Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time ~ February 23, 2020

First reading:
“Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against any of your people. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Lev. 19:18a)

Psalm:
The Lord is kind and merciful. (Ps. 103)

Second reading:
Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? (1 Cor. 3:16)

Gospel:
“I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” (Mt. 5:44)

Live the Liturgy—Inspiration for the Week:
What does it mean to be holy? God has definite ideas about the answer. Not bearing hatred for your brother or sister, not seeking revenge or holding grudges, loving your neighbor as yourself, treating human beings as the temples of God they are, offering no resistance to someone who wants to hurt you, turning the other cheek, not turning your back on someone, loving your enemies, praying for those who persecute you, and striving for perfection are some of the ways holiness can be pursued. Holiness, understood through God’s eyes, is attainable by all of us. It comes from making the right Gospel-centered choices and not falling victim to lesser temptations, reactions, and desires. Knowing what holiness actually involves, is it something you really want?

Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:

© Liturgical Publications Inc.

Events:

• Food Pantries:
  • Ovid Federated church: Mondays, 10:00 a.m. Food truck is every other Tuesday, 3:00 p.m. (March 3)
  • Interlaken Reformed church: 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m., Fridays
  • Trumansburg Food Pantry: Methodist church 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. and 5:15-6:00 p.m., every other Monday (March 2)
• Trumansburg Robotics: 5:00–8:00 p.m. on Mondays and 3:00–6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, St. James
• Family Hope Center: 12:00–4:00 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, Holy Cross rectory
• Ash Wednesday: February 26
• 40 Days for Life: begins at 7:00 a.m., February 26, through 7:00 p.m., April 5, Ithaca
• Stations of the Cross: 6:00 p.m., Thursdays of Lent, Holy Cross Church followed by a communal soup supper. 3:00 p.m., Fridays of Lent, St. James, followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament
• Bernard Being Available: 6:30 p.m., Fridays at St. Francis, will resume on February 28
• Sweet Sunday Social: After 9:00 a.m. Mass, March 1, St. James
• Confirmation Candidates Classes: 4:00 p.m., Sundays at St. James, will resume on March 1
• Catholicism Classes: 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Wednesdays at St. Francis, beginning March 4
• Religious Education Monthly Gathering: after 9:00 a.m. Mass, March 15, St. James
• Gaelic and Garlic Festival: from noon until 4:00 p.m., March 15, Lansing’s All Saints Catholic church
• Empty Bowls Event: from noon until 2 p.m., March 15, Atlas Bowl in Trumansburg
• Diocesan Day of Penance and Mercy: April 1
• Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend: April 17–19

Ash Wednesday:
The season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 26. The distribution of ashes will be available at each of the parish’s three churches:

• 8:30 a.m. Mass at St. Francis Solanus
• 12:15 p.m. Distribution of Ashes service at Holy Cross
• 7:00 p.m. Mass at St. James the Apostle.

Why Ashes are Distributed:
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the season of Lent. On this day the Church invites us to receive a cross of ashes on our foreheads as a sign that during the Season of Lent we will make a sincere efforts to cleanse our lives of sin and to discipline ourselves through prayer and fasting.

Who May Receive Ashes?
Ashes may be received by baptized individuals who have reached the age of reason. Babies and young children who have not yet received the Sacrament of Penance should not be presented to receive ashes. Ashes are intended for those who are capable of personal sin. The keeping of Ash Wednesday is for leading the baptized members of the Church to repentance and renewal of baptismal promises at Easter.

Lenten Days of Fast and Abstinence:

• Ash Wednesday and Good Friday are obligatory days of fast and abstinence.
• Fridays of Lent are days of abstinence.

Abstinence: those who are over the age of 14 are obliged to abstain from eating meat.

Fasting: those who are between the ages of 18 and 59 are obliged to fast (i.e. two small meals are not to equal one full meal).

Lenten Reminders and Devotions:

• The season of Lent runs from Ash Wednesday (February 26) until the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday (April 9).
• “Alleluia” is not sung or said from the beginning of Lent until the Easter Vigil.
• During Lent the altar is not to be decorated with flowers.
• Musical instruments may be played only to give necessary support to the singing.
• The Sunday and daily Mass readings for Lenten have been chosen in relation to the themes of baptismal renewal and conversion.

