National Eucharistic Revival: June 19, 2022–Pentecost 2025
Parish Eucharistic Revival: June 11, 2023–June 2024
First Reading:
“Therefore, it is necessary that one of the men who accompanied us the whole time the Lord Jesus came and went among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day on which he was taken up from us, become with us a witness to his resurrection.” (Acts 1:21-22)
Psalm:
The Lord has set his throne in heaven. (Ps. 103)
Or:
Alleluia.
Second Reading:
God is love, and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him. (1 Jn. 4:16)
Gospel:
“Holy Father, keep them in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one.” (Jn .17:11)
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:
In his prayer to the Father, Jesus says it aloud to remind us, always and forever: if we belong to Him, we belong to the truth. Lord, may those words ring in our ears as we go into the world as Christ taught us. We are consecrated to the truth.
©LPi
Catholic Quotes—Words to Inspire the Faithful:
Events:
Jesus and the Eucharist Study:
Each study session presents a video that is rich in content and explores a different topic relating to Jesus and the Eucharist. There are three sessions remaining. Do plan to attend one or all the remaining sessions. You do not need to attend every session. The complete schedule is available at here or in the foyers of the churches.
- There is no class at St. James this Sunday, May 12, due to Mother’s Day.
- There is no class at St. Francis on Saturday May 25, or at St. James on Sunday, May 26 due to Memorial day weekend.
Sacrament of Confirmation: 
Charlotte Masters, Jordan Staples, Michelle Tingue, Zachary Tingue, and Sofiya Wright celebrated the Sacrament of Confirmation on Tuesday, May 7, at Immaculate Conception Church, Ithaca. With the celebration of the Sacrament of Confirmation, these candidates have completed their full initiation into the Church. The Sacraments of initiation are Baptism, Confirmation and Holy Eucharistic.
Mother’s Day:
Today we praise God for our mothers. Their continued loving service is rejoiced in and is an inspiration for us to imitate. We pray God to bless all mothers in our parish family and beyond. “Mothers enjoy the day dedicated to you. Rejoice in the expressions of love, reverence and gratitude that you receive this day.” For you this day we pray: “Loving God, as a mother gives life and nourishment to her children, so you watch over your Church. Bless the mothers of our parish that they may be strengthened as Christian mothers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect. Grant this through Christ our Lord.”
Birthright of Ithaca Mothers’ Day Flower Sale:
Birthright of Ithaca is an organization that helps women in crisis or with unplanned pregnancies. We offer free and confidential services ranging from self-administered pregnancy tests, maternity and baby clothing, diapers and formula, referral services, counseling, and financial aid. Our flower sale this year will be held after all Masses next weekend. Please help us support families in need within our community. This year flowers will be sold for $2.00 per stem or $5.00 for 3 stems (cash only).
Diocesan Missions Sunday:
Next Sunday is Diocesan Missions Sunday, a day to honor the missionary efforts of the Sisters of St. Joseph and the Sisters of Mercy working and serving the needs of our brothers and sisters in Brazil and Chile. We are called to take part in the missionary work of the church. We may not all have to move to another town or city to do so, but impelled by the Holy Spirit, each one of us is to move beyond our daily concerns, important as they are, to help others live in the faith that sustains us. May we share the gift of faith today by helping our missionary friends with our prayers and a generous gift.
Pentecost Sunday:
Next Sunday is Pentecost Sunday, the end of the Easter Season and the celebration of the followers of Jesus being gifted with the Holy Spirit. In keeping with the liturgical color of the day, everyone is invited to wear red articles of clothing when coming to Mass.
2023-2024 Catholic Ministries Appeal (CMA):
It was reported on May 1, 2024, that ninety-six parish households have pledged $28,257 which is 91.15% of our goal. “Thank you” to all who have made a pledge. We encourage all households to help us reach our given goal of $31,000. Participation is primary, what is pledged is secondary. Know there are pledge envelopes in the foyers of the churches, or request one by phoning the parish office. We need everyone’s help.
Faith Understood:
Sunday, June 9th at Holy Cross Church at 12 Noon, come and hear Paul Zucarelli, a national Catholic speaker and author. Paul Zucarellli had nine cardiac arrests and was dead for two hours. Through intercessory prayer, Paul survived with no brain damage, and now lives to testify his witness about heaven and Christ’s deep love for us. Paul and his wife, Beth, reside in Phoenix. AZ. They are both former Buffalonians. Paul graduated from Canisius College and Beth from Sacred Heart Academy. Learn more about Paul and Beth at Faithunderstood.org.
Eucharist Congress:
The signature event of the National Eucharistic Revival is the National Eucharist Congress that will take place July 17-24 at the Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana. For information and registration go to: hello@eucharisticcongress.org.
National Eucharistic Pilgrimage:
Four pilgrimages will begin this month beginning from four different parts of the country and conclude in Indianapolis, Indiana for the beginning of the National Eucharist Congress, July 17th. The four routes will cover more than 6,000 miles and pass through nearly 70 dioceses. For more information about this historical event go to: hello@eucharisticcongress.org
Parish Council Nominations:
Parishioners interested in being a member of the Parish Council can now nominate themselves or be nominated by other parishioners. The selection of new Council members for a three-year term and the selection of three alternates for a one-year term will take place on May 19, 2024. The term of membership begins on July 1st. There are usually six council meetings during the year. Nomination ballots are available in the foyers of the churches. You may also nominate someone through this link.
The Parish Council is a council to the pastor. It is not a governing body nor a board. Council members are assigned to one of the standing committees (Word, Worship, Witness and Fellowship). The Committees meet sometime before the scheduled Parish Council meetings.
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 eileen.heptig@dor.org.
Diocesan-Wide Census:
We received word in a letter dated April 1, 2024 from Bishop Matano that the Diocesan Presbyteral Council, the Council of Deans and the Diocesan Stewardship/Finance Council have encouraged a diocesan-wide census to be completed by the end of this year – 2024. The purpose of the diocesan-wide census is to gather accurate and up-to-date information about all our registered parishioners, as well as those Catholics not yet registered in our parishes. By conducting this comprehensive survey and obtaining accurate contact information, the aim is to strengthen pastoral care and enhance communication by having a reliable means of informing all about events, programs, ministries, and greater opportunities for spiritual growth withing the parish and throughout the Diocese.
Programs at St. James:
Sister Anne Alderman SSJ facilitates three programs in the Pine Room at St. James the Apostle, Trumansburg.
- Prayer for Healing and Harmony: On the 2nd and 4th Thursday at 7:00 p.m. and Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m., Sr. Anne leads a time of silent prayer. This provides an opportunity for personal reflection and healing. The session closes with a time to share any reflections that came to you.
- The Taizé Prayer is lead on the 1st and 3rd Friday of the month at 1:00 p.m.. Taizé Prayer was developed by an ecumenical community of monks in Taizé, France. It consists of readings and prayers interspersed with quiet, repetitive songs—a good way to quiet your soul and psyche after a busy day.
- Every Wednesday at 3:15 p.m., is a book study. The current book is The way of the Heart by Henri Nouwen.
Questions? Contact Sister Anne at 607-209-4206 or a.alder1980@gmail.com.
Victims Assistance:
Victims of sexual abuse should always report to the civil authorities. To receive help and guidance from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester, contact the Victim Assistance Coordinator: Deborah Housel 525-328-3228, ext. 1555 or by email to victimsassistance@dor.org.
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 immmercy@dor.org 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.
