.m., St. James Pine Room
- Catholic Campaign for Human Development second collection: September 17/18
- Sweet Sundays at St. James: October 2, 10:00 a.m., St. James
- Religious Education: October 8, 5:00 p.m., St. Francis
- Taizé Prayer: October 13 & 27, 4:00 p.m., St. James
Parish Feast Day Celebration and Picnic: 
The celebration took place last Sunday, September 11. It was a rainy day. However, all were dry under the tent that was beautifully decorated with flower arrangements on every table. The food was plentiful and delicious. About 90 parishioners were present. Thank you to the Fellowship Committee of the Parish Council: Martha Wooledge, Scott Hamula, Jacqueline Leidenfrost and Russ Wedemeyer (who was most present in the set up of the tent, tables and chairs and the clean-up – the first to arrive and the last to leave). A special “Thanks” to Hollie Kroening for being part of the planning and offering her skills and equipment in the set-up and serving of food and drink. Thanks to all who came to the celebration and for the “dishes-to-pass”. It was a grand event.
Catholic Campaign for Human Development:
Please be generous in this week’s special collection for the Catholic Campaign for Human Development. In the United States, more than 11% of the population lives in poverty. With this collection, you support programs that address the root causes of poverty and provide a sustainable future for those struggling across the country. In addition, 25% of the funds we collect remain in our diocese to fund local antipoverty projects. Please prayerfully consider how you can support this collection and support those working on the margins. More information about the Catholic Campaign for Human Development can be found at www.usccb.org/cchd.
2022-2023 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA):
Nest week the Diocese is launching the 2022-2023 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA). The purpose and necessity for the CMA is unchanged after 40 years. We are responsible for continuing the Church’s mission through good times and bad – through prosperous times and lean times. People are still poor, hungry, in need of pastoral care, education and employment. The faithful are in need of ministry and a vibrant parish life. Our youth and young adults are yearning to learn and grow in their relationship with Christ. The Church and our Diocese are in need of trained and educated seminarians, deacons, and pastoral leaders to lead our Church into the future. We cannot close our eyes to these needs. Starting next weekend, we will have more information to share with you about this year’s appeal. The first mailing for the Appeal was sent out the week, September 15. The given goal for our parish is $31,000.
Death Penalty Abolition:
Jesus was not the first to be sentenced to death, tortured and executed by the Roman occupiers of his homeland. Jesus is forever identified with those who have been sentenced to death and executed under state authority. Today, 108 countries have abolished the death penalty. If Jesus lived in one of these countries today, he would not face a death penalty, no matter what crime he was alleged to have committed. Pope Francis is inviting the whole Church to pray for the global abolition of the death penalty throughout the month of September. When praying please remember this invitation and keep the intention in mind.
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, 7:30–8:30 p.m. (Sept. 22; Oct. 13 & 27; Nov. 10; Dec. 8 & 22)
- Read and Reflect: every Wednesday, 3:15–4:15 p.m. (“Hope Against Darkness” by Richard Rohr)
- Taizé prayer: 2nd and 4thThursday, 4:00–5:00 p.m. (Oct. 13 & 27; Nov. 10; Dec. 8 & 22)
Any questions? Phone Sr. Anne at 607-209-4206 or email [email protected].
September Ladies Brunch:
The Interlaken Reformed Church invites women to a Fall Ladies Brunch with Eileen Banks as a guest speaker. The event will be held on Saturday, September 24, at 10:00 a.m. Bring along a dish-to-share, if you can. For more information, please phone the church at 607–523–4321, or the Parsonage at 607–532–4763.
Day of Prayer at Notre Dame Retreat House:
From 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. on October 11, “Extending Compassion” will be presented by Deacon George Welch from Parish of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, Elmira, NY. There is a $25.00 Fee. Call 585–394–5700 or email [email protected] to register.
Forty Days for Life:
The 40 Days for Life Campaign has been praying at Planned Parenthood, 620 W. Seneca St. Ithaca every Friday morning from 8:30–11:00 a.m. More volunteers are welcome. If you are interested or would like more information, contact Becky at [email protected] or phone Carol or Roy at 607–277–3843/607–592–0557.
Online Giving – WeShare:
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]
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. To learn more visit familyhopecentergeneva.org, call 315–789–0708, 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 of Rochester have a prayer ministry for the Diocese of Rochester. Sister Anne Marie Burns will be praying for our parish and parishioners throughout 2022. We thank the Sisters for their thoughtfulness and kindness toward us. In our appreciation, please keep the Sisters of St. Joseph, especially Sr. Anne Marie, 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.
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.
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.