Stations of the Cross:
Stations of the Cross will be available on Thursdays of Lent at 6:00 p.m. at Holy Cross Church followed by a communal soup supper. They will also be available on Fridays of Lent at 3:00 p.m. at St. James the Apostle followed by Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament.

Confession:

• The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) will be available on Fridays of Lent beginning at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Solanus church in Interlaken or by appointment with a priest.
• There will be a diocesan day of penance and mercy held throughout the diocese on Wednesday, April 1. On that day priests will be available at all the parishes for confession. In our parish, confessions will be heard at St. Francis Solanus church after the 8:30 a.m. Mass; from 2:00 p.m.–4:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m.

Your 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 7). This is church law #920.

Easter Triduum:
“The summit of the liturgical year is the Easter Triduum—from the evening of Holy Thursday to the evening of Easter Sunday. Though chronologically three days, they are liturgically one day unfolding for us the unity of Christ’s Paschal Mystery. The single celebration of the Triduum marks the end of the Lenten season and leads to the Mass of the Resurrection of the Lord at the Easter Vigil” (from the United State Conference of Catholic Bishops web site: http://www.usccb.org). Easter this year is April 12.

Catholicism Classes:
During Wednesdays of Lent, beginning on March 4, come and join in the Catholicism classes at St. Francis Solanus church in Interlaken. You have your choice of times to participate as the same class is held at 9:00 a.m. and again at 7:00 p.m.

2019–2020 Catholic Ministries Appeal:
Parishioners who have not made a pledge to this year’s Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA) are asked to please do so soon. As of February 14, 2020, 102 households in our parish have made a commitment to contribute $22,466 to the CMA, nearly 75% of our goal of $29,979.00. Pledge envelopes may be obtained in the foyer of each church. It isn’t how much you give but that all members of the parish contribute.

Food Pantry Volunteers Needed:
Every two months the churches of Trumansburg and Jacksonville take turns providing volunteers for the Trumansburg Food Pantry located in the Trumansburg United Methodist church. February and March are the months for Mary Mother of Mercy/St. James to provide volunteers this year. Please consider helping by signing up on the list provided in the foyer. There are various times and tasks available from which you can choose and the dates are March 2, 16, and 30. Don’t forget to leave your phone number if you would like a reminder call. Thank you.

Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion:
The parish has several homebound parishioners. Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, in their appointment by the bishop, can and are invited to bring Holy Communion to the homebound. Please phone the parish office to volunteer. Thank you. 

Rice Bowl:
Through Catholic Relief Services (CRS), our parish provides Rice Bowl boxes for people to use during Lent. Pick up your family’s CRS Rice Bowl in the foyer of the church and, throughout Lent, add in your pocket change or other money. This is an easy way for a family to give to those in need around the world and 25% of what is collected stays in our local community.

Empty Bowls Event:
The fifth annual Empty Bowls event will be held on Sunday, March 15, from noon until 2 p.m. at the Atlas Bowl in Trumansburg. Tickets cost $25 and may be purchased ahead of time at Atlas Bowl or Main Street Market or at the door. Each ticket allows you to choose a beautiful original hand-crafted ceramic bowl which you can then fill with delicious soup crafted by many of our best local restaurants. There will also be bread baked by Wide Awake Bakery. Cookies provided by local churches will round out the meal. At the event T-shirts will be available for purchase as will raffle tickets, the latter sold for $2 each or 6 for $10. There will also be a silent auction and bowling is free during the event. All proceeds from Empty Bowls will benefit the Trumansburg Food Pantry. If you can’t attend Empty Bowls, a donation can be made to the Trumansburg Food Pantry, Box 162, Trumansburg, NY, 14886 or through the United Way designating Trumansburg Food Pantry as the recipient. Additional information can be found on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/2224928701141597/

Cookies Needed:
Each church in our community is asked to provide four-dozen cookies for the Empty Bowls event (see above). The cookies need to be delivered to Atlas Bowl before noon on Sunday, March 15. A sign up sheet will be available in the foyer. Thank you!

Prayerful, Peaceful, and Present:
During Lent consider participating in a special prayer opportunity by being present as the hands and feet of Christ—praying and offering life-affirming options for women facing an unplanned pregnancy. “40 Days for Life” begins at 7:00 a.m. on Ash Wednesday, February 26, and continues through 7:00 p.m. on Palm Sunday, April 5, at the “prayer chapel” across the street from Planned Parenthood, 620 W. Seneca St. in Ithaca. Visit www.40daysforlife.com/Ithaca to select your weekly hour(s) of prayer and invite a friend or prayer group to join you! “40 Days for Life” is a proven global, peaceful, and prayerful outreach offering hope and nonjudgmental caring options for women in crisis pregnancies. For more information contact campaign leader MaryAnne Tissot of Good Shepherd Catholic Community, 315-246-7479.

Building a Brighter Future Scholarships:
The Department of Catholic Schools is pleased to announce the launch of the “Building a Brighter Future Scholarship” program for the 2020–2021 school year. This will provide 100 full-tuition scholarships to families who meet the eligibility requirements, as determined by income using the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch guidelines. Awarded families are eligible to attend any diocesan Catholic school for the 2020–2021 school year, tuition-free, and the school will receive funding to offset the cost of education for these students. Apply today! Contact scholarship@dor.org.

Marriage Enrichment:
If you’re ready for more in your marriage consider attending a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend. The encounter weekends this year are April 17–19 and again November 20–22. “One weekend can change everything.” For more information go to wwme.org.

Gaelic and Garlic Festival:
Lansing’s All Saints Catholic church will host an Irish and Italian festival at All Saints Church on Sunday, March 15, from noon until 4:00 p.m. There will be $15 Italian plates and $5 kids’ meals served until 3:00 p.m. There is also a $45 family-rate option, which includes two adult plates and plates for kids 12 and under. Bakers are invited to compete in a contest for the best Italian or Irish dessert. Watch local Irish step dancers, hear Italian music, participate in face painting, and enjoy great beverages. Come join the fun at All Saints, across from Lansing Middle School! More details will be posted at netcatholic.org.

Employment Opportunity:
Could you use a little extra income? The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of people to collect important information for the 2020 census in their own communities. These are temporary, part-time, or full-time positions with flexible hours. The hourly wages are $17 an hour for an enumerator/lister and $18.50 for a census field supervisor. Mileage is reimbursed at $0.58 per mile. No experience or educational requirement is necessary. If you are interested or have questions go to https://2020census.gov/en/jobs. This is your chance to be a part of history!

Prayers from the Sisters of St. Joseph:
The Sisters of St. Joseph have a prayer ministry for the Diocese of Rochester. They have informed our parish that Sr. Anne Marie Burns will be praying for the parish of Mary, Mother of Mercy, during 2020. In gratitude, let us pray for Sr. Anne Burns and all the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Catholics Invite Catholics:
“Come to Mass in the Lord’s house on the Lord’s day.” A way to remind people of a way to be faithful to the third commandment: Keep holy the Lord’s Day.

Snow Days:
A reminder that if during the week a “snow day” for the local schools has been declared there will be no morning Mass or communion service that day.

Habitat House for Sale:
There is a Habitat for Humanity home available for sale in Trumansburg. The home has three bedrooms and one bath and is located at 19 Salo Drive on .36 acres. Habitat for Humanity of Tompkins and Cortland Counties provides an affordable home ownership opportunity by offering a “hand up, not a hand out” and evaluate applications based on need, ability to pay, and willingness to partner. The total gross household income should be at least $28,000. Other details about partnering with Habituate in owning your own home are available on their website: https://tchabitat.com/homeownership. Applications for the Salo Drive home will be accepted until January 31. If interested in the home call 607-844-3529 or email Liz Warner at [email protected]. We want to help you purchase your own home!

Employment Opportunity:
Could you use a little extra income? The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of people to collect important information for the 2020 census in their own communities. These are temporary, part-time, or full-time positions with flexible hours. The hourly wages are $17 an hour for an enumerator/lister and $18.50 for a census field supervisor. Mileage is reimbursed at $0.58 per mile. No experience or educational requirement is necessary. If you are interested or have questions go to https://2020census.gov/en/jobs. This is your chance to be a part of history!

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.

Ministry Schedule for St. Francis Solanus Church, Interlaken

February 22, at 5:00 p.m. (fourth weekend):
Lectors: Gerry and Millie Messmer
EMs: Cathy DelSignore, Kathleen Rourke, and Robin Hamula (for Mary and Lee Davidson)

February 29, 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

February 23, at 9:00 a.m. (fourth Sunday):
Lectors: Beth Duff and Tim Davis
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion: Tom Duff, Tim O’Boyle, Mark Scibilia-Carver (for Beth Koeng)

March 1, at 9:00 a.m. (First Sunday):
Lectors: 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